China honors Shenzhou-17 mission astronauts with medals

Xinhua) 09:18, July 27, 2024

Chinese astronauts Tang Hongbo (R), Tang Shengjie (C) and Jiang Xinlin attend a see-off ceremony at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct. 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Three astronauts from the Shenzhou-17 crewed mission were awarded medals on Friday for their service to China's space endeavors.

Tang Hongbo was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, while Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin received third-class medals and the honorary title of "heroic astronauts."

The awards were presented by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission.

The mission marked crew commander Tang Hongbo's second journey to the space station. During a recently held press conference, he said he felt honored to witness and participate in the remarkable advancements of the country's manned spaceflights.

Tang Shengjie, the youngest astronaut to have entered China's space station, celebrated his 34th birthday during his first spaceflight.

Jiang was assigned the role of chief operator for extravehicular maintenance activities and successfully completed the task.

China launched the Shenzhou-17 manned spaceship on Oct. 26, 2023. The trio returned to Earth on April 30 this year after spending a record-breaking 187 days in orbit, surpassing the duration of previous crews.

During the mission, the three astronauts carried out two extravehicular activities and approximately 100 space application experiments and tests in orbit.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Chinese embassy in Fiji marks 97th founding anniversary of PLA

Xinhua) 11:25, July 27, 2024

SUVA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Fiji hosted a reception here on Friday to mark the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China.

While addressing the celebration, Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian spoke highly of the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Fiji, and bilateral defense and security cooperation.

He said China stands ready to work with Fiji to pursue common development, uphold multilateralism and build a China-Fiji community with a shared future.

Zhang Jie, acting defense attache of the Chinese embassy in Fiji, highlighted the robust relations between the two armies, noting increased collaboration in various fields, including personnel training, group visits, maritime security, disaster response, and rescue operations.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the largest developing country in the world, Zhang said China will always remain a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods.

For his part, Fijian Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Pio Tikoduadua said the relationship between Fiji and China has grown and deepened over the years, built on mutual respect, cooperation and shared aspirations for a better future.

"Our two nations have collaborated across various sectors, from trade and investment to cultural exchanges and defense. This partnership has enriched our countries and fostered a spirit of friendship that transcends borders," the minister said.

Acknowledging the vital role that military forces play in maintaining global peace and stability, Tikoduadua said the PLA's contributions to international peacekeeping missions, disaster relief efforts and humanitarian assistance underscore the importance of cooperation and solidarity among nations in addressing the challenges of our time.

More than 200 guests from the Fijian government, armed forces and members of the diplomatic corps as well as representatives of the Chinese societies in Fiji attended the reception.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
A MOTORIST who admitted driving without insurance was given the shortest possible disqualification period when he appeared before Carlow District Court last week. Neli Ionas, Broghan Cottage, Fenagh pleaded guilty to driving without insurance after he was stopped by gardai at Woodglade, Fenagh on 5 November 2023.

Solicitor John OSullivan told the court that 21-year-old Mr Ionas had recently moved to Ireland and his family were trying to establish themselves here.

Judge Geraldine Carthy said that she had to disqualify him from driving but said that she would impose the shortest term of three months, while also fining him 300.
THE safety of residents at a Tullow housing estate is at risk. So said newly-elected councillor for the area Ben Ward at a recent meeting of the municipal district.

Cheshire Homes

Cllr ward said that representations by wheelchair users living in the Abbey Close housing development had been made to him, highlighting the lack of a pedestrian crossing in the vicinity. Based on the N81, the development contains several Cheshire Ireland homes, offering support to those with illness and disability to live independently within the local community, while being supported by a staff team.

Theres a need for a crossing over to the shop. Ive been talking to people in wheelchairs who feel they are putting their safety and the safety of their carers at risk. Can anything be done? asked cllr Ward.

TII won't sanction works

Area engineer Pat Harrington told the meeting that the issue had existed for over a decade and that responsibility for the road lay with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which has failed to sanction the works.

We have been asking for the last ten years and were told no, no, no. Its not our road and we can only work on that road with their permission, he said.

Commitment to try again

Mr Harrington gave a commitment to once again make representation to the state body in relation to the issue.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

A period of careful consideration and consultation has begun into the interment of Bishop Eamonn Caseys remains in a cathedral crypt, the Galway Diocesan Office has said.

The statement was made days after an investigation by the Irish Daily Mail and RTE revealed allegations of sexual abuse against the former Galway bishop.

Mr Casey gained worldwide notoriety in 1992 after it came to light he had a son with American divorcee Annie Murphy and had paid her thousands for his upkeep in the US.

He died, aged 89, in a nursing home in the west of Ireland in 2017 following a long illness.

He was interred in the crypt of Galways Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas after his funeral mass was held there.

In a statement on Saturday, the Galway Diocesan Office said that Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan had stated during the week that he is committed to working with anybody affected, to help bring truth, healing and peace to such terribly painful situations.

In this context, the interment of the remains of Bishop Casey in the crypt beneath Galway Cathedral is a very sensitive issue that deeply affects people in different ways, and which has different facets, the diocesan office said.

The interment of Bishop Casey in the Cathedral crypt now requires a period of careful consideration and consultation, which has already begun.

Time and space are required to adequately and appropriately bring this undertaking to completion.

We will not be making any further public comment until we are in a position to provide an update.
The city of Chattanooga has launched a new online Community Survey, and Mayor Tim Kelly is asking Chattanoogans "to make their voices heard in the selection process for the Citys next Chief of Police."

Residents can take the three-question survey online at chattanooga.gov/chief

Officials said, "The new poll asks Chattanoogans to rank the qualities and areas of focus they feel are most important for Chattanooga's next chief of police.

It also provides residents an opportunity to further express their opinion through a free text field."

Mayor Kelly said, As we move through the interview process for our Chief of Police candidates, we want to hear from all parts of Chattanooga. Im asking every Chattanoogan to spend about three minutes to Make your voice heard by taking our brief survey that will help inform the selection of our next chief of police.

Also, Mayor Kelly announced the members of an Advisory Panel that will help inform his selection of Chattanoogas next police chief.

Officials said, "The panel, composed of local stakeholders representative of our communitys many voices, backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas, will supplement feedback collected through the community survey and will help ensure the City identifies the best fit for Chattanoogas residents and police department."

Mayor Kelly said, I want to thank this group of Chattanoogans for agreeing to volunteer their time to ensure Chattanooga gets the best possible police chief for our community and the Chattanooga Police Department. Together with the input we receive from the community survey, this panel will make sure that Chattanoogas entire community is well represented in the decision making process. And I want to thank Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley for agreeing to serve as chair.

The Advisory Panel that is chaired by Councilwoman Dotley, who also serves as chair of the City Councils Public Safety Committee, includes the following community members:
Lorie Runge Dr, Jay Sizemore Larvizo Wright Pictured, left to right, are board members Lemon Williams, Jim Coleman, John Germ, Barry Large, Dr. Chris Poole, Vicky Gregg, Lorie Runge, Debbie Ingram, EdD, Larvizo Wright, Sheila Boyington, Dr. Jay Sizemore, Warren McEwen and Dr. James Haynes Previous Next

Erlanger announces Lorie S. Runge, James (Jay) Sizemore, MD, MSPH, and Larvizo Wright, CPA, MBA, as new members of its board of directors. These appointments mark the first additions to the board since Erlanger's transition to a private non-profit hospital in July 2023.Ms. Runge brings a wealth of experience and dedication to community service. A long-time Chattanooga resident, Ms. Runge's career spans political marketing and fundraising, including roles at The Fund for Americas Future and Wheland Foundry.Her civic engagement includes leadership positions at the Creative Discovery Museum, co-founding the Womens Fund of Chattanooga and contributions to the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.Dr. Sizemore, a Chattanooga native, holds credentials in medicine and public health. He completed his medical education at the University of Tennessee, his residency and fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital and his fellowship in Infectious Diseases and Master of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Currently, Dr. Sizemore serves as the Infectious Diseases Division chief at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine  Chattanooga, as medical director of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention at Erlanger and as chief medical officer at Cempa Community Care.Mr. Wright brings a financial and strategic background to the board. As chief of staff to the CEO at Unum Group, Mr. Wright has experience in business advisory roles and financial management. He previously served as the East Tennessee state director for the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and is a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants. His commitment to community service is evidenced through his leadership at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga Alumni Board and the Erlanger Foundation board of directors.Sheila Boyington, chair of the Erlanger Health board of directors, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, saying, We are excited to have Lorie, Larvizo, and Dr. Sizemore join our board. Their diverse expertise and deep ties to our community will be invaluable as we continue to advance Erlangers mission.Jim Coleman, president and CEO of Erlanger, praised the new board members, saying, Their guidance will be instrumental in navigating Erlangers future growth and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional healthcare services to our region."The appointments come as part of Erlangers strategic efforts to enhance governance following its reorganization from a governmental hospital authority to a private, public-benefit corporation in July 2023. The board, now self-perpetuating, comprises distinguished leaders from various sectors across the region," officials said.We extend our gratitude to outgoing board members Dr. Mitch Mutter and Linda Moss Mines for their invaluable contributions during Erlangers transition, said Ms. Boyington.
Imagine that when you were in high school you had the chance to attend a two-week summer camp focused on an important and historic United States Supreme Court case that originated in your hometown. Imagine that someone from the Supreme Court Historical Society traveled from Washington to conduct the camp. Imagine that prominent speakers shared their expertise with you and gave you a chance to ask questions and interact with them. Imagine that you could visit the actual sites where events in the case took place. And imagine that prominent scholars would dissect Supreme Court opinions and other original sources with you.



Twenty high school students and five college-student mentors from our community actually participated in such a unique experience from June 10-21 of this year. The students represented public, private and home high schools from as far north as Athens and as far south as northern Georgia. Many of the students have ambitions to become lawyers.



Chattanoogas ambitious summer camp marked only the second time that the Supreme Court Historical Society has presented its new program, The Supreme Court and My Hometown. It is an intensive, in-person civics program designed for high school students to: 1) study a Supreme Court case that originated in the students hometown; 2) engage with the cases constitutional questions and procedural history, 3) examine how the judicial branch interacts with the other two branches of government, 4) create a capstone project to promote increased understanding about the case, and 5) learn from legal mentors, professors, and historians. The Chattanooga program was sponsored by the federal court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, in collaboration with the Supreme Court Historical Society.



The case the students studied was that of Ed Johnson. Ed Johnson was a young black man who was falsely accused of rape and tried and sentenced to death in 1906. Lawyers hired after the trial took the unprecedented step of taking the case to the federal courts.

They were able to convince Associate Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan to intervene in the case and stay the execution, marking the first time in history the Supreme Court had done so.But before the Supreme Court could hear the case, an angry mob stormed the jail holding Johnson and took him to the Walnut Street Bridge to lynch him. Following the lynching, Hamilton County Sheriff Joseph Shipp and others were charged with contempt of the Supreme Courts order, convicted in the first and only criminal trial held by the U.S. Supreme Court and sentenced to jail.The students all expressed great satisfaction with the program. They gained invaluable insights into how our legal system operates. They also learned about the historical context in which the case arose and the various figures involved in the case. Finally, they applied their new knowledge in a capstone project, designing educational panels that will be displayed for the public in the federal courthouse.The camp was held at the federal courthouse, the Hamilton County Courthouse and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Federal District Judge Curtis L. Collier and Supreme Court Historical Society Director of Civic Education Nicole Maffei led the effort. Judge Collier was extremely pleased with the program and intends to repeat the camp in future years to bring this unique opportunity to more students in our community.* * *

Curtis L. Collier is U.S. district judge and chair, Eastern District of Tennessee Civics and Outreach Committee; Carrie Brown Stefaniak is law clerk to the Judge Collier and past president, Chattanooga Chapter of the Federal Bar Association; Erienne Reniajal Lewis is law clerk to the Judge Collier; and Rachel Elaine Noveroske is law clerk to the Judge Collier.
A documentary screening of The Philadelphia Eleven will be held on Monday, July 29 at 6 p.m. at The Church Of The Good Shepherd, 211 Franklin Road in Lookout Mountain (on the corner of Franklin Rd and Scenic Hwy).Officials said, "Exclusion of women from ordination and other church leadership roles made headlines last summer when the Southern Baptist Convention banned women from the most senior leadership roles. Women in many parts of the Christian church continue a struggle for full inclusion in the sacraments and leadership of the church, a struggle that some women started 50 years ago."In 1974, there was a dramatic breakthrough of the so-called stained glass ceiling that gave hope to Christian women everywhere.At a church in Philadelphia, a group of eleven women were ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in violation of the constitution and canons of the Episcopal Church  which at the time stated that only men were eligible for ordination. This story is told in a compelling new documentary The Philadelphia Eleven."There is no ticket charge. Handicap parking is located in the circular driveway of the church and ramp access to the parish hall is available from there. Additional parking may be found along Franklin Road and in the parking lots across the street along Scenic Highway.Officials said, "This film tells a story that continues to resonate today as women seeking ordination continue to face resistance, disrespect and exclusion from roles reserved by men for men. The documentary explores the lives of these remarkable women who succeeded in transforming an age-old institution despite the threats to their personal safety and the risk of rejection by the church they loved. These women became and remain an inspiration for generations of women in the ministry, and a clarion call for the entire Christian Church."The Rev. Nancy H. Wittig is one of the Philadelphia Eleven featured in the movie. Its amazing that women are still fighting for rights in the church, and continuing to feel blowback, similar to what we experienced 49 years ago, she said. "We are proud of the changes we have accomplished through our priesthood and the ordinations in Philadelphia.The films director, Margo Guernsey, is not Episcopalian. She reminds others, This is a story for all of us. It is about how to break down barriers with grace and be true to oneself in the process. This story reveals ways in which voices that are inconvenient are often buried. It also provides a vision for what a just and inclusive community looks like in practice.
District Attorney Coty Wamp is asking that "disruptive" reporter David Tulis be banned from the Courts Building during a trial that is slated to start next Monday.

Mr. Tulis has written a number of articles on his blog backing a local plumber, Ray Rzeplinski, who is facing multiple charges. He said Rzeplinski has been a victim of police brutality in two different incidents.

Mr. Tulis said, "DA Coty Wamp, angry at my coverage of the botched-up case State v. Rzeplinski, is demanding Judge Amanda Dunn bar me from the courthouse or her courtroom.

"The earliest a show cause hearing will occur is Monday as to why the Constitution must be overthrown (open courts, press rights) and why she should not be sanctioned for her actions to keep the public blind about her work as an elected official."

DA Wamp is asking that the state be allowed to strike potential jurors who have read Tulis articles about the case or heard him on the radio and not count the strikes against the state's allotted share.

She said Judge Dunn should tell jurors "who have been exposed to the idea of 'jury nullification' they should not consider that theory.

On the request to bar the reporter from the courthouse, DA Wamp said, "While this may seem drastic, the state believes it is necessary to preserve a fair trial for both parties."

Her motion says, Mr.

She said he recently tried to intervene in another case and had been warned he could not practice law without a license.

DA Wamp said Mr. Tulis had his own criminal cases, and, while they were pending Grand Jury action, he "attempted numerous times to directly contact, get ahold of, or deceive his way into the Grand Jury room to speak with the foreperson of the Grand Jury directly.

"At one point, he identified himself as a reporter curious about how the Grand Jury operated, not disclosing that he had a case pending the Grand Jury and attempted to gain direct access to them. He was unsuccessful in this attempt when court security intervened."

Rzeplinski is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, possession of a prohibited weapon, resisting arrest, and possession of a firearm with a conviction of a prior violent felony.




Home News 'A marked man': Fired Christian educator warns every teacher is at risk after court loss

A former Christian mathematics teacher in the United Kingdom lost his High Court appeal against a teaching ban, cautioning that "every teacher is at risk" for sharing personal beliefs in classrooms.

The ban was upheld due to his refusal to use a trans-identified student's preferred pronouns and his comments about homosexuality.

Joshua Sutcliffe, a former teacher from The Cherwell School in Oxford, faced consequences from the Teaching Regulation Agency, which concluded he breached safeguarding duties by misgendering a trans student in 2017 and condemning homosexuality as sinful. He was prohibited from teaching following a professional conduct panel's decision.

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The case escalated to the High Court, where Justice Edward Pepperall dismissed Sutcliffe's appeal Thursday, solidifying the ban based on findings of "unacceptable professional conduct," the U.K.-based group Christian Concern said in a statement.

Pepperall criticized Sutcliffe for failing to treat the student with "dignity and respect."

Sutcliffe plans to appeal the ruling to the Court of Appeal.

Furthermore, Sutcliffe faced allegations at St. Aloysius College in Islington, where he supposedly showed students a video on gender roles, contributing to the TRA's decision, The Telegraph noted. The video allegedly taught that women are attracted to "real men" more than a "passive man."

In defense, Sutcliffe's legal representatives argued that the ban constituted "an unjustified interference" with his freedom of speech and religious expression. They contested the TRA's findings as "perverse" and lacking in substantial evidence. However, the court maintained that educational settings require respect for each student's identity to preserve their well-being.

Reacting to his failed appeal, Sutcliffe expressed determination to continue his legal battle, asserting that the decision threatens the freedom of teachers to express their beliefs without repercussions.

"I have been a marked man ever since I dared to express my Christian beliefs in a school," Sutcliffe, whose outspoken Christian beliefs include opposition to Islam, homosexuality, pornography and abortion, stated. "With this ruling every teacher is at risk if they share their beliefs and views in the classroom."

He believes "affirming children in a transgender identity in the classroom is psychologically damaging for them."

Sutcliffe said a former colleague first reported him to the TRA because of his open-air street preaching.

When he requested a reference from his former employer, he was reportedly referred to the U.K.'s counterterrorism watchdog Prevent, which has policed similar situations, including one involving the Rev. Bernard Randall. The Church of England minister and teacher was reported to Prevent in 2022 for telling his students that they are allowed to make up their own minds about the claims of LGBT activists.

Sutcliffe said TRA's investigation of him last year shifted to his alleged misgendering of a trans-identifying female pupil at an Oxford school in 2017

Sutcliffe earlier told The Christian Post that God had sustained him and that the Scriptures regarding affliction had "come to life" for him. He noted that his relationship with the Lord had been "the most precious thing from the very beginning" of his ordeal.

"The thing I've clung on to is that God knows the beginning from the end," he said. "All the things that have happened couldn't have happened by chance. God has called me according to His purpose, and it's such an honor. It's the greatest honor of my life to serve God, to love Him and declare His praises."

Supporting Sutcliffe, the Christian Legal Centre's CEO, Andrea Williams, said he is a victim of a biased system that misrepresents factual expressions of gender, potentially stifling teachers' ability to discuss sensitive topics without fear.

"The teaching profession is not a safe place to navigate for Christian teachers," she said. "Expressing long held Christian beliefs on marriage and gender can get you suspended, investigated and barred."
Home News Jerry Falwell Jr., Liberty University reach settlement agreement

Liberty University and its former chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., have agreed to a settlement, ending litigation that stemmed from Falwell's ouster as leader of the prominent Virginia-based Evangelical academic institution.

According to an announcement released Friday, the two parties stated that they have reached a global resolution agreement settling all outstanding disputes on both legal and personal matters.

This agreement is grounded in a firm commitment to protecting and preserving Libertys original mission of developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world, they said.

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It is based on a mutual understanding regarding the amount Liberty University will pay its former president in authorized retirement and severance under the various disputed agreements and in keeping with the law; and the conditions under which the University will make use of Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr.s name, image, and likeness.

The two parties went on to note that they regret the lengthy and painful litigation process, with each side taking responsibility for their part in the disputes.

Falwell acknowledges and apologizes for the errors in judgement and mistakes made during his time of leadership. The Board of Trustees acknowledge and apologize for the errors and mistakes made on their part as well, they added.

Liberty and Falwell concluded by noting that they would not make any additional comment on the details of the settlement or about the lawsuit in general.

In August 2020, the Liberty Board of Trustees announced that they had accepted Falwell's immediate resignation from his positions as president, chancellor and member of the board of directors.

The resignation had come shortly after revelations surfaced that Falwells wife had had an affair with a 29-year-old man named Giancarlo Granda, which commenced several years earlier.

Granda later attempted to blackmail the couple, telling Reuters that Falwell was aware of the extramarital affair and even enjoyed watching from the corner of the room.

Falwell acknowledged in a statement that his wife had an inappropriate personal relationship with Granda, but denied any involvement in the affair.

Later, in 2020, Falwell filed a lawsuit against Liberty leadership, alleging that they accepted inaccurate claims against Falwells moral character without any proper research and forced him to resign.

In a statement in October 2020, Falwell said he was saddened that University officials, with whom I have shared so much success and enjoyed such positive relationships, jumped to conclusions about the claims made against my character, failed to properly investigate them, and then damaged my reputation following my forced resignation.

While I have nothing but love and appreciation for the Liberty community, and I had hoped to avoid litigation, I must take the necessary steps to restore my reputation and hopefully help repair the damage to the Liberty University brand in the process, Falwell said at the time.
Home News Suspect arrested for severly injuring pro-life activists outside of Planned Parenthood

The suspect who severely beat two elderly pro-life activists outside an abortion clinic last summer has been arrested as the pro-life movement continues to face increased violence amid a volatile political climate.

The American Center for Law and Justice, which represents two elderly pro-life activists who were brutally beaten outside of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Baltimore, Maryland, last year, announced Thursday that an arrest was made in connection with the attack.

While the legal organization did not release the suspect's name or information about him, it described the development as a "major breakthrough."

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Mark Crosby and Dick Schaefer were assaulted as they engaged in pro-life advocacy outside of a Baltimore Planned Parenthood clinic in May 2023. An image shared on social media by Jay Walton of Baltimore County Right to Life shows the injuries sustained by Crosby, who was 84 years old at the time.

The image documented how the area above Crosby's right eye was severely swollen in the aftermath of the attack as the eye itself was shut and streams of blood ran down the right side of his face. The T-shirt Crosby was wearing was also stained during the attack.

Crosby sustained the injuries as he attempted to intervene when the attacker targeted Schaefer, who was 73 years old at the time. Pro-life activist Jody Ward elaborated on the events that unfolded outside the abortion clinic in a social media post shortly after the incident, explaining that an "angry man" confronted Crosby and Schaefer.

"As Dick's back was turned, he lifted Dick off the ground and threw him into the plate glass window," she wrote. "Dick fell, knocking over a large planter and striking his head, losing conscience temporarily."

Ward detailed how "Mark came to Dick's aid," which prompted the attacker to set his sights on Crosby by "punching him in the face." After Crosby "fell to the ground," the suspect "kicked Mark in the head."

"Mr. Crosby's plate bone in his upper right cheek is completely fractured and the bones in his right eye orbit are completely shattered and will have to be replaced with metal," Baltimore County Right to Life noted in a statement published shortly after the attack.

The American Center for Law and Justice went into further detail about the injuries sustained by the elderly pro-life activists in the attack.

"Both men sustained extensive injuries," the ACLJ stated. "Mr. Schaefer had cuts and scrapes all over his body, as well as a cut on his hand that required special bandaging. Mr. Crosby sustained traumatic injuries to his head, including a fractured bone in his face, blindness in one eye, head and neck pain, two fractured fingers, and bruising on his arms and legs. Mr. Crosby required several surgeries on his face."

While the ACLJ did not name the assailant, a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 1.

The violence directed at Crosby and Schaefer is just one example of attacks pro-life activists have faced following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion.

In the summer of 2022, a teenage pro-life activist was assaulted as she engaged in door-knocking on behalf of the pro-life group Students for Life of America ahead of a referendum taking place in Kansas that would have declared that the state's Constitution did not contain a right to abortion. The referendum ultimately did not pass and a 37-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the assault.

Later that year, an elderly pro-life volunteer was shot in the shoulder as she embarked on a door-knocking campaign advocating against a ballot measure that would have established a right to abortion in Michigan's Constitution. The referendum ended up passing, and the perpetrator of the shooting was arrested.
Home News Nearly two-thirds of Protestant churchgoers invited someone to church in last 6 months: study

Nearly two-thirds of Protestant churchgoers in the United States report having invited at least one person to church in the past six months, and those with Evangelical beliefs were more likely to do so, according to a new survey from Lifeway Research.

In a report published Tuesday, Lifeway found that 60% of over 1,000 Protestant churchgoers surveyed in September 2023 said they extended at least one invitation in the last six months for someone to attend their church.

Of the respondents, 19% reported making one invitation, 21% reported making two invitations and 20% reported making three or more invitations. Meanwhile, about a third (33%) of respondents said they had not made any invitations in the past six months, while 7% said they were unsure.

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Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said in a statement that for most church attendees, "invitations are not just an aspiration but a current practice."

"Churchgoers were not asked the typical net promoter score question of whether they recommend their church. They were asked if they've actually invited someone in the last six months," said McConnell.

The report drew from an online survey of 1,008 U.S. Protestant churchgoers that was conducted Sept. 19-29 of last year, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.2% at the 95% confidence level.

When compared to data found in a similar Lifeway study conducted in 2017, the percentage of churchgoers who say they haven't invited anyone to church showed a slight uptick from 29% to 33%. But churchgoers who say they make three or more invitations dropped from 25% to 20%.

"It's not surprising the proportion of churchgoers extending invites is not growing, since the proactive nature of inviting people to church is counter-cultural," McConnell said. "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."

The study also found that churchgoers with Evangelical beliefs are more likely than non-Evangelicals to invite others to church. About a quarter of respondents with Evangelical beliefs (24%) said they extended three or more invitations, while 15% of respondents without Evangelical beliefs said the same.

Respondents without Evangelical beliefs (38%) were likelier to say they didn't extend invitations than those with Evangelical beliefs (28%).

Lifeway screened Evangelical beliefs as respondents who believe the Bible is the highest authority of their beliefs; it is very important to them personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior; Jesus Christ's death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of their sin; and only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God's free gift of eternal salvation.

Respondents who said they attend Assemblies of God or Pentecostal churches (71%) were the most likely to say they invited at least one person to church, followed by those who attend nondenominational churches.

Just over half of Lutherans (55%) and Methodists (53%) said they invited at least on person to church, making them the least likely among the denominational demographics.

The data suggests that over a quarter (27%) of respondents who did not bring a guest to church said that they "don't know anyone to invite," while 26% said that people "refuse my invitations."

Other reasons for not bringing guests to church include being uncomfortable inviting people (13%), not believing it is up to them (7%) and being too busy serving at church (4%). About 19% responded that they did not know.

African American churchgoers were the most likely to say they extended either two church invitations (28%) or at least three or more (25%), while white churchgoers (36%) were more likely than blacks (26%) and Latinos (18%) to say that they did not invite anyone in the last six months.

With the United States seeing a rise in religiously unaffiliated Americans in recent decades with many denominations and churches bleeding members, there has been much focus and analysis on how practicing Christians can invite people to church.

Many churches in the U.S. participate in an annual observance held each September on the third Sunday of the month called "National Back to Church Sunday," launched in 2009.

"A single-day event focused on extending the invitation of love, peace and hope of Jesus to our friends and neighbors. A single day to reclaim the true nature of the Church  exactly as Christ commanded," The event's website states.

"Incredibly, since [2009], more than 4-million Christ-followers have participated through over 40,000 churches  and the movement is still growing. Now, more than ever, people need Jesus and a caring community where they can belong, grow and flourish."
Home Opinion Biden drops out: How will history and our future change?

The 2024 presidential cycle has already made history, and it has barely just begun. We have already had the first 2024 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden  the earliest ever in a presidential cycle.

We have already had a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trumps life, which has reshaped this entire presidential race. Weve already had the meeting of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, and we are less than one month from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

And now President Joe Biden is out of the race.

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In a rather abrupt yet long overdue move, the inevitable finally happened. President Joe Bidens official campaign account on X posted a personal letter  not on the official White House letterhead  indicating that he would stand down from the presidential race and focus on his presidential duties through the remainder of his term.



Moments later, Joe Bidens campaign account also posted his full support and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the party nominee in the 2024 presidential race. And just like that Joe Biden is out.

You will recall that it was just recently that the first presidential debate took place where Joe Bidens campaign insisted that this debate, under strict rules, would give Biden the necessary boost he needed to demonstrate that he was fully capable and in command of his political future.

But it was just after that televised CNN debate that mainstream media and Democratic operatives finally broke rank and began to pressure Joe Biden and his inner circle to exit the race. This included pressure from Nancy Pelosi, former President Barack Obama, and several mega-donors to the Democratic Party who began to freeze funding.

First, with regards to history, this is the third time in modern politics that a sitting president has withdrawn from the presidential race. Harry Truman and Lyndon Baines Johnson both did in March of the presidential election years of 1952 and 1968, respectively.

So this has happened before. What is unprecedented is this electoral crisis now facing the Democratic Party whose delegates have already been pledged to Joe Biden just 100 days away from the election.

Remember the Democratic Party already went through a primary in which it was very apparent to Joe Bidens inner circle and to those within party leadership that the presidents cognitive health has been deteriorating. The scandal in the making is that, while apparent to the American public for some time and apparent to political leaders, the mainstream media brushed past this and ignored it to prop up Bidens candidacy. And in many ways, this is an electoral crisis of their own making.

The 2024 election is all but certain now, whether or not all delegates will go to Kamala Harris. Even as many Democratic leaders at the state level have already pledged their support to the Vice President ahead of the partys convention in August.

Kamalas 2020 presidential race has already made her significantly unpopular within her own party, and she quickly exited the 2020 presidential race before the Iowa caucus, having won no Democratic delegates. Thats important to remember.

As a senator, she represented the extreme left-wing position in her own party on abortion, voting against the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Act and against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. She also voted against the codification of the Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal funding for abortion.

As attorney general for California, she refused to defend her states constitution that defined marriage between a man and a woman when it was challenged in court. She also officiated the first same-sex marriage in San Francisco when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Proposition 8 in California.

As senator, Kamala Harris also challenged Brian Bueschers nomination to the federal bench on account of his Catholic faith and his personal views on abortion and of the understanding of traditional marriage as a political liability and a disqualification from serving on a district court.

While Biden has certainly served as the elderly statesman and figurehead who served as a leader in the Democratic Party for nearly 50 years, seeing its overhaul and transition to the positions we see today on abortion, sexual orientation, gender identity, embracing the economic policies that include aspect of socialism and now open borders on immigration, Kamala Harris certainly embodies a giant leap forward to an extreme position in all of these categories.

Now, it remains to be seen exactly what will happen at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month, but we will all be watching with interest and concern. And there will no doubt be legal challenges mounted by Republicans as this open convention will test every rule and law on the books. Both sides right now are, no doubt, lawyering up.

So what will all of this mean for Americas political future?

When you consider what has transpired these past few years, it is anything but normal. A new normal is now taking shape. And when public institutions run by political factions built on public trust are willing to jeopardize the faith and the credit of average citizens for political power, that is a recipe for total disaster.

Real freedom is dependent upon the unbreakable bonds of faith, even public faith.

Faith is a critical fundamental component that is indispensable to freedom, and that is why Christians are needed now more than ever to be involved in our civic process. No constitutional republic can sustain itself without a moral and religious people, as John Adams once warned. No constitutional republic can sustain a political process when public trust has been so abused and broken. It is obvious that the personal ambitions of some have left us in that hole for the time being.

Pray for our nation and for our representative leaders. Pray that Gods perfect peace, grace, and mercy would be shown even as it is completely undeserved. We were born for these times, and God has a purpose for this American moment. We should never miss it, even if we dont always understand it.

Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center.
Home Opinion Can displaying Ten Commandments at school improve mental health?

A CDC report compiled over a ten-year period (2011-2021) addressed "youth risk behavior" and mental health. "Overall, sexual violence, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior, and other mental health setbacks are affecting more and more teenagers." A CDC director said that in 30 years of collecting similar data, "we've never seen this kind of devastating, consistent findings."

As the mental health of young people continues to spiral out of control, those who attend a public school in Louisiana will now be able to benefit from the immutable wisdom of the Ten Commandments. Gov. Jeff Landry signed legislation last month requiring every public classroom in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments. And public school teachers in Oklahoma will now refer to the Bible and the Ten Commandments due to their "substantial influence on our nation's founders and the foundational principles of our Constitution."

The Ten Commandments were specifically given by God to His people, the Israelites, some 3,500 years ago. With that historic reality in mind, can displaying the Ten Commandments at school improve mental health?

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Consider these ten biblical principles that flow from the Ten Commandments:

1. Ultimate authority resides outside yourself



Multitudes of young people today wrongly believe that ultimate authority resides within yourself. In other words, you get to choose your own rules for life. Sadly, once you reject the notion of absolute truth, you feel empowered to define right and wrong according to your personal whims and fancies. The Ten Commandments expose this false narrative. Displaying the commandments at school renews the time-honored tradition of acknowledging the true source of ultimate authority.



2. Taking the Lord's name in vain poisons your tongue and your mind

This commandment teaches people to control their tongue and speak in wholesome ways. Public schools today are permeated with vulgar profanity, which creates a toxic environment in the home, the workplace and the classroom. The Bible teaches, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). When a young person has no fear of the Lord, God's name gets flippantly used a curse word. (See my CP op-ed titled, "The Despicable Practice of Taking the Lord's Name in Vain."

3. Church attendance provides many powerful benefits

Ten years ago Pastor Peter Haas wrote a piece titled, "The Jaw Dropping Benefits of Church Attendance." These benefits include a significantly lower risk of depression, better time and life management, better grades and higher education prospects, a significantly lower risk of death and a longer life expectancy.

4. Honoring your parents leads to happiness at home

This commandment promotes a peaceful and harmonious environment at home. Peace in the home requires love, boundaries and discipline from parents, as well as respect and good behavior from children. Dishonoring your parents hinders focus and productivity at school and tends to make home life miserable.



5. Saving sex for marriage strengthens you physically, mentally, and spiritually

The commandment against adultery provides crucial protection in the minds of young people, which is greatly needed today in our sex-saturated culture. The Lord created sex and established boundary lines in order to protect us from the physical, mental and spiritual consequences of sexual immorality. (See my CP op-ed titled, "Why Sex and Science Never Satisfy the Soul."

6. Stealing sets you up to fail

A recent survey revealed that four in 10 Americans admit to boosting goods from stores. Without God's wise commandment against stealing, many young people feel strangely entitled to take things that do not belong to them.

7. Telling lies about others always comes back to bite you

Bullying at school often involves lying about classmates, and this awful practice can lead to violence. Bearing false witness against someone is a grave offense that produces many painful consequences.

8. Coveting robs you of contentment

The obsessive materialism within our culture tends to create envy and jealousy. God's commandment against coveting reminds us to be thankful for what God has given us. Jealously and envy at school create hostility and strife. (See my 2013 CP op-ed titled, "How to Have Peace Like a River."

9. Choosing to love others protects your heart from hating people

The Ten Commandments instruct God's people to love the Lord and love one another. Prejudice and hatred abound in the world today, and the classroom is no exception to this corrosive dynamic. Unless we choose to love and forgive one another, we become resentful and bitter. And resentful students tend to create big headaches for teachers. What good is an education if you choose to engage in prejudice and hatred rather than love and compassion?

10. Lawbreakers need forgiveness from God

In addition to providing a solid moral foundation, the Ten Commandments also provide a mirror. When you look into this mirror, you see a lawbreaker. But rather than being overcome with despair over your sinfulness, your Creator invites you to confess your sins to Him and be forgiven. You see, "The Law was put in charge to lead us to Christ" (Galatians 3:24). And while it is not the role of the government to preach the Gospel, public schools in America can certainly assist depressed and struggling youth by acknowledging and affirming the historical relevance of the Ten Commandments and the Bible.

With suicide being the second leading cause of death among young people in the United States, the Ten Commandments offer divine direction to those who feel overwhelmed with anxiety. God's Law is rooted in the order and stability of the Almighty. And best of all, God's Law leads some people to recognize their sin and their need to embrace the good news of the Gospel. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). (See my CP op-ed titled, "Why God Never Forces Anyone to Love Him.")

Displaying the Ten Commandments at school can undoubtedly improve the mental health and well-being of students, especially given the enormous pressures and temptations facing young people today.
Home Opinion Is Ben Shapiro an anti-Christ according to 1 John?

For many Christians, the Bible is crystal clear on the subject: anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ (meaning, the Messiah) is a liar and an antichrist (see 1 John 2:22). After all, these Christians reason, if you are not for Christ you are against Christ, and that makes you literally anti-Christ. As Jesus said, Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters (Matthew 12:30). Based on that logic, Jewish leaders like Ben Shapiro and Dennis Prager, despite their conservative values and despite working side by side with Christians, are both antichrists. Is this true?

On the one hand, it is undeniable that the New Testament divides human beings into the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan, the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness (e.g., 1 John 5:19; Colossians 1:13). And it is absolutely true that the New Testament declares that salvation for every human being, both Gentile and Jew, comes through Jesus the Messiah alone (e.g., John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Outside of Him, the New Testament teaches, we are lost.

In that sense, we can agree that, spiritually speaking, those who are not for Jesus are against Him. But are they the ones John is describing as antichrists in 1 John 2:22, and should we refer to Shapiro and Prager as antichrists, as some Christians have done? Not at all.

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In 1 John, the author is dealing with heretical pseudo-believers who were once part of the local Christian assemblies but who have now departed. He writes, Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us (1 John 2:1819, my emphasis).

Notice, they were once part of our communities, but now they have left. These are the antichrists of whom John speaks. How do we recognize people like this?

John continues, Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist  denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:2223).

Then, so that there can be no ambiguity at all, he explains, I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray (1 John 2:26, my emphasis). As New Testament scholar Stephen Smalley writes (with reference to 1 John 2:22), For the first time in 1 John the content of the heretics christological error is specified (Stephen S. Smalley, 1, 2, 3 John, Word Biblical Commentary [Dallas: Word, 1984], 111).

So, John is dealing with heretical Christians, not Jews who dont believe in Jesus or idol worshipers or, by implication, Muslims or Buddhists. This is an in-house dispute. Thats why John calls such people liars. They have been presented with the truth about Jesus and they claim to be orthodox in their Christian faith, yet they are lying.

This hardly applies to Jewish men like Shapiro or Prager who strongly encourage Christians to practice their faith rather than telling them that they shouldnt believe that Jesus is the Christ.

According to Smalley (and Ill simplify his language), John was either speaking of a former pagan who now professed faith in Jesus, but in a heretical way, or a professing Jewish Christian who held to a heretical view of Jesus. But John was not addressing Jews who did not believe in Jesus at all, since they had a different expectation of who the Messiah would be.

This makes perfect sense. After all, lets say that you were an ultra-Orthodox Jew raised in a tight-knit religious community in Jerusalem. You have never read the New Testament or interacted with a true Christian, and the only Jesus you know is the Jesus of church history. In your mind, there is a straight line from the New Testament to the Crusades and from the antisemitic writings of Luther to the horrors of the Holocaust, an event that took place in the heart of Christian Europe.

The Christianity you heard about from previous generations is the religion of the pogroms, when enraged Christians wreaked havoc on Jewish communities after celebrating Easter, eager to pay back the Christ killers. (For more on this bloody history, see my book Our Hands Are Stained with Blood.)

You might also associate Christianity with church buildings filled with statues of Jesus and the saints, which is absolutely abhorrent to you, an explicit violation of the first of the Ten Commandments. This, in your eyes, is rank idolatry.

For your part, you spend hours every day in study and prayer, wanting to express your love for God by remaining loyal to Him and keeping His commandments, willing to die for Him rather than convert to a false, idolatrous religion.

That is hardly the person John is speaking about, since that person is not lying by denying that Jesus is the Christ. Rather, as Paul wrote about himself before coming to faith, they are acting in ignorance and unbelief (see 1 Timothy 1:13). But they are not lying.

Thats why I describe such people as being so near and yet so far in terms of their faith (theres a whole chapter devoted to the subject in Our Hands Are Stained with Blood). And thats why I pray so fervently for their eyes to be open to the real Jesus-Yeshua, our only Messiah and King, as I am convinced by Scripture that they are lost without Him.

But to say, as a recent debater did, that Jews practice an antichrist religion and are guilty of blasphemy because they dont believe in the hypostatic union of Christ is the height of theological arrogance. It is the very thing Paul warned about in Romans 11:17-25 in a related, though different context. Quoting 1 John in support of such views, it is an abuse of the Word of God.

Does Ben Shapiro need Jesus-Yeshua? Absolutely, and that will continue to be my prayer for him. May God open his eyes to see and give him the courage to follow! But is he an antichrist according to 1 John 2:22? Not at all.

(After writing this article, I noticed that Andrew Torba, the CEO of Gab and often accused of antisemitism, replied to my post asking if, according to the New Testament, Ben Shapiro was an antichrist. He replied, Yes, and it isnt up for debate or discussion. Not surprisingly, he did not reply to my offer to debate him on this or simply to come on my Line of Fire show and state his position.)
Court upholds ban on Christian teacher who refused to use pupil's preferred pronouns

A High Court judge has upheld a teaching ban on Christian maths teacher, Joshua Sutcliffe, over his refusal to use the preferred pronouns of a biologically female pupil who identifies as a boy.

The judgment from Mr Justice Pepperall concluded that Mr Sutcliffe's conscience was not sufficient to justify his actions.

By refusing to use the pupil's preferred pronouns, Mr Sutcliffe had failed to treat the pupil with "dignity and respect", the ruling said.

The judge said that teachers must "respect and celebrate the pupils' personal autonomy", and that "just because misgendering a transgender pupil might not be unlawful does not mean that it is appropriate conduct for a teacher".

Mr Sutcliffe, 34, was banned by the Professional Conduct Panel of the Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA) for a minimum of two years for allegedly "bringing the profession into disrepute".

The judgment referred to draft transgender guidance for schools issued last December by the Conservative government which stated that teachers should not be compelled to use pupils' preferred pronouns.

"The draft guidance, which of course postdated these events and the panel's decision, envisaged that schools would rarely agree to change a pupil's pronouns but did not purport to suggest that such course would never be appropriate. As the draft made plain, such decisions are complex and are made by schools and not individually by each member of staff according to their own assessment of the merits of the request," he said.

Mr Sutcliffe plans to appeal the High Court's judgment at the Court of Appeal.

"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," he said.

"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.

"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. I believe affirming children in a transgender identity in the classroom is psychologically damaging for them.

"I refused to go against my Christian faith and conscience and cause a child harm. I refuse to apologise for that. I do not believe it is any child's best interests to affirm them in something that is untrue. The Cass Review, the Policy Exchange report and the transgender guidance from the Conservative government vindicate me on this.

"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."

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting Mr Sutcliffe, said that teachers are being intimidated into silence.

"At the Christian Legal Centre we lived this case in real time alongside Joshua. The way Mr Justice Pepperall describes Joshua in his judgment reads like fiction," she said.

"The picture Mr Justice Pepperall paints of Joshua and his beliefs is a far cry from the caring, kind and brilliant maths teacher we know Joshua to be.

"We create a turbulent environment in schools when facts are turned on their head against the teacher in a context where children are identifying as the opposite sex. Teachers are treading on egg shells for fear of saying the wrong thing.

"The teaching profession is not a safe place to navigate for Christian teachers. Expressing long held Christian beliefs on marriage and gender can get you suspended, investigated and barred.

"We are looking at the judgment carefully. We will continue to support Joshua for as long as it takes to secure justice."
BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Major Matthew P. Wallaart retired from the U.S. Air Force June 14, 2024 on the 21st anniversary of his commissioning at University of Cincinnati. Wallaart is a 1998 graduate of Brunswick High School and his parents, Ruth and John, still live here.

Wallaarts career focused on supply, transportation, logistics and strategic planning expertise, and sent him to South Korea, Spain, Germany, Kuwait, Afghanistan and several US bases. His last assignment was with Troop Support for all branches of the military. Lt .Colonel Michael Vyn gave the history of Major Wallaarts career, as they graduated from ROTC together in Cincinnati.
U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not pictured) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 25, 2024.

U.S. President Joe Biden will announce plans to reform the Supreme Court on Monday, Politico reported citing two people familiar with the matter, adding he was likely to back term limits for justices and an enforceable code of ethics.

Biden said earlier this week during an Oval Office address that he would call for reform of the court.

He is also expected to seek a constitutional amendment to limit immunity for presidents and some other officeholders, Politico reported, in the aftermath of a July Supreme Court ruling that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution.

Biden will make the announcement in Texas on Monday and the specific proposals could change, the report added.


There's still plenty of buying opportunities among technology stocks, according to Bank of America. The investment bank says stocks like Apple are table-pounding buys ahead of quarterly results this week. CNBC Pro combed through Bank of America research to find buy-rated tech stocks with more room to run. They include: Microsoft, Apple , Micron Technology, Shopify and Sea Limited. Apple Bank of America recently raised its price target on the iPhone maker to $256 from $230. Analyst Wamsi Mohan said Apple is firing on all cylinders ahead of what he says is a "refresh(ed) iPhone cycle." Recent survey checks by the bank indicate that Apple's iPhone user base is poised to upgrade to products containing AI features. Brand loyalty is paramount, according to the bank. "14% of respondents in the U.S. reported that they are planning on buying the Apple Vision Pro," Mohan wrote. Apple is scheduled to report earnings next Thursday, August 1. "We reiterate our Buy rating based on an expected multi-year iPhone cycle driven by GenAI, strong services growth and margin expansion," he said. Shares are up 13.2% this year. Shopify Time to buy shares of the Canadian provider of websites for businesses, according to Bank of America. Analyst Brad Sills recently upgraded Shopify to buy from neutral as a "more balanced growth & margin profile" take hold. The company's transformation under a new chief financial officer is underway, too, Sills said, as quarterly results loom large in early August. "Revenue growth and disciplined spending point to healthy margin expansion going forward," he wrote. Sills sees Shopify with many competitive advantages that portend well for big share gains down the road. "Shopify appears well positioned to continue capturing share of the eCommerce market, while achieving better scale and [free-cash flow] conversion," he went on. Shares are down 23% in the U.S. this year. Sea Limited Shares of the Singapore-based tech internet company are up 61% this year, but have more upside, Bank of America said. Analyst Sachin Salgaonkar urged clients to remain calm as trends are showing improvement in the company's gaming and Shopee divisions. Shopee is Sea's Southeast Asia e-commerce platform. "In our view it is placed well to ride e-com boom in SE Asia given its increasingly dominant online marketplace (Shopee), while its expansion into Brazil offers further long term growth potential," he wrote. The bank says losses are bottoming while also acknowledging that the competition arrayed against Sea is real. Still, the Wall Street firm reiterated its buy rating, urging clients to own shares for the long term. "We see stable competition trends in the region and expect take rates to improve," he added. Sea is expected to report quarterly earnings in August. Micron "AI driving strong pricing, mix, edge opportunity ahead. We were pleased to host Micron CFO Mark Murphy, CVP Satya Kumar and IR Samir Patodia for well attended investor meetings in Boston and New York. Key message very bullish re: pricing, visibility, supply discipline and mix improvement towards differentiated AI computing and enterprise storage products." Microsoft "We believe that MSFT is well positioned to generate sustained low double digit growth in the coming 3-5 years, led by continued adoption of Azure cloud infrastructure platform, cloud based Office 365 productivity suite & more profitable Games & Game Pass revenue in Xbox." Sea Limited ""In our view it is placed well to ride e-com boom in SE Asia given its increasingly dominant online marketplace (Shopee), while its expansion into Brazil offers further long term growth potential. ... We see stable competition trends in the region and expect take rates to improve." Apple "Strong multi-year iPhone refresh cycle with aging installed base; PO to $256. ... .We reiterate our Buy rating based on an expected multi-year iPhone cycle driven by GenAI, strong services growth, and margin expansion. ... 14% of respondents in the U.S. reported that they are planning on buying the Apple Vision Pro." Shopify "Revenue growth and disciplined spending point to healthy margin expansion going forward. ... Shopify appears well positioned to continue capturing share of the eCommerce market, while achieving better scale and FCF conversion. ... More balanced growth & margin profile."
In case you haven't heard, it's a brat girl summer.

Inspired by singer Charli XCX's seventh studio album "Brat," which came out last month, large swaths of social media users  primarily Gen Zers  are celebrating the carefree, rebellious lifestyle depicted throughout the record.

The trend gained more attention on Sunday after Charli XCX posted "Kamala IS brat" to social media platform X, referencing U.S. vice president Kamala Harris' attitude, age and energy as she campaigns to become the country's first-ever woman president.

For Charli XCX, whose given name is Charlotte Aitchison, the brat takeover is unexpected  the album was risky, and could've flopped. "Brat" marked a significant creative departure from her preceding record "Crash," which was the most successful album of her career at the time.

"Crash" debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 in 2022, and creating similar music would've been a safe route to continued success. But Charli XCX didn't enjoy the songs: The record represented the "vanilla palatable flatness" that pop music embodied at the time, she told The Face in February.

"I wasn't born to do radio one liners," said Charlie XCX, who's been releasing music since age 19. "That's not who I am at all."

Instead, she pursued a project she felt personally passionate about. "['Brat' is] very confrontational and aggressive, and the lyrics are sort of life texts that I would send to my friends," the 31-year-old told Resident Advisor earlier this month. "I see it as being quite brutalist."

It promptly debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and is now her highest-selling U.S. album ever.
Relations between China and Japan are at a critical stage, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Japanese counterpart on Friday as the pair discussed thorny issues including Japanese nationals detained in China, food import bans and semiconductor curbs.

Wang met Japan's Yoko Kamikawa on the sidelines of a gathering of foreign ministers hosted by the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN in Laos, ahead of Saturday's East Asia Summit and the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum.

Relations between the neighbors have been testy in recent years over issues including territorial claims, trade tensions and Beijing's anger over Tokyo's decision to release treated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

But over the last few months, Chinese and Japanese officials have moved to resume several consultative talks for the first time in years, signaling ties may be on a steadier footing.

"China-Japan relations are currently at a critical point: advance or be left behind," Wang told Kamikawa, according to a readout of the talks issued by the Chinese foreign ministry.

"China's policy towards Japan has always maintained stability and continuity. It is hoped that the Japanese side will establish an objective and correct perception of China and pursue a positive and rational policy towards China."

In their first one-to-one talks in eight months, Kamikawa strongly urged the lifting of import restrictions Beijing imposed on Japan food products in the wake of the Fukushima water release.

She also called for the early release of Japan detainees in China. The arrest of a well-connected executive from Japanese drugmaker Astellas Pharma in China last year has had what some Tokyo officials described as a considerable chilling effect on business, contributing to a drop in foreign investment and an exodus of Japanese expatriates.
Xavier Jernigan, Spotify's head of cultural partnerships and the voice of the company's AI DJ

If you think Spotify's AI DJ sounds more human than robot, there's a reason for that: It's modeled after an actual person, Xavier "X" Jernigan. Jernigan is Spotify's head of cultural partnerships and the voice behind DJ X, the music streaming application's AI-powered DJ. The feature utilizes artificial intelligence technology to analyze the music that users listen to, their preferences and their current mood to provide a stream of similar and new songs users may enjoy, combined with the ones they already love.

Spotify rolled out its AI DJ product in the U.S. and Canada on February 22, 2023. Spotify

But the tool, which launched in the U.S. and Canada in early 2023, goes beyond creating a custom playlist. It also talks to users and gives them interesting facts and personalized commentary about artists and genres they're listening to in between songs. That's where Jernigan comes in: It's the AI DJ's voice that can make users feel as if they have their own personal DJ in their pocket. "It's a digitized version of me that's recommending all these wonderful songs to them and providing that context and storytelling through the advent of AI," Jernigan tells CNBC Make It.

Becoming Spotify's AI DJ

Having his voice heard by millions of Spotify users wasn't new for Jernigan. He previously hosted a number of original podcasts, including Spotify's first morning show, "The Get Up," which garnered over 6 million listeners before it ended in April 2022, he says. A few months after "The Get Up" ended, Spotify's head of personalization approached Jernigan about a new product their team was working on: an AI-powered DJ. DON'T MISS: Achieve Financial Wellness: Be Happier, Wealthier & More Financially Secure Originally, the product featured a placeholder voice, but the team wanted it to "sound more like X," he says. So, they approached him to see if he would be interested in becoming a voice model for the AI DJ. "What I loved about that conversation was that it was about creating a partnership between me and Spotify and making the product about my personality too, not just my voice," Jernigan says.

Jernigan says Spotify's head of personalization approached him about becoming the voice model for the AI DJ. Spotify

In addition to bringing his innate love of music to the product, the team also knew Jernigan could infuse the tool with the knowledge and personal insights about the music industry he gained from his previous positions at major music labels, including Def Jam Recordings and Republic Records. "I had a great understanding of how to present artists to the world in a way that made artists feel seen and excited and turned casual listeners into fans," he says. "That added a level of authenticity and credibility to the AI DJ." On top of that, Jernigan says the team wanted to utilize the deep understanding of the business side of the music industry he gained from obtaining an MBA from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a master's in music business from New York University. "I jokingly say that I'm one of the few people I know who uses all of my degrees every day," he says.

Training the AI DJ

Spotify uses Sonantic, a dynamic text-to-speech AI voice platform the company acquired in 2022, and OpenAI technologies to power its AI DJ. In the early stages of training the product, the team took nearly 300 episodes of "The Get Up," isolated Jernigan's audio tracks and fed that data to the AI DJ to help it analyze and understand his speech patterns, pitch, pacing and emotions. Additionally, Jernigan kept a notes document on his phone where he listed the phrases he uses in everyday conversation while discussing music. That way, as the AI DJ learned how to sound like him, it could also learn how to mimic the way he naturally speaks and describes music, and then employ that understanding to generate realistic-sounding audio outputs. "That's why it sounds so much like me," he says. "Other voice models tend to train on a bunch of voices and then a layer on top of them, but this one is all trained on me and that's where the accuracy comes in." Training the AI DJ also involves recording sessions, which Jernigan says is similar to voice acting, except he's reading lines and scripts as himself. He aims to sound as natural as possible during recording sessions so that the AI model learns how to mimic his natural voice inflections.

Jernigan trains the AI DJ how to mimic his natural speech patterns. Spotify

"I have to be precise because we have to teach the voice model what it sounds like when I hit a period, a pause or a comma," he says. "I have to make sure I hit the T's if there's a T at the end of a word because if I don't, that can train the voice model to pronounce that word incorrectly." Every week, Jernigan holds a meeting with his global team of writers, music experts and data curators to make sure the model stays up to date with current trends and music news. For instance, when rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake dropped several diss tracks aimed at each other between April 30 and May 5, Jernigan's team worked to update the AI DJ with information about the songs and context about each artist so that it could help listeners keep up with the rapid-fire rap battle. Now that the AI DJ is able to accurately mimic his voice, when moments like that happen, Jernigan works with his team of writers to feed that information into the model as quickly and as accurately as possible. "These cultural music experts with boots on the ground are able to tell the AI about what's going on in the world," he says. "It helps us make the AI DJ experience feel alive."

Looking toward the future

Spotify's AI DJ initially rolled out in the U.S. and Canada last February, and is now available in 68 markets worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand and select markets in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa, the company says. Jernigan says, initially, he was nervous about how the world would receive him and the AI DJ, but that fear vanished once he began to see how much Spotify users enjoyed the product. "People have recognized me on the streets in London and Sydney, Australia, " he says. "It's been the honor of a lifetime and the love people have for it shows me they're really connecting with the human behind the AI DJ."

Jernigan says being embraced globally as the voice of Spotify's AI DJ has been a humbling experience. Spotify
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New York, US (PANA) - Senior UN officials on Friday reiterated the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and escalating threat to aid workers, urging immediate action to prevent further deterioration
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - The number of travellers crossing from Libya into Tunisia via the Ras Jedir border crossing has increased in recent days, with more than 2,500 people entering every day since the start of the week, according to a Tunisian customs source
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A few weeks ago, Labour officials looked out of the windows of their South London campaign headquarters to be met by an usual sight. In the street below was a Conservative Party poster van with their former leaders name plastered across it. Brown Sold The Gold. And You Paid The Price, it declared, with a graph showing the value of gold between 2000 and today.

The Tories have been banging on about Gordo flogging off the gold reserves for a quarter of a century, one Starmer adviser told me. They obviously thought hammering our record from 25 years ago still had some sort of political impact. Fine. Now theyre about to get a taste of their own medicine.

It will be administered, without a spoonful of sugar, by Rachel Reeves. Tomorrow, the Chancellor will unveil what she will claim is the Black Hole  a 20 billion deficit in the public finances dramatically, if conveniently, unveiled after a detailed perusal of the Treasurys ledgers.

Next week, Rachel Reeves will look across the despatch box at Jeremy Hunt and say: 'Dont blame me, blame him,' writes Dan Hodges

Its real, a Reeves aide explained to me. We didnt know it was there. And its going to mean some tough choices. Very tough choices.

Yes and no.

Theres no doubt the public finances are in a dire state. Last Sunday, Jeremy Hunt confirmed that, despite the Tories election pledge to cut taxes, there would have been insufficient fiscal headroom to do so in the short term.

I dont think we would have been able to do it immediately, the former Chancellor conceded to the BBCs Laura Kuenssberg.

But the idea Labour have been blindsided by the scale of the debt they have inherited is silly. I dont think its really very credible at all, Institute for Fiscal Studies chief Paul Johnson charged. In terms of the scale of the problems facing public services, lots of individuals and organisations have pointed out that public services are performing considerably worse than they were pre-Covid.

The fact Reevess faux pearl-clutching doesnt pass scrutiny isnt something that will unduly bother her, though. Because tomorrows statement is primarily a piece of political theatre, rather than an economic one.

Were going to expose exactly what the Tories left behind, a minister told me. Well dump the whole mess on their doorstep. Theyre going to have to own it. It will frame the next election.

Labours transition strategy, drawn up more than a year ago, is simple. First, they will seek to destroy once and for all the Conservative Partys sound-money, pro-business reputation.

A task they believe will be made significantly easier by the cavalier, even hostile, attitude some of Reevess predecessors adopted towards Britains business leaders. Shes recently been making a point of telling the story of a senior member of the banking community she invited to a meeting shortly after arriving at the Treasury. A day later, she bumped into him again at a Downing Street reception. I suppose youre used to this, she said cheerily.

Nope, he replied, Ive seen more of the British Chancellor in the past two days than I have for the last 14 years.

Another part of Labours transition framing revolves around what could be called The Scooby-Doo Plan. At the end of every episode of the cult childrens cartoon, the evil villain  his scheme scuppered by the ingenuity of the youthful detectives and their mercurial Great Dane  angrily declares: Id have gotten away with it without you pesky kids!

Labour intends to manipulate the Tories into adopting the same refrain. We want them to keep saying, If only theyd have stuck with our policies, everything would have worked out all right in the end, one adviser revealed.

A perfect example of this was Home Secretary Yvette Coopers claim the Tories had squandered 700 million getting just four asylum-seekers to voluntarily return to Rwanda.

Her Tory predecessor, James Cleverly, immediately scrambled to the TV studios to berate the Government for abandoning the scheme, while claiming it was only 300 million of taxpayers money that had been wasted. We managed to lash them to their failed policy, and got them into a place where it looked like they were blaming the British people for not giving them enough time to deliver, a Home Office Minister told me gleefully.

Or, in other words: We would have got away with it if it wasnt for those pesky voters!

Theres one other reason Labour ministers intend to spend the next few weeks refocusing on the past 14 years of Tory governance, rather than setting out their own plans for the economy and the country. Saying It wasnt me, it was the bigger boy! may be crass, juvenile politics. But it works.

Jeremy Hunt leaves the BBC Broadcasting house after his appearance on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

I still remember being greeted at David Camerons 2015 manifesto launch by a giant blow-up image of the infamous note Liam Byrne, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, left for his successor, jokily stating: Im afraid theres no money. The Tories successfully leveraged that line for the best part of a decade.

No money left. Brown sold the gold. Theres a very lengthy sell-by date stamped on the underside of political failure.

Look at how the perception Margaret Thatcher starved the NHS of cash in the 1980s still haunts her party. The Conservatives invested more in real terms in the service over the past 14 years than any period since the war. Yet on the day the election was called they trailed Labour by 31 points when people were asked: Which party do you think would handle its problems best.

One former Tory minister I spoke to last week was dismissive of Labours strategy. They can point the finger at us for a year or so. But then people will start asking OK, but what are you actually going to do? They wont be able to just blame us for ever.

True. The next ten years should just about do it.

Next week, Rachel Reeves will look across the despatch box at Jeremy Hunt and say: Dont blame me, blame him. And for the foreseeable future, the British people will be only too happy to oblige.
The thunder of war is rumbling closer to our shores as we face military threats in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Our adversaries are multiplying and, in some cases, joining forces. It is the stated aim of Russia, Iran, North Korea and even China to work more closely, in order to oppose Western democracy and the international rules that govern how we live, trade and compete.

Every British prime minister recites the mantra, My first duty is to the security of the nation. But in the past 35 years most of them, both Labour and Tory, have promptly gone on to cut defence.

The reality is that prime ministers love to bask in the glory of the Red Arrows or the pomp of Trooping the Colour, but they dont want to pay for it.

Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers parade through Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2022

The reality is that prime ministers love to bask in the glory of the Red Arrows, pictured over Buckingham Palace in 2023, but they don't want to pay for it

The new Chief of the General Staff, Gen Sir Roly Walker, is right to have warned that the Army needs to be ready to fight a war within three years.

When I became Defence Secretary in 2019, I inherited a department that had suffered 30 years of cuts. Labour had reduced defence spending from 3 per cent of GDP to around 2.6 per cent and that figure continued to fall, with brutal consequences for the Armed Forces morale. I assessed that our land forces were 15 years behind our peers.

Thats why I ring-fenced 30billion to modernise the Army by 2030. Not long after I left office last year, that ring fence was removed, with 800million plundered from the budget.

Our adversaries sense Britains lack of resolve, and recognise that for many years we have been raiding our defence budget to fund healthcare, roads and benefits.

All these, as well as international aid, have left our forces hollowed out and ill-equipped.

As Security Minister and Secretary of State for Defence from 2016 to 2023. Downing Street didnt like me to talk about the growing threat. Todays No10 will be no different  possibly worse.

Thats because if the public knew the true level of danger, Cabinet might have to make uncomfortable decisions. They might have to cut domestic budgets. The Treasury hates defence. To it, defence of the realm means long-term commitments and tough choices.

No other department in Whitehall has suffered like this  certainly not the NHS, which sometimes got twice yearly increases despite failing to boost productivity. When I was Defence Secretary, we balanced the budget three years in a row.

It is irresponsible to imagine we can invest in defence at the last minute. In too many conflicts, we and our allies have been caught out fighting yesterdays wars with outdated equipment. Under the last Labour government, dozens of British soldiers died in Afghanistan because they were sent to war with equipment designed for other conflicts.

The head of the SAS reservists, Major Sebastian Morley, described the Governments failure to provide adequate equipment as cavalier at best, criminal at worst.

Gen Sir Roly Walker is also right to have echoed a warning that I made two years ago that, towards the end of this decade, Britain will find itself in either an all-out hot conflict or a gruelling cold war. We need to be ready to deter  or to defend.

If you think this is alarmist, consider todays international tensions and what the cost of wrong decisions or bad outcomes could mean tomorrow.

Vladimir Putin has sent more than half a million Russian soldiers to their deaths or the hospital wards. In his eyes, he is already at war with us. He invokes nuclear threats on a regular basis.

Russian Kilo-class submarines have sailed down the Irish Sea for the first time ever. The military-grade Novichok nerve agent was deployed in Salisbury, and Russian assassins are active across Europe.

In the Middle East, Iran is within a hairs breadth of enriching uranium to the point of nuclear weapon capability.

The US and Israel say they will not let that happen. But Iran is already despatching cruise missiles to the Houthi militias in Yemen to target British ships.

Meanwhile, China, like a slumbering dragon with one eye open, watches to see if the West will stick together or flake away.

It waits to know if Donald Trumps lack of resolve over Ukraine will mean a similar lack of resolve when it comes to defending Taiwan.

The UKs security at the end of this decade will be directly affected by how much we are prepared to invest in our forces right now.

We made a start in 2019. Now, we must modernise, and demonstrate a resolve to defend our allies and ourselves.

Sir Keir Starmer cannot let the phrase when economic conditions allow be his excuse. We dont say that about healthcare, and we didnt hide behind economics during the Covid pandemic.

We must commit the resources we need to deter these threats and stand up for our values. The Daily Mail has campaigned ceaselessly to ensure spending cuts do not leave Britain defenceless.

Devastation caused by a Russian missile strike on Okhmatdyt children's hospital in Kyiv earlier this month

A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile is test-fired from the Plesetsk launch pad in north-west Russia

But the appalling deficit between the MoD budget and the cost of restoring our desired military capabilities has ballooned to 16.9billion  the widest gap on record, according to a Commons committee.

In fact, MPs said the true figure could be closer to 29billion because the Army could need around 12billion more.

We have to find that money. This increase in our defence budget is the best step we can take to prevent future conflict.

Some things are too important for political games.

Defence ensures that energy prices and supplies are not held to ransom by our adversaries, and directly contributes to stopping migration from war zones.

A continuing British military presence in Afghanistan, before the appalling US deal that withdrew Allied troops, resulted in less migration. That proved a lot cheaper than the multibillion- pound cost of housing the refugees of such conflicts.

The Roman writer Vegetius wrote in the 4th century: Let him who desires peace prepare for war. Sadly that time has come. But prepare we must.
Tarn Davies was a few years overdue for a pap smear when she finally made time to see her GP. The decision saved her life.

The 39-year-old mum-of-five from Tamworth in NSW kept delaying the appointment due to her extremely busy schedule.

She told FEMAIL she was healthy and hadn't had any concerning symptoms so didn't think pushing the appointment back would matter.

'I have five children and one was only a toddler at the time,' she said.

'I was working full-time and I just didn't have time for health checks. I didn't have any symptoms and nothing felt wrong, so I didn't prioritise it.'

It wasn't until her doctor called her in a panic days a few days after her test, that she realised she should have gone sooner.

Abnormal cells and three lesions had been detected on her cervix, and she was months away from the growths turning cancerous.

Tarn's doctor revealed that her condition was quickly developing and she'd need to have surgery immediately.

Tarn Davies (above with her husband) was 39 when she was diagnosed with HPV and told it was 'one stage before cancer'

The mum, left, had put off getting a pap smear for a few years and said she was too busy looking after her family and also felt a bit awkward making the appointment

'My period was regular, I was healthy, everything was fine,' Tarn said. 'No abnormal bleeding, no cramps or pain, nothing.'

The test uncovered HPV-18 and high-risk abnormal cells.

HPV-18 is a common strain of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer if left untreated.

Along with HPV-16, both strains are responsible for most HPV-related cancers, which account for a majority of cases of cervical cancer.

Tarn said she was deep in the 'mum mindset' before the pap smear and constantly put her children and partner before herself.

'I was the one booking doctor's appointments, taking my kids to the dentist, going to the shops.

When she finally made the appointment, the mum-of-five (above with her children) was told she had come close to having cancer

'I tend to put myself last when it comes to my family.

'As a mum, if everyone else was all right, so was I.'

But the period of uncertainty after the abnormal result sent Tarn's heartbeat racing.

'I was so anxious,' she said.

'The stress really got to me. All I could think about was what would happen to my children if I had cancer. How could they grow up without me?'

The mum said she was also 'embarrassed' by the test itself, a feeling that contributed to her procrastination.

'I had a mental block when it came to getting pap smears. I've never had a bad experience and I've given birth five times, but I couldn't get myself to go through with it,' she said.

'But with pap smears - you just feel so embarrassed and shy. It's a weird thing to go and get done.'

Now 43, the mum looks back on her hesitation with regret.

Now 43, Tarn who is pictured here with her dad, reminds every woman she knows to go and get the test done and to put their own health first

'It's a couple of minutes of discomfort to potentially save your life,' she said.

'My doctors eased my worries when they told me the illness was contained to a small part of my body. It could've been so much worse.'

Tarn shared that she had several biopsies and other tests before a solid treatment plan was mapped out.

'I could've had a hysterectomy if it turned out cancerous. But my colposcopy revealed that one of the lesions was CIN 3, which is the level before it becomes cervical cancer.'

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are changes to the squamous cells that cover the outside of the cervix.

There are three types - CIN1 (mild) CIN2 (moderate) and CIN3 (severe) - which show how deeply the abnormal cells have gone into the skin covering the cervix.

In Tarn's case, CIN 3 meant the full thickness of the lining covering her cervix had abnormal cells.

'It's terrifying know how close I came to having cancer,' the mum said.

READ MORE: Young woman reveals the three symptoms doctors ignored for months before she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just before her 24th birthday Advertisement

She now advocates for regular screenings and encourages her children - including her sons - to be vigilant.

'I've told them to make sure their wives and girlfriends are putting their health first,' she said.

'It's important to spread awareness and ensure the people you love will be okay.'

Tarn is now HPV-18 free and only needs to get screened every five years.

Cancer Council revealed 80 per cent of people are likely to have HPV at some point in their lives, often without visible symptoms.

Two ways to prevent HPV from causing cancer are vaccination and early detection.

You should have regular screening tests even if you've been vaccinated, and the National Cervical Screening Program recommends people with a cervix who are aged 25 to 74 have a cervical screening test every five years.
Frances Barbers character Dolly Nolan was at the centre of some pretty heavy storylines in the first series of hit detective drama Whitstable Pearl, and shes got more on her plate in series two.

Having encountered suicide and domestic violence first time around, the restaurateur worries shes facing the onset of dementia in the new series before finding romance with a man her daughter Pearl thinks is totally unsuitable... with good reason.

Frances, 66, is delighted the scriptwriters worked such subjects into the series, especially the one about finding love late in life. Its wonderful, says Frances. whos happy in a relationship of her own but prefers not to reveal details as hes not in the business and doesnt like me talking about him.

You dont often see love between people of a certain age on TV, which is a shame because love doesnt stop when youre 40. I was delighted when I read that storyline  as long as there were no bed scenes. Those days are behind me now.

Whitstable Pearl centres on Dolly and Pearl (Kerry Godliman), who run a seafood restaurant in the Kent seaside town of Whitstable.

Frances Barber (pictured), 66, plays Dolly Nolan in detective drama Whitstable Pearl. Dolly is the mother of private detective Pearl and becomes increasingly involved in solving the crimes her daughter takes on

Pearl (right), played by Kerry Godliman, had a romance with DCI Mike McGuire, played by Howard Charles (left), in the first series

Pearls also a private detective and the first series saw her forge a romance with DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles, best known as Porthos in the BBCs The Musketeers). But thats obviously turned sour, because in series two theyre both dating newcomers  McGuires with Kat (Emmerdales Emily Head) and Pearls with teacher Tom (Peep Shows Robert Webb).

Each of the six episodes revolves around a crime, with Dolly becoming more involved in solving them. Dollys a bit of a Columbo, she starts to get involved in cases in series two and by series three, which we filmed recently, shes the main detective for a while because Kerry was away filming something else.

Whitstable Pearl is just one of several projects that have kept Frances busy recently. She had a role in Acorn TVs The Chelsea Detective with Adrian Scarborough and was on the West End stage earlier this year in Steven Moffats dark comedy The Unfriend, alongside Lee Mack.

Frequent collaborators during her 40-year career include Gary Oldman on film and Sir Ian McKellen on stage, as well as the Pet Shop Boys, and she once dated director Danny Boyle. Shes now working on playing Mrs Thatcher in When Maggie Met Larry, a Radio 4 play about how Laurence Olivier helped the former Prime Minister find a voice that would appeal to voters.

At a time when actors over the age of 65 often have to be content with supporting roles, Frances is bucking the trend. How does she do it?

Luck has played a part, and also the fact that I was never the pretty young thing, she says. So I was never typecast, I could play a variety of parts. If you were the young beauty and continued on that path, parts dried up.

Ive learned from Ian McKellen, Judi Dench and Derek Jacobi, working well into their 80s. If they can do it, Im going to give it a bloody good shot too! Retirement simply isnt an option. What would I do? she laughs. Have a gin and tonic at 11am and say, Well, thats that, then?

When she's not solving crimes, Pearl (pictured) runs a seafood restaurant with her mother Dolly in the Kent seaside town of Whitstable

Its this work ethic that makes the new dementia storyline all the more poignant for Frances. She comes home to discover her lawn has been cut, theres bread in the toaster and the kettles on but she has no recollection of doing any of it.

'Its a worrying time for someone who grabs life with both hands. It made me think about my mortality. I live in a huge loft  by the time Ive walked from one end to the other Ive forgotten why I made the journey in the first place.

'Everyone my age is the same. Friends such as Derek Jacobi say to me, I cant remember this or that any more, but I tell him its just old age, nothing to worry about.

With an illustrious career behind her, maybe she should start on her memoir before the memories fade. I have stories but theyre far too scurrilous, she laughs. I couldnt, Id have to move to Canada!

FIVE more fabulous female sleuths to stream Mrs Sidhu Investigates (Acorn TV, U) Meera Syal (left) may talk to her aubergines but she's also a mean amateur sleuth who manages to win over DCI Burton (right) Meera Syals mumsy Indian cook may talk to her aubergines but shes also a mean amateur sleuth in this witty show based on a Radio 4 series. Busybody Mrs Sidhu wins over stressed DCI Burton (Craig Parkinson) with her sharp mind and spicy dishes. Vera (ITVX) DCI Vera Stanhope (pictured) cuts a comforting figure as she solves crimes in the Northumberland area With her signature fishing hat and slugging a mug of tea, Brenda Blethyns unflappable DCI Vera Stanhope cuts a comforting figure as she solves crimes in the Northumberland area. Filming has started for the final series of the show, based on Ann Cleevess novels. Sister Boniface Mysteries (U) Sister Boniface (pictured) rides around on a moped, solving murders in the village of Great Slaughter This spin-off from Mark Williamss Father Brown focuses on no-nonsense nun Sister Boniface (Lorna Watson), who rides around on a moped, solving murders in the village of Great Slaughter. The show doesnt take itself too seriously, featuring plenty of parody and pastiche. Annika (Sky/NOW) Single mum and detective Annika (pictured) heads up the Marine Homicide Unit in Scotland Cerebral detective Annika directly addresses viewers in this quirky crime drama, which started on Radio 4 (Nicola Walker plays Annika in both). In the TV version, the single mum heads up the Marine Homicide Unit in Scotland, where she struggles to manage her team and her wayward teenage daughter. Agatha Raisin (Acorn TV, Sky/NOW) Agatha Raisin (pictured) is like an Ab Fab Miss Marple. Having had a career in PR, she moves to a quiet Cotswolds village and becomes a detective Think of amateur sleuth Agatha Raisin (Ashley Jensen) as an Ab Fab Miss Marple in this delightfully kitsch series based on MC Beatons novels. Former PR hotshot Agatha moves to a quiet Cotswolds village and turns detective. Advertisement
Chinese Book Corner inaugurated at Bulgarian National Library

Xinhua) 11:26, July 27, 2024

SOFIA, July 26 (Xinhua) -- The Bulgarian National Library inaugurated a Chinese Book Corner on Friday, aiming to acquaint more Bulgarians with Chinese literature and culture.

Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Dai Qingli, speaking at the opening ceremony, highlighted the significance of the National Library as one of Bulgaria's most important cultural institutions, known for its rich history, extensive readership, and diverse collections.

"We are delighted to provide over two hundred Chinese books and 100 discs covering both classic Chinese subjects such as history, culture, and art, as well as writings about contemporary China, including the Bulgarian version of President Xi Jinping's 'On Governance'," Dai said at the event, which also marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bulgaria.

Dai emphasized the potential for deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries through this partnership with the National Library. She expressed hope that Bulgarians would read more books by Chinese authors to gain a more authentic, multi-dimensional understanding of China.

"Greater knowledge will lead to a more comprehensive and objective understanding of our cultural context, development path, and ingredients for success," Dai said.

Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nevyana Miteva expressed her excitement about the initiative, describing the National Library as a "palace of Bulgarian literature." She believed the Chinese Book Corner would offer a fascinating glimpse into both ancient and modern China, attracting many visitors.

Miteva also highlighted the strategic partnership between China and Bulgaria, viewing the event as a testament to the respect and friendship shared by the two nations.

Krasimira Alexandrova, the National Library's director, praised the long-standing cooperation with Chinese libraries and acknowledged the value of the donations received under the Window to China program, which are highly popular among readers.

Attendee Dora Todorova, a regular visitor to the National Library, described the event as wonderful and important for enthusiasts of Chinese literature and culture. She eagerly recommended the Chinese Book Corner to her friends.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
The humble shrimp is hardly the first thing that would spring to mind if you were going to have a creature named after you. But Britains best-known wildlife daredevil, TV presenter Steve Backshall, is thrilled to have had a newly discovered species christened the Backshall Snapping Shrimp.

Its got one giant claw and one tiny one but it uses the large one to snap and create an incredibly loud sound as a powerful deterrent to other animals, says Steve. It was named after me because I was on a dive in Tenerife when we found this new creature. Its tiny but utterly beautiful under a microscope.

Steve, 51, came across the species as part of a mission with Ocean Census to accelerate the discovery and protection of marine life by finding 100,000 new species in the next decade, and hell be telling tales from his adventures  and his thrilling career in general  on his forthcoming UK touring show Ocean.

Its so special knowing you could be holding a creature in your hand that nobody else has seen before, that yours are the first human eyes to have seen it, he says.

Also, knowing that our deep seas are the biggest but least-known habitable environment in the universe is thrilling. The opportunities to find creatures we dont know about yet is limitless.

Wildlife daredevil Steve Backshall (pictured), 51, poses with a crocodile called Henry at Crocworld Conservation Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Aged 120, Henry is the oldest living crocodile in the world

Steve doesnt relish the claustrophobic submarine journeys to the depths of the ocean to find new marine life, but the results make them more than worthwhile. We recently found three new species  a tiny fish and a small mollusc inside a bigger mollusc, he says.

After each discovery, we take the new species to the dockside labs where experts in every form of marine life process DNA samples and imagery before the samples are returned to the ocean.

Some of the huge creatures hes encountered in the seas will be on stage with him on the tour, but the audience need not be worried  they will be life-sized replicas. As well as these props, the show features stunts, experiments, cutting-edge science and footage shown on big screens to bring the icons of the sea to life.

We have a life-size reproduction of a 6m great white shark, a life-size orca thats 10m long and a sperm whale  its a challenge to fit them into a lot of the theatres. But its very difficult to get a sense of scale with these animals on television as theyre so big. The show brings them to life.

Steve has been passionate about the natural world ever since he could crawl. Growing up he counted the animals that lived around him as his best friends, from the familys asthmatic donkey to the grass snakes in the manure heap on their idyllic smallholding in Bagshot, Surrey.

He went on to make documentaries for the National Geographic channel, but became a household name in 2009 when he began presenting CBBCs Deadly 60 in which he seeks to understand  and educate us about  the most dangerous creatures on the planet via close encounters. That has subsequently been broadcast worldwide, and its spin-off roadshows draw massive crowds.

Despite numerous brushes with death, Steve isnt afraid of danger, nor of taking carefully calculated risks. His adventures have seen him throttled by a python, stalked by a polar bear, encircled by sharks, charged at by hippos and bitten by a crocodile while searching for anacondas in an Argentinian swamp.

The key is not to be afraid because animals smell fear and that brings danger, he says. But there have been some hairy moments. The times Ive felt most fearful have been with hippos. Theyre one of the most dangerous, grumpy and unpredictable animals. They charge readily in water or on land. They may weigh three tons but they can run like racehorses.

Steve is pictured with a hippo in South Africa - one of the most dangerous, grumpy and unpredictable animals

On the last show I did I got caught on land with a hippo. We were looking for crocodiles at night with a light and surprised a hippo feeding nearby. My heart raced when I saw an animal that size thundering along, first on land and then deep water.

We were staggered at how fast it ran. It just didnt stop. Thank goodness he charged away from us as we were a long way from our vehicle. Its likely we would have been trampled to death if hed run towards us.

We rely on local experience and in that part of Zambia where theres no poaching or hunting, the local guys said we were going to head down a river. I said, But theres a pod of 200 hippos! I was getting very nervous because if that had been in South Africa we would have been killed, 100 per cent. But the locals said, Trust us. Its going to be fine. And it was.

Crocodiles are more predictable, but no less dangerous. Crocodiles my size or smaller will swim away from you, says Steve. Those that are slightly bigger may posture a bit, but the much bigger ones could well see you as potential food so you need to know if theyre around.

Diving with Nile crocodiles with his cameraman proved way too close for comfort though. It was the closest call Ive ever had with an animal. I was sitting next to a huge crocodile in the Okavango Delta in Botswana when a massive four-and-a-half-metre male croc turned towards me. He went up to the surface then came straight back down towards us. We all swam off in different directions. Miraculously, we made it back to the boat just in time.

You could toss a coin as to whether we lived or died in that situation. If we were to do the exact same thing ten times over, I think eight times out of ten someone would have been killed. We havent dived with big crocs again.

Steve lives by the river Thames on the border of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire with his wife, 38-year-old Olympic champion rower Helen Glover, and their three children, six-year-old Logan and four-year-old twins Kit and Bo. Helen is in Paris right now where she begins her quest for a third gold medal tomorrow in the womens four, so he has his hands fuller than usual at home.

Its been a battle the last few years, with Helen maintaining her life as a full-time athlete and us having three small children. Theres been a huge amount of compromise and heartache. If she makes it to her fourth Olympic final well be there in Paris cheering her on, hoping she can be a figurehead for parents who want to carry on living their lives to the full, and to women everywhere.

Steve is pictured with his wife, Olympic champion rower Helen Glover, with whom he shares three children

A daily fitness regime has become non-negotiable for Steve after a cliff fall in the Wye Valley in 2008 left him fearing hed never walk again. Steve fell onto rocks from more than 25ft, breaking his back in two places and smashing his left ankle. Hes had 12 operations since and spent 18 months on crutches.

It was a defining moment. It split my life into before and after. I was ultra-fit but for five years I was having constant operations and constantly trying to find a new normal.

Another near-death experience was while filming the series Expedition in the Himalayas in 2018, when Steve flipped his kayak and spent nearly five minutes upside down in glacial water. I was going to drown. I was very lucky my paddling partner Sal Montgomery paddled back to haul me out. She saved my life.

Steves first love has always been sharks, though. He saw his first when he was nine and snorkelling in Malaysia, a black-tip reef shark that was just a couple of feet long and not at all dangerous. It started my fascination, he says. So now, in the right conditions, I could swim with a bull shark, a tiger shark, a hammerhead or a great white and feel much calmer than I did as a nine-year-old.

Ive had all of the signs of aggression and some full-on approaches. But I always carry a camera when diving with them. Usually a firm push with the camera or hand on the snout is enough to give them a shock. If you push the snout down they cant bite you.

Steve saw his first shark when he was nine and snorkelling in Malaysia

For all Steves loyalty to sharks, his most magical marine encounter was with a female orca when he swam with a group attacking a humpback whale in the fjords of Norway near the Arctic Circle. Normally they cruise on past, but this female circled around me, eyeing us up and showing off by jumping out of the water and flipping onto her back as if she wanted her tummy tickled. It was magic, he says.

Steves next stop for TV is something a little tamer, a show about honey bees for Channel 5. Except for one dog, we dont have any other pets, he laughs. But we now have 20,000 honey bees.
Dear Bel,

I have a problem that is affecting me profoundly, and I dont know what to do.

My daughter is at university a long way from home. One Saturday last year she called me and during the conversation I asked, Are you off out to a party tonight? She told me she never goes to student parties.

But last month we went to move her to next terms shared house. As she was cleaning out her wardrobe I saw her try to conceal a rather sexy piece of clothing. When I asked about it, she told me she wears it for parties. So shed fibbed to me about parties and clearly dresses for a good time.

Since I discovered this deceit, I have been having problems eating and sleeping, wondering what else she has been lying about?

She has a history of being economical with the truth over what shes been doing, and I once caught her texting boys to come to the house at midnight. How many times has she told us she is revising for an exam when shes already dressed ready to go out clubbing?

She has already said she isnt coming home so much next year, as the second year is very intense . . . I dont buy that at all. She is moving into a house share with seven other girls, and I think she wont be coming home so much as Friday and Saturday nights are for clubbing and who knows what else?

I havent told my wife whats on my mind, but as the worry is affecting my sleep and appetite, she knows something is wrong. She says Im depressed. I think Im mourning the loss of a daughter I used to know and love, now replaced by a young woman I no longer recognise.

She has never spoken about any experience at uni. The dilemma is, as she will be so far away, I cant do anything about what she did last year, and what shell be up to next year.

Give me advice please. I dont know if I should talk to her or keep quiet and live with it.

NICHOLAS

Bel Mooney replies: August will soon be here and already many teenagers will be feeling excited about the next stage in their lives: university or college.

Meanwhile, many of their parents will be full of trepidation, knowing what a perilous world it can be out there, in so many ways.

After this email you sent a second one, asking me not to publish because you suspected yourself of overreacting. Then, at my request, you gave permission  and Im grateful, because many fathers find this stage in their daughters lives very hard.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever youre wrong, admit it; Whenever youre right, shut up. Marriage Lines by Ogden Nash (American writer, 190271) Advertisement

Although all the attention tends (understandably) to be on the young stepping out into the world, their poor parents so often discover the truth of that touching country song by Suzy Bogguss: Its never easy . . . letting go.

Your letter is serious, heartfelt, honest  and wrong-headed, too. Let me share a quiet, rueful smile. In 1966, my mother cried all the way home from dropping me off at University College London, while my father could only express himself by getting furious (a bit nasty, actually) about my short skirts and black eye make-up.

Jump to 1998, when I was helping my own daughter unpack in her room at Warwick. I pulled out a terrible, cheap, pink, glittery, sexy dress Id never seen before, rowed with her over it, then wept all the way home because my little girl had gone.

Parents, eh? Your daughter didnt lie to you, she probably thought it better  for your sake  that you didnt know shed be out partying that night. She probably also decided it wasnt Dads business. And, of course, she was right on both counts.

When I read your email I said aloud: Woah, sir, youre getting it all wrong!

A sense of loss is normal, but youre getting too het up about this rite of passage. Its quite natural and normal for any parent to be concerned for a childs welfare when he or she leaves home, but not to think you can continue to control their lives.

Youve been honest with me, but theres no reason at all to be as honest with your daughter. No need to talk to her about sexy clothes, clubbing, boys, etc. No, no, no. It will come out all wrong and make you sound almost jealous. Not good at all.

Yes, you can remind her to be very, very careful about accepting drinks in clubs and to make a pact with friends never, ever to get separated.

But sensible warnings should be given in the same tone of voice used for suggesting shes never late with assignments.

If you turn into a dour and doomy nag instead of a loving Dad who wants her to enjoy university, then you can be sure she wont want to come home, let alone ever confide.

Teenagers, eh? They worry us so much and then  trust me  they reach their 20s and 30s and still worry us, and then it goes on.

We love them with all their faults yet often wish they would change, too, because our kids (adult ones as well) can be a pain in the neck, and hurt/disappoint us.

Family life is always complicated and so (please listen to somebody whos been through it all) you just have to find a way of coping with your own rite of passage. You need to sleep, so talk to your GP as well as being honest with your wife.

The important thing is to realise you still love your daughter very much (no used to about it!) but have no choice but to let her go.

I feel so guilty about my married lover

Im having an affair with a married man and I know this is wrong but Ive fallen for him . . . he says he loves me and will leave his wife when his parents have passed away.

At the moment, because they are in their 90s, his wife helps with their care.

I go from wanting to be with him and then trying to make myself not. Obviously there is guilt about his wife  and then theres the problem of my four children . . .

Im a widow (my wonderful husband passed away 14 years ago aged 50) and my kids would not accept the situation I am in. I know this for sure.

Do I put myself first or do I do the right thing? Id value your opinion.

ANGELA

Bel replies: Even though I added a few words (to clarify) this remains the shortest, simplest letter Ive ever received about a subject so agonisingly complicated its caused untold pain, conflict, rage, guilt and deep grief for centuries.

Believe me, I know what Im talking about, through personal experience, as well as the pain and anger recently endured by people I know well, and (of course) the years of writing this column. These stories always involve many tears  and sorrow is, I feel, the essence of the human condition.

To cut to the chase, I am now haunted by the vision of a mature married woman, after years of helping her husband give loving care to his nonagenarian parents, being dumped by him for his secret mistress as soon as the old folks are in their graves. It doesnt sound very nice, does it? No  and thats because its not.

Please dont think I write that to make you feel guiltier than you do already. The only reason I can think of for you mentioning your own four adult children is because you only have to imagine how theyd judge your affair, to feel even more guilty.

Shame is useful. It can stop us  even on the brink  from becoming the worst aspect of ourselves.

But  and lets leave his wife and your own family out of it  surely the question to ask at this stage is whether continuing with this affair is likely to make you happy?

You know what its like to experience a happy marriage (to that wonderful husband) and now you understand the thrill of a forbidden relationship, but I wonder if the first can give you any insight into the meaning of the second. Youve fallen for a man who constantly lies to his wife while exploiting her kindness. Is he somebody you would call wonderful? Think about that.

Married men unfaithful to their wives have a habit of promising their needy lovers they will leave their wives when this or that or tother happens in the rosy future.

Its a good ruse  one which works again and again as the poor old spouses carry on their domestic lives in ignorance and the deluded mistresses spend another weekend or Christmas feeling sad and lonely.

These arent necessarily bad men; they are just fallible humans who want it all and justify their behaviour in so many ways, from My wife doesnt understand me and You are the first to make me feel as happy as I am when with you to If only wed met years ago.

I think your question, Do I put myself first or do I do the right thing presents a false alternative. What if I were to suggest doing the right thing might well be the most effective way of putting yourself first?

By that I mean by deciding you no longer wish to collude with your lover in cruelly deceiving his wife (and family?), you might be saving yourself much unhappiness further down the line  the day when he tells you, with a tear in his eye, he cant possibly leave her now because shed be lost without him, especially after all her years of self-sacrifice.

Yes, these stories always involve tears.

And finally... magical and simple sense of belonging What was so magical about that day? Last Saturdays jolly, generous, noisy wedding, in a field just yards from our house, helps me believe all is right with the world. Our next-door neighbours beautiful daughter Jade married her handsome long-term partner Jordan, with their two adorable little girls in attendance. Bride and groom used to earn an exciting living riding horses, so it was fitting that they arrived and left our parish church in a carriage-and-four. The sound of hooves in the village was timeless and oddly moving. Which connects to my sense of what made this wedding so special. Its hard to put into words, but Ill start with belonging  when contentment means the here-and-now. In a previous London life, I knew people who called themselves international  an ambitious, successful, privileged elite, usually from the same social group, and all sharing identical liberal-Left ideas. At posh dinners, book launches, TV lunches, receptions for the arts and media events, I hobnobbed with the kind of people who feel entitled to that lifestyle yet display no love of roots  either of locality or country. At the wedding there was a powerful sense of belonging  both to our neighbourhood (precious green belt between Bath and Bristol so hands off it!) and to each other and to this land. People are born, live and die in this area, go to local schools, love the certainties of family life and of horses, dogs, trees and meadows  and live according to those good certainties. How a horse is shod matters as much now as it did centuries ago and its natural still to live down the road from Mum and Nan. Jade and Jordans wedding reminded me of whats eternally true  and that the happy ever after will always be possible. Advertisement

Bel answers readers questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. Names are changed to protect identities. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.
With Mercury (ideas) aligned with Neptune (dreams) and Pluto (transformation), it's a time to discover hidden talents and nurture undeveloped skills.

And with Mercury soon to turn retrograde and repeat these links, practice makes perfect!

Need to know your more? These spookily accurate birth charts, based on your unique birth placements will tell you everything you need to know. Simply enter your birth details and receive a completely personal Personal Birth Chart made just for you.

Read more horoscopes from MailOnline.

ARIES

(March 21 - April 20)

Is something making you edgy? Are you feeling a bit pushed, rushed, put upon and annoyed? This could be the exact kind of aggravation you need to be feeling! It's all very well saying you want a quiet life. But you're ruled by Mars; you definitely don't want a dull one! Excitement and stimulation go hand-in-hand. And often these feelings provoke a sense of unease. If you check beneath an uncomfortable sensation, you'll find a bright spark of hope. As long as you pursue positive action, this is going to be a great week.

Discover your inner light, the one that shines regardless of the weather in your 'Guide to the Future'.

TAURUS

(April 21 - May 21)

You're allowed to dream. And you're allowed to do everything within your power to make your dream come true. Except sometimes, our dreams provide us with handy psychological escape mechanisms. If our fantasy became part of our reality, it might turn out to be less than ideal - so we prefer to keep it in the realm of our imagination. This week brings a choice. Events offer you a chance to pursue a dream. And if you need a boost of courage, the cosmos brings support. A solution to a longstanding problem is possible.

Learn the hidden secrets of the planets and how they affect your life and shape your future. Start your journey of self-discovery here!

Oscar Cainer (pictured) tells us that with Mercury (ideas) aligned with Neptune (dreams) and Pluto (transformation), it's a time to discover hidden talents and nurture undeveloped skills

GEMINI

(May 22 - June 22)

Sometimes, you're filled with such confidence you can achieve almost anything. But there are other times when you doubt yourself and your abilities. At such moments, when if feels as if nothing's going your way, it's tempting to think that the fates are conspiring against you - although they're not. This week, with your ruler taking centre stage, the balance of power is in your favour. Your natural talents are in demand. If you shake off that sense of 'not being good enough' you can be super-effective. And that will feel very good indeed.

Now, do you want to know more about whats going to happen to you, when its going to happen and why? Get yourself a full, spookily accurate horoscope birth-chart report, and youll find out. Download your Birth Chart report here!

CANCER

(June 23 - July 23)

Humans are hard-wired to think. We can't help but question motives, evaluate relationships and consider the pros and cons of opportunities. This is healthy and appropriate; we need to make the most of the intelligence we're born blessed with. Yet there are times when ignoring our intellect is the smartest thing we can do! Less thought and more passion is key this week. One thing matters to you now. Your heart knows why this needs to be a priority (even if your head isn't so sure). Be guided by it... it will guide you to success.

There are powerful changes in store for you soon. What are they? How can you best prepare for them? Find out in a full horoscope birth-chart. It's full of amazing predictions about you and your future. Get yours now.

LEO

(July 24 - August 23)

You're going to a lot of effort to establish an agreement. You're worried that you won't manage to get the parties involved to reach understanding. And where will that leave you? Is there going to be a psychological price to pay? It's time to reconsider. When you picture the consequences, are you basing your prediction on informed intel, or is your imagination going into overdrive? You've taken on too much responsibility... and this situation is consuming too much mind-space. This week brings easier options. Take them... and trust.

Wish you could fulfil more of your potential? A Personal Profile, based on your exact date of birth, reveals your secret gifts and blessings. Click here!

VIRGO

(August 24 - September 23)

What seems to be completely out of reach? Which obstacles are blocking your route to progress? If you think about them, you'll see that they represent your fears (not your limitations). You're a competent Virgo, but you've still got an inner child. And right now, it's trying to hide from a challenge it doesn't feel ready for. With your ruler in such a strong position, this week brings events that remind you of your strengths. The fire in your spirit is being rekindled. Good. There's important work to do, and only you can do it.

Give me your date of birth and I will tell you something wonderful about your future. Download your personal horoscope here.

LIBRA

(September 24 - October 23)

If you want to make the most of this week, take your time. And while you're at it, take someone else's time too! Someone in your world is so impatient to move things forward they're in danger of scuppering a plan. Being inspired to be hasty is one thing. But when the speed is motivated by anxiety, things start to go wrong. Since you're dealing with a situation that needs care, you need to assume responsibility and control. You can do that easily this week. If you model the right example, and relax, calmness will prevail.

Find out what the planets have in store for you. Instantly download your Year Ahead chart. Now! Click here!

SCORPIO

(October 24 - November 22)

You lack something you need. And in order to get it, you're going to have to forgo something you don't want to miss out on. Well, at least that's how it feels. But this week, (even if you feel powerless to affect change without having to make sacrifices), instead of giving up on your goal, give up on that sense of negativity. Your ruler, Pluto, is highlighting your innate skills and talents. By refusing to worry, and trusting in your abilities, you'll be able to work all the magic you need in order to bring the freedom (and success) you seek.

Now is the right time for you to take an in-depth, up close and personal look at your life. To get your full horoscope based on your date, time and place of birth, click here.

And with Mercury soon to turn retrograde and repeat these links, practice makes perfect

SAGITTARIUS

(November 23 - December 21)

Some weeks bring surprises. Some weeks bring revelations. And some weeks... well, actually, all weeks bring unexpected developments and discoveries. These vary in significance. They can be big or small. And the way we react to them affects their importance. Depending on our mood, it's easy to shrug something off as if it's nothing (when it has the potential to be life-changing). And vice versa. If you need an awakening, an innovation or a new and inspiring possibility, you can find it this week. Just keep looking.

Reveal the astrological secrets of the coming year, today. For a complete set of totally personal predictions download 'Your Guide to the Future'.

CAPRICORN

(December 22 - January 20)

You know you haven't been functioning at your optimal level recently. It's understandable; a series of demanding factors have sapped some of your strength. It's going to take time (and self-care) to replenish your energy levels. Under this week's skies, you'll be able to find the space and the awareness to nurture yourself. Excellent. Because if you do, you'll soon be feeling as good as new. Just remember, you don't need to rush. By focusing your energy on that which you know to be most crucial, you can leave the rest to sort itself out.

To find out what the planets have in store for you over the coming, critical next few months, download your Guide to the Future, now.

AQUARIUS

(January 21 - February 19)

You're about to feel less anxious and more relaxed. Under these transformational skies, you can find ways to handle a tricky situation. Not all your problems will disappear. The reality is that you might have the same number of challenges at the end of the week! But there will be a big difference in how you feel about them. With a positive mindset, you're more than capable of dealing with anything that comes your way with style and ease. And that will reboot your confidence, and make you feel good. And that changes everything.

Want to know what the coming year has in store? Let me calculate your full personal horoscope from your exact date, time and place of birth. Click here!

PISCES

(February 20 - March 20)

The difference between a great idea and a bad one is less obvious than we think. When we're prepared to invest energy in a bad idea, it has the potential to become great. The problem with great ideas is that as soon as they reach that status, they become targets for criticism; people are all too happy to point out what's bad about them! Your ruler, Neptune, in a powerful position this week, is inspiring you to review your current situation. It's neither good nor bad. If you see it in a positive light, you'll find ways to make it great.

A powerful cosmic climate is working in your favour right now. You can make a positive transformation and achieve what youve been hoping for. A personal birth-chart report will tell you whats really possible... and when and how. Download yours now!
A bacteria commonly found in the mouth appears to melt and destroy certain cancers, scientists have discovered.

Researchers said they were surprised to find that patients with head and neck cancer who had Fusobacterium within their tumours had much better outcomes.

The exact biological mechanisms behind the link are being keenly studied by researchers at Guys and St Thomas and Kings College London.

In laboratory studies, the team put quantities of the bacteria in Petri dishes with cancer cells and left them for a couple of days.

When they returned to inspect the effect of the bacteria on the cancer, they found there was a 70 to 99 per cent reduction in the number of viable head and neck cancer cells after being infected with Fusobacterium.

Symptoms of the cancer can be hard to spot, according to the NHS. These include a sore throat, earache, difficulty swallowing and unexplained weight loss. Changes to your voice or experiencing a lump in the neck are other key signs

Researchers said they were surprised to find that patients with head and neck cancer who had Fusobacterium within their tumours had much better outcomes

Further analysis of 155 patients with head and neck cancer also showed those with the bacteria within their tumours had better survival odds compared to those who didn't, with a 65 per cent reduction in risk of death.

Researchers hope the finding could help guide treatment for patients with head and neck cancer  which include cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box, nose and sinuses.

Experts said that there have been few therapeutic advances in head and neck cancer in the last 20 years so it's hoped the finding could potentially lead to new treatments in the future.

In essence, we found that when you find these bacteria within head and neck cancers, they have much better outcomes, senior author Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira said.

The other thing that we found is that, in cell cultures, this bacterium is capable of killing cancer.

This research reveals that these bacteria play a more complex role than previously known in their relationship with cancer  that they essentially melt head and neck cancer cells.

What it could mean is that we can use these bacteria to better predict which patients are more likely to have good or worse outcomes, and based on that, we could change their treatment so make it kinder in the patients that have better outcomes, or make it more intense in patients that are more likely to have their cancers come back.

Dr Anjali Chander, senior clinical research fellow at Kings College London and lead author, added: Our findings are remarkable and very surprising.

The team have published a paper on the finding in the journal Cancer Communications, which describes how Fusobacterium is toxic for head and neck cancer and how its presence may determine a better prognosis.

Fusobacterium detectability was associated with both better overall survival and better disease-specific survival, the authors wrote.

Almost 12,800 people in the UK will be diagnosed with a head and neck cancer in the UK each year, with just over 4,000 people dying from the disease per annum.

In the US theses figures rise to 71,000 diagnoses and just over 16,000 deaths.

Between 59 to 19 per cent of head and neck cancer patients will survive 10 years after their diagnosis depending on the specific subtype of the disease.

Treatment for head and neck cancers typically consists of a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery though this can vary for each patient.

Smoking is considered one of the biggest risk factors for head and neck cancers, accounting for up to 64 per cent of some specific forms of the disease in the UK, according to charity Cancer Research UK.
A newborn at a scandal-hit hospital was left with lifelong injuries because a medic with only two years' training failed to spot 'concerning' signs that the child was unwell, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

The baby, born at West Suffolk Hospital, was cared for by a physician associate (PA), an NHS worker with no medical degree who is only meant to assist doctors and nurses.

They are not qualified to diagnose patients, prescribe drugs or order scans, and are meant to be supervised by a doctor.

However, in this case a PA and a neonatal nurse were asked to check the newborn's blood levels, and missed clear signs that the child was unwell.

As a result, the unidentified child was sent home and was not visited by a clinician until they were readmitted to hospital.

The newborn was left with 'major' injuries and faces 'long-term incapacity' or 'disability', according to documents released under the Freedom of Information Act.

Demonstrators, including doctors, gathered outside Parliament in protest against handing over responsibilities to Physician Associates in London on February 26

A newborn at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds was left with lifelong injuries because a medic with only two years' training failed to spot 'concerning' signs that the child was unwell

The incident in April 2021 occurred months before midwives at the hospital in Bury St Edmunds blew the whistle on a 'critical' lack of maternity staff that had led to 'substandard care' for mothers and babies.

In a letter to a local newspaper published in August 2021 they claimed they were 'overwhelmed by the unmanageable and relentless workload', and said the ward felt 'unsafe'.

The latest story comes after an investigation by the MoS this month revealed that hospitals were flouting NHS rules and letting PAs treat severely unwell patients in place of doctors.

We found dozens of cases where hospitals have used PAs against NHS guidance to cover for a lack of doctors in departments including gynaecology and A&E.

The Mail on Sunday first raised the alarm about PAs last year and is running the campaign Rein In The Physician Associates.

We believe there should be strict limitations on the tasks PAs are allowed to carry out.

Following our investigation, the Government pledged to end the practice and ensure that patients are 'cared for by the right, qualified healthcare professional'.

But we can now reveal that a hospital where a patient died as a result of an alleged blunder by a PA is allowing these junior medics to carry out potentially dangerous procedures.

PAs working in the emergency department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading have been told they are allowed to carry out spinal taps  also known as lumbar punctures  which involve inserting a long needle into the spine to look for serious disease.

Physician associates (PA) do not have a medical degree and are only meant to assist doctors and nurses. They are not qualified to diagnose patients, prescribe drugs or order scans, and are meant to be supervised by a doctor (file pic)

PAs working in the emergency department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading have been told they are allowed to carry out spinal taps and are approved to use a defibrillator

They have also been approved to operate a defibrillator, according to documents seen by this newspaper.

The hospital is under close scrutiny after a celebrated film make-up artist, Christopher Tucker, 81, died from sepsis in December 2022 after the PA treating him failed to document that he needed antibiotics.

The General Medical Council (GMC), the public body that regulates doctors, has been asked to draw up regulations for PAs, and its guidance is expected to be published later this year.

But the MoS understands that in a meeting with concerned patients last week, GMC chief executive Charlie Massey said he believed PAs could soon be given the power to write drug prescriptions.

Experts called on the NHS to take urgent action to tackle the growing PA crisis.

Dr Helen Fernandes, chairwoman of the Doctors' Association, which represents NHS clinicians, warned: 'The introduction of PAs is an experiment happening before our eyes.

'When the NHS brings in a new drug, it goes through rigorous safety checks before it is rolled out.

'But PAs are being let loose on the health service with no regulation. We don't know what they are doing, and how often they are making mistakes.'

Referring to the injured baby, Karen Newbury, director of midwifery for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'While our teams work incredibly hard to provide all our babies and parents with the highest quality and safest care, very sadly sometimes things don't go as planned, and we would like to reiterate our sincere apologies to the family.

'We have conducted a detailed review of this event and are completing a robust improvement plan to make our services stronger and safer for future patients.'

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said its PAs 'operate under the supervision of medical staff', adding: 'We have a clear code of practice and rigorous governance around their work.

'They are also subject to competency assessments to monitor the safety and standard of their work.'

Mr Massey said: 'While physician associates have an important role in patient care, they are not doctors, cannot replace them and should never be used to fill gaps in doctors' rotas.

'Employers need to make sure governance structures ensure PAs are working under appropriate supervision.'
Off The Beat

Nusrit Mehtab

Torva 20, 288pp



Youre too short and too big to be an air hostess, said the careers adviser in 1987 to the young Pakistan-born Muslim Nusrit Mehtab, whod grown up in East London. The police are recruiting  go and do something worthwhile.

So Nusrit applied to the Metropolitan Police. The candidates were told to wear a bra and knickers for the medical after the interview. Nusrit ignored this, and wore an all-in-one leotard and leggings.

Take your top off and touch your toes, said the doctor (a white-haired old man, writes Nusrit in her memoir chronicling three decades of her experience of institutionalised racism and sexism in the Met).

Nusrit applied to the Metropolitan Police. The candidates were told to wear a bra and knickers for the medical after the interview

No, said Nusrit.

The doctor looked up from his notes, lost for words. In that moment, says Nusrit, I wasnt trying to find the logic in why female recruits needed to remove their bras, I was just affronted at being asked to do so.

After an awkward few moments, the doctor dismissed her, and she hurried away. She was surprised and delighted to hear a few weeks later that shed been accepted.

I re-read that passage about the medical examination, just to check. Yes, Nusrit recalls wondering why female recruits needed to remove their bras. But they werent being required to do that. She had hyped up that memory.

So, I was a bit sceptical from this moment on  and that was only the beginning of Nusrits catalogue of injustices that she suffered over her 30-year career in the Met, at the end of which she was so crushed from the institutionalised racism and sexism which had hindered her progression through the ranks at every turn that she was diagnosed with PTSD. She almost broke down while being interviewed by Cathy Newman on Channel 4 about her horrific experiences.

At the start of the training course at Hendon Police College, she refused to wear the skirt, which was womens uniform in the late 1980s. Its not part of my culture. We wear trousers instead. So she had to go without a uniform, which made her stick out. She found the Met was ready to diversify in name, but not in reality. Eventually she was handed a pair of trousers, but they were huge mens ones, so she looked like Charlie Chaplin. It all seemed part of a ritual humiliation.

One of her colleagues in her first posting couldnt pronounce her name so he called her Nidgit. It stuck: another mark of disrespect. Sexual banter was rife among the officers: Lets see if youre wearing the full kit (men feeling for the womens stockings and suspenders) and so on. Nusrit was spared the initiation rite of being held down over the desk while the office stamp was printed on your buttock. But her male colleagues put a vibrator in an envelope in her pigeon hole, doubling up laughing when she opened it. She was labelled as unable to take a joke.

Ah, but that was just the bad old 1980s, I thought, expecting conditions to improve over the increasingly enlightened successive decades. But what this book shows, shockingly (and my scepticism did gradually wane as Nusrit described in detail her soul-destroying battles for promotion over the years), is that  as Baroness Caseys 2023 review clearly stated  the Met is still institutionally misogynistic and racist.

We think of Wayne Couzens, who raped and murdered Sarah Everard, and David Carrick, a Met officer who was a serial rapist. In its defence, the Met often pleads that, with 44,000 staff, there will be a small number with unwelcome attitudes.

The narrative blames a few bad apples, Nusrit writes  a term that undermines all those who have been the subject of misogyny, racism and homophobia within a system that has enabled and endorsed it. In reality, the orchard is crawling with maggots.

For 30 years, Nusrit found she had to work twice as hard as everyone else to earn the respect of her team  first for being a woman, and then for being a brown woman. Whenever she tried to apply for promotion, and for a new post within her new rank, she was nearly always told that someone else (usually a man) had been parachuted in, with no due process. Time and time again, she had to raise a grievance and insist things were done properly. This earned her great unpopularity: My card was marked, she writes. And sure enough, when she was applying to become a chief inspector, the male colleagues shed worked with for years blocked her.

Nusrit writes that the term 'a few bad apples undermines all those who have been the subject of misogyny, racism and homophobia within a system that has enabled and endorsed it'

Nusrit with her mother, who was intent on arranging her marriage while she was working for the Met

Having kicked up a fuss, she did get the job  and overheard a colleague saying, Youll never believe it. The Doris got the job. How did you let that happen? (Doris was slang for a woman.)

It was not just the men who were nasty. There was a female clique she describes as white women of privileged background, who told themselves they were backing diversity but were actually even more insidious than the men. Nusrit calls them the Mean Girls of the Met.

She hoped that under Cressida Dick this vileness would be stamped out, but it wasnt. Even when Nusrit was the most senior Asian woman in the police, she did not feel safe and protected but vulnerable and exposed.

She gives us memorable descriptions of what some of her jobs over the years entailed. As a decoy prostitute in Clubs and Vice, her job was to stand on street corners with a mic in her pocket, waiting for kerb crawlers to solicit sex from her. Quite something for a Muslim woman of strict religious upbringing to do. She refused to wear a skirt for this, and was dressed in jeans and a thick coat. Men had to suggest a sex act in return for payment to complete the offence, she explains.

She would arrive home after such shifts (she still lived with her mother) and find a prospective husband waiting in the sitting room with his parents  her mother was intent on arranging her marriage. Nusrit kept quiet to her prospective in-laws about what shed been doing. When they heard she was a police officer, most walked out. We dont want an independent girl. Lets go!

One night, Nusrit arrived home and recognised the prospective husband in the sitting room  hed been one of the kerb crawlers.

This angry memoir gathers momentum, and amounts to a devastating critique of the Met  who, all too often, are allowed to mark their own homework, perpetuating the rottenness at the core.
Early in 2021 Dru Hammer's world fell apart. The previous year her son, the actor Armie Hammer (star of Call Me by Your Name and The Social Network), and his wife Elizabeth Chambers announced their separation after ten years of marriage. The split seemed amicable. Throughout lockdown they had been quarantining with their two children, Harper Grace, then five, and Ford Douglas Armand, three, at the family house in the Cayman Islands with Armie's father Michael and stepmother Misty, and perhaps the pressure had been too much.

Then, in January 2021, women started coming forward with allegations against her son of illicit affairs, rape and cannibalistic fantasies. In March an accuser, Effie, said he'd committed rape 'and other acts of violence' during a four-year affair. She also published private messages purportedly written by Hammer, in which he allegedly said, among other things, 'I need to drink your blood,' and 'I am a 100% cannibal'. The comments circulated widely on social media. Texas business owner Courtney Vucekovich, who dated Armie after his divorce, claimed, 'He said to me he wants to break my rib and barbecue and eat it.' Paige Lorenze, who dated him for four months in 2020, said that he had branded his initial 'A' into her pubic area with a knife, bruised and sexually coerced her.

Before the fall: Dru and son Armie, New York, 2015

The claims forced Armie to renounce his role in the movie Shotgun Wedding, co-starring Jennifer Lopez, and a Godfather spin-off called The Offer, before filming was to begin in July 2021. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) began investigating the sexual assault allegations. Women's rights attorney Gloria Allred announced she was representing Effie, who has since identified herself as Efrosina Angelova. Soon after, Armie's agency WME dropped him and his final projects in the pipeline  Gaslit, The Billion Dollar Spy and The Minutes, a Broadway show, bit the dust.

Armie Hammer was cancelled.

'These young girls thought he was Mr Right, whereas he looked at them as Mrs Right Now'

'I call it the perfect storm,' says Dru carefully when we speak over Zoom. 'All of this unfolded during Covid when people were locked away in their homes and the feeding frenzy for new information was at an all-time high. Every day, more and more articles were published. Obviously, I am his mother. I would never say that Armie did everything right, because he didn't. Morally, he was wrong. But I do know my son was not out eating people. That I know. And Armie did not rape anybody. I knew that he was not morally right, but that was insanity.'

From the outset, Armie assured her he was innocent. 'He said, 'Mom, this whole rape accusation is nonsense,' recalls Dru. 'There were a couple of times where I was like, 'Well, if you won't talk [to the press], can I talk?' Because these girls had been in my home. And he was like, 'No, we're going to be silent, Mom. The truth always comes out.' I think, despite everything, he really handled it better than I would have.'

Dru is talking to me from Paradise Valley, Arizona, where she's staying with Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, the founders of ChildHelp.org, a nonprofit on whose board she sits, which runs a national child helpline in the US. On my screen she looks younger than her 62 years, wearing a pink camouflage turtleneck top and a denim jacket. Although much of our conversation is painful, she has a wry sense of humour, too. She's telling her story  and her account of a much larger set of scandals that surround the wider Hammer family  in her new autobiography, Hammered. It's a story that dates back many decades and involves everything from murder to political intrigue. For Dru, it began when she married Michael Hammer in 1985 at the age of 23.

A young Armie, Dallas, 1990

He was the eldest grandson of the billionaire oil tycoon Armand Hammer, known as 'Lenin's chosen capitalist'. Armand left Michael the vast majority of his $40 million fortune, but with the inheritance came a history of family cruelty, infidelity and abuse that still impacts Dru today.

The book is being published after the LAPD announced in May last year that it would not pursue charges of sexual assault due to the 'inability to prove a non-consensual, forcible sexual encounter'. Meanwhile, a photo of a bite mark Vucekovich claimed was Armie's turned out to have been taken from Pinterest.

But the damage to Armie's career was already done. In 2021, he checked into rehab for nearly six months, with his mentor Robert Downey Jr paying the bill. A year later, Armie was reported to be selling timeshare accommodation in the Caymans to make ends meet, the Hammer family fortune having apparently been squandered by Michael.

It's a steep fall. The actor had nudged his way into Hollywood playing Christian evangelist Billy Graham in the DVD-only film Billy: The Early Years. Cast subsequently by Mad Max director George Miller as Batman in Justice League: Mortal  a film that was aborted in 2008  he finally got his break in the much-praised The Social Network. With directors from Clint Eastwood to Guy Ritchie and Kenneth Branagh picking him for supporting roles, in 2018 there was talk of an Oscar nomination for his performance in Call Me By Your Name.

From left, Julian, Armand, Armie and Michael, Los Angeles, 1990

He has begun to give interviews since the allegations  one to the newsletter AirMail last year and another to the Painful Lessons podcast last month. In the first, he accepted he was emotionally abusive in relationships and admitted to a penchant for bondage and sado-masochism, which he attributed to being abused by a pastor at 13. In the second he denied the allegations about cannibalism. He said he 'didn't feel good' about his life before it crashed and burned. 'I never was in a place where I was happy with myself, where I had self-esteem,' he said.

Last week on the Piers Morgan Uncensored show on YouTube, the actor said 'no' when asked if had ever eaten human flesh, but admitted to 'awkward and clumsy' rape role play with Effie Angelova and to having scraped the letter 'A' into Paige Lorenze's pubic bone with a knife, adding, 'I mean, there wasn't even blood in the situation'. He told Morgan he was now broke and spoke in detail about the collapse of his marriage due to his infidelity.

'He called me when he landed in London and said he was on the way to Piers Morgan,' says Dru. 'He didn't seem nervous  he said my story is my story, he's not going to throw anyone under the bus. There are a lot of things he could have said that he has always refused to say and he has always been very cognisant of being very kind to the mother of his children. I'm really proud of him for giving his truth and not telling tales on anyone else. Let me tell you, I showed him my book where I said he was morally wrong and that the way he behaved is not the correct way to treat women and he did not ask for an edit. I love his frankness and honesty.'

His mother has no illusions about her son's behaviour but always believed he was innocent of any actual crimes. 'He was in the wrong,' she says. 'He was the older actor and they were younger. They were influencers on Instagram or whatever. Did he take advantage of them? Absolutely. He will say so himself. Did he do anything criminal? Absolutely not. He's been completely exonerated by the police.'

Armie with Timothee Chalamet in Call Me By Your Name, 2017

In autumn 2022, Gloria Allred dropped Effie as a client after she refused to sign an affidavit  a sworn statement admissible in court  which detailed her allegations. Text messages shared with the newsletter AirMail appear to show Effie pursuing Hammer and telling others, 'He is not dangerous. He didn't rape anyone.'

Dru recalls that one of Armie's accusers stayed with him in her home over Thanksgiving. 'She was a puppy dog around Armie, madly in love with him,' says Dru. 'She seemed very sweet. I think these young girls thought that he was Mr Right, whereas he looked at them as Mrs Right Now. When he was done with the girls, he cavalierly moved on. I watched my husband do the same to me after [27] years, so I know how it feels.

'Armie was not in a healthy spot. He was medicating, was not able to see his children. As a mother you hurt as much watching your son spiral, leaving a trail of young broken hearts and a young wife suffering. Elizabeth suffered the worst of us all with two young children, trying to survive the betrayal.'

Dru called her after the divorce had gone through in 2023 and said how sorry she was. 'I know the devastation of infidelity and divorce,' she told her. 'I just pray that if I have hurt you in any way, I'm asking you to forgive me. All I care about is you brought my grandchildren into this world and I will always love you for that. I want a relationship with my grandchildren.' Elizabeth has spoken of Armie being 'sober, healthy and happy. He's really present when he's with the kids, and that's all I can hope for.'

Dru tells me that she found the years of waiting for the LAPD verdict hard for many reasons. During that time, Armie's father, her ex-husband Michael, died of cancer and although their split had been painful, they had become friends in later years, and she'd visited him in hospital a few times before he passed. Then in 2022, a documentary, House of Hammer, was released on Discovery+, charting the bizarre tale of the Hammer dynasty, unpicking the controversies and scandal surrounding the family.

It revealed that in 1919, for instance, Armie's great-great-grandfather Dr Julius Hammer, a Russian Jewish communist living in the Bronx, performed an illegal abortion on the wife of a Russian diplomat. She died as a result, and he was sent to Sing Sing prison in New York state for manslaughter. His son Armand Hammer, Armie's great-grandfather and namesake, became a successful businessman, exporting agricultural paraphernalia and fertiliser to Russia, selling alcoholic ginger beer during Prohibition and taking over Occidental Petroleum, using deals in Libya to break the US hold on fixing oil prices. Armand was a serial philanderer who bugged his mistresses' cars, helped fund Nixon's attempts to cover up Watergate and, when his son Julian killed a man over gambling debts, paid out large sums of cash to get the charges dismissed.

With Elizabeth and their children, California, 2017

'When I met Dr Armand Hammer, I didn't even know enough to be intimidated by him,' says Dru with a small laugh. 'We didn't have Google back then. I walked into his home and there's Modiglianis [on the walls]. But what I did know is that they had everything, and they had nothing. I saw the dysfunction in Armand's only child, Julian, when we first met. I remember going to his house and there were rooms of pornography and pills, and he was an alcoholic. I didn't even know people like that existed, and certainly not in a family I'm marrying into.'

Dru grew up in a Christian household. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma where her father was a land developer and owned some local businesses, as well as being a pastor in a local church. Dru and her sisters, Lisa and Mel, had a 'Norman Rockwell'-style childhood with 'Christ in the centre'. The family were so devoted to forgiveness and repentance that, when her father discovered one of his business partners  a good friend  had been cheating him by fiddling the books, he took the man to lunch and asked him to forgive him for his anger.

The Hammer family, on the other hand, took dysfunction to a new level. Armand insisted his only son Julian and his grandchildren book appointments to see him. He left more or less everything to grandson Michael in his will, following his death in 1990 at the age of 92. Julian struggled with substance abuse and abused his own kids Michael, Casey and their half-sister Jan Ward, according to Casey, who told all in the House of Hammer documentary. While marriage to Michael meant Dru got to travel the world, meeting the likes of Princess Diana and Mikhail Gorbachev thanks to Armand's connections, she admits that if she'd had any sense of the family trauma, she would have done things very differently.

'Oh my gosh, I would cut off my left arm if I knew 40 years ago what I know now,' she says. 'Michael was abused as a child by his father. I didn't understand his deep-stemmed problems  trauma, feeling abandoned. He never spoke about it, so I thought everything was great. We should have been in Christian counselling where those things are brought out. I believe there were so many infidelities in our marriage because he was using those affairs to build up his self-esteem.'

From left: Dru, Viktor, Michael, Armand, Armie, Casey and Julian, 1989

When the two married in 1985, Michael converted to Christianity, and their children Armie and his younger brother Viktor were educated in Christian schools. The family spent a few years in the Cayman Islands, then moved to LA where the boys went to the private Los Angeles Baptist High School in the San Fernando Valley. Dru says Armie's life got a lot tougher there  he was bullied and, aged 13, sought haven in a Christian youth group where the pastor took him under his wing and befriended the family.

'We did not know he was grooming us,' Dru says. 'When we finally found out, Armie said, 'It's no big deal. Nothing happened.' My biggest regret is not being more proactive. A few years ago we learned things did happen with the youth pastor. When children are molested they are embarrassed and blame themselves, thinking they must have done something and that's why that happened. Armie should have been in years of counselling. I was thinking, 'He was so strong. He stopped it.' I'm so Pollyanna. As a child, when you're molested like that by a pastor, you tend to blame God, so you turn to other things, just like his father did.'

She believes that Armie has repented now, and repentance is crucial for Dru. Seven years into their marriage, Michael cheated on her but repented; at the time, she believed him to be sincere. Twenty years later, she discovered he was being unfaithful again. She fled to Aspen, only returning to LA when he begged her to come back for her birthday. They went out for dinner, he gave her a Hermes bag and beseeched her to come home. When she asked why he'd cheated, however, it was his casual reply  'it was fun'  that ended the marriage for her.

'There was repentance seven years in,' she explains. 'But that time, none. With Armie, I've watched him very closely. He got completely sober, which is a miracle. He went to rehab because he knew his drinking and infidelities were masking the pain of being molested. He had to lose everything that's important in order to come back to God.' She pauses and beams. 'And Armie's about to start working again. He wrote a script and has a few people interested. He's been offered another movie that he's excited about.' She smiles carefully. 'I'm not allowed to talk about it yet.'

How much responsibility does she take for her son's damaged upbringing? She tells me that, after she left Michael in 2012, his life was a whirl of women and illicit substances  wild ways that appealed to his two sons. 'I was not a bowl of cherries to be around after the divorce,' Dru admits. 'I was so devastated that they didn't want to come and see me but they'd go partying with their dad.' She regrets that her sons saw their father 'morally implode', but today she's proud of them both. Viktor, 36, is a securities broker at Morgan Stanley, based in South Carolina. Armie, now 37, she hopes might be on his way back into Hollywood, although he spends time in the Caymans where Elizabeth and his kids are. Dru lives in Palm Beach, Florida, so doesn't see them as much as she'd like but she talks to Armie a lot, and says he is the healthiest she's known him.

'A big theme of the book is forgiveness,' she concludes. 'If we don't forgive, it doesn't hurt the other person. Michael was having a ball whether I forgave him or not. The only thing anger would have done is make me bitter. But it's a process. That's the main thing I hope I get across  it takes time, but it's worth it.'

Hammered will be available on Amazon from Tuesday, 13.90. Profits from the book go to the Hammered Heart Foundation, which donates to organisations including childhelp.org and addiction charity dreamcenter.org. See druville.com for details
I started writing Comorbidities during one of the lockdowns. It was a short story about a couple of exhausted parents making a sex tape while their two young kids have a sleepover at Grannys. I also have two young kids and am an exhausted parent, but when I wrote it, Id never made a sex tape before and never seen one either. (Only one of those statements is now true; research needs, etc.)

I guess because of lockdown, the story was a double fantasy, the biggest being: imagine being able to send your kids to someone elses house! But also: imagine the intimacy you could rekindle with your partner in a childless house!

Of course, its definitely not about us, I told my boyfriend

In a house with two children under the age of five, even having vanilla sex  with the kids downstairs watching Paw Patrol  feels at worst transgressive and at best highly pressurised. Mummy, I want breakfast! I want breakfast! Breakfast!!!

Its a buzzkill, for sure.

So I wrote this funny little story of intimacy and relationships and the cluster of anxieties about rearing children in an internet-saturated world. I swear the sex-tape moment is no more than half a minute of the half-hour it takes to read the whole thing. It was fun to write and risque: parents werent meant to be either making sex tapes or writing about sex tapes. Eventually I put the story away in a drawer, perhaps embarrassed, thinking it would never see the light of day. But when I salvaged it one morning in a clear-out, I realised it had potential. I thought it spoke to the deadly slime of the internet, and also had infinite rich possibilities for connection. It felt contemporary and up-to-date and I worked on it further.

I didnt tell my boyfriend Id written it (definitely should have), then I didnt tell him Id entered it for the BBC National Short Story Award. But, six months later, I did have to tell him that a story Id written about a couple  a couple like us; yes, a couple like us who make a sex tape  had been shortlisted for the 15,000 prize.

Of course, its definitely not about us, I said to him, as he listened to the story for the first time when it was broadcast, alongside all the other shortlisted stories, at 3.30pm on a Monday, on Radio 4, to a million or so listeners.

Once again, we parked the kids in front of the TV and lay down on the bed, unmoving, listening to Charlotte Ritchie (from You, Ghosts and Call the Midwife) doing a brilliant rendition of my narrator: the mother-of-two trying to get her kink on in the sex-tape scene.

My parents were tuned in, as was the rest of my family, including my mother-in-law, who would  like the granny in the story  often rather generously take our kids off for a night at hers. I was cringing with embarrassment. Its never comfortable to write about sex; worse to think everyone else was listening in.

What did you think? I asked my boyfriend afterwards.

Naomi Wood: Im now recommitted to the idea that everything can and should be written about

It was great. He paused. I mean, you could have asked me before sending it in.

He was right. I should have. But Id had no idea it would get so far: as a fiction writer, I was used to sending my stories out and meeting a 98 per cent annual rejection rate.

I bumped into my friend M the day after the broadcast. She was off with me and I couldnt think why. Then I recalled that she came from a religious background, and it was at this point that I started to wonder if Id lost the plot. What was I doing broadcasting my imagined sex life to the nation?

Then, in September, I found out Id won the BBC award: a whopping 15,000. And, of course, what everyone wrote about was not the other themes of interracial marriage or climate-change anxiety, but Author Wins Prize for Sparkling Sex Tape Story. And thats when the weirdness started to snowball.

After picking up my award, I came home to Norwich flush with success and enough money to live on for half a year. This is Norwich, everythings cheap! I was chuffed.

But things were about to get tense, both in real life and online.

Congratulations, M texted me rather stiffly, but nothing else. The producer at the BBC said theyd had complaints: only a handful, but the books department was probably unused to receiving them. They didnt have a choice about what time the story had to be broadcast on Radio 4, because the slot was always 3.30pm. It was, admittedly, smack-bang in the middle of the school run. Even redacted, it was shaky ground  blow jobs got shrunk to BJs; an orgasm or two got thrown out; the protagonists milk-leaky breasts stayed in, which was a point of principle for me.

People started messaging me. A lot were nice: they loved the story, it spoke to the way creating intimacy with a partner during the midnight zone of early motherhood was close to impossible. But other people questioned how I could have written such a thing: as if parents having sex was the main problem! Others questioned the timing: Its lunchtime, you sick f***s! they wrote to me on X/Twitter. Posts on the internet forum Gransnet abounded, complaining of the lengthy and graphic description of oral sex  which actually did not even happen, because Im not that prurient.

Sexbots, attracted to my name from Author Wins Prize for Sparkling Sex Tape Story kept spamming me on X, asking if I wanted hook-ups with local Russian ladies in my area who were both single and frisky.

No, thank you.

Is it about you? Is it about you? Is it about you? almost everyone asked.

No, I said.

My boyfriend rejoined: We actually rarely have sex.

Im not sure that helped. And that wasnt strictly true anyway.

Things got worse. I kept texting M but received no reply. Eventually, she said she had started different shifts at work, but I knew it was because she didnt like the storys inner core. Are you upset about it? I asked.

Yes, she said.

And that was that.

In the months after winning the award, I wondered if Id done something wrong, offensive or obscene. But then it occurred to me that I should be writing things like this. Things about modern love and modern sex, and the difficulty of maintaining either, while the vast percentage of our lives as parents is spent in devotion to work or caring or sleeping  when we can get it.

So sexbots were now spamming me online, and I was forever attached to the phrase sex tape while the kids are at Grannys, and Id lost a friend, and Im probably causing more havoc by writing this, but it made me recommitted to the idea that everything can and should be written about, even if its halfway a product of my imagination.

As I continue my writing  a novel, this time  I think that might be a burning beacon to navigate by.

Naomis short story collection This Is Why We Cant Have Nice Things, which includes Comorbidities, is published by Phoenix, 16.99. To order a copy for 14.44 until 11 August, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 25.
In the coming weeks, hundreds of thousands of students will be heading off for their first year of university.

For many, managing their student loan will mark their first taste of financial independence.

This is big business for banks. So as the start of the academic year draws closer, they are once again battling it out to woo freshers and returning students alike into opening an account with them with a raft of new perks.

Battle of the student accounts: Banks are rolling out perks to students who open student current accounts ranging from 100 cash to big 0% interest overdrafts

Santander has launched a prize draw for new Edge Student current account holders, with 20 students being in with a chance to win 27,750 - three years' worth of tuition fees - and a further 30 set to win 9,250.

However the competition closes on 30 September, so those wanting to apply will need to be quick.

Meanwhile Nationwide is offering 100 cashback and 12 months of Just Eat vouchers worth 120 with its FlexStudent current account.

This is Money picks out some of the best bank account options for students heading to university.

Best overall student account

Santander Edge Student Current Account

Students who open Santander's current account by 30 September will have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win three years' worth of tuition fees.

It will hand out the top prize of 27,750, the equivalent of three years' worth of tuition fees, to 20 lucky students. Another 30 students will be in line to win 9,250, the equivalent of one year's fees.

Santander is also offering a free 16-25 railcard to students who sign up to its current account.

Normally, a railcard costs 30 a year or 70 for three years. Santander said the average 16-25 Railcard user saves 192 a year with the card.

Students can also get an arranged interest-free overdraft of 1,500 in years one to three of their studies.

Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts Compare, says: 'One of the most lucrative offers comes from Santander with its Railcard. But not only this, it is now putting on a prize draw where 20 students could win a big sum of cash to pay off an equivalent of three years of tuition fees.

'In addition, customers can sign up for Santander Boosts to receive cashback, vouchers, offers and prize draws from selected retailers, so along with the interest-free overdraft of 1,500 in years one to three, the Edge Student Account could then be an attractive choice overall.'

It is worth keeping in mind that any discounts need to be used frequently to maximise the benefits.

Best student accounts for overdraft

The most generous overdrafts this year come from NatWest, HSBC and Nationwide Building Society.

An arranged overdraft allows students to borrow money (up to an agreed limit) if there's no money left in their account.

Many student accounts allow students to go overdrawn by a certain amount without being charged interest on the borrowing.

They can be a useful emergency float if they're hit with an unexpected bill, for example.

How much of an overdraft a student will get after the first year of their studies depends on their credit record. They may need to ask for the increases at the end of the year, if it does not increase automatically.

NatWest Student Bank Account

NatWest's student bank account offers a 500 interest-free overdraft in the first term of the first year, which can increase to 2,000 in the second term of first year until the end of the second year. Students can apply for up to 3,250 interest-free from year three onwards.

Springall said: 'One of the most popular features of a student bank account is the interest-free overdraft. This year NatWest offers the most generous tariff and will also give applicants 100 in free cash and a Tastecard as sweeteners.'

HSBC Student Bank Account

HSBC's student bank account comes with a 1,000 interest-free overdraft in year one, which can increase to 2,000 in year two and up to 3,000 in years three and after.

Nationwide FlexStudent Bank Account

Nationwide's student bank account offers interest-free and fee-free arranged overdrafts to students of up to 3,000 by the third year.

Students can apply for an overdraft of up to 1,000 in their first year, up to 2,000 in their second year and up to 3,000 in their third year.

Students need to pay in at least 500 each term, keep up with any bill payments and stay within their arranged overdraft limit.

Significant savings: Santander says a railcard on average saves 16-25s around 192 every year

Best student accounts for free cash

Lloyds Bank Student Bank Account

Lloyds is offering a 110 cash bung to students who open a student current account before 31 October 2024.

Students must pay in 500 to the newly opened account before 31 October 2024. Lloyds will pay the 110 directly into the student bank account by 30 November.

Halifax Student Bank Account

Halifax is also offering 110 to students who open a student current account before 31 October 2024.

Students must pay in 500 to the newly opened account before 31 October 2024. Halifax will pay the 110 directly into the student bank account by 30 November.

Best student accounts for other freebies

NatWest Student Bank Account

NatWest is offering students an annual Tastecard valid for four years, worth 55 per year.

With this, students can get two meals for the price of one, 50 per cent off a food bill or 25 per cent off the entire bill at thousands of UK restaurants.

Nationwide FlexStudent Account

Nationwide's student account comes with 12 months of Just Eat vouchers worth 120.

The FlexStudent account is also one of the current accounts eligible for Nationwide's 100 fairer share payment.

Students who have this account and at least 100 worth of savings in a Nationwide savings account may be eligible for a 100 payment next year, if Nationwide decides to hand out the cash again.

TSB Student Bank Account

Students can earn 5 per cent interest on the first 500 in their bank account with TSB's student account.

No interest will be earned on balances above 500.
Oklahoma County residents now fear that rising houses prices and an extraordinary population boom is slowly turning Oklahoma City into the next San Francisco, a worldwide symbol of urban decay.

Soaring prices across the county have sparked a sudden surge in evictions as locals are driven out of their homes.

In fact, the Oklahoma County Assessor reported that the average house price has more than tripled since 2001, going from an average of $74,715 to $264,844 in 2023, an increase of 354 percent.

The spike is particularly dramatic in downtown Oklahoma City, where median home sales have more than doubled to $690,000 over the past decade while the rest of the state capitol saw values rise by half to just $200,000, according to a recent report by real estate tracking site Property Shark.

As homeless encampments have started to plague downtown streets, a resulting spate of vandalism is now occurring.

There are growing fears that an extraordinary population boom is turning the once 'hassle free' Oklahoma City into the next San Francisco, a worldwide symbol of urban decay

Soaring house prices have sparked a sudden surge in evictions as locals are driven out of their homes, sparking scenes reminiscent of the early days of the housing crisis in San Francisco, California, (above) before it spiraled out of control

The average house price in Oklahoma County has tripled since the turn of the century, from $74,715 to $264,844 in 2023, an increase of 354 percent

The disturbing trend is taking hold across America, with a number of once pristine red state cities struggling to cope with an influx of outsiders seeking refuge from crime-ridden Democrat states.

But the crisis has become so acute in Oklahoma City that local officials are warning it could soon turn into one of the doomed metropolises that many have left behind.

Gary Jones, Oklahoma City Metro Association of Realtors government affairs director, told DailyMail.com that its current trajectory is comparable to the start of the homeless epidemics that have devastated cities including San Francisco, New York and Washington D.C.

'If you talk to Oklahomans who've been here for a while, they will tell you that you can visibly see a difference,' he added.

The realtor said that 'folks panhandling at major intersections and in front of major retailers' was now a common sight, while homeless encampments had 'sprouted across the city' almost overnight.

Oklahoma City was one of 14 American metropolises that added more than 100,000 people between 2010 and 2020

Outsiders have been drawn in by the city's low unemployment rate and affordability

Anecdotally, growing desperation has led to a rise in some property crime, with a number of break-ins to vacant buildings as people try to find shelter, Jones said.

The housing crisis has caused a vicious cycle; seemingly, rising costs lead to more evictions lead to more homeless lead to more crime.

Oklahoma County saw 17,868 evictions filed in 2023. There were 8,602 judgments resulting in eviction, according to data from Shelterwell, a state housing group.

Now, around 1,4000 people in the city experience homelessness on any given night, with about 500 of them sleeping on the streets.

The city shut down two homeless encampments last year and is now planning to put $12.5 million toward tackling the crisis.

But the construction boom has been focused on the higher end of the market, causing prices to soar. Pictured: A 2,585-square-foot four-bed home in Oklahoma City listed for $375,000

Fewer affordable homes are being built, however, meaning rising prices have forced many onto the streets. Cyrus Whittaker, left, and Debbie Orca sit around a fire in the homeless camp where they live during record breaking cold and snow in Oklahoma City on February 16, 2021

Now, around 1,4000 people in the city experience homelessness on any given night. Pictured: A homeless women sitting on a curb in the street in Oklahoma City in 2019

'I know somebody here says, "We don't experience that in Oklahoma City",' he told a town hall on housing in November, referring to the scenes of squalor in San Francisco and elsewhere.

'Well, you know what, they didn't experience it either until they got the growth that they did.'

Oklahoma City was one of 14 American cities that added more than 100,000 people between 2010 and 2020.

Its population grew by a further 1 percent between 2022 and 2023, an increase of 7,589.

Local officials have warned that Oklahoma City's current trajectory is comparable to the start of the homeless epidemics that have devastated cities such as San Francisco (above)

Outsiders had been drawn in by the city's low unemployment rate and affordability.

In March, Forbes ranked it as the third best U.S. city to move to, saying residents 'can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.'

Increasingly, however, this is harder to attain.

Jones said the construction boom has been focused on high-end properties, with new stock out of reach for about 40 percent of Oklahomans.

This has created a squeeze at the lower end of the market - for homes worth between $100,000 to $150,000 - which are not profitable for developers.

It has meant more renters, soaring rental prices and, ultimately, evictions, Jones explained.

He added the crisis was being exacerbated by real estate investors from New York, California and Texas buying up developments and renting them out at higher than usual prices 'to turn a profit.'

It is a common trend across America. Pictured: Nashville's housing boom is forcing locals to sleep on the streets while wealthy newcomers snap up luxury apartments

Oklahoma City is not alone.

In May, DailyMail.com revealed that Nashville's housing boom is forcing locals to sleep on the streets while wealthy newcomers snap up luxury apartments.

Meanwhile, in the picturesque mountain city of Bozeman, Montana, sleek modern homes belonging to Californian arrivals stand cheek-to-jowl with RVs and tent encampments that house the city's poor Latino population that built them.

In some red states, the influx of money from liberal areas has riled up the locals.

Residents of Eagle, a small town in Idaho, have complained that hundreds of West Coasters were bringing 'liberal baggage' to their community.

And in Gallatin, a Nashville suburb, residents have started driving around with bumper stickers proclaiming 'Don't California My Tennessee' in protest against the influx of outsiders.

Jones' dire warning could ring alarm bells across America.
What would you do if you found a hidden camera recording your family's most intimate vacation moments? Many victims mistakenly only tell the vacation rental company, but you should call the cops.

The risks of not doing so are laid bare by a damaging new CNN investigation revealing Airbnb does not routinely inform law enforcement of hidden-camera incidents - even when children are involved.

The company is also accused of sharing details of complaints with hosts, which authorities say could injure criminal investigations because it gives suspects a chance to destroy incriminating evidence.

Tiny cameras are often concealed in ordinary household objects like clock radios, plugs, power outlets or mirrors. You can use your phone's camera to detect infrared signals emitted by the devices, or its flashlight to see telltale reflections, but it's challenging.

Law enforcement has recovered thousands of images and videos from hosts showing guests changing clothes, showering, and even having sex, leaving them terrified that the footage will be circulated online.

Pictured: A popular hiding spot for a hidden camera. Tiny cameras are often concealed in ordinary household objects like clock radios, plugs, power outlets or mirrors

Some Airbnb hosts have surreptitiously recorded their guests, with law enforcement recovering thousands of images and videos from hosts showing guests changing clothes, showering, and even having sex

CNN found Airbnb had created tens of thousands of customer support tickets about surveillance devices since 2013. While Airbnb claims many were innocuous, it remains unclear how many were serious incidents.

Airbnb's criteria for when it notifies law enforcement about hidden-camera complaints is also unclear.

The company tends to handle the complaints with arbitration and non-disclosure agreements - a policy that keeps many stories about recording incidents out of the public eye, CNN reported.

A. Jay Alle was an Airbnb 'superhost'- a position that affords a host greater recognition on the platform - when he was investigated for voyeurism after a couple spotted a hidden camera pointed at the bed.

Police obtained a search warrant and raided his cottage in Comfort, Texas, where they found more than 2,000 pictures of over 30 victims, including children.

In some instances, Alle had captured video of his guests having sex.

He was later charged with 15 counts of invasive visual recording and pleaded guilty to six of them.

It's imperative that Airbnb guests sweep the sites for hidden cameras, like the one featured here

In October 2021, detectives from the Kendall County Sheriff's Office notified Airbnb that the 'superhost' was being investigated.

Almost two months later, Alle's listing was still active on the platform.

'From a law enforcement perspective, if I tell you that Im investigating then you should stop hosting that individual on your site until the outcome of my investigation,' Lt. Butch Matjeka told CNN.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, an Airbnb spokesperson said: 'In 2024, Airbnb adopted a policy banning security cameras inside listings.'

The statement continues: 'Last year, far less than 0.1% of stays globally resulted in any type of safety report to us  let alone a report related to a security camera  and when we do receive an allegation, we take appropriate, swift action, which can include removing hosts and listings that violate the policy.'

'Airbnbs trust and safety policies lead the vacation rental industry, and include background checks on US-based hosts and guests.'

A. Jay Alle was an Airbnb 'superhost'- a position that affords a host greater recognition on the platform- when he was investigated for voyeurism

Airbnb has accrued thousands of customer-reported complaints regarding hidden cameras in bedrooms and bathrooms over the past decade

Given the dire situation, it's imperative that Airbnb guests sweep the sites for hidden cameras themselves.

And while finding these pernicious devices seems challenging, some measures make doing so far easier.

Despite the widespread impression that hidden cameras are usually highly sophisticated equipment, Joe LaSorsa, founder of a security consultancy firm, said this is not the case.

'Most people have a somewhat exaggerated sense of what a bug or video device is. They think its like the movies, where its extremely small and hidden behind something,' LaSorsa told the Washington Post.

'That takes a lot of sophistication, a lot of technology and a lot of resources,' he added.

LaSorsa continued: 'The overwhelming majority of stuff out there is going to be commercially available devices. People are going to buy them off Amazon, eBay, Alibaba.'

Given the dire situation, it's become imperative that Airbnb guests sweep the sites for hidden cameras themselves. An hidden camera at an Airbnb featured in a TikTok video

The military veteran and counterespionage expert urged guests to spend at least 30 minutes checking the property for hidden cameras.

He explained that all it takes to conduct a thorough sweep are a 'basic understanding of camera operations and a cellphone.'

'You can find 99 percent of devices with knowledge and awareness,' LaSorsa told The Washington Post, before adding, 'A cellphone can go a long way.'

To demonstrate his claim, the security expert used his cellphone flashlight to reveal a hidden camera in an alarm clock.

Sweeping the light over the face of the clock, LaSorsa noticed a faint glimmer within a small hole to the left of the time display.

'As I move the light around, its glistening at me,' he said. 'And when I hold the light right in front of it, you can see a lens right there.'

Two privacy experts made similar recommendations when they spoke with DailyMail.com.

Their suggestions included using apps on your smartphone to search for Wi-Fi-connected gadgets and using your phones infrared detector to sniff out hidden devices.

Shine a flashlight to find reflections of camera lenses

Turning off all the lights and using a flashlight can help to find the telltale reflections of camera lenses, said Chris Hauk, consumer privacy champion at Pixel Privacy.

Hauk said that while the room is dark you can also look for green or red LED lights - another telltale sign of a hidden camera.

Could a flashlight help you track down cameras in your Airbnb?

Hauk told DailyMail.com: One way is to turn off all of the lights in the room and use a flashlight to sweep the area, looking for any reflections of camera lenses.

Camera lenses will appear as blue flashes in the dark, Hauk said.

Use apps to root out hidden devices

Several dedicated apps, such as Fing, can help sniff out cameras connected to the Wi-Fi, said Brian Higgins, security specialist at Comparitech.

Apps such as Fing scan the Wi-Fi network and reveal details of all the connected devices - which can be a good first step towards finding hidden cameras.

Apps such as Fing can help to find devices lurking on the Wi-Fi network (Fing/Apple)

(Its worth noting, however, that this wont find cameras with a wired connection or cameras which are recording to an internal chip).

Higgins said: If you want to get technical, you can download a WiFi sniffer to see if anyone else is extracting data from your location.

Look out for strange Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth signals (use your phone to try to connect to devices in the area): these could be signs of recording devices.

Check for two-way mirrors

Chris Hauk, consumer privacy champion at Pixel Privacy

A classic place to conceal cameras is behind mirrors - and its also worth checking for two-way mirrors, said Hauk.

Hauk said: Look behind hanging mirrors for cameras.

If a mirror is bolted to the wall, turn off the lights and, hold a flashlight up to the mirror and scan its surface with it. If all you see is your flashlights reflection, the mirror is likely a traditional one-way mirror.

However, if you can see into an area behind the mirror, it is likely a two-way mirror, which can allow hidden cameras to record the area.'

Use your phones camera to spot infrared sensors

Cameras tend to use infrared light to capture images in darker rooms - and while you cant see infrared, your phones camera probably can.

Depending on your camera model, it might be either the front or rear-facing camera which can detect infrared.

Hauk said: To determine if it has that capability, open the camera app and aim a remote control at it (like the one that controls the television that is likely in the Airbnb rental), then press some of the buttons on the remote.

If you see a flash of purple or white light, the camera can detect infrared. You should then turn off all the lights in the room, and using the camera app, scan the room for any similar flashes that could be coming from a hidden camera.

In 2022, an Airbnb superhost, Peter Madden, pleaded guilty to seven counts of violation of privacy for recording five guests at his property in Maine.

Although Madden initially claimed that the camera - hidden in a clock radio that faced the guests' bed - was used for security purposes, he later confessed to recording guests engaged in sexual intercourse.

'There's stuff of a couple of couples playing around or getting changed,' he brazenly admitted to the authorities, according to a recording obtained by CNN.

'Are you a voyeur?' the shocked officer asked.

'I'm an artist,' Madden replied.

'I look at everything. I study everything.'
Residents of Ashburn, Virginia, home to an extraordinary 70 percent of the world's web traffic, are furious that the town's several data centers are ruining their neighborhood.

The six-square-mile town, with a population just over 45,000, sits in Loudon County, has become the epicenter of a raging battle to prevent the state's countryside from being swallowed up by the internet.

Virginia is currently home to the nation's largest data center market with 51 million square feet of the massive groupings of networked computer servers - and there is another 58.6 million planned.

Officials in nearby Culpeper County came up with a plan in 2021 to invite data centers into the area to meet the huge demand while safeguarding the landscape and residential appeal.

It approved plans to turn pasture land into its sixth data hub during a vote last week, leaving locals angry.

Millions of acres of American farmland are being lost to urban development but one state in particular is seeing its countryside destroyed by the internet

Virginia is home to the nation's largest data center market with 51 million square feet of data centers and there is another 58.6 million planned. Pictured: Equinix Data Center in Culpeper

The Culpeper County Board of Supervisors agreed to transform farmland into a data center that stretches across 1.5 million square feet.

They voted to approve the sprawling Red Ace Data Center campus by a tight 4-3 vote despite complaints from locals about potential noise, traffic, energy capacity and wells running dry.

'These data centers will definitely destroy the county,' resident Don Haight said, according to The Washington Post.

'We run the risk of losing what Culpeper is,' local Bob Sachs said.

The only resident who spoke in favor of the project was the man who sold his farm to the developers.

'When it comes down to it, its dirt,' he said. 'Its my right and my familys right to do whatever they feel with their dirt.'

However, Supervisor Gary Deal insisted that residents 'have to understand that we have to plan for the future.'

He pointed to how the data centers could provide more than $100 million a year in taxes, which is a third of the county's budget.

Economic development director Bryan Rothamel said: 'Overall, we like the picturesqueness of Culpeper.'

He said: 'Were going to see a lot of construction. Were going to see a lot of small businesses that are created in support of that  places to eat, places to shop.'

Rothamel promised that any future development projects in the area would be smaller.

Culpeper County has already approved a 116-acre data center that will have 2.2 million square feet of structures. It will need an electrical station nearby to power the 600-megawatt giant.

Culpeper County officials came up with a plan in 2021 to invite data centers into the area while safeguarding the landscape and residential appeal

Supervisor Gary Deal (pictured) pointed to how the data centers could provide more than $100 million a year in taxes, which is a third of the county's budget

The data center will border two others which span across 2.1 million square feet each and joins the site for another 2.4 million-foot center.

Meanwhile, in August, the Board of Supervisors will take another vote on a 4.6 million-square-foot data center six miles out of town in Brandy Station.

The Piedmont Environmental Council believes that Culpeper County has approved plans for 12 million square feet of data centers which is equivalent to 66 Walmart Supercenters.

But there are concerns over the 2.5 gigawatts of power these sites will need to run as it is more than 10 times the county's current electricity usage.

It will also put a heavy strain on the water supply as the plants will need be kept cool.

But only 500,000 of the approved 12 million square feet of data centers in Culpeper are operational.

The county does not have any plans for the increase in power consumption in the area.

Piedmont Environmental Council's Sarah Parmelee said: 'Whos driving this bus? Its this absolute lack of planning.'

More than 11 million acres of farmland and ranchland have been lost to urbanization, according to the American Farmland Trust.

Its president John Piotti said: 'Even though we were on a good trajectory for a while to have less cookie-cutter development and less suburban sprawl.

'I think were back in a place where it is almost as worrisome as it might have been 15 or 20 years ago.

'Some of the absolute best farmland we have is also the land thats most threatened.'

Solar fields to help power these sprawling centers will take up an additional 10 million acres of rural land over the next decade.

Prince William County approved a 23 million-square-foot data center last year, which would be the largest in the world.

While Orange County signed off data centers as part of its 2,600-acre rezoning and development plan called Wilderness Crossing.

Culpeper County approved plans to turn pasture land into its sixth data hub during a vote last week but residents are furious that these huge energy-draining machines are ruining the area they live in

The Piedmont Environmental Council believes that Culpeper County has approved plans for 12 million square feet of data centers which is equivalent to 66 Walmart Supercenters

It led to the National Trust for Historic Preservation putting its Civil War Battle of the Wilderness area on 'Americas 11 Most Endangered Historic places.'

Multiple large nuclear power plants will be needed to supply all the planned data centers in Northern Virginia with the required energy.

Nearby Rappahannock County has taken the stance of rejecting most development over the years.

Keir Whitson, vice chairman of the board of supervisors, said: 'I dont even want to talk about growth. Its not a word that should be in our active vocabulary.

'Culpeper is going the way of a lot of counties: People are moving there, and theyre having to chase additional revenues. Its just this Loudoun County-type cycle.'

And it is not only an issue in Virginia.

Big Tech companies are starting to make the move into Americas heartland.

Meta unveiled plans for a massive data center which will bring 1,000 jobs to a rural county in America's heartland.

The social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp intends to build the $800 million hub in Wyoming's Cheyenne.

The 715,000-square-foot center is scheduled to open by 2027, Cowboy State Daily reports.

At the peak of its construction the scheme, dubbed Project Cosmo, will generate 1,000 skilled construction jobs, its organizers said.

It is considered the largest ever investment in the tech sector and might explain why several energy companies are building solar farms nearby.

It is considered the largest ever investment in the tech sector and might explain why several energy companies are building solar farms nearby.

However, not everyone is thrilled about the prospect of more big tech in town.

Several neighbors previously expressed concerns about noise and traffic resulting from the build.

Social media giant Meta has unveiled plans for a massive data center which will bring 1,000 jobs to a rural county in America's heartland

Mark Zuckerberg's tech firm, which owns Facebook and WhatsApp, intends to build the $800 million hub in Wyoming 's Cheyenne

The 715,000 square foot center is scheduled to open by 2027. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., were at the unveiling of the plans

'Oh, hell no, we don't want it here,' local Rachel Riter said.

'We bought our house 18 years ago and we could look out the back of our house into somebody else's backyard, where cattle grazed. Nobody is happy about it.'

But Bradley Davis, Meta's director of data centers and economic development, said the company has tried to work with the community.

'In all of our data centers, we're committed to being a good neighbor, a member of the community and looking to make sure that whatever we're doing in our operations are not going to be a disturbance to anybody nearby,' he said.

The facility is designed to house network computers that will store, process and transmit data across the world.

Meta will join the likes of Microsoft and others in bringing a data center to Cheyenne.

It has so far refused to state how much electricity will be needed to power the facility.

However, a similar sized center in Odense, Denmark used 517,718 megawatts of energy in 2022. Cheyenne runs on about 43,800 megawatts per year.

Another threat to the rural towns in America are distribution centers for major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Shippensburg in Pennsylvania, with its endless acres of farmland, is seemingly the perfect location for huge warehouses.

It is at most a day's drive away from one-third of the US population and half of Canada's, making it the ideal delivery truck epicenter.

Many farmers who owned the land companies wanted to build on were unable to refuse the bags of cash they were offered to sell up, Bloomberg reported. But this has led to tension among locals.

Some residents acknowledge the presence of industry titans has led to a boom in jobs.

Aerial shot of farmland surrounding Shippensburg during late fall

The Volvo Construction Equipment manufacturing facility in Shippensburg

Others are furious at the farmers for 'selling out' and forever changing the idyllic character of the town they grew up in, with farms destroyed for warehouses and hills flattened for parking lots.

The job growth is hard to argue with after dozens of big name corporations opened warehouses in the Shippensburg area.

Procter & Gamble, which owns Charmin, Crest, Gillette and Pampers, was one of the first to do so in 2014, followed by Amazon.com, DHL, FedEx, Home Depot, Kohler, Lowe's, Office Depot, Pepsi, SC Johnson, Staples, Target, Ulta Beauty, Unilever and UPS, among many others.

Shippensburg isn't the only town in the state that's being overhauled in order to keep up with the nation's massive consumption.

In fact, Pennsylvania has added more than 170 million square feet of warehouse space in the last 10 years, double the amount of office space in San Francisco.

What's happening in Shippensburg is similar to what's already happened to California's Inland Empire, which used to be a major center of agriculture.

Now, this area of southern California is the nation's warehouse capital, home to Amazon and Walmart facilities.
A European migrant crisis followed by a viral hijab sex scene from the most-viewed porn star in the world became the recipe for the sick phenomenon that is refugee pornography.

Since 2015, when Angela Merkel threw open Europe's doors, the genre, born from the heartache of helpless women fleeing persecution and warzones has become virulent in Germany and across other European destinations.

The influx of migrants across Europe has resulted in a rising demand for refugee porn as conflict continues to consume globe - but most notably, the Middle East.

Searches for 'Muslim' women and 'refugees' across well-known porn sites have spiked in popularity over the last decade, often showing refugee women, or adult film actresses depicting refugee women being subjected to humiliation and often dominated by their male counterparts.

And because of this twisted peak in interest, and a scandal that followed one of the biggest names in porn - Mia Khalifa - to the end of the Lebanese actress's career, the trend in migrant sex videos doesn't seem to be on its way out any time soon.

Here, MailOnline looks at the new desire for a porn category, in which defenceless migrants become the subject of warped sexual fantasies.

Migrant porn spiked in popularity after the 2015 migrant crisis that erupted across Europe and when former Lebanese porn star Mia Khalifa was spotted in a a pornographic video wearing a religious Islamic hijab

Searches for 'Muslim' women and 'refugees' across well-known porn sites have spiked in popularity over the last decade. Pictured: Migrant women fleeing Libya for Italy

Mia Khalifa quickly became the most-searched adult-film star on the planet following a pornographic video showing her wearing a hijab

THE RISE OF THE GENRE

The accessibility to porn in the modern age is unlike any level seen before.

This ease has resulted in the intermingling of explicit adult content, popular culture, current affairs, politics, and social issues - and migrants are no exception.

A growing number of pornographic films feature plots and characters pertaining to current news themes and world figures, meaning while war and conflict erupts across the planet, there is more inspiration for perverse sex films.

The genre revolves around exoticisation, submission, and a fetish for seducing, conquering, and dominating a powerless foreign woman.

Speaking to MailOnline, sex scientist and cultural anthropologist Jakob Pastotter said: 'The common themes we see in this genre is migrant women needing money and work in exchange for sex.

'This is down to a power issue, that's what viewers are attracted to.

'In migrant porn, there is no such thing as a strong women, they just whimper like little cats.

'And most Western men are used to powerful women in reality, but the migrant theme gives them the ability to feel powerful, it gives them a sense of superiority'.

The steep increase in the demand for refugee porn was kickstarted when migration to Europe from the Middle East and Africa hit record-high figures.

A staggering 1.3million migrants applied for asylum in Germany in 2015 after Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor, decided to open the borders into the country despite an EU regulation restricting migrants' rights to claim asylum in the EU member state they first set foot in.

Following her move which was met with fierce criticism, specialist film companies were set up in Germany that only created refugee and hijab porn content.

Pictured: A refugee woman crying during her arrival at the main railway station on September 13, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Hundreds of refugees, mainly from Syria and Iraq, arrived in Germany after Hungary opened its borders for them to travel into Germany

Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, opened her borders in 2015, sparking a migrant crisis that saw 1.3million migrants applying for asylum in the country

Pictured: A young refugee woman carrying a baby stands at the platform at the railway station in Berlin Schoenefeld on September 13, 2015. Around 700 migrants were sent from Munich as the Bavarian city was at the limit of its capacity to welcome refugees arriving in Germany

'There was already an audience for exotic women in porn, and when Merkel opened the borders and caused the migrant crisis of 2015, this just boosted it,' Pastotter added.

Google Trends data from 2015 to 2024 reveals the disturbing truth around the interest in refugee porn over time.

The search term 'Refugee porn' has peaked some 18 times since June 1, 2015, and most notably in February 2018, October 2020, and June 2023.

It has also been reported there was also a surge in searches in the UK shortly before the Brexit vote in June 2016 and during the election in the summer of 2017.

And in an effort to cater to the growing desire of migrant porn, it was revealed in research published by German newspaper Zeit that a video made in 2003 was newly uploaded in 2017 with keywords 'refugee' and 'Syrian' in the caption.

The film showed a white man having sex with a woman wearing a headscarf.

The majority of these titles depict female protagonists in subjugated roles, who are often made to look like they have Middle Eastern origins.

In explicit scenes the women - who are often seen wearing a religious Islamic head covering - are often shown to be sexually dominated by a white man.

The headscarf - a hijab - is frequently fetishised as a symbol representing female migrants as a whole and is usually kept on in scenes even if all other garments are removed.

Some refugee porn also feature the Arabic language as part of their scripted narratives as a way of further pushing the image of female migrants as mysterious, out-of-place objects of sexual desire.

Also taking into consideration the fact that sexual exploitation, rape, violence, trafficking, slavery, and prostitution are recurrent themes in the journeys of many migrants tying to reach Europe, the issues surrounding the rise in demand for refugee porn deepens.

In reality, women are abused and taken advantage of by smugglers and traffickers as a form of payment for their services as many refugees are unable to speak the local language, lack proper documentation and are desperately trying to survive.

Defenceless women travelling alone are often forced to perform sex acts in order to fund their survival and are at times brutally raped as punishment or as payment.

Their oppressors also frequently use physical and sexual abuse to demand more money than originally agreed upon for their smuggling services, and their abuse can be recorded and distributed as porn.

Alternatively, these events are used as the inspiration behind the sick migrant porn genre that capitalises on the heartbreaking and exploitative situations by selling them as graphic fantasy.

'It's all about the power imbalance,' Pastotter added.

'Men don't want to watch something tender and sensual, they want aggression and violence and migrants carry the idea that women are already here and are just free as objects to use'.

MIA KHALIFA'S HIJAB SCANDAL

In 2014, a whirlwind scandal revolving Lebanese former porn star Mia Khalifa, 31, broke the internet and catapulted her to international stardom after she was spotted in a sex video wearing a hijab.

It was a moment that would go on to dominate adult film sites for years and spark beheading threats from Islamic State supporters.

Mia quickly became the most-searched adult-film star on the planet following the pornographic video, which she claims was the idea of film producers.

Former porn actress Mia Khalifa was sent death threats by Islamic terror group ISIS following the release of the porn film she wore a hijab in

Following the hijab film, videos began appearing on x-rated sites with false labels including 'Syrian Refugee Mia Khalifa in Her First-Ever Porn Shoot'

She revealed in an interview with YouTube star Anthony Padilla in 2020 that she did not know what the contents of the film they would be shooting that day were.

When asked about the reactions following the release of the video, Mia explained she had received death threats from 'people who were so mad at me for putting on a hijab and making Muslims look bad'.

After having worked with the adult company BangBros for a few weeks when news of the death threats broke, the former porn star realised she had become involved in an industry that requested her to make more 'controversial' and 'Middle Eastern' content.

Mia quickly became known as 'The Hijab Pornstar' with the video having racked up 37.5million views as of 2024.

According to InfoMigrants, the majority of these views originated from the US, with the UK in second place, and Germany in sixth.

Many women came forward following the scandal to claim that the video was not an accurate representation of Muslim sex, and therefore had ulterior motives.

A 2015 report by MuslimGirl - a magazine for young Muslim women - explained that the scarf on the head of a naked body served just one purpose - to be used as a tool to explicate the Muslim-ness of the woman in the video.

'The brown woman has no voice or real identity, she just symbolises something 'other' to be conquered,' it said.

'Mia Khalifa was groundbreaking when it comes to the success of migrant porn,' Pastotter said.

'She was exotic and different, and when she wore the hijab she was breaking a taboo.'

Following the hijab film, videos began appearing on x-rated sites with labels including 'Syrian Refugee Mia Khalifa in Her First-Ever Porn Shoot'.

These false titles were uploaded to enhance the attractiveness of the video as it then contained two of the biggest porn subjects in the world at the time - Mia Khalifa and refugees.

The sex scientist explained that the hijab is a 'very strong anchor in the Western mind to show inferiority,' therefore catering to the desires of those who go out of their way to access porn that shows a clear power imbalance between the female porn star and her male counterpart.

'Porn is not about attraction, it is about disgust and that's why migrant porn is so wildly popular,' he said.

'It shows aggression, violence, inferiority of others, superiority of your own and it breaks taboos'.
Anjem Choudhary faces years living alone in a 8ft by 5ft cell inside a 'jail within a jail' reserved for the most radical and dangerous terrorists.

The hate preacher, 57, who is facing a life sentence after being found guilty of directing terror group Al-Muhajiroun, is likely to be kept in a specialist 'separation centre' - where he will be banned from speaking to any regular prisoners.

Tenuously likened by critics to the Camp X-Ray detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, they include cells with sound-blocking glass 'bafflers' to prevent their highly dangerous residents from radicalising inmates on other wings.

There are currently two of the facilities in operation at high-security prisons HMP Frankland in County Durham and HMP Full Sutton in Yorkshire, both housing roughly nine prisoners each.

Ian Acheson, who called for the creation of separation centres in a 2016 review of Islamic extremism in prisons, told MailOnline he expects Choudhary to first be moved into a segregation unit pending an assessment with input from MI5.

The separation centre at HMP Frankland is located along a narrow corridor, described by inspectors as 'small and cramped'

The cells measure 8ft by 5ft cell and contain a single bed, a thin blue mattress, a toilet, a sink and a wooden table

Anjem Choudhary faces life in jail after being found guilty of directing terror group Al-Muhajiroun

The former prison governor said Choudhary 'absolutely qualifies' as the kind of inmate who should be kept in a separation centre and expects that he will be.

The facility at HMP Frankland - dubbed 'Monster Mansion' due to the many convicted murderers, rapists and terrorists imprisoned there - was said in 2021 to contain Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bomb plotter.

Frankland is also thought to house Lee Rigby's killer Michael Adebolajo, who he has been accused of helping to radicalise, but it is not clear if he is housed in the separation centre.

The facility is located along a narrow corridor, described by inspectors as 'small and cramped', lined by cells containing a single bed, a thin blue mattress, a toilet, a sink and a wooden table.

Phone calls are monitored by a team of expert staff, while daily exercise takes place in a small 15ft by 25ft yard caged yard with a covered roof to prevent any attempt at escape by helicopter.

Inmates can also be accompanied to the main prison gym.

While the facility is stark, it is meticulously clean and conditions are far from harsh.

Prisoners can order ingredients and cook their own meals in a separate food prep area using plastic utensils that must be booked out and returned clean after use.

There is also a TV room featuring a pool table and bookshelf, which during a 2022 visit by the Mail included fantasy novel, Soul Of The Fire by Terry Goodkind, a number of books by Ted Dekker, who has written Christian mystery thrillers, and the non-fiction work Tea With Hezbollah, about his attempts to better understand the Middle East.

The terrorists enjoy the same benefits as regular inmates, including fortnightly visits and CDs or games consoles for those with privileges. Psychologists and imams regularly visit in an effort to push them away from violent extremism.

Inmates can mix with each other on the wing but are allowed no access to the rest of the population, which at Frankland is believed to include Ian Huntley, Wayne Couzens and Levi Bellfield.

Prisoners are allowed one hour and 45 minutes out of their cells from Monday to Thursday and longer if they agreed to take part in education, according to an official inspection in 2022.

This increased to three hours on Fridays and five on weekends, and anyone wanting to exercise could be accompanied to the main prison gym.

Another view of the separation centre at HMP Frankland, a Category A prison in County Durham

There was another separation centre at HMP Woodhill (pictured) but it is currently closed

A typical cell inside the unit at Woodhill, as pictured in a 2022 inspection

Mr Acheson said the main purpose behind separation centres was to restrict any communication that encourages terrorism.

'I expect that there will be intensive surveillance of prisoners at all times using physical and human security that will be equal to if not more than restrictions placed on exceptional risk Category A prisoners who aren't in prison for terrorism connected offences,' he said.

'Letters will be monitored and visitors will be tightly vetted. Movements on and off the units will be severely limited and a multi-disciplinary team will constantly manage risk.

A police officer was left in a fatal condition after being stabbed in the chest at the prison on Monday, although on Wednesday he was said to be stable.

'If Choudary goes to Frankland - and that's not certain - the Governor will already be dealing with what looks like a serious breach of security,' Mr Acheson said.

'Wherever he goes he has demonstrated an unrepentant desire to spread hate and foment violence against the state. The risk has moved from the community to the prison system.

'We must do all we can to ensure his ''rock star'' reputation amongst other jihadis cannot mobilise more young men to violence.'

Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said in a 2022 inspection that the separation centre at Frankland was 'well maintained' and reported there had been no incidents of self harm in the year before his visit.

He added that there had been one recorded act of violence at one of the centres since they were introduced  a serious assault against a member of staff.

The facility at HMP Frankland was said in 2021 to contain Hashem Abedi, the Manchester Arena bomb plotter

Frankland is also thought to house Lee Rigby 's killer Michael Adebolajo , who he has been accused of helping to radicalise, but it is not clear if he is housed in the separation centre

An exterior view of HMP Frankland, where a police officer was stabbed earlier this week

There were originally three centres with capacity for 28 inmates but the one at HMP Woodhill is currently closed.

The Ministry of Justice refused to confirm how many are currently being housed in the centres 'for security reasons', although when Mr Taylor visited Frankland it housed nine people.

Choudhary is facing life in jail after he was found guilty of directing a terrorist organisation following an unprecedented joint investigation by MI5, Scotland Yard, the NYPD and Canadian police.

He was released early from a five-year sentence for inviting support for ISIS in October 2018 but his licence conditions prevented him from using the internet until July 2021.

Within days of the conditions expiring, he began issuing press releases on WhatsApp and Telegram promoting the proscribed terror group Al-Muhajiroun.

In a year he delivered more than 40 lectures, some to a small, selected circle but others with an audience of up to 150 from as far away as Brazil and Afghanistan.

Choudary has been linked to numerous terrorists including Khuram Butt, the leader of the London Bridge attacks

During his trial Choudary admitted that he had performed Michael Adebolajo's wedding ceremony and had been present when he converted to Islam.
EXCLUSIVE

When young healthcare worker Loubna Yousif prepared to walk down the aisle to the man of her dreams - lawyer Maurice Hawell - she had no idea that, just two months earlier, he had been involved in the gang rape of three teenage girls.

Known to her friends as Lulu, Ms Yousif had ordered a beautiful, hand-beaded, embroidered 'princess' gown by Steven Khalil, a bouquet of perfect white roses, and a white Rolls-Royce Ghost to travel in.

But behind the glitzy wedding party - held at a $2.5million home in south-west Sydney and featuring a convoy of luxury cars including a $500,000 McLaren 720S convertible - lurked a terrible secret.

By Ms Yousif and Maurice's wedding day, Detective Sergeant Michael Keegan and NSW Police were already a month into a serious investigation into the violation of three teenage girls just 36 days prior to the nuptials.

The girls - two aged 18, one 19 - were raped over a Friday and Saturday night during the groom's bucks party celebrations at an Airbnb in Newcastle, about two hours' drive north of Sydney.

A NSW District Court jury earlier this month found Hawell, 30, his brother Marius, 22, and Andrew David, 30, guilty of charges relating to the assaults - and all of them guilty of aggravated sexual assault.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting Loubna Yousif, or anyone in their wedding party, knew anything of the rapes.

Loubna Yousif (above on her wedding day) with new husband Maurice Hawell, whom she was unaware was a gang rapist who had assaulted teens on his bucks night before the nuptials

Loubna's fairytale romance and marriage to Maurice has now turned into a nightmare after he was convicted of gang rape and faces years in prison

The events of that bucks party weekend were a far cry from the celebrations of Hawell and Ms Yousif's wedding, with the Hawell family's five-bedroom mansion decked out with massive garlands of white flowers in April 2022.

One party involved in the wedding posted to social media: 'Maurice and Loubna's love story unfolded over the weekend and we shared some splendid moments together!

'A highlight of our day was witnessing this bridal party's love for the bride and groom. It is a blessing in itself and to capture it is something we will always cherish.'

Airbnb rapes

On Friday, February 25, 2022, nine men in total, travelled to a unit on Parry Street, Newcastle, for the bucks weekend.

Within 24 hours, the Hawell brothers and friend Andrew David had committed a series of sex attacks on the young women.

After checking into the three-bedroom Airbnb apartment on the Friday evening, some of them headed out to the nearby Cambridge Hotel.

At the pub one of the group, 'Matt', met Miss A and her 18-year-old friend Miss B, who had joined four other mates at the Hunter Street venue.

Matt is not accused of any wrongdoing, and Miss A would later testify in court that she had kissed him and he bought her a can of Smirnoff Double Black vodka and citrus-flavoured soda.

Prosecutors would say that although Miss A did not know the names of any of Matt's friends, he was at the pub with the Hawells and David.

Miss A hit the dance floor and took an ecstasy cap, her second of the evening.

'I was just on the dance floor with friends, dancing, singing, having a good time,' Miss A told NSW District Court last month. Then Matt invited her back to the Parry Street apartment.

On the big day, the bride and groom travelled in a white Rolls-Royce Ghost, with the wedding party in Mercedes four-wheel drives and a $500,000 McLaren 720S convertible (above, outside Maurice's mansion)

Hawell and Yousif have now been married for more than two years but she faces many years being a 'prison widow' as he awaits his fate behind bars

Miss A agreed, but only if her friend Miss B came along 'as I didn't want to go alone'.

Maurice Hawell had asked Miss B about the same time if she wanted to go back to the Airbnb.

Miss A, who had consumed a third Smirnoff on top of two cans of rum and Coke, 'was starting to slur my words but I still felt in control' when they left the hotel.

Once inside the apartment, Miss B went into a bedroom with a man the Crown says was Maurice Hawell and Miss A went into a bedroom with Matt.

Miss A and Matt had sex and then, she said, Maurice Hawell walked into the room naked and asked if he could join in, saying: 'I'm a better root than Matt.'

Miss A said no. Maurice Hawell had already had consensual sex with Miss B, who had also had consensual sex with Andrew David, but the two women then discussed 'feeling uncomfortable'.

One of the bedrooms in the Newcastle Airbnb where the teens were raped by Maurice Hawell, his brother and friend Andrew David over two nights

They went into a darkened bedroom to retrieve their phones and Miss A said 'I just felt a swarm of people around me'. Miss A said she was shoved backwards onto a bed. 'My shirt was untied and my skirt was pulled up,' she said.

Miss A said she was then subjected to a series of sexual assaults by three men who she could not identify but police said they were the Hawell brothers and David.

One of the teens said she was forced to engage in penetrative sex with a man she couldn't see while another man knelt on her arms and thrust his penis into her mouth.

The pair passed three naked men in the kitchen as they made their escape from the premises.

The following night, groom-to-be Maurice Hawell approached a 19-year-old woman on the street and persuaded her to come back to the rented Airbnb for pre-drinks - but instead ushered her into a bedroom.

The court heard that the trio of the two Hawell brothers and David gang raped the young woman inside a dark room that Saturday night.

The court heard that the teen was 'sobbing' and put on her underwear back-to-front in her haste to flee the apartment.

Dark secret

The bucks party ended on the Sunday, with the men returning from Newcastle to Sydney. Some time after this, one of the women reported the assaults to police.

Miss A said she did not go to the police until they contacted her on March 8, about two weeks after the alleged rapes.

Meanwhile, in south-western Sydney, Maurice Hawell and Loubna Yousif were tying down the final details of their approaching wedding.

Andrew David was also planning to get married a few months later. On the weekend of April 2, the couple were married, with 'such a beautiful group of people around you'.

On May 6, 2022, police arrested Maurice Hawell and charged him with eight counts of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count each of aggravated sexually touching another person and attempted aggravated sexual assault in company.

In early June, police went to Andrew David's plush $3million family mansion, set on two acres of ground on the semi-rural outskirts of Horsley Park in Sydney's west, and arrested the civil engineer.

Police charged David with the same offences as they had Maurice Hawell. On June 14, they arrested Marius Hawell.

He was charged with six counts of aggravated sexual assault in company and one count each of aggravated sexually touching another person and attempted aggravated sexual assault in company.

Loubna Yousif accompanies her husband Maurice Hawell to his rape trial last month. He has now been convicted and is behind bars awaiting sentencing

The mansion where the couple held their wedding reception has now been sold and Ms Yousif has moved to a more modest abode amid big changes in her life

David's wedding planned for June 18, 2022, had to be changed due to possible witnesses in any forthcoming rape trial being on the guest list.

As far as Maurice Hawell's friends, family and his young bride went, the cat was now out of the bag.

In October of that year, the Edensor Park mansions was sold. The couple moved into a more modest house in Bossley Park.

The accused men were all granted bail and entered pleas of not guilty at Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on August 11, 2023.

The trial was set down to begin in June this year, with the accused men each engaging separate barristers to defend them and claiming the sex was consensual.

Ms Yousif showed her support for her husband by accompanying him to court on several days of hearings, clearly hoping for him to be found not guilty.

Maurice Hawell's co-offenders, Andrew David (left) and younger brother Marius Hawell (right), are all in jail awaiting sentencing for gang rape

Maurice Hawell and David maintained that all sexual activity was consensual, while Marius Hawell claimed he did not participate in any of the sexual incidents.

But on Monday, July 15, a jury of eight men and four women reached verdicts on the majority of the charges, and the offenders were immediately taken into custody.

Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the final remaining count of aggravated sexual assault in company against all three men.

The men will be sentenced in September, but if Loubna Yousif is still supporting her husband and visiting him jail, she will have to adjust to years of being a prison wife.

NCA Newswire reported that Maurice Hawell has already asked his legal team to appeal his guilty verdict,

The notorious Skaf gang rapes in the year 2000 were a benchmark in sentencing, with nine men receiving a combined total of 240 years prison, although most sentences were reduced on appeal.

But for now, instead of the fairytale romance she should have reasonably expected, Ms Yousif will see her convicted rapist husband, dressed in his prison greens, in a cramped jail visiting room each week.

He will be locked up daily from around 3pm to 8am with his jail dinner and breakfast pack, and allowed six-minute calls to his wife or family.
The sun had not yet risen when a desperate call came into Ashland County's 911 dispatch center in northeast Ohio.

After a long silence, there was a whisper: 'I've been abducted.'

In a voice so quiet it was barely audible, a woman said she was lying in bed next to her kidnapper.

'He's got a Taser,' she breathed. 'Please hurry!'

He had fallen asleep, and she had swiped his cell phone off a nightstand.

The terrified victim knew she was being held in one of two yellow houses across from a downtown laundromat.

Inside the house, face down in the ground floor bedroom was her rapist. 'Get up! Put your hands behind your back!' shouted the officer taking Grate into custody. Pictured (right): Shawn Grate.

The terrified victim knew she was being held in one of two yellow houses across from a downtown laundromat.

'Who abducted you?' the 911 operator asked.

Straining to hear, the dispatcher was able to make out a name: Shawn Grate.

Three officers were dispatched. They quietly circled the buildings, peering in windows. There was no sign of anyone.

As they were ready to head back to their cruisers, one of the cops retried a rear door.

Reaching for the doorknob, his heart skipped a beat.

A woman's outstretched hand pressed flat against the windowpane.

They'd found her  the victim that investigators would identify as Jane Doe.

The slender brunette in her mid-to-late thirties was completely nude. There was extensive bruising on her legs. A restraint hung from her arm.

Inside the house, face down in the ground floor bedroom was her rapist.

'Get up! Put your hands behind your back!' shouted the officer taking Grate into custody.

No one could have known at the time  that what appeared to be an isolated kidnapping and rape would soon unfold to reveal the most heinous serial killings that Ashland had ever seen.

Grate was sitting shackled in an interrogation room when I first saw him.

Unremarkable beyond being unshaven and unclean, his light brown hair was a tousled mess.

He was bare-chested, barefoot, and muscular. His most outstanding feature was his piercing blue eyes.

As a detective, I'd dealt with individuals like him in the past. It was my job to get him to admit what he had done by convincing him that this was a chance to explain himself.

In 33 hours of interrogation over a period of eight days, Kim Mager (pictured) secured Grate's confession to five murders, kidnappings, and multiple sexual assaults of women across Ohio.

I suspected Grate(pictured center) might be involved in the disappearance of two other women - Elizabeth Griffith and Stacey Stanley Hicks.

Grate was sitting shackled in an interrogation room when I first saw him. Unremarkable beyond being unshaven and unclean, his light brown hair was a tousled mess.

First, I had to gain his trust.

'We're going to get these cuffs off you,' I said.

He had the potential to be dangerous. I was taking a calculated risk. But rarely had I ever secured a confession from a handcuffed suspect.

'Are you doing OK?' I asked.

'It's hard,' Grate replied.

'Can we get you something to drink?'

'I'd like some coffee, whenever.'

As Grate recited his order (cream and sugar), I thought I saw tears welling in his eyes.

'All right, bud, all right,' I said in a soft voice, eager to forge a connection. 'We're going through a lot, OK. A whole lot.'

He started to talk.

Grate claimed his troubles began when his mother abandoned him and his older brother when they were 11 and 13.

Within hours, Grate admitted to kidnapping Elizabeth Griffith. He told me that she was in a closet in an upstairs bedroom of the house where Jane Doe had been rescued.

'I come home from school, and she's gone,' he said. 'But I don't blame her, I don't. I used to, but '

'I'm sorry,' I told him.

As my interrogation moved into its second hour, he opened up more about his dysfunctional childhood, abandonment by his mother and later his father.

Eventually, he confessed to the abduction and rape Jane Doe. But my job wasn't over.

I suspected Grate might be involved in the disappearance of two other women - Elizabeth Griffith and Stacey Stanley Hicks.

Time was of the essence.

We could only speculate what their conditions may be.

If we were lucky, we'd find them alive.

'I want to talk a little bit about some other stuff,' I told Grate.

It was my way of setting the stage for a change of topic, as our conversation moved into the second hour.

'Shawn, you want to be a stand-up guy. You try to be one. So, right now, I want to talk about some other things we are digging into.

'We can't find Elizabeth,' I said.

The mention of her name provoked an immediate response and Grate refused to look at me.

'Hey, look at me,' I appealed. 'I need your help. I'm not here to judge you. I'm going to ask for your help here.

'Can you help me?'

At that moment, he locked eyes with me, I had him.

Several of these strange apparatuses were later found in other rooms of the house. As our investigation widened, more would turn up in trailers and campsites around the area.

A strange array of clothing hung from nails and stretched from floor to ceiling in a corner of the room. Beneath the strange mosaic was a pile of dozens of stuffed animals.

Within hours, Grate admitted to kidnapping Elizabeth Griffith. He told me that she was in a closet in an upstairs bedroom of the house where Jane Doe had been rescued.

'[But] there is no closet in the upstairs bedroom,' said an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's agent, who had joined the investigation.

We'd have to go back.

When police and BCI agents re-entered the house, the air inside was stale.

All the windows were shut tight and shaded by bed linens and odd lengths of fabric.

In the center of the upstairs bedroom, there was an open green fabric sofa bed.

The mattress was bare  no sheets, blankets or pillows. Articles of clothing were tied to the metal bedframe  possibly as makeshift restraints.

A putrid odor pervaded the space.

Against a wall, officers observed an odd-looking wooden pole with condoms attached to its tip. It was slender and long, measuring several feet in length.

Pictured: A forensic facial reconstruction of the victim Shawn Grate called 'Dana.'

Pictured: A sketch drawn by Shawn Grate while being held at the Ashland County jail. Throughout his sentence, Grate sent various sketches to both fellow inmates and contacts in the outside world. In this sketch of a hand, he named five of his victims, with each person's name extending from the fingertips.

Several of these strange apparatuses were later found in other rooms of the house. As our investigation widened, more would turn up in trailers and campsites around the area.

Grate later told me that he'd been using them on himself.

A strange array of clothing hung from nails and stretched from floor to ceiling in a corner of the room. Beneath the strange mosaic was a pile of dozens of stuffed animals.

If there was a hidden closet, it was here.

BCI agents, working quickly and methodically, removed the heap of toys and hanging clothes.

They discovered a can of air freshener, fly pupae on the floorboards and a dark, wooden door sealed shut with thick, black tape. Even the keyhole was covered.

When the door was opened, the fetid smell that poured out was overwhelming.

They had found Elizabeth.

The top of her head was pressed against the back wall of the closet, strands of her blond hair still visible.

Her legs were bent slightly upward, and her hands were behind her back as if they had been tied.

My heart sank. I felt helpless.

There was nothing I could do to save her.

My purpose would now be to give her  and all of Grate's victim  justice.

In 33 hours of interrogation over a period of eight days, Kim Mager secured Grate's confession to five murders, kidnappings, and multiple sexual assaults of women across Ohio.

He was given the death sentence in 2019 and is scheduled to be executed on March 19, 2025.

Extracted from 'A Hunger to Kill: A Serial Killer, a Determined Detective, and the Quest for a Confession That Changed a Small Town Forever' by Kim Mager with Lisa Pulitzer. Copyright  2024 by the author and reprinted by permission of St. Martin's Publishing Group.
When an old French sailor pal of Philip and Gay Courter popped open a briefcase full of gold at their Florida home in 1986, their jaws dropped to the floor.

But their flamboyant friend was always full of surprises - and the elderly couple could never have suspected the extraordinary tale that lay behind the loot.

On June 29, 2022, the Courters were arrested on European warrants in connection with money laundering, organized crime, and the trafficking of cultural goods stolen from an 18th century shipwreck.

Now, for the first time, best-selling author Gay, 79, and her husband, 81, have spoken at length of their ordeal, telling The New Yorker how their unwitting part in the journey of the 'cursed' gold had destroyed their lives.

And it is a story that may never have come to light if it wasn't for a 1999 episode of Antiques Roadshow.

Gay and Philip Courter were arrested in England in 2022 after unwittingly harboring gold bars stolen from an 18th century French shipwreck. The charges were dropped

The bars were plundered by French divers during the 1970s, before an extraordinary investigation saw some end up back in the hands of U.S. Homeland Security

It is thought around 100 gold bars were lost among the wreckage of the Prince de Conty, which crashed into rocks off the coast of Brittany in 1746

The cruise curse

It is not the first time that the Courters have been in the public gaze.

In 2020, they became minor celebrities as de facto spokespeople for passengers stuck on the Diamond Princess, the first cruise ship to be quarantined during the pandemic.

The Courters lobbied for evacuation in newspaper editorials and on cable news.

More than seven hundred passengers contracted the virus, and at least fourteen people died.

Gay, who had already published a New York Times bestseller, 'The Midwife', in 1982, had eerily foreshadowed their predicament in her most recent novel, which is set on a cruise ship.

According to its promotional material, 'The Girl in the Box', published in 2019, juxtaposes 'the sumptuousness of a dream vacation with the horrors that lurk around the bend'.

After the Courters were finally released from the Diamond Princess, Gay set to work on a memoir.

She wrote of the shock of being 'a carefree cruiser one moment, then held hostage by a foreign government'.

Again, her writings proved prescient.

Diamond Princess passengers were offered a free cruise to compensate for their experience.

The Courters chose to take theirs in early June of 2022, boarding the Island Princess on the south coast of England for a two-week tour of Norway.

On June 29, the Island Princess returned to port in Southampton. But the Courters' cruise curse struck again.

Upon arrival, they were told by ship officials to hand over their passports before being escorted off the boat.

They were then informed that they were being arrested in connection to looted gold bars from the Prince de Conty, a frigate that crashed off the coast of Brittany in 1746.

The wreckage

The Courters were last in the media spotlight in 2020 when they became stuck on the Diamond Princess, the first cruise ship to be quarantined during the pandemic

The couple became de facto spokespeople for the stricken passengers, lobbying for evacuation in newspaper editorials and on cable news

TIMELINE: From shipwreck to cursed cruises 1746 Prince de Conty crashes off coast of Brittany carrying roughly 100 gold ingots 1974-1975 A team of amateur French marine archeologists find the shipwreck and pocket its treasures without informing authorities 1981 Gay and Phil Courters meet fellow sailing enthusiasts Gerard and Annette Pesty in Crystal River, Florida 1985 Michel LHour is charged with leading an official dive for French authorities at the site of the Prince. His team only finds three gold ingots 1986 Gerard Pesty arrives at the Courters home in Florida with a briefcase of around 20 gold ingots. He asks them to keep hold of them while they look for an American buyer 1999 Annette Pesty appears on an episode of Antiques Roadshow with a pair of gold bars, which she claimed to have found underwater near the Cape Verde Islands 2017 LHour connects the dots to Pesty following a tip off from a source, which includes a link to the Antiques Roadshow episode and a recent listing at a California auction house 2021 French police raid the homes of Annette Pesty and her relatives Brigitte and Yves Gladu. The Pestys had said Yves, an underwater photographer, had recovered the gold during a dive in 1975 2022 The Courters are arrested on European warrants in connection with the stolen gold. Charges are later dropped Advertisement

The Prince de Conty, owned by the French East India Company, had first set sail from Lorient on April 2, 1745.

Six months into its voyage, it arrived in the Chinese city of Canton, now known as Guangzhou.

There, the crew loaded up with luxury goods, including tea, ceramics and roughly 100 gold ingots.

Some were shaped in rectangular bars. Others were known as 'pain' for their resemblance to baguettes.

On December 2, 1746, after twenty months at sea, the frigate was just 10 miles from the coast of Brittany, just hours away from completing its mission.

But, a violent storm erupted in the dead of night, tossing the Prince onto the rocky coast of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, an island in Brittany.

Fewer than 70 of the 190 men who had made it that far survived.

The French East India Company sent a salvage coup to recover its cargo, but its precious gold could not be found.

It was one of several ill-fated missions for the company, which had already lost another ship of the same name off the coast of Louisiana, with a third Prince falling into the hands of English pirates in 1753.

Without even a case of third-time lucky, word began to spread of a curse upon the ships.

The looting

For more than 200 years, the Prince de Conty went untouched, and largely forgotten.

Then, in 1974, a Normandy men Patrick Lize and Jean-Calude Lescure were introduced to each other by Lize's dentist, owing to their shared passion for marine archeology.

Lize told his new friend that he had been scoping out shipwrecks. Of particular interest was the Prince de Conty, for which he had found a contemporary report of the salvage mission, laying bare its lost treasures.

In August, the pair traveled to the site of the wreckage - a discreet cove known as Port Lost-Kah, meaning 'cat's tail' in Breton.

Lize and Lescure enlisted the help of Guy Lepinay, a local notary, who was to handle logistics, and the three men agreed to split any spoils equally.

One afternoon, as he was preparing to call it quits for the day, Lize struck gold, literally.

But instead of reporting their miraculous find to officials, as required under French law, they kept it quiet for two months.

The Prince de Conty met its end on the rocks of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, an island in Brittany

When Lize finally declared it - behind the backs of his partners - he didn't let on that he had discovered gold, mentioning only 'five entirely corroded cannons', The New Yorker reported.

France's Underwater Archaeology Research Department, DRASSM, granted him permission to bring up the cannons, and, in the summer of 1975, he returned to the site to recover its bounty.

But according to witnesses, the site quickly degenerated into chaos.

The journalist Nicolas Jacquard wrote recently, in Le Parisien, that Lize and his associates 'skin[ned] the remains of the Conty like a band of piranhas would clean a carcass.'

Following a tip from Lescure, DRASSM raided the site and shut down the dive.

French investigators, however, were only ever able to recover two ingots. Charges were brought against just five people, including Lize and Lepinay.

After a trial in 1983, Lize was fined forty thousand francs for possession of stolen goods, while Lepinay and the others received smaller penalties.

The handover

The Courters first met fellow sailing enthusiasts Gerard and Annette Pesty when the French couple had been on holiday in Crystal River, Florida, in 1981.

Both families had children of roughly the same ages, and their friendships blossomed.

By 1984, they were vacationing together near Great Inagua, an island in the Bahamas known for its flamingos.

A video on Philip Courter's YouTube account shows him and his wife enjoying a boating holiday in the British Virgin Islands in 2014 with Annette Pesty and her sister and brother-in-law, Brigitte and Yves Gladu.

The Pestys spent their summers in France, running their pharmacy, allowing them to travel for the rest of the year.

Gay said that they were closer with the Pestys than he or Philip were with their own siblings.

The gold bars were handed to the Courters in 1986 by family friend Gerard Pesty. He told them they had been recovered from a French shipwreck by his sister, Brigitte Gladu, and her husband, Yves. Pictured: The group together on a holiday in the British Virgin Islands. From left: Annette Pesty (Gerard's wife), Brigitte Gladu, Philip Courter, Yves Gladu, Gay Courter

She described Gerard as a 'crazy guy with so many irons in the fire'.

So when he made his impromptu appearance in Crystal River with his briefcase of gold, the Courters were shocked, but not disbelieving.

The couple told The New Yorker that Gerard had around twenty ingots, which he told them had been recovered from a French shipwreck by Yves Gladu, a renowned underwater photographer.

Gerard told the Courters that he had already sold three ingots to the British Museum and was looking to offload the rest of his collection to an American buyer.

He asked his friends if they would hold onto the gold while he was in France.

The Courters stashed the ingots in their ceiling, before moving it to a safe-deposit box.

The investigation

In 1985, a DRASSM team found three ingots at the site of the Prince.

It was not a breakthrough discovery, but it triggered a lifelong obsession in dive leader Michel L'Hour.

L'Hour, who was made DRASSM director in 2006, was already a leading expert on the Prince, but he spent much of the next few decades nurturing contacts in the hope that he could trace the rest of the loot.

In 1995, a source sent him a photograph of around twenty gold bars strewn across the ocean floor. Some were nestled between the legs of rust-colored starfish.

He stashed it away in a safe, knowing it may one day come in useful.

Then in 2017, he received an email from an old contact containing a link to the site of a California auction house called Stephen Album Rare Coins.

The house was offering five gold ingots - four baguettes and one bar - estimated to sell for between $22,000 and $30,000 each.

Pictured: Annette Pesty appeared on a 1999 episode of Antiques Roadshow shot in Florida, in which she presented a pair of gold bars investigators later linked to the shipwreck

'Nearly identical to the bars from the wrecks of the French East India Company vessel Prince de Conty, and to the Dutch East-Indiaman Geldermalsen,' the catalog copy read.

The listing even included a link to a 1999 episode of 'Antiques Roadshow' shot in Tampa, Florida, featuring a French woman who had come with some old porcelain and a pair of gold bars.

The woman claimed to have found the gold near the Cape Verde Islands, some hundred feet underwater.

She had a photograph to illustrate her find: a print featuring roughly twenty gold bars and a rust-colored starfish.

'I was, like, Putain, there it is!' L'Hour recalled.

The photograph had been taken by Yves Gladu, who had joined Lize's dive team as an underwater photographer.

L'Hour pulled up Gladu's Facebook profile and, after a little scouring, matched the woman from the Antiques Roadshow episode with one of the photographer's friends: Annette Pesty.

He called the Ministry of Culture in France and urged them to alert the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In the spring of 2021, French police raided the homes of Annette Pesty and Brigitte and Yves Gladu.

At a hearing, Yves Gladu admitted to having made some forty dives at the Prince de Conty site in the nineteen-seventies and as late as 1999.

He and his wife kept their ingots in a blue metal box in their attic.

Yves confessed to selling around twenty bars in Switzerland, but denied any connection to the hoard that the Pestys entrusted to the Courters.

The Gladus and Annette Pesty declined to comment to The New Yorker. A trial is expected in 2025.

The curse continues?

On March 2, 2022, the five gold ingots that had been put up for sale at the California auction house by the Courters were returned to the French Embassy in Washington.

Each bar weighed about 13 ounces, collectively worth around $125,000 on the precious metals market.

But officials said they had increased the estimate of their value to $231,000 because collectors will often pay a premium for ingots recovered from a shipwreck.

The British government has thus far remained silent on the three gold bars that remain in the British Museum's collection.

A museum spokesman told The New Yorker that it 'is actively seeking a resolution to this matter, and has worked cooperatively with the relevant authorities.'

But the treasure hunt is still far from over.

L'Hour remains on the prowl for the rest of the booty, while the curse of the Prince looms large over those who touched it.

Lepinay, reflecting on his own part in the saga, wondered whether the ship 'suffered from a macabre predestiny'.

When Lescure died in a car accident in 1980, some of his friends insisted the Prince was somehow to blame.

Gerard Pesty, meanwhile, died of malaria during a trip with his wife and the Courters to an island off the coast of Haiti in 1997.

Gay Courter (pictured above), a bestselling author, has repeatedly foreshadowed her unlikely fates in her writings. Her 2019 novel, 'The Girl in the Box', is set on a cruise ship and juxtaposes 'the sumptuousness of a dream vacation with the horrors that lurk around the bend'

The Courters were thrown in jail after their arrests. Gay, a diabetic, went for hours without food or her medication. Phil was strip-searched.

They were released when their bail came through and had their arrest warrants dropped almost six months after they were issued.

But even these came with an unnecessarily cruel blow. Gay's warrant identified her as the 'owner of a King Charles Spaniel' and, rather cruelly, described her as of 'great corpulence.'

They racked up $330,000 in legal costs battling extradition, which depleted their savings.

In August 2022, while still in England, they missed the birth of their eight grandchild.

Their daughter told The New Yorker that they had become 'hollow shells of the people I knew'.

Both are dealing with physical and mental-health issues brought on by the ordeal. 'It is not an exaggeration to say that nothing in my life prepared me for this, and I am no longer the same person I was,' Gay told the magazine.

The couple, who are now attached to the case as cooperating parties, say they have always been truthful about the provenance of the gold.

But they acknowledge that they failed to ask some pertinent questions about the gold.

'Now, looking back, it's, like, what were we thinking?' Phil added.
During a speech delivered at an alternative therapy workshop, Danielle Carr-Gomm praised the man she believed would transform her life.

'You definitely are a messenger from God,' she told Hongchi Xiao. As a Type 1 diabetic, she said she'd managed to reduce her insulin use by half. 'You are starting a revolution to put the power back in the hands of the people to cure themselves... I admire you and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.'

Look a little closer and the tell-tale signs of Xiao's highly controversial 'cure' were there for everyone to see in her videoed testimony. The 71-year-old's upper arms were bruised black and blue  injuries from the self-inflicted slaps the Chinese healer believed could expel toxins and treat a host of diseases.

Fast-forward three months and Mrs Carr-Gomm attended a second residential retreat held by Xiao, this time at a country house hotel in Wiltshire.

On this visit, she completely stopped taking her insulin on arrival, and by the second day was seriously unwell, crying, sweating and drooling.

Danielle Carr-Gomm died at a retreat in Wiltshire from diabetic ketoacidosis - caused by a severe lack of insulin in the body

Twenty-four hours later and her condition had deteriorated further still. She was vomiting, frothing at the mouth, howling in pain and seemingly delirious.

By the Thursday, Mrs Carr-Gomm was dead. What killed her? No surprises: she died of diabetic ketoacidosis  caused by a severe lack of insulin in the body.

Her decision to stop the routine injections that had kept her alive since being diagnosed decades earlier seems incomprehensible.

But the reality is that this educated mother of two truly believed she was doing the right thing  having placed her faith in the teachings of the man she called The Master.

Despite having no conventional medical training, Xiao, a former investment banker, believed that the Western approach to treating disease was 'evil'.

He'd learned his 'self-healing' craft from kung fu masters in the mountains of China  a regime called paida lajin which involves patients subjecting themselves to a programme of slapping and stretching designed to expel toxins and stimulate the body's energy flow.

Not for the faint-hearted, adherents were advised to hit themselves for up to six hours a day.

'Slapping thoroughly from head to toe, including the head, neck, face, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, breasts, armpits, groin, belly, buttocks, the back and the entire spine, etc., brings even more amazing healing effect,' Xiao advised, describing the sound of slapping as 'music'. These blows were supposed to leave marks and bruises and could be administered with hands, sticks, shoes  or even using a 20 hand-shaped tool on offer from Xiao's website.

As for the stretching, that took place on purpose-made tables designed to target tendons. Sandbags and weights could be attached to limbs to exert extra force.

Xiao claimed paida lajin could be used to cure a host of illnesses  everything from bad breath to diabetes. He saw insulin as 'poison', and at that second workshop in Wiltshire in October 2016 was said to have congratulated Mrs Carr-Gomm for stopping her injections.

Hongchi Xiao, an investment banker-turned-'healer'

Xiao demonstrating his slapping healing technique which involves patients subjecting themselves to a programme of slapping and stretching designed to expel toxins and stimulate the body's energy flow

Even when her condition deteriorated it caused little alarm. Dismissed as a 'healing crisis', he told the other 30 participants that she was experiencing the 'darkness before dawn breaks'.

That the sun never rose again on Mrs Carr-Gomm should have come as no surprise to Xiao.

Because despite what she claimed in her earlier videoed testimony, she had fallen seriously ill at that first retreat as well, only recovering when she began taking insulin again.

More shocking still, the previous year, a six-year-old boy with diabetes died at a workshop in Australia. His parents having stopped his insulin, allegedly at Xiao's instruction, he started vomiting before having a seizure and dying.

Xiao was convicted of the child's manslaughter in 2019 and jailed. He was extradited to the UK in 2023 to stand trial over Mrs Carr-Gomm's death.

During a three-week trial at Winchester Crown Court, the 61-year-old was accused of knowingly ignoring the consequences of Mrs Carr-Gomm stopping taking her insulin and using his 'influence' over her.

In his defence, he denied having a duty of care over the pensioner, claiming he made it 'absolutely clear' he was not medically trained. He also denied telling her to suddenly stop taking her insulin.

But after deliberating for 19 hours, the jury yesterday found him guilty of manslaughter.

Like so many who fall foul of charlatans and snake-oil salesmen, Mrs Carr-Gomm was vulnerable because she was desperate.

Born in France, aged 21 she moved to London and met her first husband Richard Carr-Gomm. Having set up a successful travel business, the couple began developing properties.

Their two sons, Matthew and Lawrence, were privately-educated and the family travelled extensively. Mrs Carr-Gomm developed an interest in alternative medicine and spirituality but was said to have been heartbroken by the breakdown of her marriage in 1989.

Xiao learned his 'self-healing' craft from kung fu masters in the mountains of China

A court sketch of Xiao appearing at Winchester Crown Court charged with the manslaughter by gross negligence of Danielle, 61

She would briefly marry for a second time, before dividing her time between Bulgaria and Lewes, East Sussex.

In 1999 she was diagnosed with diabetes and initially took her insulin in tablet form.

'She had a fear of needles,' Matthew Carr-Gomm told the court in a statement, adding that his mother was also an 'obsessive vegetarian'. While most insulin is laboratory-made, it can be sourced from animals.

In 2016 she was told by friends about a forthcoming paida lajin workshop in Bulgaria.

'She said that Hongchi Xiao assured her she would be in good hands and diabetes would be something he could help with,' said her son. 'She said slapping helps get toxins out of the blood.' This came 'out of the blue' to him and his brother, both of whom were 'sceptical'.

They were right to have their doubts. Born in China the son of a doctor and electrical engineer, Xiao moved to the U.S. in 1980 where he obtained citizenship and an MBA from the University of Arizona.

Work followed on the New York Stock Exchange and in Hong Kong as an investment banker. Success brought with it a large house in Orange County, California, as well as two daughters from successive marriages.

But in the mid-2000s, Xiao became interested in Chinese medicine having seen his older brother emerge from conventional hospital treatment for a fever, as he put it, 'mentally retarded'. Encouraged by a chance meeting with a monk who told him he was destined to study in the monasteries of rural China, he went to work alongside healers, hermits and kung fu masters, before opening a clinic in Beijing.

Two books that he claims sold more than a million copies quickly followed. In Paida Lajin Self-Healing he explained the belief that all diseases are caused by blocked energy channels in the body, which can be cleared with slaps and stretches, like an 'anti-virus software'.

Nor was Xiao shy in the claims he made for the therapy. He referred to testimonials from people around the world who claimed it had relieved everything from cancer to depression and diabetes.

As well as books and a website, Xiao ran workshops around the world. In April 2015 one of these residential workshops took him to Sydney. Among those attending was six-year-old diabetic Aidan Fenton.

Details of how Xiao told the boy's parents to stop giving him insulin were outlined to the jury in the trial of Mrs Carr-Gomm.

Like so many who fall foul of charlatans and snake-oil salesmen, Danielle was vulnerable because she was desperate, writes Tom Rawstorne

Confronted by the boy's mother when Aidan began vomiting yellow and black liquid and being so weak he had to be pushed in a pram on the fifth day, Xiao told her: 'Is the detox. All the bad stuff come from  come out from his body, his organ. It's just part of self-healing body adjustment.'

Four days later, the boy had a seizure. Staff tried to help but he was motionless. Xiao was also said to be present and began 'slapping the boy's inner elbows'. The boy was found to have died as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Incredibly, Xiao continued to tour the world giving workshops.

One of these was held in Bulgaria in July 2016 where Mrs Carr-Gomm was in attendance  and stopped taking her insulin before becoming very unwell and having to be persuaded to start taking it again.

Yet, the following October, Mrs Carr returned to a second workshop, this time at Cleeve House in Seend, Wiltshire. Teresa Hayes, a chef at the retreat, described Mrs Carr-Gomm telling the group she was diabetic and had not taken insulin and felt 'fine' and 'happy'. Asked how Xiao responded, Ms Hayes said: 'He said 'well done' and 'that's good'. He said that personally to her.'

Over the coming days she heard crying coming from Mrs Carr-Gomm's bedroom, and entered to find her pale, sweating and drooling as she cried on the bed.

Walking past the room on the third night she heard 'slapping noises, crying, yelling'.

'The slapping noises sounded the same as the paida slapping method that the attendees had been taking part in the entire time,' she said.

In the early hours of October 20, Ms Hayes was called urgently to come to Mrs Carr-Gomm's room. 'She was completely still, all the colour had drained from her face,' she said. 'I knew the minute I saw her that she had died.'

Paramedics were called at 2.54am. A senior NHS consultant told the court that if emergency services had been alerted three hours earlier, she would have had a 90 per cent chance of survival.

The prosecution argued that no one was 'better placed' than Xiao to make sure Mrs Carr-Gomm received the medical care that could have saved her.

Following her death, Xiao continued to tour the world. But in May 2017, on arriving in London he was arrested and extradited to Australia where he was convicted of manslaughter. In November 2023 he was then extradited from Australia to the UK and charged with Mrs Carr-Gomm's manslaughter.

Following the verdict, head of the Crown Prosecution Service special crime division, Rosemary Ainslie, said: 'Hongchi Xiao knew the consequences of Danielle Carr-Gomm's decision to stop taking insulin could be fatal; he had seen it before.

'Hongchi Xiao was the man in charge, yet he failed to respond to Mrs Carr-Gomm's worsening condition with tragic consequences.

'His failure to take reasonable steps to help Mrs Carr-Gomm substantially contributed to her death and amounted to gross negligence.'

In a statement issued on behalf of Mrs Carr-Gomm's family, her son Matthew said: 'We welcome the decision and commend the jury and judicial process in the UK for recognising Hongchi Xiao for the complete fraud that he is.

'While we cannot bring our mother back, we hope this case at least highlights the dangers of pursuing unregulated alternative therapies without proper research.

'Our mother's motivation was to live, and had she not been deceived by this man, whom she trusted to care for her, she would not have knowingly risked her life in such a manner.

'However, it is disappointing that two other individuals in the UK who promoted, organised the bookings and financially managed the event in Wiltshire have not been brought to justice or been held accountable.

'We are deeply upset and feel let down that such a reckless event was allowed to take place, and these other responsible persons have escaped without consequences.

'As a family, we now look forward to moving on.'

Xiao will be sentenced on October 1.
Student identification photos of 13-year-olds from an exclusive private girls' school have been leaked and placed online to be cruelly ranked on a 'smash or pass' choice of attractiveness.

Parents of year 8 students from Brisbane's St Rita's College, where tuition fees start at over $11,000, were notified on Thursday by a letter from the school about the mortifying incident.

St Rita's deputy principal Catherine Allen informed parents their daughters' images had been 'shared with another school'.

'It has come to our attention that student identification photographs of the cohort have been shared with another school,' the letter stated.

'We have made contact with this school who are investigating this and will work to have this shared information removed.

'I appreciate how upsetting this information will be to read.

'Please know that we are working to ensure the safety and privacy of our students.

'If you have any questions or further information you can share, please don't hesitate to contact me.'

This letter was sent from the prestigious private girls school St Rita's College in Brisbane to all parents of year 8 girls

The identification photos of all the St Rita's year 8 students were uploaded on TikTok to be cruelly ranked on attractiveness

An unnamed parent told the Courier Mail his daughter had been told the photographs were used to 'rate' the students on TikTok.

It's alleged a St Rita's student was coerced by a friend at another school to send photographs which were then put online to be rated.

'Something like this is indicative of a culture of misogyny,' the father said.

'I'm quite angry about it. I'm angry that this happened especially in this day and age. It's degrading. If they're doing that at 13 what are they going to be like as adults?

The school, where tuition fees start at over $11,000, said it was investigating the incident

'They had an assembly on Thursday, the students were spoken to and told the students to let the parents know but not anyone else.'

He said the incident was causing his daughter anxiety.

St Rita's College has been contacted for comment.
Four teenagers have been sentenced for killing a boy, 16, in a fatal revenge attack where a single stab 'pierced his heart'.

Kennie Carter died after being stabbed once with a 'long knife' in the chest on Thirlmere Avenue, Stretford, Greater Manchester on January 22, 2022.

Manchester Crown Court heard the group of youths acted in revenge for an incident that happened the day before the murder, where 'metal poles' were brandished.

On Friday, a 16-year-old boy, who was 14 when Kennie was killed, was sentenced to to detention in a youth offenders' institution with a minimum term of 16 years.

Kennie Carter, 16, (pictured) was tragically killed in a revenge attack which saw him stabbed once in the chest with 'a long knife'

18-year-old Latif Ferguson, who was convicted of manslaughter, was one of four sentence following the killing of Kennie Carter

The teenager, who cannot be identified due to his age, confessed he was the one who delivered the fatal blow, but claimed it was in self-defence.

18-year-old Latif Ferguson of Old Trafford, who was 15 at the time of the killing, was handed a five year sentence at a young offenders' institution.

The two other 16-year-old youths were also sentenced to four years behind bars after they were all found guilty of manslaughter for 'encouraging' the brutal attack.

The six other teenagers, who are currently aged between 15 and 19, were found not guilty of manslaughter and murder by the jury.

Evidence presented by the prosecution showed the murder was carried out in a bid for revenge in retaliation to an incident that happened the day prior.

On the day of Kennie's death, the four convicted youngsters stole bikes from a block of flats and were heard howling: 'This is revenge'.

After the schoolboy was killed, one of the youths was seen on CCTV 'showing off and demonstrating his stabbing action' to his peers.

One teen has been sentenced after being charged with murder, whilst the other two 16-year-old's were convicted of manslaughter (pictured: police at the scene in 2022)

On the day of Kennie's death, the four convicted youngsters stole bikes from a block of flats and were heard howling: 'This is revenge'

Greater Manchester Police officers searching for evidence at the scene on Thirlmere Avenue two days after Kennie was killed in 2022

A member of public laying flowers in memory of Kennie Carter on Thirlmere Avenue in 2022

Addressing the defendants, Mr Justice Goose said: 'The stabbing occurred because of a perceived grievance between Kennie Carter and his associates and with the four of you.

'You were intent on causing Kennie Carter harm.

The judge said to the teenager convicted of murder: 'Part of what may have caused you to commit this offence may be your need to appear strong and loyal to your associates who had been disrespected.

'I am sure that the knife used to stab Kennie Carter was your knife which you took with you to use in revenge.'
A New York Times profile of voters claiming skepticism toward Kamala Harris was mocked for including a woman who planted a severed finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili.

The Old Gray Lady published a snapshot of where voters were after Harris essentially replaced Joe Biden as the Democrat nominee against Donald Trump.

One of the people they interviewed was a 58-year-old 'registered Democrat' named Anna Ayala, who said she would vote for Trump because 'the border situation is out of control.'

The paper had to retract these claims after social media uncovered that this Anna Ayala did two prison stints, including one involving a bizarre 2005 incident with the severed finger.

The mother, who has a long history of filing lawsuits, was released from prison after serving four years for the gruesome Wendy's chili finger case in 2005.

The New York Times was mocked for interviewing Anna Ayala without realizing she served four years in prison for planting a severed finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili

The bizarre scam gathered worldwide attention after Ayala dropped the 1 1/2 inch section of ring finger in her bowl of fast-food chili.

It was revealed Ayala's husband, Jaime Plascencia, had bought the digit for $100 from a co-worker who lost it in an accident. He then took it home where Ayala cooked it before depositing it in her meal on March 24, 2005.

Wendy's claimed they lost $21 million in business because of the bogus allegations. Ayala only served four years of the nine she'd been originally sentenced to.

In 2013, Ayala was sentenced for two more years, this time for lying about a shooting involving her son.

The so-called Chili Finger Lady was arrested in October of that year after she told police that her son had been shot in the ankle by two men.

Her son, Guadalupe Reyes, accidentally shot himself with a gun he wasn't supposed to have, because he was on parole for a felony burglary conviction.

Ayala lied to prevent him from going to prison as a felon in possession of a firearm.

Reyes also received two years in prison for that very charge.

The Old Gray Lady published a snapshot of where voters were after Harris essentially replaced Joe Biden as the Democrat nominee against Donald Trump

The paper had to retract these claims after social media uncovered that this Anna Ayala did two prison stints, including one involving the bizarre 2005 incident

Ayala invented detailed reports of two men who 'shot' her 26-year-old son outside their home in San Jose, California .

Junior Reyes told them that he had been attacked by a pair of men for 'for no rhyme or reason.'

After she and her son got their tales mixed up, police arrested them both in February.

Ayala was charged with being an accessory to a felony and filing a false police report.

As a convicted felon, Ayala cannot vote in any federal election, which led to the Times releasing a retraction the day the story was published.

'The Times removed comments from one voter in an earlier version of this article after learning that the person had been convicted in an extortion scheme in which she made fraudulent claims,' they wrote.

The paper has since deleted all mention of Ayala's comments.

The original Times story noted how Harris had closed the gap that her boss Joe Biden had left when he chose to drop out of the campaign.
Police allege an immigration detainee used an encrypted messaging service to deal drugs and co-ordinate a network of runners outside the facility.

An immigration detainee and another man have been charged over an alleged drug ring operating from inside a detention facility.

Police say 49-year-old Nigerian national Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke dealt large amounts of methylamphetamine using an encrypted messaging service from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney's west.

Organised crime investigators claim he established and co-ordinated a network of runners who carried out transactions on his behalf.

They say they found three mobile phones during a search of a unit at the centre on July 11.

Nweke has been charged with multiple offences including directing a criminal group and supplying a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs.

Two kilograms of methylamphetamine and $169,000 in cash linked to the syndicate were previously seized by officers, police said on Saturday.

On Wednesday, detectives uncovered 750 grams of methylamphetamine and 90 grams of heroin in a toilet bowl during a search of a home in Liverpool.

Police say 49-year-old Nigerian national Dirichukwu Patrick Nweke dealt large amounts of methylamphetamine using an encrypted messaging service from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre in Sydney's west

Police allege Nweke used an encrypted messaging service to deal drugs and co-ordinate a network of runners outside the facility

It's alleged the find was evidence of 'an attempt to dispose of the drugs', while heroin was also found on the bathroom floor and $325,000 cash and an encrypted electronic device were also recovered.

Vision supplied by police shows riot squad officers breaking down the door as they started the search. They also released an image of $50 notes stacked inside a cardboard box.

Police also arrested a 24-year-old man they allege was a runner for the man in detention.

He's been charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug, participating in a criminal group and other offences.

Both men were refused bail following brief appearances in court.

Vision supplied by police shows riot squad officers breaking down the door as they started the search. They also released an image of $50 notes stacked inside a cardboard box
One of the teens was under 15 the other was 17

In a historical first three men have faced court charged with arranging a forced marriage between two teenagers, one aged between 13 and 15 years and the other aged 17.

It is alleged the two children in Western Australia wanted to date each other but were told by relatives that for cultural reasons, they would have to be married first.

Three men - one related to the girl and the other two to the boy - faced Perth's Magistrates Court on Friday accused of forcing a person into a marriage after allegedly facilitating a religious wedding ceremony for the pair last year.

Forced marriage has been illegal in Australia since 2013.

However, the Australian Federal Police, who brought the charges, say this is the first time such a case has been made in Western Australia.

The legal marriage age in Australia is 18 but a child aged upwards from 16 can marry with a court's consent.

If found guilty the men face a maximum penalty of nine years in jail.

The case has been adjourned until August.

Three men have faced Perth's Magistrates Court charged with facilitating a forced marriage

Forced marriages have been illegal in Australia since 2013 but the current charges are the first for Western Australia (stock image)



Forced marriage is legally defined as making someone enter wedlock without their free and full consent whether by coercion, threat or deception.

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Chwal said forced marriage was not limited to any cultural group, religion or ethnicity.

'Anyone can be a victim of forced marriage, regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation,' he said.

Forced marriage can apply to legally recognised marriage, cultural or religious ceremonies that occur in Australia or where a person is taken overseas to be married.

Det-Supt Chwal added it was a complex crime because often family members were frequently both the victims and perpetrators.

'If victims do not feel comfortable speaking directly to police, there are many services and agencies which can provide support to help ensure their safety,' he said.

If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or at risk of, forced marriage or human trafficking, the AFP recommends calling 131 AFP (237) or use the AFPs human trafficking online information report.

For information and confidential advice please contact Australian Red Cross. Call 1800 113 015 or visit redcross.org.au/stpp.
A Britain's Got Talent contestant who sued the show's producers for more than 40 million has had his claim thrown out at the High Court.

Robert Aslanyan filed legal action against Fremantle Media Limited in October last year, claiming it acted negligently by failing to notify him that an audition during the Covid pandemic had been cancelled.

He also claimed it breached a contract with him by failing to decide his application.

Fremantle opposed the claim and applied to the court for it to be dismissed, with Judge Mark Gidden ruling in a hearing on Friday that Mr Aslanyan's case was 'hopeless' and 'completely without merit'.

The judge said: 'The defendant maintains that this claim is unwinnable, it is right to be struck out, in fact, it is something of a mercy to end the claim now, and I agree.'

Robert Aslanyan filed legal action against Fremantle Media Limited in October last year, claiming it acted negligently by failing to notify him that an audition during the Covid pandemic had been cancelled

He also claimed it breached a contract with him by failing to decide his application

He added that the claim was 'flawed' and 'has already gone on long enough', instead ordering that Mr Aslanyan pay 48,188.50 in legal costs within 28 days.

Judge Gidden said that Mr Aslanyan planned to perform a song named Our Mother Queen for series 15 of the programme, which he dedicated to the then-monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

The judge continued that performing the song was Mr Aslanyan's 'great aspiration' and that he anticipated 'it would yield a very life-changing commercial success', the value of which he placed at 'just over 43 million'.

Mr Aslanyan had represented himself in the claim and did not attend Friday's online hearing.

Mr Aslanyan had travelled from Manchester to Cardiff for an audition, when he was informed by security guards that it was cancelled

Judge Gidden said that Mr Aslanyan planned to perform a song named Our Mother Queen for series 15 of the programme, which he dedicated to the then-monarch, Queen Elizabeth II

Mark Winden, for Fremantle Media, told the court that Mr Aslanyan applied six times for 'at least the last four' series of Britain's Got Talent, the 17th of which concluded earlier this year, but never got through to an audition before the celebrity judging panel.

After applying for series 15 in 2020, Mr Aslanyan was later mistakenly invited to attend an in-person audition in December 2021, but no physical auditions were taking place due to the Covid pandemic.

Mr Winden said that Mr Aslanyan travelled to Cardiff with several family members for the audition, despite being sent an email by the producers confirming that the original invite was sent 'in error'.

The lawyer added that a 'basic sense check' would have told Mr Aslanyan that the invitation was false and that he 'should have understood' that it was a mistake.

Mr Winden continued that Mr Aslanyan's claim argued that the company was 'contractually obliged' to inform him of its decision related to his application, and to make its decision 'strictly based on artistic performance'.

Mr Aslanyan had represented himself in the claim and did not attend Friday's online hearing

But the court was told that producers had not breached the show's rules nor been negligent towards Mr Aslanyan, with Mr Winden claiming the producers had 'unfettered discretion' over applications for the competition.

The barrister said that the claim 'set out no basis' for how Mr Aslanyan had lost the money he was asking for, adding that it was 'unwinnable' and 'should not have been brought in the first place'.

He said: 'He has had many auditions for his acts. The issue was that none of them were before the celebrity judges.'

He continued: 'This claim does not disclose any legally recognisable claim against the defendant and so it is a claim suitable for strike
Trump supporters were outraged after View co-host Ana Navarro shared a nude photo of Melania Trump on Instagram while attempting to defend the dating history of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Navarro, 52, has described her political position as 'centrist' in the past and has been a vocal critic of former President Trump and his administration.

But the Nicaraguan-born Republican strategist went rouge while defending Harris, who has been the subject of attacks since announcing her candidacy.

Some of the attacks on Harris have seen her being called a 'Jezebel' coupled with insults over her not having biological kids.

The View 's co-host Ana Navarro has drawn the ire of Trump supporters after she vented her fury while attempting to defend the dating history of Vice President Kamala Harris

Navarro shared a nude photo of Melania Trump on Instagram while defending Kamala Harris

Navarro posted a furious response following attacked on Harris over the last week

The attacks have focused mainly on rumors about Harris' dating history which angered Navarro, forcing her to rally with a heated response.

'Some Republicans are out there on TV and social media making vile sexual remarks about Kamala Harris and wanting to make her dating history an issue,' Navarro said.

'This country deserves a debate on real issues, affecting us all. But you want to make this an issue? Bring it on.'

Navarro attached the naked photo of Melania Trump which show the former first lady lying on a fur rug wearing diamond jewelry, handcuffed to a briefcase. The photo was taken in January 2000 as part of a GQ photoshoot.

A second picture was also included with an image of the Trump's at a party with known sex traffickers Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

'I've never seen naked pics of Kamala Harris or her spouse. Kamala never partied with sexual predators,' Navarro went on. 'You wanna go low? I'm not leaving one thing unanswered this time. Not a one. I'll happily go 20,000 leagues under the sea.'

A second picture was also included with an image of the Trump's at a party in February 2000 with known sex traffickers Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

Some Harris' attackers have brought up her past relationships with talk show host Montell Williams and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.

In one attack, far-right political activist Laura Loomer accused Harris, 59, of previously being a sex worker for 'successful, rich, black men' alleging she performed sexual favors in return for power.

Many Trump supporters were unhappy at Navarro's outburst and the picture used to launch her attack.

'You should be FIRED off the view!!!! How dare you post something like this on someone who didnt say or do anything!!!!! Go after those that are campaigning but SHES NOT!!!! How dare you!!! This is the reason this show sucks,' wrote one commenter.

'Women tearing down other women is a form of self hate. There is no reason outside of envy and hate should another woman open their mouths to tear down another woman,' added another.

Some Harris' attackers have brought up her past relationships including one with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown in 1990s

A relationship with talk show host Montell Williams has also been brought up in the attacks. The pair are pictured in May 2001

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff are seen at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on Monday

'Can we stop bashing fellow women just for once? Kamala has a pretty impressive history as a prosecutor in California thank goodness !! Mrs. Trump was a fashion model in her early years and Im sure she took several more pictures worse than this one, but can we stop bashing these two ladies please,' pleaded a third.

Harris has been subjected to a number of attacks in recent days. In another recently resurfaced clip, this time from 2021, Trump's VP pick JD Vance singled out Harris, as he said that those who hadn't procreated, particularly 'childless cat ladies,' were 'miserable' and had no 'direct stake' in the country.

Harris supporters were quick to point out that no US president has ever physically given birth, since all have been men. A handful have also never produced any offspring.

Chief among them was George Washington, America's first president who like Harris helped raise his spouse's children from a previous marriage.

Navarro met Harris in person on Friday. 'I had the chance to tell her in person, I support her 100%. Join me. Lets do this!' she wrote on Instagram

In another posting she praised President Joe Biden for his service to the country

Navarro, 52, has described her political position as 'centrist' in the past and has been a vocal critic of former President Trump and his administration

Meghan McCain, daughter of late Republican senator John McCain, warned that Vance's comments 'are activating women across all sides, including my most conservative Trump supporting friends.'

Harris has two stepchildren, Cole and Ella, through her husband Doug Emhoff and his first wife.

Their mother, Kerstin Emhoff, said in a statement to CNN that the attacks on Harris were 'baseless.'

'For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I,' she said.

'I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.'

Ella, age 25, who refers to Harris as 'Momala,' meanwhile wrote on Instagram that 'I love my three parents.'

'How can you be 'childless' when you have cutie pie kids like cole and I.'
A missing 12-year-old girl has been found 600 miles from home with a man she is believed to have met online, who was arrested.

Maria Gomez-Perez was found safe in Dover, about 70 miles south of Cleveland, with Guatemalan citizen Antonio Agustin, 31, on Thursday.

The girl was last seen at the home of her father, Andres Gomez, on May 29 in Gainesville, about 50 miles northeast of Atlanta.

She was reported missing the next day and her disappearance sparked a huge search with a $50,000 reward from local authorities and businesses.

Maria Gomez-Perez was found safe in Dover, about 70 miles south of Cleveland, on Thursday after she went missing

Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said investigators believe Antonio Augustin drove to Georgia, picked up Maria, and drove her back to his home in Dover.

'We believe Maria had been communicating for a time with Mr. Augustin via Facebook Messenger and other online apps,' he said.

'Maria had indicated she was unhappy and wanted to leave home. We also know she had been communicating with other adult males online, telling them the same thing.

'Let me be very clear on this: Maria is the victim in this case. And remember, shes 12 years old.'

Police finally got a lead last week after almost two months of fruitless searching, when she contacted her father using a new Facebook account last week.

Maria told her father that she was OK and not coming home, and asking him to stop looking for her.

Couch said investigators used that message to track down the Facebook page's IP address, leading them to a phone number associated with a home in Dover.

Four sheriff's investigators traveled to Ohio this week and spotted Maria at a city swimming pool.

Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Captain Adam Fisher said Augustin was arrested and Maria was rescued after Augustin drove the two from the pool to a Walmart in neighboring New Philadelphia.

Maria was found with with Guatemalan citizen Antonio Agustin, 31, who was arrested

Couch said Maria was examined by medical personnel and was in good health when he shared the 'very great news' at a press conference.

'Maria Gomez-Perez has been safe in Dover, Ohio, and she should be on her way home here to Gainesville with our investigators within the hour,' he said.

Volunteers canvassed the community looking for the girl and papered the area with posters, flyers and even billboards seeking her return.

'It's hard to put into words what we saw. I just really, really am proud of our community,' Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon told The Times of Gainesville.

'Our Hispanic community just really stood up and made their presence known and said, "Hey look, let's shine a light on this missing child".'

Maria was born in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, and moved to the US with her father when she was six, while her mother stayed behind.

'Theres not a way to feed your family. We didn't have a home, we didnt have property, we didnt have work,' he explained.

Maria was born in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, and moved to the US with her father, Andres Gomez, (pictured) when she was six, while her mother stayed behind

Police finally got a lead last week after almost two months of fruitless searching, when she contacted her father using a new Facebook account last week

Officials in Georgia faced initial criticism in the search, in part because the Georgia Bureau of Investigation concluded that her disappearance didn't meet the criteria for issuing an Amber Alert for missing children.

Many residents in the Gainesville area are Hispanic, coming to the city to work in its poultry processing industry, but most officials are not of Hispanic descent, which can create division.

Fisher said Augustin was being held on a Georgia charge of interference with custody, but Ohio officials could later seek charges of rape and other crimes.

Couch said Georgia authorities are likely to seek additional criminal charges against Augustin.

He said Augustin is 31 but Ohio jail records list him as 34.

Augustin had not yet seen a judge as of Friday and no bail had been set, Fisher said. Augustin doesn't have an attorney who could speak for him.

An extradition hearing to Georgia is likely next week with Ohio officials planning to prosecute Augustin after legal proceedings conclude in Georgia, Fisher added.

Volunteers canvassed the community looking for the girl and papered the area with posters, flyers and even billboards seeking her return

Fisher said federal immigration officials placed a detainer on Augustin, indicating they could seek to deport him, but Fisher said he didn't know Augustin's immigration status.

Augustin's only previous encounter with law enforcement in Tuscarawas County was in 2021 when he was cited for driving without a license and with an open container of alcohol.

Couch warned parents to watch their children's online activity more closely to prevent them being abducted or running away with strangers.

'Technology is a wonderful thing. It helped us locate Maria. But technology can also be used for evil,' he said.

'It's why Maria was able to leave Gainesville with a stranger and travel nine hours away from home.

'So please know what your children are doing and who they're communicating with. They're our most vulnerable and our most valuable citizens and it is our duty to take care of them.'
Addressing hundreds of Labor Party faithfuls, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a directed dig at pro-Palestinian protesters who flocked to the outside of Sydney's Town Hall where the NSW branch's annual conference was taking place.

From 10am, dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters, including one man covered in fake blood, converged on George St, holding flags and banners and chanting: 'Albanese, blood on your hands'.

A large police contingent patrolled the central location, with organisers also enacting increased security measures that required attendees to undergo bag checks and be wanded by security upon arrival.

The two-day event is also expected to be rocked by delegates calling for more action and a harsher stance by the party on Palestinian statehood.

Members will also likely clash on motions involving protest laws, child bail laws, and drug legalisation and pill testing services.

However, Mr Albanese said the Labor movement was one that chose 'progress over protest'.

'We choose delivery and action over empty words, and our members choose to help vulnerable people inside elected offices - not intimidate them outside,' he said, directly lashing months-long protests which have resulted in the closure of his inner-west electorate office since January.

Likely referencing Labor's recent loss of face following the defection of Western Australian Senator Fatima Payman to the cross bench, Mr Albanese also doubled down on the party's rules which say members must vote in unity.

Addressing hundreds of Labor Party faithfuls, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a directed dig at pro-Palestinian protesters who flocked to the outside of Sydney's Town Hall on Saturday (pictured, the PM with partner Jodie Haydon)

'The Labor people in this hall always put the Australian people first and because in the end, when we've had our say, and we've made a decision, we go forward together as one, knowing we're part of something bigger than any of us individuals,' he said.

Moments before, the Prime Minister and fiance Jodie Haydon entered the packed venue to rapturous applause, and soundtracked to an instrumental cover of The Killer's Mr Brightside.

Addressing about 800 delegates comprised of state and federal MPs, trade unionists, and Labor Party faithful, Mr Albanese spruiked his federal government's 66 urgent care clinics, new bulk billing incentives, and Labor's 'same job, same pay' labour policy.

From 10am, dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters, including one man covered in fake blood, converged on George St, holding flags and banners and chanting: 'Albanese, blood on your hands'

A large police contingent patrolled the central location, with organisers also enacting increased security measures that required attendees to undergo bag checks and be wanded by security upon arrival

A free Palestine protestor hold the flag during the conference. NSW Labor Conference held at Sydney Town Hall

Dodgy bosses were placed on notice, with the Prime Minister announcing government lawyers would be bought in to 'back the workers'.

'Our principle is simple and our position is clear. Same job, same pay,' he said.

A further $350m of federal funding was also committed to the Thriving Suburbs program, which Mr Albanese announced would be open to every suburb across Australia from today.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton was also lashed for his role as Health Minister under the Abbott government, with Mr Albanese jabbing: 'Peter Dutton was so bad at his job that Tony Abbott sacked him'.

Mr Albanese also highlighted the nuclear versus renewable debate as a major point of contention for the yet-to-be-announced election poised for early 2025.

He repeated the same Labor party lines, lashing Mr Dutton's plan to build seven nuclear reactors by 2050 as uncosted, and lacking in key details like the location of the reactors, and how they plan on dealing with nuclear waste.

However, Mr Albanese was adamant Australia didn't have 'time to waste'.

'The only asset we don't have is time and that's why the next election is about so much more than the next three years. It is about the next generation of Australian jobs and you we have a once in a generation chance to secure a new era of growth and fairness.'

Mr Albanese also paid tribute to his longtime Labor left ally and outgoing Indigenous Minister Linda Burney, who recently announced she would not be recontesting her inner-city seat of Barton at the next election.

'Linda's approach has been defined by respect, listening, and cooperation. Doing things with the communities, not to them,' he said.

He said credited consultation between Ms Burney, federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and the indigenous Mirrar people with the government's recent announcement to add Jabiluka to the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, which will prevent it from ever operating as a uraninum mine.

Previously it was leased by the Energy Resources of Australia.
A healthcare worker is being hunted by police after she bashed an elderly woman with a saucepan in her own home.

Dorothy, 95, was being cared for by the female assistant from Medflyt at Home Health Care Agency on July 21 when she was attacked.

Her daughter and granddaughters watched the attack live through cameras they installed around the apartment in Harlem, but were powerless to stop it.

Video showed the Medflyt in a rage, yelling 'You p**sing me off' at Dorothy before violently throwing two objects in her direction.

Dorothy, 95, was being cared for by the female assistant from Medflyt at Home Health Care Agency on July 21 when she was attacked

Later in the video she hit her with a saucepan, which Dorothy blocked with her arm, then threw the pot over her head.

Then the carer came back at Dorothy with another pan, repeatedly bashing her over the head with as she clung to her walker, until she fell to the floor.

Dorothy was battered and bruised by the attack, has trouble lifting her arms, and is still in pain with doctors concerned about possible blood clots.

Her daughter Ramona Mitchell was away from the apartment and got a call from her daughter, who was watching the attack on her phone.

She said her other daughter Tiffany called Michelle and said her grandmother was being attacked, and she called Ramona in tears.

The carer came at Dorothy with a saucepan, repeatedly bashing her over the head with as she clung to her walker

The healthcare worker hit Dorothy until she fell to the floor

Dorothy's daughter Ramona Mitchell was away from the apartment and got a call from her daughter, who was watching the attack on her phone

'Tiffany just told me that the girl beat her up, Michelle was crying and screaming on the train 'oh my God, grandma's been beat up',' she told ABC 7.

Michelle said watching the 'horrific' attack was a 'nightmare' and one of the worst days of her life.

'I felt helpless... it was the worst thing I could have imagined,' she said.

'It was so unreal to me, that someone could punch somebody like they were beating them down.'

Police are looking for the worker, but have not yet found her to make an arrest.

'We're doing an internal investigation, alongside the New York City Police Department, and are cooperating with authorities,' Medflyt said.
Experts, pundits, punters and even cartoonists have seized on last week's massive CrowdStike tech outage to argue it shows the dangers of getting rid of physical money = but some experts still say a functionally cashless society is inevitable.

Banks, businesses, airlines, broadcasters and government agencies were thrown into chaos when a faulty software security patch issued by US-based company CrowdStrike crashed Microsoft operating systems in Australia and worldwide.

Denied the option of digital payments, supermarkets along with retail and hospitality businesses were forced to accept cash only, while the 'blue screens of death' even forced some outlets to close on July 19.

Swinburne University electronic payments systems Professor Steve Worthington told 7News the outage highlighted the need for cash to remain a back-up option despite its use dwindling.

'Cash can't crash,' he said.

'I don't think it's still king but it's in the royal family of payments, if you like.

'The global outage reminds us of the fragile nature of the modern IT world and it's interconnectivity. Someone's pulled one brick out of the wall and the wall's just collapsed.

'The cashless society is a bit of mirage, really. It always appears to be on the horizon but you walk towards it and it's disappeared again.'

Last week a worldwide tech outage threw Australia's banking, retail, travel, broadcasting, hospitality and government sectors into turmoil

Sky News commentator Caleb Bond argued in an opinion piece that 'if you ever you needed an argument against a cashless society, you saw it last week'.

'There would be no faster way, these days, to cripple a society than cutting off its internet and banking systems,' he wrote.

Bond said a malign hack or another outage 'could bring a country  or even the entire world  to complete submission'.

Those who have 'total control of the flow of money through electronic means you have total control of the world', he stated.

'Our governments and banks know this,' he wrote.

'That's why they like the idea of a cashless society.

'But foreign powers and criminals also like the idea because it makes it much easier to wage war.'

He argued that in these circumstances 'to usher in a cashless society would be to sign our own death warrant'.

The theme of cash being a means of control was also picked up by the weekly 'Please Explain' cartoon put out by One Nation as satirical commentary and advocacy.

In Friday's episode of the cartoon Anthony Albanese wanted to buy a snag from a Bunning's sausage sizzle but was told he can only do so with a card and that incurs an extra fee.

Momentarily determined to stop this outrage Mr Albanese - like Jack climbing the beanstalk in the fairy tale - entered the huge castle-like 'lair' of the four big banks, which are depicted as literal giants wearing banking attire.

The oversized figure representing the Commonwealth Bank picked up the prime minister to give him a seat 'right here in the palm of my hand'.

One Nation's weekly cartoon also focused on the dangers and political temptations of a cashless society

Mr Albanese remained determined to stop the drift towards a cashless society until the giants told him it is really about power.

'Going cashless gives up total control,' said the figure representing the ANZ.

'No economic privacy, we can see and stop any transaction,' the NAB goliath said.

'He who controls the money controls the world and that he could be you,' the Commonwealth behemoth said to an increasingly convinced Mr Albanese.

Mr Albanese returned to Bunnings and says he is happy to pay for a sausage with his card, even if meant a surcharge, but then the CrowdStrike outage hits.

Sky News pundit Caleb Bond argued that the CrowdStrike outage shows going cashless would be like 'signing a death warrant'

'Why didn't we keep cash as a redundancy measure?' asked one of the panicking people in the queue.

Following the CrowdStrike outage many on social media also used it to point to the need to keep cash.

On the 'Cash is King' Facebook page, one user posted an image of supermarket automatic registers closed and displaying the 'blue screen of death'.

'So when it suits them cash is OK,' the user commented with shrug and laugh emojis.

'Well I'll be damned once again, it is proven Cash is King,' another user replied.

'Just got home from work... My wife is already asking for cash, it's been a long time since I remember her having to ask me,' another stated.

'What a joke and they want to get rid of cash,' was a further reply.

Swinburne University Professor Steve Worthington said the outage showed that while cash might necessarily still be 'king' it remained in the 'royal family' of payments

RMIT University finance academic Angel Zhong still expects Australia to go 'functionally cashless'

'All who had cash today are laughing as the banking system went down,' read another post.

'Won't the banks and government hate this, they're banging their heads against a wall cos it shows we are right,' another said.

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock warned in December that the declining circulation of cash was putting pressure on the economics of ATMs and physically moving notes and coins around.

She even suggested businesses could start to push those costs onto consumers by charging extra to use cash.

RMIT University finance academic Angel Zhong has previously suggested Australia will become a functionally cashless society by 2030, earlier than the Commonwealth Bank's forecast of 2026.

Functionally cashless, she explains, means digital payments make up more than 90 per cent of total payments, although cash would retain its value and not disappear.

Her calculation is based on consumer preference data from the RBA.

The latest 2022 survey, published in June 2023, shows cash made up 13 per cent of total payments, down from 69 per cent in 2007 and 27 per cent in 2019.

Dr Zhong said the CrowdStrike outage, which was hot on the heels of the 2023 Optus outage, didn't change her forecast but highlighted digital vulnerabilities.

'These outages and incidents, that is why we're not transitioning overnight,' she says.

'We are not ready to be a 100 per cent cashless society. This will shake consumers' confidence in digital payments.'

Dr Zhong urged financial institutions to use the latest outage as an opportunity to shift from reactive to proactive risk management by enhancing systems resilience.
Kamala Harris' top vice president pick has been dragged into a shocking sexual harassment scandal.

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, 51, is in the running to take Harris' job as vice president should she beat Donald Trump in November.

Harris has so far requested materials from Shapiro as part of a vetting process that includes several governors of swing states that could be an asset to her efforts.

But a Pennsylvania Democrat who will be on the ticket this November is accusing Shapiro of being involved in a cover-up and even made a shocking prediction regarding how he might wreck Harris' campaign.

Erin McClelland, the Dem nominee for treasurer in the state, has caused an intra-party fight after her tweet Tuesday night endorsing North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to be Harris' running mate.

Josh Shapiro (pictured left), the man who many see as the favorite to be Kamala Harris' running mate now faces controversy as a fellow Democrat from his state noted his involvement in a sexual harassment scandal

'I want a VP pick that's secure enough to be second under a woman, is content to be VP & won't undermine the President to maneuver his own election & doesn't sweep sexual harassment under the rug,' she wrote, referring to Shapiro.

'I want someone that can speak to rural voters. That is @RoyCooperNC,' she added, referencing the lone southern governor on the list of names being vetted.

After not explicitly naming him in the post, McClelland confirmed to the New York Post that she was referring to Shapiro.

'If I were in her situation, I would think very strongly about the difficulties that some women experience being in a top-level position, and having men around them that have to be satisfied with being second, third or answering to a woman,' she said.

In 2023, Shapiro's office quietly settled for $250,000 with a woman who'd accused Mike Vereb - a legislative liaison to the governor and decades-long ally - of sexual harassment.

Vereb did not resign until seven months after the accusation was made and Shapiro was criticized for how he handled the incident.

'It really makes me so angry that I have to stop talking because I'll say things I shouldn't,' said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward told the Philadelphia Inquirer after Vereb's resignation.

'It's so infuriating that [Vereb] stayed in that position for months, one of the highest positions in the administration.'

Erin McClelland, the Dem nominee for treasurer in the state, has caused an intra-party fight after her tweet Tuesday night endorsing North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to be Harris' running mate

Shapiro's only response to the criticism was to smirk and tell people to 'consider the source,' the Inquirer added. Ward is a Republican who frequently butts heads with Shapiro.

Sharif Street, the chairman of the Pennsylvania Democrat Party, was irate when asked about her statement.

'Look, everybody's entitled to their opinion, but I'll tell you, I'm offended by the post,' he said.

'I'm personally offended, and I'll have conversations with our nominee for treasurer separately,' Street added.

McClelland seemed unbothered by the chairman's response.

She said: 'Someone is offended by a woman with a strong opinion. Color me thunderstruck.'

Furthermore, McClelland endorsed Cooper because she thinks he represents everything Shapiro is not.

'I don't think that he would undercut [Harris]. He's good on public education, which is an issue that's important to me,' she said.

McClelland said that Shapiro could potentially undermine Harris as president

McClelland endorsed North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (pictured) because she thinks he represents everything Shapiro is not

DailyMail.com has reached out to Shapiro's office for comment.

Shapiro's name often comes up as a Democrat with a bright political future and potential sights on the White House.

The battleground state governor was one of the first Democratic leaders to push back on replacing Biden following his stumbling debate performance, but it is not clear whether he would join a Harris ticket.

He threw his support behind Harris on Sunday, not long after Biden's announcement.

'I've known Kamala Harris for nearly two decades  we've both been prosecutors, we've both stood up for the rule of law, we've both fought for the people and delivered results,' he said in a statement.

'Kamala Harris is a patriot worthy of our support and she will continue the work of generations of Americans who came before us to perfect our union, protect our democracy, and advance real freedom.'

The Keystone state governor said the best path forward for the Democratic Party is to 'quickly unite behind Vice President Harris and refocus on winning the presidency.'

He vowed he would do everything he an to help elect Harris as the next president.

Cooper won his state in two elections even as Trump won the state in the presidential race. Now he is term limited and preparing to leave office. He endorsed Harris on Sunday.

Bringing him on to the Democratic presidential ticket could put North Carolina closer into play for Democrats. He has also frequently appeared with both Biden and Harris on the campaign trail.


PM Modi to visit Kyiv in August, his first since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to Kyiv in August, his first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24, 2022, sources said. July saw high-level exchanges between the two nations with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Ukraine counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and NSA Ajit Doval and his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Yermak holding telephonic talks.



EAM Jaishankar, on his social media platform X, had shared that he spoke about furthering the bilateral relationship between the two nations.



PM Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.



On June 4, when PM Modi recorded the third straight victory in the general elections, Zelensky congratulated him and invited him to visit the war-ravaged country.



In a telephone conversation with Zelensky in March, PM Modi discussed ways to strengthen India-Ukraine partnership.



While reiterating the nation's people-centric approach, PM Modi had assured Zelensky that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution.



PM Modi, during his two-day Moscow visit earlier this month, stressed, "There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward."



The Prime Minister said India has always called for respecting the United Nations Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty.




A Melbourne woman has told how she and her partner made a daring last-minute escape from the inferno that engulfed holiday villas in Bali while another Aussie sleeping in the same resort has her friends to thank for saving her life.

The terrifying blaze was reported at around 10.30pm on Thursday night in Seminyak, an area popular with Aussies.

Alana Capo told Nine News that she and her partner were confronted by the life-threatening scene of hellish flames tearing through villa next door to theirs.

'The exit to go out to the main street was in between the villas, so it was either run through the fire or find another way out,' she said.

Flames were jumping across the thatched roofs of the villas making the situation more desperate by the second.

However, keeping cool heads the intrepid pair managed to find some respite by climbing through a small gap onto a shed roof overlooking a rice paddy.

'We were waving our phones, screaming help, help, help,' Ms Capo said.

'These locals just came and basically, we jumped off the roof, four or five metres, and they caught us.'

Melbourne woman Alana Capo has recounted the narrow escape she and her partner made from a terrifying fire at their villas in Bali

Another Australian, Shirley Venter, said she owes her life to friends who came back to the villa to save her as she slept blissfully unaware of the peril.

'I was sleeping, I didn't even know it was happening,' she told Nine.

'They (staff) were going to leave me there.'

Venter returned to the hotel on Friday to salvage possessions.

Perth tourist Rod Blitvich said hotel staff did their best to douse the flames by hosing down one roof.

'We saw them hose out a fire on a thatched roof,' he said.

Australian tourists reported losing all of their belongings after a major fire (pictured) destroyed 16 villas in a Bali resort

Kuta police spokesman Anggi Wahyu Romadhoni said 19 of the complex's 20 buildings were destroyed but there were no reported casualties.

Earlier Western Australian man Bailey, who was staying in one of the villas, told Perth radio station 6PR he and his friends had lost nearly everything in the blaze.

'We were out for dinner and on our way back we could see flames in the distance. As we were getting close we realised our villa was on fire,' he said on Friday.

'I lost everything apart from my passport and cash, most of us did. A couple of them lost passports and a couple have (lost) everything.'

Bailey said he and his mates are going to go to the Australian consulate to try to 'get some new passports'.

'And then we're going to have to find some new accommodation somewhere.'

He said that reports of people stealing items from the compound as the fire raged were probably not true.

Western Australian man Bailey was staying in one of the villas and told Perth radio station 6PR he and his friends had lost nearly everything. The fire is pictured

'They were wheeling safes and mattresses out of the place. I don't know that they were being stolen.

'They were just being taken out of there so that nothing got damaged,' he told Millsy and Karl on 6PR.
Ronnie Wood was all smiles watching his son Tyrone marry fiancee Faye, the daughter of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris, in the rock n' roll wedding of the summer.

The Rolling Stones icon's family joined them on the steps of London's Marylebone Old Town Hall on Friday throwing confetti at the newlyweds, including ex-wife Jo Wood, 69, daughter Leah, 45 and son Jesse, 47, who was joined by his TV presenter wife Fearne Cotton, 42, his twin daughters Grace and Alice, eight, and current wife Sally Humphreys, 46.

But there was one member of the Wood clan conspicuous by his absence, Jamie Wood - Ronnie's stepson and Tyrone's half-brother - who shunned the ceremony.

Jamie, 49, and Tyrone, 41, were once thick as thieves while they grew up together under the same roof regularly visited by A-listers.

But a family fallout over money drove a wedge between Ronnie and his stepson and former manager, whom the Stones guitarist, 77, took in as a one-year-old following Jo's split from his biological father, clothing entrepreneur, Peter Greene in 1976.

Ronnie Wood, pictured top left throwing confetti, was all smiles watching his son Tyrone marry fiancee Faye, the daughter of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris

The Rolling Stones icon, 77, shares a kiss with his current wife Sally Humphreys, 46

Tyrone Wood got married to Faye Harris at Marylebone Old Town Hall

Ronnie walks to Marylebone Old Town Hall with his twin daughters Grace and Alice, eight, and current wife Sally

There was one member of the Wood clan conspicuous by his absence, Jamie Wood - Ronnie's stepson and Tyrone's half-brother

Ronnie Wood and Jo Wood with their children Leah and Tyrone, his son Jesse and her son Jamie during their 24-year marriage

In a candid interview with The Times, Jamie Wood, 48, delved into his experience growing up with an astronomically famous father, and the impact this had on his upbringing

A source said: 'Ronnie and Jamie have grown further and further apart and it's sad because he grew up alongside his stepbrothers and sister.

'The fact he was nowhere to be seen at Tyrone's wedding just shows how the rift has never healed'.

Jamie and stepsister Leah have a healthy relationship and their kids get on well, according to the latter.

But his closeness with Tyrone has been hindered by his brother's love of partying, something Jamie is well and truly over now.

He says: 'He likes to party and go out and stay out all night and all that. Not for me. Not for me, ever.'

Jamie has previously told how Ronnie and Jo's split in 2011 after 24 years of marriage 'destroyed him' and claimed the rocker showed 'no loyalty' towards him during the divorce process.

Up until that moment, Ronnie treated him like one of his own while growing up in unique surroundings, which saw him attend 17 schools in various countries as his rock n' roll parents lived life to the full.

Jamie recalled seeing the likes of Hollywood stars including Michael J Fox, John Belushi, and Christopher Reeve hanging out in his house in the early hours while they lived in New York in the 1980s.

Plus, he also remembers drugs being particularly prevalent, namely Keith Richards' joints in ashtrays which Jamie admitted to stealing at just 10 years-old.

But Jamie, who now has three children of his own, claimed his childhood was not always enjoyable, and a big part of that was his relationship with Ronnie.

Jamie (grey jumper), who now has three children of his own, is not Ronnie's biological son, but grew up with the musician, his mother Jo Wood and three siblings - Leah, Tyrone and Jesse

Jamie described growing up with his unusual family as 'always being second' to his father, who he said 'always came first'

'Dad was God,' he said, adding that Ronnie's fame meant he had 'no friends' as no parents would allow their children to visit the Woods house

His mother, Jo, split from Jamie's biological father Peter Greene in 1976

He described growing up with his unusual family as 'always being second' to his father, who Jamie said 'always came first' and was 'God'.

Jamie added that Ronnie's fame meant he had 'no friends' as no parents would allow their children to visit the Woods' house.

Speaking to MailOnline in 2020, Jamie says Ronnie spent most of his childhood 'in the toilet' as he poked fun at his style of parenting.

Jamie said: 'I lived with him since I was one-year-old. I'm surprised he remembers me to be honest,'

'He was probably like 'who is this 21-year-old?' when I grew up.

'He spent the first 12 years locked in the toilet - partying, drinking. You can't look after kids in that condition. We never had much of a relationship.

'Ronnie was a dude mum was with - the dude it's all about.'

Shortly before Ronnie and Jo's split, sparked by the rocker's infidelity after he was caught stumbling into the house with cocktail waitress Ekaterina Ivanova in 2009, Jamie was managing his father's businesses after a property deal allegedly went wrong forcing the Woods' to remortgage their 5 million home.

Jamie quit his own successful events firm, which turned over 9million a year, to take over his parents financial affairs, a decision he now brands a 'f**king nightmare.'

Following his parents' split, lawyers dealing with the divorce wanted a 'clean break', and that meant from Jamie too, who was relinquished from his management role and Ronnie's stepson claims he was never paid for his services.

Speaking to The Times in May 2023, Jamie says lawyers turning against himself and Jo 'just destroyed me. Dad didn't There was no loyalty there. He was off, drunk.' Jamie tried calling him to get him to intervene, 'and he didn't pick up. So I just got on with it.'

Jamie now lives in Surrey with wife Jodie and his three children.

His youngest son is the same age as Ronnie's twin daughters he shares with wife Sally, but that has failed to bring them closer together.

A host of people were in attendance at the London based wedding as they threw confetti at the newlyweds

A family fallout over money drove a wedge between Ronnie and Jamie, who did not attend Tyrone's wedding, pictured above

Iron Maiden bassist and founder of the heavy metal band Steve Harris is pictured

Pictured: Jesse Wood and Leah Wood share a laugh outside the wedding

Family and friends moved onto The George pub on Great Portland Street for the reception

Jamie said: 'I don't actually know what he's like these days. I've barely seen him.'

His eldest son Leo is a promising boxer but he's never invited Ronnie to one of his bouts because he'd be 'worried about him saying no. That'd be more rejection.'

Jamie added: 'Why do I want to expose my children to that life, and they're going to love you, and then you're going to let them down?

'He did that with us, so it's not going to change.'

Asked if he really thought, deep down, Ronnie loved him as much as his biological children, Jamie says: 'I knew I wasn't his blood. And I would bring it up with him and say, 'Do you still love me like you love the other ones?' And he'd say yes. He was lying. But, you know, he'd say yes.'

The breakdown of Jamie's relationship with Ronnie coincided with the passing of his biological dad - whom he was never close to.

He found out he was dying during a phone call out of the blue.

Jamie explains: 'I didn't believe him - and then he died. So I lost two dads at the same time.'

And he never sought to sit down with Ronnie and have a heart-to-heart, purely because Jamie's 'not sure where his heart is'.

He adds: 'It's about somewhere, because it's a good heart. 'He's got a good heart. He's a good man.

'He's a caring man when you're with him, I guess.'

Despite the feud, Jamie - who had issues with drugs as a teenager later overdosing at 21 and also battled back from a heart attack in 2017 to live a clean lifestyle - is still in awe of Ronnie's musical talent and feels he's the most under-appreciated member of the Stones.

He explains: 'He's such a talent.

'He's an amazing artist and he can play any instrument

'He was the spare part, the Prince Harry of the band- It was always about Keith and Mick.'
Cineworld has revealed the six UK sites it is closing as part of a restructuring plan bosses hope will save the under-fire company.

Cinemas in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate, and Swindon Circus will be closing down in the coming months.

The company has said it now beginning a consultation process with employees at those sites and it will offer as many redeployment opportunities to nearby locations as possible.

But the company has warned the total number of impacted sites cannot be confirmed until the restructuring process is complete.

Sources told Sky News yesterday that Cineworld, which currently runs around 100 sites across the country, was originally expected to close 25.

The company has said it now beginning a consultation process with employees at those sites and it will offer as many redeployment opportunities to nearby sites as possible. Pictured: The Glasgow Parkhead site which will close

A map showing the locations of the six Cineworld sites to close

The company has warned the total number of impacted sites cannot be confirmed until the restructuring process is complete. Pictured: The Bedford site which will close

Cineworld's restructuring plan will now go before the court, and if approved, the process is set to go into effect in September.

The chain said it decided to axe the six locations as they were 'commercially unviable', in an attempt to return the business to profitability.

Its plans will also try to reduce rental costs with landlords in the UK.

Cineworld claims market rents for cinemas have reduced over the last few years, meaning some of its rents now cost more than the market rate.

Landlords on marginal and loss making cinemas are being asked to reset the rent to the market level, according to the company.

It is not known how many of Cineworld's sites have asked their landlords to reduce the rent, but Sky News previously reported the number as 50.

A Cineworld spokesperson said: 'We are implementing a Restructuring Plan that will provide our company with a strong platform to return our business to profitability, attract further investment from the Group, and ensure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in the UK.'

Cineworld's restructuring plan will now go before the court, and if approved, the process is set to go into effect in September. Pictured: The Hinckley site which will close

The chain said it decided to axe the six locations as they were 'commercially unviable', in an attempt to return the business to profitability. Pictured: The Loughborough site which will close

While the restructuring plan is ongoing, Cineworld's sites will continue to operate as normal. Pictured: The Yate site which will close

Cineworld is being advised by AlixPartners. Pictured: The Swindon, Regent Circus, site which will close

While the restructuring plan is ongoing, Cineworld's sites will continue to operate as normal. The plan will not affect the Cineworld business outside of the UK.

The company is being advised by AlixPartners.

But despite Cineworld confirming the six sites to close, other cinema operators could step in to save the day and take them over.

Tim Richards, chief executive of cinema chain Vue, said previously he would 'absolutely' look to take over sites from rival operators.

He said: 'They would need to be qualitatively complimentary with our circuit but I think weve already demonstrated over the last 20 years that M&A and purchasing cinemas is part of our DNA.'

The recent announcement comes as many customers blamed the cinema chain's decline on its prices, claiming a family trip to the cinema has become too expensive.

Tim Richards, chief executive of cinema chain Vue, said he would 'absolutely' look to take over sites from rival operators

Cineworld customers have said the chain has priced them out of trips to the movies

After the news of the closures broke on social media yesterday, a number of cinema-goers took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their views.

How much could a family trip to Cineworld cost? Two family tickets to a 4DX showing, which includes two children and two adults: 58.66 Two large popcorns: 11.30 Two large hot dogs: 11.50 Confectionary (pick and mix) for the kids: 6.90 Four large soft drinks: 16.80 Grand total: 105.16 Source: Cineworld and TheatreFoodandFun.com Advertisement

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.

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.

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

'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.'

Earlier this month sources told Sky News that the insolvency mechanism employed by Cineworld was expected to be a restructuring plan which would allow it to rework its balance sheet and restructure debts.

Cineworld grew under the leadership of the Greidinger family into a global giant of the film industry, acquiring chains including Regal in the US in 2018 and the British company of the same name four years prior.

However its multibillion-dollar debt mountain led it into crisis, and forced the company into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. in 2022.

Earlier this month sources told Sky News that the insolvency mechanism employed by Cineworld was expected to be a restructuring plan which would allow it to rework its balance sheet and restructure debts

Filing for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy means a company intends to reorganise its debts and assets to have a fresh start, while remaining in business.

Cineworld shares were worth just 0.6p in June last year after it was hit hard by the pandemic. They were changing hands at 300p just five years ago.

It caused it to delist from the London Stock Exchange in August 2023 after Cineworld's UK arm collapsed into administration as its share price continued to fall and fears were raised for its survival.

A deal was struck last year which exchanged several billions of dollars of debt for shares, with a significant sum of fresh cash injected into the company by a group of hedge funds and investors.

But Cineworld is not alone in facing headwinds, with brands such as Picturehouse, Odeon and Empire all also having to close cinemas in the past year.

Picturehouse will close branches at Stratford East, Bromley and Fulham Road in London this summer.

Meanwhile Odeon closed five in June last year, with Empire collapsing into administration a month later - closing six.

A map of the freshly announced Cineworld sites, alongside the Empire, Odeon and Picturehouse cinemas which have closed in the past year. The top right chart shows the number of cinemas has dropped from 879 in 2020 to now only 825

The chief executive of the UK Cinema Association Phil Clapp told MailOnline the operating environment for UK cinema 'undoubtedly remains a challenging one'

Over the past few years, Britain has been falling out of love with the silver screen as Hollywood strikes, rising prices and the popularity of TV streamers have all turned audiences off.

In 2020 there were 879 cinemas in the UK, but it has fallen every year since then and now amounts to only 825, according to the UK Cinema Association.

The chief executive of the UK Cinema Association Phil Clapp previously told MailOnline the operating environment for UK cinema 'undoubtedly remains a challenging one'.

He said: 'Having survived the unique challenges of the pandemic  when many sites were closed or operating under restrictions for many months  the sector has since then needed to navigate both the cost of living crisis and the writers' and actors' strikes of last Autumn.

'The latter in particular has meant that cinemas have had many fewer films to show the public than they would want.'
Baffled Twitter users have managed to see the funny side of the bizarre and lengthy Paris Olympics opening ceremony, taking to the platform to mock the performance.

Hundreds of memes are poking fun at the smurfs, 'woke' performances and torrential rain which led to the crowd being clad in plastic ponchos.

With critics branding the four-hour show as the 'worst ever', its only expected that the opening ceremony in Paris was subject to brutal social media commentary.

Sharing a photo of the very stern-looking British Prime Minister, one X user wrote: 'You know what he is thinking - this Opening Ceremony is very much a meeting that could have been an email.'

One X user joked that the 'first two hours of the mechanical horse were the best'

Sharing a photo of the very stern-looking British Prime Minister , one X user wrote: 'You know what he is thinking - this Opening Ceremony is very much a meeting that could have been an email'

There are hundreds of memes are poking fun at the smurfs and 'woke' performances

With critics branding the four-hour show as the 'worst ever', its only expected that the opening ceremony in Paris was subject to brutal social media commentary

Posting about the NBC commentary of the bizarre event, one person said: 'the tony is very 'the American mind can't comprehend this'

The opening ceremony in Paris was subject to brutal social media commentary

Many people shared footage of London's 2012 ceremony in comparison - where Rowan Atkinson performed one note on a keyboard in character as the iconic Mr Bean.

Social media users reminisced about the 'unforgettable' performance which left millions in stitches. This was pointed to as the gold-standard instead of the 'woke' yet 'boring' ceremony last night.

One X user joked that the 'first two hours of the mechanical horse were the best'.

A knight wearing the Olympic flag sat on top of a mechanical silver horse as it made its way down the River Seine.

It headed towards the Eiffel Tower - where all the athletes were gathered.

The elaborate scene had a jockey meant to represent Sequana - the goddess of the Seine in the Gallo-Roman religion - carrying the flag.

Athletes covered in plastic ponchos attempted to keep spirits high as they travelled down the river Seine in a huge flotilla of 85 boats but this was quickly torn apart by savage social media

One person wrote 'Catherine Deneuve should light the torch with a cigarette'

Many people shared footage of London 's 2012 ceremony in comparison - where Rowan Atkinson performed one note on a keyboard in character as the iconic Mr Bean

The Olympic flag had been raised at the Trocadero - upside down. This alone was something social media users pounced on, barely able to contain their mirth.

'Those who managed to stay awake [during the Opening Ceremony] were treated to the Olympic flag being flown upside down,' journalist Dan Wetzel tweeted on X.

'If you are having a bad day at work, it could be worse. You could be the flag team that hoisted the Olympic Flag upside down at the Opening Ceremony,' posted another Games fan.

Posting about the NBC commentary of the bizarre event, one person said: 'the tony is very 'the American mind can't comprehend this'.

One user posted a scene from the London 2012 event captioned: '12 years later and ten minutes in and this Opening Ceremony is clearly coming nowhere near to London.'

While many in the viewing stands chose to wear a poncho, Sir Keir was pictured amid the sea of plastic coverings determinedly refusing to wear such a garment

Joking about the absence of famous cartoon character in Ratatouille, one X user posted: 'Can't believe the French haven't paid homage to their greatest chef in the opening ceremony'

Others slammed the performance as 'millennial'

One user posted a scene from the London 2012 event captioned: '12 years later and ten minutes in and this Opening Ceremony is clearly coming nowhere near to London'

Even Irish singing due Jedward got in on the mockery and memes

The performers were forced to play in the horrible weather, with one posting 'save the piano'

6,800 athletes covered in plastic ponchos attempted to keep spirits high as they travelled down the river Seine in a huge flotilla of 85 boats.

But this was quickly torn apart by savage social media memes, posting an image of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at a podium reading 'Stop the Boats'.

Joking about the absence of famous cartoon character in Ratatouille, one X user posted: 'Can't believe the French haven't paid homage to their greatest chef in the opening ceremony. Nothing about Remy, they've erased him from their history.'

Sharing a photo of UK PM Sir Keir Starmer in the stands, a person wrote: 'Our Prime Minister bringing his own cagoule to the Olympic opening ceremony so he doesn't have to wear a silly poncho makes me proud to be British. We know how to do rain.'

While many in the viewing stands chose to wear a poncho, Sir Keir was pictured amid the sea of plastic coverings determinedly refusing to wear such a garment.

But as the rain increased, he opted to put the hood of his raincoat up instead.
Thousands of protesters who descended on central London with chants of 'we want our country back' for a Tommy Robinson rally.

The demonstrators, waving flags and singing songs, have gathered at the Royal Courts of Justice ahead of a march to Trafalgar Square this afternoon.

Cries of 'Rule Britannia' were heard before the event, which Robinson - whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - has said will be the 'biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen'.

The Metropolitan Police have flooded central London with 1,000 police officers to keep the peace this afternoon, with a large counter-demonstration by Stand Up To Racism set to take place, as well as a Trans Pride march all in the space of two miles.

The force says the vast majority of its officers on-duty today will be tasked with keeping the groups, some of whom have diametrically opposed views, apart from each other.

Police have warned that despite leaflets suggesting the counter-protest march will finish in Trafalgar Square, this is not the case and the rally must end in Whitehall instead.

Thousands of people have gathered in Trafalgar Square waving British flags for the rally

A St George's flag with the words 'stop the boats' and 'do it for our kids future' is waved aloft in Trafalgar Square

A woman holds a placard which reads 'Not Far Right, Just Right' at the rally in Trafalgar Square

A man waving a St George's flag while wearing a Union Jack-themed top hat and waist coat stands in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

People attending the event organised by Tommy Robinson gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice this morning

Many were seen waving British, English, Welsh and Scottish flags as they arrived outside the courts

The event, called 'Uniting The Kingdom' has been organised by former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, pictured at today

Among the crowd at the Tommy Robinson event is actor-turned-political activist Laurence Fox

Vast crowds of people gather in Trafalgar Square to listen to speeches at the 'Uniting The Kingdom' event

British and English flags fly in the air as people at Trafalgar Square listen to a speech by Tommy Robinson

Two men hold onto a lamppost as they try to get a view of speeches at Trafalgar Square

A demonstrator wearing Union Flag themed clothing waves an Israeli flag outside the Royal Courts of Justice

Marchers set off red flares outside the Royal Courts of Justice before the demonstration today

A man wearing only British flag-themed pants at Trafalgar Square

Three men chant songs as they arrive at the demonstration, which Robinson has said will be 'biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen'

A woman with two British flags behind her smiles at the demonstration in central London today

A British flag with the words 'These Colours Don't Run' is held aloft at the rally in central London today

The 'Uniting The Kingdom' event, which has been billed as a 'patriotic rally' has seen people gather on The Strand, before marching to Trafalgar Square.

There was a sea of British, English, Scottish and Welsh flags, as well as people waving symbols of Israel, the former Shah of Iran and the military heraldry.

One demonstrator could be seen climbing on top of a phone box on The Strand in central London.

Other protesters held placards that read 'Not far right, just right', while a red flare was let off.

The crowd, which includes actor-turned-political activist Laurence Fox, were seen chanting 'England, England, England', 'England till I die' as they set off on the march.

Speaking on a live-stream as thousands of people gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Robinson said a 'line in the sand has been drawn'.

He said: 'This is the biggest gathering of patriots Europe has seen, and it's happening in Great Britain. Get your people organised, unify your countries.

'Enough is enough, a line in the sand has been drawn. We're being replaced no longer.'

There were also some anti-Islamic chants from marchers as they walked along The Strand to Trafalgar Square.

After reaching the historic venue they have heard speeches from Robinson and other members of his movement.

Tommy Robinson speaks down the camera while holding a microphone at this afternoon's march

A man with a Tommy Robinson tattoo containing the face of the far-right leader and three lions with the words 'Tommys Lions Roar' at the march

A woman decked in British flag themed clothing including wearing sunglasses with the Union Flag on them gathers at the event

Large crowds of people gather at the Royal Courts of Justice before the march set off this afternoon

People waving British, English and RAF flags pose for a photo in Trafalgar Square this morning

A topless man with a large tattoo that says 'England' on his back, with a St George's flag wrapped around his waist, stands at Trafalgar Square for the rally

People waving British and Northern Irish flags gather at Trafalgar Square ahead of the march

People decked in ST George's crosses and waving flags included those from Israel and Ukraine sit on the fountains at Trafalgar Square

A man holding a St George's flag scales a lamppost outside the Royal Courts of Justice this afternoon

The rally, along with a counter protest, is set to bring central London to a standstill this afternoon

The Metropolitan Police is keeping a close eye on all three protests taking place in central London today

The Met Police has also warned that the counter-protest will finish in Whitehall, not Trafalgar Square as some leaflets have suggested

At the same time counter-demonstrators are expected to gather for a rally organised by Stand Up To Racism and other groups, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's Peace & Justice Project, will take place.

That rally will see protesters gather at Russell Square before marching down Embankment to finish at Whitehall, less than 400 metres from the the Tommy Robinson event.

Police have warned that they will keep members of both protests apart from each other and warned that leaflets claiming the counter-demonstration finishes in Trafalgar Square are incorrect.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the Met wrote: 'Some flyers online suggest the Stand Up To Racism march will finish in Trafalgar Square. This isn't the case. There are conditions requiring it to finish in Whitehall.

'We need to keep opposing groups apart to keep the peace. We'll take action against any breaches of conditions.'

Before the march began protesters heard speeches from trade union officials and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Meanwhile, there will also be a march in support of Trans Pride, with LGBTQ+ activists travelling from Langham Place to Wellington Arch.

Anti-racism demonstrators hold a sign which reads 'Refugees Welcome, Stop The Far Right' as they march

Counter-demonstrators gather in Russell Square this afternoon ahead of a march to Whitehall

Organisers have billed the counter-demonstration as an 'oppose Tommy Robinson' event

People waving Palestinian flags and holding banners reading 'Oppose Islamophobia' and 'Smash Fascism & Racism'

A demonstrator holds a sign against the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge

People gather for the Trans Pride march holding signs reading 'Trans Joy Cannot Be Stopped'

A van with the Trans Pride flag and covered in signs moves along with the crowd towards Wellington Arch

A man wearing only pink shorts and boots, along with a set of wings, waves as the Trans Pride march goes down Regent Street

Trans Pride protesters gather at Langham Place ahead of their march to Wellington Arch

An LGBTQ+ activist holds a sign which reads 'Trans Rights are Human Rights' and 'Trans Youth Are Loved'

A pair of LGBTQ+ activists dressed as Barbie and Ken from the hit move Barbie hold signs reading 'This Barbie says Protect Trans Lives' and 'Trans are Kenough'

This morning Robinson tweeted an image of Trafalgar Square before the rally, which is set to last until 5.30pm, accompanied by the words 'Today is the day, it's going to be beautiful', adding that it would be the 'biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen'.

On Friday he reposted a video which talked about his protest being about a 'strength in numbers' showing the establishment that 'we can organise and do not like the way the country is being run'.

The counter protest run by Stand Up To Racism with the support of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and 11 other trade unions, Stop the War Coalition, Peace & Justice Project and Unite Against Fascism will set off at 1.30pm.

Stand Up To Racism organisers said: 'We are stressing the need to come together and build once again the kind of broad united movement that can drive back the threat as we have done before.'

Samuel Sweek, of the Peace & Justice Project, said: 'The rise of the far-right and fascist politics in Britain and across Europe is a cause of great concern for us all.

Police officers walk down Whitehall from Trafalgar Square ahead of today's protests, with metal barriers in the road to stop the demonstrations mixing

Three police vans sit in front of metal barriers on Whitehall before the rallies take place today

Tommy Robinson tweeted that today's demonstration would be 'beautiful' alongside an image of Trafalgar Square

Police have put barriers around landmarks on Whitehall ahead of today's demonstrations. Pictured: metal barriers and traffic cones place around The Women of World War II memorial on Whitehall

Metal barriers have also been placed around The Cenotaph in Whitehall ahead of the rallies today

A rally organised by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, will take place in central London today. Pictured: Robinson during a march to Parliament Square in London on June 1

There will also be a Trans Pride march at Wellington Arch less than two miles away on Saturday. Pictured: A person holding up a sign reading 'Believe Trans Kids' during a rally in Brighton on July 20

There is expected to be a large counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism and trade unions in central London at the same time. Pictured: A counter-demonstrator at a previous protest in London on June 1

Organisers of the counter-protest have billed it as a 'Unite Against Tommy Robinson' march. Pictured: A man handing out leaflets in Tolpuddle, Dorset, calling on people to join today's march in London

'The political establishment has allowed breathing space for hate and division in our communities, we must stand with those targeted by the likes of Tommy Robinson and his thugs.

'We refuse to cede any ground to bigotry, racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia or any other form of hate they attempt to bring to our streets.

'When the politicians fail, it is the people who must fight back.

'That is why we will be marching on Saturday.'

Police have put a host of restrictions in place in a bid to keep attendees of these two events apart from each other, while roads across central London have been closed.

No conditions have been imposed on the Trans Pride protest.

The Met have warned that people who breach these conditions could be arrested or face police action.

Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove said: 'This weekend sees a number of groups with opposing views assembling in central London.

The Tommy Robinson rally will set off from The Strand before moving into Trafalgar Square where there will be speeches

The counter-protest will see attendees gather in Russell Square before marching down Kingsway to Victoria, and then along Embankment before massing in Whitehall, less than 400 metres from the Tommy Robinson rally

The Met Police have closed roads in central London to accommodate the protests, with the areas shaded in purple, blue and green set to be particularly affected today

'In response we are deploying a significant number of officers as part of a carefully planned operation.

'Our first priority is to keep the peace to ensure that those exercising their right to lawful protest can do so safely.

'We have proactively used our powers under the Public Order Act to manage the timings and routes of marches and assemblies, ensuring that the groups are kept apart.

'Officers will intervene decisively to deal with any breaches of those conditions, prevent crime, and to respond to any other incidents.

'Everyone has a right to feel safe and be safe in London. Those who abuse the right to protest in an effort to unlawfully intimidate others or to use hate speech can expect to face police action.

'The police presence will be very visible and I would urge anyone out and about in London, whether participating in these events or not, to speak to an officer if they feel unsafe or wish to report an incident.'
Two 15-year-old boys who viciously attacked teenager Muhammad Hassam Ali while he enjoyed a hot chocolate in Birmingham's city centre with a friend have been found guilty.

One of the boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of their age, has been convicted of murder and possession of a knife, while the other has been convicted of manslaughter and possession of a bladed article, West Midlands Police said.

The pair will be sentenced in October.

Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood, who led the investigation, said: 'Sadly this is another case that of young men carrying a knife, and being willing to use it with catastrophic consequences.

'Muhammad had simply been enjoying a day out with a friend. There's no evidence at all that he knew either of the boys who went on to kill him, and no evidence he was involved in any earlier attack.

Two 15-year-old schoolboys are facing jail after being convicted of stabbing a teenager, Muhammad Hassan Ali (pictured) to death in a city centre

Muhammad (pictured), had met a friend for a hot chocolate on a winter's day when he was knifed in broad daylight in Birmingham on January 20. He was stabbed through the heart after being approached by two masked youths as he sat near a fountain known as the Floozie in the Jacuzzi in Victoria Square. They had had followed the pair and demanded to know where they were from and if they were responsible for an earlier attack on one of their friends, which they weren't

'This appalling violence which causes misery on families has to stop. We are relentless in our work to tackle knife crime, arresting those who do carry blades, and helping to educate those who could be drawn into that lifestyle.

'But we need help. We need help from parents, guardians, teachers  anyone who cares for young people. I'd urge them to share Muhammad's story with the young people in their lives and to really consider the devastating consequences it has had for everyone involved.'

Muhammad, 17, died after he was knifed in the heart in broad daylight on January 20 this year as he sat in Victoria Square.

The schoolboys had followed the pair and demanded to know where they were from and if they were responsible for an earlier attack on one of their friends, which they weren't.

Muhammad had told them to go away, at which point one of the boys pulled out a large knife and stabbed him in the chest.

The perpetrators were captured on CCTV following Muhammad and his friend through Grand Central Shopping Centre and Birmingham New Street Station before approaching them in Victoria Square.

Giving evidence at Coventry Crown Court earlier this week, one of the boys told jurors he didn't intend to kill Muhammad saying: 'I just wanted to frighten them, I didn't want to do anything with [the knife].'

He told his barrister Michael Ivers KC that he carried a knife for protection having previously been assaulted with weapons, and also regularly wore a Covid-style blue mask so people did not recognize him.

As he was shown CCTV of their interaction, the defendant was asked by Mr Ivers why he kept putting his hand down to his right side.

He said: 'I thought they were going to do something so I was trying to frighten them, to let them know I had something on me.

'I just wanted to frighten them, I didn't want to do anything with [the knife]. I don't remember what they were saying, but it was like "f**k off" or "p**s off". They were getting more aggressive.'

When asked by Mr Ivers why he did not walk away, the defendant said: 'If I turned my back, something might have happened to me, they might have assaulted me.

Muhammad Hassam Ali, 17, died after he was knifed in the heart on January 20 this year in Birmingham's city centre

The two schoolboys were captured on CCTV following Muhammad and his friend before approaching them in Victoria Square (Pictured: Officers in the square a day after the knifing)

Two 15-year-old boys have been on trial for Muhammad's murder at Coventry Crown Court

'It was more and more aggressive, Ali was saying he was going to do something.

'I have been attacked before in my life, I don't want to get assaulted again. I was scared.'

Describing the moment Ali was stabbed, he said: 'I have had times in the past when people have pulled things out on me and I never expected it.

'When I pulled [the knife] out I had it by my side, they were getting more and more aggressive in their speaking and movement.

'I put [the knife] in front of me, [Ali] leaned back and I thought he was going to do something to me and the knife went into him.'

He said he did not realize Muhammad had been stabbed until he looked back as he ran up the steps in Victoria Square and saw Muhammad's friend holding the victim's chest.

He said he ran because he was 'panicking'. He also told jurors that he only found out Muhammad had died when he saw it on the news the next day.

This comes just as a recent report showed that the number of children being seriously hurt by knives in England and Wales rose 47 per cent in just 10 years.

The Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) warned in its latest report that serious violence involving knives has increased significantly in recent years, impacting some of Britain's most deprived communities the most.

The London-based non-profit noted that police have 'failed' to solve most crimes, investigating only nine per cent of cases successfully, down from 25 per cent ten years ago - as funding for essential resources aimed at prevention have dried up.

The report notes spending on young people's services has 'more than halved' since 2012-13, with many more children finding themselves in care, in absolute poverty or being referred to mental health services - weakening the 'safety nets' in place to support the most vulnerable.

Black children were more than six times more likely to be murdered compared to their share of the population in 2022-23 - a difference that has 'narrowed' recently, but remains worse than it was ten years ago.
A new study has revealed America's worst airports for flight delays - and you're out of luck if you're flying into Florida.

This summer has been plagued with flight delays and cancellations following a faulty update by the software company CrowdStrike that caused massive Microsoft outages worldwide.

Major airlines faced significant flight disruptions on Wednesday, with American Airlines leading the pack with 69 cancellations. Delta, United, and Spirit also grounded over 20 flights each, according to USA TODAY.

Business text messaging platform Essendex analyzed over 500 of the most common flight routes across the nation's 25 busiest airports to identify the best and worst routes for flight delays.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) appeared more frequently than any other airport on the list of flight routes with the highest delay rates.

A new study has revealed America's worst airports for flight delays - and you're out of luck if you're flying into Florida

Business text messaging platform Essendex analyzed over 500 of the most common flight routes across the nation's 25 busiest airports to identify the best and worst routes for flight delays

In second place comes Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) followed by Miami International Airport (MIA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

'The Orlando International Airport has faced many issues in recent months due to storms canceling flights, on top of already busy conditions due to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios crowds coming in and out of the airport,' the study said.

'The data revealed planes arrived at their destinations on average four minutes late from Orlando, with 14 out of the top 100 most delayed flights arriving into or leaving Orlando.'

Surprisingly, the flight route with the most delays was from Orlando to Philadelphia, averaging a 35-minute tardiness. However, the reverse journey typically arrives 22 minutes ahead of schedule.

'With over 100 domestic and 50 international destinations, Orlando welcomed more than 57.7 million passengers in 2023 as the busiest airport in the state of Florida,' the study said.

Orlando International Airport (MCO) appeared more frequently than any other airport on the list of flight routes with the highest delay rates

Major airlines faced significant flight disruptions on Wednesday from the IT outage, with American Airlines leading the pack with 69 cancellations. Delta, United, and Spirit also grounded over 20 flights each

The recent airline outage has significantly impacted flight schedules, making it difficult to determine which carriers are currently experiencing the most delays and cancellations. However, the Essendex study, conducted prior to this disruption, identified JetBlue as the airline with the highest rate of flight delays.

'JetBlue Airways stands out as the only U.S. carrier with flights arriving, on average, delayed. Despite the data finding a minimal average delay of one minute,' the study said.

'This coincides with JetBlue being crowned as the worst airline in the U.S. for the second consecutive year by the Wall Street Journal, due to extreme delays, frequent cancellations, and two-hour tarmac waits.'

While other airlines struggled with delays, Delta ironically stood out as the carrier with the best on-time performance. However following the outage, it has become the airline with the most flight cancellations and the second-most flight delays this week.

'Delta Air Lines frequently outperforms its scheduled arrival times across the board, with flights arriving, on average, 25 minutes ahead of schedule,' the study said.

While other airlines struggled with delays, Delta ironically stood out as the carrier with the best on-time performance

Despite being identified as the airport with the highest overall flight delay rate in the study, Orlando International is not among the airports facing the most significant disruptions this week.

ATL takes first place for most delayed flights this week. In second place comes DFW, followed by Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), Denver International Airport (DIA), Chicago O'Hare International (ORD).

For airports with the most flight cancellations this week, Hartsfield-Jackson International is still in first place, followed by Minneapolis-Saint Paul International, Detroit Metro Wayne Co, LaGuardia, and Charlotte Douglas International.
With ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O'Connor announcing they will not run in the next federal election, two spots have opened up on the Labor Government's front bench.

Indigenous Australians Minister Ms Burney and Skills Minister Mr O'Connor are both immediately stepping back from their roles, allowing Anthony Albanese to make his first reshuffle since Labor won power in May 2022.

The Prime Minister will make the announcement on Sunday, though hotly tipped to get the promotions are Malarndirri McCarthy and Murray Watt.

They will be joined by a third person moving up, as Tasmanian senator Carol Brown announced on Saturday she would step aside from her position as assistant minister for transport and infrastructure.

Ms Brown is stepping back for health reasons and will stay in parliament, but it does create an opening in the outer ministry.

Further openings could be made by sacking people, but this is very unlikely to happen as that would give the Opposition a chance to crow that incompetent ministers are causing the Government to fall apart.

Liberal leader Peter Dutton will still try to make that claim on Sunday, but Mr Albanese will not give him any scalps to back it up.

Instead, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles, both the recent targets of the Opposition's jibes, could likely to be moved to other positions.

Anthony Albanese (pictured at the NSW Labor conference with Jodie Haydon) is about to make his first reshuffle since Labor won power in May 2022

When the Prime Minister announces his Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, MPs Malarndirri McCarthy (pictured) and Murray Watt are expected to be promoted

The Opposition has been calling for both of them to be sacked since the High Court's NZYQ ruling late last year led to convicted criminal asylum seekers being released from indefinite detention because no other country will take them.

Among those released from custody were seven who had committed murder or attempted murder, and 37 sex offenders, including child sex offenders.

Another 72 were convicted of assault and violent offending, including kidnapping and armed robbery, 16 had domestic violence and stalking convictions and 13 committed serious drug offending.

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But despite repeated calls for Ms O'Neil and Mr Giles to be dumped from their positions, Mr Albanese has not budged.

The resignations of Ms Burney and Mr O'Connor gives him an out, though, by reshuffling the deck and moving the ministers widely seen as the least effective sideways, rather than sacking them.

Ms McCarthy, who is Aboriginal, is a senator from the Northern Territory. Her promotion will be to take over from Ms Burney, who is also Aboriginal, as Indigenous Australians Minister.

Though Ms McCarthy worked hard on last year's failed Voice referendum, unlike Ms Burney, she was not seen by the public as central to the campaign.

This will allow the Government to move beyond the humiliating defeat and try to reframe its policies and goals for Indigenous Australians.

Mr Watt, who is currently the Agriculture Minister, could be promoted to the Home Affairs portfolio, replacing Ms O'Neil.

Agriculture minister Murray Watt could get a big promotion to Home Affairs

Another possibility is that Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke could take over Home Affairs, with Mr Watt then replacing him in industrial relations.

As the furniture gets moved around NSW senator Jenny McAllister is tipped to be promoted to the outer ministry while Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy or Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh could be promoted to the Cabinet.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the new look top line in the Labor government 'will to the next election focused on delivering for Australians, particularly in the area of cost of living'.

Speaking in Canberra on Saturday, she said it would be 'A strong and united team that's absolutely focused on delivering for Australians and I think will stand in good contrast to the divided and negative opposition that's being led by Peter Dutton.'

Mr Dutton did not agree though, and told Sky News what changes Mr Albanese should make.

'I really think Andrew Giles' position is completely and utterly untenable. So he should go, that should be the first test for the Prime Minister, and not just parachuted into another portfolio, he needs to go,' the Opposition leader said.

NSW senator Jenny McAllister (pictured) is tipped to be promoted to the outer ministry

'There's no way in the world the prime minister could credibly have Andrew Giles in a ministry, given what he's done so far. And Clare O'Neil, of course, is the co-conspirator to all of that.'

Mr Dutton also put the boot into Mr Watt, before he even gets the promotion that is widely expected.

'I think there's a lot of speculation at the moment around Murray Watt moving into the immigration portfolio ... He's basically just a clone of Andrew Giles.

'So, you can change the sales person, but you still have them read from the same script,' he said.
An easyJet co-pilot has been rushed to hospital after fainting on a flight from London to Lisbon.

The incident happened today on a plane with 193 passengers on board.

It was not immediately clear what airport the plane had left from, although it is thought to have been London Luton.

Local reports are saying the pilot landed the aircraft without any problems and his colleague was attended to by paramedics on the runway before being taken to Lisbon's Santa Maria Hospital.

EasyJet has been approached for a comment.

The incident happened today on a plane with 193 passengers on board (stock photo of an easyJet plane)

Local reports are saying the pilot landed the aircraft without any problems and his colleague was attended to by paramedics (stock photo)

A Ryanair plane had to make an emergency landing at Faro Airport last December after the pilot fell ill.

The aircraft was heading from London Stansted to Morocco.

The pilot told passengers before landing that he wasn't feeling well and the diversion triggered a 'red alert' at the airport.

A spokesman for Ryanair said at the time: 'This flight from Stansted to Morocco diverted to Faro when one of the pilots became ill.

'The aircraft landed normally, and passengers were transferred to an alternative aircraft operated by another crew before continuing to Morocco.'

Last April a packed easyJet plane heading to Agadir in Morocco from London Gatwick had to divert to Faro.

It was not immediately clear what airport the plane had left from, although it is thought to have been London Luton (stock photo)

Local reports at the time said the flight diversion was the result of the pilot suffering an 'indisposition', and led to an identical red alert being activated before the Airbus A320 was landed safely.

EasyJet said in a comment at the time: 'easyJet can confirm that flight EZY6469 from London Gatwick to Agadir on 21 April diverted to Faro due to the First Officer requiring medical assistance.

'The Captain performed a routine landing in accordance with standard operating procedures and the aircraft was met by medical services on arrival in Faro.

'A replacement crew was arranged and passengers have since continued their journey to Agadir. We apologise for any inconvenience experienced due to the diversion and resulting delay.'

'The safety and well-being of its passengers and crew is easyJet's highest priority.'
A former classmate of JD Vance has leaked a trove of emails and texts from the GOP Vice President pick - including remarks about Donald Trump in which he called the former president 'a morally reprehensible human being.'

Sofia Nelson, a former Yale Law School classmate of Vance, has shared around 90 emails and text messages with the New York Times.

The emails shine a light on how Vance shifted from being a strong opponent of Trump to now being his running mate in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Nelson, who is transgender, said that the two were close friends but had a falling out in 2021 when Vance supported an Arkansas ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

In one email from 2015, Nelson wrote to Vance saying that a friend of theirs who wore a hijab no longer felt safe to do so. He replied calling Trump a demagogue.

The emails shine a light on how Vance shifted from being a strong opponent of Trump to now being his running mate in the 2024 Presidential Election

Sofia Nelson, a former Yale Law School classmate of Vance, has shared around 90 emails and text messages with the New York Times

Vance told her: 'I'm obviously outraged at Trump's rhetoric, and I worry most of all about how welcome Muslim citizens feel in their own country.

'But I also think that people have always believed crazy shit. And there have always been demagogues willing to exploit the people who believe crazy shit.'

He also wrote in a separate email: 'If you look at the polling, the issue where Trump gets the most support is on the economy.

'If the response of the media, and the elites of both right and left, are to just say 'look at those dumb racists supporting Trump,' then they're never going to learn the most important lesson of Trump's candidacy.'

Vance said that he saw something in Trump and that he found it exhilarating that the media and Wall Street seemed powerless against him.

He added: 'If he would just tone down the racism, I would literally be his biggest supporter.'

As polling day approached in the 2016 election, Nelson informed Vance they would be going door-knocking for Hillary Clinton.

Vance responded: 'I'm counting my lucky stars that I live in a place where I don't have to vote for her (because the margin will be so huge), because I know I could never support Trump if it really mattered.'

He predicted that Clinton would prevail over Trump, calling him a 'disaster' and 'just a bad man.'

In one email from 2015, Nelson wrote to Vance saying that a friend of theirs who wore a hijab no longer felt safe to do so. He replied calling Trump a demagogue.

Vance said that he saw something in Trump and that he found it exhilarating that the media and Wall Street seemed powerless against him

In September 2016, Vance shared a piece that he wrote for The New York Times following Hillary Clinton's 'basket of deplorables' comment.

In an email to Nelson, he thanked her for helping to develop his thinking on the piece.

He also added: 'The more white people feel like voting for trump, the more black people will suffer. I really believe that. '

In October 2014, after the killing of Michael Brown by a white police officer in St. Louis, Missouri, Nelson raised the issue of all cops wearing body cameras.

Vance replied: 'I hate the police. Given the number of negative experiences I've had in the past few years, I can't imagine what a Black guy goes through.'

The following year after the Charleston church shooting, the two again discussed racial issues.

Vance said he didn't understand why people 'can't see the connection between this person murdering innocent people and the fact that the Confederate flag still flies' at the South Carolina Statehouse.

In his book 'Hillbilly Elegy', Vance referred to Nelson as a lesbian and later apologized to her for that.

He told her: 'I hope you recognize that the description came from a place of ignorance, when I first started writing years ago. I hope you're not offended, but if you are, I'm sorry.'

Nelson responded calling Vance 'buddy' while she also thanked him for 'being sweet.'

Trump and Vance of Ohio attend the second day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, 16 July 2024

In October 2014, after the killing of Michael Brown by a white police officer in St. Louis, Missouri, Nelson raised the issue of all cops wearing body cameras. Vance said he hated cops

They added: 'If you had written gender queer radical pragmatist, nobody would know what you mean.'

Nelson, now a public defender in Detroit, attended Vance's wedding in 2014 and thought of doing a podcast together, he suggested they call it 'The Lunatic Fringe.'

Nelson told the outlet: 'He achieved great success and became very rich by being a Never Trumper who explained the white working class to the liberal elite. Now he's amassing even more power by expressing the exact opposite.'

In a statement to the Times, a representative for Vance said: 'Senator Vance values his friendships with individuals across the political spectrum.

'He has been open about the fact that some of his views from a decade ago began to change after becoming a dad and starting a family, and he has thoroughly explained why he changed his mind on President Trump.

'Despite their disagreements, Senator Vance cares for Sofia and wishes Sofia the very best.'


Bengaluru hostel murder case Karnataka Police have nabbed the killer in the sensational murder case of a 24-year-old woman reported from Bengaluru in a PG hostel in the upscale Koramangala locality. The special teams, which had launched a hunt for him, have arrested the accused identified as Abhishek from Madhya Pradesh, sources confirmed on Saturday.



Abhishek, who had stabbed the deceased Kriti Kumari to death with a knife on the night of July 23, had fled to Madhya Pradesh and was hiding there. He had switched off his mobile phone.



The deceased Kriti Kumari, a native of Bihar, was working at a private company. The preliminary probe has revealed that the murderer is Abhishek, a native of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.



Abhishek was in a relationship with Kriti Kumaris friend and colleague. Abhisheks girlfriend hailed from Maharashtra.



Abhishek used to visit the PG hostel and often travelled to Bengaluru from Bhopal to date his girlfriend. The relationship soured between them, and the victims friend avoided him. After this, Abhishek came to the PG hostel and created a ruckus. Kriti Kumari had helped her friend shift to a new PG hostel, and both stopped taking his calls.



Enraged by this, Abhishek came to the PG hostel where Kriti was staying on Tuesday night and committed the crime.



The horrifying CCTV footage of the brutal murder of the woman emerged on Friday raising concerns in the IT city about the safety of lakhs of women.




A 12-year-old Utah boy was found dead after suffering years of suspected abuse, including extreme malnutrition.

Gavin Peterson died on July 9 after deputies from the Webster County Sheriff's Office were called to his father's home in West Haven after reporting the young boy was 'not breathing' and 'experiencing vomiting' for days on end.

Officers and paramedics attempted to resuscitate Gavin who was found on the bathroom floor. He was then taken to the hospital, where he later died, police said.

His father, Shane Peterson, 46, stepmother, Nichole Scott, 50, and older brother, Tyler Peterson, 21, were all arrested in connection to Gavin's horrific death that was brought on by 'a prolonged pattern of abuse over the course of several years.'

Sickening surveillance footage and text messages between the three revealed Gavin's final days, where he was only fed 'a piece of bread with mustard,' 'one-third cup of water' and was not 'allowed to use the bathroom,' the affidavit said.

Gavin Peterson died on July 9 after deputies from the Webster County Sheriff's Office were called to his father's home in West Haven on a report of the young boy 'not breathing' and 'experiencing vomiting' for days on end

His father, Shane Peterson, stepmother, Nichole Scott, and older brother, Tyler Peterson, were all arrested in connection to Gavin's horrific death that was brought on by 'a prolonged pattern of abuse over the course of several years'

'The deputy noted that the bathroom floor was wet and the childs skin was cold to the touch,' the affidavit said.

'Nichole and Shane reported that the child had been ill for several days, experiencing vomiting and seizures, but was not taken to a doctor. On the day of the incident, Nichole found the child in his bedroom, covered in vomit, and assisted him into the shower.'

Once Gavin was taken to the hospital, doctors found that his body 'showed malnutrition to the point the childs internal organs had shut down completely. The childs body was visibly emaciated,' according to the affidavit.

Upon further investigation into the child's tragic death, detectives discovered multiple text messages between Tyler and Shane where they discussed the condition of Gavin.

In the messages, Tyler told his father that Gavin was not breathing, asking what he should do, the affidavit said.

Investigators also found home surveillance footage that showed Tyler making three trips to the shed in the backyard around the same time they called 911.

'During two of these trips, Tyler appeared to be carrying items to the shed. A search of the property uncovered small surveillance cameras in the shed Tyler entered,' the affidavit said.

Screenshots of surveillance footage that monitored Gavin's room were also uncovered on Nichole's phone that showed the horrendous conditions the boy was living in.

'In most of the screenshots, the child is only wearing a heavily saturated diaper. The child can be seen curling up on the carpet-less floor of the room, which lacked bedding or blankets.

Once Gavin was taken to the hospital, doctors found that his body 'showed malnutrition to the point the childs internal organs had shut down completely'

'Several screenshots also showed sores on the childs back. The room appeared to have multiple cameras, as the infrared lights from other devices were visible in the screenshots.

'The photo also showed the door handle with a locking mechanism positioned on the outside of the room,' the arrest report said.

After searching through the suspects phones, detectives found text messages where they discussed if Gavin was 'allowed to use the bathroom' restroom or 'given any food.'

Their conversations also included talk about 'hitting or beating' Gavin, including 'using a pinata stick to do so,' the report said.

'They also talk about how the door to the childs bedroom is locked and how he has to knock on his door in order to leave.

'When talking about feeding the child victim, the three suspects talk about only giving the child one-third of a cup of water, only giving him a piece of bread and mustard, or not feeding him food at all.

'All of this messaging and evidence revealed a prolonged pattern of abuse over the course of several years,' the affidavit said.

Gavin's mother, Melanie Peterson, told KSL TV Gavin was under the legal custody of Shane after she lost custody of all four of her children between 2014 to 2015 after she pleaded guilty to a drug-related charge.

Although Melanie completed the terms of her sentencing, she was not able to regain custody of her children.

On several occasions Gavin's mother reported neglect and abuse from Shane and Nichole after noticing her second oldest child was malnourished, and described the horrid conditions she endured while under her father and stepmother's care.

'Nichole trapped [them] in the room. The lock was on the outside. She couldnt get out,' Melanie said.

'She ziptied [them] to the bed, there was a camera so if [they] did anything, if [they] did get out, she would see it on the camera.

'She wasnt able to eat anything, only one meal a day, and it was smothered in mustard because all my kids hate mustard.'

In 2019 she reported the suspected abuse to the Webster County Sheriff's Office and authorities referred Melanie to DCFS, but at the time, the agency was closed during Memorial Day Weekend.

Screenshots of surveillance footage that monitored Gavin's room were also uncovered on Nichole's phone that showed the horrendous conditions the boy was living in at his father's home (pictured)

Investigators eventually interviewed her daughter she shares with Shane and said they found no signs of physical abuse. They only offered therapy for the child and physical examination was never conducted, Melanie said.

After regaining visitation rights to see Gavin in November 2019, Melanie noticed signs of malnourishment.

'The last time I saw him, I took a picture of him because he looked so skinny. I wanted to take him in, to see a doctor,' she recalled.

She again went to document her concerns to authorities and took another picture of Gavin in February 2020 without a shirt on. Melanie never saw her son again after that.

Gavin's mother claims that Shane and Nichole banned her from seeing Gavin again after they found out she took pictures of him.

She alleges that the couple made false complaints against her that in turn, took all visitation rights from her. Although she filed the allegation, the case was dragged out by the Utah Division of Child and Family Services during the pandemic, according to Melanie.

'And its not that I didnt try. No one helped me,' she said.

'To know he died that way- I don't know how anyone could do that to anyone.'

The agency told DailyMail.com: 'The loss of any child impacts and devastates us. This is tragic for so many from the family and the community to all of those involved.

'The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) works with children and families during some of their most vulnerable moments.'

Melanie wasn't the only person who noticed Gavin was allegedly being neglected, as Jan Davis, a school cafeteria worker at Kanesville Elementary School, picked up on it too.

He was small for his age, quite thin, they kept his hair buzzed and he often missed school, Davis told KSL TV.

Gavin's mother, Melanie Peterson, said Gavin was under the legal custody of Shane after she lost custody of all four of her children between 2014 to 2015 after she pleaded guilty to a drug-related charge

Davis revealed that she and a coworker would give Gavin lunch, even though the school told them not to do so because they wanted struggling families to complete a form to qualify for reduced lunch.

She said she called DCFS and school officials on multiple occasions to report her concerns, but nothing was done to help him.

'I think school was a safe haven for him but I just dont think we did enough for him,' Davis said.

Gavin stopped attending school by August 2023 for his sixth-grade year. Davis said Nichole 'pulled him out of school to homeschool him.'

DailyMail.com contacted the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, Webster County Sheriff's Office and Kanesville Elementary School for comment.

Shane and Nichole were booked into the Weber County Jail on July 17 for child abuse homicide, two counts of aggravated child abuse, and child endangerment.

Nichole is also facing charges of drug possession and investigation obstruction of justice. Tyler was arrested on July 18 for child abuse homicide, two counts of aggravated child abuse and obstruction of justice.

Jail records revealed that all three of them are being held without bail.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Melanie and her family pay for Gavin's funeral service and 'therapy sessions' to understand the tragic loss.

'While they await justice, the family is picking up the shattered pieces by planning funeral services and arranging therapy sessions for Gavin's older siblings, who've also suffered from abuse and neglect while in their care,' Heather Routh, Melanie's sister, said.

According to Routh, Gavin loved Pokemon and science, and his favorite color was blue.

A vigil was held for the 12-year-old on Tuesday at a local church in the community.
Two men have been arrested after an anti-racism protesters was attacked as counter-demonstrators marched through London against a thousands-strong Tommy Robinson rally.

The victim received a head injury was taken to hospital after the incident in Victoria Embankment Gardens this afternoon.

Police saying the pair - who are believed to have been part of the Tommy Robinson protest - had been taken into custody on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm (GBH).

It came as counter-protesters walked to Whitehall, close to the scene of a 'patriotic rally' organised by the former English Defence League leader, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

'Uniting The Kingdom' - described by organisers as 'biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen' - saw thousands of people march from the Royal Courts of Justice to Trafalgar Square, filling the air with cries of 'England' and 'Rule Britannia', while some anti-Islam chants were also heard.

Less than 400 metres away anti-racism demonstrators have protested the far-right rally at an event organised by Stand Up To Racism and trade unions, with police warning that anyone who breaches restrictions or acts up could be arrested.

Meanwhile there is also a Trans Pride march in central London at the same time, with hundreds of LGBTQ+ activists descending on Wellington Arch.

People hold signs which read 'no to racism, no to hatred' and 'Free Palestine' as they walk along Whitehall

Anti-racism campaigners hold trade union banners as they walk through central London today

Counter-demonstrators walk along Whitehall as they protest against the Tommy Robinson rally

The counter-rally was organised by Stand Up To Racism, trade unions and campaign groups such as Stop the War Coalition

British and English flags fly in the air as people at Trafalgar Square listen to a speech by Tommy Robinson

Thousands of people have gathered in Trafalgar Square waving British flags for the rally

The event, called 'Uniting The Kingdom' has been organised by former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, pictured today

Among the crowd at the Tommy Robinson event is actor-turned-political activist Laurence Fox

St George's and British flags wave in the air as people sit in Trafalgar Square this afternoon

Vast crowds of people gather in Trafalgar Square to listen to speeches at the 'Uniting The Kingdom' event

Tommy Robinson watches on as speeches are given in Trafalgar Square this afternoon

Anti-racism demonstrators hold a sign which reads 'Refugees Welcome, Stop The Far Right' as they march

A demonstrator holds a sign against the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge

Counter-demonstrators gather in Russell Square this afternoon ahead of a march to Whitehall

Organisers have billed the counter-demonstration as an 'oppose Tommy Robinson' event

People waving Palestinian flags and holding banners reading 'Oppose Islamophobia' and 'Smash Fascism & Racism'

Jeremy Corbyn gives a speech to anti-racism campaigners in Russell Square before the march

A counter-demonstrator holds a sign reading 'Stop Arming Israel' at the Stand Up To Racism event

Anti-racism demonstrators sing and chant as they walk through central London on the way to Whitehall

Stand Up To Racism protesters march through London carrying banners and placards

The Met Police has also warned that the counter-protest will finish in Whitehall, not Trafalgar Square as some leaflets have suggested

The march by Stand Up To Racism departed Russell Square with rally-goers walking towards Whitehall

The Met Police revealed that two men have been arrested after an assault on an anti-racism protester in central London

The Metropolitan Police has flooded the centre of Britain's biggest city with 1,000 police officers to keep the peace, with roads closed and heavy restrictions put in place on those attending two of the rallies.

The force says the vast majority of its officers on-duty today will be tasked with keeping the groups, some of whom have diametrically opposed views, apart from each other.

Police have warned that despite leaflets suggesting the counter-protest march will finish in Trafalgar Square, this is not the case and the rally must end in Whitehall instead.

Police have warned that they will keep members of both protests apart from each other and warned that leaflets claiming the counter-demonstration finishes in Trafalgar Square are incorrect.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the Met wrote: 'Some flyers online suggest the Stand Up To Racism march will finish in Trafalgar Square. This isn't the case. There are conditions requiring it to finish in Whitehall.

'We need to keep opposing groups apart to keep the peace. We'll take action against any breaches of conditions.'

Before the march began protesters heard speeches from trade union officials and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

As marchers made their way to Whitehall there were chants of 'We are the people. We won't be silenced. Stop the fascists. Now, Now, Now, Now.'

The Met Police later confirmed that two people had been arrested after a member of the Stand Up To Racism march was attacked on the way to Whitehall.

They said: 'Two men have been arrested on suspicion of GBH level assault following an incident in Victoria Embankment Gardens where a participant in the Stand Up To Racism protest was assaulted.

'The victim sustained a head injury. He was given first aid by officers and will be taken to hospital to be checked. 'We are aware of some suggestions on social media that the arrests were related to the carrying of a flag which is not the case.'

On their arrival the campaigners gathered outside Horse Guards Parade where they continued to sing songs, with cries of 'There are many many more of us than you' directed towards the Tommy Robinson event.

One man holding a Palestinian flag who walked past the Tommy Robinson-organised protest was escorted away by police officers as the crowd booed, with some attempting to chase him.

Meanwhile, there has also been a march in support of Trans Pride, with LGBTQ+ activists travelling from Langham Place to Wellington Arch.

A van with the Trans Pride flag and covered in signs moves along with the crowd towards Wellington Arch

A man wearing only pink shorts and boots, along with a set of wings, waves as the Trans Pride march goes down Regent Street

Trans Pride supporters gather at Langham Place ahead of their march to Wellington Arch

Two people hold up signs which read 'Protect Trans Youth!' and 'Support Our Trans Sisters'

An LGBTQ+ activist holds a sign which reads 'Trans Rights are Human Rights' and 'Trans Youth Are Loved'

A pair of LGBTQ+ activists dressed as Barbie and Ken from the hit move Barbie hold signs reading 'This Barbie says Protect Trans Lives' and 'Trans are Kenough'

A St George's flag with the words 'stop the boats' and 'do it for our kids future' is waved aloft in Trafalgar Square

A man waving a St George's flag while wearing a Union Jack-themed top hat and waist coat stands in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

People attending the event organised by Tommy Robinson gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice this morning

Many were seen waving British, English, Welsh and Scottish flags as they arrived outside the courts

A woman holds a placard which reads 'Not Far Right, Just Right' at the rally in Trafalgar Square

The 'Uniting The Kingdom' event, which has been billed as a 'patriotic rally' saw people gather on The Strand, before marching to Trafalgar Square.

There was a sea of British, English, Scottish and Welsh flags, as well as people waving symbols of Israel, the former Shah of Iran and the military heraldry.

One demonstrator could be seen climbing on top of a phone box on The Strand in central London.

Other protesters held placards that read 'Not far right, just right', while a red flare was let off.

The crowd, which includes actor-turned-political activist Laurence Fox, were seen chanting 'England, England, England', 'England till I die' as they set off on the march.

Speaking on a live-stream as thousands of people gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Robinson said a 'line in the sand has been drawn'.

He said: 'This is the biggest gathering of patriots Europe has seen, and it's happening in Great Britain. Get your people organised, unify your countries.

'Enough is enough, a line in the sand has been drawn. We're being replaced no longer.'

There were also anti-Islamic chants from some marchers as they walked along The Strand to Trafalgar Square.

After reaching the historic venue they have heard speeches from Robinson and other members of his movement.

A demonstrator wearing Union Flag themed clothing waves an Israeli flag outside the Royal Courts of Justice

Marchers set off red flares outside the Royal Courts of Justice before the demonstration today

A man wearing only British flag-themed pants at Trafalgar Square

Three men chant songs as they arrive at the demonstration, which Robinson has said will be 'biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen'

A woman with two British flags behind her smiles at the demonstration in central London today

A woman decked in British flag themed clothing including wearing sunglasses with the Union Flag on them gathers at the event

A British flag with the words 'These Colours Don't Run' is held aloft at the rally in central London today

Tommy Robinson speaks down the camera while holding a microphone at this afternoon's march

Talking to the crowd, Robinson criticised the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, calling it an 'absolute disgrace' and a 'total attack on Christianity' after it showed a parody of Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper featuring a drag queen.

He also railed against Islamic grooming gangs, calling them a 'stain' on Britain's history.

Robinson also showed the crowd his two-hour-long documentary, Silenced, which is about a libel case he lost in 2021.

After the screening he challenged the authorities to 'take him to court', according to The Telegraph.

Posting on his X account, he wrote: 'I'll be jailed for two years for showing the inconceivable truth.'

He is already due before the High Court on Tuesday accused of contempt for making the film.

Robinson screened it at the rally despite the injunction banning him from repeating the claims made in it.

As he brought the event to a close, Robinson added that he hoped he had 'turned a corner' with the Met.

Nick Lowles, of Left-wing group Hope not Hate, posted: 'Tommy Robinson is currently screening the film Silenced in Trafalgar Square, just 48 hours before he appears in the High Court accused of breaking an injunction preventing him from releasing the film. Hes heading to jail.'

A man with a Tommy Robinson tattoo containing the face of the far-right leader and three lions with the words 'Tommys Lions Roar' at the march

Large crowds of people gather at the Royal Courts of Justice before the march set off this afternoon

People waving British, English and RAF flags pose for a photo in Trafalgar Square this morning

A topless man with a large tattoo that says 'England' on his back, with a St George's flag wrapped around his waist, stands at Trafalgar Square for the rally

People waving British and Northern Irish flags gather at Trafalgar Square ahead of the march

People decked in ST George's crosses and waving flags included those from Israel and Ukraine sit on the fountains at Trafalgar Square

A man holding a St George's flag scales a lamppost outside the Royal Courts of Justice this afternoon

The rally, along with a counter protest, is set to bring central London to a standstill this afternoon

The Metropolitan Police is keeping a close eye on all three protests taking place in central London today

This morning Robinson tweeted an image of Trafalgar Square before the rally, which is set to last until 5.30pm, accompanied by the words 'Today is the day, it's going to be beautiful', adding that it would be the 'biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen'.

On Friday he reposted a video which talked about his protest being about a 'strength in numbers' showing the establishment that 'we can organise and do not like the way the country is being run'.

The counter protest run by Stand Up To Racism with the support of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and 11 other trade unions, Stop the War Coalition, Peace & Justice Project and Unite Against Fascism will set off at 1.30pm.

Stand Up To Racism organisers said: 'We are stressing the need to come together and build once again the kind of broad united movement that can drive back the threat as we have done before.'

Samuel Sweek, of the Peace & Justice Project, said: 'The rise of the far-right and fascist politics in Britain and across Europe is a cause of great concern for us all.

Police officers walk down Whitehall from Trafalgar Square ahead of today's protests, with metal barriers in the road to stop the demonstrations mixing

Three police vans sit in front of metal barriers on Whitehall before the rallies take place today

Tommy Robinson tweeted that today's demonstration would be 'beautiful' alongside an image of Trafalgar Square

Police have put barriers around landmarks on Whitehall ahead of today's demonstrations. Pictured: metal barriers and traffic cones place around The Women of World War II memorial on Whitehall

Metal barriers have also been placed around The Cenotaph in Whitehall ahead of the rallies today

A rally organised by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, will take place in central London today. Pictured: Robinson during a march to Parliament Square in London on June 1

There will also be a Trans Pride march at Wellington Arch less than two miles away on Saturday. Pictured: A person holding up a sign reading 'Believe Trans Kids' during a rally in Brighton on July 20

There is expected to be a large counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism and trade unions in central London at the same time. Pictured: A counter-demonstrator at a previous protest in London on June 1

Organisers of the counter-protest have billed it as a 'Unite Against Tommy Robinson' march. Pictured: A man handing out leaflets in Tolpuddle, Dorset, calling on people to join today's march in London

'The political establishment has allowed breathing space for hate and division in our communities, we must stand with those targeted by the likes of Tommy Robinson and his thugs.

'We refuse to cede any ground to bigotry, racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia or any other form of hate they attempt to bring to our streets.

'When the politicians fail, it is the people who must fight back.

'That is why we will be marching on Saturday.'

Police have put a host of restrictions in place in a bid to keep attendees of these two events apart from each other, while roads across central London have been closed.

No conditions have been imposed on the Trans Pride protest.

The Met have warned that people who breach these conditions could be arrested or face police action.

Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove said: 'This weekend sees a number of groups with opposing views assembling in central London.

The Tommy Robinson rally will set off from The Strand before moving into Trafalgar Square where there will be speeches

The counter-protest will see attendees gather in Russell Square before marching down Kingsway to Victoria, and then along Embankment before massing in Whitehall, less than 400 metres from the Tommy Robinson rally

The Met Police have closed roads in central London to accommodate the protests, with the areas shaded in purple, blue and green set to be particularly affected today

'In response we are deploying a significant number of officers as part of a carefully planned operation.

'Our first priority is to keep the peace to ensure that those exercising their right to lawful protest can do so safely.

'We have proactively used our powers under the Public Order Act to manage the timings and routes of marches and assemblies, ensuring that the groups are kept apart.

'Officers will intervene decisively to deal with any breaches of those conditions, prevent crime, and to respond to any other incidents.

'Everyone has a right to feel safe and be safe in London. Those who abuse the right to protest in an effort to unlawfully intimidate others or to use hate speech can expect to face police action.

'The police presence will be very visible and I would urge anyone out and about in London, whether participating in these events or not, to speak to an officer if they feel unsafe or wish to report an incident.'
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said an Israeli strike Saturday on a school killed 30 people, after a days-long military operation further south left around 170 dead, according to the civil defence agency.

Since July 6 at least eight schools - including the latest one - have been hit leaving more than 100 people dead, based on a tally of tolls given by the health ministry and a hospital source.

With most of Gaza's 2.4 million people displaced at least once during the war started by the October 7 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, many have sought refuge in school buildings including the one hit on Saturday.

The latest strike in the Deir el-Balah city area targeted Khadija school, the health ministry said.

More than 100 people were wounded, it added.

Palestinians flee from a school where they has taken refuge, after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said an Israeli strike Saturday on a school killed 30 people

Many displaced Palestinians have been seeking refuge in school buildings, including the one struck on Saturday

Israel's military said it carried out a strike on the school targeting 'terrorists' operating there.

Further south, in the Khan Yunis city area, around 170 people have been killed 'and hundreds wounded' during an Israeli operation over several days there, Gaza's Civil Defence Agency said.

It issued the toll after the military earlier Saturday warned of new operations in the area and issued fresh evacuation orders for residents of Khan Yunis, where troops had earlier recovered the bodies of five Israelis.

The airstrike comes nine months into a war sparked by Hamas's October attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza, including 44 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 39,000 people, also mostly civilians, according to data from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Israel's military said it carried out a strike on the school targeting 'terrorists' operating there

100 people are believed to be wounded
Bernie Sanders has issued a stark warning to Democratic nominee hopeful Kamala Harris that she needs to battle economic inequality or face losing the election.

The 82-year-old Independent addressed 250 supporters during a town hall meeting on Friday afternoon about what he believes to be the biggest problems in America.

After an audience member at the event chimed in that the biggest problem was economic inequality, he spoke at length over its far-reaching implications.

He told the crowd: 'Discrepancies between rich and poor, income and wealth inequality. I happen to tend to agree.'

Speaking with The Boston Globe after delivering the remarks, Sanders said: '[Harris] needs to have an agenda that speaks to the crisis facing working families all over this country.'

The 82-year-old, seen here last month, addressed 250 supporters during a town hall meeting on Friday afternoon about what he believes to be the biggest problems in America.

Sanders said that Harris had to have an agenda that speaks to working families facing economic inequality

Sanders added: 'I think the Democrats are going to have to be very, very clear as to what ideas they have in the midst of massive income and wealth inequality.

'When the people on top have never, ever had it so good, what is the agenda to protect the needs of the working class?'

He continued: 'It's not my job to dictate what policies she needs to have', but added he wishes to see Social Security and Medicare benefits expanded.

Sanders also called for a revival of the pandemic-era child tax credit, adding: 'I think if a candidate for president adopts these ideas, it will be to her significant political advantage. Not to mention being the right thing to do.'

When asked about Republican nominee Donald Trump, he said: 'Im going to do everything I can to see that Donald Trump is defeated.'

He added that the former president is 'the most dangerous person in American history' and 'a pathological liar.'

Sanders continued: 'I do believe that if the vice president is the winner, and I certainly want her to win and will do everything I can do make sure she wins.'

He has not yet formally endorsed Harris for the presidency, suggesting to the outlet that he wants to influence her platform and messaging ahead of the election.

Sanders said that the former president is 'the most dangerous person in American history' and 'a pathological liar'

Sanders admitted prior to Biden standing down his reelection bid that that he was 'prone to gaffes' but warned obsessing over them would hand Trump the election

In an essay for the New York Times this month, Sanders admitted Joe Biden is 'is old, prone to gaffes, walks stiffly and had a disastrous debate with Trump.'

The opinion piece was published prior to Biden backing out of his bid to be reelected.

He warned his party's supporters that obsessing over Biden's blunders would only ensure that Donald Trump is elected.

Sanders stated that despite his own misgivings about Biden, he is still a superior choice to Trump, whom he reduced down to his litany of felony charges.

'Unlike the Republicans, they do not have to explain away a candidate who now has 34 felony convictions and faces charges that could lead to dozens of additional convictions,' he added.

He accused Trump of wanting to protect the billionaires at the expense of everyday Americans.
Britons are basking in glorious 24C sunshine today and the mercury is expected to rise even further by next week.

While the Paris Olympics have been drenched by torrential downpours, London has for once been blessed with sunny weather.

People have been pictured making the most of the sun, with people heading to the beaches in Dorset.

Also, Her Majesty Queen Camilla was spotted at Ascot Racecourse today, wearing a hat and summer dress.

Most of the UK can expect drier, sunnier spells and light winds today, which comes after a dismal summer.

People wear sun hats and shades as they enjoy the balmy sun in Weymouth, Dorset

Racegoers pictured arriving at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire for a big day of horse racing at the QIPCO King George Day

While the Paris Olympics have been drenched by torrential downpours, London has for once been blessed with sunny weather (Saturday's Met Office forecast)

Tomorrow the temperature is expected to rise to 27C. Most of the country is expected to see sunny weather

On Monday, the mercury will rise further still to 28C, according to the Met Office

Tomorrow the temperature is expected to rise to 27C and on Monday it will rise further still to 28C, according to the Met Office.

David Hayter, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: 'As we go through the weekend, the jet stream will weaken to the west of the UK generating an area of high pressure that will slowly move in across the UK.

'High pressure means the air is sinking from higher in the atmosphere and that brings drier, settled and sunnier weather.

'Temperatures will rise too, becoming widely above average. We could see maxima of 27C in the south and 25C in the northeast by Sunday.

A woman in a gold dress poses as she arrives for the Royal Ascot in Berkshire during warm seasonal weather

Her Majesty Queen Camilla pictured at Ascot Racecourse today with her racing manager, John Warren for the QIPCO King George Day

People enjoy the return of warm July weather as the summer holidays begin on the beach in Weymouth, Dorset.

The south and the south east can expect fewer showers although they may still experience lighter showers during the afternoon. (A packed beach in Weymouth, Dorset on July 27)

'There's a bit more in the way of patchy cloud in Northern Ireland, south and west Scotland and the northern isles, so temperatures will be lower there.'

Greg Dewhurst from the Met Office warned that water temperatures can be much lower despite the warm weather.

He said: '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.'

But it's not good weather for everyone as there will be showers in parts of Scotland, northern England, Wales and the Midlands with the possibility of isolated thunder.

The south and the south east can expect fewer showers although they may still experience lighter showers during the afternoon.

Most of the UK can expect drier, sunnier spells and light winds today (Beachgoers pictured soaking up the sun in Weymouth)

People relaxing in Greenwich Park during the sunny weather yesterday, July 26

Walkers out in the sunshine on a warm afternoon in the countryside in Dunsden, Oxfordshire on Friday, July 26

A man enjoys the warm weather on the beach in Dover, Kent on Friday, July 26

Next week, conditions are expected to turn increasingly warm or even hot in central, southern and eastern areas.

According to the BBC, central and eastern areas of England could see temperatures reach 28C by Tuesday or even the low 30s.

It is possible some places may reach heatwave criteria but it is uncertain how long the warm weather will last and it is possible it may break down from mid-week.

A UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. However, the threshold varies by UK county.

Earlier this month, UK temperatures reached their highest point in the year so far.

St James' Park in central London recorded 31.9C.
Former President Donald Trump has boldly said he will continue holding outdoor rallies after the Secret Service warned him to stop doing so following his assassination attempt.

On Saturday morning, he took to his Truth Social platform again and insisted a bullet won't stop him from hosting another open-air gathering.

In all caps, Trump wrote: 'I will continue to do outdoor rallies, and Secret Service has agreed to substantially step up their operation. They are very capable of doing so. No one can ever be allowed to stop or impede free speech or gathering!!!'

Trump's announcement comes just hours after confirmed he will be returning to the very spot he was shot for a 'big and beautiful rally.'

'I will be going back to Butler, Pennsylvania, for a big and beautiful rally, honoring the soul of our beloved firefighting hero, Corey, and those brave patriots injured two weeks ago. What a day it will be - fight, fight, fight! Stay tuned for details,' he wrote, once again in all caps, on Friday.

Former President Donald Trump hit back at the Secret Service after saying he'll continue to host outdoor rally's even after he was shot two weeks ago (pictured) in Butler, Pennsylvania

On Saturday morning, he took to his platform again and insisted that a bullet won't stop him from hosting another outdoor gathering

The presidential candidate, who is set to be questioned by the FBI about he assassination attempt, did not specify when that rally will be held.

At a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania just two weeks ago, 20-year-old registered Republican and Biden donor, Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire on the presidential candidate.

A bullet struck Trump in the ear as Secret Service agents circled around to shield him. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old retired fire chief for Buffalo Township, was killed while two other men were left in critical condition.

The FBI has yet to receive a victim statement from Trump as the agency collects evidence to investigate the horrifying event, an official said.

The bureau's director Christopher Wray sparked a firestorm on Wednesday when he testified to lawmakers on Capitol Hill that there are still 'some questions' about whether the former president was struck with a bullet or shrapnel.

'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.'

The presidential hopeful has since given extensive accounts of the moment he was shot and was seen sporting a bandage over his ear.

In a subsequent statement Trump sought to clarify Wray's remark.

On Friday, Trump took to his platform Truth Social and confirmed he will be returning to the very spot he was shot for a 'BIG AND BEAUTIFUL RALLY'

Trump was quick to refute any suggestion that he was hit by shrapnel, saying he was struck by 'a bullet that hit my ear, and hit it hard.'

He posted on his Truth Social: 'There was no glass, there was no shrapnel. The hospital called it a "bullet wound to the ear," and that is what it was. No wonder the once storied FBI has lost the confidence of America!'

The former president's campaign also railed against the notion that Trump was struck by shrapnel as opposed to a slug.

'Anyone who believes this conspiracy bulls**t is either mentally deficient or willfully peddling falsehoods for political reasons,' Trump campaign adviser Steven Cheung told CNN.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned after appearing before Congress on Monday, was ripped to shreds by lawmakers during a grilling over Trump's assassination attempt.

Furious Democrats and Republicans peppered the embattled Cheatle with questions about how would-be assassin, Crooks, was able to open fire on the former president.

She avoided directly answering questions about whether she denied Trump a bigger protection detail, whether she focused on diversity and inclusivity during hiring, and doubled down on not having an agent on the gunman's roof during the brutal hearing on Capitol Hill.

20-year-old registered Republican and Biden donor, Thomas Matthew Crooks , opened fire on the presidential candidate on July 13. Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed while two other men were left in critical condition

In a staggering moment, Cheatle also admitted that her agents on the ground had been warned between two and five times how many times a 'suspicious person' was reported before Trump took the stage.

Cheatle previously insisted she was the best person to lead the scandal-hit agency, even though she admitted 'full responsibility' for the massive security failure.

Trump recently revealed what he really thought about the Secret Service and even disclosed another glaring oversight that took place that day.

He said he was not warned about his attacker by the Secret Service - despite agents receiving worrying reports from rally-goers before Trump even got on stage.

Trump told Fox News host Jesse Watters that 'nobody mentioned' the gunman, despite the fact that he was being monitored for 'an hour' before the shooting.

'Mistakes were made,' Watters told Trump. 'They were monitoring this guy for an hour beforehand. No one told you not to take the stage?'

'Nobody mentioned it,' the former president replied. 'Nobody said it was a problem.'

'[They] could've said, "Let's wait for 15, 20 minutes, 5 minutes." Nobody saidI think that was a mistake,' he added.

Trump, along with the rest of the United States, later questioned how Crooks could have possibly made it onto the roof to begin with.

'How did somebody get on that roof?' Trump questioned. 'And why wasn't he reported, because people saw he was on that roof.'

Trump revealed that security agents were alerted that someone was on the roof with a gun before he even walked out on stage - and did not stop him from doing so.

'When you have Trumpers screaming, the woman in the red shirt, "There's a man on the roof," and other people, "There's a man on the roof and who's got a gun,"that was quite a bit before I walked on the stage. And I would've thought someone would've done something about it,' Trump said.

In the weeks since the shooting, Trump has been sporting a large white bandage on his injured ear. He has since been covering his ear with a band aid. (pictured: Trump on July 18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

He's headlining a rally Saturday in St. Cloud, Minnesota, alongside running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance on Saturday. (Pictured: Trump and Vance on Fox News Hosts' Jesse Watters show)

Trump was left with a minor injury from the shooting - but the result could have been far worse if he had not, at the very last minute, turned his head slightly.

The former president attended each day of the Republican National Convention with a large white bandage over the injured ear. He then wore a band-aid for several days.

His former physician-turned Congressman, Ronny Jackson, released a detailed report about Trump's health on Saturday.

'He will have further evaluations, including a comprehensive hearing exam, as needed. He will follow up with his primary care physician, as directed by the doctors that initially evaluated him,' Jackson said.

He's headlining a rally Saturday in St. Cloud, Minnesota, alongside running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance on Saturday.

Trump announced a Wednesday rally in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, located in the center of the state.

The Republican nominee has been holding all of his campaign events indoors since the July 13 shooting.
One of California's biggest wildfires has exploded to the size of Los Angeles as it razes through nearly half a million acres as it edges closer to Paradise, where a 2018 fire killed 85 people.

The Park Fire, which started in Chico on Wednesday, has developed into an uncontrollable 307,368-acre behemoth as it bulldozes through two counties in the Northern California.

The massive fire is drawing comparisons to the 2018 Camp Fire, that killed 85 and torched 11,000 homes.

The Park Fire is currently zero-percent contained, according to Cal Fire, as nearly 2,500 firefighters and other personnel desperately try to stop the blaze.

'Extreme fire behavior has occurred due to the slope and winds aligning, causing significant growth,' Cal Fire said. 'The Park Fire continued to burn aggressively due to steep terrain and winds.'

The Park Fire , which started in Chico on Wednesday, has developed into an uncontrollable 307,368-acre behemoth as it bulldozes through two counties in the Northern California

'Extreme fire behavior has occurred due to the slope and winds aligning, causing significant growth,' Cal Fire said. 'The Park Fire continued to burn aggressively due to steep terrain and winds'

The Park Fire is currently zero percent contained, according to Cal Fire, as nearly 2,500 firefighters and other personnel desperately try to stop the blaze

The fire is burning grass, brush, mixed timber and dead vegetation, the organization said.

More than 255,000 acres of Tehama County has been effected, while 52,000 acres in Butte County. Butte and Tehama counties have issued evacuation orders.

The Park Fire has grown so much that in terms of acreage, it is the eighth biggest fire the state has ever seen, according to Cal Fire statistics. The biggest was the August Complex Fire, which burned through 1.03 million acres in August 2020.

A California sex offender was arrested for allegedly starting the Park Fire, the biggest this year.

Ronnie Stout II, 42, was caught pushing his burning car into a gulley in upper Bidwell Park near the city of Chico on Wednesday, the Butte County District Attorney's Office said.

The vehicle then tumbled 60 feet down an embankment, sparking the fire.

Stout was reportedly seen leaving the scene by blending in with parkgoers as the fire quickly spread.

The fire is edging toward Paradise, where the 2018 Camp Fire started and wrecked havoc

Authorities ultimately identified the suspect early Thursday morning, and took him into custody.

More than 130 structures have been destroyed by this fire so far, and thousands more are threatened in Butte and Tehama. It stood at 480 square miles on Friday night - about the size of Los Angeles - and was moving quickly north and east after igniting Wednesday.

'Theres a tremendous amount of fuel out there and its going to continue with this rapid pace,' Cal Fire incident commander Billy See said at a briefing. He said the fire was advancing up to eight square miles an hour on Friday afternoon.

More than 110 active fires covering 2,800 square miles were burning in the US on Friday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Some were caused by the weather, with climate change increasing the frequency of lightning strikes as the region endures record heat and bone-dry conditions.

California Governor, Gavin Newsom - who endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination - declared a state of emergency on Friday in Butte and Tehama counties and Pluma County for the Gold Complex Fire.

California Governor, Gavin Newsom - who endorsed Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination - declared a state of emergency on Friday in Butte and Tehama counties and Pluma County for the Gold Complex Fire

The fire is burning grass, brush, mixed timber, and dead vegetation, the organization said

'We are using every available tool to protect lives and property as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat these challenging fires,' Newsom said in a statement.

'Stay safe and remain alert for instructions from local authorities as dangerous fire weather conditions continue.'

The proclamation will ease access to unemployment benefits, and waive fees to replace driver's licenses and records, such as birth and marriage certificates.

Forest Ranch evacuee Sherry Alpers, fled with her 12 small dogs and made the decision to stay in her car outside a Red Cross shelter in Chico after learning that animals would not be allowed inside. She ruled out traveling to another shelter after learning the dogs would be kept in cages, since her dogs have always roamed free at her home.

Alpers said she doesnt know whether the fire spared her home or not, but she said that as long as her dogs are safe, she doesnt care about the material things.

Im kind of worried, but not that much, she said. If its gone, its gone.

More than 110 active fires covering 2,800 square miles were burning in the US on Friday (pictured: The Park Fire on Friday)

More than 130 structures have been destroyed by this fire so far, and thousands more are threatened in Butte and Tehama

The massive fire is drawing comparisons to the 2018 Camp Fire that killed 85 and torched 11,000 homes

The Camp Fire (pictured) was one of the most destructive in state history

Brian Bowles was also staying in his car outside the shelter with his dog Diamon. He said he doesnt know if his mobile home is still standing.

Bowles said he only has a $100 gift card he received from United Way, which handed them out to evacuees.

'Now the question is, do I get a motel room and comfortable for one night? Or do I put gas in the car and sleep in here?' he said. 'Tough choice.'

In Chico, California, Carli Parker is one of hundreds who fled their homes as the Park Fire pushed close. Parker decided to leave her Forest Ranch residence with her family when the fire began burning across the street. She has previously been forced out of two homes by fire, and she said she had little hope that her residence would remain unscathed.

'I think I felt like I was in danger because the police had come to our house because we had signed up for early evacuation warnings, and they were running to their vehicle after telling us that we need to self-evacuate and they wouldnt come back, said the mother-of-five.
Young children have been found in the latest group of migrants crossing the English Channel on small boats.

A group of roughly 50 people were led ashore from the first boat that docked, while other Border Force vessels remained in the Channel.

It means the total number of people who have arrived in the UK this week is now close to 400 after 342 were recorded in seven boats up to Saturday, Home Office figures show.

It comes after it was revealed that nearly 1,500 migrants arrived in the UK on 27 boats last week, taking the total number of people making the treacherous journey across the English Channel this year to 15,831.

Some 1,499 people made the journey from July 15 to 21, while the French coastguard confirmed two people died amid rescue operations off the northern French coast.

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, on a Border Force vessel

Young children were found in the lastest group of around 50 people who arrived on a small boat

Today's small boat arrival indicates how the number of attempted crossings tends to rise when weather conditions are favourable.

The Labour Government has vowed to tackle small boat arrivals by targeting the people-smuggling gangs behind the crossings.

It has said a Border Command Unit will be established, in co-operation with European partners.

Speaking on July 18, Mr Starmer reacted to the deaths of five people in two incidents in the Channel, saying it was 'a chilling reminder of the human cost of this vile trade.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We all want to see an end to dangerous small boat crossings, which are undermining border security and putting lives at risk.

'The new Government is taking steps to boost our border security, setting up a new Border Security Command which will bring together our intelligence and enforcement agencies, equipped with new counter-terror-style powers and hundreds of personnel stationed in the UK and overseas, to smash the criminal smuggling gangs making millions in profit.'

British Border Vessels intercepted hundreds of migrants crossing the Channel last Saturday morning, including one group in a suspected stolen yacht

Life vests used by people thought to be migrants, are cleared away in Dover, Kent

Earlier this week, it was also revealed that an Albanian teenager who came to the UK on a small boat has been jailed for six months after he was caught helping run a cannabis factory.

Oltion Stafasani, 19, did not pay smugglers to bring him into the country but may have helped repay the debt by overseeing the illegal weed crop at a property in southeast London.

Police were called by a council plumber who raised the alarm over a serious water leak at the flat in Abbey Wood, on June 1, Woolwich Crown Court heard.

Officers used a crowbar to force entry into a secret area of the property containing several rooms completely filled with 'healthy and vigorous' cannabis plants.

At least 48 'metre high' cannabis plants were discovered, as well as 14 clear plastic bags full of material alleged by the prosecution to be herbal cannabis.
President Joe Biden is reportedly planning to unveil a dramatic Supreme Court reform next week in an attempt to overhaul the high court.

Two people familiar with the matter told Politico that the president is likely to endorse establishing term limits for justices, and bring in a code of ethics.

The 81-year-old is expected to push for an amendment that would limit immunity for presidents and other officeholders.

His amendment would come directly after the court ruled that presidents are shielded from prosecution for officials acts, in a case brought by Donald Trump.

According to the outlet, the specifics remain unclear and could still change sources said.

The 81-year-old is expected to push for an amendment that would limit immunity for presidents and other officeholders

Two people familiar with the matter told Politico that the president is likely to endorse establishing term limits for justices, and bring in a code of ethics

It is said that Biden will call for the overhaul while on a trip to Texas, where he is set to speak at the Lyndon Baines Johnson presidential library in Austin.

The White House declined to comment, referring to remarks earlier this week from his press secretary that he believes the SC should be 'held to a high ethics'

After the court ruled on Trump's immunity case, Biden called the decision 'dangerous' and said it would embolden Trump if the Republican is reelected.

He warned that the conservative-leaning court 'fundamentally changed' a bedrock principle of the nation.

Biden said: 'This nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in America.

'Today's decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do.

'This is a fundamentally new principle and it's a dangerous precedent. The only limits will be self-imposed by the president alone.'

The Court's 6-3 ruling practically insured that Trump wouldn't face another trial before the November election.

It is said that Biden will call for the overhaul while on a trip to Texas, where he is set to speak at the Lyndon Baines Johnson presidential library in Austin

Biden called the decision a continued 'attack' on 'wide range of long established legal principles,' pointing to the reversal of Roe v. Wade and controversial decisions on civil and voting rights.

Speaking during an Oval Office address on Wednesday when he explained his decision to stop his run for second term, he added: 'Im going to call for Supreme Court reform, because this is critical to our democracy.'

Term limits and a code of ethic would likely require legislation and the current divided Congress isn't expected to take up the issue before the end of the year.

It comes as Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have come under fire for their own personal matters.

Thomas had failed to disclose lavish gifts and travel he had received from a billionaire developer.

Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow paid for excursions to Indonesia and a tranquil upstate New York retreat for Thomas and his wife Virginia, better known as 'Ginni.'

Meanwhile Alito's wife flew flags outside of their homes that have been associated with the events of January 6.

Judicial experts said the flag outside Alito's home clearly violates ethics rules set to avoid even the appearance of bias.

At the time the flag was flying, the court was still considering whether to take up cases over the 2020 election.
A previously unseen video from 9/11 showing the Twin Towers collapsing has been posted online 22 years after the attack.

The clip was uploaded to YouTube by a man named Kei Sugimoto on July 23 and has led conspiracy theorists to bizarrely claim it proves the collapse was a 'controlled demolition.'

Mr Sugimoto says he chose to post the video now 'for historical purposes only' after he found the recording while clearing out a wardrobe.

In the harrowing footage, Mr Sugimoto filmed the World Trade Centre from the roof of 64 Marks Place in New York City.

In the video smoke can be seen billowing from where the planes crashed into the towers. Meanwhile, police sirens can be heard blaring from the streets as the chaos of the tragic events of that day continue to unfold.

Less than a minute into the video the South Tower collapses and people across the city can be heard screaming in shock.

Mr Sugimoto then captures the immediate aftermath of the collapse of the first tower as a huge, all consuming, cloud of dust engulfs the city.

Towards the end of the footage - taken on a Sony VX2000 camera - the North Tower collapses leaving another cloud of dust in its wake.

Mr Sugimoto explained in the YouTube comment section about why he posted the footage now. He said: 'I was cleaning my closet and found boxes full of Hi-8, Digital-8, and DV tapes.

'When trying to play them back I noticed that maybe about a 3rd of them had demagnetised over time and were either blank, or suffering from major data corruption.

'After researching online I learned that video tapes are not immune from age even when stored in ideal conditions, so I frantically started to digitise them. Thus I'm just uploading the video now.'

While he says he witnessed the second crash he only started filming after that because he thought it was 'no ordinary accident.'

The clip has since gone viral on social media - gaining over 650,000 views on YouTube.

Many users have said the video shows a unique and previously unseen angle from the devastating terrorist attack.

On X one user said: 'This footage offers a unique perspective not seen from the south or east.

'You are watching these angles for the first time ever.'

Kei Sugimoto chose to post the video of the Twin Towers collapsing 'for historical purposes only' after he found the recording while clearing out a wardrobe

He filmed the World Trade Centre from the roof of 64 Marks Place in New York City

The footage has also embolden conspiracy theorists who claim the footage proves the debunked theory that 9/11 was an inside job.

One user on X claims the footage proves the collapse was a 'controlled demolition.'

They claim that from the angle in Mr Sugimoto's video that explosive charges can be seen detonating.

This theory has been dismissed as structural engineers point out that the fast collapse of the towers was due to a combination of reasons.

These include the damage to the cores of the buildings which left them structurally weakened and because of the intense heat from the fires burning inside the building which reached as hot as 815 degrees celsius.

On September 11 2001 Al Qaeda terrorists launched a massive terror attack against the US which involved four planes. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania - killing 2,977 people.

The attack remains the deadliest terrorist attack in history.


Biden to announce Supreme Court reform plans next week US President Joe Biden intends to present a significant proposal aimed at reforming the Supreme Court on Monday, the media reported. He is also anticipated to advocate for a constitutional amendment restricting immunity for presidents and certain other officials, Politico reported.



The plan is expected to include support for setting term limits for justice and implementing a binding code of ethics, Xinhua news agency reported.



This comes in response to the court's July 1 ruling, which determined that presidents cannot be prosecuted for "official acts" performed while in office, a decision related to a case involving former President Donald Trump.



Biden has become more vocal in criticising the Supreme Court and its decisions. This includes rulings by the conservative majority that have revoked federal abortion rights, among other key priorities of his administration.



Implementing term limits and an ethics code for the Supreme Court would likely necessitate new legislation, which means the currently divided Congress is not anticipated to address this issue before the year ends. The House is controlled by Republicans, while Democrats have a slim majority in the Senate.



Furthermore, even if Democrats gain control of both chambers following the election, they will unlikely achieve the 60 Senate seats required to overcome a filibuster.




Teachers are locked in a mental health crisis amid a rising tide of violence in Scotlands schools.

Shocking figures show that staff in primary and secondary schools have taken 400,000 days off in the past three years as they battle with stress and anxiety.

Last year, one primary school teacher was off for 148 days while a secondary school teacher only made it into work for 15 and a half weeks.

Earlier this month, The Scottish Mail on Sunday revealed that a teacher is assaulted by a pupil every four minutes.

Earlier this month, The Scottish Mail on Sunday revealed that a teacher is assaulted by a pupil every four minutes.

Teachers in Scotland are suffering a rising tide of abuse and violence in classrooms

There were more than 16,000 attacks in the academic year just ended  a trebling of assaults in three years.

Whistleblowers say the explosion of violence is pushing some probationer teachers to quit  while longer-serving teachers bemoan the lack of discipline in the face of senior leadership teams seemingly determined to play down threats of violence.

Whistleblowers say the explosion of violence is pushing some probationer teachers to quit  while longer-serving teachers bemoan the lack of discipline in the face of senior leadership teams seemingly determined to play down threats of violence. Latest analysis shows that the total staff absence since 2021 represents around 2,000 years of teaching days lost.

Critics say the crisis has spiralled due to the SNPs soft touch approach to school discipline.

Conservative MSP Maurice Golden said: Its no wonder teachers are finding it difficult to keep going. If our teachers are properly looked after and given the right resources to tackle disobedience and disorder, things would begin to improve.

The SNPs restorative practice policy favours conciliatory discussions with aggressive pupils rather than punishment, an approach supported by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth.

A Scottish Government report last year on behaviour in schools said the evidence showed a culture shift towards a focus on relationships, restorative practice and nurture approaches, and away from punitive approaches.

Glasgow-born education expert Tom Bennett  who has written several books on school behaviour and taught for 13 years in Londons tough East End  has said inclusion at all costs and a rejection of conventional discipline has become a disaster.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth supports the SNPs restorative practice policy

There were 16,245 recorded assaults on teachers in 2023-24  around 85 per school day, or one every four minutes of class time.

Three-quarters of the attacks, more than 12,000, were in primary schools, with 3,400 in secondaries. Hundreds more were in Additional Support Needs locations.

The overall figure has trebled since 2021 when there were around 5,600 attacks.

Statistics from 31 of Scotlands 32 local authorities show that secondary school teachers took 174,471 days of absence owing to mental ill health, including for stress and anxiety, in 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Over the same period, 225,476 days of primary teaching were lost. Across the board, 399,947 days were lost to mental stress.

Darren Wapplington of the NASUWT Scotland teaching union said: 93 per cent of teachers surveyed in Scotland tell us that the number of pupils exhibiting violent and abusive behaviours has increased. Three-quarters said it was making the job more stressful, and a fifth said they were suffering with depression.

This cant continue. Nobody becomes a teacher so that they can be punched, kicked, intimidated or verbally abused. Not only do teachers suffer but they spend extra time supporting and protecting other pupils. This is time that everyone is losing from lessons.

A Scottish Government spokesman said violence and abuse is always completely unacceptable, adding: We are taking a range of actions to address this issue and ensure staff have access to the support they need.
Videos online show them posing in front of luxury cars or decked out in designer clothes, flashing piles of money.

They look - to all intents and purposes - like modern-day millionaires.

However, the individuals bragging about their wealth and gaudy possessions online are said to have made their riches through the manipulation, extortion and torment of people - many of them children - around the globe.

Welcome to the world of the Yahoo Boys - a nebulous group of gangs and nefarious individuals based out of Nigeria that create fake online personas and use them to target victims.

How many crooks involved is impossible to tell but just this week Meta shut down 63,000 accounts on its social media platforms Instagram and Facebook that were connected to the Yahoo Boys.

Members of the Yahoo Boys gang pose beside their luxury cars

Meanwhile, police raids in Nigeria have at times seen as many as 37 individuals arrested in a single day.

The suspects have been made to pose for police photographs, standing in front of an array of luxury vehicles they are accused of buying with their ill-gotten gains.

In each of their hands they held either a laptop or a mobile phone - the tools of the illicit trade.

The Yahoo Boys are part of a worldwide community of scammers posing as young men and women online in order to dupe people into sharing sexual material before using it to extort money from them.

They are said to send thousands of British, American and Canadian youngsters friend requests or messages from fake or hacked female accounts in the hope that a few dozen might respond.

In December of last year, 16-year-old Murray Dowey from Dunblane committed suicide after falling prey to a sextortion scam.

Police Scotland believe those responsible were based in Nigeria. Worryingly, the tactics used by these criminals are becoming ever more sophisticated.

The Yahoo Boys have even started using AI to create so-called deepfakes to trick even the most alert internet users.

Over the last two years, the criminals have been experimenting with deepfake video clips and video calls.

The technology changes their facial features and voice, allowing them to take on the appearance and sound of anyone they like.

According to US news outlet CNN, a Hong Kong-based finance worker handed over $25 million in February to scammers who used deepfakes to impersonate chief financial officers.

And the problem is growing at a terrifying rate. The number of global sextortion cases reported to the US National Center for Missing & Exploited Children more than doubled in 2023, rising to 26,718 compared to 10,731 the year before.

The Yahoo Boys are a sizeable element in a worldwide issue.

The long-used nickname comes from the email service Yahoo, which became popular in Nigeria in the 2000s, and was used alongside other email providers in their scams at that time.

Equipment seized from members of the Yahoo Boys gang

Gang members in an office in Nigeria from where they lure victims from around the world

However, while those involved might share tips and tricks with each other, they are not a unified cybercriminal group but rather operate individually or are structured in small groups.

According to research from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI), which works to identify and forecast emerging cyber threats, the Yahoo Boys are increasingly targeting teenagers from Western English-speaking countries via social media platforms.

An NCRI report stated: Specifically, nearly all financial sextortion attacks on minors involve the screenshotting of the victims Instagram followers/following lists and using those lists as leverage, threatening to send the victims intimate photos to all these accounts.

Little has been shared about the specific individuals behind the current explosion in sextortion.

However, there are many videos posted online of people who are purported to have made vast sums of money from such scams. They are said to flaunt their ill-gotten gains and pass on tips to other would-be crooks.

The NCRI has said that celebrating sextortion crimes is an established part of the internet subculture in Nigeria.

Suspects are often identified when they are found to be living lavish lifestyles without any known means of income.

Those arrested have been found in possession of high end cars, including several brands of Mercedez-Benz, Lexus, and Toyota as well as expensive mobile phones.

This life of apparent luxury is a temptation for many young people in the impoverished country.

Nigeria is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis in a generation, leading to widespread hardship and anger.

According to the BBC, some people in the north of the country are now eating the rice that is normally discarded as part of the milling process or is used as fish food.

The director of Nigerias National Cyber Crime Centre (NCCC) has defended his police forces actions, and insisted it was working hard to crack down on the culprits.

He said Nigerian teenagers are also being targeted, and has argued that the criminals were not just a Nigerian problem, with other sextortionists in south-east Asia.

As such, he said there should be a global effort to tackle the issue.

Last month, he and his team visited the UKs National Crime Agency to improve collaboration on sextortion and other cyber-crime investigations.

However, as governments and police forces around the world grapple with the issue, the scammers continue to target the vulnerable.

As one former Yahoo Boy told The New York Times, the impact of their activities is not enough to stop even thos with some semblance of a conscience.

While he confessed to feeling guilty about the practice, he added: But poverty will not make you feel the pain because you need the money.
Fabulous outfits are aplenty at Liverpool Pride today as more than 20,000 people flock through the city centre in one of the biggest Pride events in Europe.

The parade kicked off at 10.30 this morning outside St George's Hall, with attendees dancing through the streets to the Pride Quarter for the main celebration and finishing on the waterfront.

Events taking place throughout the day included March with Pride organised by the LCR Pride Foundation and performances from the likes of the Cheeky Girls, Eurovision winner Katrina, Kelly Llorenna and local artists.

Local venues have extended their closing times to accommodate for the event and allow the Pride-goers to carry on partying into the night.

Pictures from the event show people adorned in glitter, rainbow Pride flags, extravagant makeup and eye-catching - often sequined - outfits, carrying picket signs.

Fabulous outfits are aplenty at Liverpool Pride today as more than 20,000 people flock through the city centre in one of the biggest Pride events in Europe

A performer poses during the annual Pride march in Liverpool today wearing a fabulous rainbow ensemble

Pride-goers pose together for a group picture during the celebrations

The parade kicked off at 10.30 this morning outside St George's Hall, with attendees dancing through the streets to the Pride Quarter for the main celebration and finishing on the waterfront

A person standing on a street bollard waves a pride flag as the parade marches past

Zac Daily, a former refugee who was initially denied asylum in the UK on the grounds that he could not prove his sexuality, takes part in the annual Pride march in Liverpool, Britain

An attendee wearing a rainbow hat and flag looks on as the party gets underway

People use a large Pride flag to shelter from the rain in the first half of the day

People drinking outside the Saddle Inn watch as the annual Pride march passes by

People cheer and show support as the annual Pride march passes by

A pooch gets involved in the Pride celebrations wearing a rainbow flower garland

Some religious protesters were also present with picket signs expressing their disapproval of the LGBTQ+ community and the event.

Liverpool's Pride celebrations began yesterday with Pride Classical, a 32-piece orchestra performance on the waterfront hosted by iconic drag queen Danny Beard.

Artists such as headliner Jake Shears and West End stars Alison Jiear and Ashford Campbell took to the stage to perform songs much loved by the community.

Liverpool is also hosting a Pride Fringe festival throughout July with plenty of events set up around the city to enjoy.

Local venues have extended their closing times to accommodate for the event and allow the Pride-goers to carry on partying into the night

A person waves a Pride flag as the parade marches over a bridge

Two people lead the way during the parade through the streets

Pictures from the event show people adorned in glitter, rainbow Pride flags, extravagant makeup and eye-catching - often sequined - outfits, carrying picket signs

Picket signs seen at the event calling to ban conversion therapy and for people to support those living with HIV

A person in beautiful makeup and multi-colour hair carries a sign during the event

Members of inclusive Rugby Union club the Liverpool Tritons take part in the march

People wave a giant pride flag during the annual Pride march in Liverpool

During today's festivities, a couple got engaged and another couple watched the parade from the balcony of the town hall after getting married.

There was some rainfall in the first half of the day but that didn't stop the fun as they came prepared with umbrellas and ponchos.

Luckily, the weather perked up just after lunchtime and the sun came out from behind the clouds to shine down on the crowd.
More than 1000 Scots children have been blackmailed in sextortion scams run by ruthless foreign gangs, the Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Shock figures reveal 1200 children - some as young as 10 - have been the victims of vile online threats and extortion.

The vast majority have seen criminals typically use real and fake images to pose as young men and women online before tricking victims into sending sexually explicit material and then blackmailing them.

Their tactics see them threaten to distribute the photos to their victims friends and family and publish them online unless they pay a ransom.

The heartless crooks operate in obscurity from locations all over the world and have tormented children so much that some have taken their own lives out of fear.

Murray Dowey committed suicide after falling prey to sextortion

In an example of the global scale of sextortion, Instagram owner Meta last week removed 63,000 social media accounts linked to fraudsters operating in Nigeria.

The worrying statistics come after one Scots teenager targeted by the gangs took his own life.

Last December, 16-year-old Murray Dowey from Dunblane, Perthshire, committed suicide after falling prey to sextortion.

Responding to the Scottish Mail on Sundays findings, Heidi Kempster, Internet Watch Foundation Deputy CEO, said: Sexual extortion is an awful crime and it is horrifying to see how many children are being targeted in Scotland and globally.

She added: Children are never to blame in these cases, they are vulnerable victims of shameless online abusers who seek to exploit them for financial gain.

In 2021, Police Scotlands Assistant Chief Constable Pat Campbell hit out at the scale of sextortion across the country, revealing that the youngest victim was aged ten.

He had said: It is a particularly worrying trend that we are now seeing increasing numbers of children being targeted and threatened in this way.

However, as our investigation shows, the scale of the problem has rocketed since then.

Crime statistics show incidents of threats and extortion in Scotland have risen every year from just 290 in 2019/20 to a record 2,080 this year.

Scottish Government analysis based on a sample of police records now shows 560 children under the age of 16, including 50 under the age of 13, were victims in that time.

A further 660 teenagers aged 16 and 17 were also targeted.

Last year, justice secretary Angela Constance confirmed that while not all online crimes of threats and extortion necessarily involve sextortion it is very likely a high proportion (and certainly the majority) of the cases do.

The figures, which show the vast majority of victims are male, are based on analysis of cyber crime data and give a broad indication of the age and gender of victims.

Police Scotland itself told this paper the issue is likely to be even worse than current figures show.

A force spokesman said: We are experiencing an increase in the number of sextortion incidents being reported and although we are encouraged that victims appear more confident in coming forward, we know from our partners that it is still likely to be an under-reported offence.

The National Crime Agency has even asked teachers to help spot signs their pupils are becoming victims, with teenage boys thought to be among the most vulnerable groups.

Police Scotland has said most offenders are likely to be outside the UK, which it said makes these crimes very difficult to detect.

This was the case in the tragic case of Murray Dowey.

The schoolboy was contacted on social media platform Instagram by someone claiming to be a young girl.

In truth, this was a scammer, who tricked him into sending an intimate image. Within hours he was subjected to cruel threats and blackmail.

In an interview with ITV, his mother Ros struggled to comprehend the ordeal her son must have gone through.

She said: The panic and terror he must have been in for however long this went on, whether it was minutes or hours, Im devastated for him, that he was just obviously in such a state that he thought taking his life was the only thing he could do.

Its thought the culprits behind the scam were based in Nigeria. As such, Police Scotland are working with authorities there to find those responsible.

The case has similarities to that of tragic teenager Daniel Perry.

In 2013, the 17 year old, from Fife, killed himself after being tricked into making explicit webcam recordings.

The apprentice mechanic believed he was talking online to a girl in the US but was told by the scammers the conversations had been recorded and would be shared with friends and family unless he paid up.

Following his death, Police Scotland uncovered an internet trail that led to the Philippines and links to organised crime groups there.

Responding to our story, Police Scotland said people targeted by sextortion scammers should not pay and should not be embarrassed or scared to report it to police.

A spokesman added: People shouldnt panic, there is support available from policing and partner agencies.

Daniel Perry was target of cruel internet scammers in 2013

'We want people to know they will be treated with respect and dignity and the circumstances investigated professionally. We will continue to work closely with partners to raise awareness and offer support.

Earlier this year the National Crime Agency (NCA) warned all 57,000 primary and secondary teachers across Britain that children are at risk.

Marie Smith of the NCA said: 'Theyre extremely malicious, they do not care about that child or that childs life.

'This is why its an alert (rather) than part of our broader education programme because of this callousness that were seeing, its extremely dangerous.

The NCA alert provided advice about spotting the signs of abuse, supporting young people and encouraging them to seek help.

It also included guidance for parents and carers on how to talk to their child about sextortion, and how to support them if they become a victim.

It advised victims not to pay, to block the offender and inform police.

 For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a branch or go to www.samaritans.org
Wisconsin shipwreck hunters discovered a 131-year-old shipwreck at the bottom of Lake Michigan that fell victim to a storm and took the life of the captain's dog.

The Margaret A. Muir, a schooner, was found off the coast of Algoma, Wisconsin, on May 12 just moments before the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association's research team nearly pulled the sonar out of the water for the day, a press release said.

'I knew she was going to be in about 50 feet of water, I knew that her sides had opened up. I know she was laying flat, and I knew she'd be harder to find,' Brendon Baillod, a crew member of the search, told Fox 6 Milwaukee.

Tamara Thomsen, a member of the Wisconsin Historical Society, said all the pieces of the ship were found, including the personal items sailors lost in the wreck.

The 130-foot three-mast schooner was supposed to dock in South Chicago from Bay City, Michigan, when it got stuck in a storm with 50mph gale-force winds around 5am on September 30, 1893.

Margaret A. Muir, a schooner, was found off the coast of Algoma, Wisconsin, on May 12 just moments before the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association's research team nearly pulled the sonar out of the water for the day

The 130-foot three-mast schooner was supposed to dock in South Chicago from Bay City, Michigan, when it got stuck in a storm with 50mph gale-force winds around 5 am on September 30, 1893

The ship battled the harsh weather until 7:30 am when gigantic waves came crashing over its deck and several feet of water began to fill the hold, causing 71-year-old Captain David Clow to call for his crew to abandon the ship.

The vessel had nearly made it to Ahnapee - present-day Algoma - when they abandoned her.

'No sooner than the order was given, the ship lurched violently and plunged for the bottom, taking Captain Clows faithful dog and ships mascot with it,' the WUAA said.

Although all the sailors survived the wreck, they still had to battle 15-foot waves in an open boat, where they were forced to to keep 'bailing' water out of the lifeboat to make it to shore.

The ship battled the harsh weather until 7:30am when gigantic waves came crashing over its deck and several feet of water began to fill the hold, causing 71-year-old Captain David Clow to call for his crew to abandon the ship

The vessel had nearly made it to Ahnapee - present-day Algoma - when they abandoned her

They eventually made it to safety, where a local spotted the soaking wet and freezing crew of six. They were taken to the St. Charles Hotel to rest and get dry clothing.

Captain Clow mourned the loss of his faithful dog, saying he'd 'rather lose any sum of money than to have the brute perish as he did.'

The old captain quit sailing after the wreck, despite seeing many in his day, saying: 'I have quit sailing, for water no longer seems to have any liking for me.'

The WUAA began looking for the shipwreck after Baillod compiled a database of Wisconsin wrecks 20 years old and he deemed the Muir 'particularly findable.'

The old captain quit sailing after the wreck, despite seeing many in his day, saying: 'I have quit sailing, for water no longer seems to have any liking for me'

The site is now in the process of being nominated as a National Register of Historic Places

He approached the group in 2023 to undertake a search for the vessel, and they narrowed the search area to five square miles using historical materials.

The sonar picked the wreck up a few miles off the Algoma Harbor entrance.

The site is now in the process of being nominated as a National Register of Historic Places.

Another shipwreck, the Trinidad, which was also located off Algoma in June 2023, has been deemed a historic place.
A paedophile secretly acquired a passport and used it to go on holiday to Bulgaria with an unsuspecting family who knew nothing of his previous convictions.

Andrew Priday has 71 previous offences and was added to the sex offenders register for life - which requires him to tell police of any passports he possesses as well as plans to travel abroad at least a week before departure.

The shameless criminal applied for and obtained a passport in January 2021 but told police he did not have one during subsequent annual registration declarations, Swansea Crown Court heard.

This year, a well-meaning family who knew Priday offered him a bed in their holiday apartment in Bulgaria. The 61-year-old paedophile flew out from Cardiff Airport on June 17 and joined the parents and child for seven days.

The father of the holidaying family later told police he felt 'sick' and was 'physically shaking' when he learned of Priday's past convictions.

Andrew Priday (pictured) has 12 previous convictions for 71 offences between 1997 and 2005

On the defendant's return to the UK he was arrested, and subsequently gave a largely 'no comment' interview.

He was also found to have a phone which he had not told the police about.

Priday has a history of lying about his previous convictions for sexual offending - including to the woman he was supposed to marry.

A judge at Swansea Crown Court said Priday's recent breaches of the requirements imposed on him were 'determined and devious'.

Priday, of Dyfatty, Swansea, pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and three counts of failing to abide by the requirements of the sex offenders registration scheme when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

The 61-year-old - who has already served two lengthy sentences for child sex offences - was jailed for 32 months.

The defendant has 12 previous convictions for 71 offences between 1997 and 2005, including 12 convictions for sexual offences.

In 1995 he was sentenced to seven years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court for indecent assault of a child and gross indecency with a child.

In 2005 he was given an 11-year extended sentence as a dangerous offender for indecent assault of a child, sexual activity with a child, making indecent images, and possessing indecent images.

He also has convictions for breaching the terms of the sex offenders register and for gaining pecuniary advantage by false pretences, meaning he failed to declare his past convictions when applying for a job.

Priday has also made false statements about his offending history to his fiancee when applying for a marriage licence.

On behalf of the sex offender, lawyer Andrew Evans argued there was no suggestion of any inappropriate behaviour on the part of the defendant during the Bulgarian holiday - but he accepted that his client's compliance with the conditions and requirements he was subject to had 'faltered' in recent years.

A judge at Swansea Crown Court (pictured) said Priday's recent breaches of the requirements imposed on him were 'determined and devious'

Judge Geraint Walters said Priday seemed to have 'given up on any pretence' of complying with the requirements of the sex offenders register and Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

He said the reality was Priday's breaches were 'determined and devious'.

With a one-third discount for his guilty pleas Priday was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

He will serve up to half that period in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.
Kemi Badenoch is hotly tipped as a future Tory leader, which would cement her already impressive rise from her childhood in Nigeria to the top tier of British democracy, as Lord Ashcroft observed in yesterday's Daily Mail. In the second part of his impeccably sourced biography of the former Cabinet Minister, he explores how she took on the gender ID zealots and reveals what her critics really think of her...

Kemi Badenoch hates 'grievance politics'  those fuelled by resentment and the wish to attach blame. Government, she once declared, needs to be 'an effective and stream-lined machine for delivery, not a piggy bank for pressure groups'.

She also joked: 'I must point out that I am a poor, black female, gay (OK, I'm not, but I did think about it once), disabled if you count the myopia, Christian. You couldn't get more minority into one person if you tried.'

As a new MP in 2017, she publicly challenged the politics of identity, which encourage people to focus on their divisions rather than what they have in common, then articulated a frequently held sentiment that many important subjects are no longer allowed to be discussed openly.

The freedom to hold and express an opposing view was being undermined, she said, 'in an era where emotion and sentiment are prized above reason and rationality'.

Kemi Badenoch is hotly tipped as a future Tory leader, but has not yet announced her bid

Kemi's rise is charted in a fascinating new biography, 'Blue Ambition', by Lord Ashcroft

Years later, as a Government minister, she would complain: 'Dissent is treated as bigotry. It has become almost impossible to question fashionable theories. This underlying problem of ideological capture has to be addressed.'

She is also anti-woke and railed against confected outrage, such as the furore over repeats of the 1990s TV sitcom Friends. Newer, younger viewers were being squeamish about particular jokes and plot lines, such as Chandler Bing joking about his cross-dressing father. Some claimed this made the show transphobic or homophobic, which Kemi rejected.

Though speaking out was risky, she defended Friends. 'Everybody loved it,' she declared. 'It was the biggest TV series of all time. It just doesn't compute for me that a few years later people are talking about it as if it's horrific. Something has gone wrong somewhere.'

She was resolute too on a much more serious subject  the Black Lives Matter campaign. In a six-hour parliamentary debate to mark Black History Month, she declared that the Conservatives were opposed to critical race theory, the idea that Western societies are inherently biased towards white people. 'We do not want teachers to teach their white pupils about white privilege and inherited racial guilt,' she told the Commons. 'Any school which teaches critical race theory without offering a balanced treatment of opposing views is breaking the law.'

Husband who sacrificed his own political dream so she could shine In her first attempt to win a parliamentary seat, Kemi's campaign manager was Hamish Badenoch, a Cambridge University-educated banker with political ambitions of his own. He and Kemi became friends after realising they had been born in the same hospital in Wimbledon a year apart. Because he had a car, he would pick her up for meetings. A relationship developed and they married in 2012. The couple's primary focus was politics, but they are said to have had an understanding that if one of them made it to the Commons before the other, the partner who was not an MP would continue with their professional career. When she was elected in 2017, he stepped back. But each is very much their own person. They had different views about Brexit, for example. She was for it, while he was a Remainer  but it was never an issue likely to cloud their marriage. 'Hamish is half the brains of the operation,' says a friend. 'He is Kemi's chief adviser and acts as a counter-balance to some of her views.' Another friend explains: 'They met through politics, when they were both young activists, and he's always shared her view of how important her job is. He put her career ahead of his own. 'He is her political confidant as well as her husband. 'She respects his judgment perhaps more than anyone's and realises that what she does is a joint production with him.' They have three children and, according to another friend: 'They make it work. He is an incredibly supportive political spouse. He makes sure things are OK at home so she can do what she has to do.' Advertisement

She was a junior minister at the time and, according to insiders, she adopted this position without the sanction of Boris Johnson. He was instinctively reluctant to engage in matters relating to cultural or racial politics.

'She worries about typecasting and hates the argument that only black people can talk about these things,' says a friend. 'But the fact is she's good at this stuff and if you're going to attack wokery, a black mother [she has three children] is extremely well placed to do it. She doesn't want her own children being given this patronising treatment and told that their history is slavery, which is not necessarily the Nigerian experience. It might be the Caribbean experience, but it's not the African experience. She says there are statues of slave traders in Nigeria who are still revered.'

On the trans controversy she has been just as resolute. She became involved, she says, because 'I feel being a woman is a much stronger part of my identity than being black. Bringing a child into the world grounds you in the reality of being a woman. Puberty, menstruation. It is very biological.'

She has won respect across the political spectrum, including from Left-wing feminists, for the way she handled the issue, especially when, as Minister for Women and Equalities in Rishi Sunak's government, she was faced with a problem of politicians in Scotland voting to give 16-year-olds the ability to change their sex without receiving a medical diagnosis.

This ran counter to Westminster law, which insisted that adults wanting to legally change their sex had to apply for a gender recognition certificate, be diagnosed with gender dysphoria and live full-time under their acquired gender for at least two years.

Kemi was not alone in worrying that the relaxation of requirements in Scotland would result in giving biological males a licence to access female-only spaces such as changing rooms, or allow biologically male Scottish prisoners in English jails to request a transfer to a women's prison.

She wrote to Nicola Sturgeon, then Scottish First Minister, saying she was concerned the proposals would create a 'divergence' of approach on a 'complex and important issue'. Her voice was considered pivotal in the ensuing debate, which ended with Sunak blocking the Scottish legislation.

Eventually the Government published trans guidance for schools which said teachers should only let pupils identify as the opposite gender in rare cases and after consultation with their parents.

This was denounced by the charity Stonewall as 'actively dangerous' and by Labour MP Kate Osborne as 'cruel and unworkable'. Kemi countered in the Mail: 'Children have been led to believe they can be born in the wrong body and that we have an abstract 'gender identity' which is separate to our biological sex. This is a contested and confused ideology.'

When Dr Hilary Cass's report on NHS gender identity services for children concluded that the evidence supporting the use of puberty blockers by under-18s was 'remarkably weak', Kemi lambasted pretty much every institution in the country, calling them cowardly for failing to stand up to 'extreme gender ideology'.

There is a fearlessness about her that voters find attractive

In all this, she demonstrated her refusal to buckle under the weight of group-think. She is renowned for plain talking, though there can be another side to this when dealing with people. Some politicians find her courage, clear-thinking and confidence off-putting, seeing it as arrogant or high-handed.

A Westminster observer who knows her well says: 'She's humorous but she can also become quite passionate, and that passion can become anger.' According to a colleague, 'she can be abrasive and perhaps she doesn't engage with her colleagues enough'.

Another said: 'Some people feel she's aggressive and arrogant. I think she's quite confrontational but in a good way because she doesn't mind taking people on.'

Nor is she the smoothest pebble on the beach when it comes to the press. One senior media player says: 'She can find it really annoying to have what she regards as untruths written about her, even if they are quite trivial points.

'She's not a great one for turning the other cheek. She's more of an eye-for-an-eye kind of girl.'

In my opinion, Kemi Badenoch is one of the most interesting politicians of her generation. She has an electric quality and an energy that most front-rank figures in Westminster do not possess. There is a sense of fearlessness about her that many voters find attractive.

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster

And at a time when politics has become about the state's tentacles reaching ever further into our lives, particularly in relation to woke issues concerning race and gender, her voice has become a powerful and effective weapon.

But is 2024 too soon for her, asks a distinguished Tory who left the Commons last month after more than 20 years. 'Kemi has risen so quickly because she's prepared to say what she thinks. She's impressive and could be a future leader.

'But the party has developed a bad habit of choosing people who are inexperienced. Mrs Thatcher had been an MP for 16 years before she became party leader, and to me that seems to be the gold standard.'

Political careers are shorter than they used to be. As somebody who went from backbench MP to Cabinet member in just five years, she would know that better than most.

Why would she want to be leader? According to her adviser, Daniel El-Gamry, her conservatism is based on having seen a different life when growing up in Nigeria. 'She spent her first 16 years under various socialist regimes. She would hate for Britain to go anywhere near that sort of situation.'

Tory MP Alex Burghart adds: 'She doesn't take for granted what a lot of other people take for granted. She sees very clearly the things that are brilliant about the West and the UK particularly. That's refreshing in an environment when there are so many people talking everything down.'

Another friend says: 'Kemi's got this Nigerian approach to conflict resolution. She will leap in. To her, this is all about combat. It's not about making or winning arguments, it's about fighting. It's about making enemies if she needs to. For her, politics has always been a lot more visceral. That comes from her upbringing.'

Kemi Badenoch pictured with spouse Hamish and one of their children

Kemi Badenoch, then Business Secretary, greets King Charles at Buckingham Palace last June

Fellow Tory MP Julia Lopez says: 'She knows Labour will take the country in precisely the wrong direction and she would be great at interrogating those fundamental weaknesses. I think she'd dismantle Labour and their corrosive brand of identity politics.'

But in the opinion of one vintage political observer, 'she could either save the country or she could self-destruct. Either outcome is equally likely. Speaking passionately and from the heart can be someone's undoing in politics.

'She's instinctive. Critics would say she can be impulsive. She has the potential to be a fantastic PM. Like Thatcher, like Churchill, she is driven by principle.

'People like that want to make a difference. But she could end up like George Galloway. Being driven by principle is no guarantee of success.'

Adapted from Blue Ambition by Michael Ashcroft, published by Biteback on July 29 at 20. To order a copy for 18 (offer valid to 10/08/24; UK p&p free on orders over 25) go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937.

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. For more information on his work, visit lordashcroft.com. Follow him on X or Facebook @LordAshcroft
Plans to introduce live police surveillance cameras that scan peoples faces have been branded deeply intrusive and dangerous by a coalition of international privacy campaign groups.

Police Scotland is looking at bringing in the cameras with the aim of cracking down on shoplifters and people who flout bail conditions.

The Mail on Sunday last week told how officers in police vans will monitor the live scans and check the images against a database.

But concerns have been raised that the Orwellian technology will impinge on civil liberties.

Now, an alliance of some of the worlds foremost privacy campaigners has written to Justice Secretary Angela Constance to demand the proposals are withdrawn.

A coalition of international privacy campaign groups has written to Justice Secretary Angela Constance

Big Brother Watch, Liberty, Privacy International, Race Equality First, Defend Digital Me, Open Rights Group, Statewatch and Stopwatch have all signed a letter claiming the artificial intelligence inverts the vital democratic principle of the presumption of innocence whereby suspicion precedes surveillance and, instead, treats everyone who passes by like a potential criminal.

They warned that Scotland would risk following the approach of Russia and China, authoritarian regimes which have invested in the technology to the detriment of their citizens rights and freedoms.

Scotlands Biometrics Commissioner Brian Plastow has said there are circumstances where the future use of such technology should be available to the Chief Constable as a strategic or tactical option for potential deployment.

It is a suggestion that Big Brother Watch has branded Orwellian.

They wrote: We urge the Scottish Government to reconsider its plans to adopt this dystopian technology and instead adopt an approach which respects the rights to privacy and free expression, as well as the rights of those marginalised groups who are most affected by the use of this technology.

The alliance also said data from England and Wales, where the software is already in use, has shown incorrect matches in 75 per cent of cases, raising fears of mistaken identities as well as racial discrimination and privacy breaches.

This led it to warn that relying on such computer evidence could result in a Post Office-style miscarriage of justice scandal.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The decision to use any technology with facial recognition capability is an operational matter for Police Scotland, which abides by all relevant laws, including the Scottish Biometrics Commissioners statutory code of practice.
Meghan Markle has been spotted going smart-casual while attending a business summit in the Hamptons.

The 42-year-old was seen in attendance at the G9 Ventures Summer Summit hosted by power broker Amy Griffin.

The Duchess of Sussex wore a natural colored vest and pants by Revolve, which combined retail for around $870.

According to Page Six, Markle had flown into the millionaires enclave from Santa Barbara, California, by private jet with entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima.

Sources told the outlet that she is there to pick up tips on her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.

The Duchess of Sussex, seen here alongside designer Misha Nonoo and cosmetics owner Bobbi Brown, wore a vest and trousers combo by Revolve, which retails for around $870

Other stars in attendance included Gwyneth Paltrow alongside Reese Witherspoon, seen here, and actress Laura Dern

Markle was pictured alongside fashion designer Misha Nonoo and make up artist and cosmetics owner Bobbi Brown.

Page Six reported that the annual event is held at the $13 million home of Griffin who shares the property with her husband, billionaire hedge fund manager John Griffin.

Other stars in attendance included Gwyneth Paltrow alongside Reese Witherspoon and actress Laura Dern.

Meghan's brand soft launched earlier this year with an official Instagram page and website being set up.

She will no doubt be using the event to help her brand by soaking up tips for her new brand.

Surrounded by people like Griffin will aid her in doing just that, who according to Wall Street Journal is known for her use of 'soft power.'

This includes making introductions, chasing down founders and offering mentorship.

She started angel investing in 2014 and launched G9 three years afterward, telling the WSJ: 'There was a moment where I was sitting at a fundraiser thinking, Wait, I can put money into something, see it grow, and use my skill set and help a founder?.

'And people had said to me, "Why arent you doing this full time? You already help people by buying their products and then sending it to everyone."'

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Duesseldorf, last year

She will no doubt be using the event to help her brand by soaking up tips for her new brand

Meghan's brand soft launched earlier this year with an official Instagram page and website being set up

G9 does not lead huge investment but does contribute smaller amounts, from tens of thousands of dollars to several million, according to the WSJ.

Markle shared the logo for her company in a 10-second story video while dressed in a black ball gown.

The clip then showed her wearing a simple white outfit while arranging flowers and cooking in the kitchen of her $14.7 million estate.

In April, Meghan sent 50 jars of her strawberry jam to influencers and celebrity friends across the United States.

Award-winning actress and comedy writer Mindy Kaling and actress Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of Diana Ross, revealed on social media they had been gifted jars.

Each jar was labelled with the Californian American Riviera Orchard branding, and numbered out of 50. The jars are secured with a lid and muslin cloth.

Meghan's brand will reportedly feature 'edible oils and fats', jellies, jams and spreads made of legumes, garlic, and sesame, as well as nut and fruit butters.
There are no photographs of the Duchess of Sussex in the Royal Collection, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

This is despite the vast archives containing more than a million objects spanning five centuries of the monarchy.

Works from the collection are often displayed at royal properties, including the King's Gallery next to Buckingham Palace, which is currently holding an exhibition titled 'Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography'.

But while the display has delighted visitors with previously unseen photos of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, tourists have been surprised to find no images of Meghan Markle or her two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The MoS understands this is because the collection  which is cared for by the Royal Collection Trust, a department of the royal household  does not contain any such photographs.

A picture of Queen Elizabeth II by Andy Warhol in the Royal Collection at The King's Gallery

The Collection holds more than a million Royal objects - but no pictures of Meghan Markle

A visitor examines a portrait by Paolo Roversi of The Duchess of Cambridge in November 2021

Images of the Royal Family do not automatically become part of the Royal Collection, but are often donated by the photographer or specially commissioned.

Royal Portraits contains five photographs of Prince William, but there are no shots of the Duke of Sussex as an adult, and he features only once in a 1994 photograph taken by John Swannell.

It depicts a young Prince Harry laughing with his brother William and mother Princess Diana.

The Royal Collection is not owned by King Charles but rather 'held in trust' for 'his successors and the nation'.

A spokeswoman for the trust said: 'Royal Portraits... focuses on photographs taken during organised portrait sittings', adding that images from the collection were 'chosen for what they can tell us about the evolution of royal portrait photography'.
A Cal Fire airplane monitors the Creek Fire in Alameda County. Cal Fire

Officials said they had stopped forward progress Saturday evening on the Creek Fire in the hills east of Fremont, which had prompted evacuation orders earlier as it burned hundreds of acres in hours. It was one of several Bay Area blazes that firefighters were battling Saturday.

 See also: Park Fire near Chico crosses highway as it grows

The Creek Fire, north of the Calaveras Reservoir in southern Alameda County, had burned about 734 acres as of Saturday evening, having moved toward the Ohlone Regional Wilderness Reserve, according to Cal Fire. It continued to threaten some structures, with about 10% of the blaze contained.

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The fire started around 4 p.m. Friday, ballooning rapidly from about 50 acres to 580 acres in about five hours, the agency said. But it grew more slowly since then, with firefighters working through the night despite difficulties presented by terrain and weather, the agency said. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

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The East Bay Regional Park District said it was closing the Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve until further notice due to the fire.

Meanwhile, evacuation orders for the Contra Costa County community of Bay Point had been downgraded to evacuation warnings as firefighters continued to contain the Point Fire, which had burned 471 acres as of Saturday evening. The fire, which started at about 3 p.m. Thursday, was 70% contained, up from 20% as of Thursday night, Cal Fire said.

The cause of the Point Fire remained under investigation, and no injuries had been reported.

A third Bay Area blaze, the Flynn Fire next to Interstate 580 in Livermore, was 95% contained Saturday evening, having burned 389 acres. About 30 firefighters and five fire engines had been battling the blaze since it started Thursday night due to a car fire, temporarily forcing part of the freeway to close.

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Labour today pledges to end the 'national scandal' of 'stinking filth in our waterways' by throwing the Government's weight behind an 88 billion investment in water firms.

On the weekend that marks the start of the peak holiday season, Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the second biggest private sector investment of the Parliament  behind energy  would be devoted to cleaning up the nation's water.

Writing in today's Mail on Sunday, he promises to tackle 'record levels of toxic raw sewage polluting Britain's once pristine rivers, lakes and seas'.

The Government is backing plans by the regulator Ofwat for an 88 billion spending package by water utilities between 2025 and 2030, initially funded by the City or through borrowing and then recovered through higher customer bills.

After the outcry over the millions paid to water bosses in bonuses despite multiple sewage spills, Mr Reed says the companies will in effect be placed in 'special measures', with water bosses potentially subject to criminal charges and a ban on bonuses when standards have not been met.

Protesters hold a flag during the demonstration against water companies dumping sewage into British rivers and seas, in Brighton on May 18

Environment Sec Steve Reed (pictured) said the second biggest private sector investment of the Parliament  behind energy  would be devoted to cleaning up the nation's water

A murky brown coloured sea water off Brighton beach as crowds enjoy the hot sunny weather

A tanker pumping out excess sewage from the Lightlands Lane pumping station in Cookham

He writes: 'Instead of protecting our waterways, the water companies paid out multi-million pound bonuses. It was more profitable to let the pollution flow rather than fix the broken pipes, and regulation was too weak to stop them.'

He adds that 'bosses responsible for repeated illegal sewage dumping will face criminal charges, and I'll ban the payment of their multi-million pound bonuses until they clean up their toxic filth'.

Pollution from sewage works, farms and motorways has overwhelmed the country's rivers and coastlines, with water companies dumping sewage unchecked at nearly 900 spots in protected natural areas in England.

The new Water Bill will also require companies to install real-time monitors at every sewage outlet across the country.

The plans are part of the Government's 'audit' of its inheritance from the Conservatives, designed to dodge blame for crises and pave the way eventually for tax rises.

Mr Reed has said tackling the sewage crisis is the number one priority for his department.
Our water industry is broken. The previous government deliberately weakened regulators, while water companies spent customers' money on bonuses and dividends instead of investing in fixing our crumbling sewage system.

The result is record levels of toxic raw sewage polluting Britain's once pristine rivers, lakes, and seas. This is a scandal.

As families head to our famous beauty spots for summer outings, they are faced with the horrific reality of stinking filth in our waterways. Tourism damaged, children getting sick, and nature dying before our eyes.

The beauty of our countryside fills British people with pride, yet it has been desecrated.

Instead of protecting our waterways, the water companies paid out multi-million-pound bonuses. It was more profitable to let the pollution flow rather than fix the broken pipes, and regulation was too weak to stop them.

STEVE REED: If any water company fails to spend money earmarked for investment, they will pay it back to their customers thanks to the reforms I've already introduced

Environment Sec Steve Reed said the second biggest private sector investment of the Parliament  behind energy  would be devoted to cleaning up the nation's water

This should never have been allowed to happen, and with our new Labour government, it will never happen again.

We will turn the tide on the destruction of our waterways and make the water companies protect the interests of their customers and the environment once again.

Within a week of the General Election, water companies signed up to Labour's initial package of reforms including ringfencing investment to fix the sewage system so it can't be syphoned off for bonuses or dividend payments.

Stronger regulation creates a level playing field that will help secure 88 billion of private-sector investment to start cleaning up our waterways.

That's the biggest ever investment in our water sector and it will boost economic growth and create thousands of good, well-paid jobs right across the country.

It's the second biggest private sector investment into a sector during the course of this parliament.

This investment will unlock nine new reservoirs and seven large-scale water transfer schemes, 8,000 km of water mains pipes and upgrade 2,500 storm overflows from Lake Windermere to the River Wharfe.

If any water company fails to spend money earmarked for investment, they will pay it back to their customers thanks to the reforms I've already introduced.

I will give the regulators more teeth with the new laws I'm introducing into Parliament.

Water bosses responsible for repeated illegal sewage dumping will face criminal charges, and I'll ban the payment of their multi-million-pound bonuses until they clean up their toxic filth.

STEVE REED: Stronger regulation creates a level playing field that will help secure 88 billion of private-sector investment to start cleaning up our waterways

A tanker pumping out excess sewage from the Lightlands Lane pumping station in Cookham

I'll give customers the power to hold water company bosses to account by summoning them to appear before powerful new customer panels.

And when things go wrong  disrupted water supply, missed appointments, or seriously low water pressure  water companies will compensate customers with money off their bills. After years when government ignored this failure, Labour will restore accountability to the system.

These are common-sense reforms that will make the water companies put customers first and focus them on cleaning up our polluted waterways. From now on, they will serve the public rather than themselves.

The prize is our rivers, lakes and seas restored to the pristine state they once enjoyed. Parents able to take their kids to splash about in the river or paddle in the sea without fear of what infection they might catch.

The public are right to demand that our rivers should be flowing with clean water rather than with sewage. Labour will quite literally clean up the Tories' mess.
King Charles may never reunite with his grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet as Prince Harry refuses to bring his family to the UK, sources fear.

The Duke of Sussex declared last week that he will not travel to Britain with his wife Meghan due to security fears of a knife or acid attack from a 'lone actor'.

Royal experts told The Mail on Sunday that the statement means the King will become 'more and more remote' from the children in an 'incredibly sad situation'.

King Charles last saw Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, in June 2022 when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Prince Harry, 39, has been back to the UK several times since then without his wife and children for his legal battle with the Government over the loss of his taxpayer-funded security.

Sources fear that the King will never see his grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet again, as Harry has cited security concerns as a reason for not bringing his family to the UK

The Duke of Sussex said he would not travel with his wife to the UK due to fears of a knife or acid attack from a 'lone actor'

Prince Harry appeared to confirm that he would travel solo in future in an interview with ITV

The rift between the Sussexes and the King threatens to become a chasm, sources warn

As part of his ongoing campaign against British journalism, he suggested that an attacker could be inspired by something they have read in a tabloid newspaper.

In an ITV interview, the Duke of Sussex appeared to confirm that he would travel solo in future: 'All it takes is for one lone actor who reads this stuff to act on what they've read. And whether it's a knife or acid, these are things that are genuine concerns for me. It's one of the reasons why I won't bring my wife back to this country.'

When asked if the recent cancer diagnoses of both his father and sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, had made him reconsider his legal battles against the press, the Prince tersely replied that they were 'two completely different things'.

Harry claimed his fight against the press has been 'a central piece' in the breakdown of his relationship with his family, stating: 'For me, the mission continues, but it has caused part of a rift.'

But where King Charles and the Sussex children are concerned, that rift threatens to become a chasm.

'It would be great to think that at some point soon the King would get to visit the grandchildren that he has seen very little of, but he is 75 and still not in the best of health,' said Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine.

'A visit to America is unlikely to be a high priority now, given the other demands on his time.

'It's an incredibly sad situation that few would have predicted even five years ago.'

Royal author Margaret Holder added: 'It is very difficult for the monarch to travel as a private person. All kinds of diplomacy would have to be involved to get the King into California to see the children.

'So if the children can't come here and the King can't go there, you are looking at a situation where you've got a grandfather, who is undergoing cancer treatment, becoming more and more remote.'

Prince Harry and Meghan with Archie in May 2019, then a newborn son

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Archie meeting Archbishop Desmond Tutu in South Africa in September 2019

Behind Palace walls there is frustration about suggestions that King Charles 'could solve' the rupture by returning Prince Harry's police protection, but that power lies with RAVEC, the committee in charge of royal security

Behind Palace walls there is frustration about suggestions that King Charles 'could solve' the rupture by returning Prince Harry's police protection. But that power lies exclusively with RAVEC, the Home Office committee that oversees royal security.

For a prince living in a country where a former president recently survived an assassination attempt, eyebrows were also raised about the intensity of the Duke's security fears about the UK.

'You have to ask yourself: is the UK any less dangerous than the US, with gun crime so prevalent over there?' said Mr Little.

In February Prince Harry lost his High Court challenge to overturn the ruling that there was nothing unlawful in the decision to downgrade his police protection as a non-working royal.

He intends to appeal, but most expect that he will travel alone to Britain for the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027.

Harry had reportedly expressed interest in renting Apartments One and Seven at Kensington Palace on UK visits, which are protected by police and are undergoing renovations. However, the MoS understands the flats would not be allocated for his use.

'The whole thing is a mess,' said Ms Holder. 'I would add that it is Prince Harry who increased the risk to himself, his wife and his family by boasting about killing 25 Taliban fighters in his book.

'So King Charles is forced to be a distant grandfather that the grandchildren never see.'
Jeremy Bamber's 39-year campaign to prove he is innocent of the White Farm murders has received a boost from an investigation that raises serious questions about his conviction.

He is serving a whole-life tariff for the murders of his adoptive parents Nevill and June Bamber, both 61, his adoptive sister Sheila Caffell, 28, and her six-year-old twins Daniel and Nicholas. All were shot at the Essex farmhouse on August 7, 1985.

Bamber has always said he is innocent and that Sheila, a paranoid schizophrenic, carried out the murders before shooting herself. He is the only whole-life prisoner in the British prison system to maintain his innocence.

Now a 17,000-word investigation by The New Yorker, being published tomorrow, is understood to have highlighted more than a dozen apparent discrepancies in the prosecution's case.

The magazine tracked down officers who were present in the aftermath of the murders and who are believed to have substantiated Bamber's claim that police tampered with the crime scene to effectively frame him.

Jeremy Bamber's campaign to prove his innocence has been given a boost by an investigation raising doubts about his conviction

Bamber has always said he is innocent and that Sheila (pictured centre with her children), a paranoid schizophrenic, carried out the murders before shooting herself

The parents of Jeremy Bamber, Nevill and June, who were both shot dead

The investigation is also understood to raise questions about the beleaguered Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which Bamber's legal team says has failed to act on submissions that would exonerate him.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has called for the resignation of Helen Pitcher, chairman of the CCRC, over the case of Andrew Malkinson, who spent 17 years in jail for a rape he did not commit.

An investigation into the CCRC's role by Chris Henley KC found it had missed several opportunities to refer the case to appeal. Malkinson, who was released only as a result of forensic tests by campaigners, said on proving his innocence: 'I'm not the only one.'

The New Yorker, which has also raised questions about the safety of nurse Lucy Letby's conviction for murdering seven babies, has been investigating the Bamber case since last October.

It has focused on claims that Essex Police lied about evidence, altered witness statements, passed evidence to a third party, withheld and concealed evidence and tampered with a crime scene after the murders at the family's farm near Maldon, Essex.

Bamber says his sister Sheila, a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, feared having her children taken into care, suffered a psychotic episode and carried out the murders before turning the gun on herself.

The Bamber farmhouse, White House Farm at Tolleshunt D'Arcy near Maldon, Essex

It was argued that Bamber must have carried out the murders as the gun had a silencer, making it too long for his sister to be physically able to shoot herself, but doubts have been cast on this conclusion

The police argued that Bamber must have carried out the murders because the gun had been fitted with a silencer, which made it too long for her to be physically able to shoot herself, but ballistics experts have subsequently cast doubt on whether the rifle was fitted with a silencer.

Police also said if she had gone on a rampage her feet would have been covered in blood and that this was not the case. But a picture of her feet obtained by Bamber's lawyers shows bloodstains.

Police had initially worked on the theory that Sheila, a model known as Bambi, had been responsible.

They put Bamber at the centre of the probe after his girlfriend Julie Mugford  whom he had two-timed  claimed he had confessed to her his plans to hire a hitman to kill the family. The hitman she named had a cast-iron alibi and was released.

Bamber's lawyers also unearthed a police phone log of a call on the night of the killings from Nevill. The log, entitled 'daughter gone berserk', noted Mr Bamber had said his daughter had stolen one of his guns and gone 'berserk'.

A bloodstained Bible, found by Sheila's side and open at pages containing Psalms 51-55  on the struggle between good and evil  was never forensically examined or produced at trial, despite requests from Bamber's solicitor.

Last night, Bamber said: 'If restaging of the crime scene is a major new point in The New Yorker story, that will enable us to go directly back to the Court of Appeal, which I hope will be within a few days of us having the fresh evidence in our hands.

Bamber has said that if the restaging of the crime scene is a major point in the story, it would enable him to go to the Court of Appeal

Bamber was put at the centre of the probe after his girlfriend Julie Mugford  whom he had two-timed  claimed he had confessed to her his plans to hire a hitman to kill the family

'The Court of Appeal have already said restaging the crime scene would be a moral sin, so we'll be straight back to the Court of Appeal ASAP, asking for bail pending a full appeal.'

A spokesman for Bamber's campaign said the New Yorker investigation highlighted a key issue raised in the report on CCRC failings in the Malkinson case  'a refusal to carry out any investigations into submissions that are presented to them'.

They added: 'The CCRC have had Jeremy Bamber's latest submissions since March 2021 and they have not investigated any of the key exculpatory issues they contain, which demonstrate Jeremy Bamber's innocence.'

The CCRC said it 'makes impartial, evidence-based decisions'. Essex Police have long cited Bamber's failed appeals when asked about the safety of the conviction.

Additional reporting: Scott Jones
Film fans have expressed their dismay after the announcement of the first six Cineworlds on the chopping block since reports emerged that 25 of the chain's 100 UK locations were due to be closed.

It was revealed earlier today that cinemas in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate, and Swindon Circus will be closing down in the coming months.

Despite the cost of a family trip to the cinema soaring in recent years, many movie buffs local to the six sites told of their anguish as the news.

One wrote on X: 'Absolutely gutted about Parkhead Cineworld closing down, the staff are absolutely fantastic, what a shame.'

The company is said to be beginning a consultation process with employees at the sites in question with the aim of offering as many redeployment opportunities at nearby locations as possible.

Film fans have expressed their dismay after the announcement of the first six Cineworlds on the chopping block since reports emerged that 25 of the chain's UK locations were due to be closed

It was revealed earlier today that cinemas in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate, and Swindon Circus will be closing down in the coming months

The company has warned the total number of impacted sites cannot be confirmed until the restructuring process is complete. Pictured: The Bedford site which will close

One disappointed movie buff wrote on X: 'Absolutely gutted about Parkhead Cineworld closing down, the staff are absolutely fantastic, what a shame'

However, the company has implied this may not be the end of the bad news for film buffs, having warned the total number of affected sites could not be confirmed until the end of the restructuring process.

Sources told Sky News that Cineworld, which currently runs about 100 sites across the country, was originally expected to close 25.

Cineworld's restructuring plan will now go before a court and, if approved, the process would go into effect in September.

The chain said it decided to axe the six locations as they were 'commercially unviable', in an attempt to return the business to profitability.

Its plans will also try to reduce rental costs with landlords in the UK.

How much could a family trip to Cineworld cost? Two family tickets to a 4DX showing, which includes two children and two adults: 58.66 Two large popcorns: 11.30 Two large hot dogs: 11.50 Confectionary (pick and mix) for the kids: 6.90 Four large soft drinks: 16.80 Grand total: 105.16 Source: Cineworld and TheatreFoodandFun.com Advertisement

Another disappointed regular wrote: 'Such a shame @cineworld are closing in my home town. It will have a big impact on the shops and restaurants that are near it. So easy to get to and something for the community.'

Someone else added: ' Sad to see @Cineworld is closing the #Bedford cinema. That site has had a multiplex since 1990. Its where I skipped school to see so many 90s classics; Dances with Wolves, The Silence of the Lambs, Reservoir Dogs, Jurassic Park'

This was echoed by a reply which read: 'It's so sad. I hope this isn't the end of cinemas as we know it.'

Brits in the southwest of England were particularly irked by the fact that the closure of Cineworld in Yate came just a year after one was shut in nearby Bristol.

Someone complained: 'They closed the Bristol one last year, now yate is earmarked for closure. The nearest cineworld to us is over 20 miles away.'

Another added: 'Hey @cineworld you already closed the Bristol branch and now you are closing down Yate!? This really sucks for people in this area of the UK especially your #CineworldUnlimited members such as myself. It's ridiculous!'

Leicestershire residents were also upset after two cinemas in their county - Loughborough and Hinckley - were axed.

One comment suggested 'the effect this will have on people is shocking'.

Even politicians chipped in to express disappointment at the announcement.

Mike Davies, a Labour councillor in Swindon, wrote: 'Very sad news about Regent Circus Cineworld. Another blow to the town centre.'

And Loughborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce said they were ' disappointed' with Cineworld's decision, adding: 'We urge you to think again.'

Even politicians chipped in to express disappointment at the announcement. Mike Davies, a Labour councillor in Swindon, wrote: 'Very sad news about Regent Circus Cineworld. Another blow to the town centre'

Pictured: The Glasgow Cineworld earmarked for closure

Cineworld's restructuring plan will now go before the court, and if approved, the process is set to go into effect in September. Pictured: The Hinckley site which will close

The chain said it decided to axe the six locations as they were 'commercially unviable', in an attempt to return the business to profitability. Pictured: The Loughborough site which will close

While the restructuring plan is ongoing, Cineworld's sites will continue to operate as normal. Pictured: The Yate site which will close

Cineworld is being advised by AlixPartners. Pictured: The Swindon, Regent Circus, site which will close

Cineworld claims market rents for cinemas have reduced over the last few years, meaning some of its rents now cost more than the market rate.

Landlords on marginal and loss making cinemas are being asked to reset the rent to the market level, according to the company.

It is not known how many of Cineworld's sites have asked their landlords to reduce the rent, but Sky News previously reported the number as 50.

A Cineworld spokesperson said: 'We are implementing a Restructuring Plan that will provide our company with a strong platform to return our business to profitability, attract further investment from the Group, and ensure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in the UK.'

While the restructuring plan is ongoing, Cineworld's sites will continue to operate as normal. The plan will not affect the Cineworld business outside of the UK.

The company is being advised by AlixPartners.

But despite Cineworld confirming the six sites to close, other cinema operators could step in to save the day and take them over.

Tim Richards, chief executive of cinema chain Vue, said previously he would 'absolutely' look to take over sites from rival operators.

He said: 'They would need to be qualitatively complimentary with our circuit but I think weve already demonstrated over the last 20 years that M&A and purchasing cinemas is part of our DNA.'

The recent announcement comes as many customers blamed the cinema chain's decline on its prices, claiming a family trip to the cinema has become too expensive.

Tim Richards, chief executive of cinema chain Vue, said he would 'absolutely' look to take over sites from rival operators

Cineworld customers have said the chain has priced them out of trips to the movies

After the news of the closures broke on social media yesterday, 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.

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.

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

'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.'

Earlier this month sources told Sky News that the insolvency mechanism employed by Cineworld was expected to be a restructuring plan which would allow it to rework its balance sheet and restructure debts.

Cineworld grew under the leadership of the Greidinger family into a global giant of the film industry, acquiring chains including Regal in the US in 2018 and the British company of the same name four years prior.

However its multibillion-dollar debt mountain led it into crisis, and forced the company into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. in 2022.

Earlier this month sources told Sky News that the insolvency mechanism employed by Cineworld was expected to be a restructuring plan which would allow it to rework its balance sheet and restructure debts

Filing for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy means a company intends to reorganise its debts and assets to have a fresh start, while remaining in business.

Cineworld shares were worth just 0.6p in June last year after it was hit hard by the pandemic. They were changing hands at 300p just five years ago.

It caused it to delist from the London Stock Exchange in August 2023 after Cineworld's UK arm collapsed into administration as its share price continued to fall and fears were raised for its survival.

A deal was struck last year which exchanged several billions of dollars of debt for shares, with a significant sum of fresh cash injected into the company by a group of hedge funds and investors.

But Cineworld is not alone in facing headwinds, with brands such as Picturehouse, Odeon and Empire all also having to close cinemas in the past year.

Picturehouse will close branches at Stratford East, Bromley and Fulham Road in London this summer.

Meanwhile Odeon closed five in June last year, with Empire collapsing into administration a month later - closing six.

A map of the freshly announced Cineworld sites, alongside the Empire, Odeon and Picturehouse cinemas which have closed in the past year. The top right chart shows the number of cinemas has dropped from 879 in 2020 to now only 825

The chief executive of the UK Cinema Association Phil Clapp told MailOnline the operating environment for UK cinema 'undoubtedly remains a challenging one'

Over the past few years, Britain has been falling out of love with the silver screen as Hollywood strikes, rising prices and the popularity of TV streamers have all turned audiences off.

In 2020 there were 879 cinemas in the UK, but it has fallen every year since then and now amounts to only 825, according to the UK Cinema Association.

The chief executive of the UK Cinema Association Phil Clapp previously told MailOnline the operating environment for UK cinema 'undoubtedly remains a challenging one'.

He said: 'Having survived the unique challenges of the pandemic  when many sites were closed or operating under restrictions for many months  the sector has since then needed to navigate both the cost of living crisis and the writers' and actors' strikes of last Autumn.

'The latter in particular has meant that cinemas have had many fewer films to show the public than they would want.'
A 75-year-old man, who was found dead having suffered gunshot injuries has been named and pictured for the first time.

Thomas Olverson, 75, was pronounced dead at a farm on Pinfold Lane in Scarisbrick, Lancashire, after police were called shortly before 5pm on Thursday.

A 29-year-old man  said by police to be known to the victim  was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Detectives said they weren't looking for anyone else in connection with what they described as an 'isolated incident'.

'This has sent shockwaves through the community,' one local said today.

One neighbour alleged the shot farmer had been killed while sitting on his vintage tractor.

Thomas Olverson, 75, as found dead having suffered gunshot injuries at a farm on Pinfold Lane in Scarisbrick

A 29-year-old man  said by police to be known to the victim  was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody

Marsh Hey Farm and a neighbouring converted barn were both under police guard yesterday.

An officer said both were being 'treated as crime scenes.'

One neighbour who knows the family said: 'It is incredibly sad. I have been told Tom was shot sat on his tractor.

'It was an old machine, everything around the farm was old. I think they were struggling a bit. Farming is a very hard game these days.

'I always thought Tom looked very downtrodden. He looked as if he was carrying the weight of the world around with him.

'It is such a tragedy especially in a rural area like this. A real tragedy.'

Another described the family as 'very reserved'.

'We heard the air ambulance land somewhere near the farm,' the neighbour said.

'We don't know much about the people who live there, they're very closed off and keep themselves to themselves. It's so sad.'

The farmhouse (pictured) was sealed off as police officers continued to investigate the area

Aerial view showing farmhouse (bottom left) and the tractor where a body was found (circled)

Police in the field scanning the scene in a Lancashire field

One local described them as 'closed off, typical farmers'.

Officers swamped the area after receiving a report of a firearms discharge, Lancashire Police said yesterday morning.

An air ambulance was seen landing in a nearby field, but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, teh 75-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

A shotgun was recovered from the scene, with forensics teams in white suits seen combing the field today.

Det Chief Insp Andy Fallows, of Lancashire Police Force's Major Investigation Team, said: 'A man has very sadly lost his life as a result of this, and we have a dedicated team of officers working to establish what led to his death.

'We know that this news may sound concerning to the Scarisbrick community, but we want to reassure everyone that it is being treated as an isolated incident.

olice and scientific support officers were at the scene yesterday a shotgun has since been recovered

The 29-year-old man is also from Scarisbrick and is also said to be known to the victim, according to police

'Both parties are known to each other, and we aren't looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

'This is where I now appeal to you, the public, to ask that if you have any information, saw or heard anything suspicious or have dashcam footage from the Pinfold Lane area of Scarisbrick yesterday between 12pm and 5:30pm, to please get in contact.'

A 29-year-old man from Scarisbrick has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Police have requested for anyone with information to contact them by calling 101, and quoting 1030 of July 25, 2024.
A famed astrologer who correctly predicted the exact date President Biden would drop out of the presidential race has revealed she believes Donald Trump will win the 2024 election.

Following the news that Biden decided to quit the presidential race last week, clairvoyant Amy Tripp has doubled down with the New York Post on her prophesying abilities, saying the former president's 'sun is in the penthouse of his career.'

Tripp, 40, a professional astrologer, went viral for correctly predicting that the 81-year-old president would back out of the race on July 11.

'If Biden is made to step down it will be at the Capricorn Full Moon at 29 Capricorn. Capricorn rules the government and old age. 29 is an ending,' Tripp posted to X, predicting that he would call it quits on July 21 - the same day he sent out a letter to America.

The 'internet's most notorious astrologer' told The Post that as for Republican candidate - who just survived an assassination attempt - he has more 'crazy things to come.'

Famed astrologer, Amy Tripp, 40, has revealed she thinks Trump will win the 2024 presidential race

Tripp posted to X on July 11 and correctly predicted that Biden would drop out of the race on July 21. She also called Biden 'too old'

'Uranus is on his mid-heaven which shows  unpredictability with his career and goals,' she said about Trump.

On top of her wildly accurate predictions regarding Biden and Trump, Tripp also called for Vice President Kamala Harris to run for president in 2024.

Biden, 81, endorsed Harris to succeed him as the Democratic nominee to take on Donald Trump in November.

Harris said she would be the one to 'unite' the party.

On August 11, 2020, Tripp posted to X: 'Kamala Harris will be 60 in 4 years. I see her running for president in 2024 since this coincides with her Saturn return.'

She then called Biden 'too old' in a follow-up post.

'A moon-Pluto connection signals a strong woman,' Tripp told The Post, adding that she has a feeling Harris will win the Democratic nomination because she is in her second Saturn return.

On August 11, 2020, Tripp posted to X: 'Kamala Harris will be 60 in 4 years. I see her running for president in 2024 since this coincides with her Saturn return'

The 'internet's most notorious astrologer' said that as for Republican candidate Donald Trump, who just survived an assassination attempt, he has more 'crazy things to come'

Biden was not yet the Democratic Party's official nominee and there is still a short time to replace him before the Democratic National Convention next month and avoid an open convention.

The party's nomination event falls August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois. It now appears that Harris will be at the top of the Democratic ticket by the end of that week after primary voters cast their ballots for Biden to be the nominee.

'Its a time when if youve been putting in the work since the first Saturn return at 30 youre rewarded  usually theres a [professional] advancement or you gain authority,' Tripp said about Harris.

She added a troublesome prediction about Biden, who just before he dropped out announced he had Covid.

'Pluto is on his sun,' she said. 'He could have some sort of health crisis come up or his health could continue to decline.'

Despite much of America worried that Biden's health would have impacted the future of the country, during an 11-minute Oval Office address on his major decision to step down, he did not address his health.

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.

Moments after his announcement, Biden posted to X an endorsement of Harris to take over his campaign. (pictured: Biden and Harris at the Democratic National Committee Winter meeting in 2023)

Tripp's final prediction was focused on the country as a whole, as she believes the US might endure a shaky August.

'The US is still in its Pluto return, which is about bringing things to light and exposing things,' Tripp revealed.

'The last time, the U.S. had a Pluto return was the Revolutionary War.'

It took Harris less than two days to lock in enough delegates to become the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

Several top Democratic governors, lawmakers and other party leaders have all been floated as her potential vice presidential candidate.

Harris has so far requested materials from Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois Gov governor J.B. Pritzker and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

But noticeably absent from the list were several prominent names considered viable candidates including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

It is not yet clear whether additional potential candidates will be asked for material moving forward.
A man has been charged with murder, while a woman has received charges of assisting an offender, after two men were killed in a crash involving a black e-bike.

The victims, both of whom were in their 20s, were fatally injured after the incident on a A316 southbound slip road onto the M3 in Sunbury-on-Thames, in Surrey.

One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after midnight on Monday, July 22, while the other passed away later that day in hospital.

The victims have been confirmed as William Birchard, 21, from Colnbrook, and Darren George, 22, from Egham.

Alex Rose, 29, of Sunbury-upon-Thames has since been charged with two counts of murder and one count of perverting the course of justice.

The incident took place on the A316 southbound slip road onto the M3 shortly after midnight on Monday, July 22

The incident, which involved a black e-bike (stock image), saw two men in their 20s fatally wounded. A man has since been charged with murder while a woman has received charges of assisting an offender

He remains in police custody and is due to stand before Guildford Crown Court on July 30.

Tara Knaggs, 24, of Great Ayton in Yorkshire, has also been charged with assisting an offender following the death of the two men.

She has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Guildford Crown Court on July 29.

Two men, both aged 24, one from Felton and the other from Walton-on-Thames, were also taken in to custody on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

The pair have since been released on bail.
A fraudster who faked his multi-millionaire status has been jailed after conning a couple out of more than 360,000.

Damien Tideswell, of Hale Drive in Speke in Liverpool, boasted to the pair about his 3.5 million bank balance, but claimed his account had been frozen by HRMC.

The 42-year-old, who was a 'trusted friend' of the couple, asked if he could borrow a large loan from them to pay the fine, fabricating imagery, forging documents and even orchestrating fraudulent phone calls to dupe them.

He never returned any of the cash and even asked for more, as it later emerged he splashed the stolen money on gambling, holidays abroad, and lavish designer clothing.

After the couple reported the matter to the police, an investigation unearthed a series of extravagant purchases and huge gambling bets.

Damien Tideswell (pictured), of Hale Drive in Speke in Liverpool, faked his millionaire status to a couple he knew - later swindling them out of over 360,000.

Analysis of his bank accounts found most of the money had been spent on betting, with 181,890 paid out to online betting companies.

He also forked out 22,000 on car hire, 19,000 on hotels in the UK, 10,000 on bars and restaurants, as well as 4,000 each on jetting overseas and designer clothing.

The fraudster was arrested following a warrant at his home In December 2021, and was later charged.

Yesterday at Chester Crown Court, Tideswell was sentenced to six and a half-years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of fraud.

He was also convicted of breach of court bail after failing to attend his original sentencing date in an attempt to dodge justice.

Following his sentencing, Detective Constable Gareth Yates, of the Economic Crime Unit at Cheshire Police, said: 'The victims trusted Tideswell, he was a close family friend, and when he came to them asking to borrow money, they wanted to do all they could to help him.

'Over the coming months Tideswell fed the couple a web of lies, stating that he had millions of pounds in oversees accounts, but was unable to access the cash due to an outstanding tax balance.

The conman went back to ask the pair for more, as it later emerged he splashed the majority of the cash on gambling, lavish holidays and designer clothes. He has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison after his trial at Chester Crown Court (pictured)

'In total he received 42 separate payments from his victims between August 2017, and February 2019, on each occasion reassuring them that he would return all of the money.

'In reality, Tideswell had squandered all of their cash on online betting and funding his lavish lifestyle.

'As a result of his actions, the victims have now been left financially destitute, unable to enjoy the comfortable retirement that they had worked hard for all their lives.

'While we have not been able to recover any of the money they have lost, I do hope that the fact that Tideswell has finally been held accountable for his actions will provide them with some closure.'
Shocking CCTV footage from Manchester Airport last night revealed that three police officers were 'viciously' attacked in the moments before one of them kicked a teenager in the head.

Investigators were this weekend poring over the video, which exposes a series of violent assaults and sheds new light on an incident that has provoked uproar and allegations of police brutality and racism.

It comes as concerns grow that the officers involved may have to go into hiding amid protests and fears of intimidation. Senior police sources concede that one of the officers  who kicked 19-year-old Fahir Muhammed Amas in the head  appears to have lost control.

However, they insist that the full picture is far more complicated than has been portrayed.

'All three of the officers have been violently attacked,' a well-connected source told the MoS this weekend. Sources believe some of the officers may even have temporarily lost consciousness during the violent attack.

Lawyer Akhmed Yakoob (centre) with Fahir (left) and Amaad Khan (right). He has said 'justice must prevail' after footage of the Manchester Airport incident went viral

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last night described the incident as 'a complicated situation with two sides to it', adding: 'It is why I urged people not to rush to judgement.'

The dramatic CCTV footage, which emerged online last night, shows:

Fahir punching a female police officer in the face, breaking her nose, before knocking down a second woman officer;

His brother Amaad throwing a barrage of 'full-blooded' punches at an armed male officer, leaving him stunned and slumped on the floor;

Fahir punching the male officer and grabbing him by the neck in a 'chokehold', which he released only when one of the female officers tasered him.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was plunged into crisis last week after several videos of the violence, recorded on mobile phones by onlookers, were posted online.

They showed Fahir being kicked in the head and stamped on by a male officer as he lay on the ground in an airport car park on Tuesday night.

Amid chaotic scenes, the same male officer was then seen ordering Amaad, 25, on to the floor, stamping on his thigh and hitting him on the back of his head.

The footage provoked uproar, with a series of anti-police protests held in Rochdale, where the brothers are from.

Tensions were raised further when Akhmed Yakoob, a controversial lawyer representing the two men, claimed that the incident had been an 'attempted assassination'.

The male officer has been told by the Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog (IOPC) that he is facing a criminal probe for assault and will be interviewed under caution 'as soon as possible'.

As Ammad Amas throws a barrage of punches at a male police officer, his brother Fahir Muhammed Amas smashes a female officer in the face, breaking her nose and making her fall to the ground

Fahir immediately rounds on a female firearms officer and lets fly with a thumping right-handed punch

He then unleashes a devastating left-hander and knocks her to her knees

Fahir now rounds on the male officer, who has a Taser trained on his brother Amaad, and jumps on his back

He puts a chokehold on the male officer and begins dragging him away from his brother

The female firearms officer staggers to her feet and tasers Fahir, bringing him crashing to the ground

Until last night, little has been known about what happened in the moments leading up to the events captured by other passengers on their mobile phones  or how things escalated.

The MoS, however, has spoken to a well-informed source with detailed knowledge of the controversial incident.

Last night, as the extraordinary CCTV footage emerged online, the source gave the first blow-by-blow account of what is alleged to have happened.

It is understood that Fahir and Amaad travelled to Manchester Airport to meet their mother, who is believed to have flown there from Pakistan via Doha in Qatar on a Qatar Airways flight.

Words are said to have been exchanged between their mother and a male passenger on board the flight, which landed at 7.20pm.

The argument is thought to have continued in the baggage hall of Terminal 2, with claims that the male passenger pushed his trolley into the men's mother.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last night described the incident as 'a complicated situation with two sides to it', adding: 'It is why I urged people not to rush to judgement'

Anti-police protesters throw eggs at Rochdale Police Station on Thursday night

Demonstrators hold Union Flags with the words 'No Justice No Peace' in Manchester on Thursday

At 8.22pm, after the woman met her two sons and told them about the incident on the flight, a 'violent altercation' erupted in a Starbucks coffee shop within the terminal. Two armed police officers, a man and a woman, along with a female patrol officer responded to the call and intercepted the woman passenger and her two sons at 8.28pm on the ground floor of Terminal 2's West car park.

The CCTV footage reveals the three officers attempted to arrest Fahir as he used a car park ticket machine.

He is shown resisting before Amaad throws a barrage of at least six punches at the male police officer, who crumples on to a row of metal seats.

'The male police officer went forward to arrest him and put hands on him,' the source said. 'The lad resisted arrest and rained absolute full-blooded punches at the officer. The officer slumped down at the side of the vending machine while that lad was raining punches on him.'

Fahir is then shown lashing out, first punching one female officer in the side of the head and then smashing the second woman officer in the face, knocking her off her feet and leaving her sprawled on the floor.

The second female officer, who has red hair and is seen in the mobile phone footage apparently dazed and holding her head, suffered a broken nose.

'All the punches were full-blooded haymakers,' the source said. 'He smashed the red-haired officer in the face, poleaxed her basically, flattened her out and broke her nose. How can you smash a woman police officer in the face? It is vile.'

The footage then shows Fahir throwing at least another four punches at the first female officer, who is knocked to her knees.

'He was pummelling her,' the source said. 'And I'm told she has temporarily lost consciousness.

'So he has broken the red-haired officer's nose and then, when he is grabbed by the firearms officer, he has launched in on her, raining vicious blows on her.'

Last night Paul Waugh, the newly elected Labour MP for Rochdale, said: 'All our communities in Rochdale are united in a strong belief in the rule of law, that the criminal justice system should follow the evidence wherever it leads, that offenders should be punished appropriately'

By this point the male officer had got back to his feet and was aiming his Taser at Amaad. Fahir, however, is shown charging into the back of the male officer, punching him in the head before grabbing him around the neck.

'He [the male police officer] doesn't know what is happening other than he is being choked from behind,' the source said.

It is claimed the male officer suffered a suspected broken jaw and may also have been temporarily knocked out.

The fight ended only when the first female officer was able to stagger back to her feet and fire her Taser at Fahir, which knocked him over.

'She tasered him,' the source said. 'That knocked him down to the ground, so he released the chokehold.' It is at this point  as seen by millions in the mobile phone footage  that the male police officer kicks Fahir in the head and apparently stamps on him as he lies on the floor.

The source conceded the officer  who has since been suspended by GMP  appeared to have been gripped by a 'red mist' but stressed that airports are 'high risk' locations and that the two armed officers would have been concerned about having their firearms snatched from them. 'You can't have people attacking, choking a police officer, who has got a firearm on his side,' the source said. 'If that had been a French or an Italian airport, the police officers would possibly have shot them dead.'

Sources also fear that the officers involved could be forced into hiding  in a disturbing echo of an incident in 2021 when a religious studies teacher at Batley Grammar School in West Yorkshire was forced to leave his home after showing a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad in class.

'We could end up with another Batley Grammar School situation here,' the source said.

Chants of 'We want them sacked' were heard during a huge protest in Manchester on Thursday

Some protesters built a makeshift barricade outside Rochdale Police Station on Thursday night

Other sources have suggested that the new revelations might still not be the full picture of what was a hugely chaotic incident.

One source last week reportedly claimed the brothers said their mother had been 'hit in the face and we were being treated unfairly'.

A family member yesterday denied the brother had instigated the violence. 'No, they did not fight first,' they said. 'The police officer hurt his mum and that's when he tried to protect his mum. I don't know the full story.'

Mr Yakoob  who has been dubbed the 'TikTok lawyer' because of his regular social media videos  declined to comment on the account given to the MoS. However, he added: 'Right now the brothers are resting after going through a lot of trauma.'

On Wednesday, a large crowd gathered outside Rochdale police station, reportedly shouting 'GMP shame on you', while on Thursday demonstrators blocked roads and tram lines which started outside Mr Burnham's office in central Manchester.

Last night Paul Waugh, the newly elected Labour MP for Rochdale, said: 'All our communities in Rochdale are united in a strong belief in the rule of law, that the criminal justice system should follow the evidence wherever it leads, that offenders should be punished appropriately.

'No one should be above the law, whether that is the police or anyone else.

'When I met the Assistant Chief Constable on Thursday, I passed on my concerns for the female police officer and others injured in the run-up to this incident.

'As I've said consistently throughout this, the police face a very difficult job every day in keeping us all safe and both the investigation by GMP and the IOPC investigation into the police officer's conduct should gather the full facts.

'The footage of the officer kicking a man on the ground remains shocking. It's right that the case was referred to the IOPC and that the officer was suspended.'

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault, assault of an emergency worker, affray and obstructing police. Two other men have been arrested on suspicion of affray and assault of an emergency worker.

The four men, aged between 19 and 31, have since been bailed.

Mr Burnham said: 'It is frustrating that we have not been able to put more video into the public domain but that is because this is a live investigation.

'People need to step back and allow the IOPC's criminal investigation into the officer's conduct to move forward, alongside the parallel GMP investigation into other potential offences, so that a complete picture can be presented.'

GMP last week said three officers 'were subject to a violent assault, where they were punched to the ground' and taken to hospital.

In a new statement issued on Friday night, GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson added: 'It is a source of profound regret that this week's incident at Manchester Airport has caused shock and upset in some of our communities.

'While we are constrained in releasing further information or footage about the incident due to the conduct and criminal investigations, we are committed to providing the fullest practical assistance to the IOPC.'
A sign charred by the Park Fire warns against campfires near Lyonsville (Tehama County) on Saturday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Two U.S. Forest Service firefighters confer on the Park Fire as smoke fills the air near Paynes Creek (Tehama County) on Saturday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Firefighters with the U.S. Forest Services Lassen National Forest prepare a hose extension on a hillside during the Park Fire near Paynes Creek (Tehama County) on Saturday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A sign hangs from a tree amid unburned structures and ground blackened by the Park Fire near Paynes Creek (Tehama County) on Saturday. Jungho Kim/Special to the Chronicle Ranchers look over a portion of their land burned by the Park Fire in Paynes Creek (Tehama County) on Saturday. Jungho Kim/Special to the Chronicle A firefighting bulldozer gathers burning vegetation Friday while battling the Park Fire near the community of Forest Ranch (Butte County). Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Firefighter Noah Alarcon with Cal Fire and the Riverside County Fire Department hoses a hot spot Friday in Forest Ranch (Butte County) during the Park Fire. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A firefighter with the Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit Pacheco Crew 2 slides down a steep incline Friday while battling the Park Fire near Forest Ranch (Butte County). Stephen Lam/The Chronicle The Park Fire burns Friday in Forest Ranch (Butte County). Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Firefighters with the Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit Pacheco Crew 2 load the equipment into their carrier Friday while battling the Park Fire near Forest Ranch (Butte County). Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Flames consume power lines on a hillside near Paynes Creek in (Tehama County) during the Park Fire on Friday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Firefighters battled the Park Fire raging near Chico nonstop Saturday to keep the blaze from several rural towns in Tehama County, with crews frequently adjusting their strategy after little rest  a response one official called unprecedented.

On a day that the Park Fire grew to become the largest active fire in the United States, surpassing the Durkee Fire in Oregon, crews managed to gain 10% containment Saturday, as cooler weather prevailed, after holding at or close to zero since the fire broke out Wednesday afternoon.

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The fire has consumed more than 350,000 acres  nearly 550 square miles  in Butte, Tehama, Plumas and Shasta counties and destroyed or damaged more than 100 homes and other buildings, with 20 confirmed as total losses, making it the seventh-largest wildfire in Californias history. Cal Fire said 4,200 local structures were threatened.

The fire was allegedly sparked by a man who pushed a burning car into a gully, authorities have said. Police arrested Ronnie Stout, 42, of Chico, and are continuing to investigate.

On Saturday, Butte County public health officials declared a local health emergency, saying ash and debris from burned buildings presented a hazard. The declaration allows the county to access state resources for post-fire cleanup programs, which officials said will help property owners rebuild faster. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Friday.

On the northern flank of the fire, flames crossed Highway 36 overnight  the line that fire officials hoped would contain the flames, officials told firefighters at a briefing Saturday morning at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. The blaze impacted the rural communities of Paynes Creek, Manton and Mineral in Tehama County, communities that were urgently evacuated Friday afternoon. Firefighters were holding back the blaze on a ridge above Manton on Saturday afternoon, with the fire having burned about 5,000 acres across Highway 36, officials said at the briefing.

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The rapidly moving flames meant that officials were forced to wake up six strike teams, which were trying to get some rest between shifts, to try to protect structures in a handful of communities on the northern side of the fire. The fire has been moving at a pace of almost eight square miles an hour.

Its a strain, Cal Fire battalion chief Jason Novak told a Chronicle reporter Saturday morning. And its only July. We have a long fire season ahead of us.

On Saturday, the objective on the north side changed to prevent the fire from growing north of Highway 44, officials said. The crews main goal was to hold Highway 32, which separated the flames from communities to the southeast, including Paradise, much of which was destroyed in the Camp Fire six years ago. Officials said Saturday afternoon that theyve largely held that line, though Paradise and nearby communities remained under an evacuation warning. About 4,400 people in Butte County were under evacuation orders as of Saturday afternoon.

Its been a struggle every day, but weve been successful every day, Cal Fire operations chief Jeremy Pierce told firefighters at the briefing in Chico. He added that holding Highway 32 is a must.

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Firefighters with the U.S. Forest Services Shasta Lake Interagency Hotshot clear a drainage during the Park Fire near Paynes Creek (Tehama County) on Saturday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Crews were continuing to put out spot fires around Forest Ranch on Highway 32, though fire officials said Saturday afternoon that they hadnt encountered the type of major issues in the area they have in recent days.

Forest Ranch residents Jen Robbins and her spouse, Robin, bought their home about five years ago after they lost their rental to the Camp Fire in 2018.

Jen, who was working for the city of Paradise and helped with evacuations, said she developed post-traumatic stress disorder from the catastrophe. To have to evacuate again with their two teenage daughters and sit with the uncertainty of whether theyve lost everything again is exhausting, she said.

Im so numb right now, Jen said from an assisted living center in Chico, where Robin works. I just want to go home.

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Robin said shes staying busy, making sure her family is safe and has the essentials they need, while simultaneously monitoring the fire for any potential impact to the assisted living home residents.

I think its just become a way of living now, she said about always being prepared to evacuate and operating under a heightened level of stress and anxiety.

The flames prompted Newsom to declare a state of emergency Friday, making it easier for impacted residents to access government resources like unemployment funds.

Officials also closed Lassen Volcanic National Park as the fire approached the parks western edge Saturday. All visitors and park employees were evacuated, and reservations were canceled. Parts of the eastern side of the park, including Drakesbad Lodge and Juniper Lake, have been closed since the Dixie Fire consumed much of the area three years ago. Staff members were scrambling to save historic artifacts from the 1927 Loomis Museum on the parks northwest side in case the blaze reached it.

More than 3,700 people were dedicated to battling the flames Saturday, officials said, though Cal Fire incident commander Billy See worried that wasnt enough.

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Still, firefighters were hoping they could take advantage of cooler weather expected Saturday. The weather in Butte County was cool and overcast, marking a stark contrast to the blue skies and hot temperatures seen across the region since the start of the fire Wednesday.

A firefighter with the United States Forest Services Lassen National Forest carries hoses up a steep incline during the Park Fire near Paynes Creek in (Tehama County) on Saturday. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Cal Fire Fire behaviorist Scott Weese told firefighters at the briefing that it was going to be the best day as far as weather conditions that were going to experience this week, with high relative humidity and good moisture recovery at night.

Be aggressive, be offensive, See, the incident commander, told firefighters. But back up in defense when you need to.

Novak, the battalion chief, said that crews around Highway 36, on the northern end of the fire, were working to stomp out any spot fires and protect homes and structures that survived Friday night. They were also trying to prevent flames from causing destruction to the Shingleton and Manton communities. By midmorning, a stream of new fire engines were making their way down Highway 36 to join the firefight  a welcome addition for Novak and crews on the front lines.

The air in the area was thick with smoke Saturday morning, turning the sky into a yellowish gray haze. Both sides of the roadway were charred black.

Flames rise from a tree Saturday during the Park Fire in the Tehama County community of Dales near Chico. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Jeremy Evans, who has lived in Paynes Creek since 2012, evacuated with his wife Friday evening, but quickly returned home to try and get two of his five cats that he couldnt initially locate. When he pulled into his driveway, he saw his workshop engulfed in flames. He figured that his home  about 50 yards away  would soon be gone as well.

But when he came back again Saturday morning, to his surprise, saw it still standing.

Im feeling really lucky, he said from his pickup truck on Paynes Creek Loop. Im going to count my blessings.

Evans workshop was not insured, so it will be difficult to replace the tools and boomerang collection he has stored inside, but hes looking at the positives.

Im alive, my cats are alive, and my wife is alive, and so thats all right, he said.

A firefighter with the United States Forest Service's Shasta Lake Interagency Hotshot walks through a cloud of smoke Saturday during the Park Fire near Paynes Creek (Tehama County). Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Back on the southeast side of the fire on Highway 32, hand crews cleared debris along the roadway Saturday afternoon, while bulldozers worked to widen fire break lines. Engine crews were stationed outside of homes on Conestoga Way in the Forest Ranch area to protect them from flames.

Cal Fire Capt. Eric Brittner said he and his crews, working on Highway 32 near Humboldt Road, were trying to get our feet back under us.

Were taking advantage of the conditions to improve everything and have a better chance we dont have to go to our contingency, he said.

Brittner called the quick expansion and response to this fire unprecedented. Within 72 hours, CalFire had dedicated two of its six units  a third of the organization  to the growing blaze, he said. But he worried about what that meant for the rest of the fire season.
A Florida man who allegedly fatally shot his estranged wife and wounded their dog set a cunning trap to snare her.

Timothy Kramer, 51, was lying in wait inside the couple's Pensacola home when his wife Rosa, 47, came to collect her belongings, police said.

Authorities believe the gunman deliberately parked his pick up truck in the backyard so it would not be seen before opening fire, the Pensacola News Journal reports.

'It is reasonable to believe that Timothy Kramer attempted to conceal his vehicle behind the privacy fence in an effort to avoid Rosa Kramer from knowing he was present at the residence,' a police report by Escambia County Sheriff's Office said.

Once inside, Kramer allegedly shot Rosa in the head and injured their seven-year-old dog Cody who was rushed to the veterinary hospital, but managed to survive.

Florida man Timothy Kramer, 51, is accused of fatally shooting his estranged wife Rosa after lying in wait for her at their Pensacola home

He has been charged with first degree murder and aggravated animal abuse.

'In the bedroom, I noticed a significant amount of blood on the flooring and surrounding areas, along with smeared blood and what appeared to be bloody footprints leading from the bedroom to the hallway,' the police report said.

The couple had been separated for just two weeks when the incident occurred on Tuesday.

The alarm was raised after Rosa could not be reached by phone. Once they arrived at the scene on Hillcrest Drive, deputies discovered her body.

Kramer was picked up by Milton police in Santa Rosa County and was with an unidentified woman.

The woman told police that Kramer said he had shot his wife in self defense.

Rosa, 47, was found with a bullet wound in her head on Tuesday after she had gone back to the property to collect her things

Police said the couple had been separated for two weeks when the incident occurred. Kramer is said to have parked his truck around back to be able to sneak up on his wife

Kramer is also accused of shooting their dog Cody, 7, who survived the ordeal

'She advised that Timothy Kramer called her at approximately 6 a.m. and confessed that he had shot Rosa Kramer and claimed it was in self-defense,' the police report said.

'(Redacted) said she urged Timothy Kramer to contact law enforcement and explain the situation to avoid getting into trouble.'

However, police determined that Kramer, 'provided a fictitious story' which 'lead her to believe he was not in any trouble regarding the incident.'

Text messages between the accused and the unidentified woman state, 'It is all good I did this it is on me.'

A man reportedly told police he was concerned about Rosa being around her ex ever since she left him because 'he began calling her and threatening to shoot himself if she didn't come back,' according to the report.
As the new partner of Peter Phillips, Harriet Sperling has become a familiar face at this year's royal summer gatherings.

The romance between the NHS paediatric nurse and Princess Anne's son blossomed after he split from his partner of three years earlier this year.

In May, Peter and Harriet made their public debut hand-in-hand at the Badminton Horse Trials, where the royal's sister, Zara Tindall, was taking part in the event.

Harriet displayed her fashion flair in a romantic fuchsia dress from the ethical brand Dilli Grey, known for its handmade clothing by artisans in India.

And it seems that she already has 'the Kate Middleton effect', as Dilli Grey experienced a surge in demand for the dress following Harriet's appearance, prompting them to release an updated version.

As the new partner of Peter Phillips, Harriet Sperling has become a familiar face at this year's royal summer gatherings. In May, Peter and Harriet made their public debut hand-in-hand at the Badminton Horse Trials

According to an online bio, Harriet lives in Gloucestershire and works as a Paediatric Nurse Specialist for the NHS.

She is 'passionate about early brain development in babies and seeing children thrive,' the bio notes.

In 2010, Harriet was a key member of a team of medics, doctors and clinicians who helped save the life of a critically ill baby, named Phineas, after he was struck down by a deadly virus aged just three weeks.

She featured in a unique tribute, created by Phineas' photographer father Michael Cockerham, which was published in the Guardian Weekend Magazine.

While no information is available about her ex-husband, Harriet has a daughter, thought to be around the same age as Peter's girls, Savannah, 13, and Isla, 12, whom he shares with ex-wife, Autumn.

Peter and Autumn ended their 13-year marriage with a divorce in 2020, but continue to co-parent their daughters.

Peter, 46, and Harriet have enjoyed a bustling summer filled with events, offering the nurse ample opportunities to showcase her immaculate style to the world.

Harriet displayed her sartorial prowess at the Beaufort Polo Club, choosing a cobalt dress from Beulah, a British brand admired by both the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh

At Royal Ascot, one of the most prestigious events of the year, Harriet exuded elegance in another Beulah dress

They were photographed together for the second time at the Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire, both smiling with glasses of wine in hand.

Once again, Harriet displayed her sartorial prowess, choosing a cobalt dress from Beulah, a British brand admired by both the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh.

She paired the airy silk outfit with navy espadrille wedges, complemented by statement drop earrings and oversized sunglasses.

At Royal Ascot, one of the most prestigious events of the year, Harriet exuded elegance in another Beulah dress.

The charming powder pink creation, named 'Serena', featured a demure fit-and-flare silhouette, adorned with intricate bow detailing.

Her accessories included an Aspinal of London raffia clutch bag and Emmy London 'Claudia' suede pumps.

Harriet is a talented freelance writer and recently contributed a candid essay to Woman Alive, detailing her experiences as a single mother and her unwavering Christian faith.

'My daughter and I journeyed 10 years with only each other. I liken us to an island and it has often felt hard to imagine anyone joining that island,' she penned.

'The unique relationship between a single mother and her child is forged in the fires of struggles and victories. It's a bond characterised by a love and survival against the odds.

'This journey has deepened my faith, teaching me to trust in God's plan and to find strength in his love.'

Harriet donned a whimsical waterlily print dress from ME+EM with block-heeled sandals by Russell & Bromley at Wimbledon

The nurse's appearance at the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor, held in aid of 11 charities supported by the Prince and Princess of Wales, was another sartorial success

Harriet recently accompanied Peter to Wimbledon, where they watched the 2022 champion Elena Rybakina taking on Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina in the ladies' singles quarter-finals.

For the occasion, Harriet wore a whimsical waterlily print dress from ME+EM with block-heeled sandals by Russell & Bromley.

Another label favoured by royalty, ME+EM is renowned for its flattering cuts and vibrant colours.

It marked another stylish success for Harriet, who now joins a devoted following of celebrities and politicians such as Victoria Starmer, the wife of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The nurse's appearance at the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor earlier this month, held in aid of 11 charities supported by the Prince and Princess of Wales, was another sartorial success.

Accompanying her new love, Harriet presented her third Beulah dress, a delicate floral number designed in collaboration with Birdie Fortescue.

She elevated the look with an Anya Hindmarch crossbody bag, Penelope Chilvers wedges and Finlay tortoiseshell sunglasses.

The couple openly displayed their affection, leaning towards each other and exchanging tender glances.

Following a sweet kiss with her boyfriend, Harriet engaged in an animated conversation with Queen Camilla.

Peter's family seems supportive of his new relationship, with his cousin Princess Beatrice captured warmly embracing and kissing him in greeting.
A Catholic Church-owned mountain that towers nearly a mile high near El Paso, Texas - its giant statue of Jesus Christ for decades drawing faithful to the summit - has been turned by Mexican cartels into a human smuggling stronghold where migrants are robbed, beaten and raped while chasing entry into the US.

Mount Cristo Rey sits largely on American soil - located just inside the border at Sunland Park, New Mexico, where that state, Texas and Mexico all meet along a now-perilous boundary.

The mountain is now totally controlled by Mexican cartels who use it to sneak illegal immigrants into the country - sparking warnings to any visitors.

Officials from the Texas Department of Public Safety gave the DailyMail.com a first-hand look at the peril within Mount Cristo Rey, passing out night vision goggles for a covert helicopter tour after dark - the busiest time for migrant smuggling.

They explained that any green dots we would see through the special gear were smugglers whose body heat was visible with the goggles.

Sure enough, as we looked down at the mountain's Mexican side and put the goggles up to our eyes, the terrain was absolutely crawling in green dots - reminiscent of a scene right of the Hollywood movie 'Sicario.'

A view of Mount Cristo Rey as seen from the western side in Sunland Park, New Mexico. Here, the federal border wall ends where the mountain begins

With an elevation of 4,675 feet, Mount Cristo Rey is located where Texas, New Mexico and Mexico meet

With an elevation of 4,675 feet, the highest reaches of the mountain are a no-man's land, with no law enforcement presence - allowing the gang members to rob, beat and sexually assault unchecked.

On the US side, people who live at the base describe the horrors of naked migrant women showing up at their doorsteps covered in blood and begging for help.

In Texas' sixth largest city, Mount Cristo Rey (Spanish for Christ the King) is a religious shrine many of El Paso's Catholic faithful will climb at some point in their lives.

Church-led pilgrimages take place around Easter, often on Good Friday, as the faithful climb the 2.5 miles and 2.5 miles down to remember Christ's journey to Calvary where he was crucified.

The crude trails have Stations of the Cross along the way.

The terrain is reminiscent of a scene right of the Hollywood movie 'Sicario' (pictured)

A 26-foot limestone statue of Jesus Christ sits at the summit of the mountain

Hiking Cristo Rey during this time is considered safe, as the Catholic diocese provides security for the hundreds who turn out.

But as the Mount Cristo Rey Restoration Committee's official website warns, the rest of the year, 'YOU DO CLIMB AT YOUR OWN RISK!'

'Vandalism, assaults and robberies are still an ongoing problem and visitors are encouraged to visit on days when organized events are being held and security is on site. Please visit the events page to get dates of upcoming events,' the monument's website warns.

Although Border Patrol has long guarded Cristo Rey for illegal border jumpers, activity has spiked since 2021, as the border crisis has brought historic numbers of migrants to the area.

The cartels control the mountain - not US authorities - even though at the summit, the smugglers are in the US illegally.

It has become so out of control that US Border Patrol has ceded the peak to the cartels, agency sources explain.

Teenage scouts who work for the cartels are perched up high most of the day, watching for an opportunity to sneak illegal immigrants down the rugged hills and into the US.

Instead of sending agents racing up and down every time they see a smuggler - which is almost constant - the agency has decided in most cases, that it's a better use of resources to let the migrants come to them.

Illegal immigrants trek through the hills of Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico

Migrants being smuggled into the US crouch down to keep Border Patrol from seeing them

Illegal immigrants climb back up the hills of Mount Cristo Rey after deciding their opportunity to sneak into the US would be foiled by Border Patrol

That's where Border Patrol believes the migrants, not the agents, have tired themselves out - and where resources can be pooled to stop any runaways.

Additionally, dispatching even a handful of agents up the mountain at night would put agents themselves in danger - with the possibility of one-on-one confrontations with cartel members who may or may not be armed.

Smugglers often guide illegal immigrants through Cristo Rey because it appears to be a shorter distance on paper, but it's filled with danger.

'They'll move them through the draws and the canyons in Cristo Rey Mountain system, but even that short trek to get down to McNutt (Road in Sunland Park, New Mexico,) Border Patrol spokesman Landon Hutchens told DailyMail.com.

'It may be linear distance not that long, but when you go over that rough terrain with no shade whatsoever and the ground temperature is 125 degrees on the rocks, it's very easy for migrants to expire in a short distance.'

Once the migrants make it closer to the bottom, agents on foot or on horseback are ready to move in to arrest the illegal border crossers.

Migrants who make it past Border Patrol agents are guided to getaway cars by the smugglers on the mountain.

'Those polleros (smugglers,) they use cell phone to guide the migrants. They tell them, "Just run,"' Hutchens said.

A young smuggler hides his face after he spots DailyMail.com camera taking his picture

On a tour of Mount Cristo Rey with law enforcement, DailyMail.com heard someone scurrying away as we approached. The person, likely a smuggler, left behind a backpack

Border Patrol agents venture into the trails of Mount Cristo Rey to try to corral a group of illegal immigrants

Throughout the year, Mount Cristo Rey is visited by locals who are mostly just hiking.

From time to time, smugglers who normally leave US citizens alone, will mug and beat US hikers - taking their phones and any valuables they may have with them, according to the Sunland Park Fire Department, which answers the consequent emergency calls.

The true horrors happen to migrants in the mountain, where women are regularly raped, beaten and stripped naked.

A man who lives at the bottom of Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park told DailyMail.com he has witnessed unbelievable things from his house.

While he asked not to use his name, due to his proximity to the mountain, he says illegal immigrants will knock on his door from time time.

Sometimes they just want water or food, but sometimes they have no clothes.

'The other morning, it was early, like 7 a.m. Someone rang the doorbell and there was a completely naked woman standing here. She was bleeding all over. I can only imagine what had happened to her up there,' he said, pointing to Mount Cristo Rey.

'I woke up my wife and we got her some clothes. We called 911. Border Patrol came and got her.'

Locals who live in the shadow of the religious shrine turned cartel hotbed, have a hard time understanding why are migrants are willing to pay such a high price to get into the US illegally.

'I don't know why they risk so much. Maybe if I were them, it would do it, too-- or maybe I wouldn't. I guess we'll never know since we're born here. It's hard to say what we would do in their shoes.'
You may have heard of the Tic Tac UFO encounter or the Gimbal and Go Fast videos.

But years before these now-world-famous craft sightings went mainstream, a little-known research group was analyzing them over and over again.

MUFON - the Mutual UFO Network - has 700 investigators in the U.S. and has been collecting evidence of strange encounters since the 1960s.

One of its top analysts, Bob Spearing, told DailyMail.com 'Our slogan is, 'Doing the Air Force's job since 1969'.' MUFON now has 137,000 reports of UFO encounters in its files.

Searing is today revealing the strangest cases which he believes could be the catalyst for further government investigations and congressional hearings.

Flying squids

The idea of 'Jellyfish' UFOs rocketed into the public consciousness thanks to a video on an Iraqi military base, released by journalist Jeremy Corbell.

MUFON debunked that video, which Spearing describes as having 'so many flaws' - but looked in its archive to find others.

'What we found was startling,' said Spearing - there were dozens of similar cases, both of larger squid-like craft - and smaller floating squid, some of which seemed to 'suck the life-force' from victims.

This floating squid was pictured in Denmark in 1975 (MUFON)

This 'squid' was spotted in Rhode Island in 2023 (MUFON)

'We found a lot of drawings and photographs starting from Denmark in the 70s of these giant cloud-like mushrooms, and it goes right up until today - but then we also discovered that there's also a phenomenon of indoor jellyfish.

One strange encounter in Singapore found sleeping women attacked by floating objects with bioluminescent tentacles.

This squid was spotted in Russia in 1977 (MUFON)

Spearing said: 'They noticed that in the corner of the room there were these squid-like objects with bio luminescent tentacles.

'In one case, the creature, whatever it was, had attached itself to the back of the woman, and she felt pain, and that's what woke her up.

'The thing was sentient because it jumped away. She could hear it actually feel disturbed in English, like she could hear it telepathically.'

The squid attached itself to her like it was sucking the life force out of her.

Other squid encounters included one in Vancouver in 2016, and one in 2024 - as well as two further encounters in Iran.

MUFON's record of one of the Iranian encounter reads: 'The witness is a 45 year old woman, married with two sons.

'Few nights ago on October 24th the witness heard a sound again. She knew something was coming for her again. She woke up feeling a pressure against her chest. She said out-loud what is going on?'

A witness sketched what they saw for MUFON (MUFON)

The Iranian woman woke up with scars on her abdomen (MUFON)

'That's when she saw what looked like a Boxed Jelly fish with lots of short legs, Half blue and half red on her stomach. It looked like a sea creature. It was right on top of her and then it got up and sat on the floor.

'Then disappeared after a few minutes. The next day she saw a scar few inches long on her abdomen. It has been itching and burning from inside out. Witness is very worried.'

The octagon spacecraft

Back in 2023, MUFON's interest was piqued after the U.S. military shot down three alleged Chinese spy balloons - one of which was octagonal in shape.

The search for the octagonal object was called off by Canadian mounted police after it was shot down with a Sidewinder missile.

'They could find the Titan submersible in 12,000 feet of water, but they couldn't find something in 142 feet of water?' says Spearing.

MUFON accessed its database of 137,00 cases, and found many reports of octagonal objects - some of which were startlingly similar.

Spearing said, 'It's mostly drawings. It's all drawings by witnesses, but there were a tremendous amount of cases, and the objects all look the same.

'They were between 30 and 60 feet somewhere, octagons. They all had patterns of yellow, orange and white lights on the bottom.'

A map of octagon-shaped UFO sightings across the USA (MUFON)

One witness drew an image of what they saw (MUFON)

Many had been spotted near strategic military base - and one was in the Upper Michigan peninsula on Lake Huron, where the USAF shot down the first Octagon.

One California sighting in 2014 was described in a MUFON UFO report: ' I thought it might be a helicopter, or a new aircraft, but ..it was neither one of these,.. no propellers or wings.

'There was NO sound at all..Marsh Air Force base is several miles away, and I also took that into consideration. I counted the points of the shape, which was eight.

'It was dark out, but there were lights surrounding the craft in white, yellow red and orange.'

Cases stretched back to 1976, and were found in countries in Europe and beyond - often around military bases and other high-security installations.

In August 2023, a witness saw an Octagon over Fort Knox at 4.23 in the morning - and it sparked a reaction from a UFO-sensing device known as a MADAR detector built to detect changes in pressure and magnetism.

A UFO-sensing device known as a MADAR detector built to detect changes in pressure and magnetism (MUFON)

The MADAR devices are built to detect changes in pressure (MUFON)

Spearing said: 'These are all over the country. Volunteers have these hooked up all over the country.'

The witness wrote: 'The entire object and lights appeared to be under shallow water changing the shape very slightly yet still very visible. I've been totally freaked out ever since my sighting and was totally frozen as the object past over me and my home.'

The sighting was described and sketched in detail by a witness (MUFON)

The octagon sighting coincided with a change in pressure which Spearing believes is related to a craft entering or leaving Earth's atmosphere.

The Delaware encounter

One of the most disturbing encounters in MUFON's archives involved a cylindrical craft which seemed to 'suck' a coyote up into the sky - and then turned its attention to human prey.

Spearing said: 'We have one drawing, basically a girl was on vacation in Delaware, near the Atlantic Ocean, a summer community, and behind her, about 100 yards out, is a forest of pine trees.

'She saw a silver-ish cylinder come down with purple lights on it. It comes down almost to maybe three feet above the ground. It was four feet long.

The 1980 encounter saw a coyote 'sucked up into the sky' (MUFON)

'And she sees it drop something out of the bottom of the cylinder. And it turns out, it seems to be a chunk of meat.

'The coyote comes up to the meat sucked up into the cylinder. It vibrates again, incredibly loud, and about three minutes later, she hears what sounds like bones crunching them, plop. The coyote gets dropped out, and the thing takes off.'

The girl ran back into the house to grab a camera and came out to take a picture, Spearing said.

Spearing said, 'So she goes back in the house, and her mother says, Where have you been?

'She goes, I just went outside to take a picture of something. She goes, you've been gone for four hours. It's one o'clock in the afternoon, so the girl had four hours missing time.'

Spearing says that it may be that the girl was abducted and investigated - but she may have been 'very, very lucky'.
A Kamala Harris presidency would be historic - but not for the reason you think.

The VP's late entry into the 2024 presidential race has raised the prospect of America having its shortest ever leader.

At 5ft 2, Harris would be the shortest president since the 6ft 1.5in George Washington took up the role in 1789 (although Harris strongly insists she's around 5ft 4).

Statistics suggest that candidates' stature plays a crucial role in whether they're picked for the next president.

Two-thirds of US presidential candidates who have won the popular vote were taller than their rival and the average height of US presidents is around 6ft.

Statistics suggest that candidates' stature plays a crucial role in whether they're picked for the next president. Pictured, notable presidents left to right (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Donald Trump)

While VP and presidential candidate Kamala Harris (right) stands at just 5ft 4in, her rival, Donald Trump (left) towers over her at 6ft 3in

Experts have explained that our animal instincts come into play when selecting a leader, much like in the animal kingdom where the largest males typically lead the pack because they're more adept at overcoming their rivals.

'The argument I have made is that humans have that preference because in the evolutionary environment, humans who had allies that were physically formidable were more likely to be able to acquire and protect vital resources - [like] food, shelter, and mates - [who] would help them fight for resources,' Dr Gregg Murray, a political science professor at Augusta University told DailyMail.com.

Dr Murray conducted a study in 2011 that asked 467 American and foreign students to draw a figure of a typical citizen and a national leader side-by-side.

The study found that more than half of the participants drew the leader to be taller than the citizen.

This is reflected in most US presidential elections. In total nearly six in 10 (58 percent) of the successful candidates who won the electoral college were taller than their opponents.

But when you look at who won the most votes overall, known as the 'popular vote, two-thirds of winning candidates (67 percent) were taller than their opponents.

For example, in the 1828 election John Quincy Adams who stood at 5ft 7 1/2in won the presidency, even though Andrew Jackson (6ft 1in) won the popular vote.

Past presidents like Abraham Lincoln (6ft 4in) who loomed over his opponent Stephen Douglas (5ft 4in) won both the popular and electoral vote in 1960.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (6ft 2in) was the only president to hold office for more than two terms and beat out four other candidates, only one of whom (Wendell Willkie) was taller than him by half an inch.

James Madison, who served as the fourth president of the United States, was the shortest person to win the position - standing at 5ft 4in, but is not remembered for his height, but rather for being the 'Father of the Constitution' and writing the Federalist Papers.

Meanwhile, atatistics show that American presidents are getting taller on average. Murray said this could be because taller individuals are more likely to run for office and people generally are getting taller.

But Gert Stulp, a researcher from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, told DailyMail.com that he has three other theories as to why tall candidates do well in America.

67 percent of taller presidential candidates won the popular vote over their shorter opponents. However, 58 percent of the candidates who won, were taller - meaning that several presidents who were shorter hadn't been chosen by the majority

Abraham Lincoln (left) was the tallest president in US history while James Madison (right) was the shortest to hold the Oval Office

'Given that a favorable childhood environment leads to favorable outcomes in later life - such as physical health and cognitive ability - and because favorable environments lead to taller heights, there exists a (small!) correlation between height and these favorable traits.

'Most political candidates probably have had very favorable childhood environments, so I am not sure this explanation will be very useful.

'Two - taller individuals, perhaps of reason 1 [favorable upbrining] or because they have been treated differently in their lives, may behave differently - for example, more confidently.

'Three - people's perceptions are associated with size; for example, taller individuals are perceived as better leaders, more dominant, more intelligent.

'I think this may be a better explanation for more favorable outcomes of taller politicians; this is too bad, because this is independent of the quality of the individuals and is some form of discrimination.'

Murray further explained that 'taller males are more likely to think of themselves as qualified to be a leader and, via this increased sense of qualification, they are more likely to demonstrate an interest in running for a leadership position.'

Candidates seem to take their height into serious concern, even as Harris vehemently denied being 5ft 2in and demanded to be acknowledged for the extra two inches.

In an interview with Katie Couric who asked Harris if she's only 5ft 2in tall, the presidential candidate fired back: 'That is absolutely incorrect. I am 5ft 4 1/4in and a quarter - sometimes 5ft 4 1/2in.

'And with heels, which I always wear, I'm 5ft 7 1/2in thank you very much.'

Although her Wikipedia pages does not mention her height, a page for her on Encyclopedia Britannica lists her as 5ft 2in tall.

Some politicians have made a point of putting lifts in their shoes or wearing heels to overcome the height gap including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who dropped out of the presidential race in January.

DeSantis was called out for wearing lifts and heeled boots and although the governor adamantly denied the accusations, a bespoke bootmaker said there was no doubt.

Zephan Parker, who owns Parker Boot Company told Politico that DeSantis was likely wearing lifts and explained that when you stick an insert into cowboy boots, it could 'turn them into [the equivalent of] five-inch stilettos.'

While politicians fret about their height, Dr Murray said whether they're chosen for president could also come down to the economic climate during an election year, saying that times of great turmoil or war could lead Americans to rely on taller politicians to lead the country.

'In particular, there seems to be a preference for male leaders when there is an external threat - [when] physical formidability is needed - and for female leaders when there is a need for greater group cohesion and effort - [when] physical formidability doesn't matter,' he said.

'Regarding Trump v. Harris, the role of physical formidability could depend on how the campaign is framed.

'Does international threat (wars and other international conflict prevail as the frame, advantaging Trump by this theory) or do we all need to pull together, advantaging Harris?'
Travelling the world is undoubtedly fun. However, it takes a lot of internet research to figure out an itinerary.

But not if you heed the advice of Americans Hudson and Emily. They've visited 167 countries and come up with a top 20 list of must-see destinations - thereby saving you weeks of Googling.

The couple, who aim to visit every country in the world by 2025, shared the unmissable destinations in videos posted to their @hudsonandemily Instagram account and explained what they loved about each country to MailOnline Travel.

There's an African country with cities so 'picturesque' they 'rival Santorini', a South Asian country that boasts some of the world's most 'beautiful mountains' and a South American spot that's home to 'the most beautiful waterfall in the world'.

Scroll down and get ready to reorganise your bucket list.

Argentina

Hudson and Emily have visited 167 countries and came up with a list of their top 20 must-see destinations. They explained to MailOnline Travel what they loved about each country. The pair are pictured above in Thailand

The couple have been married for 11 years and began travelling full time seven years ago when Hudson's dad 'suddenly passed away from a heart attack'. They said: 'It was a reminder that we aren't guaranteed another day and to start living intentionally now'. The pair are pictured above looking out at the Fitz Roy peak in Patagonia

Above is Iguazu Falls on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parana. The couple say it's 'the most beautiful waterfall in the world'

The couple said Patagonia, a region governed by both Argentina and Chile, 'is unlike any other place' and Iguazu Falls, on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parana, is 'the most beautiful waterfall in the world'.

They added that Buenos Aires is 'an incredible city'.

Switzerland

According to the couple, Switzerland is 'one of the most consistently beautiful countries in the world, where every hike and train ride is breathtaking'.

Indonesia

The couple said Indonesia is unmissable due to its 'beautiful islands like Bali and Raja Ampat paired with volcanoes like Mount Bromo'.

Iceland

The pair noted Iceland as 'one of the easiest countries to road trip to see volcanoes, waterfalls, lagoons, black sand beaches, and more'.

USA

America is home to 'some of the world's most diverse beauty', according to the couple, who mentioned Mount Denali, the Grand Canyon, Hawaii's Na Pali Coast, and the national parks of Yosemite and Yellowstone as the highlights.

Maldives

Hudson and Emily said the Maldives (above) boasts 'some of the world's most beautiful beaches'

The pair are pictured here at Skogafoss Falls in Iceland. They labelled the country as 'one of the easiest to road trip to see volcanoes, waterfalls, lagoons, black sand beaches, and more'

The couple are pictured on the left on Diamond Beach in Bali and on the right on a beach in Fiji

INSIDE THE WORLDS LEAST-VISITED COUNTRY Hudson and Emily ventured to Tuvalu, 'the least visited country in the world'. They said: 'The entire country is less than 26 square kilometers (10 square miles). 'At night, most of the young people come out to the airport runway to play sports. 'It was so interesting to watch them and talk with people about what it's like living in such a small country.' Advertisement

Asia's smallest country boasts some of 'the world's most beautiful beaches'. While visiting, Hudson and Emily said: 'You can choose to stay in the highest luxury resorts or budget-friendly local islands.' On their travels, the pair usually stay in budget accommodations to 'stretch' their money 'as far as possible'.

New Zealand

The couple said this country has 'beautiful mountains and scenic views like Milford Sound/Piopiotahi', a fjord in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island.

Oman

In this 'safe and easy country to road trip', Hudson and Emily said you can 'camp in a desert, swim in a wadi [river valley], hike in the mountains and meet some of the kindest people'. The couple added: 'In the countries we've visited, we've had many more positive interactions with people than negative.'

Pakistan

The north of Pakistan, the couple said, has 'possibly the most beautiful mountains in the world, paired with some of the friendliest people'.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is home to 'some of the world's most beautiful beaches'. While visiting, the couple said that you can see 'iconic granite boulders right on the beach'.

Kenya

The couple said Kenya boasts some of the 'best safaris in Africa', 'great beaches' and 'the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro'.

Italy

What's not to like? The couple said: '[There's] Roman history everywhere, incredible food and the natural beauty of Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast and the Dolomites.'

The couple said: 'When we started travelling we were getting to see new and beautiful places. But through the years, our favourite part of travel has shifted from places to the people.' They're pictured above in Kenya

The pair said: 'There are so many countries that we'd love to visit time and time again. Some of our favourites that we've done return trips to are Mexico, Thailand, and South Africa.' The pair are pictured above in Seoul (left) and Thailand (right)

Canada

'Friendly people', and 'pretty mountains and lakes' make Canada unmissable, according to Hudson and Emily.

French Polynesia

'French Polynesia, the semi-autonomous region of France is one of the most beautiful places in the world,' the pair said. 'You can swim with humpbacks and manta rays, moped around entire islands, and stay in a picturesque over-water bungalow.'

Australia

There's lots to do down under, the couple said, from scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef and road-tripping around the Gold Coast to meeting kangaroos.

Tunisia

The couple recommended Tunisia due to its 'ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and picturesque cities that rival Santorini in Greece'.

Japan

Hudson and Emily are pictured in Namibia walking across the Namib Desert, which the pair describe as 'one of the oldest, most beautiful deserts' in the world. What's more, the indigenous people there are 'incredibly friendly'

The couple said: 'There are some countries that are more difficult to travel to, but it has often been those countries where we have met the kindest people.' They're pictured above volcano camping in Guatemala

The couple said: 'We've experienced some of the greatest kindness in places we've least expected it. Even though we can't always speak the same language, it is incredible how kind people have been around the world.' The pair are pictured above in Afghanistan

Tunisia (above), say the couple, has spots that rival Santorini in Greece

FOR MORE FROM HUDSON AND EMILY For more from Hudson and Emily, visit them on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hudsonandemily/ and TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@hudsonandemily. Or visit their website, here. Advertisement

Japan makes the list due to its 'incredible culture, food and natural beauty'. The couple added: 'Tokyo might be the world's coolest big city.'

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has 'some of the most beautiful mountains in the world where you can sleep in a yurt and meet some of the last golden eagle hunters'. The couple added: 'There are so many beautiful mountains around Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan.'

Namibia

This country in Southern Africa is home to 'one of the oldest, most beautiful deserts' [Namib Desert] alongside 'incredibly friendly indigenous people'.

Fiji

On this 'beautiful tropical island' in the South Pacific, the couple said: 'You can go scuba diving with a huge variety of animals, like bull sharks.'
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'Renowned'.

That's how 'The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel' in New York describes itself (in my suite's info pack).

And fair enough. After all, every American president since Truman has visited, and so has the late Princess Diana, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, and stars including Jeff Goldblum, Naomi Campbell and George Clooney all adore it, the latter three even appearing in a 2018 film about the property called 'Always At The Carlyle'.

Plus, Billy Joel once turned up at the hotel's Bemelmans Bar and tinkled the ivories on the grand piano there.

So, we'll let this 35-storey, 192-room Upper East Side Madison Avenue institution, one block from Central Park, have 'renowned'.

Ted Thornhill checked in to The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel to find out why the rich and famous love it. Ted writes: 'The lobby [above] sets the tone  and the tone is unabashed Art Deco sophistication'

Every American president since Truman has visited The Carlyle, and so has the late Princess Diana, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, and stars including Jeff Goldblum, Noami Campbell and George Clooney all adore it, the latter three even appearing in a 2018 film about the property called 'Always At The Carlyle'

But what's it like to actually stay there?

I spend two nights in one of its Carlyle Suites, dine at the restaurant, Dowling's, and quaff cocktails at Bemelmans to find out.

The lobby sets the tone  and the tone is unabashed Art Deco sophistication. Here I'm bewitched by the black marble floor and chic mustard-yellow furniture.

My fifth-floor quarters offer nothing much in the way of views, but plenty to beguile the eyeballs on the inside.

The 800-square-foot suite comprises a bedroom, ensuite and living room that can all be individually closed off, giving the space an apartment feel.

And what an apartment  an exercise in timeless Art Deco elegance fit for Hollywood royalty and actual royalty.

The king-sized bed is dreamily comfortable and features a pillow embroidered with my initials - a flourish every guest receives (not my initials, theirs)  the ensuite is smothered in marble and boasts a sunken tub big enough for a Hudson River pilot whale to frolic in, a rainshower so powerful it surely must have its own nuclear-powered pump, and silvery double sinks.

In Bemelmans Bar (above), Ted enjoys a 'delicious' Champagne-based 'Jackie O' cocktail 'as a pianist's ninja-like fingers scamper over the keys' and he soaks up 'the seductive speak-easy ambience'

Dowling's at The Carlyle - 'the glamorous, art-festooned main restaurant' where 'guests receive Rolls-Royce service'

LEFT: Ted's 'drool-inducing herb-crusted rack of lamb with whipped potatoes' that he enjoyed at Dowling's restaurant. RIGHT: The Dowling's New York cheesecake

Ted's quarters - the Carlyle Suite, 'an exercise in timeless Art Deco elegance fit for Hollywood royalty and actual royalty'

Above is the living room in Ted's Carlyle Suite. Ted remarks that the accommodation makes him feel like he's 'stepped back in time and into an Agatha Christie novel'

Then there's the living room, with its gold ceiling and plush sofa fit for a lolling matinee idol, and throughout, lashings of beautiful dark wood. It's bedaubed around the walls and forms the living room's stunning round table. On this  and here we reach peak Carlyle hotel - is a wooden box discreetly hiding an array of plug points.

The 1930s-style lampshades add to a feeling I've stepped back in time and into an Agatha Christie novel.

Modern flourishes snap me back to the present day  vast TVs in the bedroom and living room and blindingly fast free Wi-Fi, plus intuitive touch-screen air-con control panels.

The magic continues on the ground floor, where the staff cast a spell over every guest, making each and every one feel like a Hollywood star.

In Bemelmans Bar they furnish me with a delicious Champagne-based 'Jackie O' cocktail as a pianist's ninja-like fingers scamper over the keys and I soak up the seductive speak-easy ambience.

And in Dowling's - the glamorous, art-festooned main restaurant - guests receive Rolls-Royce service that's not just effortlessly charming, but astonishingly efficient.

Ted writes: 'The staff cast a spell over every guest, making each and every one feel like a Hollywood star.' Above - Cafe Carlyle

At the start of my Dowling's dinner the dining captain introduces himself. He should be promoted to colonel  he's the very definition of a top-tier server. Making every guest feel like they're the most important person in the room.

Food-wise, Dowling's hits the bullseye, too.

I'm impressed by my starter of Maryland crabcake with charred corn and pickled red onion, and minded to spoon bigger heaps of praise onto the main course - a drool-inducing herb-crusted rack of lamb with whipped potatoes so creamy they belong in a cone.

Ted describes the service at The Carlyle as being so good it's almost like 'a sleight of hand trick'. Above - The Gallery

Chic mustard-hued furniture populates the public spaces at The Carlyle

Room for dessert? No chance. Oh wait, there's a New York cheesecake. And it's so good I almost salute the captain on the way out.

At breakfast, on both mornings, my table is furnished with a newspaper, a lovely pot of coffee, a beautifully warm and fluffy croissant and Eggs benedict within six minutes.

And no one is rushing.

It's service so well-organised it's like a sleight of hand trick.

Renowned? It can most certainly have renowned.
She is currently enjoying soaking up the sun on a family holiday in Corfu.

And on Saturday, Amanda Holden made sure she left her fans feeling hot under the collar as she shared a video which showed off her sensational physique in a tiny bikini.

The Heart FM presenter, 53, struck a series of poses as she walked barefoot down a cobbled path whilst holding onto a straw cowboy hat.

As she unwound during the stunning getaway, the star modelled the very small green two piece and in one of the shots wore a matching kaftan, which she threw off her shoulders.

Amanda wore dark sunglasses and left her blonde locks loose so they fell naturally down her shoulders.

Amanda Holden made sure she left her fans feeling hot under the collar as she shared a video which showed off her sensational physique in a tiny bikini

The Heart FM presenter, 53, who is in Corfu struck a series of poses as she walked barefoot down a cobbled path whilst holding onto a straw cowboy hat

As she unwound during the stunning getaway, the star modelled the very small green two piece which featured a tropical print

The star wrote over the video: 'If summer doesn't look like this, I don't want it' before captioning the whole post: 'Summertime and litres of #aperol'.

Fans flocked to her comment section to share their thoughts writing: 'Wow'...'Perfect as usual '...'Gorgeous xx' and 'Breathtaking '

The star continued to turn up the heat, as she later posted another video where she appeared to go braless for a dinner outing.

The black maxi dress - by designer Melissa Odabash and retails for 230 - bore a plunging necklineand gold buckles on the straps.

The mum-of-two could be seen sat at the table and stroking an adorable kitten, with her daughters in the background pleading to take it home.

It comes after Amanda stunned with her mini-me daughters Lexi and Hollie in Greece in photos she shared to her Instagram earlier this week.

She looked beautiful sandwiched between her daughters who all wore brightly patterned dresses.

Amanda's dress was long-sleeved where her daughters' had no sleeves and she took turns nestling into both of her children.

Amanda wore dark sunglasses and left her blonde locks loose so they fell naturally down her shoulders, whilst also donning a matching maxi kaftan

The mum-of-two playfully modelled the kaftan as she walked towards the camera, undoing the tie so it fell open

The star wrote over the video: 'If summer doesn't look like this, I don't want it' before seductively throwing the kaftan off her shoulders and walking out of shot from the camera

Amanda continued to turn up the heat, as she later posted another video where she appeared to go braless for a dinner outing

Fans flocked to her comment section to share their thoughts writing a number of positive and supporting things

While the trio's husband and father Chris Hughes was not seen in the snaps, they were not alone.

Joining them was English actress Jane Wall who stunned in a black and white cut-out ankle -length ensemble.Jane, 51, is best-known for portraying PC Di Worrell in police procedural The Bill from 1999 to 2002.

On Monday, Amanda again took to Instagram from Greece, this time to show off her incredible figure.

The BGT judge soaked up some sun a blue bikini, consisting of a strapless top and matching bottoms.

Amanda Holden, 53, stunned with her mini-me daughters Lexi and Hollie in Greece in photos she shared to her Instagram on Wednesday after Lexi's life-threatening health issue.

The Heart Breakfast presenter looked beautiful sandwiched between her daughters and all three wore brightly patterned dresses

Joining them was English actress Jane Wall who stunned in a black and white cut-out ankle-length ensemble

She layered over a coordinating floral shirt and accessorised her beach ready look with a straw cowboy hat.

Amanda shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of oversized sunglasses and flashed a smile for the camera.

She captioned the post: 'Bikini, hat and shirt by @melissaodabash #family,' alongside a Greek flag.

The family holiday comes after Lexi, who is signed to Storm Models, was admitted to hospital with life-threatening E. coli amid the latest outbreak.

Lexi was on a ward for five days with her mother and her father Chris at her bedside.

On Monday, Amanda again took to Instagram from Greece, this time to show off her incredible figure

The BGT judge soaked up some sun a blue bikini, consisting of a strapless top and matching bottoms

While discussing the warning signs to look out for amid the latest outbreak, Amanda revealed to The Sun that her daughter Lexi had been suffering from bloating and stomach cramps.

She said: 'For about three weeks, Lexi had been complaining of bloating and stomach cramps. She was not happy at all and in quite a lot of pain with her tummy.

'It was around the time of revision and her A-levels, so I was just putting this down to exam stress.'

However, Amanda admitted that after taking her daughter to her GP, who insisted on her doing some blood and stool samples, the results came back as a bacterial infection.

The star then revealed that while she was filming in Spain, she began to get calls from various government officials asking her to fill out several forms about where her daughter might have eaten and what kind of food they had stored in their home.

The star also confessed that the antibiotics her daughter was given didn't seem to be working and claimed her doctor called her saying 'I don't want to alarm you' before telling her Lexi's bloods were 'through the roof' and she was in danger of 'contracting sepsis'.

Amanda recalled how terrified she was to hear the word 'sepsis'.

She revealed that Lexi's was the 113th case of E. coli in the country in just two weeks - and that the doctor had warned them that this was just the tip of the iceberg.
Montana has become a hotspot for celebrities looking to escape the chaos of New York and Los Angeles.

Some A-listers, like Glenn Close and Michael Keaton, have lived in the idyllic state for decades, while others, including Paris Hilton, are newer to the area.

However, the influx of bougie new residents has also contributed to the cost of housing skyrocketing, leaving some locals less than impressed with the state's growth.

Justin Timberlake and wife Jessica Biel are often seen around Bozeman, which is about an hour from the gated community in Big Sky where the Hollywood couple live with their two children.

'They're really down to earth and respectful. We see them taking their kids out or getting coffee around town quite a bit,' one resident said.

'They're able to live pretty normal lives here and the locals don't bother them. The only people who ever make a fuss are starstruck tourists.'

Celebrities including Justin Timberlake (pictured) have made Montana home in recent years, but the influx of transplants has ruffled some feathers among locals

Locals have often spotted Timberlake with wife Jessica Biel and their two children (pictured) around Bozeman

One celebrity that did cause a stir recently was Jason Momoa, who hit Belgrade for a meet-and-greet to promote his new vodka line.

Lines to meet the Aquaman hunk snaked around the block and many locals shared stories in the following days of snapping selfies with the star.

In addition to the low-key lifestyle Montana can provide for celebrities, some stars are also attracted to the opulence of the famed Yellowstone Club.

Located about an hour outside of Bozeman, the Yellowstone Club sprawls across 15,200 acres in Big Sky, and is known for its exclusivity, privacy and luxury amenities.

Members include Bill Gates, former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle, Tom Brady, Paris Hilton, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

As of 2018, the initial membership fee was $400,000 on top of a $40,000 annual fee, although that price is believed to have risen since then.

Members must also buy a home in the club, which can range from about $4 million to $25 million and up.

Paris Hilton and her husband, Carter Reum, have been enjoying the Montana ski slopes after joining the Yellowstone Club

Located about an hour outside of Bozeman, the Yellowstone Club sprawls across 15,200 acres in Big Sky, and is known for its exclusivity, privacy and luxury amenities

Members of the Yellowstone Club include Bill Gates, former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle, Tom Brady, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt

Yellowstone Club members can relax in a hot tub overlooking the snowy Montana mountains

There's also a cap at 864 members to maintain exclusivity, with more members coming from the business and tech worlds than Hollywood.

'It's more business leaders than celebrities,' one member told The San Francisco Standard. 'It's just too expensive.'

For the stars that don't want to cough up millions to live inside the Yellowstone Club, there's still plenty of picturesque places in Montana for A-listers to put down roots.

Michael Keaton has owned a 1,000-acre property in the tiny town of Big Timber since the early '90s.

Bill Pullman also has his own ranch in Boulder Valley, while John Mayer has his own place in Paradise Valley (which inspired his 2013 album of the same name).

Glenn Close has lived in and out of Bozeman since the early '80s, and currently lives there full time in a ranch home with her family - where her daughter, Annie Starke, films her Magnolia Network series, The Mountain Kitchen.

At one one point, Glenn and her sister, Jessie, even co-owned a local coffee shop in downtown Bozeman.

Kelly Clarkson also purchased a $10.4 million ranch in 2018 with her then-husband, Brandon Blackstock.

While the American Idol winner dreams of living on the ranch full time, she's only able to visit the property about once a month due to her schedule filming The Kelly Clarkson Show in New York.

John Mayer has had his own place in Paradise Valley (which inspired his 2013 album of the same name) for well over a decade

Michael Keaton has owned a 1,000-acre property (pictured) in the tiny town of Big Timber since the early '90s

Glenn Close has lived in and out of Bozeman since the early '80s, and currently lives there full time in a ranch home (pictured) with her family

Kelly Clarkson also purchased a $10.4 million ranch in 2018 with her then-husband, Brandon Blackstock

Asked what makes the state - nicknamed 'The Last Best Place in America' - so special, real estate agent Elizabeth Dellwo from The Agency Bozeman said that the proximity to nature was a big factor.

'Montana offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the United States,' Elizabeth told DailyMail.com.

'Living in Bozeman you have so many things right outside your front door, which allows for a much better work-life balance and just creates a higher quality of life in general - that's why everyone wants to be here.'

The influx of celebrities and coastal transplants has put a strain on the state, particularly in Bozeman, which saw a flood of big city transplants who fled to the freedom-loving red state during the pandemic.

Many movers from California and New York have more to spend on property than locals, which has driven up the cost of housing and priced many longtime residents out of the market.

In the last six years, home prices in Bozeman have nearly doubled, with the median price for a single family home now at about $737,000 after peaking at a staggering $795,000 last year.

The trendy town has now been snidely dubbed 'Boz Angeles' by some locals and arguments about whether or not the once quiet enclave has gone woke are becoming more frequent.

However, while it's easy to blame recent transplants for the cost of living and increased traffic, the issue actually goes back decades.

A 1992 article in the Chicago Tribune about celebrities - including Mary Hart, Ted Turner, and Brooke Shields - moving to Montana detailed the concerns of the local community.

'What people here feel is not so much resentment as it is a fear of losing their town. Is it going to be a place where we want to live?' one resident told the publication at the time.

'The celebrities pretty much blend in up here,' he continued. 'I think there has been more concern about Californians in general, who have come up here and driven up housing prices. Property values have risen 2 percent a month since 1990.'

While some locals are still frosty towards outsiders, many business owners in Montana have benefitted from the increase of transplants and tourists.

Brett Ashley McMillan, who owns the Juniper Face + Figure medspa in Bozeman, says she's just one of the many local businesses to be positively impacted by all the new faces in town.

Local business owner Brett Ashley McMillan (pictured) says that the influx of transplants and tourists has been great for her medspa, Juniper Face + Figure

'Small businesses like mine serve local Montanans from all over the state, but we also benefit from seasonal tourism and newcomers who are looking to make Bozeman and Big Sky their new home,' she said.

'I've served all kinds of people at Juniper Face + Figure, from local Montanans to transplants, tourists, athletes, influencers, and even a few cast members from the Yellowstone TV series!'

She continued, 'I'd say that my business has thrived with the population growth. Especially because some of my treatments, like cosmetic injectables and vaginal rejuvenation, can be a new concept out here in the Wild West.

'But the transplants who come here are often from places like New York and California where face and body treatments are more normalized and accepted, so it's been great for me.'
Sopranos star Drea de Matteo believes the assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a republican rally in Pennsylvania was an 'inside job.'

The actress turned OnlyFans model, 52, made the admission as she furiously criticized left-leaning celebrities for purporting to be a 'trusted voice' for the people, branding them 'embarrassing' and 'self-righteous.'

Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, she said: 'I think this attempt was clearly an inside job. All these kids that are saying "I cant believe he missed."

'A lot of people don't have a clue what's really happening and that's why there's Trump derangement syndrome. It's the level of propaganda and the twisting of information... there's no truth out there anymore. And if you want it, you must carry on you have to pick up every rock in sight.'

Trump, 78, was addressing a campaign rally near Butler on July 13 when Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots at the former president, one of which struck the top of his right ear. Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service snipers.

Drea de Matteo, 52, told DailyMail.com that she believes Donald Trump's assassination attempt was 'clearly an inside job'

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, 78, survived an assassination attempt while speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania on July 13 (photo taken at rally)

Hours after the attack, Jack Black's Tenacious D bandmate Kyle Gass jokingly wished that Crooks had been successful as he blew out a birthday candle on stage in Sydney, Australia, and told the audience: 'Don't miss Trump next time.'

Discussing the fallout, Matteo - who started the clothing line Ultra-Free to support free speech - warned: 'Don't follow any celebrities, dont have any idols. Make your own decisions. Everybody needs to learn more about what's really going on and then form their own opinions.

'Everybody is so tied into hearing what other celebrities have to say, because somehow, they're a trusted voice. And I don't know why because they're just f*****g actors. A lot of them are super f*****g entitled Hollywood folks that don't really do their homework. And that upsets me.

'I'm definitely not trying to be self-righteous. But I feel like there's so much self-righteousness out there when it comes to these topics instead of real righteousness.'

In a nod to Gass, she continued: 'Do your work, know what you speak of, know why you're condemning this person, and maybe lower your f*****g voice when you're condoning murder.'

The Emmy-Award winner, who described herself as an 'old hippie liberal' who likes Trump and RFK, also expressed disillusionment with the state of the nation.

'I mean, they the left, and I am on the left, but I am embarrassed,' she said. 'I'm also embarrassed of my country. And I'll wear an American flag all day because I am a real f*****g patriot. But I am so embarrassed by the blood on the hands of this country at this point and the karmic overload of just dishonesty and greed.'

'It's gone so far, but I really do believe in the people... I believe that we can make America great again,' she added.

de Matteo rose to fame on HBO's Sopranos (seen) for which she won an Emmy Award. She has since retired from industry and is now an OnlyFans content creator

'A lot of people don't have a clue what is really happening and that is why there is Trump derangement syndrome,' de Matteo (seen on OnlyFans) said

During a recent interview on Fox News Jesse Watters Primetime, the controversial former actress claimed that there are 'a lot' of secret Trump supporters in Hollywood.

'I wonder how much these actors got paid to endorse Biden at this point,' she said. 'I am curious.'

She told Watters that the only reason other actors are not vocal about supporting Trump is that they are afraid of being condemned.

The interview came after Biden's star-studded Hollywood fundraiser, where actor Robert De Niro slammed Trump.

'Its the Italian, man,' she said. 'Were talking about [Anthony] Fauci, were talking about De Niro. I am mortified right now by my people. I dont understand what were doing here,' she added.

The actress previously called Hollywood a 'freaking cesspool' after being blacklisted by the studios for refusing to get the Covid vaccine  revealing that it would take a lot for her to come out of retirement.

After it became hard for her to get work and she was dropped by her agent she turned to OnlyFans to prevent her house from going into foreclosure after coming perilously close to running out of money.

Although de Matteo has since declared she was able to make enough cash in five minutes of launching her profile to pay back her mortgage foreclosure, she said it is not 'crazy' amounts.

'People think it's crazy [the money], but it's not,' she said of her income from the X-rated platform. 'I do better with a lot of business stuff coming my way because I took a stand.

'And I think a lot of people that are in the same realm as myself have gravitated towards me and feel like, you know, want to help.'

'The level of propaganda and the twisting of information has made it so that there's no truth out there anymore,' de Matteo told DailyMail.com (pictured at the 2019 MTV Music Awards)

Her success on OnlyFans, paved the way to launch her own business, fashion brand ULTRAFREE which was born out of a way to incorporate OnlyFans and her political views.

'I'd never cared about celebrity or any of that stuff,' she said. 'So now it was like I just got pushed to the forefront of the most chaotic news spin of all time with all that stuff.

'It was just a combination of pornography and politics. So, I was like, okay, this sounds insane. How do I spin it? And we started Ultra Free. And my boyfriend makes awesome merch for his band, and he was known for his merch.

'And we were like, "Why don't we make merch for this revolution that's happening because this movement is going to need merchandise?" And that's kind of where we're at.'
Maria Garcia, the owner of Marias Kitchen, left, and her husband Israel sit for a portrait outside their home in Paradise (Butte County) in 2023. The couple had their home rebuilt after it was destroyed by the Camp Fire in 2018. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Dawn and Devon Horning have been preparing to evacuate their home outside of Paradise after making several trips to friends and family to bring their horse, cats, dogs and chickens to safety.

The Park Fire, burning north of Chico, is one of several fires since the deadly 2018 Camp Fire that have prompted them to evacuate. Each, including the Camp Fire, threatened their property from different angles.

Were in the last remaining unburned pocket in the woods, Dawn, a Paradise native, said Friday afternoon.

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Several survivors of the Camp Fire, which killed 85 residents and flattened the town, told the Chronicle they were mostly taking the latest evacuation warnings in stride, though some had sleepless nights and were unsure if they would have to evacuate.

The Park Fire began Wednesday afternoon when a Chico man allegedly pushed a burning car into a gully at Upper Bidwell Park; the suspect has since been arrested. The fire has burned more than 357,000 acres as of Sunday afternoon, mostly to the north of Chico, but by Thursday, it had moved far enough east to also threaten Paradise and prompt evacuation warnings there. By Friday night, the entire town was under an evacuation warning.

People were freaking out, Taline Coulier said of the initial rush Thursday, during which she noticed residents crowding gas stations in preparation. The owner of Paradise Fitness, Coulier left her home, which is in an evacuation warning zone, to spend Thursday night with friends. It was crowded trying to get out of Paradise.

Paradise Fitness, one of a few businesses that survived the 2018 Camp Fire, is pictured in 2019. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

Paradise resident and business owner Maria Garcia, who runs Marias Kitchen, was visiting her father in Mexico when she heard the news of the fire.

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Were just waiting to see what is going to happen this time, she said. Im nervous. Im just praying so nothing happens.

Garcia had difficulty sleeping as she thought about her husband back at the home they finished rebuilding in 2021 after losing their previous one in the Camp Fire. It is not under an evacuation warning, but she is concerned because he has Parkinsons disease.

My husband is in the house with (our) little dog waiting, Garcia said. She added that he is packed and ready to go if needed and that their son will join him shortly.

Garcia is one of the residents who opted to stay after the Camp Fire destroyed 90% of the towns homes. Its population dropped from 26,500 to 4,000 as of the 2020 census. It has since climbed back to 10,961, according a recent estimate from the California Department of Finance.

Colette Curtis, the recovery and economic development director for Paradise, said that other nearby fires, such as the North Complex in 2020 and the Dixie Fire in 2021, caused more panic among the towns traumatized citizens but that people now have much more information and can more calmly prepare.

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The Park Fire is also playing out differently than the Camp Fire.

Chronicle senior newsroom meteorologist Greg Porter said, in general, the weather conditions are much less extreme. While the Camp Fire ran downhill to the south toward the city and was aided in direction and speed by a strong down-sloping wind, the Park Fire is moving toward the north and east, he said.

Cal Fire spokesperson Rick Carhart cautioned Sunday that the new Paradise evacuation warnings were issued over an abundance of caution. I dont think there is any expectation that the fire will reach there.

Curtis office estimates that 30% to 40% of current Paradise residents are Camp Fire survivors. Surprisingly, she said, a poll showed that new residents were more concerned about escaping crime and other issues in their old neighborhoods when they came to Paradise than they were worried about the threat of wildfire.

It can be different for survivors, however.

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While the Hornings said they are grateful their home has been spared through several fires, they both have considered moving after having to go through so many evacuations. In addition to their animals, theyve had to pack out a tractor and cement mixer for Devons contracting business, as well as what Devon calls toys  a boat and some dirt bikes that are not insured.

How many more times do we want to do this? Devon said.
Netflix fans have hailed a new show as being the 'best ever', adding that they 'can't stop watching' the series.

Heavy praise for the programme came after one individual posted to the Facebook group Netflix Bangers, as they asked if one particular series was worth watching.

Leaving their verdicts in the comments section, users were unanimously in agreement over its quality, as they wrote: 'You won't stop watching till the end,'

Another lauded the show for being a 'brilliant series,' while adding that the original poster should '100% watch'.

Further positive feedback said that it was 'incredible' and that they 'loved' every moment.

Netflix fans have hailed a new show on the site as being the 'best ever', adding that they 'can't stop watching' the series after it dropped on the streaming platform

Fans were referring to Fauda, a drama series that ran for four seasons having first aired back in 2015

'You won't stop watching till the end,' said a third.

Fans were referring to Fauda, a drama series that ran for four seasons having first aired back in 2015.

The show stars Lior Raz, Doron Ben-David, Boaz Konforty, Laetitia Eido, Shadi Mar'i, Ron-Lee Shimon, Idan Amedi, Hisham Suliman, Yaakov Zada Daniel, Itzik Cohen and Tomer Capone.

Its synopsis reads: 'Doron, an Israeli soldier, comes out of retirement and goes undercover to hunt down a deadly terrorist he thought he had eliminated.'

Fauda, meaning 'chaos' or 'mess' in Arabic, was filmed in Kafr Qasim - an Israeli city with a predominantly Arab population - during the 2014 Gaza War, while season three of the show is set in the Gaza Strip.

The show, which was developed by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, is based on the duo's experiences while serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

Doron, the main character, is a commander in the Mistaarvim unit, with the first series focusing on his and his team's pursuit of a terrorist.

Featuring dialogue in both Hebrew and Arabic, Fauda is internationally available to watch on Netflix.
Imogen Thomas has revealed that she cries herself to sleep worrying about her mother Janet, 64, more than a year after her motor neurone disease diagnosis.

The Big Brother star, 41, said that the diagnosis had been a 'huge gamechanger' and explained she is now focusing on caring for her.

The model revealed the diagnosis six months ago via a heartbreaking Instagram post and has been updating her followers on the reality of caring for someone with MND ever since.

But, while she's tried to remain positive, the Welsh beauty admitted that it has taken a toll on her and her family eight years after the death of her father.

But she added that her focus right now is on 'making memories' as a family.

Imogen Thomas, 41, has revealed that she 'cries herself to sleep' worrying about her mother Janet after her motor neurone disease diagnosis

While she's tried to remain positive, the Welsh beauty admitted that it has taken a toll on her and her family but they are focusing on making Janet comfortable (pictured October 26, 2023)

The model has admitted that she feels jealous sometimes watching able bodied families but immediately feels guilty and says her mum can still do most things thanks to her wheelchair

Imogen and her sister have been caring for her mother for more than a year following her MND diagnosis but revealed that it has been difficult for her.

She said: 'When you have someone so close to you diagnosed with MND it's a massive game-changer.

'It's a really awful inhumane disease and we know what's to come which is painful every day.

'It's heartbreaking and I feel robbed. I've already lost my Dad but then for her to be diagnosed with a terminal illness, that's just it.

'It's a big life change. I don't want to sit here and moan about it. They're your parents and you love them so you just get on with it but it has been a challenge.' she said.

The model also admitted that she feels jealous sometimes watching able bodied families but then immediately feels guilty.

She said: 'There are days where I cry myself to sleep because I fell robbed. I see mothers and daughters going shopping and feel jealous but should I?

'I always feel so guilty for saying that.

Imogen has said she's focusing on making memories with her mother and travelling as much as possible while they still can, the pair recently returned from a trip to Spain

In a heart-wrenching Instagram post, the Big Brother star shared that the diagnosis had left her 'heartbroken and in disbelief'

'We do still go shopping, my mum comes in her chair but it's not quite the same'

The brunette beauty is now focusing on making her mother comfortable and is trying to travel as much as possible.

Imogen said: 'We don't want to stop making memories and as time goes on you don't know when it'll stop and you won't be able to make any more '

But the mother-of-two explained that travelling with a disability is extremely difficult.

She said that the family 'always dread the plane' and described one instance where staff left her and her mother Janet sat in the cabin for 45 minutes after all the other passengers had disembarked.

She said: 'They just forgot about us. And it was difficult keeping her spirits high.

'Getting onto the plane is hard as well. Because my mum has lost feeling and control in her left side she needs a lot of help and if we're last on then people are just staring, watching us sit down and my mum hates it - she's in tears.

'And it doesn't matter how hard I try and I call the airlines, it doesn't make a difference.

In a post on Instagram announcing Janet's diagnosis, she included a collection of videos and snaps showing herself and her daughters helping Janet manage her worsening symptoms

Imogen has said she hopes that by sharing Janet's diagnosis she can raise awareness of MND, and help her mother to connect with others

'You don't get treated like a person, you're treated like a piece of cargo.'

The model also described hotels that advertised themselves as disabled friendly but when she arrived, she found the specialist equipment damaged or not even there.

The reality star said this added anxiety and worry to what was supposed to be a relaxing experience.

She described how on a recent holiday to Spain, her mother was unable to get into the pool because of a rusty seat and the pair weren't given disabled-friendly sun loungers and the star was forced to pay extra so her mum could enjoy herself.

'It's just awful. My mother burst into tears and was having panic attacks.'

She added: 'Don't advertise yourself as disabled-friendly if you're not. It kept me up at night worrying about her.'

Imogen also admitted that another worry is the cost of caring for his disabled mother.

The star revealed that she has already had to use her savings and raise funds through GoFundMe to pay for specialist equipment and treatment but conceded that she was lucky to have been able to access private healthcare.

In a post on Instagram Imogen said she had decided to share Janet's diagnosis publicly after watching Coronation Street's emotional new storyline

The mother-of-two explained that travelling with a disability is extremely difficult and says she and her mother often dread the plane but still travel as much as possible (pictured May 30)

'The thing is, it costs thousands. It's not a little thing.

'I never thought I'd be in a position where I'd have to think about these things.

'I'm very lucky but I partnered with Challenging MND so I did find out about these grants which have been so helpful because the equipment costs a fortune. My mother's chair alone cost 2,500.

'But we're giving her the best we can give for her now. We're making sure she's comfortable and we're there for her.

'If she wants to go out for a meal then we do because it brings her happiness.'

But she explained that peoples' treatment of her mother has knocked her confidence.

'No one is outright rude but they stare and that's almost worse.

'My mum gets really embarrassed and people's treatment, it can be so undignified.'

She revealed it upsets both of them and described it as an 'emotional rollercoaster'.

'Mum's mental health is very low because she's gone from an able bodied person to using a wheelchair.' she said.

Imogen also revealed that her mother Janet will try and play it off but will often burst into tears into public.

The model has partnered with Challenging MND which hopes to empower people living with MND by providing grants for specialist equipment or experiences.

The charity has helped her finance specialist wheelchairs, a special toilet and equipment but said that she's hoping to fund the rest of her mother's care herself.

She also believes that slowly people will learn to be more accepting and airlines will change their rules to better accommodate people with disabilities and explains that's why she posts about it on social media.

WHAT IS MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE? Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages. It's caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. These cells gradually stop working over time. It's not known why this happens. Having a close relative with motor neurone disease, or a related condition called frontotemporal dementia, can sometimes mean you're more likely to get it. But it doesn't run in families in most cases. Early symptoms can include weakness in your ankle or leg, like finding it hard to walk upstairs; slurred speech, finding it hard to swallow, a weak grip, and gradual weight loss. If you have these symptoms, you should see a GP. They will consider other possible conditions and can refer you to a specialist called a neurologist if necessary. If a close relative has motor neurone disease or frontotemporal dementia and you're worried you may be at risk of it, they may refer you to a genetic counsellor to talk about your risk and any tests you can have. Source: NHS UK Advertisement

The reality television star said: 'I show some of it on Instagram but there's a lot I don't to keep private.

'People seemed to be helped by it and I've been helped by other people - I've even made friends on Whatsapp and we just talk about tips and how we're feeling which really helps and afterwards I think "oh right well now I know this or that or not to give my mum this food or whatever"'.

Imogen revealed her mother's diagnosis on Instagram six months ago in a heartbreaking post.

Sharing a montage of clips and snaps documenting Janet's battle with MND, Imogen said she decided to share it publicly after watching Coronation Street's emotional new storyline, which has seen Paul Foreman diagnosed himself.

In the post from January 4, Imogen wrote: 'There is no easy way to say this. Six months ago- Our mum was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

'For those who are not aware of MND it's an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves.

'It causes weakness that gets worse over time. It's rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that affects six people in the UK every single day. The worst part is there's no cure.

'It's been a journey we never expected and hoped it would never be.'

Imogen added that by sharing Janet's diagnosis she is hoping she can raise awareness of MND, and help her mother to connect with others 'who understand what she is going through'.

'The Wednesday's Coronation Street storyline featuring Paul and Billy struck a chord we never expected,' she wrote.

'It felt like watching our own emotional rollercoaster, the ups and downs of trying to pin down what's going on.

'Can you believe we went through three misdiagnoses? Spent a fortune in Harley Street to be told anything but MND.

'We even sent my mum to rehab in Leeds for a month believing she would make a miraculous recovery as she was told she had FND [Functional Neurologic Disorders] which is a neurological disorder. Looking back now her determination during rehab was incredible.'

'My sister and I are heartbroken and still in disbelief. It's hard to wrap our heads around. We just don't want to believe it.

'My mum has some great friends. We would love to connect with others in the same situation to share experiences and support each other.'

'Life is short and precious. We are grabbing it with both hands for as long as we can .

'As I said above my mum and I would love to connect with anyone experiencing the same as us.'

Motor neurone disease is a rare condition that mainly affects people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages.

It's caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. These cells gradually stop working over time. It's not known why this happens.

If, like Imogen's mum, you're living with Motor Neurone Disease or know someone who is, and would like more information about the grants and wider support available  or to donate to the charity  please head to www.challengingmnd.org
Former child star Joe Pichler mysteriously vanished at age 18 in 2006  four years after he dropped out of the spotlight following notable roles in the Beethoven sequels and Varsity Blues.

On January 5, 2006, Pichler  then just weeks away from his 19th birthday on February 14  made a final 4am phone call to a friend before leaving his car abandoned in Bremerton, Washington, with a cryptic note and poetry inside.

He has never been seen or heard from again.

At the time of his disappearance, Pichler was living a life worlds away from his previous glittering Hollywood acting career after moving back to his hometown four years earlier in 2002.

Born in Bremerton as the fourth of five children in the Pichler family in 1987, Joe began acting at six in videos and commercials in nearby Seattle.

Former child star Joe Pichler mysteriously vanished at age 18 in 2006  four years after dropping out of the spotlight following attention-grabbing roles in the Beethoven sequels (pictured) and Varsity Blues

On January 5, 2006, Pichler  then just weeks away from his 19th birthday on February 14  made a final 4 a.m. phone call to a friend before leaving his car abandoned in Bremerton, Washington, with a cryptic note and poetry inside. He has never been seen or heard from again

He relocated to Los Angeles as a child to pursue his burgeoning acting career, landing a role in the Robert De Niro and Wesley Snipesstarring thriller The Fan in 1996.

His acting prowess grew when, at age 12, he memorably played James Van Der Beek's onscreen brother Kyle Moxon in 1999's coming-of-age film, Varsity Blues.

Joe then portrayed Brennan Newton in two films in the acclaimed Beethoven franchise  in which a family is driven to the edge by the antics of their Saint Bernard dog  Beethoven's 3rd (2000) and Beethoven's 4th (2001).

His final onscreen appearance was in 2002's Children On Their Birthdays.

Conflicting reports state that he was the driving force behind his family's move back to Bremerton or that he was 'unhappy' to leave California. Either way, his acting roles ceased as soon as he left Hollywood behind.

Amid a frantic search for the teenager days after his disappearance, his mother Kathy Pichler told the Kitsap Sun that it was her decision to move her son out of LA.

She said: 'I just wanted him to have some normalcy in his life. He's a good boy and took it well, but he wasn't really happy about it.

'We always kept him really grounded. He's always been a regular kid with a job a teenager wouldn't normally have.'

At the time of his disappearance, Pichler was living a life worlds away from his previous glittering Hollywood acting career after moving back to his hometown; he is pictured in 2001's Beethoven's 4th with Judge Reinhold, Michaela Gallo and Julia Sweeney

After moving back home, he graduated from Bremerton High School in 2005, and two months prior to his disappearance, had taken a full-time job as a telephone technician at Tele-Tech; he is pictured at Christmas 2005  days before his disappearance

His acting prowess grew when he memorably played James Van Der Beek's onscreen brother Kyle Moxon in 1999's coming-of-age film, Varsity Blues

He graduated from Bremerton High School in 2005, and two months prior to his disappearance, had taken a full-time job as a telephone technician at Tele-Tech, per the missing persons database, The Charley Project.

After gaining access to a 'significant' amount of money from his trust fund when he turned 18, he moved in to his own apartment away from his family in Bremerton, though he still visited them regularly.

Pichler began experimenting with drugs and alcohol recreationally, but he hoped to restart his acting career with a move back to California once his braces were removed, which was due to happen in one or two months.

He enjoyed Mexican food and Jack In the Box and doted on his pet guinea pig.

Almost two decades on, the details of Pichler's final documented hours remain shrouded in mystery.

He had spent the evening of January 4, 2006, playing cards with some close friends  all of whom would say he appeared in good spirits.

His last known contact was at 4:15 a.m. on January 5, 2006, in Bremerton when he talked to a friend on his cellphone. It has been claimed by unverified sources that Joe was 'sobbing' on the call and drinking alcohol.

He said he would call his friend back in an hour  but he never did. The same phone would be found in his abandoned car days later.

His silver 2005 Toyota Corolla was found on January 9, 2006, near the intersection of Wheaton Way and Sheridan Road in Bremerton, near a narrow arm of water called the Port Madison Narrows. All of his personal belongings were still inside the vehicle - with the exception of his wallet and car keys

His silver 2005 Toyota Corolla was found on January 9, 2006, near the intersection of Wheaton Way and Sheridan Road in Bremerton, near a narrow arm of water called the Port Madison Narrows.

All of his personal belongings were still inside the vehicle  with the exception of his wallet and car keys.

According to the Associated Press, Pichler's family revealed Joe had left a note inside the car expressing a wish to be a 'stronger brother' and asking for his personal effects to be given to his younger brother. However his family do not see the letter as a suicide note.

Robbie Davis, the lead detective on the case said at the time that 'there's a good indication that it might have been a suicide, but we dont know that' - adding that there was no reason to suspect foul play. His body has never been found.

He also left behind a few poems, the exact contents of which have never been released.

At the time, police believed Pichler had committed suicide by jumping off a bridge and into the Port Madison Narrows. However, his scent was not traced to the bridge by search dogs and no trace of him was found there.

His family do not believe he was suffering from depression or suicidal ideations and think he may have met with foul play.

Joe played Brennan Newton in two films in the acclaimed Beethoven franchise - in which a family is driven to the edge by the antics of their Saint Bernard dog - Beethoven's 3rd (2000) and Beethoven's 4th (2001; pictured)

His sister Shawna told The Kitsap Sun two weeks after his disappearance: 'Hes probably too embarrassed to come home. In the worst-case scenario, if anything, its foul play. But not suicide.'

Pichlers brother Matthew added: 'He left that note saying that he wanted to start over.'

More than 150 people joined the search after Pichler's disappearance.

Pichler's family revealed Joe left a note in his car expressing a wish to be a 'stronger brother' and asking for his belongings to be given to his younger brother, per the AP. However, they don't see the letter as a suicide note

Per WebSleuths, the alarm was first raised by Joe's mother Kathy, who had sent her son AJ to check on his brother.

After Finding the doors to Joe's apartment unlocked and the lights on  which the family said was abnormal behavior for Joe  AJ waited for an hour before leaving.

Kathy then checked the apartment herself on the evening of January 5 before reporting her son missing that day.

At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a white metal Nixon The Rotolog Real Wood Watch on his left wrist, and possibly a brown T-shirt and jeans.

He has a circular tattoo of a red Star Wars emblem on the inside of his right forearm and a small scar across the bridge of his nose.

Kathy has leveled heavy criticism at the police investigation, claiming police searched his car and apartment for 'three minutes' and quickly made up their minds that he had committed suicide.

Claims emerged from his family that traces of vomit were found in the passenger seat of the car, and that they were not tested for DNA.

Pichler had hoped to restart his acting career with a move back to California once his braces were removed - which was due to happen in one or two months - pictured in 2000's Beethoven's 3rd

They also allege that Pichler's apartment was robbed, as his most valuable Magic: The Gathering cards were missing.

In a 2011 statement on the website for the Surviving Parents Coalition  which supports families whose children have gone missing or been murdered  Kathy wrote: 'His case was handled SO poorly by police and most of the evidence was lost. Their mistakes were because local police didn't know the correct procedures for missing children/persons.

Pichler is seen in a 2023 age-progression photo aged 36

'Since the disappearance of my son, my local law enforcement has learned to handle these cases much better. For that I am very thankful. It helps find some purpose for my family's tragedy. Joseph is not a runaway; that's the only thing I know for sure about his disappearance.

'...Since Joseph's disappearance, my focus has been to help raise awareness of our nation's epidemic. I also struggle to get through each day without answers as to the whereabouts of my missing son. Our system is so very broken, in so many ways. Through education and prevention, there is hope.

'I keep looking for purpose in my son's disappearance. The only way I've found anything positive about my loss is when I help others live this nightmare. I do understand the suffering of other parents. Now I try to work for a better future so that others aren't forced to wear these shoes.'

The 25th anniversary of Varsity Blues has brought the disappearance back into the spotlight with fans taking to social media to remember the star's onscreen roles and to try and track him down.

To this day, his family still seeks information about his disappearance and holds onto faint hope he may still be alive. Joe would now be 37 years old.

In 2008, two years after his disappearance, Pichlers family revealed their heartbreak over not knowing what happened to him that night.

Shawna said: 'I know somebody knows something. But the last two years had been difficult.

'People say it gets easier with time. I guess thats true when you know where the person is The worst feeling out of all of this is the alone feeling. After time goes by, the press stops, people move on But for us, it doesnt stop, it just keeps going.'

If you have information on the disappearance of Joe Pichler, contact the Bremerton Police Department at 360-473-5228.
Married At First Sight lovebirds Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo looked as loved-up as ever as they packed on the PDA while attending the exclusive Petal & Pup ten-year anniversary collection launch in Brisbane.

Jade, 26, and Ridge, 27, put on a very racy display as they passionately locked lips for the cameras, proving their relationship is as strong as ever.

The Queensland-based executive assistant ensured all eyes were on her as she rocked up in a jaw-dropping fiery pink off-shoulder gown, which showcased her gym-toned body and flawless skin.

She completed her outfit with black heels and added a touch of glamour to her look with a matching designer clutch.

Her brunette hair was styled perfectly straight and a radiant layer of foundation and blush helped emphasise her striking facial features.

The Gold Coast beauty was all smiles as she posed alongside her hunky MAFS star partner, leaving no doubt their relationship was still secure.

Meanwhile, Ridge looked effortlessly stylish in a dark green linen shirt paired with black ripped jeans.

Married At First Sight lovebirds Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo looked as loved-up as ever as they packed on the PDA while attending the exclusive Petal and Pup clothing launch in Brisbane. Both pictured

Jade, 26, and Ridge, 27, put on a very racy display as they passionately locked lips for the cameras, proving their relationship is going as strong as ever

Pywell ensured all eyes were on her as she rocked up in a jaw-dropping fiery pink designer gown, which showcased her gym-toned body and flawless skin

She completed her outfit with black heels and added a touch of glamor to her look with a matching designer clutch

He accessorised with a chain necklace, his jet-black hair was freshly styled and he completed his rugged look with a five o'clock shadow beard.

The pair looked thrilled to be attending the exclusive A-List event alongside other local celebrities, including fitness influencer Tammy Hembrow.

Hembrow, 30, stunned in a slinky black dress as she attended the A-list event.

The fitness influencer opted for an off-the-shoulder gown with bow details at the straps.

It clung close to her famous figure and featured gathering around the hips as well as maxi length skirting.

Her brunette hair was styled perfectly straight and a radiant layer of foundation and blush helped emphasise her striking facial features

The Gold Coast beauty was all smiles as she posed alongside her hunky MAFS star partner, leaving no doubt their relationship was still going strong

Meanwhile, Ridge looked effortlessly stylish in a dark green dress shirt paired with ripped black jeans

He accessorised with a chain necklace, his jet-black hair was freshly styled and he completed his rugged look with a five o'clock shadow beard

Tammy carried a dainty Chanel handbag and added a pair of strappy heels that matched her frock.

For makeup, the influencer went for a rosy hue with lots of blush and highlighter as well as a dark nude lipstick.

Tammy worked her angles in the dress, flaunting her infamous derriere as she turned her back to the camera.

The pair looked thrilled to be attending the exclusive A-List event alongside other local celebrities
Cameron Diaz played bartender for a day in East Hampton, New York.

The Charlie's Angels star, 51  who was recently confirmed to return for the fifth installment of the Shrek franchise  served her Avaline brand wines at the SiSi restaurant on Friday.

She modeled a black T-shirt and white pants while appearing to be in good spirits at the Mediterranean eatery.

Her blonde locks were swept up into a loose bun with various strands framing her face.

The star accessorized with tinted sunglasses, various bangle bracelets and dainty gold earrings.

Cameron Diaz served her Avaline brand wines at the SiSi restaurant on Friday

She modeled a black T-shirt and white pants while appearing to be in good spirits at the Mediterranean eatery

She wore a full face of makeup during the event, making her youthful flow and pink pout pop.

The San Diego native poured her collection of wines alongside her Avaline Wine co-founder, Katherine Power.

The businesswoman rocked an ivory sleeveless top and wore her brunette locks pulled back in a messy bun.

Cameron and Katherine co-founded Avaline in July of 2020 with the aim of providing clean, organic and vegan wines.

'My good friend Katherine Power and I were catching up over a glass as the wine started to flow, so did our conversation about it,' the actress said to Forbes at the time. 'We kind of had that moment where we were like, 'God we love wine  what's in it?'

'Can we really drink this? How can we drink more of it? We started asking questions about our wine; which is so crazy because I had never done that before,' she added when asked why she started the brand.

Katherine's response was: 'We're pushing for a way of living that is all things clean and organic. It never occurred to us that wine wouldn't fall under this category.

'We were shocked to learn the ingredients that were added and the lack of transparency. The journey to learning more about the winemaking process and how to make clean, delicious wine led us to create Avaline,' she said.

Her blonde locks were swept up into a loose bun with various strands framing her face

The multihyphenate accessorized with tinted sunglasses, various bangle bracelets and dainty gold earrings

She wore a full face of makeup during the event, making her youthful flow and pink pout pop

Cameron co-founded Avaline in July of 2020 with the aim of providing clean, organic and vegan wines

The San Diego native poured her collection of wines alongside her Avaline Wine co-founder, Katherine Power

The entrepreneurs were clear on their website that they wanted to prioritize the safe consumption of wine, noting that it starts with being transparent about ingredients.

'The wine industry has somehow gotten away with not having to be transparent or disclose what's in the bottle,' Katherine added.

'A lot of people might not care if animal by-products are used in the making of the wine, but we believe the consumer should be aware of that step so that they can make that decision for themselves,' she finished.
After having a pandemic baby, Lea Michele is enjoying the full pregnancy experience the second time around.

The Golden Globe nominee, 37, explained how her current pregnancy has been an 'incredibly different experience' than when she welcomed her son Ever Leo, 3.

'We were in California, and we were in a pandemic,' she told People.

'So it was a lot of just hanging out at home and very minimal activity,' added Michele. 'And now, it's New York, it's the busy streets. I'm working, I'm a mom, and it's very different.'

She also noted that 'none of my friends saw me pregnant, ever' when she and husband Zandy Reich were preparing to welcome their first baby.

Lea Michele explained how her current pregnancy has been an 'incredibly different experience' than when she welcomed her son Ever Leo, 3

She tied the knot with fashion exec Zandy Reich in 2019, and they welcomed Ever on Aug. 20, 2020

'You know, my best friend, Jonathan [Groff], never saw me pregnant,' she continued.

'He wasn't with me, and my dad was in New York, he was on the East Coast [during] the pandemic.'

Michele added, 'So to be able to have this experience and share this time with my friends and family has been really wonderful, and not something that I got to do before.'

The Glee alum opened up about her pregnancy experience while filling tote bags with Tylenol and other essentials for fellow expecting parents.

'Had so much fun with my partner @Tylenol packing baskets to help parents prepare for when their little ones get sick,' Michele wrote on her Instagram Story.

She wrapped her baby bump in a skintight red tank top dress by Michael Kors for the event. 'Michael always gets it right,' she captioned photos in the look.

Michele announced her second pregnancy in March, when she shared maternity photos on Instagram.

'Mommy, Daddy and Ever are overjoyed,' wrote Michele in the caption.

The Spring Awakening star revealed the sex of her second baby in May, sharing a photo of her baby bump for Mother's Day.

'We were in California, and we were in a pandemic,' she told People. 'So it was a lot of just hanging out at home and very minimal activity. And now, it's New York, it's the busy streets. I'm working, I'm a mom, and it's very different'

She also noted that 'none of my friends saw me pregnant, ever,' adding: 'You know, my best friend, Jonathan [Groff], never saw me pregnant'

She's been keeping fans updated on her second pregnancy since announcing the news in March

Earlier this week, the Glee alum opened up about her pregnancy experience while filling tote bags with Tylenol and other essentials for fellow expecting parents

'The most beautiful Mother's Day today, holding my son who made me a mamaand carrying my daughter,' wrote Michele in the caption.

She tied the knot with fashion exec Reich in 2019, and they welcomed Ever on Aug. 20, 2020.

Michele previously dated her Glee co-star Cory Monteith from 2008 until his death at age 31 in 2013.
Matt Groening has been named in a lawsuit filed by a former employee.

Giavanna Scotto has sued the Simpsons creator, 70, and his wife Agustina Picasso for multiple charges, including failure to prevent sexual harassment and failure to prevent sexual assault and battery, according to TMZ.

She worked as Groening's property manager at his Santa Monica estate, where she says she complained about harassment from a fellow employee.

The lawsuit says Groening and Picasso, 47, 'failed to act' when a fellow employee was sexually assaulting Scotto.

Scotto accused the colleague of grabbing her breasts and butt, as well as kissing her on the mouth multiple times, without her consent.

Giavanna Scotto has sued The Simpsons creator Matt Groening and his wife Agustina Picasso for multiple charges, including failure to prevent sexual harassment and failure to prevent sexual assault and battery

Based on animated shorts he made for The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, Groening created The Simpsons for Fox in 1989

The plaintiff said she received inappropriate text messages from the co-worker that said things like 'hello sweetheart' and 'miss you.'

'I miss you so much I love you I hope you are well I love you I love you,' she claimed he wrote her, as well as: 'I love you how is our son.'

She said she 'felt stalked' as he continued to harass her via text, unfazed by her lack of response.

Scotto claimed the couple 'failed to take appropriate corrective actions' after she told Picasso, who 'clearly knew of the harassment and failed to act.'

In the lawsuit, she said that the couple failing to take action resulted in her harasser continuing his behavior even after her employment.

Scotto also accused the couple of firing her in June 2022 without warning or cause.

Groening married Picasso in 2011, becoming stepfather to her daughter Camila Constantini.

They also share son Nathaniel Philip, 11, twins Luna Margaret and India Mia, 9, as well as 6-year-old twins Sol Matthew and Venus Ruth, daughter Nirvana, 4, and 2-year-old son Satori.

Additionally, the Emmy Award winner shares sons Homer and Abe with ex-wife Deborah Caplan, to whom he was married from 1986 to 1999.

The lawsuit says Groening and Picasso, 47, 'failed to act' when a fellow employee was sexually assaulting Scotto, who worked as their property manager

Scotto claimed the couple 'failed to take appropriate corrective actions' after she told Picasso, who 'clearly knew of the harassment and failed to act'

Scotto also accused the couple of firing her in June 2022 without warning or cause

Based on animated shorts he made for The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, Groening created The Simpsons for Fox in 1989.

Season 36 of the animated series premieres in September.

After patriarch Homer quipped in November that he doesn't choke his son Bart anymore, despite the long-running bit, Groening shared a response.

'Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart,' he said with an illustration of the father choking his son.

Groening has won 11 Emmy Awards for The Simpsons, as well as two for his show Futurama.
Richard Wilkins and his celebrity makeup artist girlfriend Mia Hawkswell looked every inch the doting couple when they arrived at Sydney Airport on Friday.

The Channel Nine presenter, 70, and his younger partner, 47, were spotted walking hand-in-hand as they made their way through the arrivals lounge at the bustling terminal.

Richard, who does not appear to be part of the Today show team currently in Paris to cover the Olympics, rocked a smart casual look in an unbuttoned black jacket paired with jeans.

He completed his look with black dress shoes, stylish sunglasses and accessorised with a tan carry bag.

The New Zealand-born star added a touch of colour to his look with a patterned scarf.

His brunette hair was freshly styled, and he looked to be in good spirits as he lovingly gazed into his partner's eyes as they strolled through the busy airport.

Richard's beautiful partner Mia rocked a slick all-black look in a cutting-edge blazer paired with a silk top and miniskirt.

She completed the eye-popping look with linen stockings and futuristic-styled sunglasses.

Richard Wilkins and his celebrity makeup artist girlfriend Mia Hawkswell looked every inch the doting couple when they arrived at Sydney Airport on Friday. Both pictured

The Channel Nine presenter, 70, and his partner, 47, were spotted walking hand-in-hand as they made their way through the arrivals lounge at the bustling terminal

Richard, who does not appear to be part of the Today show team currently in Paris to cover the Olympics, rocked a smart casual look in an unbuttoned black jacket paired with jeans

He completed his look with black dress shoes, stylish sunglasses and accessorised with a brown carry bag

The lovebirds look as though they didn't have a care in the world as they strolled with confidence and style through the bustling airport.

Meanwhile, Aussies haven't taken long to slam the Channel Nine coverage of the Paris Olympics, fuming at host Karl Stefanovic - if they were able to watch at all.

Thousands of Australians woke in the middle of the night to take in the opening of the Paris Games and had to wait hours for the Aussies to finally emerge because they are the 2032 host nation, with Olympic protocol dictating that they were the third-last nation to appear.

However, they were not impressed with Nine's treatment of the opening ceremony - and Stefanovic's commentary in particular.

The New Zealand-born star added a touch of colour to his look with a patterned scarf

His brunette hair was freshly styled and he looked to be in good spirits as he lovingly gazed into his partner's eyes as they strolled through the busy airport

They accused him of talking over important and entertaining parts of the ceremony with many taking to social media to call for him to be quiet.

The opening ceremony was also dulled by the miserable weather and rain that took the shine off the athletes' arrival.

But viewers didn't appreciate being reminded of that constantly through the broadcast.

Richard's beautiful partner Mia rocked a slick all-black look in a cutting-edge blazer paired with a silk top and miniskirt

She completed the eye-popping look with linen stockings and futuristic-styled sunglasses
Married At First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling took to social media on Saturday to provide a sad health update amid her battle with colon cancer.

The 52-year-old relationship therapist who announced she had been diagnosed with the disease in December and underwent surgery and chemotherapy after experiencing symptoms, revealed the cancer had left her feeling worn out.

Alongside a photo of her looking sad and frowning at the camera after a long day of filming, she wrote some heartbreaking words: 'This is me. Absolutely shattered after a big day on set.

'Exhausted but satisfied and ready for a huge rest.'

She then ended her reflective post with some more positive words: 'Cancer is tough... but I'm tougher.'

Mel also shared another photo of her looking glamorous after getting her hair and make up done, and captioned it with some happier thoughts: 'A few hours later... Different hair, look, lighting.'

It comes after Mel told of the agony she was left in before her cancer diagnosis.

Married At First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling (pictured) took to social media on Saturday to provide a sad health update, amid her battle with colon cancer

Speaking to new! magazine in March, Mel recalled the severe pain she was in while at work, saying: 'I was doubled over and shouting - the pain was so intense.'

Her doctors originally thought her symptoms were simply constipation but she soon became concerned after losing her appetite.

On a trip to Ireland with her husband Gareth, Mel said she was in 'so much pain' and struggled to hold down food or water.

Knowing something was still wrong, she went to see a gastroenterologist after returning to London who was 'concerned' about her unexplained weight loss.

The therapist, 52, who announced she had been diagnosed with the disease in December and underwent surgery and chemotherapy after experiencing symptoms, revealed the cancer had left her feeling worn out

Mel had a CT scan and returned a few days later to get her results, recalling the heart-breaking moment she was told she had cancer.

She said: 'We were sitting in his office and the doctor had a blank look and I thought, "This doesn't seem right," and he said, "It's cancer." I think I was numb, I didn't process it and I went into work mode, that's all I could focus on.'

The reality TV host revealed her shock health battle in December and underwent colon surgery just before the end of the year.

She explained that her tumour - which she has named 'Terry' - was removed by UK doctors - However, as the cancer spread through her colon into the muscle, Mel discovered she needed chemotherapy and began treatment at the end of February.
Ben Affleck appears to be putting roots down in Brentwood.

The Academy Award winner, 51, is reportedly in escrow on a home in the upscale Los Angles neighborhood, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star Josh Flagg told TMZ.

Lopez. 55, and Affleck listed their Beverly Hills home for $68 million earlier this month after purchasing the estate for $60 million last May.

They recently spent their 2nd wedding anniversary apart amid reports that they're living in separate homes.

As Lopez stayed in their marital home, Affleck has been living in a $100,000 monthly rental that's just a short drive from his ex-wife Jennifer Garner's Brentwood house.

Ben Affleck is reportedly in escrow on a home in the upscale Los Angles neighborhood of Brentwood, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star Josh Flagg told TMZ

Lopez and Affleck listed their Beverly Hills home for $68 million earlier this month after purchasing the estate for $60 million last Ma

He and Garner, 52, were married from 2005 to 2018, and they share children Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and 12-year-old Samuel.

Reports of the Affleck and Lopez's marital woes began circulating in May after the pair hadn't been seen together since late March.

A source told In Touch at the time: 'Ben already moved out and they'll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for.

'They'll never stop loving each other, but she can't control him, and he can't change her. There's no way it could have lasted.'

One of Lopez's LA-based friends told the Daily Mail: 'If it is only a question of putting the work in then you had better believe that [Jen] will turn it around.

'She has thrown her heart and soul into her love story with Ben and will not give it up without a fight,' the source added. 'From what I hear there is still a lot of love there, so there must be hope.'

Meanwhile, Lopez is currently in New York City, recently celebrating her 55th birthday in the Hamptons.

After hosting a Bridgerton-themed party, where Affleck was not in attendance, Lopez thanked her fans for their birthday messages in a post.

'I really do have the best, most amazing fans in the world,' she wrote.

As Lopez stayed in their marital home, Affleck has been living in a $100,000 monthly rental that's just a short drive from his ex-wife Jennifer Garner 's Brentwood house

Reports of the Affleck and Lopez's marital woes began circulating in May after the pair hadn't been seen together since late March

A source told In Touch at the time: 'Ben already moved out and they'll likely have to sell the dream house they spent two years searching for'

'I could never express how moved I am or how incredibly blessed I feel to have all of you be a part of my life. Thank you sooooo very much,' Lopez continued.

'It's hard to believe we have spent all this time together,' she added.

'It's funny as I sit here contemplating on the most extraordinary journey I still feel like the same girl starting out so full of energy and bravado, so ready to take on the whole world on the outside and yet so tender, fragile and sometimes frightened but always full of love on the inside.
San Francisco public health officials are reiterating their advice to consider indoor masking amid the summer COVID wave. But its only a recommendation, not a mandate. Laura Morton/Special to the Chronicle

San Francisco health officials are urging residents to consider wearing masks in some places amid a summer COVID-19 wave that continues to gain strength.

On social media Friday, the citys Department of Public Health advised, Make this summer a healthy one for yourself and others. With COVID-19 circulating, please consider wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor spaces.

More on the coronavirus: New COVID vaccines are now available. If you got sick this summer, when should you get yours?

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Outside of health care settings, most mask requirements were lifted more than three years ago, and its highly unlikely mandates will be reintroduced for the general public.

The health department clarified this was not a new recommendation but rather the reiteration of longstanding advice. For instance, the department suggested wearing a well-fitted mask indoors during the winter holidays and noted that caution is recommended throughout the year.

In a statement to the Chronicle, the health department said it posted the message again this week due to rising coronavirus wastewater levels across San Francisco and California and because COVID-19 is currently circulating at a higher level due to the summer swell.

According to CDC data, California is among the few states with very high wastewater levels of the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, corroborated by the Chronicles tracker showing high levels at most Bay Area sewage treatment plants  including both such facilities in San Francisco.

The citys seven-day average test positivity rate is 6.5%, compared to a statewide level of 13.8% as of Friday, with more recent figures still pointing to an increase.

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Some indicators hint the swell may be easing, as statewide emergency room visits rose at a slower pace than in recent weeks. Still, California is among 36 states experiencing rising infections, per CDC figures.

COVID-19 accounts for 1.6% of deaths in California, up slightly from the week before, but remains well below past peaks.

Right now, the wave of infections is actually higher than we saw last summer, epidemiologist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina told PBS this week, regarding the summer COVID wave spreading across the nation. But she noted that while hospitalizations and deaths are increasing, theyre starting at really low levels and not increasing as quickly as infections.

The highly transmissible FLiRT variants  KP.3, KP.2, KP.1.1, and LB.1  collectively make up approximately 95% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., per the CDC.

Nationally, the CDC reports a 14.3% test positivity rate  the highest it has been since the peak of the winter COVID-19 surge in January. Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are up by 13.5% from the previous week.

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The agency made a similar recommendation in its weekly respiratory virus snapshot to that given by San Francisco.

Surges like this are known to occur throughout the year, including during the summer months, the agency said. There are many effective tools to prevent spreading COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill, including immunization, ventilation, tests, distancing and masks.

While San Franciscos message on Friday depicted an individual wearing a surgical mask, the health department actually recommends well-fitted, high-quality respirators like N95, KN95 and KN94 for the best protection against respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus.

The agency also advised residents to stay updated with vaccinations.

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Theres really a combination of three things that drive our summer waves, Jetelina said. One is behavior change. Its really hot outside. People move indoors, and viruses love to spread indoors. Two is, COVID just keeps mutating. Its mutating about twice as fast as the flu, and every time a virus mutates, it really finds a way to start chipping away at our immunity wall.

And then, three, just waning immunity. Theres this gradual decrease in protection at about six months after a vaccine or previous infection. So all three of these things really means the virus has found plenty of people to infect this summer.

The CDC is set to offer updated vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, potentially as soon as August, in tandem with annual flu shots.

Every day of 2024 remaining is likely to have more transmission than today, Dr. Michael Hoerger of Tulane University School of Medicine, who leads the Pandemic Mitigation Collaboratives COVID forecasting model, told the Today show. People should really be taking the rest of the year very seriously.
Lindsay Lohan made fans go wild after a posting a radiant selfie on Instagram Friday.

The Disney alum, 38  who recently opened up about wanting a second child  looked incredible as she posed flashing a gentle smile during golden hour in her car.

She wore a white tank top and a pair of dark sunglasses as her sun-kissed skin glistened in the light.

Her strawberry-blonde locks were swept back into a messy bun as her layers fell out, framing her face.

'Happy Friday! #tgif,' Lohan penned in the caption, referencing her hit 2003 film, Freaky Friday.

Lindsay Lohan made fans go wild after a posting a radiant selfie on Instagram Friday

The starlet's post was a hit with her 14.5million followers, racking up over 60k likes.

Fans rushed to the comments to pen their support for the actress as one wrote, 'She's glowing.' Another chimed in, 'she's freaking back .'

One referenced her Disney film with co-star Jaime Lee Curtis writing, 'HAPPY FREAKY FRIDAY!!!!!'

Freaky Friday's hotly-anticipated sequel was announced in March and comes over two decades after the debut film was released.

Lindsay and her on-screen-mom, 65, were spotted filming scenes for the sequel in Los Angeles on Thursday.

When asked about the sequel, Lohan told People, 'I'm just excited to work with Jamie again and see how much further we can take it,' she noted after confirming she is reprising her role as Anna Coleman.

The New York native told the outlet that she thinks it will be a lot of 'fun.'

'Because we talk almost every other day in general, so I think we're going to have a lot of fun with this,' she added.

Nisha Ganatra is set to take on the role of directing the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The script is reportedly being handled by rising screenwriter Elyse Hollander.

Last year, while attending a celebration for the 20th anniversary of the original Freaky Friday, Lohan and Curtis both spoke about reuniting for a potential Freaky Friday 2 follow-up as the star admitted she was leading the charge for the sequel.

Disney confirmed that the project was in development at that same event.

Lindsay and her on-screen-mom, 65, were spotted filming scenes for the sequel in Los Angeles on Thursday

They were spotted in costume rocking sexy new ensembles

Freaky Friday's hotly-anticipated sequel was announced in March and comes over two decades after the debut film was released; seen in 2023

Curtis and Lohan portrayed a mother- teenage daughter duo who magically switch bodies in the 2003 adaptation of Mary Rodgers' 1972 Freaky Friday novel; seen in 2023

When asked about the sequel, Lohan told People, 'I'm just excited to work with Jamie again and see how much further we can take it,' she noted; Jaime Lee and Lindsay seen in 2023

Fans rushed to the comments to pen their support for the actress as one wrote, 'She's glowing.' Another chimed in, 'she's freaking back '; Lindsay seen in 2003

Curtis told the New York Times: 'As I went around the world with Halloween Ends, people wanted to know if there was going to be another Freaky Friday.'

'Something really touched a chord. When I came back, I called my friends at Disney and said, 'It feels like there's a movie to be made.''

Curtis and Lohan portrayed a mother- teenage daughter duo who magically switch bodies in the 2003 adaptation of Mary Rodgers' 1972 Freaky Friday novel.
Katie Holmes stepped out on an errand run in her adopted hometown of New York City on Friday.

The former Dawson's Creek star looked effortlessly stylish in a navy blue T-shirt and flared denim jeans.

She cinched in her waist with a brown leather belt and sported black mules.

Holmes kept a designer crossbody bag slung over her shoulder as she pressed her cellphone to her ear.

The actress appeared fresh-faced and her silky brunette hair flowed down to her waist.

Katie Holmes stepped out on an errand run in her adopted hometown of New York City on Friday

As she chatted on the phone, the mother to 18-year-old daughter Suri flashed her big beaming smile before crossing the street.

Just over a week ago Holmes announced she was joining the series Poker Face.

She's set to guest star for season two of the show that airs on NBC's Peacock streaming service.

While making the big reveal on social media she also unveiled some of the other high-profile actors that will be serving as guest stars in the new season.

Giancarlo Esposito, Gaby Hoffmann and Kumail Nanjiani are joining the ranks.

'Thank you [Natasha Lyonne] for having me!' Holmes captioned a screenshot of a Variety article confirming her season two role.

Poker Face stars Lyonne in the lead role of Charlie Cale, a cocktail waitress with the uncanny ability to tell when people are lying.

Additionally, Holmes went on to describe her new acting gig as a 'thrill.'

The former Dawson's Creek star looked effortlessly stylish in a navy blue T-shirt and flared denim jeans

Holmes kept a designer crossbody bag slung over her shoulder as she chatted on her cellphone

The Peacock show is a murder mystery stylized as a character-driven, case-of-the-week mystery, with each episode adapting the inverted detective story format popularized by Columbo.

The series centers on Charlie Cale, 'a casino worker with an innate ability to detect lies, traveling across the United States on the run from a casino boss following a suspicious death. Along the way, she encounters colorful characters and solves homicides in a variety of settings,' according to Wikipedia.

The show, and its 10 initial episodes that debuted in January 2023, received critical acclaim resulted in Lyonne being nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards this past January.

Lyonne starred alongside Benjamim Bratt, while the list of guest stars during the first season featured the likes of such known stars as Adrien Brody, Ron Perlman, Chloe Sevigny, John Ratzenberger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rhea Perlman, Luis Guzman, Ellen Barkin, Tim Meadows, Stephanie Hsu, and Judith Light.

Some of the other guest stars included Dascha Polanco, Noah Segan, Noah Segan, Hong Chau, Megan Suri, Colton Ryan, Brandon Micheal Hall, Chelsea Frei, Lil Rel Howery, Danielle Macdonald, Larry Brown, Shane Paul McGhie, Nicholas Cirillo, Chuck Cooper, John Darnielle, Reed Birney, Simon Helberg, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jameela Alia Jamil, among many others.

So far, neither Holmes nor Peacock have gone public to share about the character she's playing on Poker Face.

Just over a week ago Holmes announced she was joining the series Poker Face

She's set to guest star for season two of the show starring Natasha Lyonne (pictured) that airs on NBC's Peacock streaming service

While season two of Poker Face got the greenlight in February 2023, the network still hasn't confirmed the official premiere date just yet.

The Toledo native, best known for portraying Joey Potter on Dawson's Creek, is coming off two performances last year, which included her return to the theatre to star in the off-Broadway play The Wanderers by Ann Ziegler.

She also served as co-writer, director and actor in the drama film Rare Objects alongside Julia Mayorga, Saundra Santiago, Derek Luke, and Alan Cumming.
Michael C. Hall just can't seem to outrun the killer within.

The Golden Globe winner, 53, was announced to return to the Dexter franchise in two upcoming series as he appeared on a panel Friday at San Diego Comic-Con.

He will reprise his titular role in the upcoming sequel series Dexter: Resurrection for Paramount+ with Showtime.

The show has received a straight-to-series order.

Hall will also join the cast of the prequel show Dexter: Original Sin as the inner voice of young Dexter, played by Patrick Gibson.

Michael C. Hall was announced to return to the Dexter franchise in two upcoming series as he appeared on a panel Friday at San Diego Comic-Con

Resurrection will catch up with Dexter in present day, while Original Sin is set during his early police years in the '90s.

'We are thrilled to have the brilliant Michael C. Hall reprise his iconic role as Dexter Morgan in Showtime's most successful series ever,' said Paramount Global Co-CEO and President Chris McCarthy in a statement.

'While Dexter: Resurrection will appeal to the tens of millions of longtime fans, Dexter: Original Sin will introduce a whole new generation of viewers into this iconic series by starting from the beginning, which is sure to satisfy existing audiences as well,' he added.

A teaser for Original Sin was also debuted during Friday's panel, recreating the original show's opening sequence with Gibson, 29.

When the show was given a straight-to-series order at Showtime last year, the official synopsis said the show would 'dramatize young Dexter Morgan at the outset of his transition into the avenging serial killer he would become.

'Set in the Miami that was a hotbed of real serial killers of his time, the show will begin as Dexter graduates college to join Miami Metro, where he meets younger versions of many of the characters we came to know in the original Dexter.

'And, of course, the show will also focus on Dexters family, including a very-much-alive Harry and a very formidable, teenage Deb.'

Last month, Patrick Dempsey and Sarah Michelle Gellar joined the cast of the prequel series, which also features Christian Slater and Christina Milian.

While production on Original Sin is still underway, the show is expected to premiere in December.

Hall will join the cast of the prequel show Dexter: Original Sin as the inner voice of young Dexter, played by Patrick Gibson

Hall will also reprise his titular role in the upcoming sequel series Dexter: Resurrection for Paramount+ with Showtime

A teaser for Original Sin was also debuted during Friday's panel, recreating the original show's opening sequence with Gibson, 29

Gibson and Hall seen at Friday's panel

The sequel series was also announced along with the prequel, following 'the ongoing emergence of Dexters son Harrison,' who was previously revealed to be battling with his own Dark Passenger.

The show will see Harrison as he flees to New York City following the events of the Dexter: New Blood miniseries finale in 2022.

Hall starred in Showtime's Dexter for its eight-season run from 2006 to 2013, playing the titular forensic investigator who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer, targeting the murderers who slipped through the justice system.
Sarah Abo set temperatures soaring on Saturday when she took to social media to share a jaw-dropping make-up free selfie of herself posing outside the Eiffel Tower.

The Today show co-host, who is currently in Paris to cover the Olympic Games for Channel Nine, was all smiles in the heartwarming picture, as she gave the Peace sign to the camera.

The stunner, 38, highlighted her natural beauty in the eye-popping photo by going make-up free, and rocked a smart casual look in a white tank top paired with black pants and white sneakers.

She accessorised with stylish sunglasses and allowed her jet-black hair to hang freely around her shoulders in loose waves.

The veteran journalist could not wipe the smile off her face as she posed up a storm in front of one of France's most famous landmarks, shortly before attending the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

Sarah captioned the photo with some excited words: 'The stage is all set for the final stage of the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.'

It comes after Abo suffered a fashion faux pas on Thursday morning during her work trip to France.

The Today co-anchor was filming a segment for her Channel Nine breakfast show in the French capital when a guest revealed she had broken a huge rule.

Sarah Abo (pictured) set temperatures soaring on Saturday when she took to social media to share a jaw-dropping make-up free selfie of herself posing outside the Eiffel Tower

Wearing a simple white T-shirt and black jeans, the presenter draped a grey scarf over her shoulders and covered her dark locks with a cream beret.

But when she met up with Australian expat and podcaster Oliver Gee, he was quick to point out 'only tourists and old men in the countryside' wear berets in France.

'I've got my beret on, my baguettes, and I'm about to find out if I can really pull off this whole Parisian thing,' Sarah told viewers at the beginning of the segment.

But Oliver told her: 'Love the baguettes, love the bonjour, not so sure about the beret.'

The Today show co-host, 38, who is currently in Paris to cover the Olympic Games for Channel Nine, was all smiles in the heartwarming picture

'What do you mean? Don't all French people wear berets?' Sarah asked and Oliver added: 'Just the tourists and the old men in the countryside. It's not right. I think we need to lose it before we begin.'

The journalist appeared disappointed as she pulled off the hat, saying that she 'was really digging' the look of it.

Sarah flew to France for the Paris Olympics in style last Friday - She was spotted checking into her first class flight at Sydney Airport.
Three members of gospel group The Nelons have been killed in tragic plane crash.

The group is formed of Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and Kelly's daughters Amber Nelon Kistler and Autumn Nelon Streetman.

Kelly, Jason and Amber were amongst those killed in the accident, with Amber's husband Nathan Kistler, and three friends also dead.

They were travelling to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise when the plane crashed over a remote area of northeastern Wyoming. There were no survivors.

Autumn, who wasn't on the plane released a statement on Saturday to announce the sad news.

Three members of gospel group The Nelons have been killed in tragic plane crash (L-R Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, and Kelly's daughters Autumn Nelon Streetman and Amber Nelon Kistler, pictured)

Kelly, Jason and Amber were amongst those killed in the accident, with Amber's husband Nathan Kistler, and three friends also dead

She wrote: 'As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister, Amber, and brother-in-law, Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday.

'Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jasons parents, Dan and Linda Clark. We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days.'

A statement from Gaither Management Group added: 'One of the best loved Gospel music families in America, The Nelons were involved in a tragic, fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.

'Killed in the crash were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, along with the pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.

'Autumn, Jason and Kellys youngest daughter, and her husband, Jamie Streetman were not on the plane and arrived safely into Seattle and were notified of the accident.

'They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief, pledging to support them in whatever needs arise.

'Autumn and Jamie will return home for now to Kellys brother, Todd Nelon and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead. Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers.'

The Campbell County Sheriffs Office reports the crash happened at around 1PM on Friday, July 26, just north of Gillett.

Fatalities are yet to be confirmed.
It's the scandal that has threatened to put an end to Saturday night favourite Strictly Come Dancing.

And now, on the eve of the BBCs verdict on whether pro-dancer Giovanni Pernice bullied partner Amanda Abbington from the show, the Sicilian star is convinced he has evidence that proves he is far from the cruel, abusive and mean man the actress has painted him to be.

Today, The Mail on Sunday can reveal exactly what that evidence is  and surprisingly it comes from Ms Abbingtons mouth, not his.

The 33-year-old has handed investigators a 28-minute audio tape of Ms Abbington and him in conversation which his team believes proves that, far from bullying her, he was hugely supportive.

We can also reveal that Mr Pernice handed the inquiry a dossier of screenshots of WhatsApp messages between himself and Ms Abbington, 50, in which she gushes at how helpful he has been, how much she likes him and apologises to him. This newspaper can also reveal that:

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice perform on BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing

Ms Abbington apparently struggling with the rehearsals during the dance contest

Mr Pernices former dance partners, including television presenter Laura Whitmore and Radio 2 host Richie Anderson, as well as members of the Strictly crew, were invited by the BBC to give statements of their experiences of working with him during the investigation;

Another ex-partner Debbie McGee, the wife of late magician Paul Daniels, backed Mr Pernice, saying he had been extremely supportive during her time on the show;

A Strictly insider said Mr Pernice had found himself managing vulnerable Ms Abbingtons emotions on many occasions;

The pro dancer is considering action against the BBC, with friends saying he believes psychological tests should have been carried out on the actress before she was signed up.

During the audio clip, Ms Abbington tells Mr Pernice that, if she were him, she would have thrown me out of the window by now in an apparent acknowledgement that she can be difficult.

The Sherlock actress also refers to how she self-sabotages, repeatedly mentions how he has been a support to her and describes herself as a nightmare.

The actress wipes away a tear during an interview on Channel 4 News earlier this week

The Strictly partners showing off their moves on the dancefloor during the series

Pernice kisses Miss Abbington on the forehead during rehearsals for the dance contest

The pair danced together from August until October last year, when she quit the series after six weeks, citing medical reasons.

Sources close to the situation say Mr Pernice expects to be cleared after the three-month investigation, with the BBC announcing its findings to both parties tomorrow. The corporation is also expected to release an anodyne statement.

A Strictly insider told The Mail on Sunday: The truth of the matter is Giovanni would spend a lot of time trying to calm Amanda down.

He found himself managing her emotions on many occasions. She was vulnerable but he wanted to do the very best he could for her, as well as teach her to dance.

She would describe herself as a nightmare, Giovanni would be nice and try to calm her down and make her feel better about herself.

She would say that he was her support, that he would talk her down from her difficulties.

While Gio wouldnt say he found it easy to do this, he did it. He saw it as his duty. He was the professional dancer and his job was to look after her and teach her to dance.

This is the crux of why Giovanni is upset that all of this has happened. He tried to be a massive support to her.

And as far as he is concerned, he can prove this. He has evidence and he hopes that it will help clear his name.

It can also be revealed that, on one occasion, Ms Abbington told Mr Pernice she had a medical issue and he was quick to help her.

One friend of the dancer said: Gio was concerned and wanted to be of assistance to her. Again, he has that evidence.

It is also understood Ms Abbingtons past insistence that she and Mr Pernice got on well has also been taken into consideration.

In particular, a video she posted on Instagram to deny reports the pair had fallen out is said to be especially interesting.

For her part, Ms Abbington is adamant that she experienced unacceptable bullying.

The investigation has been a frustrating one for the BBC, particularly as Ms Abbington has spoken out several times before the inquirys conclusion.

We can also reveal that Mr Pernices former dance partners were invited by the BBC to give evidence about their own experiences working with him. Among those asked were Ms Whitmore, Mr Anderson, Ms McGee, Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh and deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis. Many agreed to be interviewed.

One friend of Ms McGee  who took part in Strictly just six months after her husband died  said: Debbie has been behind Gio from day one. She was invited in by the BBC to see if she wanted to participate and she jumped at the chance.

She wanted to be there when he needed her the most, just like he was for her.

Others also spoke to investigators, according to BBC insiders. One said: There were some who you might not have expected to give Gio a positive report, but they did.

Meanwhile, members of the Strictly crew were also interviewed. It is understood none reported they had experienced or witnessed Mr Pernice behaving badly.

The scandal unfolded at the turn of the year after Ms Abbington told The Sun she had suffered PTSD as a result of appearing on Strictly. She also reportedly asked to see rehearsal footage so she could pass it to her lawyers.

The BBC refused her request. In April, it launched an investigation into her claims. Last week, in an interview on Channel 4 News, the actress claimed that an incident of a humiliating sexual nature had taken place on the show and revealed she had received dozens of death and rape threats each day after she complained to the BBC that Mr Pernice had bullied her.

Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice on last year's Strictly Come Dancing

Mr Pernices spokesman said he was not made aware of the sexual allegations until his lawyers at Schillings were offered a right to reply just hours before the interview was aired on Wednesday. He vehemently denies the claims.

Previously, Ms Abbington had claimed Mr Pernice stamped on her foot, leaving her with a bruised toe. She has given no other details.

Last Sunday, she told The Sun: I found Giovannis behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldnt sit back and let him do that to other people. Again, she offered no details.

During her Channel 4 News interview, Ms Abbington said she wanted to be remunerated for loss of earnings following her Strictly appearance and bullying claims.

But the BBC also faces potential action from Mr Pernice, who is unhappy he was paired with Ms Abbington without TV chiefs doing psychological tests on her.

Gio feels like he has been failed in terms of their duty of care, says one friend of the star.

Yesterday, a spokesman for Ms Abbington said: These details dont alter anything: as Amanda has repeatedly made clear, she did her best to make things work.

This included being open with Giovanni about her shortcomings as a dancer and her awareness that this must have been difficult for him.

For these comments to now be presented as some form of an excuse for the bullying that Amanda experienced is as unacceptable as the behaviour itself.
Chris Hemsworth was looking casually stylish as he arrived back in Sydney on Saturday after a trip to the USA.

The 40-year-old actor strolled through the terminal in a plain white T-shirt under a woven light cardigan with short sleeves.

The Thor star added a pair of loose fit blue jeans and a pair of well-loved white sneakers.

Chris covered up his famous face with a pair of designer sunglasses and had on a black cap.

He finished his look with a gold chain necklace and ring, as well as dark boho bracelets.

The star was assisted by minders as he made his way outside the airport while pushing along two suitcases.

Chris made his long-awaited return to San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday to showcase the new trailer for his animated film Transformers One.

He was long a mainstay of Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center when he was starring as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies.

Chris Hemsworth (pictured) was looking casually stylish as he arrived back in Sydney on Saturday after a trip to the USA

The 40-year-old actor strolled through the terminal in a plain white T-shirt under a woven light cardigan with short sleeves

The Thor star added a pair of loose fit blue jeans and a pair of well-loved white sneakers

The actor was back for Transformers One, Paramount's animated prequel to the Transformers franchise, which hits theaters September 20.

He was joined by co-stars Brian Tyree Henry (D-16), Keegan-Michael Key (B-127) and director Josh Cooley at the Hall H panel, where the trailer was shown to fans for the first time.

Hemsworth hit the stage in Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center donning a white t-shirt under a white button-down short-sleeved shirt with a long gold chain.

He was joined by his co-stars and director to discuss the film and reveal the latest trailer, which showcases how Optimus Prime - then known as Orion Pax - and Megatron - then D-16 - used to be the best of friends.

Chris covered up his famous face with a pair of designer sunglasses and had on a black cap

He finished his look with a gold chain necklace and ring, as well as dark boho bracelets

The star was assisted by minders as he made his way outside the airport while pushing along two suitcases

Chris made his long-awaited return to San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday to showcase the new trailer for his animated film Transformers One

He was long a mainstay of Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center when he was starring as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies

Chris was also recently on holiday, getting away from the Aussie winter with a sojourn in Europe with his family

Chris was also recently on holiday, getting away from the Aussie winter with a sojourn in Europe.

He and his wife Elsa Pataky took their three children on holiday to Spain as they went sightseeing around Barcelona.

They also celebrated Elsa's 48th birthday during the big trip to her native Spain, with the actress taking to Instagram to share pictures from the epic adventure.

The couple and their kids India, 12, and twin boys Sasha and Tristan, 10, visited the city's top spots, enjoyed bike rides and went on for very lavish meals during the trip.
Ant McPartlin and his wife Anne-Marie looked every inch the doting parents as they soaked up the sun on Thursday during their family holiday to Portugal.

The presenter, 48, enjoyed a stroll and a spot of shopping in the Algarve with his wife, 46, and their baby son Wilder, who they welcomed to the world in May.

He cut a casual figure in a navy Ralph Lauren t-shirt, paired with grey shorts and sliders, meanwhile Anne-Marie sported an oversized shirt with pastel stripes, displaying her tanned legs.

She completed her summery look with a pair of tan sandals and green shades to inject a pop of colour.

The new parents looked in high spirits as they pushed around their baby boy in a pram and browsed in local tourist shops.

Ant McPartlin and his wife Anne-Marie looked every inch the doting parents as they soaked up the sun on Thursday during their family holiday to Portugal

The presenter, 48, enjoyed a stroll and a spot of shopping in the Algarve with his wife, 46, and their baby son Wilder, who they welcomed to the world in May

Ant cut a casual figure in a navy Ralph Lauren t-shirt, paired with grey shorts and sliders, meanwhile Anne-Marie sported an oversized shirt with pastel stripes

The couple jetted to Portugal for their family holiday after Ant headed to Mallorca with his pal Declan Donnelly to film a new advert for travel company TUI.

They seem to be enjoying their precious family time with the little one, who is their first child together.

Ant and Anne-Marie were also spotted on a walk during their holiday on July 22 - exactly 18 years to the day after he originally tied the knot with ex-wife Lisa Armstrong in 2006. The couple divorced in 2018.

He looked pleased to be spending time with Anne-Marie and Wilder, amid his drawn out custody battle over his beloved dog Hurley with ex Lisa, 47

The former couple adopted the dog in 2013 following struggles to have a child of their own, but then split in 2018 after 12 years of marriage.

Lisa shares joint custody of Hurley with Ant but reports say she wants sole possession of him - something he is said to have resisted.

Last month, the make-up artist took to her Instagram to celebrate the pooch's 11th birthday on Instagram with a sweet tribute.

Showing her love for her four-legged friend, she shared a series of snaps of Hurley over the years, from a puppy to now.

Ant looked pleased to be spending time with his family, amid his drawn out custody battle over his beloved dog Hurley with ex Lisa (pictured)

Ant addressed fans' concerns as he wrote: 'For all you dog lovers who asked why my beloved Hurley wasnt on the family tree..he was!! He was just covered by our newborn'

Captioning the photos, she wrote: 'My Baby Boy is 11!!! Happy Birthday Hurley you absolute beauty. #MamasBaby Boy'.

Ant is said to have refused to surrender full custody of Hurley to his ex during their reported 31 million divorce battle, reportedly telling lawyers: 'She can have anything she wants  except the dog.'

Lisa was said to have expressed a wish to care for the Lab full-time in February - and friends close to the make-up artist say that desire is stronger than ever following the birth of Ant's first-born.

'She felt very betrayed by both Ant and Anne-Marie and felt that none of this has been handled sensitively, especially the announcement of the baby,' sources have told The Sun.

'The one thing that has got her through it and been by her side constantly is Hurley  she doesn't know what she would do without him. He's more than just a dog to her and has been a lifeline at times.'

They added: 'Ant obviously loves Hurley as well but he now has a lot of other responsibilities and things going on in his life and Lisa can't see why she can't have full custody of him. She needs Hurley by her side.'

The former couple reportedly agreed to take it in turns to look after Hurley, with the arrangement seeing Ant's chauffeur ferrying the dog between them so they did not have to see each other.

As well as welcoming his son in May, Ant also unveiled his new tattoo which is a tribute to his family.

Holding the newborn, Ant revealed a family tree tattoo on his upper arm, however fans accused him of 'snubbing' dog Hurley whose name didn't seem to be on the design.

Ant addressed fans' concerns as he wrote: 'Hey all, I just wanted to say thank You so much for the kind messages of love and well wishes for our baby Wilder. Hes doing great.

'Glad you loved the tattoo as well. For all you dog lovers who asked why my beloved Hurley wasnt on the family tree..he was!! He was just covered by our newborn. All my love, gratitude and heartfelt thanks A.'

In May, Lisa returned to social media for the first time since the presenter welcomed baby Wilder with a cryptic post.

Taking to her Instagram Stories stating that 'behaviour never lies', Lisa re-posted the quote, originally said by Winston Churchill, that stated: 'I no longer listen to what people say, I watch what they do. Behaviour never lies.'

She also shared a snap of four labradors, including Hurley, along with the caption: 'Got the band back together.'
Strictly's Dianne Buswell waved her arms in the air as she joined her fellow professional dancers at rehearsals on Friday.

Luba Mushtuk and Karen Hauer held hands as a sign of support as they walked into training arm in arm.

Nikita Kuzmin answered some phone calls before arriving into the gruelling rehearsals for this year's series.

He was later joined by his beloved girlfriend Lauren Jaine as he departed training in his white Fiat 500.

Meanwhile, Strictly's executive producer Sarah James made an appearance amid the ongoing investigations into allegations.

Strictly's Dianne Buswell waved her arms in the air as she joined her fellow professional dancers at rehearsals on Friday

Luba Mushtuk (R) and Karen Hauer (L) held hands as a sign of support as they walked into training arm in arm

The professional dancers' cheerful arrival came jut after it was reported that former Strictly contestant Zara McDermott suffered a leg fracture during training for the BBC show.

The Love Island star, 27, picked up the nasty injury while preparing for a performance with her professional partner Graziano Di Prima, and despite being in agonising pain, pushed through to compete in the dance-off.

According to sources, Zara was unaware she'd suffered the injury until she sought medical help after being eliminated from the show, and it was only recently revealed to show bosses when she was interviewed about Graziano's conduct.

Graziano was sacked by Strictly bosses earlier this month after it was alleged footage emerged that showed him physically and verbally abusing Zara in training.

According to The Sun, Zara relied on painkillers to get through her ten-hour training sessions with Graziano, with the pair agreeing to plough on and compete in the dance-off, before being voted off the show in Halloween Week.

Zara was then reportedly taken to hospital, where an X-Ray revealed she had severe ligament damage plus a stress fracture on her left tibia.

A source said: 'She started developing a really bad, niggly pain in her left leg at training. The pain got worse and by the last few weeks, she was in agony, popping painkillers before, during and after sessions.

'She made Graziano aware of her discomfort but he was pretty adamant they needed to crack on.

Nikita Kuzmin answered some phone calls before arriving into the gruelling rehearsals for this year's series

He was later joined by his beloved girlfriend Lauren Jaine as he departed training in his white Fiat 500

Meanwhile, Strictly's executive producer Sarah James made an appearance amid the ongoing investigations into allegations

Johannes Radebe was in fits of laughter as he arrived for training

'Obviously they both wanted to get the highest scores possible, and unfortunately she pushed through the pain. She wasn't seen to by medics on site, and production weren't aware of the extent of her injury.'

Zara is thought to have told BBC bosses of the 'rigorous' training sessions she endured while paired with Graziano on the show.

However, a source close to Graziano told the publication that he encouraged her to take breaks, and she wanted to continue training despite her pain.

A spokesman for Zara declined to comment to The Sun. MailOnline has contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing, Zara McDermott and Graziano Di Prima for comment.

After Zara was pictured in a recovery boot earlier this year, she shared on social media that she'd suffered a stress fracture on her tibia, but did not say at the time it stemmed from her time on Strictly.

It comes following reports on Thursday that Zara's pal Pete Wicks has joined the Strictly lineup.

A source told The Sun: 'Pete has joined the Strictly line up and is excited to get started.

The professional dancers' cheerful arrival came jut after it was reported that former Strictly contestant Zara McDermott suffered a leg fracture during training for the BBC show (pictured)

The Love Island star, 27, picked up the nasty injury while preparing for a performance with her professional partner Graziano Di Prima , and despite being in agonising pain, pushed through to compete in the dance-off

'He isn't much of a dancer but that's what the BBC loved about him. They wanted the show to feel more like it did in the beginning. Pete is also going to attract younger viewers who have followed his career since Towie.'

It comes following reports on Sunday that Graziano was accused of 'chasing' after Zara while 'screaming abuse,' leaving her so frightened that she 'locked herself in a toilet.'

He has apologised for kicking his former partner, but added other allegations do not align with 'how he remembers it.'

According to the reports, shock details have now been revealed which allege he 'called her nasty names, asked if she had gained weight and was forceful' leaving her 'visibly demoralised' and 'in tears.'

Zara herself previously claimed in a statement there had been 'particular incidents inside the training room which were incredibly distressing.'

She did not report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash, instead it was junior production staff who came forward.

An insider told The Sun: 'Zara ran to the toilets and locked herself in. He chased after her and was screaming abuse. He was aggressive and called her nasty names. It was really scary.

'You could constantly hear Graziano screaming but when production staff opened the door he would stop. Hed say, "How the f*** are you not getting this right?", and "Why are we even bothering to come here?". Zara was visibly demoralised.'

Graziano was sacked by Strictly bosses earlier this month after it was alleged footage emerged that showed him physically and verbally abusing Zara in training

The insider added that Graziano would apologise each time and 'promise to not do it again.'

On Thursday, Mark Borkowski, a spokesperson for Graziano, told BBC News: 'There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that.

He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time.'

Referring to the media reports, Mark added: 'But he doesn't recognise some of the issues surrounding it. The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned.'

'He [Graziano] has literally cut himself off from civilisation. I think that's a wise thing to do, supported by his wife. He's coming to terms with his mental health issues.'

Graziano believed the matter had been resolved at the time.

The investigation into his behaviour was triggered by Strictly's bid to clean up the show after fellow Italian Giovanni Pernice was accused of abusive behaviour by his 2023 dance partner Amanda Abbington, which resulted in him leaving the show. Giovanni denies the claims.

According to show insiders, video footage of Graziano mistreating Zara gave bosses no choice but to cancel his contract.

Addressing his departure on Instagram, Graziano wrote: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away.'

It comes following reports on Sunday that Graziano was accused of 'chasing' after Zara while 'screaming abuse,' leaving her so frightened that she 'locked herself in a toilet'

He continued: 'While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.'

He concluded the post: 'I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.'

A BBC Spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We will not be commenting on individuals or engaging with speculation.

'However, as we have said previously we will always listen if people want to make us aware of something or raise it with us directly and we have appropriate procedures and processes in place to manage this.'

Zara broke her silence after Graziano was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing over reports he 'hit and kicked' her on Tuesday.

The Love Island star wrote on Instagram that while much of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' inside the training room with Graziano there were 'particular incidents which are incredibly distressing'.

'I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports,' Zara begain. 'Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.'

'When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it.'

Giovanni Pernice was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda Abbington and two other former celebrity partners, which he has vehemently denied (pictured with Amanda on show)

'I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.'

'And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to worth with.

'However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredible distressing to watch.

Zara explained that she didn't report the incidents at the time as she was 'scared' of backlash.

Instead it was junior production staff who came forward to share what they had witnessed as the investigation into pro dancer Giovanni Pernice was taking place.

Giovanni was suspended while a BBC probe is underway over allegations made by Amanda Abbington and two other former celebrity partners, which he has vehemently denied.

Appearing on Lorraine on Thursday, Amanda claimed she had friction with Giovanni almost immediately after rehearsals began and she voiced concerns about him with producers on day three.

Asked when she first made it clear something was wrong, Amanda said: '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.' That was the first week.'

Appearing on Lorraine on Thursday, Amanda claimed she had friction with Giovanni almost immediately after rehearsals began and she voiced concerns about him with producers on day three

The Sherlock actress has previously described the rehearsal room with Giovanni as a 'toxic' environment, saying: 'I've been going into rehearsal rooms for 32 years. I know what rehearsal rooms are supposed to be like.

'You have a duty of care to bring into that rehearsal room passion, sensitivity and kindess. That wasn't extended to me and I said, I don't think this is right.'

Asked whether there were further discussions at that stage, she said: 'Many, many.'

The couple were paired for the show last year but Amanda left after week six - and she has since made a series of allegations about her time on the programme.

But Amanda 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.

Explaining why she spoke out despite an ongoing BBC investigation, she 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.'
The scandal which has threatened to put an end to the BBC's Saturday night flagship show Strictly Come Dancing has taken a fresh turn today as professional dancer Giovanni Pernice unveils a dossier of evidence he believes will exonerate him.

Former partner actress Amanda Abbington claims that he bullied her during her time on the show, before she withdrew citing medical reasons.

The professional is convinced he has presented evidence that proves he is far from the 'cruel, abusive and mean' man the Sherlock star claims he is. It comes as a three-month investigation the BBC is set to reveal its verdict on Monday.

Amanda Abbington referred to herself as a 'nightmare' as she and Giovanni Pernice danced from August to October last year

Sources close to the situation say that Mr Pernice now expects to be cleared of bullying Ms Abbington (pictured) after the three-month investigation

Mr Pernice, 33, handed investigators a 28-minute long audio of Ms Abbington and him in conversation which his team proves he was instead hugely supportive.

During the clip, she told Mr Pernice that if she was him she 'would have thrown me out of the window by now' in an apparent acknowledgement that she could be difficult.

She also admitted she 'self sabotages' and repeatedly referred to how he supported her as she struggled with the show.

Ms Abbington even described herself as a 'nightmare' during the time they danced together from August until October last year.

The Mail On Sunday also reveals Mr Pernice handed the corporation lengthy screenshots of WhatsApp messages between himself and Ms Abbington, 50, where she would gush at how helpful he had been, how much she liked him and also makes apologies to him.

Sources close to the situation say that Mr Pernice now expects to be cleared of bullying her after the three-month investigation, with the BBC announcing its findings to both parties on Monday. The Corporation is also expected to release an 'anodyne' statement.

The investigation has been a frustrating one for the BBC, particularly as Ms Abbington has spoken out several times in the last week in advance of the end of the probe.

Last week she said that there was an incident of a 'humiliating sexual nature' in an interview with Channel 4 News presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who took part in the same series of Strictly.

She also said she received dozens of death and rape threats each day after she complained to the BBC that Mr Pernice had been bullying her.

This newspaper can reveal that Mr Pernice's former dance partners were invited in by the BBC to explain their own experiences of working with him.

Meanwhile, members of the Strictly crew were also interviewed. It is understood none reported that they had either experienced or witnessed Mr Pernice, 33, behave badly.

The scandal unfolded at the turn of the year after Ms Abbington told The Sun that she had suffered from PTSD as a result of appearing on Strictly. She also reportedly asked to see rehearsal footage so she could pass it onto her lawyers.

Last week in an interview with Channel 4 News, a tearful Ms Abbington said an incident of a 'humiliating sexual nature' took place

Mr Pernice, 33, (pictured with Ms Abbington in rehearsals) handed investigators at the BBC a 28-minute long audio of the pair in conversation which his team believes proves that far from bullying her, he was instead hugely supportive

The BBC refused her request. In April, it launched a formal investigation into her claims that Mr Pernice had bullied during their training sessions.

Mr Pernice's spokesman said that he was not made aware of the sexual allegations until Channel 4 approached his lawyers at Schillings to offer a right to reply just hours before the interview was aired on Wednesday. He vehemently denies the claims.

Previously, Ms Abbington had claimed Mr Pernice stamped on her foot, leaving her with a bruised toe. She has given no other details.

Last Sunday she told The Sun: 'I found Giovanni's behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn't sit back and let him do that to other people.' She offered no further details.

Meanwhile, the fallout at the BBC is said to be 'serious.' Bosses are already under scrutiny over why the investigation took three months, during which time significant damage was done to Strictly, often referred to as the jewel in the Corporation's crown.

But insiders have hit back by saying that it was because the inquiry went on for so long that Strictly staff were able to raise professional dancer Graziano Di Prima hitting and kicking his former partner Zara McDermott. Investigators fired him within 48 hours, citing misconduct.

Despite the outcome of the inquiry into Mr Pernice being expected tomorrow, sources at the BBC say there could be more to come.

During her interview with Mr Guru-Murthy, Ms Abbington said she wanted to be remunerated for loss of earnings following her appearance on the show and the claims she was bullied.

But they also face potential action from Mr Pernice, who is unhappy that he was paired with Ms Abbington without them doing any psychological tests on her.

Yesterday, a spokesman for Ms Abbington said: 'These details don't alter anything: as Amanda has repeatedly made clear, she did her best to make things work.

'This included being open with Giovanni about her own shortcomings as a dancer and her awareness that this must have been difficult for him.

'For these comments to now be presented as some form of an excuse for the bullying that Amanda experienced is as unacceptable as the behaviour itself.'
China's development, opening up to bring new opportunities for China-EU cooperation: Wang Yi

Xinhua) 11:45, July 27, 2024

VIENTIANE, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell here on Friday.

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 drawn a new blueprint for further deepening reforms in a comprehensive manner and advancing Chinese-style modernization.

China's high-quality development and high level of opening up will also bring new opportunities for China-EU cooperation, Wang added.

The consensus between China and the EU far outweighs the differences, Wang said, noting that a healthy, stable and sustainable China-EU relationship is in the fundamental interests of both sides and is also the common expectation of the international community.

He added that China and the EU should stay committed to the partnership, keep to the overall direction of cooperation, respect the will and choices of their respective people, dialogue on an equal footing, enhance understanding, and cope with the uncertainty of the international situation with the stability of China-EU relations.

Wang said China will, as always, support the European integration and the EU's maintaining on strategic autonomy. The Chinese side hopes that the new EU leadership will pursue a rational and pragmatic policy towards China, look at China's development in an objective and friendly way, and realize a smooth transition in China-EU relations.

Wang said the EU's anti-subsidy investigations into China's electric vehicles is typical trade protectionism and is not conducive to global green transformation.

It is hoped that the two sides will find a reasonable solution through dialogue and consultation to jointly safeguard the free trade system and economic globalization, Wang noted.

Borrell said the EU attaches importance to Europe-China relations and maintains an independent policy towards China, noting that the EU is willing to maintain communication with China for the two sides to better understand their respective positions.

The EU is not involved in curbing China's development and is happy to see China's rise, and hopes to share mutual concerns with China openly and frankly, and develop a balanced Europe-China economic and trade relationship, Borrell said.

The EU has always maintained that Taiwan is not a country and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, said Borrell, adding that the EU will continue to pursue the one-China policy.

The EU attaches importance to the peace initiative of China and Brazil on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, congratulates China for promoting the reconciliation of Palestinian factions, and is willing to work with China to promote peace, said the EU official.

Wang, the Chinese foreign minister, elaborated on China's principled position on the Ukraine crisis, saying that the most urgent task is to cool down the situation, and that China has always insisted on urging peace and promoting talks and a political solution.

The Chinese side supports the EU in playing a leading role in exploring a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, Wang said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Alphabet subsidiary Verily Life Sciences, which ran mobile COVID-19 test centers during the pandemic, is relocating its corporate headquarters to Dallas. It plans to maintain a strong presence in the Bay Area. Peter DaSilva/Special to the Chronicle Alphabet subsidiary Verily Life Sciences, which ran mobile COVID-19 test centers during the pandemic, is relocating its corporate headquarters to Dallas. It plans to maintain a strong presence in the Bay Area. Peter DaSilva/Special to the Chronicle

Verily Life Sciences, the health care subsidiary of Googles parent company Alphabet, has announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from South San Francisco to Dallas.

In a statement on social media this week, Verily highlighted its significant involvement in the North Texas health care and tech sectors since opening an office there three years ago, prompting the move.

The area offers a growing talent pool in health and technology and provides a central U.S. office location for Verily to bridge our east and west coast locations, the statement said. As the industry and regional population grow in Dallas, we look forward to our continued contributions as an economic player and community leader in the years ahead.

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A Verily spokesperson confirmed the relocation to the Chronicle but stressed that the company would maintain a presence in the Bay Area, alongside offices in Boston and Raleigh, N.C.

The Bay Area is where the intersection of health care and technology originated, and it continues to be an important biotech and technology hub, the spokesperson said. We have over 500 employees across our Bay Area offices and we will continue to hire and invest in our offices in San Bruno and Mountain View in the coming years.

No job losses are expected from the move. Californias Employment Development Department confirmed to the Chronicle that no layoff notices have been filed due to this decision.

Verily, which emerged from Googles moonshot factory, aims to make personalized health care more affordable through research and financing. CEO Stephen Gillett moved to Dallas after launching the North Texas operations in 2021. Chief Legal Officer Laura ODonnell and Chief Revenue Officer Bharat Rajagopal are also based there.

The company intends to double its Dallas workforce of 60 employees within the next 18 months, with new hires primarily in sales, general, and administrative roles, according to job listings.

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Verily joins other California companies that have moved their headquarters to Texas in recent years, including Oracle, Tesla and SpaceX.

The company operated a coronavirus testing program worth $55 million across 28 California counties in 2020, but San Francisco and Alameda County ended their partnerships after seven months over concerns regarding privacy and equity.

In January 2023, Verily reduced its 1,600-person workforce by 15%, or about 240 employees.
Millie Ford has carved out a career on social media.

But the TikTok star says that she can't rely on the internet for a living once she hits middle age - and warned other influencers to branch out, too.

The 27-year-old, who is now pursuing an acting career, tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that online fame is fleeting.

'While I'm so grateful for the platform that I've been given, it's just so volatile' Millie told the publication.

'We can't all just be making content until we're 50. It's so fine if you are, but not all of us are going to be.

'We don't need to be put in a box making videos. I'm like, what else can I do? We don't know the future of social media.'

She continued: 'Honestly, if someone asks me what I do, I don't know where to start. I like to call myself a creative person in general because beyond just the acting and the singing or whatever, I'm full of ideas. My mind is constantly daydreaming'.

Millie has turned her hand to acting as she made her Home And Away debut in February.

TikTok star Millie Ford says that she can't rely on the internet for a living once she hits middle age - and warned other influencers to branch out, too. Pictured in Stellar Magazine

The internet star, from Sydney, landed a cameo role on the hit Channel 7 soap opera and made her big arrival on Summer Bay.

She starred as an influencer called Montana, which wasn't a far cry away from her own rise to fame posting viral parody videos on TikTok.

Millie saw huge success with her uncanny imitations of everyday Aussie teachers, parents and shop assistants, and has racked up 1.5million followers on the platform.

Now, she has turned her hand to acting and landed a role in the hugely popular soap opera, after aptly featuring as a school librarian in Aussie TV series Bump.

During Millie's cameo, her character Montana moans to Rose Delaney (Kirsty Marillier) about having to do her community service.

After her Home And Away debut, Millie gushed that series regulars Justin, Kirsty and Kyle Shilling, who plays Mali Hudson, were 'amazing' to work with.

'I was just a sponge watching them work and everything went really quickly,' she told 7news.

'While I'm so grateful for the platform that I've been given, it's just so volatile' Millie said. 'We can't all just be making content until we're 50'

Millie has turned her hand to acting as she made her Home And Away debut in February (pictured)

'They also helped me to not feel self conscious, and I think that's really important because it just shows up on the camera.

'We were actually cracking up to the point where we almost couldn't hold it in on camera.'

Millie also excitedly posted photographs and videos of her scenes to social media and gushed that the project was a 'dream come true'.

The social media star has been passionate about acting since she was a child, when she was involved in school plays, and is now pursuing it as a career.

Millie has secured herself an acting agent and a creative rep and hopes to nab more comedy roles in the future.

The glamazon was previously working in social media and marketing before rising to viral fame, admitting she never considered that TikTok could turn into a career.

She told Daily Mail Australia in 2021: 'I am so grateful that I've had a platform to share my creativity and make people laugh. The support from my audience has been insane.'
Bella Thorne bared her impressively taut midriff as she kicked off her weekend with a casual appearance at San Diego Comic-Con.

The 26-year-old former child star was attending a photo call for her upcoming movie The Tower, in which she features as a mermaid.

She made her presence felt at the event in a sleeveless crop top splashed with an image Deadpool as depicted in the comic books.

Her choice was well-timed, as Friday happened to be the release date of the buzzy new film Deadpool & Wolverine, led by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.

Sweeping her red hair up into a fashionably messy bun, Bella teamed the shirt with a set of high-waisted jeans that emphasized her vertiginous legs.

Bella Thorne bared her impressively taut midriff as she kicked off her weekend with a casual appearance at San Diego Comic-Con

The Tower is set in a small town in the American South where Bella's mermaid character is discovered stuck in the local water tower.

She stars amid a cast that includes Jack Kilmer, the son of Top Gun heartthrob Val Kilmer and Wolf Hall actress Joanne Whalley.

Bella's latest outing after she denounced Ozempic, the diabetes drug that has achieved runaway popularity as a Hollywood weight loss treatment.

'So I haven't been feeling good about my body in a while, especially with everybody on Ozempic,' said the actress and OnlyFans personality.

The fact that the medication is so widespread in showbiz 'is setting all these crazy beauty standards that nobody can keep up with unless they're on Ozempic.'

She confessed that she has been strenuously exercising in order to preserve her own lithe figure  and even provided details as to her workout regimen.

'I have swam every day and I have sweat out everything possible, and I have walked everywhere, and I'm finally feeling good about myself,' she said.

Bella proudly declared that she was 'finally feeling good' and told Ozempic to 'f*** off,' emphasizing her point by flipping off the camera.

As far as her love life is concerned, Bella is engaged to the smoldering businessman Mark Emms, who owns the New York City nightspot The Mulberry.

The pair met in 2022 at Cara Delevingne's birthday party on a beach in Ibiza, and one year later - on Mother's Day last year - he proposed.

Bella later revealed that Mark presented her with five engagement rings so that she could try each one on for two weeks apiece before selecting her favorite.

'He got me one ring that was so beautiful, and I didn't see anything that was wrong. We actually went through four rings after that one. This is my fifth one,' she dished.

The 26-year-old former child star was attending a photo call for her upcoming movie The Tower, in which she features as a mermaid

She made her presence felt at the event in a sleeveless crop top splashed with an image Deadpool as depicted in the comic books

Her choice was well-timed, as Friday happened to be the release date of the buzzy new film Deadpool & Wolverine, led by Ryan Reynolds (left) and Hugh Jackman (right)

As far as her love life is concerned, Bella is engaged to the smoldering businessman Mark Emms, with whom she is pictured this Thursday in San Diego

'He saw my face when I saw the first one, and he was like: "Yeah, let's go get you a different ring." And I was like: "What, why?" And he was like: "Well, I can just feel that something's not right with that,"' she recalled to The Messenger.

'I was like, "What are you talking about, the ring is beautiful! Don't be silly." He's like: "No, I just know you, and I saw your face, and there was something not right about it. So let's just go get other ones,"' Bella explained to the outlet. 'And then he went and got literally four other rings, and it was so ridiculous.'

Mark evidently 'wanted it to be perfect,' which is why he encouraged her to wear 'each ring for like two weeks to try it out' before deciding on one.

The bauble that Bella eventually settled on, she revealed, was an emerald-cut diamond ring that boasted more than 10 carats.
Amber Rose enjoyed a night out with friends in Beverly Hills this week after she made headlines for her speech at the Republican National Convention this month.

The model, 40, was spotted leaving the Italian restaurant Novikov carrying a large bouquet of roses.

She bore an ear-to-ear smile as she talked to two friends outside the restaurant before heading on her way.

The Philadelphia native was dressed in head-to-toe black and carried a matching black handbag with a silver chain strap.

The sighting comes in the wake of the enthusiastic Donald Trump supporter's headline-grabbing appearance at the Republican National Convention.

Amber Rose enjoyed a night out with friends in Beverly Hills this week. She was dressed in head-to-toe black and carried a matching black handbag with a silver chain strap

The model, 40, was spotted leaving the Italian restaurant Novikov carrying a large bouquet of roses. She bore an ear-to-ear smile as she talked to two friends outside the restaurant

During an appearance on conservative commentator Candace Owens' YouTube show on Friday, July 25, Amber revealed that her ex-husband, rapper Wiz Khalifa pushed her to publicly show her support for Trump.

She did so on social media in May, writing 'Trump 2024' as a caption of a photo of the model with the former president and first lady, all in formalwear.

'My ex-husband actually told me to do it, Wiz,' Rose told Owens.

She also said she feared showing her support for the controversial candidate would ruin her career.

'When I went out on a ledge and I posted the picture with me, Trump and Melania that was my moment where I was like, "I'm f***ing done, I'm done,"' she recalled.

Rose also said that at first-glance she wasn't sure how she would be treated as she headed to the convention in Milwaukee, noting that she looked around and saw 'a lot of white men in suits.'

'And so I can understand why maybe a person of color or somebody who comes from the left would be intimidated by that because maybe that's not the norm that we're used to be around,' Rose said.

In her speech at the RNC she said that that voting for Trump is 'the best chance we have to give our babies a better life.'

The sighting comes after the strong Donald Trump supporter made an appearance at the Republican National Convention

During an appearance on conservative commentator Candace Owens' You Tube show on Friday, July 25, Amber revealed that her ex-husband, rapper Wiz Khalifa pushed her to publicly show her support for Trump

She also said she feared showing her support for the controversial candidate would ruin her career

'When I went out on a ledge and I posted the picture with me, Trump and Melania that was my moment where I was like, "I'm f***ing done, I'm done,"' she recalled

Rose also said that at first-glance she wasn't sure how she would be treated as she headed to the convention in Milwaukee, noting that she looked around and saw 'a lot of white men in suits'

Rose, an OnlyFans model, rose to fame due to her relationship with Kanye West, whose also been part of Trump's MAGA movement.

Previously, said she'd move to Canada if Trump got elected in 2016 and was one of the founders of SlutWalk, which encouraged women to dress like 'sluts' to shed light on gender discrimination after a police officer had pushed that women could protect themselves from being sexually assaulted if they covered themselves up.

Rose was one of the few speakers Trump witnessed in person Monday, as he made a surprise appearance at the convention a little after 9 p.m.

With a bandage covering his ear, Trump grinned through Rose's five minute-long appearance.
Ray Lawler has died at age 103.

The beloved Australian playwright was best known for his groundbreaking play, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll,.

The theatre legend died in Melbourne on Wednesday after what was described as a 'brief illness'.

He is survived by his wife, Jacklyn Kelleher, as well as three children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren, the Herald Sun reported.

Tributes rolled in at the sad news, with The Melbourne Theatre Company sharing a moving post to Instagram.

'We are saddened to hear of the passing of Ray Lawler, former Melbourne Theatre Company Artistic Director and trailblazer of Australian playwriting' it read.

'Lawler's 1955 play Summer of the Seventeenth Doll was a turning point in Australian theatre history, and this legacy continues today, decades later, in the Company's commitment to fostering new Australian writing.

'Our thoughts are with Ray's family and friends, and the theatre community.'

Ray Lawler (pictured) has died at age 103. The beloved Australian playwright was best known for his groundbreaking play, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

Fans of the playwright took to the comments below the post write their own tributes.

'So sad to hear of his passing. Summer of the Seventeenth Doll had a huge impact on me as a student, the first modern play I ever saw still as relevant today. End of an era' wrote one person.

Another said: 'A beautiful tribute for an Australian luminary and trailblazer. Vale Ray Lawler, thank you for your reflections on Australian life'.

Yet another added: 'He gave us a great deal of enjoyment. Rest easy Sir.'

The theatre legend died in Melbourne on Wednesday after what was described as a 'brief illness'

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll debuted at Melbourne University's Union Theatre in 1955. It was made into a film in 1959, starring Angela Lansbury

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll debuted at Melbourne University's Union Theatre in 1955.

It was made into a film in 1959, starring Angela Lansbury, Anne Baxter, John Mills and Ernest Borgnine.

Lawler was celebrated for his talents throughout his life in Australia and abroad, having been named an Officer of the Australian Order (AO) in 2023.

He was also named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1980.
Laura Whitmore has confirmed she has spoken to the BBC about Giovanni Pernice's 'inappropriate' behaviour on Strictly Come Dancing.

The TV presenter, 39, who was partnered with the Italian dancer, 33, on the show in 2016, has claimed she initially raised concerns to the BBC six years ago.

Although she hasn't made a formal complaint, Laura hopes to get 'just an acceptance' of what happened to her in the rehearsals room.

Laura admitted she has discussed with six former Strictly stars about their time on the show and took their information to the BBC.

On an Instagram post, Laura wrote: 'I was trying not to comment on recent press speculation until the BBC review is complete but feel there is a lot of misinformation in the press and I want to help and show support by setting the record straight.

Laura Whitmore, 39, has today confirmed she has spoken to the BBC about Giovanni Pernice's, 33, 'inappropriate' behaviour on Strictly Come Dancing

The TV presenter, who was partnered with the Italian dancer on the show in 2016, has claimed she initially raised concerns to the BBC six years ago

'I was asked to speak to the BBC along with six people that I know of (who deserve anonymity as they don't want to be dragged through the press), about inappropriate behaviour they experienced similar to mine with the same individual.

'I initially raised concerns back in 2016. I thought my experience was specific to me but I've since learned I was wrong.

'The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop. My evidence is to support other people's experience. It's a shame it takes this for someone to be heard.

'I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won't happen to anyone else again.

'Because I have not made an official complaint, and am providing evidence of my experience to support the investigation, not all the communication will be passed on to all parties involved.

'Misinformation is being put into the press so I want to set the record straight. Victim blaming must stop or we will never get better.

'I've tried to speak up in the correct way. I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up.'

Amanda Abbington - Giovanni's last celebrity partner - quit Strictly last year due to 'personal reasons' before reports she had demanded footage of their rehearsals after the experience in the competition left her with PTSD.

Although she hasn't made a formal complaint, Laura hopes to get 'just an acceptance' of what happened to her in the rehearsals room

Laura admitted that she has discussed with six former Strictly stars about their time on the show and took their information to the BBC

Amanda Abbington (pictured) - Giovanni's last celebrity partner - quit Strictly last year due to 'personal reasons' before reports she had demanded footage of their rehearsals after the experience in the competition left her with PTSD

Sources then claimed Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura had an 'emotional summit' where they 'compared notes' about their time working with Giovanni on the show

Sources then claimed Amanda, Ranvir Singh and Laura had an 'emotional summit' where they 'compared notes' about their time working with Giovanni on the show - prompting the BBC to launch a probe into his conduct.

In 2018, Laura shared that she didn't enjoy her time on Strictly with Giovanni, leaving the competition in week seven feeling 'broken' and admitting she 'cried every day'.

The Irish presenter wasn't happy about being paired with her close friend Georgia May Foote's ex not long after the pair had split - and felt 'extremely uncomfortable' dancing with him.

Writing for The Huffington Post at the time, Laura said: 'I love dancing  I topped the leaderboard twice  but I was thrown into the middle of a break-up that had nothing to do with me. Once again, I was a "rumoured love interest".

'I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with  and in the end I felt broken, I cried every day. And I really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.'

It comes just days after Strictly was plunged into further crisis on Wednesday after Amanda claimed that Giovanni was trying to block the release of up to 50 hours of 'toxic' footage'.

In an emotionally charged interview, the actress compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'.

'There's 50 hours of footage that's being blocked. You know, 50 hours is a lot of footage, and a lot of time spent in a room that was toxic,' she told presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

'It's out there. There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I'm not the one who's blocking it. I've said anyone can watch it, but he (Giovanni) doesn't want anyone to see it, which is quite telling if he's got nothing to hide.'

A spokesperson for Giovanni told MailOnline: '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.'

The actress said that cameras were installed into her and Giovanni's rehearsal studio after she raised concerns after the first week of practice with producers wanting to review the footage each week to assess what was 'going on' between the pair.

Giovanni had claimed he had asked for the cameras, which Amanda says is untrue.

'So in the first week, I raised my concerns to the producers,' the actress explained, as she fought back tears.

'Giovanni said that he asked for the cameras, he didn't ask for the cameras, I know that he didn't ask for the cameras, because the producers came to me and said, 'we're going to put in cameras so we can view the footage at the end of the week and make an assessment and see what's going on'.

Amanda sat down with fellow BBC Strictly contestant - and Channel 4 News Presenter - Krishnan Guru-Murthy

In the Channel 4 News interview, claimed that sacked dancer was trying to block the release of up to 50 hours of 'toxic' footage'

Fellow Italian dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked from the programme after he was accused of kicking and spitting at former Love Island star Zara McDermott (pictured together during last year's competition)

'And then 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, we're so sorry'.

'That was to my face on the Friday when we would go in and do the camera rehearsal.'

Throughout the interview, Guru-Murthy, who also starred on the 2023 series, asked whether it was correct that Amanda had experienced 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature', with the actress holding back tears as she nodded in agreement.

'Yeah. I mean, you know, one of the many things,' she said, clarifying it was not harassment.

Ever since the claims first emerged Giovanni has denied all of the allegations, claiming to have provided a dossier of evidence to the Beeb investigators and 'remains fully confident in clearing his name'.

Disputing Amanda's claims once again following tonight's interview, a spokesperson for the Italian dancer said: '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.'

After the fallout, Amanda said she did not hear from any one at the BBC again, claiming: 'I haven't spoken to anyone from the BBC since Strictly.

'No one from the BBC has reached out to me since Strictly, either through me or my lawyer.'

In a message to those in charge of the BBC show that has been running since 2004 she added: 'Just be aware of what's going on and when you know it's going on, nip it in the bud. Don't allow it to continue.'

Amanda went on to claim that she has faced a number of violent threats from both Strictly fans and 'Giovanni fans' who have asked her 'how can you destroy something like Strictly'.

She revealed the extent of the alleged harassment she has received in recent months from trolls, telling Channel 4 that 'It has been brutal and relentless and unforgiving'.

'The aftermath has been something I was not expecting. The death threats and the rape threats not only to myself but to my daughter. The threats of death to my son,' she added.

'When you get one or two of the those you can [shrug it off],' she added. 'But when it's dozens of people saying 'just go kill yourself', 'go die of cancer', 'just kill yourself, your kids will be better off without you as a mother'.

Amanda detailed other horrific messages she allegedly received. Others included 'I hope your daughter gets raped, I hope your son is stabbed', 'you don't deserve any good things you have done', 'you're a snowflake, you're stupid, you're an idiot'.

The bombshell interview comes as the flagship BBC One show continues to be rocked by a string of allegations, which saw Giovanni as well as professional dancer Graziano Di Prima step down.

Giovanni was accused of bullying by Amanda as well as two other, unnamed contestants.

Graziano was axed from the show last week after allegations emerged that he kicked, hit and spat at reality TV star Zasra McDermott during rehearsals last year.
Georgia May Foote has been rushed to hospital had to have an emergency operation.

The actress, 33, who portrayed Katy Armstrong on Corrie between 2010 and 2015, did not reveal the cause of her hospitalisation.

Now a nail technician, Georgia took to her business's Instagram page to inform her followers about the health scare on Saturday.

In a story, the model wrote: 'Clients booked in last week, I just wanted to let you know that I had last-minute surgery today.

'I'm not sure what the recovery is like or how quick I will be able to return.

Georgia May Foote has been rushed to hospital had to have an emergency operation

Now a nail technician, Georgia took to her nail business's Instagram page to inform her followers that she was unwell

Georgia finished the post to her over 7,000 followers: 'So, I am just giving a heads up that your appointment may change.'

The star did not say anything about her hospitalisation on her main Instagram page, where she has over half a million followers.

MailOnline has contacted Georgia's representatives for comment.

On Corrie, Georgia's character Katy was the youngest daughter of Owen Armstrong (Ian Puleston-Davies) and the sister of Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston).

Her main storylines were her relationship with Chesney Brown (Sam Aston), being pregnant with and raising their son Joseph Brown (originally Lucca-Owen Warwick), and her affair with Ryan Connor (Sol Heras).

Though showrunners promised she would not be, Katy was killed off in a car accident in 2017.

However, her death was off-screen and she was last seen on Coronation Street in 2015.

Meanwhile, Georgia has been married to musician Kris Evans for a little over a year.

They celebrated their anniversary on July 15, and Georgia wrote on Instagram: '365 days of Mr and Mrs Evans.

Georgia said she isn't sure how long it will take for her to recover but did not reveal the nature of her operation (pictured last month)

Katy's main (pictured in 2015) storylines on Corrie were her relationship with Chesney Brown, being pregnant with and raising their son Joseph Brown, and her affair with Ryan Connor

In real life, Georgia is married to musician Kris Evans and they celebrated their first anniversary on July 15

'Happy Anniversary to my love! It all started with a [ring] emoji Dm and here we are [laughing emoji].

'Thank you for choosing me to be your forever person.

'I love how much we are growing every day and I am so proud of everything you do.

'You inspire me to be the best version of myself everyday and support me in everything in my life.

'I love you. Here is to forever.'
Lauren Sanchez was seen rocking a racy bikini on a yacht with billionaire fiance Jeff Bezos as they put on a loved-up display in Italy.

Sanchez was seen getting cozy with her 60-year-old betrothed out in the Italian sunshine while on his yacht out in Capri.

While the 54-year-old revealed her beach body in a scantily clad brown bikini, Bezos, who is estimated to be worth $200 billion, showed off his physique as he went shirtless and donned his black and white palm patterned shorts.

The Amazon founder took a dip during his romantic vacation with Sanchez, who was sprawled out relaxing on deck.

The power couple, who became engaged in May 2023, also enjoyed a little fine dining out on deck with friends.

Lauren Sanchez was seen rocking a racy bikini on a yacht with billionaire fiance Jeff Bezos as they put on a loved-up display in Italy

Sanchez was seen getting cozy with her 60-year-old billionaire out in the Italian sunshine while on his yacht out in Capri

While one may think that the lady who snagged one of the richest men on the planet would be tripping over herself to make him a plate, the photos appear to show the opposite.

Bezos is seen serving Sanchez her dinner and plating her food, showing that he is not afraid to cater to her needs.

He then leans down and kisses her, looking head over heels in love with his partner of five years.

Later in the day, the pair dressed rather took a helicopter ride to another locale to enjoy the rest of their day.

Sanchez wore a white two piece set, while Bezos changed into an all-black head-to-toe ensemble.

Last week, a slew of A-listers stepped out in their most lavish ensembles to attend Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's housewarming party in New York City - including Huma Abedin, who ditched fiance Alex Soros for a solo night out.

Bezos is seen serving Sanchez her dinner and plating her food, showing who really wears the pants in the relationship

He then leans down kisses her, showing he's how head over heals he is for his partner of five years

Hollywood heavyweights such as Karlie Kloss, 31, Nicki Hilton, 40, and Jay-Z, 54, were also invited the event at the Amazon CEO's luxe Madison Square Park apartment building, in which he owns five units.

Bezos dropped a whopping $119 million on the apartments - with his latest splurge being in 2021 when he picked up a $23 million unit - and he made sure to showcase his portfolio by throwing the prestigious event just days after he and fiancee Lauren returned from a sun-soaked getaway in Greece.

And, the future Mrs. Bezos has made sure to show off her sizzling physique while on the lavish vacation.

Later in the day, the pair took a helicopter ride

Sanchez wore a white two piece set, while Bezos rocked an all-black head-to-toe ensemble

Lauren and Jeff have been island hopping on his luxury $500 million mega yacht Koru since the beginning of June - with Koru meaning 'new beginnings' in Maori.

Jeff's 230-foot tall yacht, which he commissioned in 2018, currently holds the record for being the world's tallest superyacht.

The Koru is the second-largest sailing ship in the world.

The superyacht holds a special place for the couple, with Lauren and Jeff getting engaged there in early 2023.

Lauren detailed the heartwarming moment Jeff got down on one knee while speaking to Vogue last year.

The Amazon founder took a dip during his romantic vacation with Sanchez, who was sprawled out relaxing on deck

While the 54-year-old revealed her beach body in a scantily clad brown bikini, Bezos, who is estimated to be worth $200 billion, showed off his physique as he went shirtless and donned his black and white palm patterned shorts

She recalled how Jeff popped the question on the $500million superyacht after they enjoyed a romantic dinner under the stars together.

Lauren said Jeff concealed the huge diamond ring under her pillow, adding that she almost 'blacked out' when she discovered it at the end of their romantic evening.

The couple recently relocated from Seattle, Washington, to Indian Creek Island in Florida - with Jeff purchasing three mansions on the island, totaling a whopping $237 million.
Jennifer Aniston showed off her latest summery look in New York City.

The Friends star, 55  who recently met the cast of Oh Mary!  was spotted filming the fourth season of The Morning Show in the Flatiron District on Saturday.

She was glowing in a low-cut sleeveless white blouse and high waisted khaki linen pants.

Her loose golden locks glistened under the sun as they cascaded over her shoulders.

The Los Angeles native accessorized with tinted aviator sunglasses and a woven crossbody purse while modeling tan heels.

Jennifer Aniston was spotted filming the fourth season of The Morning Show in the Flatiron District on Saturday in New York City

She was glowing in a low-cut sleeveless white blouse and high waisted khaki linen pants

She added a touch of elegance with a gold watch and various gold rings to tie the stylish ensemble together.

Her skin looked radiant as she was done up with a full face of makeup that made her pink pout and blue eyes pop.

The actress was spotted walking the streets of the Big Apple before getting into a vehicle.

Apple TV+'s The Morning Show also stars Reese Witherspoon, Steve Carrell, Billy Crudup and Mark Duplass. The drama has been running since 2019.

Jennifer's on-set sighting comes days after she fired back at Sen. JD Vance's viral comments about 'childless cat ladies' and vowed to 'pray' for his daughter.

On Wednesday, the ex-wife of brad Pitt took to her Instagram Story to slam Vance, who is running as Donald Trump's vice presidential candidate, atop a clip of him speaking with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.

'I truly can't believe that this is coming from a potential VP of the United States,' the Friends star said on the social media platform. '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.'

Her loose golden locks glistened under the sun as they cascaded over her shoulders

She added a touch of elegance with a gold watch and various gold rings, tying the stylish ensemble together

Her skin looked radiant as she was done up with a full face of makeup that made her pink pout and blue eyes pop

The Los Angeles native accessorized with tinted aviator sunglasses and a woven crossbody purse, while modeling tan heels

Jennifer's on-set sighting comes days after she fired back at Sen. JD Vance's viral comments about 'childless cat ladies' and vowed to 'pray' for his daughter

The actress was spotted walking the streets of the Big Apple before getting into a vehicle

The comments Vance made in 2021 questioning Vice President Harris leadership because she did not have biological children resurfaced in recent days, testing the young conservative senator in his early days campaigning as part of the Republicans' presidential ticket.

During Vance's bid for the Senate in Ohio, he said in a Fox News interview that 'we are effectively run in this country via the Democrats,' and referred to them as 'a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too.'

He said that included Harris, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat.

Vance said to Carlson in the interview, 'It's just a basic fact  you look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC  the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children. And how does it make any sense that we've turned our country over to people who don't really have a direct stake in it?'
Oprah Winfrey got in a beachside sweat session with her pal Maria Shriver in Santa Barbara on Saturday.

The Color Purple star, 70, wore a gray Beatles T-shirt and black leggings with a green ball cap.

A rack of weights was visible behind former talk show host as she looked down at her phone.

The former First Lady of California, 68, was dressed similarly in a gray tank top and black leggings with the beach pictured behind her as she looked down at her phone while carrying a Stanley tumbler under her arm.

Maria was seen driving them away in her green range rover after they finished up their workout.

Oprah Winfrey got in a beachside sweat session with her pal Maria Shriver in Santa Barbara on Saturday. The Color Purple star, 70, wore a gray Beatles t-shirt and black leggings with a green ball cap

The former First Lady of California , 68, was dressed similarly in a gray tank top and black leggings with the beach pictured behind her as she looked down at her phone while carrying a Stanley tumbler under her arm

The gym sighting comes after Oprah clarified the long standing rumors about her friendship with her best friend Gayle King, 69.

During a recent appearance on Melinda Gates' Moments that Make Us, the media mogul reflected on her decades of friendship with King.

The two women have been dogged by rumors that they are secret lesbians for years.

'I think we've shared pretty much everything and I would have to say, it wasn't even a matter of navigation,' the daytime TV legend said.

'For years, people used to say we were gay, and listen, we were up against that forever. And people still may think it.'

King quipped that she use to ask Oprah to do a show clarifying they were just friends as it was 'hard enough for' her 'to get a date on Saturday night without people thinking they were together.

'If we were gay, we'd tell you!' King assured viewers.

As for what she thinks sparks speculation that they are more than just friends, Winfrey said it's because people 'aren't used to seeing women with this kind of truth bond.'

'The reason why I think our friendship has worked is because Gayle is happier, not happy, but happier for me for any kind of success or victory or challenge I get through than I am for myself,' the 20-time Emmy winner stated.

She continued: 'And I feel as happy as she does  I can't be happier than, cannot surpass Gayle. You cannot out-happy her. I am equally as happy for her.'

Maria was seen driving them away in her green range rover after they finished up their workout

The gym sighting comes after Oprah clarified the long standing rumors about her friendship with her best friend Gayle King, 69. Pictured in Sun Valley, Idaho in July 2024

'I think we've shared pretty much everything and I would have to say, it wasn't even a matter of navigation,' the daytime TV legend said, pictured in July 2024

During a recent appearance on Melinda Gates' Moments that Make Us, the media mogul reflected on her decades of friendship with King, seen here in March 2024

The two women have been dogged by rumors that they are secret lesbians for years, pictured here at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival

Oprah has been in a 35-year-long relationship with Stedman Graham, 73, while King was married to attorney Bill Bumpus from 1982 to 1993 and share daughter Kirby, and a son, William.

Winfrey noted that even a 'hint of jealousy about anything' between friends can ruin the relationship.

'In Oprah's life, everybody is always very flattering and is always very agreeable with things that she says,' King explained.

'And sometimes I'll just go, "That's just not true. Your hair does not look good."'
Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori showcased her stunning figured as they enjoyed a romantic weekend getaway at a luxury hotel in Santa Barbara County, California, on Saturday.

The embattled rapper, 47, and his wife were seen at the pool area of the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito.

Bianca, 29, was wearing a see-through yellow bikini that she threatened to bust out of, along with a beige thong bottom.

Ye, meanwhile, was dressed in a white T-shirt and khakis while wearing sunglasses.

The skimpy bikini is par for the course for the Gold Digger rapper's wife, who is frequently photographed flaunting the laws of public decency while with her husband.

Kanye West 's wife Bianca Censori showcased her stunning figured as they enjoyed a romantic weekend getaway at a luxury hotel in Santa Barbara County, California, on Saturday

The 47-year-old embattled rapper, 47, and his wife were seen at the pool area of the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito. She wore a skimpy yellow bikini with beige bottoms, while he covered up fully

Earlier this week the Australian beauty donned a completely see-through top without a bra, exposing her nipples as she went out with West to see the new movie Fly Me To The Moon.

The star paired the X-rated ensemble with high-waisted 'granny panty-style' nude shorts and wrap-around stiletto heels.

Last weekend, Bianca also flouted the dress code at the Sunset Strip's famed Chateau Marmont when she arrived in another micro-bikini.

The high-end hotel in Los Angeles, which asks guests to dress in business casual wear, saw Bianca flash her breasts in total disregard for the rules.

Recently restaurateurs in Los Angeles have vowed to ban Bianca and Kanye from entering their eateries, after she stepped out in another revealing ensemble.

She shocked patrons at a barbecue restaurants as she entered the establishment in a tiny bra that barely covered any of her ample breasts.

'If I am the owner of any establishment that these two intend to enter, I will tell them due to respect for my customers, you are not allowed to enter,' one restaurateur wrote.

'I wouldn't have them in my restaurant. Totally inappropriate and not a good role model for young children to see this out and about. What is wrong with them?' another agreed.

Earlier this week the Australian beauty donned a completely see-through top without a bra, exposing her nipples as she went out with West to see the new movie Fly Me To The Moon; pictured in June in Paris

The star paired the X-rated ensemble with high-waisted 'granny panty-style' nude shorts and wrap-around stiletto heels; pictured in February in Milan, Italy

Last weekend, Bianca also flouted the dress code at the Sunset Strip's famed Chateau Marmont when she arrived in another micro-bikini

The high-end hotel in Los Angeles, which asks guests to dress in business casual wear, saw Bianca flash her breasts in total disregard for the rules; pictured in February with Francesco Risso in Lombardy, Italy

'She looks absolutely ridiculous. How can any decent restaurant accept a customer wearing that?

'Even the main supermarkets have signs up in summer advising that tops must be worn for hygiene purposes when shopping as topless men were going in. This is so much worse,' one said.

'You used to get refused entry due to dress codes to a restaurant if you didn't wear a tie, How times have changed, now you can enter and dine almost naked,' a third wrote.

Another commented: 'No self respecting restaurant owner or manager should be letting them enter with her dressed like that UNLESS they, in advance, pay to book out the whole restaurant so it is their own private venue while they are there.'
Guillaume searches for a photo of his son on his phone on June 6 in San Francisco. He was granted a domestic violence restraining order against his wife after she took their 2-year-old son to Kazakhstan and has not returned for months despite court orders. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

Guillaume didnt know when hed be able to see his 17-month-old autistic son again when he left his San Francisco apartment on the morning of Feb. 6, 2023. All he knew was that he couldnt go home.

It didnt feel safe.

According to a domestic violence restraining order request Guillaume filed the day after Valentines Day in San Francisco Superior Court, Guillaume and his wife got into an intense argument the night of Feb. 5 over whether they should have another child. She wanted to. Guillaume didnt think it was a good idea. (Guillaume requested that I not use his last name to protect his privacy. I am not naming his wife because she is not a public figure.)

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The fight spilled over into the following morning. As Guillaume tried to leave to go to work, his wife blocked him  first in the bedroom and then in the bathroom. He wound up calling 911 several times before he could escape.

Things in the home had been tense for some time. Five days before requesting the domestic violence restraining order, Guillaume had filed for legal separation. He and his wife had been married just under three years.

In his restraining order request, Guillaume said he decided to leave home due to his wifes escalating abusive behavior, including a Nov. 22, 2022, argument that also centered on Guillaume leaving for work. That incident, Guillaume wrote, culminated in his wife violently grabbing my shoulder and scratching at me in several places  all as I was holding our son. The scratches on Guillaumes back, shoulder and chest were deep enough to draw blood, according to photos submitted to the court.

Guillaume first reached out to me in January 2024. The tech research scientist, who is now 38, wanted to shine a spotlight on the fact that men can also be victims of domestic violence. But he was also disturbed by what he perceived as the injustices of San Franciscos family court system.

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Neither of us had any idea at the time how much more disturbing his case would become  and how the citys judicial system would continue to fail him over and over again.

***

Guillaume displays one of the last photos of his son in Kazakhstan that he received from the childs mother. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

In August 2023, the court granted Guillaume a two-year domestic violence restraining order against his wife. Yet, in November 2023, Judge Michelle Tong ordered Guillaume to cover $20,000 of his wifes legal fees and other expenses.

Yes, the court actually ordered a victim of domestic violence to pay the legal fees of his alleged abuser.

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Tong, a former deputy public defender, was elected in 2020 amid a leftward shift in San Francisco judicial politics. That year, Tong, another deputy public defender and a longtime tenant lawyer triumphed over opponents endorsed by most of the citys Superior Court judges. Their terms end in 2027.

Guillaume was flabbergasted by Tongs ruling, which he described as offensive  particularly in light of the finding Judge Daniel Flores had made on May 23, when he denied Guillaumes wifes Feb. 22 request for her own domestic violence restraining order against Guillaume. (She had been granted a temporary restraining order, which was terminated with Flores ruling.)

In her filing, Guillaumes wife alleged that he attacked me and roughly pushed me out of the way by the face in the Feb. 6 argument, resulting in bloody scratches, and that he had pushed her from behind two days before, injuring her knees. She asserted that during the Nov. 22, 2022, argument, Guillaume twice shoved (me) down onto the bed while holding our child. She also alleged that he has repeatedly violently ripped our child from my breast. The filing included letters from her mother, brother and brothers wife attesting that they saw Guillaume shake, yell at and roughly spank the couples son, among other allegations.

Guillaume was reading about autism to support parenting his son before his wife took the child to Kazakhstan. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

But Judge Flores found significant credibility concerns with that narrative and said that her relatives had made outrageous allegations against Guillaume, court transcripts show.

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Flores also found that she had refused to leave during Guillaumes allotted parenting time and had even made a false police report in which she baselessly accused Guillaume of threatening to take their son out of San Francisco.

When someone reports something false to law enforcement with all of the consequences that can flow from that  arrest, potential physical harm  dangerous things can happen, Flores said, according to a court transcript. That is highly concerning to this court.

Yet Judge Tong appeared to ignore all that, determining that because Guillaume had a much higher net spendable income  he was working and his wife wasnt  he had an unfair legal advantage and thus had to cover a portion of her legal fees.

As absurd as this sounds, several family law experts told me that such rulings, while relatively rare, are intended to ensure equal access to justice: There arent appointed public defenders in civil cases, so plaintiffs and defendants generally need to hire their own lawyers.

Guillaume found the idea that he had an unfair legal advantage preposterous. His wife was an attorney who had passed the New York bar. And although she was now a stay-at-home mom, she seemed to have significant financial resources at her disposal; Guillaume alleged in court filings that she had recently transferred more than $200,000 to her brother.

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Yet Guillaumes ordeal was only just beginning.

A few months later, Judge Tong handed down a far more consequential ruling  one whose impacts are reverberating on an international scale.

***

Guillaume holds his sons day care uniform. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

In late February, Guillaume alerted me that Judge Tong had granted his wifes request to take their son to Kazakhstan. The roughly two-week trip was purportedly to attend her brothers wedding ceremony.

Guillaume feared the worst.

The year prior, the court had denied his wifes request to take their son to Kazakhstan to visit her ill mother. I am terrified that, given her conduct in this case thus far, her mothers illness gives her the perfect opportunity to abduct our son and that she will not return from Kazakhstan and that I will never see our son again since she has nothing to lose, he wrote in a court declaration. Guillaume also noted that Kazakhstan is not a U.S. treaty partner under the Hague Abduction Convention, which would make it far more difficult to get his son back.

His arguments didnt persuade Tong, who noted in a Feb. 21 ruling that his wife had completed 16 hours of anger management training, taken parenting classes and secured stable housing and employment. She also found that Guillaume and his wife appear to have civil communication, and factors contributing to health and safety of the child have been considered.

Guillaume, still skeptical, preemptively hired a lawyer in Kazakhstan.

The trip seemed to go relatively smoothly at first: His wife sent pictures of their son at a mosque, at a playground and with family members.

But two days before she and the child were set to return to San Francisco, she texted Guillaume to say she and their son had COVID-19 and would have to delay their trip home by a week, according to message records I reviewed.

Childrens books remain in the bedroom of Guillaumes son. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

What??? When did you get tested? Guillaume wrote back. You should not have taken this decision without talking to me first. This is unacceptable.

She wrote back saying that their son was sleeping and that they could talk more later.

Then she stopped responding to messages. The AirTag in their sons pocket, which the court had permitted Guillaume to use to track the childs location, switched off.

Plunged into darkness, Guillaume went into robot mode. He had feared, even anticipated, this. But living through it was another thing altogether.

Guillaume and his legal team contacted local, state, federal and international authorities, including the FBI, Interpol and Kazakhstan police.

On April 15, Judge Tong issued an order finding that Guillaumes wife had taken/abducted the child. In an April 23 ruling, she elaborated on that order, finding that Guillaumes wife had abducted the minor child  has failed to return with the child, a two year old autistic child, on two separate dates, has stated that she does not intend to return with the child to San Francisco, and has illegally retained the minor child in the country of Kazakhstan, in violation of this Courts orders.

Tong also enlisted the San Francisco district attorneys child abduction unit to help enforce the order, granted Guillaume full legal and physical custody of his son and terminated his wifes visitation rights. And she suspended the requirement that Guillaume continue paying his wifes legal fees and child support.

Obviously, for Guillaume, it was too little, too late.

Guillaumes son has probably outgrown his clothes since being taken to Kazakhstan. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

When I visited him at his Noe Valley apartment in June, he noted ruefully that it was meaningless to have full custody on paper when his son was thousands of miles away.

As we spoke, I couldnt help but notice several tiny pairs of childrens shoes lined up by the front door. Colorful cubbies contained neatly folded toddler clothes that Guillaume said his son had doubtless already outgrown. On the wall was a gold-and-silver growth chart, the last measurement of 96 centimeters (a little over 3 feet) taken in February.

Guillaume wasnt sure when, or if, he would see his child again. He told me that his wife was refusing to return to the U.S., asserting that she was a domestic violence victim and that her life was in danger. She did not respond to my email request for comment. She also recently denied requests from the U.S. and French consulates in Kazakhstan to conduct welfare visits, according to email records I reviewed.

She does not appear to currently have an attorney in San Francisco; court records show that she has so far retained five different lawyers during the case. On July 11, the court granted a motion from her most recent lawyer, Christopher Casey McNamara, to be relieved as counsel. McNamara told me he has no comment.

Meanwhile, her attorneys in Kazakhstan, Tatyana and Ablakhat Mergenbaevy, did not respond to my questions. Instead, they wrote in an email: The release of information about our client grossly violates her constitutional and civil rights.

Guillaume is now waiting for the San Francisco court to register his divorce. His lawyer in Kazakhstan, Abzal Kassymzhanov, told me that once the divorce certificate is filed in Kazakhstan, he plans to start child abduction court proceedings there.

A car seat for Guillaumes son isnt getting any use. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

After his experience with the San Francisco courts, however, Guillaume isnt holding his breath.

There were so many red flags that should have prevented Judge Tong from signing off on his wifes application to go to Kazakhstan with their son, he told me.

Ann Donlan, a spokesperson for San Francisco Superior Court, said in a statement that the court is not able to comment under the California Code of Judicial Ethics  which requires that a judge shall not make any public comment about a pending or impending proceeding in any court.

As of July 8, Tong was no longer overseeing family court. According to a June 13 memo from Presiding Judge Anne-Christine Massullo, she has been assigned to civil harassment and traffic court instead. The court did not respond to my question asking why Tong was reassigned.

Guillaume estimates that he has spent more than $150,000 in legal fees thus far. On July 11, the court tentatively granted his request that his wife reimburse him about $40,000 for costs related to her non-return from Kazakhstan, but Guillaume told me he doubts he will ever see the money.

Hes disturbed by the fact that less affluent parents in similar situations could lose their kids simply because they cant afford expensive lawyers and court battles in multiple countries.

Having more or less money wouldnt make me a better or worse father, he told me.

Guillaume holds one of his sons childrens books in the childs room. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle

Hes also disturbed that the family court process, intended to protect a childs best interests, has instead exacerbated his sons trauma.

If his son ever returns to San Francisco, it likely will be due to law enforcement intervention. And even if that day should come, Guillaume is doubtful his son will recognize him. Given his young age, he almost certainly wont remember how to speak English or French, Guillaumes native language. Guillaume plans to study Russian to be able to communicate with him. Meanwhile, his mother likely will continue to be denied visitation and possibly face civil or criminal charges.

In other words, the family will be broken up all over again.

Whats so infuriating, Guillaume told me, is it was easily preventable.

Guillaumes case is a stark reminder of the importance of the judiciary and the role of judicial elections, which are starting to receive more attention in San Francisco amid concerns about crime. Its an open question as to whether voters should even be picking judges in the first place. Our choices can clearly have dire consequences.

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
Straight-talking and effortlessly chic, she has won over audiences as uncompromising marketing boss Sylvie Grateau in hit Netflix show Emily In Paris.

But Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu has admitted that taking on such a strong female role has left both men and women scared of her.

Defending Sylvie's brittle exterior  and her vertiginous heels  the glamorous French actress, 61, says success in women is often wrongly associated with them being a 'bitch'.

'Sylvie is only part of me!' she said in an interview with The Times magazine. 'And Sylvie is layered. She is tough, but she's vulnerable.'

She added: 'When you're hypersensitive you have to be tough, to protect yourself, otherwise what? You're just gonna cry all the time. You need armour to protect yourself from this s****y world. You have to say no. You have to have boundaries. Because people try to get you all the time.'

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu has admitted that taking on such a strong female role has left both men and women scared of her

Philippine as her character Sylvie Grateau and Lily Collins as Emily Cooper in Emily in Paris

Insisting that men 'shouldn't be frightened' of women like Sylvie, she said: 'I think a good man, a mensch, is not afraid of a strong woman.' And she quipped, pointedly: 'Are there enough good men?'

Being tough is something that comes naturally to the star in a world where the roles for older women have historically been few and far between.

The daughter of French actor Philippe Leroy and model Francoise Laurent, Philippine carved out a career in French cinema and rejected the draw of Hollywood because 'I'm really very European'.

There were 'dips', she said, in her forties, but today she is 'living proof that you can rebuild a career when you are older'.

Philippine at a Saint Laurent fashion show held at Place Jacques Rueff in Paris in February

Philippine has won over audiences as uncompromising marketing boss Sylvie Grateau in hit Netflix show Emily In Paris

She starred in three series of the hit French comedy Call My Agent! (later remade for English-speaking audiences) and has now finished filming the fourth season of Emily In Paris, which will air next month.

And despite her feet hurting after filming in Sylvie's stilettos, Phlippine is unapologetic about the youthful outfits she wears on the show. 'There are these rules, but you don't have to follow rules. I'm not the kind of person who follows rules. These days women do whatever they wanna do. Sylvie's character is about being free of whatever age you happen to be.'

The fourth series of Emily In Paris starts on Netflix on August 15.
Keanu Reeves was an animated presence on the panel for his Netflix project BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga Unleashed at San Diego Comic-Con.

The film is based on the Speed actor's, 59, own series of books in which an immortal warrior named B. becomes an asset to the U.S. government who uses his violent tendencies to carry out missions.

On the panel Keanu  who toured with his rock band Dogstar this summer  was engaged and happy and dressed in his signature all black look, consisting of a suit jacket over a V-neck, untucked T-shirt and black pants.

A movie version and an animated series adaptation of the books were announced in 2021.

At Comic Con, writer Matt Tomlinson told the audience a draft of the script for the film version has been completed.

Keanu Reeves was an animated presence on the panel for his Netflix project BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga Unleashed at San Diego Comic Con

The film is based on the Speed actor's, 59, own series of books in which an immortal warrior named B. becomes an asset to the U.S. government who uses his violent tendencies to carry out missions

The source material for the project is full of blood-soaked action scenes with the protagonist showing no mercy.

Because he's immortal, there in an infinite amount of spinoffs to this burgeoning universe that are possible.

The story line seems to take some inspiration from Reeves' past roles in the John Wick and Matrix franchises.

The Matrix is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and in an interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show earlier this month, Reeves got choked up talking about the iconic film series.

He took a beat to collect his thoughts before saying 'The Matrix changed my life, and then over these years, its changed so many other peoples lives in really positive and great ways, Reeves started.

'As an artist, you hope for that when you get to do a film or tell a story.'

The Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure star choked up while he added, '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 Its the best.'

Reeves was already a bankable star by the time he was offered the role of Neo in the Wachowski sisters 1999 movie.

The Matrix boosted his career into the stratosphere and ignited a public fascination with him that continues to this day.

On the panel Keanu was engaged and happy and dressed in his signature all black look, consisting of a suit jacket over a V-neck, untucked T-shirt and casual black pants

A movie version and an animated series adaptation of the books were announced in 2021

At Comic Con, writer Matt Tomlinson told the audience a draft of the script for the film version has been completed

The source material for the project is full of blood-soaked action scenes with the protagonist showing no mercy

Because he's immortal, there in an infinite amount of spinoffs to this burgeoning universe that are possible

The Matrix is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and in an interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show Reeves got choked up talking about the iconic film series

He returned to the role of Neo for three sequels: 2003's The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions and 2021's The Matrix Resurrections.

During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2021, he reflected on what it felt like to come back to the character that had such a profound impact on his life 18 years after the last film.

'When the director asked me what I thought about doing another Matrix film I said "What? That sounds amazing but Im 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.'
Megan Fox is not expecting a child with Machine Gun Kelly, despite sporting a baby bump in his latest music video.

The rocker, 34, released the music video for his new song Lonely Road with Jelly Roll, 39, on Friday, with the Transformers star, 38, making a cameo.

Though the mom-of-three is visibly pregnant in the clip, she is not expecting in real life, a source confirmed to Us Weekly on Saturday.

The insider added that the duo  who suffered a miscarriage in 2023  have spoken about having a child.

'Although they have discussed having a baby, this was just for MGK's music video,' the source stated.

Megan Fox, 38, is not expecting a child with Machine Gun Kelly, 34, despite sporting a baby bump in his latest music video; the two seen in 2022 in Los Angeles

The actress is visibly pregnant in the clip for MGK's new song Lonely Road, but is not expecting in real life, a source confirmed to Us Weekly on Saturday; seen in a still from the video

The music video features the Transformers star with a visible baby bump, sharing intimate moments with MGK, including him kissing and cradling her stomach.

The narrative then jumps eight months forward, revealing a dramatic shift. MGK is incarcerated after a botched bank robbery, while Megan gives birth to a baby girl, whom she brings to visit him in prison.

The video quickly sparked fan speculation that Fox was pregnant and set to welcome her first child with Kelly.

Neither the musician nor the Jennifer's Body star, who have been together on and off since 2020, commented on the rumors.

The credits of the video further confused fans as the final line reads: 'Introducing: Baby Violet Leika.'

At first look it appeared that Fox was announcing she had a baby secretly with MGK. But Megan has not appeared pregnant this year when hitting the town.

Jelly Roll's wife Bunnie Xo also makes a cameo in the video, which is an updated take on the John Denver classic Take Me Home Country Road.

In the video MGK and Jelly Roll are two men going through financial difficulties while trying to support their families.

'Although they have discussed having a baby, this was just for MGK's music video,' the source stated

The music video features the Transformers star with a visible baby bump, sharing intimate moments with MGK, including him kissing and cradling her stomach

In November 2023, Fox described suffering a devastating miscarriage with MGK in her book of poetry, Pretty Boys Are Poisonous; the two seen in 2022

Fox shares three sons  Noah, 11, Journey, 10, and Bodhi, 7  with ex-husband Brian Austin Green, 51. Meanwhile MGK shares daughter Casie, 14, with ex Emma Cannon.

In November 2023 Fox described suffering a devastating miscarriage with MGK in her book of poetry, Pretty Boys Are Poisonous.

In the book she writes about an ultrasound of a baby girl at 10 weeks and a day, and says: 'maybe if you hadn't... maybe if i had...'

She continues, 'I want to hold your hand / hear your laugh, but now / I have to say / goodbye,' and later adds, 'I close my eyes and imagine holding you tight against my chest as they rip you from my insides'.

Elsewhere in the book, she writes, 'I will pay any price. Tell me please / what is the ransom / for her soul?'

The star said she had 'never been through anything like that before in my life', as she opened up about the experience during an interview on Good Morning America.

'It was very difficult for both of us,' she explained. 'And it sent us on a very wild journey together and separately, and together and apart, and together and apart, and together and apart, trying to navigate, "What does this mean? Why did this happen?'"

The movie star said it was MGK - real name Colson Baker - that encouraged her to take pen to paper.

Fox and Kelly called off their engagement in February 2023. Earlier this month, a source told Us Weekly that the pair are 'fully on again'; pictured 2021

They went public as a couple in 2020 amid the coronavirus lockdowns, and became engaged in 2022; Megan and Kelly pictured in November 2020

'The person who actually told me I should write a poetry book is Colson,' she shared. 'It was something inside of me that had to come out or else it was going to make me sick.'

'Some of it is definitely a metaphor. None of it is what I would say fictional. Those are all real life experiences that I had.'

The 'Bloody Valentine' hitmaker previously appeared to allude to the loss at the Billboard Music Awards in May 2022, dedicating his performance to Megan and adding, 'This is for our unborn child.'

Fox and Kelly called off their engagement in February 2023. Earlier this month, a source told Us Weekly that the pair are 'fully on again.'

The actress wants to keep their reunion out of the spotlight for the moment.

In March, she confirmed the duo had called of their engagement, but refused to clarify the current status of their relationship during an appearance on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast.

'I think that what I've learned from being in this relationship is that it's not for public consumption, so I think as of now, I don't have a comment on like the status of the relationship per say.'

'What I can say is that is what I refer to as being my twin soul and there will always be a tether to him no matter what. I can't say for sure what the capacity will be, but I will always be connected to him somehow.'

Fox shares three sons  Noah, 11, Journey, 10, and Bodhi, 7  with ex-husband Brian Austin Green, 51; seen in an Instagram snap

Meanwhile MGK shares daughter Casie, 14, with ex Emma Cannon; seen with his daughter at the 2021 American Music Awards in Los Angeles

'Beyond that I'm not willing to explain,' she shared.

Megan and MGK met on the set of Midnight In The Switchgrass back in 2020 and began dating that year.

They never shied their affection for one another in public, often putting on PDA-packed displays wherever they went.

In 2022 they became engaged, and when announcing their betrothal on Instagram, Megan said she and MGK 'drank each other's blood' to celebrate the occasion.
Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton predicted the controversies the reality show is now facing in an unearthed interview from 2021.

This year, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima were on the receiving end of allegations they had mistreated their celebrity dance partners - Giovanni has vehemently denied any wrongdoing while Graziano, 30, regretted his actions.

Now, actor and dancer Kevin, 41, has unknowingly weighed in on the discussion of whether or not professionals on Strictly are taking things too far.

In a 2021 chat, Kevin was asked by a fan if, when not on camera, interactions between professionals and celebrities changed.

Kevin said: 'Well, there was a famous one before I was on the show when LuLu was paired with Brendan and she basically said on the show: "Oh no, I didn't want to get paired with him." And everybody was like: "Oh, great!"

Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton, 41, predicted the controversies the reality show is now facing in an unearthed interview from 2021

This year, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima (pictured) were suspended and fired for mistreating their celebrity dance partners - Giovanni has vehemently denied any wrongdoing

Kevin danced on Strictly from 2013 to 2019. He won in 2018 with Stacey Dooley who is now the mother of his child Minnie, 18 months

He continued: 'It doesn't happen very often, [but] I have seen it. I won't name names, but I have seen it from someone who was not happy with their pairing and they made it quite obvious.'

Appearing on Strictly from 2013 to 2019, Kevin found love in 2018 after he was paired with documentary film maker Stacey Dooley.

They won their series and entered into a romantic relationship the year after, welcoming their daughter Minnie, 18 months, in 2023.

Kevin's resurfaced interview comes after it was reported on Saturday that Strictly professionals will be required to undergo weekly psychological tests during the upcoming series, as the scandal-hit show continues to battle abuse claims.

Next year's contestants, who reportedly include TOWIE star Pete Wicks, 36, DIY SOS's Nick Knowles, 61, and soap star Jamie Borthwick, 30, , who won the 2023 Strictly Christmas special, will sit down with mental health experts frequently during their time under the glitterball.

Blind comedian Chris McCausland, 47, and Death In Paradise actor Ralf Little, 44, are also believed to be taking to the dancefloor in the upcoming series.

And while celebrities may be eager to get their dancing shoes on, the Mirror has reported that the new season will have psychological checks to ensure they can handle the mental strain of learning new dances every week.

A source told the publication: 'It will give them a safe space to voice any concerns they have - and just feel listened to.

Strictly Come Dancing celebrities will be required to undergo weekly psychological tests as the show has battled abuse claims in recent months, it was reported on Saturday

Next year's contestants, who reportedly include TOWIE star Pete Wicks (pictured), 36, DIY SOS's Nick Knowles, 61, and soap star Jamie Borthwick, 30 , will sit down with mental health experts frequently during their time under the glitterball

'As well as allowing Beeb bosses to monitor how the celebrities are coping with the pressures of the show.'

The requirement will not only provide more protection for celebrities, but it will also help support the professional dancers.

Their worries have reportedly increased since the bullying claims made from Amanda Abbington about Giovanni.

It comes just days after Strictly Come was plunged into further crisis on Wednesday after Amanda claimed that Giovannin was trying to block the release of up to 50 hours of 'toxic' footage' following her bullying complaint to the BBC.

In an emotionally charged interview, the actress, 50, compared the dance show to 'the trenches' telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left 'horrified' by clips that also allegedly exhibited 'humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature'.

The Sherlock star sensationally quit the dance competition last year citing 'personal reasons' before reports surfaced that she had demanded footage of her rehearsals after the experience with the show and her dance partner left her with PTSD.

Giovanni, who has strongly denied any threatening or abusive behaviour, was later suspended, with the BBC later launching a probe over claims of off-camera misconduct made by Amanda as well as other celebrities.

Yet, in a dramatic twist in the Strictly saga, the actress has claimed Giovanni tried to stop her legal team from accessing the video 'evidence' after producers were forced to put cameras in the dance studio after Amanda raised concerns.

And while celebrities may be eager to get their dancing shoes on, the Mirror has reported that the new season will have psychological checks to ensure they can handle the mental strain of learning new dances every week (Nick Knowles pictured)

The requirement will not only provide more protection for celebrities but it will also help support the professional dancers as their worries have reportedly increased since the bullying claims made from Amanda Abbington about Giovanni Pernice

'There's 50 hours of footage that's being blocked. You know, 50 hours is a lot of footage, and a lot of time spent in a room that was toxic,' she told presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

'It's out there. There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I'm not the one who's blocking it. I've said anyone can watch it, but he (Giovanni) doesn't want anyone to see it, which is quite telling if he's got nothing to hide.'

A spokesperson for Giovanni told MailOnline at the time: 'We would urge people to wait for the review's conclusion and not to pay heed to these very serious and defamatory allegations.'

The actress said that cameras were installed into her and Giovanni's rehearsal studio after she raised concerns after the first week of practice with producers wanting to review the footage each week to assess what was 'going on' between the pair.

Giovanni had claimed he had asked for the cameras, which Amanda says is untrue.

He has constantly refuted the allegations and denied any accusations of threatening or abusive behaviour.

A spokesperson for the dancer said he had provided a dossier of evidence to the investigators and 'remains fully confident in clearing his name'.

In response to Amanda's latest interview, a spokesperson for the BBC 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.'

Fellow Italian dancer Graziano was fired from the programme after he was accused of kicking and spitting at former Love Island star Zara McDermott (performing together here in 2023)

'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.

The BBC continued: 'The BBC and BBC Studios takes duty of care extremely seriouslylast week we announced additional steps to further strengthen welfare and support on the show.'

Rehearsals for the new series began on Monday and professionals, including Johannes Radebe, Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell, were all smiles despite everything as they arrived at a London dance studio.
Equity market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty stayed on the back foot for the fifth straight session on Thursday as investors offloaded metal, banking and finance stocks amid a lacklustre trend in global markets.

Heavy foreign fund outflows after a hike in securities transaction tax and short-term capital gains tax also impacted markets sentiment negatively, traders said.

However, strong buying in oil & stocks, energy and auto shares helped the indices offset some losses, they added.

After a sharp fall in intra-day trade, the 30-share BSE Sensex managed to recover some of the lost ground to settle 109.08 points or 0.14 per cent lower at 80,039.80, as a sharp rally in Tata Motors and Larsen & Toubro restricted its fall. During the day, it tanked 671 points or 0.83 per cent to 79,477.83.

Shares of Larsen & Toubro ended nearly 3 per cent higher after the company posted a 12 per cent rise in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) in the June quarter.

Tata Motors jumped nearly 6 per cent.

The NSE Nifty dipped 7.40 points or 0.03 per cent to 24,406.10. Intra-day, it tumbled 202.7 points or 0.83 per cent to 24,210.80.

In five days, the BSE benchmark has tumbled 1,303.66 points or 1.60 per cent, while the Nifty declined 394.75 points or 1.59 per cent.

Overnight slump in US equities caused a major slump in domestic markets in early trade due to heavy profit-taking in banking, IT, metals and realty stocks.

However, markets recouped most of its losses towards the end, with Sensex managing to close above the crucial 80k-mark amid buying in oil & gas and automobile stocks, indicating that investors are willing to bet on good fundamental sectoral stocks despite rising concerns of the stretched valuations of the Indian markets, Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research), Mehta Equities Ltd, said.

From the Sensex pack, Axis Bank declined over 5 per cent after the companys June quarter earnings failed to cheer investors.

Nestle, Titan, ICICI Bank, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, ITC, JSW Steel and State Bank of India were the other laggards.

Sun Pharma, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finance and Power Grid also ended in the positive territory.

After a volatile session, the Indian market concluded on a flat note, influenced by lower-than-expected earnings growth from major banks. Global indices also reacted pessimistically due to the disappointing results from top US tech companies.

However, the governments commitment to improving consumption and bridging the gap for energy transition in the budget buoyed sectoral sentiments, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services.

In the broader market, the BSE midcap gauge declined 0.22 per cent, and smallcap index dipped 0.14 per cent.

Among the indices, metal lost 1.19 per cent, bankex (1.10 per cent), realty (0.80 per cent), telecommunication (0.65 per cent) and financial services (0.60 per cent).

On the other hand, energy, healthcare, industrials, utilities, auto and oil & gas were among the gainers.

Global stocks tumbled on Thursday after a tech-fuelled sell-off on Wall Street last night. A slew of disappointing results caused traders to panic that the artificial-intelligence frenzy that has powered the bull market this year may have been overdone, Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research, HDFC Securities, said.

In Asian markets, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong settled lower.

European markets were trading in the negative territory in the mid-session deals. US markets ended significantly lower on Wednesday.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 5,130.90 crore on Wednesday, according to exchange data.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude declined 1.73 per cent to USD 80.31 a barrel.
A Border Action Team (BAT), comprising battle-hardened terrorists and elite special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army, on Saturday violated the February 2021 ceasefire agreement by launching a deadly strike on one of the forward Indian posts. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of an Indian Army soldier and left four others injured along the Line of Control in the Kamakari sector of Macchal, located in North Kashmirs Kupwara district.

The BAT strike came mere hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning, asserting that the Indian Army would crush all terror attempts with full force.

During the firefight, one of the foreign terrorists was also neutralised. Preliminary reports indicate that a two to three-member BAT team lobbed grenades and unleashed a barrage of indiscriminate gunfire on the Indian troops.

At least five soldiers were injured in the BAT action, with one soldier later succumbing to his injuries at the base hospital. The soldier who laid down his life in the line of duty has been identified as Rifleman Mohit Rathour.

Since June 9, the day Modi took the oath of office for the third time, foreign terrorists have carried out at least 10 terror attacks in the region.

These attacks have resulted in the sacrifice of over a dozen soldiers and nine civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. In the past week alone, three soldiers have lost their lives along the Line of Control in the Kupwara and Poonch districts.

In a statement, a Srinagar-based Defence Spokesman said, Taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along Line of Control in Machhal Sector, a group of two to three armed personnel crossed the LoC and fired on a forward Army post from a close range. Alert troops responded vigorously and in the ensuing exchange of fire, one Pakistani intruder was killed along with the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores. Identification and affiliation of this Pakistani national is being ascertained.

In the past, similar attempts by infiltrators, actively aided and abetted by the Pakistani Army, have sought to exploit the dense foliage and poor visibility conditions. However, these efforts have consistently, as they were today, been successfully thwarted and disrupted by the vigilant Indian forces.

The Indian Army is firm in its resolve and commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistan Army, the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, to further step up security across the Jammu region, the Union Government has reportedly decided to rush over 2,000 BSF jawans to be deployed in the Samba sector to plug the routes of infiltration.

The decision to immediately move the two units from the anti-Naxal operations grid to Jammu was taken in the wake of the recent spate of terror attacks in the region.

A broader consensus emerged during recent high-level security review meetings to bolster the anti-infiltration grid in the region. The Indian Army has already deployed more than 3,000 troops and 500 para commandos to flush out the foreign terrorists occupying Jammu Heights.

In another related development, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday released sketches of the three terrorists responsible for the recent killing of four soldiers, including a Captain in Doda district, and announced a cash reward of `15 lakh on their heads.

Doda in Jammu region has been rocked by several terror incidents since June, which is being seen by security agencies as an attempt by Pakistan-based terror handlers to revive terrorism in the hilly district.

Releasing the sketches of three terrorists, a police Spokesman in Doda said they are moving in the upper reaches of the district, especially in Dessa forest where an Army Captain and three soldiers were killed in a gunfight during an anti-terror operation on July 16.

J&K Police announced a cash reward of `5 lakh on each of these three terrorists, the spokesperson said, appealing to the general public to provide information about them and assuring that the identity of the informer will be kept a secret.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Ukraine next month, marking his first trip to the war-torn country since the conflict with Russia began two years ago. Following his Ukraine visit, Modi is also slated to travel to Poland, making it the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in over 40 years.

India and Ukraine are exploring the possibility of Prime Minister Modis visit on August 23-24, sources said on Saturday.

The proposed visit comes amid renewed global efforts to bring peace to the eastern European nation, they added. Modi might visit Kyiv around Ukraines National Day on August 24 and is expected to travel to Poland after concluding his trip to Ukraine, the sources said.

Last month, the Prime Minister held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italys Apulia. India and Ukraine are considering Modis visit to Kyiv in the latter half of August, the sources said, noting that there is no final confirmation yet, as massive preparations in terms of logistics and related issues would be required.

During the meeting with Zelenskyy on June 14, Modi conveyed that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and emphasised that the path to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy. Modi also told Zelenskyy that India believes in a human-centric approach to finding a solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

At the meeting, the Ukrainian president invited the Prime Minister to visit Kyiv.
District court sentenced three accused to 14 years of imprisonment and fined Rs 1 lakh each in the 7-year-old poppy husk smuggling case. The accused used to grind dondachuri with peanut shells and trade it.

A case was registered against the accused under the NDPS Act at Itkhedi police station. After which they were produced in court.

Eintkhedi police station in-charge Chainsingh Raghuvanshi said that he had received information on October 18, 2017 that accused Babu Khan, his son Rais Khan and driver Shantilal were keeping Poppy husk in Jain godown in Parewakheda. Based on the information, the police team reached the spot.

When the team searched the godown, piles of plastic sacks were found at four places. Out of which Poppy husk was found in three piles and peanut shells in one pile.

All the three accused were arrested on the spot and samples of 5 kg each were taken from all the heaps, which were sent to RFSL, Bhopal for testing. Poppy husk was confirmed in the test.

This police operation continued for three days, in which the total weight of 593 sacks was found to be 175 quintals and the weight of 187 sacks of peanut shells was found to be 112 quintals.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday announced that Agniveers hailing from the state will enjoy quota in government jobs.

Speaking to the media, Sai said the Agniveers would be accommodated as police constables, forest guards and Jail 'praharis'.

They would be inducted in government jobs after they complete their tenure in the armed forces, he said.

Necessary reservation would be given to them and the state government would soon issue a guideline regarding the same, he said.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) demanded on Friday that the government run the Duronto Express train from Raipur to Ahmedabad and the Bilaspur-Rewa Rewanchal Express till Durg.

CAIT National Senior Vice President Amar Parwani and state President Jitendra Doshi submitted a memorandum to Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw over the delay and cancellation of passenger trains.

They said that in the event of the cancellation of local passenger trains, people should be given the right to travel on long-distance trains.

They said that the lives of people and businesses are adversely affected due to the cancellations and delays of passenger trains.

Traders have to go to other cities to get their goods, and the general public is facing a lot of problems, they said.
Pretrial inmates preparing food for a private company at an Alameda County jail, and others in California, are not entitled to minimum wages or overtime pay, the 9th Circuit ruled. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle 2020

Pretrial inmates preparing food for a private company at an Alameda County jail, and others in California, are not entitled to minimum wages or overtime pay, but only to compensation of no more than 25 cents an hour, a federal appeals court ruled Friday.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals relied on the California Supreme Courts recent interpretation of state laws on inmate labor. The ruling comes as California voters prepare to decide whether to repeal a 175-year-old provision in the state Constitution that allows involuntary servitude, or forced labor without pay, for inmates who have been convicted of crimes.

The law in Fridays case actually is more favorable to inmates who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to county jail than to those who have been charged with crimes and are held in jail because they are unable to post bail.

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Under Proposition 139, approved by California voters in 1990, those who work for a private company in jail while serving their sentence are entitled to the same pay as private employees, including the states minimum wage of $16 an hour. Inmates who work for the jail itself are not entitled to any wages.

The suit was filed by a group of Santa Rita Jail inmates who prepare meals for a private contractor, Aramark Correctional Services, and contended they were entitled to the same pay as fellow inmates who have been convicted of crimes. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar of Oakland ruled that their suit could proceed, but the appeals court ordered the case dismissed Friday based on the state Supreme Courts reading of the law.

In a unanimous decision in April, the states high court said a 1959 California law allows a county jail to require inmates to work for private contractors without pay, or for a sum approved by county supervisors not to exceed two dollars ($2) for each eight hours of work.

Quoting a 1974 opinion by California Attorney General Evelle Younger, the state court said the law was intended to make possible the substitution of constructive labor for profitless prison confinement so that the inmates may become better citizens. The appeals court also observed in Fridays ruling that the work may offer some nonmonetary benefits, like job skills and training, as well as the opportunity to leave their cells for brief periods each day.

In November state voters will consider Proposition 6, which would repeal a provision in Californias 1849 Constitution that says, Involuntary servitude is prohibited except to punish crime. The new provision would simply say, Slavery and involuntary servitude are prohibited.

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It would also prohibit state prison officials from punishing inmates who refuse work assignments. Prop 6 does not expressly prescribe any pay levels or refer to inmates who have not yet been convicted of a crime.
BJP State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi once again cornered the State Government on the changing demography of Santhal Pargana. Marandi was addressing the media in the Assembly premises on the first day of the Monsoon Session today.

Marandi said that the population of tribals is continuously decreasing in the entire state. There have been unexpected changes in the demography of the Santhal Pargana region. This change in demography is a threat to democracy, which is a matter of concern for everyone.

He said that if any community has been affected the most in this change, it is the tribal society. Citing the data published on the basis of the census reports of 1951 and 2011, he said that in the year 1951, the population of tribals in Jharkhand was 36%, Sanatani Hindus 87.9% and Muslim population 8.9%. Whereas in 2011, tribals became 26%, Muslims 14.5% and Sanatanis 81.17%. That is, the tribal population decreased, the Sanatani population decreased and the Muslims increased.

Giving the statistics of Santhal Pargana, he said that the situation here has reached the alarm bells. There is an alarming situation here. Giving the statistics, he said that in 1951, the population of tribals in Santhal Pargana was 44.67%, Muslims 9.44% and others 45.9% whereas in 2011, the population of tribals decreased to 28.11% and the Muslim population increased to 22.73%. The population of others increased to only 49.2%.

He said that these statistics are clearly indicating a big change in demography. He said that not only this, but if we consider the data of the voter survey conducted by the BJP in the past days, then the number of voters has increased from 20 to 123% at each booth in the voter list from 2019 to 2024 in 10 assembly constituencies of Santhal Pargana.

He said that the BJP has also gone to the Election Commission regarding this, submitted a memorandum and demanded an investigation. Marandi said that in the constitutional system of the country, reservation has been made for ST SC in Lok Sabha, Assembly elections and jobs according to the proportional ratio of the population. Therefore, due to the decrease in the population of tribals, not only the demography is changing but the reservation percentage will also come down. The tribal society will suffer the most.

He said that he has written a letter to the Chief Minister demanding an SIT investigation into the reasons for the decreasing population. The Chief Minister should take immediate initiative and take action.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has urged citizens to remain vigilant to avoid issues caused by excessive rainfall. He emphasized the importance of taking special care of children, advising that they should avoid areas with high water levels and downstream regions. Additionally, caution is advised against lightning strikes, and individuals should avoid taking shelter under trees, as lightning is more likely to strike them. Dr. Yadav mentioned that the state has received 4 percent more rainfall than the average so far. With the opening of the gates of Bargi Dam, water levels are expected to rise, and an alert has been issued to all concerned districts. Relief camps have been established in the Sagar and Katni districts, which have been particularly affected by the heavy rainfall.

The monsoon is currently active in the state, with approximately 400 mm of rain recorded so far, which is 4 percent above the average as of today, July 26th. Light rainfall is predicted across the entire state over the next four days, with heavier rainfall expected in three divisions. Some districts in the Bhopal, Narmadapuram, and Jabalpur divisions, including Bhopal, Vidisha, Sehore, Raisen, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Katni, Balaghat, Seoni, and Chhindwara, are forecasted to experience heavy rainfall. Additionally, heavy rainfall is predicted in Panna and Chhatarpur in the Sagar division, as well as in the Satna district in the Rewa division.

Water level will increase when Bargi gates open, instructions to districts to remain alert

Chief Minister Yadav stated that the Bargi Dam reservoir is currently 53 percent full, with a water level of 416 meters. This level is expected to rise by two meters in the next two days, necessitating the opening of the dam's gates. An alert has been issued for downstream districts, including Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Narmadapuram, Harda, Khandwa, and Khargone. Residents in these districts' villages are to be informed, and the administration has been instructed to take necessary precautions to ensure public safety.

Water level of other dams

Chief Minister Yadav said that most of the irrigation dams of the state is around 50 percent full. Among these, The water level of Gandhi Sagar dam is 56 percent, Indira Sagar is 23 percent, Omkareshwar is 44 percent and Rajghat Dam is 30 percent.

Relief camps set up in Sagar and Katni

Chief Minister Yadav said that it is raining in the entire state which is also necessary for agriculture. Due to excessive rainfall, low-lying settlements were flooded at some places in Katni and Sagar districts. Relief camps have been set up at these places. Similarly, there was heavy rainfall in Ratlam and Sheopur districts yesterday.

Provision of relief amount on loss

Chief Minister Yadav said there is no news of crop damage due to the monsoon rain in the state. Some cases of loss of life and animals have come to light, and instructions have been given to the districts to provide financial assistance as per the provision.

Information about damage to about 150 houses has also been received. Assistance is also being provided in such cases. For this, an adequate budget has been made available in the districts.
The Jharkhand government has cleared the decks for the Dhalbhumgarh Airport project by recommending the diversion of 99.256 hectares of forest land, a crucial step towards boosting regional air connectivity for Jamshedpur.

The Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department of Jharkhand has approved the land diversion, enabling the airport's development to move forward. This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of the project's environmental impact and its anticipated benefits to the region. The key aspects of the recommendation include diverting 99.256 hectares of forest land located in the Jamshedpur Forest Division. The recommendation was made by the Special Secretary of the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, with additional conditions to be detailed in a subsequent letter.

A senior official from the Jharkhand government, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed optimism about the project. The Dhalbhumgarh Airport will transform Jamshedpurs accessibility and economic landscape. Weve carefully balanced development needs with environmental considerations, the official stated.

The proposal now awaits final approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India. Given the project's significance for regional development, state officials are hopeful for a swift review by the central government.

Dhalbhumgarh Airport Limited (DAL), a joint venture company, is spearheading the project. According to the MoU signed on January 24, 2019, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) holds a 51% stake, while the remaining 49% is held by the State Government.

Environmental advocates are emphasizing the importance of implementing compensatory measures. An environmental policy expert commented, Its crucial that development projects like this adhere strictly to afforestation guidelines and other ecological safeguards.

Once operational, the Dhalbhumgarh Airport is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and economic activities in the Jamshedpur region, potentially creating substantial employment opportunities for local residents.
Amid incessant rains, authorities in Chhattisgarh on Friday urged people to be cautious and not to endanger their lives while near water bodies.

The advisory urges people to take precautions while crossing rivers and old bridges.

Pictures and videos have surfaced on social media of people crossing flooded rivers and streams risking their lives. Youths and children are seen playing in rivers and streams.

Water levels in rivers, drains, dams, culverts and near old bridges have risen sharply due to heavy rainfall.

People near flood-prone areas have been told to follow warnings about waterlogging, be prepared to relocate to higher grounds, not to drive on submerged roads and cooperate with the authorities.
Chhattisgarhs Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur has launched H-VISA (HNLU Visiting International Scholars Academy) initiative to have a Global Academic Network from the academic year of 2024.

A press communique from the university said the programme is designed to attract academic scholars from across the globe to enhance mutual academic cooperation.

The programme is curated to facilitate academic scholars from leading universities to visit for teaching and research purposes at HNLU. The H-VISA Jurists will be facilitated with campus accommodation, research cabins, secretarial assistance, research scholar assistance and other infrastructure. The programme will also sponsor international travel and suitable remuneration for their services during their engagement at HNLU.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, India was set to become the worlds third-largest economy within the next three years.

He emphasised that this milestone signifies a new era of prosperity and a significant step toward achieving self-reliance.

The chief minister was addressing the Rajat Jayanti Samaroh held at Kargil Smriti Vatika on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Reflecting on the 1999 Kargil war, he said, It was a deceitful attack by Pakistan, which was met with a resolute response from Indian soldiers. This victory showcased Indias bravery and valour to the world. India remains a peaceful nation committed to democratic values and ideals, which is why it has never attacked any country.

Highlighting the contribution of UP in building India as a self-reliant nation, Chief Minister Yogi said that work was going on at a fast pace on the six nodes of the defence industrial corridor in the state.

Here, defence-related companies from India and abroad are setting up manufacturing units, presenting a new example of Indias self-reliance in the defence sector, he added.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country has entered the Amrit Kaal of independence. In light of this, we need to rise above personal interests and work towards realising the concepts of a developed India. We should prioritise national interest over individual concerns, he said, adding that today the country has a peaceful and harmonious environment, which paves the way for the nations prosperity.

He paid tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the countrys borders and extended his congratulations to the entire state on Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Before the programme, Chief Minister Yogi paid tributes to the martyrs Major Ritesh Sharma, Captain Manoj Pandey, Captain Manoj Mishra, Lance Naik Kevada Nand Dwivedi and Rifleman Sunil Jung by laying wreaths on their statues installed in the Kargil Smriti Vatika and paid homage to their memories.

During this, Urban Development and Energy Minister AK Sharma, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLC Dr Mahendra Singh, Mukesh Sharma, Ramchandra Pradhan, Pawan Kumar Chauhan, Engineer Avnish Kumar Singh, Somesh Trivedi, MLA Neeraj Bora, and other dignitaries were present.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid homage to the statue of Bharat Mata at Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas and Silver Jubilee Year. Dr. Yadav reached Shaurya Stambh and saluted the martyrs. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also dedicated the Armys T-55 tank installed in the Shaurya Smarak complex. The tank will be on display from now on at Shaurya Smarak. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav paid tributes to the soldiers martyred in the Kargil war and addressed a program held in Dronacharya Auditorium.

In the main program organized in the capital Bhopal on Kargil Vijay Diwas today, NCC cadets gave a Guard of Honor to the Chief Minister Dr. Yadav on his arrival at Shaurya Smarak. General Officer Commanding Sudarshan Chakra Corps, Preetpal Singh, Additional Director General of NCC Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh Major General Ajay Kumar along with many officers of 21 Corps Bhopal also took part.

Addressing the program of the Army and NCC, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that our Army created a new history with the Kargil victory. This victory is a recognition of the bravery and valor of the Indian Army. Many times in times of war, the morale of the army is more important than weapons, which leads to victory. Bravery has been the identity of India. Enemies come to our country to destroy and corrupt us for various reasons and ways, but they cannot last long before our bravery. Old civilizations like Egypt and Rome have come to an end. But India could not be overpowered.

Chief Minister Yadav said that after independence, India and Pakistan became two nations. If we compare the two nations today, we see that the good qualities of India give it a different place. There were wars between the two countries after 1965 and 1971 and in 1999. When Atal ji was the Prime Minister, our neighboring country cheated on us while India was being courteous to them. We have always known our limitations and dignity. In keeping with the past, Prime Minister Narendra Modi knows how our neighbors are and how to tackle them. Chief Minister Yadav said that Pakistan was defeated in the Kargil war. Today India knows how to deal with the audacity of the enemy. Indian Army is one of the best armies in the world. The nation will never forget the martyred soldiers of Kargil. While congratulating the people of the state on Kargil Vijay Diwas, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav paid tribute to the martyrs of the war.

Chief Minister Yadav extended his best wishes and congratulated the NCC cadets (including both boys and girls) for their excellent singing performance. He termed the installation of the T-55 tank won as a war trophy by the Indian Army at the Shaurya Smarak complex as significant. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also visited the picture exhibition at Shaurya Smarak.

Culture Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi along with many military and senior NCC officers were also present in the program. At the outset, the General Officer Commanding Sudarshan Chakra Corps Shri Preetpal Singh welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. Major General Shri Ajay Kumar Mahajan gave a message to the NCC cadets to always be dedicated to discipline and service to the nation. A memento was also presented to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav.
Medi-caps University, in collaboration with Southern Methodist University (SMU), USA, proudly announces the launch of an integrated dual degree program in engineering and management. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Robin Poston, Dean of SMU, and Dr. Dinesh Rajan, Associate Dean of SMU. Their aim was to highlight the academic opportunities and promising career prospects available in the USA.

During an interactive session with Medicap University students, Dr. Robin Poston shared insights on the rich academic experiences and cultural diversity students can expect. Dr. Rajan discussed various academic and career opportunities, encouraging students to take advantage of international education.

The event saw participation from Prof. (Dr.) D.K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor; Mr. Palash Garg, Chancellor's OSD; Ms. Saloni Garg, Director of Branding and Promotion; Prof. (Dr.) Sunil D. Upadhyay, Collaboration In-charge; and Prof. (Dr.) Pramod S. Nair, Dean of Engineering. They discussed potential programs, student exchange opportunities, and the prospects of dual degree programs between the two institutions.
In line with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths vision for modernising Uttar Pradeshs medical universities, King Georges Medical University in Lucknow is poised for a significant transformation. The universitys general surgery department will soon be equipped with a state-of-the-art new building with an investment of Rs 315 crore.

The development will unfold on a 9.62-acre site within the university campus, featuring a built-up area of 37,128.76 square metres. Key elements of the project include the construction of a two-story underground basement for parking and a seven-storey building that will house advanced hospital and building management systems.

The new facility will boast cutting-edge amenities such as an advanced robotic surgery system, a 300-bed teaching hospital, a mortuary and an auditorium.

These upgrades are expected to benefit both the general public and the university's trainee doctors.

This initiative underscores the Yogi governments commitment to advancing healthcare services across Uttar Pradesh, aligning KGMU with future healthcare needs and modern standards.

The planning department has begun the process of selecting agencies and allocating work for the construction and development project. Applications have been requested, and the agency selection and allocation process will be completed in August. All construction and development work will be carried out on a turn-key basis using the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) mode. After selecting the agencies, a 24-month period has been set to complete all construction activities.

Under the plan, the ground floor will be developed as a stilts floor, and the first floor will be designated as the service area. The second floor will have a 60-bed general ward, the third floor will also have a 60-bed general ward, and the fourth floor will feature a 120-bed general ward. The fifth floor will include a 30-bed private ward, an 18-bed HDU, a 12-bed pre-operation area, and a 20-bed day care ward. The sixth floor will be equipped with a 30-bed post-operation area, 10 operation theaters, a hybrid operation theater, and a 12-bed ICU. The seventh floor will house faculty, administrative offices, and storage blocks.

The new building for the general surgery department will be equipped with several advanced features. It will include an auditorium, UG tank, pump room, mortuary, laundry, service floors, HVAC system, fire alarms, CCTV, lifts, IBMS, two-way audio-video conferencing setup, and EPABX networking system. Solar energy plants will also be installed to make the building solar-powered.

Additional features will include wall guards, nurse calling systems, pneumatic tube systems, robotic surgical systems, medical equipment, medical furniture, medical gas pipelines, and a modular operation theater. The building will also have six elevators with a passenger capacity of 26 each, as well as a dedicated elevator for transporting goods and stretchers.

The agency responsible for the project will submit a detailed project report based on which the construction work will proceed.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath envisions that all medical universities in the state undergo modernisation to meet future needs. Accordingly, the new building for the KGMU general surgery department will be designed to meet requirements for the next 100 years. The building will be developed with a theme of making the healthcare unit future-ready and accessible to all.

It will be equipped with biomedical waste management, hospital management systems, and building management systems. Innovative construction methods, including post-tensioned slabs, will be used. Additionally, the new building will incorporate colour therapy to address various patient health issues.
Congress members on Friday alleged failure of the Chhattisgarh government in tackling rain-borne and vector-borne diseases and trooped out dissatisfied with the answer of the Health Minister.

They accused the government of failing to provide proper health facilities to people and take preventive measures against a surge in malaria and diarrhea in the state.

The issue became heated after MLA Motilal Sahu of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised the issue of deaths of people due to malaria and diarrhea and sought the government's response.

Congress members targeted the government, claiming that the cases of the water-borne and vector-borne disease were shooting up in the state.

In his reply, Health and Family Welfare Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said it was incorrect to say that the health system had collapsed.

The truth is that the government had been working sensitively to ensure the prevention of diarrhea and malaria, he said.

A total of 1,015 Rapid Response Teams have been formed and 1,371 inaccessible villages and 1,183 epidemic prone villages were identified in the rainy season.

The Minister said it was incorrect to say that in the last week, thousands of people were found to be suffering from malaria and diarrhea in the state.

He also talked about the number of tests carried out and patients identified with malaria and diarrhea as well as measures taken to contain the diseases.

He said the Annual Parasite Index (API) has come down from 7.29 per thousand population in 2019 to 3.98 per thousand.

Former Chief Minister and Congress legislator Bhupesh Baghel asked why the government had been trying to cover up malaria and diarrhea deaths.

Even the Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the surge in the cases and served notices to concerned authorities, he said.

Baghel also sought to know the number of tests conducted to curb malaria and deaths that occurred.

The Minister answered that a total of 35.71 lakh tests were carried out to check malaria and 12,242 persons were found to be positive for the disease. Fifteen deaths were reported due to the disease, he said.

The Congress members accused the government of failing to effectively handle the situation and later walked out of the House expressing dissatisfaction over the Minister's reply.
Ride-hail drivers rally at a staging area near Chicagos OHare International Airport during a work strike in February. Ride-hail companies such as Uber and Lyft won a major battle in California over the classification of their drivers  but a bigger fight looms nationally. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Uber, Lyft and their allies have won their $200 million battle in California to treat their 1.4 million drivers as independent contractors, not employees. But further clashes are ahead at the national level.

The Biden administrations Labor Department has adopted regulations that could classify some, or perhaps all, of the drivers as employees under federal law, entitling them to benefits not available to contractors. Federal judges in at least five states are considering legal challenges to the rules by business groups and some freelance workers who say the changes could cost them their jobs.

And the nations voters can weigh in this November, choosing between Vice President Kamala Harris, who presumably would retain the current regulations, and former President Donald Trump, whose administration repealed similar standards it had inherited from President Barack Obama. The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Proposition 22, an initiative backed by ride-hailing and food-delivery companies and approved by 59% of Californias voters in 2020, was unanimously upheld by the state Supreme Court on Thursday.

Rejecting arguments from labor unions, the court said a century-old state constitutional provision allowing the Legislature to require workers compensation benefits for injuries and illness did not prevent the voters from denying those benefits to the drivers, since voters have the same lawmaking powers as legislators.

It is the duty of the courts to jealously guard the right of the people to make laws, Justice Goodwin Liu wrote, quoting an earlier decision by the court. Thursdays 7-0 ruling left the door open for the Legislature to restore workers compensation to the drivers in a new statute, but kept the rest of Prop 22 intact.

But the central issue  the designation of the drivers as contractors running their own businesses, rather than employees subject to the control and responsibility of the companies that hired them  may not be resolved yet.

The Labor Department announced regulations in March redefining when, under federal law, workers should be defined as independent contractors in business for themselves or as employees of an enterprise controlled by others.

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The regulations had been under review for more than a year and have drawn strong opposition from employers and business groups. Senate Republicans have cited the issue in blocking confirmation of Julie Su, Californias former labor commissioner, as U.S. secretary of labor. She has served as acting labor secretary since March 2023.

The rules include consideration of how much control the company has over the work; the workers financial interests, including any investments and prospects of profit or loss; the level of skills required for the job, and how essential it is to the companys operations.

Those factors would appear to tilt in the direction of employee status for Uber and Lyft drivers, whose work is substantially controlled by the companies and is essential to their businesses.

Despite Thursdays state Supreme Court ruling, the federal regulations, if applied in California, would entitle drivers to the federal minimum wage  $7.25 an hour, compared to $16 under state law  plus benefits such as overtime pay and compensation for work expenses such as fuel costs, which are not available to contractors.

And since the rules would also require companies to pay payroll taxes for the workers, they would have an incentive to treat the workers as employees for all purposes under California law, said David Rosenfeld, a lawyer for the California Labor Federation.

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The department has not yet sought to enforce its regulations in California, a circumstance that could change after Thursdays ruling upholding Prop 22. But the rules have been challenged in federal courts in several states by companies and workers who say their jobs will be eliminated once they are redefined as employees.

Another suit has been filed in a Texas federal court by the Coalition for Workforce Innovation, a business group whose members include Uber. It contends the Labor Department failed to submit an accurate, legally required study of the regulations costs and benefits, said Liya Palagashvili, a labor economist with the Mercatus Center, a pro-free market nonprofit at George Mason University in Virginia.

The Labor Departments conclusion  that the rules would cause no financial losses  was unfounded, said Palagashvili, who filed arguments supporting the lawsuit. She said the department assumed that companies would retain workers who had been reclassified as employees, but that past experience shows many workers would be fired, harming their households and the overall economy.

While the lawsuits are pending, labor unions are promoting more far-reaching federal legislation called Protecting the Right to Organize, or the PRO Act. It would define workers as employees, rather than contractors, unless the organization that hired them could show that a worker was in an independent occupation or business, performing tasks separate from the organizations usual course of business and was free from its control.

Those are the same standards that California established for its workers in a 2019 law, AB5, before Prop 22 exempted the drivers from that law in 2020.

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The PRO Act has little prospect of passage in the current Congress, but it is still politically significant. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., improved his prospects to become Harris choice for vice president this week when he ended several years of hesitation and endorsed the union-backed measure.

Harris, meanwhile, has an unusual family connection to the issue  her brother-in-law, Tony West, is Ubers senior legal officer.

But Harris has supported the standards in AB5 and the PRO Act since at least 2019, when she was a senator from California. As a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, she called for increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour. As vice president, she led a task force that advised federal agencies on regulations making it easier for workers to join unions.

We are protecting the sacred right to organize, the vice president said at a Service Employees International Union convention this May, because we know when unions are strong, America is strong.
Minister for Labour Welfare Prahlad Patel has said arrangements would be made in the larger interest of workers to ensure wage revision of workers in every five years. He was discussing issues relating to workers' welfare with a delegation of the BharatiyaMazdoorSangh the other day.

Patel said that the central and state governments are paying attention to workers' health and skill development, as well as the education and skill development of their children. The central and state governments have provided all possible assistance to workers in cases of accidents and serious illness. For the first time in the country, the provision of issuingunique PF (Provident Fund) identity cards to workers has been made under the guidance of Prime Minister NarendraModi.

Patel observed that working in the interest of workers requires sensitivity and understanding. Be it Sambal Scheme or helping the construction workers, the state government is with workers and their families.

The delegation from the BharatiyaMazdoorSangh included Sanjay Singh, State President, DilipGurjar, State General Secretary, Niranjan Kumar, Organization Secretary, and Arvind Mishra, Executive President. The Sangh submitted a memorandum to the Labour Minister concerning workers' interests.

The delegation also included Kamlesh Patel, State Vice President, Megha Dubey, Rajan Nair, State Minister, Deepak Gupta, Office Minister, Umesh Sharma, Treasurer, and Harendra Singh Chandel, also participated in the discussions.
In a fiery address that may send ripples through Punjabs political landscape, Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Friday minced no words in his critique of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The tension between these two heavyweights has been simmering for years now, and Purohits latest remarks have added fuel to the fire. Why is the Chief Minister scared of me? Purohit questioned via media  his tone a mix of exasperation and defiance. He emphasized that his approach is merit-based and devoid of political bias, a stance that seems to have irked Mann.



Purohit did not stop there. He took a firm stand on the contentious issue of the university bill  the latest flashpoint in their ongoing tussle. Purohit asserted that Manns discomfort stemmed from the Governors role as the chancellor of all state universities, a position Mann allegedly coveted. The Bill aimed to transfer this power to the Chief Minister, but Purohit, steadfast in his principles, passed it to the President of India, who subsequently refused to sign it. Purohit suggested that the move was in the best interest of Punjabs educational institutions and in accordance with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.



Purohit pointed out that 10 universities in Punjab currently lack regular Vice-Chancellors (VCs), a situation he attributed to the State Governments reluctance to adhere to proper procedures. The appointment of VCs requires the formation of a search committee as per UGC rules, he explained, underscoring his commitment to transparency and meritocracy.



Border Woes: Drones and Drugs

Transitioning from the corridors of academia to the perilous border zones, Purohit highlighted the grave issue of drug smuggling via drones. Back from his three-day visits to Punjabs border districts, he revealed alarming gaps in coordination among security agencies. Pakistan is sending drug consignments to Punjab using drones, he stated, underscoring the sophistication and persistence of this cross-border menace. Despite existing anti-drone measures, a significant portion of Punjab remains vulnerable, he maintained.



This is my seventh visit to border districts to take stock of the situation. First visit observed that there was a lack of coordination. People were scared and were not coming forward to report about drugs. Local villagers are aware of the activities of each other, he said.



To counter the same, Purohit has initiated Village Defence Committees and incentivized villagers to report suspicious activities with substantial rewards. He has also mandated regular meetings between Central and State agencies to enhance collaboration. Coordination of all agencies is a must, Purohit asserted, advocating for a united front against this pressing threat.



We held meetings with all central agencies including the Army, BSF, NIA, NCRB, IB, MI and Special Bureau. We have asked to coordinate with local and state administration and state police to hold the monthly meeting with all agencies, he added.



To bolster these efforts, Purohit also announced the allocation of funds from the Governors Fund to incentivize villagers. The village that rids itself of drugs will receive Rs three lakhs from the Governors fund, he declared. This initiative aimed at empowering the local communities and foster a collective effort to combat the drug crisis. The Governor also mentioned that additional funds will be directed towards expanding the anti-drone system to cover more areas of Punjab.



Governance and Public Welfare

Governor Purohits remarks were not confined to his clash with the Chief Minister or border security issues. He touched upon broader governance challenges, reaffirming his commitment to public welfare. Purohit declared his dedication to addressing the states unfinished tasks, irrespective of political affiliations. I listen to everyones concerns, irrespective of the political parties they are fromI listened to the AAP leaders, Congress or SAD also, he said.



He highlighted his extensive political experience, having contested elections eight times and won five, with a notable success rate. I am here to serve Punjab selflessly, Purohit stated, distancing himself from electoral politics and emphasizing his role as a public servant.



Purohit also praised some of the State Governments actions, particularly the transfer of 10,000 police officers to tackle drug-related corruption. However, he urged for more stringent measures and consistent efforts to root out the drug menace. The fight against drugs is not a one-time effort; it requires continuous vigilance and action, he said.


In a major breakthrough, Punjabs Tax Department has uncovered a colossal fake billing scam worth thousands of crores, targeting both gold and iron trade sectors. The state Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday announced the findings highlighting the meticulous investigation carried out by the state tax department's enforcement wing.



The investigation revealed that two gold firms had generated fraudulent bills amounting to Rs 860 crore, while 303 iron firms were involved in fake transactions worth Rs 4044 crore. Additionally, 68 firms were discovered to have engaged in fake billing schemes totaling Rs 533 crore by registering their firms under other people's names.



During a detailed inspection of a gold trading firm in Amritsar, the Departments Enforcement Wing discovered that the firm had issued fake bills worth Rs 336 crore for the sale and purchase of gold. Further scrutiny revealed that the two firms, from which this gold was purportedly purchased, had their registrations canceled, with no record of any gold transactions.



A similar fraudulent scheme was detected in Ludhiana, where a firm had generated fake bills for gold transactions amounting to Rs 424 crore. Again, the implicated firms had no record of actual gold purchases, and their registrations were promptly canceled.



The crackdown extended to the iron trade sector, where 303 firms were found involved in fraudulent transactions totaling Rs 4044 crore. Out of these, 11 firms were registered in Punjab, 86 in other states, and 206 with the Central Government. The investigation revealed that 217 firms, registered with the Center and Punjab, had an outstanding Input Tax Credit (ITC) of Rs 89.7 crore, which has now been blocked. The total fake ITC claimed in this case was a staggering Rs 707 crore.



The state tax department has taken strict action against all 11 firms registered in Punjab, canceling or suspending their registrations. The Central Government has been alerted to the remaining 206 firms for further action.



The investigation also uncovered a case involving 68 firms registered under other people's names. Five individuals have been identified and an FIR has been filed against them in Ludhiana, with a total of 11 people named. This scheme involved bogus billing of Rs 533 crore, leading to a fake ITC claim of nearly Rs 100 crore.



Minister Cheema outlined the states ongoing efforts to prevent tax evasion and ensure financial transparency. The Punjab Tax Department is now linking GST registration with AADHAR-based biometric authentication to prevent fraudulent registrations.



Initiatives like the establishment of the Tax Intelligence Unit (TIU) and the State Intelligence and Preventive Unit (SIPU) have significantly contributed to a more than 13 percent growth in GST collection under the Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns leadership  a stark contrast to the previous government's six percent growth.


The monsoon session of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly started today. On the first day of session the house was adjourned till Monday after a condolence motion. On the first day Assembly Speaker Rabindranath Mahato addressed the House. The condolence motion began in which the House expressed condolences to the politicians, social workers, players, artists and other dignitaries who have passed away in the state and the country since the last session. Assembly Speaker and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Leader of Opposition Amar Bauri and many MLAs presented condolence motions. After this, the House has been adjourned till 11 am on Monday.

There will be six working days in it. This will be the last session of the tenure of the Hemant Soren government. After this, assembly elections are going to be held. In this six-day session, the government will present the supplementary budget in the House. In this session, which will run till August 2, the proceedings will not run on 27 and 28 July due to Saturday and Sunday.

During the session, the first supplementary budget for 2024-25 will be tabled and several bills will be presented.

Stating that the previous sessions had been productive, he expressed hope that debates will remain decent despite differences of opinions among the members.

"Though the session is scheduled for a brief period, it is very important," he said.

The JMM-led ruling alliance partners in Jharkhand held a meeting on Thursday to chalk out strategies during the monsoon session of the Assembly and expressed hope that the opposition will cooperate to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren also shared his optimism for a productive and orderly session of the Assembly, expressing hope that all parties would collaborate effectively to address the state's issues.

The opposition, on the other hand, planned to focus on several issues, especially corruption, law and order, alleged Bangladeshi infiltration and non-fulfilment of promises by the government.

BJP state president Babulal Marandi said party MLAs will raise demographic changes in Santhal Pargana in the Assembly.

"The tribal population has declined to 28 per cent in 2011 from earlier 44.67 per cent and Muslim population rose from 9.44 per cent to 22.73 per cent in Santhal Parganas," he claimed before the start of the session.

Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto had also convened an all-party meeting on Thursday to ensure the smooth functioning of the House during the six-day long monsoon session, which will end on August 2. The Speaker's Tribunal on Thursday disqualified two legislators - JMM's Lobin Hembrom and Congress's Jai Prakash Bhai Patel - under the anti-defection law with effect from July 26.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday that the world recognised the indomitable valour and courage of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War.

Speaking at the silver jubilee celebration marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Surya Auditorium of Central Command, in Cantonment here, Yogi remarked that the Kargil War was imposed on India.

Pakistan had covertly infiltrated Kashmir, imposing war on India. However, the outcome of the war was determined by our brave soldiers. Despite facing adverse circumstances, no enemy could stand against the valour of our soldiers, he said.

The chief minister further stated, I take immense pride in honouring the courageous women and families who have lost their loved ones in the Kargil War. He emphasised that Indias global identity is not that of a country that forcefully monopolizes.

Yogi highlighted that Indian tradition holds Shastrena rakshite rashtre shastra chinta pravartate, meaning that contemplation of shaashtra (scriptures) is possible only in a nation safeguarded by arms.

He remarked, Even when India was a global leader in strength, intelligence and knowledge, we never initiated aggression. However, when invaders dared to disrupt our peace and goodwill, our brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the motherland.

Yogi stated that the state government consistently supports the brave soldiers who defend the countrys borders. He mentioned that if a soldier is martyred in battle or while safeguarding the border, the state government provides Rs 50 lakh in assistance to their family. Additionally, employment is guaranteed for one family member.

Since 2017, the government has committed itself to honouring the memory of martyred soldiers by naming a grand memorial, institute, or road after them in their village, city or town.

Yogi remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi can advance the vision of a developed India only because the countrys borders are secure today.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi honoured the father of Param Vir Chakra winner Captain Manoj Pandey, mother of Rifleman Sunil Jung, mother of Naik Abid Khan, wife of Naik Ramkesh Chandra Yadav, wife of Naik Rajendra Yadav, son of Lance Naik Ashok Kumar Yadav, Brigadier Akhil Kumar Sinha, Colonel Prabhat Ranjan, Colonel Gyanendra Pratap Singh Kaushik, Colonel Kshitij Srivastava, Naik Jitendra Singh and Sepoy Vinod Kumar Dubey.

Yogi also visited an exhibition showcasing the bravery of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi took to Instagram to congratulate the people of the state and honour the valiant warriors of the Indian Army. He wrote, Heartfelt congratulations to the people of the state on Kargil Vijay Diwas, a symbol of the indomitable valour, unparalleled bravery, and unmatched courage of the Indian Armed Forces! Salute to the immortal soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice to uphold the honour and sovereignty of Mother India! We are proud of the Indian Armys dedication and spirit of sacrifice. Jai Hind!
The Bengaluru police have arrested the prime suspect in the murder of a 24-year-old woman at a paying guest accommodation here on July 23. Abhishek was arrested in Bhopal where he fled after committing the gruesome murder of Kriti Kumari.

"Yes, he has been arrested," a senior police officer told PTI on Saturday. Addressing reporters, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said the accused has been identified and picked up from Madhya Pradesh. He is being brought to Bengaluru on a transit remand.

To a query about the motive behind the murder, he said, "We don't know it yet. He has to be brought here and then we have to take his police custody and thorough investigation and interrogation has to be conducted... Only then further details can shared."

On Friday, the video of the chilling incident went viral. According to police, Abhishek had sneaked into the PG accommodation and killed Kriti Kumari from Bihar. In the video, the man is seen walking into the corridor of the paying guest accommodation holding a polythene bag. He then knocks on the door and, later, drags a woman out.

The victim resists the attack, but is soon overpowered by the murderer, who slits her throat and runs away. Upon hearing the loud noise, other women in the building rush to the spot, but could not save her. Kriti Kumari was working in a private firm in the city, they added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday claimed that she was humiliated as she was not allowed to speak at the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi.

Banerjee said she has no problems if other states are allocated more funds but would protest discrimination against West Bengal.

I was not allowed to speak. They were repeatedly ringing the bell. This is humiliation, she said while speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport after arriving from New Delhi.

On Saturday, Mamata Banerjee, who is also the TMC supremo, walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

I don't have a problem if they allocate more funds to some states. But there should not be any discrimination against other states or Bengal," Banerjee said.
Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday officially signed her forms, declaring her candidacy for the post of President of the US and voiced confidence that she would win the high-stakes election on November 5.

"Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for President of the United States. I will work hard to earn every vote," 59-year-old Harris, who is of Indian and African origin, said on X.

"In November, our people-powered campaign will win," the presumptive Democratic Party candidate said, referring to her electoral battle with former president and the Republican Party's nominee Donald Trump.

Harris launched her presidential campaign last Sunday, hours after President Joe Biden, 81, withdrew from the race for a second term. She is, however, yet to be officially declared as the presidential candidate by the Democrats.

If elected on November 5 to succeed President Biden, Harris - the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother - would not only be the first woman, but the first Indian-American, the first Asian, the first Black woman and the first person of Jamaican descent to ascend to the office.

Meanwhile, no other Democrats have announced their candidacy for the presidential race. Harris has secured endorsements from more than 40 state delegations, surpassing the number of delegates she will need to win the nomination and if that support holds, Democrats will officially nominate her for president during a virtual roll call vote early next month.

Under new rules adopted by the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday, the nominee will be selected as soon as August 1, and the candidate has until August 7 to select a running mate. The party will meet for its convention in Chicago starting August 19.

Harris, who was a senator from California before she was elected vice president, quickly hit the campaign trail with events in Wisconsin, Indiana and Texas. Her campaign said it raked in more than USD 130 million since she officially joined the White House race.

The endorsement comes as Harris for President kicks off a Weekend of Action marking 100 days until Election Day (on November 5).

With over 1,70,000 volunteers and 2,300 events across the battleground states, Team Harris is making its case to the voters who will decide this election about the fundamental choice they will face this November at the ballot box.
The building at 99 Rhode Island St. in San Francisco, which previously housed several major tech companies, will become the future home of Hiba Academy, a private school. Google Street View

A new private school is set to open in the former Airbnb headquarters in San Franciscos Showplace Square.

Westwood US Inc., an American subsidiary of the prestigious English educational institution Wellington College, has acquired the 63,000-square-foot building at 99 Rhode Island St. for $23.5 million. The deal closed on July 22, according to property records.

The acquisition of the 63,000-square-foot building, first reported by the San Francisco Business Times, follows a foreclosure by Idaho-based lender A10 Capital on the previous owner, EQT Exeter, which defaulted on a $33 million loan. The new school, named Hiba Academy, will offer bilingual education in English and Chinese for kindergarten through eighth grade.

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San Francisco was chosen for its reputation as an epicenter of forward-thinking ideas, according to a press release from Hiba Academy. The school will join a global educational network that serves over 10,000 students in the United Kingdom, China, Thailand and India.

Our innovative English and Chinese bilingual curriculum has a proven track record of success spanning more than a decade in our global family of schools, and we are excited to be bringing it to the Bay Area, the school said on its website.

Hiba Academy did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

The three-story building at 99 Rhode Island St. has a rich history as a tech startup hub, having hosted companies like Macromedia, Jawbone and Airbnb. EQT Exeter acquired the property in February 2021 for $37 million, intending to revamp it, but the building remained vacant due to a declining office market, leading to the foreclosure in December 2023.
San Francisco startup Webflow announced that it will lay off 8% of its staff. Google Street View

A San Francisco tech company valued at $4 billion announced that it will lay off 8% of its staff.

Webflow, a website builder and hosting platform launched in 2012, announced on Thursday that the company will enter a period of restructuring resulting in staff reductions. The startup, backed by Y Combinator, was valued at $4 billion after raising $335 million in 2022, Forbes reported.

To be clear: our business is healthy and our financials are strong, wrote Linda Tong, the companys chief executive officer. This decision is about sharpening our focus to accelerate delivery in pursuit of our mission. As youve heard me say many times in the last few months, were entering a new phase at Webflow that will require us to operate differently.

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Employees laid off in the United States will receive 16 weeks of severance pay and COBRA continuation. Staff will be allowed to keep their company laptops.
July 26, 2024: Palestinians, either as Hamas or various other Islamic terrorists or armed Palestinian nationalists, have long been fighting for a Palestinian state. There has never been a Palestinian state in the region, although 2,500 years ago Greek historian Herodotus described Palestine as part of Syria and located between modern Lebanon and Egypt. The term Palestinian is not an Arab word but is derived from Philistines, who were Greek seagoing merchants that settled on the coastal areas between Lebanon and Egypt.

The Ottoman Turks defeated a Mamluk army from Egypt in 1516 and occupied the Palestinian region until 1918. During that occupation the Ottomans maintained peace in Palestine and allowed Arab and Jews to settle there and do business. This brought more Arabs and Jews. The Ottoman Turks did not tolerate any ethnic violence and severely punished groups that disobeyed this rule. As a result Arabs and Jews lived together in an area the Turks called Palestine and the Turks referred to both groups as Palestinians.

The Ottoman Turks were on the losing side during the 1914-1918 World War I. The Ottoman Empire collapsed and its provinces became independent or were taken over by the victorious European armies, France took Lebanon and Britain had Egypt and Palestine. During the 1939-45 World War II there was more violence between Moslem Arabs and local Jews who had lived in the region for centuries, plus recent Jewish arrivals who arrived as Zionists before and after World War One, and some who had survived the Nazi effort to kill all Jews in Europe. During the war some local Arabs were pro-Nazi and the British took care of these rebellious Arabs while also recruiting and training a Jewish Brigade in 1944 that fought for the British against the Germans in Italy.

After the war ended in 1945 the Jewish Brigade veterans returned to what was still called Palestine and provided trained soldiers for Jewish efforts, usually non-violent, to establish the Jewish state of Israel and facilitate the movement of surviving European Jews to Israel. When Israel was established, the surrounding Arab states told Arabs in Israel to flee and return after the Arab armies had defeated the Jews. That never happened and the Arabs fought and lost three more wars in 1956, 1967 and 1972. After that Egypt and Jordan made peace with Israel and the only fighting Israeli troops encountered was with armed secular Palestinians and Islamic terrorists. Hamas was and still is one of the terrorist groups. There are still millions of Palestinians adjacent to Israel in the West Bank and Gaza. The government in these two regions have been notoriously corrupt and ineffective at governing effectively. Israel treats Hamas in Gaza, and Palestinian militants in the West Bank, as more of a police matter than a military threat.

The Palestinians call for the creation of a Palestinian State in a region where a Palestinian State never existed. The Israeli state has been around for 75 years. Israel is democratic, prosperous and has a citizen army determined to protect what they have. Israel is the most prosperous nation in the region and the only one with nuclear weapons and Israeli-designed and built rockets to deliver the nuclear warheads on any significant threat in the region. Currently that threat is Iran, and Israel recently defeated a massive Iranian ballistic and cruise missile attack. The 1979 revolution against the Shah of Iran was hijacked by Islamic Shia religious leaders who declared Israel and the United States enemies of Iran. Before the revolution Israel and the United States had good diplomatic and trading relations with Iran. Many Iranians would like to see a return of that relationship.

With everything else that is going on in the region, the plight of the Palestinians is seen as a minor matter not worth a lot of attention. The Palestinians cannot form efficient governments and tend to seek violent solutions.
July 26, 2024: While Myanmar became quieter for a while after the military government allowed democracy to return in 2010, by late 2023 there was a major outbreak of violence by northern rebels against soldiers stationed in the north. This led to chaos in the north where non-tribal residents fled south and large groups of armed and angry tribal rebels moved south. The army never expected this and now fighting continues in the north outside, and sometimes inside, towns where there is an army garrison. With few troops left in the area, the Myanmar military sent its warplanes to bomb towns believed to be occupied by rebels. This was an imprecise operation and many civilians were killed.

Myanmar is still subject to violence from tribal separatist militias in the north plus radical Buddhist groups. There was another military coup in early 2021, a decade after the military government since 1962 finally gave in to demands for freedom and democracy. By 2010 the army had failed at running the economy or dealing with the rebellious northern tribes. The military negotiated a deal with the democrats that left the military with some of their political power as well as immunity from prosecution or retribution for a long list of past crimes. Once elections were held, the generals realized they had underestimated the degree of popular anger at the decades of military misrule. After 2011, with Myanmar governed by a government answerable to the people, not a military caste, there were calls for canceling the political privileges the military had retained as part of their agreement to allow peaceful transfer of power. The late 2020 nationwide elections put into power a government that finally had the votes, and determination, to cut the military down to size and make them much less capable of another coup. The generals moved faster than the new government and once more took control of the country on February 1st. That military government remains in control at the end of 2021, mainly because of support from China. There is growing armed and unarmed opposition to the military which has resulted in over a thousand dead, nearly 12,000 arrested. The economy is in shambles but, despite that, the population resists and the survival of the military government depends on how much China wants to spend saving them. China refused to contribute more than token assistance, while the rebel militias in the north became more powerful and the Myanmar army began to collapse, along with the military government when there was another major uprising in late 2023 that started in the north and is ongoing.

Meanwhile in the northwest the fighting between tribal rebels and the army in Rakhine State has intensified, and because of this several hundred thousand villagers have fled their homes. Many traveled all the way to the state capital, which is seen as the safest spot in the state. The army also revived Internet restrictions which had been lifted earlier. The result was that most cellphone users in Rakhine State get only slow (2G) Internet speeds. This made it difficult to access pro-rebel websites, and most others as well.

Most of the rebels involved belong to the AA (Arakan Army). Many AA attacks are ambushes or raids on road traffic, outposts or border posts. Control of the roads is essential for the army, which depends on regular deliveries of all sorts of supplies. The army also has some air support, mostly surveillance but also occasional airstrikes. The rebels know the mountains and forests, which the army enters and moves through more slowly. The war up here is about driving away locals who can provide support for the rebels. Most of these civilians have nothing to do with the rebels and see themselves as innocent victims of random military violence. There is some truth to that because troops often loot abandoned villages or rape female refugees they catch up with.

The rebels have another advantage in that their attacks are more precise and involve much less firepower. The soldiers spend most of their time wandering around in the forests seeking rebels who move faster in the bush and usually detect the troops before the soldiers can spot any rebels. Hiring, or forcing, local hunters to guide the troops rarely works because the local guides hate the troops and know that the rebels wont forget if such guides and trackers cost them casualties.

Rebels attack outposts and border posts for loot. These attacks are not just about stealing some weapons and other gear, it is also intimidating the border guards and troops into backing off on border security. A major source of income for the AA is getting illegal drugs from nearby Shan State, where most illegal drugs in the country are produced, into Bangladesh. The AA also works with Myanmar Rohingya refugees just across the border in Bangladesh.

The AA has support from one of the rebel coalitions, the NA, or Northern/Brotherhood Alliance tribal rebels, who refuse to attend peace talks unless the government allows the Arakan Army, or AA, to attend. The AA and the army have been fighting for over six years with no end in sight. The government, pressured by the army, declared the AA an outlaw organization in early 2020. The other tribal rebels disagreed and saw the army as the true outlaws. No long-term peace deal is possible without the NA and some NA members are still engaged in combat with the army.

All NA members agree that if the AA is not allowed to attend peace conferences, neither will any NA member. The NA consists of four tribal militias: TNLA (Tang National Liberation Army), AA, MNDAA (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army) and KIA (Kachin Independence Army). The NA exists because its members refused to sign the 2015 Myanmar Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). Those who did sign the NCA have made progress in working out differences with the government and military. The army, which tends to do as it likes in the tribal areas of the north, is the primary cause for violence. China is also involved because Northern Alliance members survive via their access to China. The access is tolerated as long as these Myanmar rebels do not let the fighting spread into China or interfere with Chinese commercial operations in Myanmar. This includes the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) project, which NA members object to. So do other tribal rebels and the largest such group, the UWSA (United Wa State Army), boycotts peace conferences and otherwise tries to get their point across to the army and the government.

Army leaders have become more outspoken about foreign support the tribal rebels are receiving. The generals wont come right out and name China, but it is no secret that China has done little to curb Chinese weapons dealers from selling all manner of military small arms to tribal rebels and getting it across the border into Myanmar. That cannot be done without the acquiescence of the Chinese government. In this way the Chinese are sending a message to the Myanmar generals, who the Chinese see as equally responsible for the violence in the north, sometimes right on the Chinese border. Both the rebels and the army are often using Chinese weapons and ammo against each other. There are not a lot of casualties and most of them are from army convoys being ambushed or the army firing into pro-rebel villages to drive the civilians, and any rebels, out and into the bush. The army does not have enough troops to occupy all the territory they push tribal rebels, and civilians, out of. Often the rebels, if not the civilians, at least not right away, come back and resume attacking convoys and patrols.

Rebellions in Rakhine and down along the coast are nothing new in this area. Long known as the Arakan coast and similar names hinting at an interesting past. In recent years there have even been calls for the restoration of the Arakan Empire, which ceased to exist 235 years ago. This is a renewal of ancient feuds over who should control the northwest coast of Myanmar, an area with a long history as an independent Arakan state. For example, in late 2017 ARSA (the new Islamic terror group in Myanmar) called for Rohingya to join with al Qaeda to fight the Myanmar army and establish Rakhine State as the independent Moslem Arakan. This refers to the Arakan region, which is the coastal area that includes Rakhine State and the coastal area along the Bay of Bengal from eastern Bangladesh down deep into Myanmar. Some 1800 years ago Arakan became an independent Hindu state but 500 years later Islam spread to the area in part because Arakan was one of the many branches of the ancient Silk Road from China.

The population was largely Bengali and Myanmars. In the 18th century the Myanmar kingdom to the east conquered the area but lost it to the British colonial forces a century later. After that most of Arakan became part of the post-colonial nation of Myanmar. When the British left in the late 1940s they had created a Myanmar with unique borders and many citizens who were not ethnic Myanmar. For Islamic radicals Arakan, like Spain, Portugal and parts of the Balkans are still considered part of the Caliphate (Islamic Empire) because they had once been ruled by Moslems. The current inhabitants of these lost territories are now largely non-Moslem and have no interest in becoming Islamic states again. Despite that groups like al Qaeda see an opportunity in Myanmar.

Islamic terrorists first showed up in late 2016 and August 2017 when there were attacks by a Rohingya Islamic terrorist group called ARSA. Its founder (a Rohingya expatriate) and much of the cash came from Saudi Arabia. Myanmar prefers to call groups like ARSA Islamic terrorists but until ARSA and the Saudi cash showed up there had not been much, if any, religious aspect to the armed Rohingya resistance. ARSA was openly calling for Rohingya worldwide to support a war against Myanmar for the bad treatment the Rohingya have received, especially since 2012. Until the 2017 announcement ARSA had denied any connection with al Qaeda but that eventually changed. The ARSA leader, Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi or just Ata Ullah, has received more attention now that Islamic terror groups like al Qaeda are calling for its members to help ARSA and the Myanmar Rohingya any way they can. Since August 2017 there have been no more large scale ARSA attacks but there have been some clashes with security forces. For the moment ARSA is largely a force on the Internet, not on the ground.

Since 2018 Rakhine State has been the scene of soldiers fighting the Arakan Army rebels for control of territory. Along the west coast in Rakhine and Chin states the fighting is mainly about the army effort to control and tax illegal activities by tribesmen. The tribes have been mistreated by the military for so long it is difficult to generate a lot of trust and put an end to the armed resistance.

The Arakan Army had been avoiding soldiers since a series of clashes in late 2015 ended badly for the rebels. Clashes resumed in early 2016 as troops moved into territory where Arakan Army rebels were known to operate. All this was unexpected because the northwest coast has not had as much tribal violence as states to the east. In this case the Arakan Army had help from Kachin State tribal rebels and have become a problem on both sides of the Bangladesh border. The government ordered the army to increase its efforts to destroy the Arakan Army and the successful clashes in late 2015 led to the military working with police to find and arrest the many Arakan Army supporters in the area. Unlike most tribal militias in the north, the Arakan Army was never given official recognition, in large part because the Arakan Army was more of a gangster operation than tribal rebels. All this police activity was unpopular but at least it was less arbitrary and lawless than in the past when soldiers would torture and kill people they picked up. That sort of behavior has always been illegal but few violators were prosecuted. In 2020 those illegal practices returned in a big way as the army sought to shut down the Arakan rebels once and for all.

The government at the behest of the army continues to block more foreign aid groups from operating in Rakhine State. The army accuses some foreign aid groups of aiding rebels and Islamic terrorists as well as contradicting government reports of what is going on in the area. There are still some Rohingya refugees in Rakhine State living in camps and supported by local and foreign aid.

Another source of casualties in the north, along the Bangladesh border, are the landmines and booby traps set by both the army and the rebels to make it more difficult to get hit with a surprise attack. Nearly 60 percent of these casualties are in Rakhine State where the AA and army have been fighting for several years now. Most of the landmine casualties are civilians, who often dont know the army or AA has planted some mines in an area. Both sides do often record and remove mines they have placed. But the point of mines is surprise and civilians traveling through mined areas do so without being warned that mines are there. The mine danger is another reason the army prefers to use artillery to clear civilians out of an area and sometimes to clear mines.

Since 2017 Myanmar Rohingya refugees, currently nearly a million of them, have been an involuntary presence in Bangladesh. All efforts to get Myanmar to take them back have failed. Apparently, Myanmar is OK with the refugees becoming a permanent presence just across the border. The refugees were initially welcomed by Bangladesh when they arrived in large numbers during 2017, After about a year the presence of nearly a million displaced Rohingya in an already crowded country became a problem. Most of the Rohingya refugees are in an area called Coxs Bazaar and their presence tripled the local population. At first the locals were eager to help fellow Moslems, for a few months at least. But that expected short visit has gone on for three years and there is no end in sight. The growing number of criminal gangs in the camps are a growing problem. The gangs specialize in smuggling things in and out of Myanmar. This is a problem for governments on both sides of the border. The smuggled goods range from consumer items, to drugs, to Chinese weapons to illegal explosives. At one point police seized a truck in Kachin State that crossed the border with 17 tons of ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Sales and imports of ammonium nitrate are regulated because this fertilizer can easily, with the addition of some fuel oil and a detonator, be turned into a powerful explosive.

There are still over 100,000 Rohingya refugees on the Myanmar side of the border living in camps that are less livable than those in Bangladesh. Refugees on both sides of the border are waiting for an opportunity to return to their homes. Gangs of Myanmar Buddhist nationalists still prevent this, as well as attacking any Rohingya returning from Bangladesh. Myanmar is regularly condemned in the UN for this but with China as an ally, the Chinese UN veto can prevent any serious sanctions against Myanmar.

In the northwest Sagaing Region, west of Kachin State NCSN-K (National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Khaplang), tribal rebels based in Kachin state have long been hunted on both sides of the border by Indian and Myanmar forces that coordinate these operations. This has led to an unprecedented number of Indian tribal rebels, especially leaders, being arrested in northwest Myanmar and returned to India as per earlier border security agreements.

Indian and Myanmar Naga rebels continue to maintain bases on the Myanmar side of the border. The Sagaing region has long been used as a refuge for Indian rebels but since early 2019 Indian and Myanmar forces have been coordinating efforts to shut down the border camps for good, or at least for a long time. Until early 2020 Indian and Myanmar troops would periodically search remote areas on both sides of the border. While this hurt the Naga rebels it did not destroy the rebel groups, who returned to the border area once the troops had ceased their activity. In response Myanmar troops began to patrol the area for several months, or as long as it took for India to certify that the Naga rebels had suffered serious and long-term damage. Indian troops were also active on their side of the border to ensure that the Naga rebels, both the Indian and Myanmar ones, have nowhere to go and that situation will last so long and after several months many of the rebels will desert and return to their villages. Other rebel groups have been cornered by Indian or Myanmar troops and dispersed or destroyed. These clearance operations do not always work exactly as expected because after years of intense border patrols NSCN members are still active on both sides of the border.

Most of the Naga people are Indian but some live in the Myanmar far north of Sagaing Region and belong to the NSCN which wants to form an independent Nagaland, including Indian and Myanmar territory and Naga people from both countries. Many of the camps being sought in Sagaing belong to the NSCN-K faction of the NSCN. At the start of 2019 there were believed to be about 5,000 active rebels in NSCN with about ten percent of them Myanmar Naga. Operations since then sought to reduce the size of NSCN by a significant amount. These operations are not just going after the NSCN but also smaller groups like the Ulfa-I, NDFB and Manipur rebels.

The Naga are actually about two million people from a collection of tribes that share many Myanmar-Tibetan characteristics and traditions. About ten percent of the Naga live in Myanmar but most of the rebel violence occurs in Indian Nagaland. For years the Naga rebels have used bases in Myanmar to train and rest before returning to fight in India. After much diplomatic pressure the Myanmar army finally went after the Naga rebel camps and have now shut most of them down or at least made them very difficult to maintain. The Naga rebels do not fight the Myanmar soldiers but always retreat. For this new operation Myanmar soldiers have orders to pursue and capture or kill any rebels they encounter. If the rebels head for India the Indian Army is alerted and moves troops into position to confront any rebels crossing the border to escape Myanmar troops.

All these border patrols have involved thousands of soldiers and border police in both countries. There have been casualties, but they have been low. The rebels prefer to flee rather than fight but there are occasional clashes often as small groups of rebels seek to slow down troops so that most of the rebels can get away.
July 27, 2024: Personnel of the Ukrainian Security Service also handle propaganda of the accurate variety. They collect and make available combat videos on their web site for the general public and journalists. Most aerial and seagoing drones are equipped with video cameras so their operators can guide them to targets while also looking for and avoiding threats. Many of the drone videos are gruesome because they show Russian soldiers actually getting killed or wounded. In Ukraine, the majority of Russian soldiers killed or wounded are the work of armed drones. The Russians do not respond with similar attacks and still prefer to attack Ukrainian targets with relatively large bombs and missiles. The drones Ukrainians use for attacks on Russian infantry are usually reusable quadcopters. These are often standard commercial DJI models modified by the Ukrainian military to carry and deliver small amounts of explosives, equal to what would be used in a hand grenade. Dropped from above by a Ukrainian drone on individuals or small groups of Russian soldiers, the results are often fatal. Russian troops are horrified at this new development and, when they hear the sound of a DJI drone, they quickly seek shelter or concealment.

Drone attacks are unique as the Ukrainian drone operator can see his targets and the quadcopters are too small a target to reliably shoot down when it is stalking you. One macabre video showed a Russian soldier committing suicide using his assault rifle rather be hunted down and killed by the armed and all-seeing drone that was stalking him. For Russian soldiers, the major source of combat deaths is from these drone attacks. Soldiers are warned by veterans to be watchful for these drones and, if any are detected, to immediately take shelter where the murderous drone cant find and kill you. The drones are also a threat to armored vehicles because they can, at no risk to the lives of their Ukrainian operators, drop explosives down an open hatch or onto the relatively unprotected engine compartment.

Russia responded with electronic jammers to disrupt the control signal between the Ukrainian operator and the drone. The Ukrainians quickly adapted to that by adding a home on jammer capability to their drones as well as equipping some with the decades old fire and forget capability some missiles still used. Missile operators use fire and forget by getting the target in the target viewer and then launch the missile. The missile is homing on an image of the target and, even if the target vehicle moves, the missile will change course and home in before detonating. The tank crew often does not realize they have been targeted by a fire and forget missile. The few tank crewmen that survive such an attack never forget the experience.

Armed drones continue to be a major threat at sea where Ukrainian USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) drones sank or damaged over a third of the Black Sea Fleet and forced the remaining ships to take shelter in nearby ports like Sevastopol or more distant ones like Novorossiysk. The USVs are still attacking Russian ships in these ports. The Russians have developed countermeasures to these attacks, but not enough to prevent persistent Ukrainian attacks from damaging or destroying Russian warships and support facilities, like drydocks and equipment sheds. Whenever the Russians come up with some way to defeat these attacks, the Ukrainians develop another attack technique.

These techniques and tactics have become a major problem for the Chinese Navy and its plans to attack and capture Taiwan. The U.S. Navy has announced that they have adopted Ukrainian naval combat tactics using USVs. Since the United States is a major supporter of Ukraine and has already provided over a hundred billion dollars in military aid, the Ukrainians are eager to share their new drone manufacturing methods and tactics on how to use them. The American military recently announced that they and the Taiwanese are building over a thousand of these USVs to use against any Chinese attempt to attack and capture Taiwan. The Chinese are not pleased because Chinese military officials have heard vivid descriptions of what Ukrainian USVs did to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Because so many USVs are equipped with video cameras, there is a lot of video evidence of how this works and any admiral viewing these videos can easily imagine what these devilish USVs could do to their ships.
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July 27, 2024: Americans are once more complaining that European NATO members depend too much on the United States and not enough on their own resources for defense. This is particularly true when it comes to soldiers trained, equipped, and available for combat. Part of the problem is that Europeans have not been at war since 1945 while the Americans were involved in the 1950-53 Korean War, where over 35,000 American soldiers died, the 1955-1975 Vietnam War where 58,000 American soldiers died, and the 2001-2021 War on Terror in which 7,000 Americans died.

Conscription was in effect in the first two wars. During the Korean War 1.5 million men were inducted into the military and conscription continued after from 1954 to 1961 with another 1,5 million men conscripted. During the Vietnam War 2.2 million American men were conscripted. In the 1970s the United States dropped the unpopular conscription and has relied on volunteers for the last 51 years. This worked during the 2001-2021 war in Afghanistan and the 2013-2017 war in Iraq. Only 2,460 American soldiers died in Afghanistan and 3,500 in Iraq. Because of the major terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, which killed 3,000 American civilians, the United States embarked on the Global War on Terror, which lasted from 2001 to 2021, and led to 7,000 American military deaths. Europe was spared all this violence during the Global War on Terror except for a few terror attacks that killed or wounded fewer than a thousand civilians and security personnel.

Europe suffered from Soviet backed terrorist attacks during the 1949-91 Cold War, but since the 1980s there has been no more of that. Europe is at peace, but now considers the Russians a threat because of the unexpected Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. European NATO members have been major suppliers of military aid to Ukraine. The United States, which is also a NATO member, has supplied more than half of that aid. But while the United States has an army and marine corps of 630,000 well trained and equipped troops, European nations are less well prepared to defend themselves. The number of European soldiers available has declined precipitously since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. The war in Ukraine has forced European nations to rethink their military situation. Although conscription was largely gone by 2021, once Russia invaded Ukraine the Europeans realized they had been too optimistic about how long peace would last and how low they could allow their military readiness to decline. The violence in Ukraine compelled perpetually neutral Sweden to go ahead with reintroducing conscription in 2024.

The number of American army and marine corps infantry troops is more than that of all NATO European nations combined. Another problem is uncertainty about what military manpower can do. The United States has been having little success in getting its European allies to organize their armed forces to be more effective. This is a problem for the United States. For a long time the European nations have taken for granted that the United States would always show up to supply key military capabilities. During the Cold War (1947-91) the U.S. accepted this. Since the 1990s the U.S. has increasingly resented this burden and has been uncharacteristically undiplomatic over the last few years in discussing logistical and equipment shortcomings of its NATO allies.

Decade old examples of how this works could be seen in Mali and Syria. In 2013 the French led liberation of northern Mali was greatly assisted by French warplanes using smart bombs to attack known terrorist bases. This was devastating and led to the rapid collapse of resistance to the French ground forces. But most of the air support would not have been possible without American aerial tankers. There was a similar shortage of aerial reconnaissance aircraft, especially those that could do electronic monitoring to listen to terrorist communications on the ground. In 2013 NATO was under growing pressure to support the Syrian rebels with air support, as they did the Libyans two years earlier. That is not possible without American assistance.

Libya in 2011, was supposed to be just a European operation. NATO was persuaded to take charge of the bombing campaign to fulfill a UN order to stop the Libyan dictator from murdering his own people. While NATO agreed to do this, they found, once more, that they didnt have sufficient military capability to get it done with European resources alone. The U.S. still had to supply most of the refueling and intelligence aircraft, as well as send more smart bombs because most NATO nations dont have very large stocks of these weapons.

This is not a new problem. During the Cold War the U.S. constantly, and usually quietly, complained of how unprepared most NATO members were for actual combat. These nations were quite relieved when the Cold War ended in 1991. But then came the need for peacekeeping in the Balkans throughout the 1990s. The U.S. was implored to pitch in because the European NATO nations couldnt handle this themselves. Then came September 11, 2001. NATO members offered to help in Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Iraq. But it was more promise than performance.

European reluctance to send troops to Iraq or Afghanistan was more than just the result of political differences. While all of Europe has nearly as many troops as the United States, they have far fewer fit enough to ship to a combat zone. This was a problem first noted in the 1990s, when there was a big demand for peacekeepers in the Balkans. The Europeans couldn't fob this one off on the Americans and had to come up with combat ready troops. The Europeans had a tough time finding soldiers ready and able to go.

European armed forces are full of people in uniform who have a civil service mentality. That is, they think and act like civilians, not soldiers. Belgium discovered, for example, that 14 percent of its troops were obese, compared to 12 percent of the general population and unfit for many of their duties. Much noise is always being made about getting all the troops in good physical shape. While that is possible, it is less likely that the mentality of the troops will be changed.

During the Cold War, Europe got most of its troops via conscription. Young men came in for two or three years and then left. Anywhere from a third to half the troops were long term professionals, who served for twenty or more years. But even before the Cold War ended, many of the European military professionals were losing their combat edge. When the Soviet Union disappeared in 1991, there was no longer any compelling reason for a European soldier to think and act like one. It was just a job. A government job that was not, or should not, be terribly demanding.

Europeans spend a much higher proportion of their defense dollars on payroll, leaving little money for training, new equipment, and maintenance. It also meant an older, on average, bunch of troops. Going to war and winning requires lots of young, physically fit young men who have undergone months of combat training. Europeans turned their armed forces into another job creation program. There are some exceptions, like Britain and France, demanding that the troops remain fit and maintaining high training standards. Most European nations maintain a few elite infantry units, but these don't add up to much in terms of numbers. Only Britain and France have large rapid reaction forces that can be sent overseas on short notice. The United States has the largest such force, and many European nations are trying to expand theirs.

America also has a leadership advantage on the ground. The U.S. has long maintained an up or out promotion policy, which forces people out of the service if they are not promoted within a certain amount of time. The U.S. also maintains high standards for new recruits. This makes it possible to maintain more combat capable units. The U.S. is able to field more combat troops, and far more combat power, than an equal number of European soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

The Europeans are still producing more excuses than solutions, and that is not expected to change, no matter how much the Americans complain. In fact, it is getting worse. European nations are rapidly downsizing their air forces, and not just in numbers of aircraft, but in money spent on training. For over seventy years the U.S. could depend on European pilots to be well trained and competent. But now Europeans are cutting flying hours and the U.S. has to adapt to Europeans showing up in modern aircraft with poorly trained pilots.

The wartime reality displayed in the Ukraine War left European soldiers with an idea of what is real and what is a counterproductive peacetime delusion. As the Russians discovered, delusions about how much resistance the Ukrainians would produce against an invader, were difficult to calculate. Russians overestimated their abilities and underestimated how much resistance the Ukrainians could generate. Too many misguided delusions can get you killed.
Commentary: China champions peace in Middle East through concrete actions

12:15, July 27, 2024 By Zhao Wencai ( Xinhua

CAIRO, July 26 (Xinhua) -- As the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in Gaza stretches into its 10th month, there was a bid for peace and unity from Beijing this week: Under China's mediation, senior representatives from 14 Palestinian factions signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity.

According to the declaration, the Palestinian factions have agreed to establish an interim national reconciliation government, carry out reconstruction in Gaza and prepare and hold a general election as soon as possible in keeping with the adopted election laws.

As witnessed by their Chinese friends, once-bitter rivals among the Palestinians, notably Hamas and Fatah, have decided to bury the hatchet and join forces. They are setting their sights on establishing an independent State of Palestine with Jerusalem as the capital, based on relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions and ensuring the integrity of Palestinian territory, including the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza.

During the reconciliation talks, Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, was asked why different factions could resolve their differences in Beijing.

After thinking for a while, he replied, "Because China is decent and honest and wants to help us without interfering in our internal affairs, (and) to support our struggle by enhancing Palestinian unity and enabling Palestinians to achieve what they deserve, which is their freedom, their independence, their rights to sovereignty."

Barghouti's remarks offered a compelling elucidation of China's sincerity and continual progress in assisting the Middle East in achieving peace.

The Palestinian question has always been the core issue in the Middle East, and achieving internal reconciliation within Palestine is an important step toward resolving the issue and achieving peace and stability in the region.

China has long been committed to promoting reconciliation within Palestine, a goal shared by other Arab nations including Egypt and Jordan.

However, efforts have previously stalled due to an unfavorable international environment, particularly interference from the United States.

The recent round of conflicts in Gaza has highlighted for Palestinians the detrimental impact of internal divisions on their goal of establishing a state. There is a growing recognition that a unified voice will amplify their calls for justice, and only by standing together can they advance their cause for national liberation. This has spurred a renewed desire for reconciliation among Palestinian factions.

Meanwhile, the international community has increasingly recognized that the establishment of a Palestinian state is the key to resolving the Palestinian question. Inspired by China's successful mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the world and the Palestinian leaders in particular are hopeful that China will play a significant role in addressing the thorny issue.

The most urgent task now is to achieve a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and ensure access to humanitarian aid and rescue on the ground. China has engaged in close communication and coordination with relevant parties since the outbreak of recent hostilities.

Deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, China has provided significant amounts of humanitarian aid through various channels. It has also actively facilitated the UN Security Council's adoption of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In the Position Paper of the People's Republic of China on Resolving the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict released last November, China calls for Palestine's full membership in the UN and a more authoritative and effective international peace conference to work out a timetable and road map for the two-state solution.

China's drive for an early, comprehensive, just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict stems not from self-serving geopolitical motives, but from a profound empathy for the Palestinian people and an earnest aspiration for peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

Unlike some Western countries that have often overlooked the suffering in Gaza, China's historical experience with Western interference has given its people a unique perspective on the hardships faced by those in the Middle East, who long for peace and stability amidst the turmoil of war.

China's efforts to promote peace in the region are underscored by its role in facilitating the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, ending seven years of diplomatic deadlock. The current Beijing Declaration further exemplifies China's concrete steps to bridge regional divides and lay the foundation for a peaceful Middle East.

On their journey toward lasting peace and prosperity, all parties involved in the Middle East conflict will find in China a true advocate committed to peace and justice in the region.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Derry councillors have called on the British government to scrap the two-child benefit cap.

The two-child benefit cap was announced by the Conservatives in 2015 as part of David Cameron and George Osborne's austerity measures.

It means while parents can claim child tax credit or Universal Credit payments for their first and second child, they couldn't make claims for any further children they had.

On Tuesday, the new Labour government won a vote in the House of Commons after an amendment to the King's Speech was tabled calling for the scrapping of the controversial cap.

SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood was one of six MPs, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who tabled the amendment.

Seven Labour MPs have had the whip suspended for six months after voting against the government.

The issue was raised at Wednesday's full meeting of Derry and Strabane District Council in the Guildhall.

People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin commended the MPs who voted to end the cap.

He said that the cap had been a major issue for child-poverty groups across the North.

This has been one of the main issues that child poverty groups and anti-poverty groups across the North and across these islands have campaigned on for a number of years.

It has tied in with a whole series of Tory policies that have caused tremendous harm and have led to extreme levels of poverty in our own communities, he said.

Cllr Harkin proposed that council write to the Prime Minister conveying councillors' frustrations and to urge him to scrap the cap.

Seconding the proposal, SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid said the amount of children living in poverty in the city and district is second to none.

Cllr McDaid, who previously tabled a motion calling on Stormont to abolish the cap, said the vote to keep the cap was devastating to hear.

Cllr McDaid said: It's unfair and draconian and we just need to do everything we can.

DUP councillor Julie Middleton welcomed the motion.

Alderman Middleton said: If there's one thing I care most about in the whole world it is children, I would say most of us are the same.

She added: I think it's disgrace that it didn't go through and just to put on record that our Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA is working actively on strategies and mechanisms that he is able to put in place in a devolved context to bring forward anti-poverty strategies.

Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson said that while his party had no issue in supporting the proposal, the vote in the House of Commons demonstrated that no elected representatives from the North had any impact on the British government whatsoever.

Cllr Jackson said: What has been demonstrated here is that regardless of of anybody from this part of the world taking part in the British House of Parliament have no impact whatsoever.

He added: It's very clear that no matter how many MPs that are returned from this part of the world, who claim to have influence in the British House of Parliament, there is absolutely nobody who cares about the views of the people here in that House of Parliament.

So if we're going to have real, if we're going to see an end to this to child limit or we're going to see an end to the cruel Tory policies, we need to break the connection with Westminster all together and that's something that hopefully we're going to continue to build and build momentum towards.

So in relation to the proposals in front of us, we have no issue with it but if the British government don't listen to the MPs that take part in their parliament, they're not listening to us as a council.

So the only tangible impact that we can make is to break the connection with Westminster.
Young and old have thronged the streets of Belfast to watch this years Pride parade march through the city.

The 2024 parade was led by Micky Murray, the citys first gay mayor, and a post-parade party in the Square is being headlined by former UTV continuity announcer Julian Simmons.

People with rainbow streaks on their faces and waving LGBT+ flags gathered to get a glimpse of the multi-coloured march.

A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm.

This years theme is Love your Mind  and a range of mental health charities including Inspire, Aware and NSPCC are taking part.

  Good morning and HAPPY PRIDE!   I hope everyone has an incredible, safe, and happy Belfast Pride day! I got up extra early this morning to raise the progress flag high on the front of Belfast City Hall! pic.twitter.com/t8gND94HME  Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Micky Murray (@micky_murray) July 27, 2024

Co-chair of Belfast Pride Kirsty Mullholand said that almost everyone in the city will have experienced dealing with mental health issues, either personally or through a loved one.

It is a sad fact that poor mental health is something that disproportionately affects members of the LGBTQIA+ community, she said.

Being LGBTQIA+ doesnt automatically mean that a person will struggle with their mental health, but it does mean that they are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health.

Being LGBTQIA+ doesnt cause these problems, but being on the receiving end of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination can.

The flip side of this is that being out and proud can have a tremendously positive mental impact.

First Minister Michelle ONeill encouraged LGBT+ activists to keep making your voices heard.

She said: As your First Minister, I stand with you in our shared vision of an inclusive, equal, and brighter future for all.

Keep being bold. Keep being proud. And most importantly, keep being you.
A memorable night of music breezes in this August Bank Holiday weekend, as over seventy of Irelands finest young wind, brass, and percussion players take to the stage in Ardee as part of this years Irish Youth Wind Ensemble summer tour.

The ensemble will present an exciting programme of wind band classics from across the decades on Friday, 2 August 2024 at 7pm, the programme includes Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story Symphonic Dances and Alfred Reed's El Camino Real.

The ensemble will be led by distinguished conductor, and Artistic Director of IYWE, Ronan OReilly, who is also Director of the Artane School of Music.

Speaking of the performances, Mr OReilly said; This years music programme has been selected to showcase the technical and musical abilities of some of Irelands best young wind, brass, and percussion players.

In the build-up to the national tour, the ensemble  made up of highly accomplished young musicians from across Ireland - will work together intensively in a week-long residential course at the University of Limerick with some of Irelands finest brass, wind, and percussion tutors.

The Wind Ensemble was formed in 1985 by James Cavanagh and Fred OCallaghan.

Since its beginnings nearly 40 years ago, over a thousand young musicians have participated in the event.

The ethos of IYWE is to offer young players an opportunity to study, perform and experience music specifically composed for the wind ensemble medium and to present music that otherwise would not be heard by Irish audiences.

Not only is IYWE, the leading platform for these young musicians to exhibit their musical prowess but, due to its unique nature, is often the birthplace of many Irish and even world premieres of wind ensemble compositions.

Next year IYWE will celebrate its 40th year. That IYWE has survived and flourished for almost 40 years is due to the enthusiasm and vision of its founders, the talent and enthusiasm of its members, and the efforts and commitment volunteered by numerous supporters.

Tickets are 20 or 10 (concessions) and are available at the door.

Presented in association with Irish Association of Youth Orchestras and funded by The Arts Council.
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Lidl Ireland is set to give a Kickstart to a new batch of 48 Irish producers from across the country, including on in Louth, who successfully earned a place on the retailers Kickstart Supplier Development Programme  an initiative that the retailer has invested more than 30 million in supporting over 250 Irish producers to date.

Following a competitive Dragons Den style pitch process to find this years most innovative products, 48 suppliers across 20 different counties, including Ogam Aromatherapy from Carlingford, were selected as the cream of the crop after an intensive application process which saw producers put through their paces with a business pitch to Lidls buying team and a taste test to select the best in category.

Ogam Aromatherapy is a second-generation family business founded by Roisin Carroll and now managed by her daughter, Caoimhe Carroll. Over the years, Ogam Aromatherapy has expanded beyond essential oils to develop a range of natural products from bath salts and sanitisers to shampoos, candles and body scrubs.

Successful producers will now see their artisan offerings on sale on Lidl shelves across its 220 stores across the island of Ireland from September 19th for a limited time, while stocks last. This includes Ogam Aromatherapys Soak Bath Salts which will be available in Lidl stores nationwide.

From high-quality convenience foods, fish and meat, to beauty, baking, ice cream, condiments and beers  as well as the programmes first ever pet food item  this years assortment will have something for everyone, with a marked focus on unveiling some of Irelands best circular economy products to offer more sustainable choice for customers.

Before the products hit the shelves, this six-month development programme offers suppliers dedicated business support from Lidls in-house experts, advancing their product, brand and business with practical guidance on how to scale production, drive production efficiency, as well as product development and packaging support, allowing them to optimise on-shelf opportunities in the Autumn and scale for success.

Now in its eighth year, and supported by Bord Bia, this years programme saw a record number of applicants from every province in Ireland.

Kate ODriscoll, Supplier Development Manager at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said: Lidls Kickstart Supplier Development programme allows us to support Irish producers building their businesses while providing our customers with a great range of new and innovative Irish products.

"Since 2016, Lidl has invested more than 30 million in growing and supporting small local producers  an investment which has seen huge success over the years with several Kickstart products getting fully listed and now being part of Lidls everyday product range. Other products have benefited from the expansive international store network, reaching the shores of the UK, Europe and even the USA over the eight years of the programme.

"This year there was phenomenal interest in participating in the Kickstart programme, attending our Pitch Day at Lidl HQ and great excitement for both the producers to show off their products and for my colleagues on the Lidl buying team to collaborate and plan for success.

With 112 new products listed for this years Kickstart programme, the retailer will add significantly to its annual goods and services procurement spend of 1.6 billion in Ireland. Since its launch in 2016, Lidl has invested 30 million in supporting over 250 Irish businesses through the Kickstart programme. Many Kickstart suppliers have also benefitted from having their products exported across Lidls international network of stores.

Commenting on the partnership, Fiona Twomey, Global Retail Specialist at Bord Bia said: Bord Bia is proud to support the Lidl Kickstart programme. We recognise the opportunity a global retailer like Lidl presents to Irish food and drink companies to get their products on shelf in Lidl stores around the world, while the Kickstart programme itself offers a multitude of business development learnings. On behalf of Bord Bia, I wish each of the participants every success on the first phase of this programme.
People in Joe Bidens Irish ancestral homeland of Carlingford are sad to see him go as president, according to one local.

Mr Biden, who has frequently expressed pride in his Irish ancestry, has made repeated trips to Ireland in recent years, including to Dundalk and Carlingford.

Rebecca Birch, restaurant manager of Fitzpatricks Bar in Jenkinstown, said locals are hoping they can welcome the 81-year-old back after he announced he would not be seeking re-election as president.

Mr Biden stopped at the bar in 2016 while on a trip with his family to explore their ancestry in the Cooley Peninsula.

Ms Birch, who is local to the area, said she was 16 when the then-US vice president visited the bar.

She said there was a great atmosphere ahead of his arrival.

Ms Birch said: I was with my mam and dad. It was a lovely sunny day, people had been talking about it for weeks. There was a lot of buzz in the area at the time.

Id never seen anything like it, the presidential cars coming in. It was crazy, there were so many people about. It was just a really exciting time to have him here.

Ms Birch said there were mixed reactions following his decision to pull out of the race.

It is a shame because he had a great term, he did an awful lot for America.

Were such a small town and to have a connection to somebody in office, the president of America, thats such a big deal.

Everyone here has a story about Joe Biden being in the community and to have that connection to the White House is really special.

Unfortunately, were not going to have that any more but I wish him all the best and I hope its the right decision for him and hopefully he can relax after stepping down.

Read Next: Three people arrested following Dundalk protest

Ms Birch said there were hopes that Mr Biden could visit the area more frequently, adding: He wont be in office anymore, not so busy running America, so hopefully hell visit us more because I know he does quite like it.

Wed love to have him back.

In 2023, the US presidents tour of Ireland saw him retrace his ancestral roots, with visits to Louth as well as Co Mayo.

Mr Bidens grandfather, James Finnegan, was born in Louth while his great-great-great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, hailed from Ballina in Mayo.

On Sunday, Taoiseach Simon Harris thanked the US president for his friendship to Ireland.

He said Mr Biden had expressed a fierce pride in his Irish ancestry and had acted as a voice for reason, effective multi-lateralism and shared solutions.

Joe Biden, in all the offices he has held, has always been an unwavering voice and passionate worker for peace on the island of Ireland and our country owes him a great debt for this, he said.

On a personal level, President Biden is a proud American with an Irish soul. When he arrived into Belfast, Louth and Mayo last year, he himself said it was like coming home.

The outpouring of love and support from the public, even in the pouring Irish rain, from Carlingford to Ballina was testament to how highly the president is held in his ancestral home.
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently hosted four separate Summer Computing Camps on campus for over 160 local secondary school students aged 12-17.

This was the largest ever offering of computer camps by the Institute and they say these high in demand camps are growing rapidly in popularity year on year, with this years series of camps being completely booked out.

The camps were split into two different offerings, one was the new iteration of the Institutes Creative Camp, where students sampled Animation, Modelling, Games Development and more. The other style of camp was a more traditional take on computing and programming.

These camps were run by the Computing Department in DkIT and was staffed by Niall Dowd, Retention & Recruitment Officer along with the support of student mentors from a variety of the Institutes computing and creative courses. The student mentors allowed an opportunity for the attendees to learn from current DkIT students on these subjects. The aim of these camps was to provide prospective students with a taste of some of the computing subjects they might want to study in the future.

These camps were free of charge and were extremely well attended and DkIT say this is down to the outreach work the Institute undertakes with schools in the region.

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A spokesperson for DkIT said: "The Computing & Creative Departments in DkIT are a vibrant hub of innovation where creativity and technology unite. The computing industry is flourishing and evolving and intersects all aspects of our lives, our work and society. DkITs dynamic computing courses have an excellent reputation within the growing IT sector in Ireland and the Institutes courses offer students the practical experience and technological know-how that is needed to excel in this exciting industry."

Niall Dowd said: We were delighted to be able to offer these camps to local students again this year. Its fantastic to see the camps are in such high demand. We really enjoy meeting the participants and sharing and developing their enthusiasm for the subjects.

"We were also highly encouraged to see so many young women attending and enjoying computing, hopefully theyll continue their interest and bring their talents into 3rd level studies in the area and eventually through to industry.
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.

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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 man who repeatedly indecently assaulted a child almost 40 years ago when he was a young teenager has avoided a jail term.

Michael Nolan, aged 54, of Ballyogan Vale, Carrickmines, Dublin pleaded guilty to indecent assault of the young girl on dates between November 1984 and September 1985. He has no other convictions.

Nolan was aged 14 to 15 years old at the time, while his victim was four to five years old.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the parents of Nolan and the injured party had met when the offences came to light. The teenage Nolan admitted his actions, and it was decided that both children should attend therapy in the aftermath. The matter did not go to gardai at that time.

In her victim impact statement, the woman said the abuse she suffered at the hands of Nolan had broken her foundations and messed up her internal wiring, impacting her life and her family.

She said she was left feeling dirty and ashamed. I lost my childhood, she told the court.

She outlined numerous ongoing medical, emotional and psychological impacts, such as muscular-skeletal issues due to being constantly tense, PTSD, anxiety, burnout, nightmares and panic attacks.

She said her driving force in reporting the offending was to stop it from happening to more people. She said reporting was not easy in this country, and if she had known the time and anguish of the process, she might have given up. She said that if it helps stop another child being abused, it is worth it.

READ ALSO: Driver arrested after passenger dies in single-vehicle crash in County Cork

Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Pauline Codd noted the serious effect the offending has had on the life of the injured party. She said the plight of the child had not been ignored or disbelieved by her parents, who took the action they deemed appropriate at the time.

Judge Codd said despite many interventions, the woman is still dealing with the detrimental effects of the abuse on her life, with her core sense of security and self-worth undermined.

She told the woman that the stigma and shame were no longer hers to own but belonged at the feet of Nolan, who now stands convicted of sex offences.

She said the court was struck by the courage and tenacity of the woman in seeking to unshackle herself from the effects of the abuse and wished her well into the future.

The judge said Nolan had faced up to what he did when the offences first came to light when he was 15 years old and again years later, with a guilty plea and letter of apology.

She said he attended counselling as a teenager and has led a prosocial life in the 39 years since then. She noted his shame and remorse for his actions.

She said that, in the meantime, he has married, raised children, and has no criminal convictions.

The judge noted that the maximum sentence applicable to the offence at the time it was committed was ten years imprisonment.

She said she was obliged to sentence Nolan according to the sentencing regime of the time but noted the penalties and legislation in relation to sexual offences on children and sentencing of child offenders have changed in the intervening years.

Judge Codd noted factors involved in sentencing and said it was a balancing exercise which throws up complexities, such as the effect of the lapse of time on the sentencing process.

She noted that the reason for the delay was that the injured party did not feel strong enough to come forward earlier.

She commented that the woman had borne the impact of the abuse over many decades, and it is understandable that she feels a profound sense of injustice that Nolan has moved on while it still blights her life.

Judge Codd said the teenage boy who committed the offences was different to the man now before the court. She said he had attended counselling, not reoffended and accepted what he did.

She said since 1985, there has been a sea change in the prevailing culture as regards sexual abuse.

She said there is now a sentencing regime for juveniles, which was not in place in 1985, with custody as a last resort for minors, and there was also no sex offenders register at that time.

The judge noted that had a complaint been made at the time, he would have been treated as a minor with evidence of rehabilitation and not as a 54-year-old man.

She said as no notes from his psychiatric treatment almost 40 years ago are available, the court is left with his age as the only barometer to assess his maturity at the time and cannot fully assess the psychological forces underpinning his behaviour at the time.

She said the aggravating factors included the young age of the victim, that he was relatively older, and she was taking into account the traumatic effects of the abuse on the injured party.

She noted the duration and repeated nature of the conduct, which only stopped when the complainant told her mother. She said the manipulation and psychological pressure the accused placed on the girl was nasty and cynical conduct.

She said that had Nolan been an adult, an eight-year headline sentence would have been appropriate; however, allowing for his youth and immaturity, she had set a four-year headline sentence.

Judge Codd noted in mitigation that immaturity has a considerable bearing on moral culpability.

She also noted his guilty plea, remorse and apology and his concrete expression of remorse in 6,500 he had brought to court to offset some of the womans counselling costs.

She said she had to have regard to how he has addressed his conduct and his self-rehabilitation and that he has not reoffended. She said if he had been prosecuted at the time, it would be unlikely that he would have been incarcerated,

Judge Codd imposed three years of imprisonment to mark the seriousness of the offence but taking into account his rehabilitation; she suspended the entire sentence for three years.

She said if this offence was committed as an adult, or there had been no rehabilitation or other offending, he would have received a custodial term.

She said that in light of the actions taken at the time, his level of maturity and his full rehabilitation over 40 years, it would be unjust in all the circumstances to impose a custodial sentence.

She placed Nolan on the sex offenders register for a period of two years.

A prosecuting garda told Rebecca Smith BL, prosecuting, that the families were known to each other at the time, and the offences happened while Nolan was in the company of the injured party.

The offending involved digital penetration of the victims vagina and making her touch his penis.

The court heard the young girl was in fear of Nolan, and while he did not threaten her, there was psychological pressure put on her.

The offences occurred over nine months until the mother noticed a change in her daughters behaviour, and she was referred to a specialist. When the girls parents discovered what was happening, they met with Nolans parents. He was 15 years old.

Nolan described how he was beaten by his father after he was confronted with what he had done.

The girl attended for specialised therapy, and Nolan attended counselling with a psychiatrist.

Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, defending, handed in a letter to the court in which Nolan sincerely apologises. A letter from Nolans mother refers to his youth and immaturity at the time. Further testimonials were also handed into court.

He said Nolan was now a caring father and grandfather. He asked the court to consider his guilty pleas and the fact the case was now before the court when the world had changed.

He submitted there were no other convictions, allegations or garda attention.
Irish premier Simon Harris has condemned an Israeli airstrike attack on a school building in which dozens were killed and injured as inhumane and despicable.

At least 30 people sheltering at a girls school in Deir Al-Balah were taken to hospital and pronounced dead, after a strike that Israels military said targeted Hamas militants operations.

In a statement, Taoiseach Simon Harris condemned the attack as a further demonstration of brutal, unconscionable violence.

Targeting an area populated with displaced families is inhumane and despicable, he said.

Israel continues to use disproportionate force and is engaging in a war that is having an unacceptable level of civilian death and injury, especially to children.

I again call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access for aid into Gaza.

The bloodshed and suffering need to end.

Israels military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 39,100 Palestinians, according to the territorys health ministry.

The UN estimated in February that some 17,000 children in the territory are now unaccompanied, and the number is likely to have grown since.

Healthcare professionals and aid agencies have also warned that food and water supplies being limited in the Palestinian enclave are putting more peoples lives at risk.

The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages.

About 115 are still in Gaza, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.
Why did you want to make a documentary about sheep?

It is not a question many writers expect to ask, although the sheep are not really what drew the Cork-based filmmaker Cara Holmes to make Notes From Sheepland.

Orla Barry is a visual artist and filmmaker with a long history of exhibiting at the Crawford Art Gallery. Art is her lifeblood, and she can find inspiration in almost anything.

But Barry is also something else: she is a shepherd raising a beloved flock of pedigree Lleyn sheep in Wexford.

Holmes didnt set out to make a documentary about a sheep herding artist.

I set out to make a straightforward documentary about women and farming. I was curious to know that side of the farming story in Ireland.

I have been working as an editor for the last 15 years. In the last few years, I moved to directing and a big focus was putting more women in front of the camera and telling more Irish womens stories.

A mutual friend suggested that Holmes speak with Barry, explaining how she was both an artist and a farmer. The combination immediately piqued Holmess interest.

The idea that she is a visual artist, a writer and a sheep farmer pulled me in. When I got in touch with Orla, she invited me down to the farm. She introduced me to the sheep by name, and I was blown away.

Orla Barry watches her sheep while having a swim in the film Notes From Sheepland

Holmes doesnt exaggerate; Barry does call each sheep by name. That in itself isnt odd. Many farmers give names to their animals, but Barry knows each sheep deeply.

She knows their quirks. She loves her sheep with a passion that is borderline obsessive. Orla talked about how good-looking her sheep were. I couldnt get my head around that. It stayed with me. says Holmes.

Barry was launching her new book at the Crawford, and it was there that Holmes decided she had to tell Barrys story.

Orla had a few speakers at the launch who read extracts from the book. I was totally pulled in. Its a mix of personal stories and poetry. It was kind of like a fever dream and so unconventional. I am very interested in unconventional ways of living, and Orla is the perfect example. I knew I had to make the film, and fortunately, Orla was receptive to the idea.

Barrys love for sheep is extraordinary, and she expresses it through her art. As a result, her work is so linked to her sheep that it would be impossible to separate the two.

Holmes applied for funding through the Arts Councils Reel Art Scheme, which supports experimental documentaries.

As an editor, I have worked in more traditional documentaries. I wanted to move away from the traditional format, and Orla was also up for that. The documentary plays with format and mixed media. The aspect ratio changes, poetic texts dance across the screen, and the sheep are filmed up close, their big eyes often taking up the lens focus.

The documentary style complements Barrys art, but as a fellow filmmaker, did Holmes ever find it hard to hold to her idea of what the film should be, and not be influenced by Barrys filmmaking past?

Communication was important from the start, and our roles were very defined. Orla was the writer, and I was the filmmaker, but collaboration is never straightforward. The main thing was my excitement to understand and follow her world.

The film-maker says they interviewed Barry for three days in her house to get a sense of her world and get inside her brain.

From there, I started assembling the project. I sent different clips to make sure Orla was on board with my direction, and after that, she was happy for me to continue with my creative team.

Although Holmess father was a horticulturist, she had no livestock farming experience and says filming on the farm was an eye-opening experience.

Orla had to teach me so much and explain how filming would have to follow the sheep calendar year. I didnt understand the obsession at first or why Orla loves her sheep so much, but I started to understand as time passed. I came to see why sheep farmers are willing to put in so much work year after year.

It is a hard life, especially for Orla, who is in pedigree breeding.

Barrys bringing her sheep into her creative art world makes life even more challenging, but it also enriches it, as is apparent throughout the documentary.

Holmes says it is vital that female directors tell female-led stories, and while the industry is changing, it needs to move faster.

There is a conscious shift in diversifying the industry, but theres an awful lot more to do, in terms of more female representation, but also in terms of disability, queer, Black and Asian filmmakers. Its changing, but Im always really impatient. I want things to change very quickly.

Holmes moved to Cork a few years ago and has an office in Civic Trust House, which she says is a lifeline for artists.

I did all the pre-production and editing for Notes From Sheepland there. Its a brilliant space and a lifeline for artists who need somewhere to work in a creative environment.

She hopes that audiences enjoy the insight into Barrys world.

I hope they immerse themselves into this world of a woman who has found her place. If you can find your place in this mad, wonderful world, that is very special.

Notes From Sheepland screens at the Triskel Cinema from Sunday, July 28, Cert: 12a triskelartscentre.ie
A man, aged in his 40s, has died following a single-vehicle collision in Cork.

Gardai are currently at the scene of the collision which occurred shortly after 1:30 am at Ballynamona, Kinsale.

The man, who was one of the passengers of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His body has been removed from the scene to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

Gardai said no other serious injuries to persons were reported.

The driver of the car, a man in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of offences under the Road Traffic Act.

The spokesperson said he is currently detained at a Garda Station in Cork under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

The road at Ballynamona is currently closed with local diversions in place pending a technical examination by Forensic Collision Investigators later today.

Investigations are ongoing.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

"Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Ballynamona area between 1:15am and 1:45am are asked to come forward.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on 023 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
Summer Revels! has the feel of an old friend coming home.

Cork Opera House CEO, Eibhlin Gleeson, perfectly describes it as a pure celebration of Cork, for Cork, by Cork.

Packed with talent and energy, the bonanza successfully bridges the past and present, paying tribute to the Revels decades-long history, back to 1971, whilst experimenting with something new.

A show within a show

Before the action starts, the set, beautifully crafted by Maree Kearns, gives the plot away.

Sparkly gowns hang from a rail downstage left, and behind them, a section of the real stage  the bands instruments waiting for action.

This is a show within a show, a fun and engaging concept threading the parts together.

A health and safety officer, Marie ODonovan, arrives to ruffle the feathers of cast and crew, which adds a bit of tension, but the audience reacts most warmly to the actual show, the big singing and dancing numbers.

T

Scenes from the revival of the Summer Revels Show in the Cork Opera House. Picture by Noel Sweeney

he balance, at times, needs a bit of tweaking to maintain the shows momentum.

That said, there are plenty of laughs to be had with jokes appealing to people from Cork or people unfortunate enough to be from somewhere else.

This show is a full-on Cork love fest, and we all know how we love to love Cork, like.

One particularly successful sketch sees parents bringing their child to the doctor for his affliction  a D4 accent.

He is ceremoniously draped in a Cork flag to drown out mentions of the Dart, whilst an impassioned Roy Keane guides him out of his ailment on the phone.

Not long into the show, we are joined in the stalls by two supposed latecomers, Kathleen and Denis, played by the wonderful Trevor Ryan and Michael Sands.

These two are the Cha and Mia of the reboot, instantly recognisable, transporting us back to the Revels of old. The audience adores them as they wander past the aisles, commenting on our finery, praising us for dusting down the old vintage clothes, before sitting up in their box to pontificate and squabble with pitch-perfect Cork humour.

You knows I loves you, Denis tells Kathleen  any Cork audience, sold.

Clever writing sees Denis being invited on stage towards the end of the performance in a gameshow smarty pants sketch. Kathleen joins him, placing the two on stage, which works fantastically well to draw the cast together for a charged final number.

An impressive cast

The talent in this show is undeniable. Declan Wolfe is versatile and engaging, performing well as the Diva, and charming the socks off everyone as the fortune teller with a tendency to tease.

Cormac Mohally shines as the clown and Claire OLeary, playing the overwhelmed manager, is right at home treading the boards.

Dylan Howe performing at Summer Revels. Picture by Noel Sweeney

Precious Amimbola has a stunning voice and presence, as does the host, expertly played by Alison Arnopp.

There are some lovely backstage moments in the second act that lift that side of the performance too, featuring the magician played by Daniel Cremin, and the dancers played by Alex Glennon, Therese OSullivan, and Fiona Kennedy.

I would have liked to have seen the younger members of the cast a little more often. They added a lovely joy to the evening and gave every number their all.

The choreography of the big numbers was exquisite. These were the moments that sparkled, helped by an abundance of glitter and tinsel, poppers and balloons. That magic, mixed with all things Cork, was the star of the show.

Cork has welcomed the Revels home; lets hope its here to stay.
Gardai objected to bail being granted to a man accused of raping a young woman in Cork more than two years ago. The objections were based on concerns for the safety of the community and for the complainant.

Detective Garda Richard ODonnell arrested and charged the 31-year-old man with carrying out the rape of the woman on March 5, 2022.

I absolutely, strenuously deny it, the accused man said when he appeared at Cork District Court yesterday.

The big concern is that other serious offences would be committed, Sergeant Dave Delea said.

Det Garda ODonnell said objections were also based on the seriousness of the crime.

No details were given in relation to the background allegations that gave rise to the rape charge.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said the accused had made no contact of any kind with the complainant since this disputed incident more than two years ago. Mr Burke also submitted that it would take approximately 18 months for the case to get a hearing at the Central Criminal Court and if bail was refused the young man would be in custody for that period.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused bail and adjourned the case to the first remand court of the holiday period, August 2.

The judge requested that he be given whatever medical attention was appropriate.

During his bail application, the 31-year-old said his mental health difficulties started during covid.

The judge said the court was refusing the application of bail, taking into consideration the seriousness of the charge and other factors, including garda concerns about fears for the safety of members of the community if he was released.

The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial at the Central Criminal Court or a signed plea of guilty for sentencing at that court.

Mr Burke solicitor said a book of evidence would be required.
VIATRIS employees were unaware the company was planning to shut down its operations in Cork until Thursday morning, and there is some anger and upset at the news, a staff member told The Echo.

American pharmaceutical company Viatris announced this week its intent to wind down and close operations at its active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing plant in Little Island, which will affect the approximately 200 people who work there.

The company has said there will be no immediate reductions and it is anticipated that the majority of its workforce will remain employed until early 2028 as the company winds down operations over the next several years.

A Viatris spokesperson said that following the closure, Viatris will still maintain a significant presence in Ireland.

The remaining operations workforce in Ireland will continue their focus on manufacturing sterile injectables at its Galway facility, which is also home to one of the companys injectable R&D centres; producing dry powder inhalers at its world-class respiratory facility in Dublin; and manufacturing oral solid doses and other medicines at its facility in Damastown.

Viatris will also maintain the companys corporate office at Northern Cross, as well as its Global Device Development team, responsible for end-to-end development and commercialisation for device and combination products.

Staff at the Cork-based facility were called to a meeting in the Radisson at 9am on Thursday with an employee telling The Echo that though they did not know what was going to be announced there were suspicions it was very bad news given the calling of the meeting and its location, saying possible site closure was suspected. The staff member explained that the company seem open to opportunities for Cork staff to gain employment at other Viatris sites in Galway and Dublin.

However the staff member added very few, if any, work from home, meaning that a move would likely mean a long commute daily or relocation as they could not work remotely and remain in Cork.

However, he said the company have been supportive and have mentioned a comprehensive redundancy package and said they have been open and transparent.

Feeling on the ground is very mixed, the employee said, explaining that it was ranging from upset, angry to content/relieved to have four more years employment.

The company said it will be working with the unions and any other employee representatives on a plan for the reduction of staff, including comprehensive redundancy packages, likely including pay and healthcare continuation, career counseling services, and continued coverage under the Employee Assistance Program, subject to consultation with the unions and possibly other employee representatives.
A file has been sent to the DPP in the case against a man accused of burgling a funeral home as well as carrying out burglaries at two neighbouring properties.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said at Cork District Court that this was progress and he said 34-year-old Daniel Jackson, of Cork Simon Community, would consent to a remand in custody until August 14 to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He faces three counts of burglary and one count of possession of a knife.

Judge Detective Garda Maurice Hickey outlined the allegations against Daniel Jackson when he allegedly burgled AJ Tyres on Boreenmanna Road at 10.40pm on April 22 and tried to get into three cars parked outside.

The second alleged offence related to a break-in at Jeremiah OConnors funeral home on Boreenmanna Road about 20 minutes later and then burgling a house at Bellfield Abbey nearby half an hour after that while armed with a knife and confronting two young Spanish men who were living there.

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until August 14  a date for one of the remand courts during the summer break for courts.
Without a lot of publicity, people who are concerned about the rivers which flow in and around Cork City and its environs have been doing quite a lot of positive work in regard to the quality, health and protection of these waterways and watercourses.

Last January, I was at a meeting in the Glen Resource Centre on the citys northside which arose from the Gleann a Phuca project started from the interest of artist Julie Forrester in the Glen River valley. As a youngster, I remember days in the Glen, where the waterways and insects within them are important.

Waiting for dinner at the Glen

During the long days of pandemic isolation, Julie Forrester explored the Glen Valley: The engagement began with a daily blogging project called Narratives with Nature which encouraged a deep mapping of the park, logging observations and more personal interactions with the place as the stories of the park began to reveal themselves through a deepening connection with the river, the park, its visitors, and inhabitants, old and new.

The Cork Rivers Group which evolved, brings together different community groups, organisations and stakeholders across the city and county, who are actively involved, or wish to, protect and care for the rivers and water streams in their local areas.

It has made a submission to Uisce Eireanns Draft Water Services Strategic Plan 2050: Our Groups vision for the future is that rivers and streams in Cork will be restored, regenerated and protected and that they will become integral parts of our community environment which all citizens can access.

There is growing concern across different local areas for the state of our rivers and waterways and a strong need to take action to protect them and nurture them as part of ourselves. We welcome the WSSP as an ambitious plan for the protection of our water habitats in Ireland. We have outlined observations and recommendations to ensure that a clear pathway to achieve this strategy is implemented through a meaningful collaboration with local communities.

We welcome the outline of challenges for the plan, but would encourage other important challenges to be considered namely, the lack of awareness and understanding of water eco-systems both at community and authority level and the complexity and fragmentation of services and communication across Irish Water, EPA, local authorities and other relevant bodies.

These challenges play a crucial role in the achievement of the plan objectives, particularly for the protection of natural environment and sustainability of actions.

Monster parade

At the Glen this Sunday, the Gleann a Phuca project is holding an educational River Monster Parade from 12 to 1pm, which will be staged by the Friends of the Dripsey Rivers community group, to emphasise the importance of river insects.

This group also gained traction during the Covid pandemic, developing from an on-line course run by IRD Duhallow. Its members say they always meet in rivers and even had their AGM knee-deep in water. They have sampled water quality and examines freshwater life in the Dripsey River Catchment Area.

Sundays parade will be the first stage of its Peist Returns project, based on the legend of St Finbarr who banished a troublesome monster from the lake at Gougane Barra, whose wriggling and writhing carved a channel through the land all the way from Gougane to the sea, forming the bed of the River Lee.

Insects found in the samples are small and hard to examine so the Dripsey Group made large, wearable costume versions of species to get their message across: In St Finbarrs time, expelling monsters was a worthy activity, but now we understand the value of little monsters insects, as vital in the rivers life.

Bigger things eat them and get eaten and so on, up the food chain to fish, kingfishers, otters and us.

So, a 6-metre-long green model monster or Peist, based on a specific green caddis fly larva found under the Dripsey Bridge was made and will lead the parade, symbolically commencing an insect return journey from Cork City to the lake at Gougane Barra from the Glen.

Other slightly smaller replica river insects will include the flattened mayfly larva and stonefly larva, to raise river awareness.

After the parade, those attending will be invited to participate in sampling to examine the health and quality of the Glen River water. That will be followed by a botanical Odyssey of the park.

Two maritime days

Eamon Ryan, the environment minister, announced last week that European Maritime Day, the EUs annual maritime event, will be held in Cork next May: The EU meeting point on maritime affairs and the place where Ocean Leaders Meet. The United Nations agency, the International Maritime Organisation [IMO] has announced that its World Maritime Day will be on September 25 next year.

So there will be two Maritime Days to be celebrated. The IMO theme is Our Ocean  Our Obligation  Our Opportunity.

The headquarters of the IMO, which has 176 member states is in London.

Both Ireland and Britain are members of the IMO, but London is no longer part of the EU since Britain left after the Brexit decision.

My podcast is at: tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie and on all major podcast platforms.

Email: tommacsweeneymarine@gmail.com
A burglar has been jailed for six months after apartment residents were frightened when they heard the intruder rummaging through the Italian restaurant downstairs at 4am.

Sergeant John Kelleher said the crime was committed at Ristorante Rossini on Princes St, Cork, around 4am on June 15.

Judge Mary Dorgan jailed Michael Coffey, aged 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 St, said Sgt Kelleher.

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.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said that from the time of his arrest there was a bail objection and he had been in custody since. He immediately indicated his intention to plead guilty. He had a residence at Deerpark, said Mr Buttimer. 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.

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: That matter was messy and I am sure very frightening for the people resident upstairs.

She imposed a concurrent six-month sentence for that offence.
A drunken 50-year-old man barged on to a bus without paying and then became abusive when he was told to get off the bus.

William ODriscoll, 50, of Kilbeg, Bandon, County Cork, pleaded guilty to the offence of engaging in threatening or abusive behaviour.

Judge Mary Dorgan ordered him to do 175 hours of community service instead of spending two months in prison for the offence.

Garda Shane Hayes was flagged down by a bus driver on June 27.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said at Cork District Court, The bus driver reported that a heavily intoxicated man had gone onto the bus without paying and was causing a disturbance.

Garda Hayes spoke with the man and he was taken off the bus. William ODriscoll was highly intoxicated and unsteady on his feet. He was verbally abusive to the garda telling him to f*** off and calling him a c***.

Sgt. Murphy said the accused had 116 previous convictions. 26 of them were for being drunk and a danger and 12 were for being threatening and abusive.

Defence solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said the accused had a bad problem with drink.

Mr Kelleher said the accused was hopeful that he could do community service instead of going to prison.

Judge Dorgan agreed to give him that opportunity rather than jailing him on this occasion.
Business and cluibs have been urged to keep flying the red and white colours in support of the Cork senior camogie team following their win against Dublin on Saturday.

Cork senior camogie players celebrated a 20-point victory over Dublin with a final score of 4-17 to 0-9 at UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday afternoon.

Ger Manleys side will be heading back to Croke Park and will be eager to retain the ODuffy Cup.

Sinn Fein councillor for Cork North West Michelle Gould said it was great to see the red and white flags flying for the senior hurlers and encouraged people to keep them up in support of the senior camogie players achievement.

Reaching an All-Ireland final is a great achievement and especially the senior team who are going for two in a row. Its important to support and promote females in sport and to see that they get the same respect and support as their male counterparts, she said.

Cork has always been a leader in womens sport and supporter of womens sports, and I would encourage as many houses, businesses and clubs to put up bunting, flags and colours to support the Rebels.

I would also encourage people to go to the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park. With the rush for tickets for the hurling, many people were disappointed that they missed out. However, now is a great opportunity for people to go to Croke Park to watch Cork in an All-Ireland final.

Clubs have been brilliant whereby they bring bus loads of fans to the match and have red and white nights at club training. Its great also to see so many young players attend the Cork teams open training night and get jerseys signed and photos taken with the players. It creates a real buzz and thats what its all about.

Ms Gould said she has asked for the lights on Cork City Hall to be turned red for the occasion, a sentiment also echoed by Labour Party councillor for Cork City South East Peter Horgan.

Ill be asking City Hall to light up red again for the Camogie All Ireland Final and its crucial we get behind yet another great Cork team, Mr Horgan said.

Encouraging people to get behind the senior camogie players, Mr Horgan said: If you have flags flying from last week keep them flying for this Cork team.
By Associated Press

Updated at 15:55

The Taoiseach has condemned the latest attack on a school by the Israeli military, saying it is a further demonstration of brutal, unconscionable violence.

Simon Harris adds targeting an area populated with displaced families is "inhumane and despicable."

Palestinian officials say an Israeli air strike has killed 30 people sheltering at a girls' school in central Gaza.

Another 100 have been injured - according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The Taoiseach again called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access for aid into Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes hit a school being used by displaced people in central Gaza on Saturday, killing dozens, as the countrys negotiators prepared to meet international mediators to discuss a proposed ceasefire.

At least 30 people sheltering at a girls school in Deir Al-Balah were taken to Al Aqsa Hospital and pronounced dead, after a strike that Israels military said targeted a Hamas command and control centre used to store weapons and plan attacks.

Gazas health ministry said at least 11 people had been killed in other strikes on Saturday.

Near the hospital, Associated Press journalists saw an ambulance driving along a dusty road as a few people ran in the opposite direction.

"More than 2 million people in Gaza remain trapped in an endless nightmare of death and destruction on a staggering scale"@UNRWA Deputy Commissioner General De Meo tells the UN Security Council that people's lives in #Gaza are dominated by fear, hunger, disease and displacement pic.twitter.com/Eyj9gTTXFh  UNRWA (@UNRWA) July 26, 2024

An injured man lay on a stretcher on the ground. A body covered with a blanket and a dead toddler were inside the ambulance.

Inside the school, classrooms were in ruins. People were searching for victims under the rubble and some were gathering remains of those who were killed.

Earlier, Israels military ordered the evacuation of a part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Yunis on Saturday.

The evacuation order was in response to rocket fire that Israel said originated from the area.

The military said it planned an operation against Hamas militants in the city, including parts of Muwasi, the crowded tent camp in an area where Israel has told thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge throughout the war.

The planned strike comes a day before officials from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel meet in Italy to discuss the ongoing hostage and ceasefire negotiations.

The makeshift tent camp where Palestinians displaced by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are staying (Fatima Shbair/AP)

CIA director Bill Burns is expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, Mossad director David Barnea and Egyptian spy chief Abbas Kamel on Sunday, according to officials from the US and Egypt.

It is the second evacuation order issued in a week that has included striking part of the humanitarian zone, 20 square miles of tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, United Nations and humanitarian groups say.

Israel expanded the zone in May to take in people fleeing Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population at the time had crowded.

According to Israeli estimates, about 1.8 million Palestinians are sheltering there after being uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israels punishing air and ground campaign.

In November, the military said the area could still be struck and that it was not a safe zone, but it is a safer place than any other in Gaza.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said it was increasingly difficult to know how many people would be affected by the evacuation order because those sheltering under there were constantly being displaced.

Gaza: Unsanitary living conditions brought on by the war are posing serious health risks for millions, especially children.@WHO is sending more than a million polio vaccines to be administered in the coming weeks to help prevent an even greater crisis.https://t.co/zcRBefNvrv  United Nations (@UN) July 27, 2024

Referring to the orders as evacuation orders doesnt do any justice to what this means, said Juliette Touma, the agencys director of communications.

These are forced displacement orders. What happens is when people have these orders, they have very little time to move.

Further north, Palestinians mourned the deaths of seven people killed by Israeli airstrikes overnight on Zawaida, in central Gaza.

Deir al-Balahs Al Aqsa hospital confirmed the count and Associated Press journalists saw the bodies.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 39,100 Palestinians, according to the territorys health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count.

The UN estimated in February that some 17,000 children in the territory are now unaccompanied, and the number is likely to have grown since.

The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7th that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages.

About 115 are still in Gaza, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.
Being diagnosed with ADHD was one of the best things that happened to me in my adult life and has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.

So said luxury wedding and event caterer Orla McAndrew, who was diagnosed recently.

I was looking at different people being diagnosed and I felt that a lot of what they were saying sounded a lot like me, she said.

I also follow ADHD Chatter Podcast on Instagram and I found it all so relatable, which got me thinking.

Orlas diagnosis, following a three-hour assessment with an educational psychologist, was a very definite one, she said.

There was nothing borderline about it at all, and initially I was a little shocked by it. At first, I thought it was something Id keep to myself as I felt there might still some stigma surrounding neuro-divergency.

I was afraid people would somehow see me as less capable, or just lesser in general, so I was a bit wary of telling people.

But its honestly been the best thing that ever happened to me in my adult life, Orla said.

Ive realised now how well Ive done in spite of my different way of looking at things, she said.

I used to be quite hard and critical of myself, but now Im much more compassionate. Its helped me make sense of a lot of things.

Running an award-winning business, as well as a busy household as a mum-of-three girls aged 11, nine and five, externally it may look like Orla has no need at all to be critical of herself.

Also this year, shes written a cookbook which will hit shelves in January  her lips are sealed and she cant reveal any more, but no doubt it will be a huge hit.

And shes launched a not-for-profit  more of that to come.

My ADHD means that Ive got an ability to focus on a lot of things at once, and that I actually need a lot of stimulus to be at my best. So if Im interested in something, I have absolute laser focus, but if not, then I really find it hard to engage at all, she said.

To anyone who might recognise themselves in this, Id highly recommend an assessment. Its been a gift for me. I can finally say that I like being me now.

Her new not-for-profit start-up is called Breaking Bread - The Crumbs of Cultural Connection.

This is a space to foster inclusivity, empowerment, diversity, togetherness, and giving, through the medium of food, said Orla.

Its designed to break down barriers, one shared meal experience at a time, as Orla will connect with people who are willing to share some of their story and recipes from home.

This is a huge passion of mine, which came out of the deep empathy I have for displaced people, particularly those living in Direct Provision centres.

Knowing the conditions people endure and the lack of access to recognisable ingredients or cooking facilities strikes deep.

Its still in its early stages, and will comprise of interviews and articles, possibly on Substack, podcasts, pop-ups and community events, said Donoughmore-based Orla.

Winning the Solo Businesswoman at the recent Network Ireland Cork Businesswoman of the Year Awards was beyond a shock! Despite all her achieve- ments (including winning last years Creative Professional) she was not expecting a second win.

Judges described her as a heart-led entrepreneur who tackles some of the most pressing challenges of our time in a holistic and sustainable manner with evident passion in all areas of her business.

Being one of the finalists was already amazing. I never thought Id win and it was just such a wonderful surprise, said Orla.

She has also been a driving force behind the weekly city centre protests for Palestine, organised by Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

I run the Instagram page for the Cork Families for Palestine group, and weve been marching almost every Saturday since October. Not getting involved just wasnt an option for me, we had to do something.

And even though we do feel helpless at times, being around compassionate people helps to buoy each other up. Ive made life-long friends through the group and found my tribe, she said.

Her catering business was launched in 2018 and, six years on, Orla has figured out a good work/life balance. Shes a one woman show, and can call on the back-up of around 35/40 contract staff when she needs them.

I dont work all the time, I couldnt, as each wedding and event takes so much out of me physically and mentally. I do around 12 or 13 weddings a year along with corporate events, she said.

An area of her business that continues to grow is her Employee Engagement Workshops.

Thats where I go into corporate environments and do zero waste cookery demonstrations and share top tips on reducing food waste. Im a real people person so I really enjoy this side of the business.

Orlas first Breaking Bread fundraising event takes place in This is StudioFive in Midleton on Saturday, July 27, from 4pm and will be a fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP).

Shes also involved in a new and innovative event aimed at shaping the future of the local culinary scene during the Cork on a Fork Festival this August. A competition has launched, inviting young chefs aged 16 to 23 to design a dish that could be featured at a dinner on Sunday, August 18, at The Metropole Hotel.

The five most promising chefs from the competition will be chosen to receive mentorship from Orla and Alex Petit, the Group Executive Chef at Trigon Hotels.

Finally, we have to ask for her top tips to reduce food waste: Shop little and often; spend money on quality food as youll be less likely to waste it... and buy my cookbook!
Amazon has released its first teaser video for Like A Dragon: Yakuza, its live action adaptation of SEGA's Yakuza games, at San Diego Comic-Con. There's a lot of focus on the inking process of Kazuma Kiryu's iconic dragon tattoo, but you'll also get glimpses of Kamurocho's night scene, various characters in the series and the underground fight club that shows up as a mini-game across the franchise. In the last few seconds of the video, you'll see a shirtless Kiryu heading to a circle of cheering viewers betting on his match.

When the company announced the show in June, it described the adaptation as a "crime-suspense-action series" that "follows the life, childhood friends, and repercussions of the decisions of Kazuma Kiryu, a fearsome and peerless Yakuza warrior with a strong sense of justice, duty, and humanity." Seeing as the show is set between 1995 and 2005, it will most like be based on the first Yakuza game with glimpses of the years that took place after the events in Yakuza 0.

The first three of episodes of Like A Dragon: Yakuza will arrive on Prime Video on October 24, with the next three coming on October 31. It stars Ryoma Takeuchi (Kamen Rider Drive, Roppongi Class) as Kiryu. And as this teaser has revealed, his best friend Nishiki, who plays a pivotal role in the story, will be portrayed by Kento Kaku (Netflix's House of Ninjas).
A serious rodent-borne illness with no available treatment has recently surfaced in the U.S., causing multiple deaths and triggering health advisories.

The disease, known as hantavirus, is transmitted to humans from rodents through exposure to their urine, saliva, or feces. This transmission occurs when individuals come into contact with these viral droplets, often from handling contaminated materials.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, there's an increase in hantavirus cases. From January to early July, the state confirmed seven instances of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, three of which were fatal. The condition is described by the health agency as a severe and sometimes deadly respiratory illness resulting from hantavirus infection.

California has also reported two cases of hantavirus, one of which resulted in death. The symptoms of the disease typically include fever, headache, and muscle aches, which can rapidly escalate to difficulty breathing. The primary carrier of the hantavirus in Arizona is the deer mouse, though the virus can be present in various rodent species across the southwestern United States, even in areas where mice are not directly observed.

The syndrome first made headlines in 1993 following a major outbreak among the Navajo tribe near the Arizona/New Mexico border, where the disease had a high mortality rate of about 80%.

Public health experts recommend rigorous cleaning protocols to prevent hantavirus infection. These include using disinfectants like bleach to clean rodent droppings and nests, sealing and disposing of contaminated materials, and preventing rodents from entering homes by covering holes larger than a quarter-inch with wire mesh or cement.

Dr. Aaron Glatt of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital advises that the best preventive measure is to thoroughly disinfect areas contaminated by rodents and avoid direct contact with them.
Carlee Russell is opening up for the first time after faking her own abduction back in 2023.

Russell, a nursing student from Alabama, told 9-1-1 she saw a toddler walking along the highway alone. Suddenly, she herself went missing. The suspected abduction launched a massive investigation in her name until she returned home 49 hours after she "went missing."

Wearing a torn shirt and holding $107 dollars in her sock, she told authorities that she had been kidnapped by an orange haired man. This man with a bald spot reportedly blindfolded her and put her inside of his truck.

However, in July 2023, it was discovered that Russell had faked her own kidnapping after a fight she had with her boyfriend. She was found guilty of false reporting to law enforcement and falsely reporting an incident. In March, she was sentenced to 12 months probation, mental health counseling, and 100hours of community service.

Now, a year after her lie became front page news, she is speaking out. According to 'Fox 5,' Russell took to Instagram on her 27th birthday to thanks those who helped her "find the light in the darkest moments."

"I wasn't going to make a birthday post but 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 wrote, according to the outlet.

She 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."

According to her social media post  shared on her private Instagram account  Russell wrote that as she steps "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 God's plan for my life with an open heart and mind."
LISBON, Ohio  The late Dr. Donald K. Myers, also known affectionately around the state as Dr. Alfalfa, will be enshrined in the Columbiana County Agriculture Hall of Fame for his contributions to agriculture in Columbiana County, across Ohio and nationally.

The ceremonies will be held during the Columbiana County Fair, July 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Arts & Crafts Building.

The Myers family will also be honored, and Myers framed portrait and biographical sketch will be unveiled. The biographies of the previous inductees are permanently displayed in the Arts & Crafts Building.

The Hall of Fame is a joint effort of the Columbiana County Historical Association, the Columbiana County Agricultural Society and the Columbiana County Farm Bureau. The awards are presented posthumously.

DON MYERS  1934-2020

Forever a scientist and an educator, Myers started his career path as a Columbiana County Extension educator and never forgot his roots here, often recalling the advice of the late Floyd Lower as the words that most guided his career: Stay close to the people.

A native of Wayne County, Ohio, Myers attended Ohio State University  at the insistent urging of his vo-ag teacher at Northwestern High School, another Columbiana County Ag Hall of Famer, Harold Windram  and Michigan State University, earning bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees in agronomy and crop sciences.

Myers was employed by Ohio State University, ultimately as a state Extension specialist and agronomy teaching and research professor. He worked with farmers around the Buckeye State and beyond to improve soil fertility, management practices and profitability. His expertise in forage production had a tremendous impact on agriculture and livestock production through increased efficiency and productivity.

Myers also helped pioneer a revolutionary, new agricultural practice that minimized erosion, called no-till  raising crops without plowing, which farmers thought was lazy and ludicrous. He played a key role in developing research test plots, established in Wooster in 1962, that are the longest continually maintained no-till research plots in the world. Myers, known by many as the father of no-till forages in Ohio was instrumental in the development of the innovative no-tillage forage seeding system, which has received worldwide recognition. In addition, Myers has authored more than 50 publications distributed through the nation to assist farmers in improving forage productivity.

In retirement, he continued his leadership as an agricultural consultant for TMK Farm Service of Bakersville, Ohio. He was also a sought-after hay and forage show judge, and judged competitions at the Columbiana County Fair for many years.

As the statewide specialist in agronomy for Ohio State University Extension, his integrity and honesty earned him unparalleled respect with farmers, the retail trade industry, and his professional peers. He was active in the early development of the Farm Science Review, as well as serving numerous leadership roles in the American Society of Agronomy and the Malabar Farm Foundation Board. He was awarded the National Certified Alfalfa Seed Council Educator of the Year twice, and was inducted into both the Ohio Farm Science Review and the Ohio Agriculture Halls of Fame.

His wife, Marilyn, who just turned 90, lives in Dover, Ohio.
Transborder freight between the US and its North American neighbours, Canada and Mexico, experienced a 2 per cent increase in May 2024 compared to May 2023, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The total transborder freight reached $138.9 billion, moved by all modes of transportation.

Transborder freight between the US, Canada, and Mexico rose 2 per cent in May 2024, totalling $138.9 billion. US-Canada freight fell 2.4 per cent to $66 billion, while US-Mexico freight rose 6.3 per cent to $73 billion. Trucks moved $90.9 billion, railways $18.5 billion, vessels $9.9 billion, and pipelines $9.5 billion. Air freight declined 7.6 per cent.

Freight between the US and Canada saw a slight decline, with $66 billion worth of goods transported, down 2.4 per cent from May 2023. In contrast, freight between the US and Mexico rose significantly, totalling $73.0 billion, a 6.3 per cent increase from the same period last year. Notably, Mexico has led Canada in freight dollar value for the past 15 months.

Trucks played a major role in transborder freight, moving $90.9 billion worth of goods, marking a 2 per cent increase compared to May 2023. Railways transported $18.5 billion of freight, up 4.3 per cent from the previous year. Vessels moved $9.9 billion worth of freight, an increase of 3.9 per cent, while pipelines transported $9.5 billion of goods, up 3.5 per cent. Air freight, however, saw a decline, with $4.4 billion of goods moved, down 7.6 per cent compared to May 2023, as per the bureau.

In terms of key ports, Detroit, Port Huron, and Buffalo were the top truck ports for US freight flows with Canada. For freight flows with Mexico, the leading truck ports were Laredo, El Paso, and Otay Mesa. The top rail connection ports for US freight with Canada were Detroit, Port Huron, and International Falls, while Laredo, Eagle Pass, and El Paso were the primary rail connection ports with Mexico.

For pipeline connections, Chicago, Port Huron, and Minneapolis were the top regions for US energy freight flows with Canada, and El Paso, Hidalgo, and Laredo were the main pipeline connection regions with Mexico. Regarding water port connections, the Port of Boston, Arthur, and Portland were the top ports for US energy flows with Canada, whereas the Port of Houston, Arthur, and Texas City were the leading water port connections on the southern border.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)
Lady Gaga made a spectacular entrance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on July 26, performing along the Seine river. The 38-year-old Grammy and Oscar winner amazed the audience with a breathtaking rendition of Zizi Jeanmaires Mon Truc En Plumes.

Emerging dramatically from large pink feathers, Gaga performed on a grand staircase inspired by the Grand Palais. Accompanied by dancers and musicians, she wowed the crowd in a custom Dior outfit. Gaga later moved to a piano for a soulful performance, showcasing her vocal prowess.

Part of the Enchante segment celebrating French culture, this event marked a unique opening ceremony held outside a traditional stadium. Gaga, fresh from her Las Vegas residency, expressed her gratitude on social media, celebrating her connection to French music and culture.

She wrote, I am so grateful to open the Paris Olympics. Singing this special French song was an honor. Thank you, France, for welcoming me and celebrating your rich art and music history."
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., July 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paul Mueller Company (OTC Pink: MUEL) (the "Company") announces its second-quarter earnings of 2024.



PAUL MUELLER COMPANY SIX-MONTH REPORT Unaudited (In thousands) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Twelve Months Ended June 30 June 30 June 30 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 Net Sales $ 65,670 $ 59,931 $ 116,026 $ 116,282 $ 228,900 $ 221,050 Cost of Sales 45,871 41,379 80,431 80,933 158,123 165,816 Gross Profit $ 19,799 $ 18,552 $ 35,595 $ 35,349 $ 70,777 $ 55,234 Selling, General and Administrative Expense 11,417 12,714 21,775 25,301 84,743 39,675 Operating Income (Loss) $ 8,382 $ 5,838 $ 13,820 $ 10,048 $ (13,966 ) $ 15,559 Interest Income (Expense) 70 (80 ) (1,178 ) (177 ) (1,351 ) (369 ) Other Income 506 613 2,050 1,333 3,383 2,310 Income (Loss) before Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes $ 8,958 $ 6,371 $ 14,692 $ 11,204 $ (11,934 ) $ 17,500 Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes 2,154 1,558 3,439 2,724 (4,817 ) 4,140 Net Income (Loss) $ 6,804 $ 4,813 $ 11,253 $ 8,480 $ (7,117 ) $ 13,360 Earnings (Loss) per Common Share -- Basic and Diluted $7.26 $4.43 $11.13 $7.81 ($6.79 ) $12.31

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Six Months Ended June 30 2024 2023 Net Income $ 11,253 $ 8,480 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment (780 ) 441 Comprehensive Income $ 10,473 $ 8,921

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS June 30 December 31 2024 2023 Cash and Short-Term Investments $ 3,409 $ 1,883 Marketable Securities 18,169 32,042 Accounts Receivable 35,662 25,166 Reserve for Doubtful Accounts (1,141 ) Inventories (FIFO) 44,379 45,910 LIFO Reserve (21,310 ) (21,774 ) Inventories (LIFO) 23,069 24,136 Current Net Investments in Sales-Type Leases 29 27 Other Current Assets 5,920 3,537 Current Assets $ 85,117 $ 86,791 Net Property, Plant, and Equipment 44,253 42,011 Right of Use Assets 2,280 2,421 Other Assets 2,823 2,590 Long-Term Net Investments in Sales-Type Leases - 456 Total Assets $ 134,473 $ 134,269 Accounts Payable $ 15,284 $ 11,041 Current Maturities and Short-Term Debt 631 640 Current Lease Liabilities 350 402 Advance Billings 18,865 27,383 Pension Liabilities 32 32 Other Current Liabilities 26,520 19,599 Current Liabilities $ 61,682 $ 59,097 Long-Term Debt 8,407 8,880 Long-Term Pension Liabilities 217 233 Other Long-Term Liabilities 1,696 1,768 Lease Liabilities 777 775 Total Liabilities $ 72,779 $ 70,753 Shareholders' Investment 61,694 63,516 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment $ 134,473 $ 134,269

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA June 30 December 31 2024 2023 Book Value per Common Share $ 65.85 $ 58.50 Total Shares Outstanding 936,837 1,085,711 Backlog $ 187,336 $ 97,350

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT Common Stock Paid-in Surplus Retained

Earnings Treasury Stock Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income (Loss) Total Balance, December 31, 2023 $ 1,508 $ 9,708 $ 67,181 $ (10,787 ) $ (4,094 ) $ 63,516 Add (Deduct): Net Income 11,253 11,253 Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax (780 ) (780 ) Dividends, $.30 per Common Share (378 ) (378 ) Treasury Stock Acquisition (11,910 ) (11,910 ) Other (7 ) (7 ) Balance, June 30, 2024 $ 1,508 $ 9,708 $ 78,049 $ (22,697 ) $ (4,874 ) $ 61,694

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2024 Six Months

Ended

June 30, 2023 Operating Activities: Net Income $ 11,253 $ 8,480 Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Pension Contributions (Greater) Less than Expense (16 ) (818 ) Bad Debt (Recovery) Expense - (19 ) Depreciation & Amortization 3,427 3,027 Loss (Gain) on Disposal of Equipment 175 - (Gain) on Sales of Equipment (106 ) (33 ) Change in Assets and Liabilities (Inc) in Accts and Notes Receivable (9,354 ) (3,854 ) Dec (Inc) in Inventories 1,290 (3,444 ) (Inc) in Prepayments (2,389 ) (643 ) (Inc) in Net Investment in Sales-type leases (80 ) (69 ) Dec in Other Assets 738 307 Inc in Accounts Payable 4,242 1,330 (Dec) Inc in Accrued Income Tax (1,165 ) 1,911 (Dec) Inc in Other Accrued Expenses (227 ) 4,919 (Dec) in Advanced Billings (8,519 ) (4,647 ) Inc (Dec) in Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings 8,306 (2,927 ) Inc in Lease Liability for Operating 57 - Inc in Lease Liability for Financing - 133 Principal payments of Lease Liability for Operating (53 ) (137 ) (Dec) Inc in Long Term Deferred Tax Liabilities (78 ) 8 (Dec) Inc in Other Long-Term Liabilities (93 ) 599 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 7,408 $ 4,123 Investing Activities Intangibles - (62 ) Purchases of Marketable Securities (24,649 ) - Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities 38,522 - Proceeds from Sales of Equipment 131 67 Additions to Property, Plant, and Equipment (6,612 ) (3,190 ) Net Cash (Required) for Investing Activities $ 7,392 $ (3,185 ) Financing Activities Principal payments of Lease Liability for Financing (22 ) (98 ) (Repayment) of Short-Term Borrowings, Net (751 ) (1,673 ) Proceeds of Short-Term Borrowings, Net 754 1,673 (Repayment) of Long-Term Debt (422 ) (318 ) Dividends Paid (378 ) (326 ) Treasury Stock Acquisitions (11,910 ) - Net Cash (Required) for Financing Activities $ (12,729 ) $ (742 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes (545 ) 535 Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 1,526 $ 731 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 1,883 38,176 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Quarter $ 3,409 $ 38,907

PAUL MUELLER COMPANY

SUMMARIZED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands)

A. The chart below depicts the net revenue on a consolidating basis for the three months ended June 30.



Three Months Ended June 30 Revenue 2024 2023 Domestic $ 52,830 $ 48,295 Mueller BV $ 13,164 $ 12,073 Eliminations $ (324 ) $ (437 ) Net Revenue $ 65,670 $ 59,931

The chart below depicts the net revenue on a consolidating basis for the six months ended June 30.

Six Months Ended June 30 Revenue 2024 2023 Domestic $ 91,707 $ 93,880 Mueller BV $ 24,989 $ 23,377 Eliminations $ (670 ) $ (975 ) Net Revenue $ 116,026 $ 116,282

The chart below depicts the net revenue on a consolidating basis for the twelve months ended June 30.

Twelve Months Ended June 30 Revenue 2024 2023 Domestic $ 180,833 $ 176,642 Mueller BV $ 49,322 $ 45,695 Eliminations $ (1,255 ) $ (1,287 ) Net Revenue $ 228,900 $ 221,050

The chart below depicts the net income (loss) on a consolidating basis for the three months ended June 30.

Three Months Ended June 30 Net Income 2024 2023 Domestic $ 6,027 $ 4,705 Mueller BV $ 774 $ 110 Eliminations $ 3 $ (2 ) Net Income (Loss) $ 6,804 $ 4,813

The chart below depicts the net income on a consolidating basis for the six months ended June 30.

Six Months Ended June 30 Net Income 2024 2023 Domestic $ 10,075 $ 9,155 Mueller BV $ 1,148 $ (660 ) Eliminations $ 30 $ (15 ) Net Income (Loss) $ 11,253 $ 8,480

The chart below depicts the net income on a consolidating basis for the twelve months ended June 30.

Twelve Months Ended June 30 Net Income 2024 2023 Domestic $ (10,408 ) $ 14,322 Mueller BV $ 3,285 $ (941 ) Eliminations $ 6 $ (21 ) Net Income Loss $ (7,117 ) $ 13,360

B.June 30, 2024 backlog is $187.3 million compared to $106.0 million at June 30, 2023. The majority of this backlog is in the U.S. where backlog is $181.2 million at June 30, 2024 compared to $98.7 million at June 30, 2023. The $82.5 million increase in U.S. backlog is from the pharmaceutical divisions. In the Netherlands, backlog is down slightly with $6.5 million on June 30, 2024 versus $7.7 million on June 30, 2023.



C.Compared to last year, revenue is up $5.7 million (9.6%) on a three-month basis; flat on a six-month basis and up $7.9 million (3.6%) for the trailing twelve months. In the U.S., revenues show a similar pattern. Increased revenue from the pharmaceutical and food and beverage divisions are partially offset by the lower revenue from the components division coming off record revenue in late 2022 and early 2023. In the Netherlands business continues to improve with revenue above last year for all three timeframes.



Net Income is up $2.0 million for three-months; $2.8 million for six months but down $20.4 million before removing the pension settlement charges incurred in December 2023. In the Netherlands, earnings continue to improve following the business restructuring in the Spring of 2023. Efficiencies achieved from the restructuring along with strategic price increases have led to the improved earnings.

We manage our business in the U.S. looking at earnings before tax (EBT) and excluding the effects of LIFO and non-reoccurring events such as the pension settlement. This non-GAAP adjusted EBT (as shown in the table below) show improved results from the strong 2023 for all three timeframes primarily from the pharmaceutical and food and beverage divisions.

Results Ending June 30th Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 Twelve Months Ended June 30 (In Thousands) 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 Domestic Net Income $ 6,027 $ 4,705 $ 10,075 $ 9,155 $ (10,408 ) $ 14,322 Income Tax Expense $ 1,899 $ 1,468 $ 3,070 $ 2,873 $ (4,560 ) $ 4,430 Domestic EBT - GAAP $ 7,926 $ 6,173 $ 13,145 $ 12,028 $ (14,968 ) $ 18,752 LIFO Adjustment $ (246 ) $ 424 $ (463 ) $ 239 $ (619 ) $ 1,528 Pension Adjustment $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 41,774 $ - Domestic EBT - Non-GAAP $ 7,680 $ 6,597 $ 12,682 $ 12,267 $ 26,187 $ 20,280

D.On July 26, 2024, the Company announced construction of a new $20 million facility adding 100,000 square feet of additional space to expand production and research and development. The new facility will be funded through cash and potential new debt. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2024 and complete in the fall of 2025.



E.On March 12, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a tender offer effective from March 15, 2024 through May 7, 2024 for up to $10 million with the option to go to $15 million of the Company's common stock at a price of $80 per share. On April 26, 2024, the Company announced that it would purchase shares up to $15 million. On May 7, 2024, the Company announced that the tender offer had expired with 148,874 shares tendered for $11.9 million. After the completion of the tender offer, cash and marketable securities are $21.6 million as of June 30, 2024.



F.The consolidated financials are affected by the euro to dollar exchange rate when consolidating Mueller B.V., the Dutch subsidiary. The month-end euro to dollar exchange rate was 1.09 for June, 2023; 1.10 for December, 2023 and 1.07 for June, 2024, respectively.



This press release contains forward-looking statements that provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions. All statements regarding future performance growth, conditions, or developments are forward-looking statements. Actual future results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the factors described in the Company's Annual Report under "Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements", which is available at paulmueller.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update these forward-looking statements to reflect any future events or circumstances.

The accounting policies related to this report and additional management discussion and analysis are provided in the 2023 annual report, available at

www.paulmueller.com .
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PM Narendra Modi will reportedly visit Ukraine in August, a month after he travelled to Moscow and embraced Russian president Vladimir Putin. New Delhi has resisted Western pressure and maintained a neutral stance over Moscows war with Kyiv, maintaining a balance in its relations with the warring sides read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Ukraine next month. This would be his first trip to the war-torn nation since Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022.

The visit is still in the planning stages and could take place in the third week of August, as per a WION report. Modi will hold talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his expected trip.

The visit to Kyiv would occur over a month after the Indian prime minister met Russian president Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

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Amid PM Modis likely trip to Kyiv, let us take a look at Indias ties with the country and how it has navigated its relations with the warring Russia and Ukraine.

India-Ukraine ties

New Delhi has longstanding ties to Kyiv. India was among the first countries to recognise Ukraine, with the two establishing diplomatic relations in January 1992.

Before and after the Soviet era, the two nations maintained partnership and friendly relations. The cooperation between India and Ukraine extends to diverse areas such as cultural exchange and trade.

The agriculture trade formed a bedrock of India and Ukraines trading relationship, with Kyiv exporting more than $2 billion worth in 2021, reported Indian Express. However, the trade between the countries has suffered since the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukraine is Indias key strategic partner. File Photo/Reuters

In 2022, the volume of India-Ukraine trade plunged to $2.58 billion from $3.38 billion a year before. While Indias exports to Ukraine dipped by 22.8 per cent to $85.49 million, Ukraines exports to India dropped by 17.3 per cent to $1.69 billion, noted Deccan Herald.

India and Ukraines relations also flourish through cultural exchanges. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the public in Ukraine has a great interest in Indian culture, including its dances, yoga, philosophy, Ayurveda and spirituality.

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There are over 30 Ukrainian cultural associations and groups that promote Indian arts, especially dances.

Ukraine also hosts a small Indian community, mainly comprising business professionals and students. The business community is involved in the manufacturing, packaging, trading and service industry in Ukraine, as per the MEA.

India navigates ties with Ukraine, Russia amid war

New Delhi has remained neutral over Russias war with Ukraine. India shares historical ties with Moscow, which continues to be its top arms supplier.

India is in a unique position as both Russia and Ukraine are its key strategic partners. While New Delhi has refrained from criticising Putin over the war, it has repeatedly stressed the need for diplomacy and dialogue to end the conflict.

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New Delhi has also offered to contribute to peace efforts between Russia and Ukraine.

India has resisted pressure from the West to maintain its relations with Moscow. Earlier this month, PM Modi travelled to Russia on a two-day visit, his first to the country since the Ukraine war. In his meeting with President Putin, the Indian leader had said, India has always called for respecting the United Nations Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty. There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward.

Gratitude to President Putin for hosting me at Novo-Ogaryovo this evening. Looking forward to our talks tomorrow as well, which will surely go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between India and Russia. pic.twitter.com/eDdgDr0USZ  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2024

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However, Modis bear hug with Putin had evoked a sharp reaction from Zelenskyy, who had called it a huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts.

New Delhi is making efforts to bolster bilateral relations with Kyiv. In March, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba met his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar in New Delhi.

During the trip, India and Ukraine decided to restore trade and cooperation to levels that existed before Russias invasion. India and Ukraine have been traditional friends, but I think there is much more that we can do and should do, not only in the interests of our nations, but also in the interest of global development and security architecture. We will be looking forward to restoring what had existed before the large-scale invasion of Russia in Ukraine began, Kuleba had said at the time.

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Ukraine had sought Indias participation in the Switzerland conference to advance Kyivs efforts for peace. Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry, had represented India at the peace summit but did not sign a joint communique.

India had, however, called for sincere and practical engagement between Russia and Ukraine for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Moscow had rejected the peace summit to which it was not invited.

Last month, Ukraine president Zelenskyy dialled PM Modi to congratulate him on his victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He had also invited Modi to visit Ukraine at a convenient time.

Modi and Zelenskyy had met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy in June. Taking to X, the Indian premier had described the meeting with the Ukrainian president as very productive, saying India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine.

Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy, he said.

Earlier in July, EAM Jaishankar held phone talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Kuleba, with the two discussing further developing bilateral ties. NSA Ajit Doval and his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Yermak had also held talks.

Indias non-aligned foreign policy allows it to be friends with Russia as well as Ukraine. Unlike China, New Delhis neutrality is not in question, placing it in a central position to broker peace between the two battling sides.

With inputs from agencies
Kriti Kumari, a 24-year-old from Bihar, was killed at her PG in Bengalurus Koramangala earlier this week. The shocking CCTV footage shows the victim being stabbed by the accused, Abhishek, multiple times before he slit her throat and fled the scene read more

Kriti Kumari was killed by the accused Abhishek on July 23 at her PG facility in Bengaluru. X/@east_bengaluru

The shocking murder of a young woman in a posh Bengaluru area has jolted the country. A man brutally stabbed a 24-year-old native of Bihar in her paying guest (PG) accommodation on July 23.

The brutal murder was captured on CCTV and its clip has gone viral on social media, creating outrage. The incident has also raised questions about womens safety in India.

Heres what we know about the young womans killing.

1. The woman, identified as Kriti Kumari, was stabbed multiple times by the accused, Abhishek, in her PG facility in Bengalurus Koramangala on the night of July 23. The chilling CCTV footage of the gruesome incident shows a man in a blue T-shirt on the third floor of the accommodation with a plastic bag.

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2. He knocked on the door of Kritis room and dragged her out as soon as she opened it. The CCTV clip shows the accused grabbing the victims hair and repeatedly stabbing her.

3. According to the police, the attacker sneaked into the womans PG and went to her floor around 11.10 pm. He stabbed her several times while she tried to resist the attack, slashed her neck and fled the spot.

4. The video shows the accused plunging the knife at the victim even after she collapsed to the floor. He then slit her throat before running away, leaving a bloodied Kriti to die.

5. As per The News Minute (TNM) report, the other residents of the PG heard the commotion but were too scared to come out. They locked their doors and came out once they realised the accused had gone, after which they dialled the police. The incident took place at Bhargavi Staying Homes For Ladies in Venkatreddy Layout, just over a kilometre from the Koramangala police station and South East Deputy Commissioner of Polices office.

ALSO READ: The shocking story of Sonya Massey, Black woman killed by US police after calling 911

6. The victim worked for a private firm in sales and marketing in Karnatakas capital. She had reportedly been living in the PG since March.

7. Days after the murder, the police have arrested the prime suspect, who had escaped to Madhya Pradeshs Bhopal. Yes, he has been arrested, a senior police officer told PTI on Saturday (July 27).

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8. The accused Abhishek, who also hails from Bihar, is reportedly the ex-boyfriend of the victims roommate in the PG. According to the police, the suspect used to often visit the victims accommodation and entered into arguments with his girlfriend. They frequently fought about his unemployment and these disputes grew intense many times, as per NDTV.

9. Kriti would often intervene in their fights and had urged her roommate to stop living with the accused and move with her, Indian Express reported citing the police. The roommate had returned to stay with the victim on July 23. According to Hindustan Times, the assailant believed Kriti had a role in his girlfriend leaving and going back to the PG.

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10. As per PTI, when asked about the motive of the murder, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said, We dont know it yet. He [the accused] has to be brought here and then we have to take his police custody and a thorough investigation and interrogation has to be conducted only then further details can be shared.

11. The incident has raised questions about the security lapses at the PG accommodation, where there were no caretakers or security at the time of the incident, The Hindu cited the police as saying. It has also shed light on the grim reality of how unsafe women are in the country.

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With inputs from agencies
If you were too busy in the week to take a look at the Union Budget and its impact, we have you covered. What were the changes to income tax? Whats become more expensive? We explain in our weekly roundup read more

This week was all about the Union Budget 2024. All eyes were on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Centre.

The middle class was watching the Union Budget with bated breath  wondering if the Centre would provide citizens relief via changes to the tax slabs or increasing the Section 80C deduction limit and the standard deduction limit.

The results were, for many, a mixed bag.

Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar continued as new revelations regarding her parents came to light.

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Meanwhile, rains yet again brought life in Mumbai and Pune to a standstill.

Here are all the major developments and more in our weekly roundup of explainers from India.

1. Should I cheer or cry?

Thats the question many were asking themselves after Sitharaman presented the Union Budget.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the ones cheering after Sitharamans address.

The prime minister applauded Sitharamans Budget saying it would empower the middle class and the youth would get unlimited opportunities from the Budget.

But what do experts say? How does the Budget impact the middle class? This piece explains all.

2. Sitharaman in her record-breaking seventh Budget proposed a slew of cuts on the customs duties levied on various items.

For customs, we reduced the number of customs duty rates in 2022-23. I propose to rationalise them after a review over next six months, Sitharaman said in the Lok Sabha.

She added that the Narendra Modi-led government was also striving to further simplify, rationalise the GST tax structure.

Gold is set to become cheaper after the Union Budget as the government has reduced customs duties to six per cent. File image/Reuters

But what became cheaper? And whats going to cost you more? This article breaks it down for you.

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3. The Centre in 2020 unveiled the new tax regime amid much fanfare.

And yet, four years later, many people seem content to stick with the old one.

Sitharaman on Tuesday announced changes in the new tax regime that would allow for salaried personnel to save Rs 17,500 annually.

So, is it finally time to change to the new regime? Or should you stick to the old one?

Click here for a c omprehensive breakdown of the pros and cons of each and what is right for you.

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4. Ever since the NDA returned to power, people knew things would be different this go around.

For one, the BJP was far more reliant on its NDA allies particularly the Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to form the government.

Knowing that many were wondering how the Centre would keep its partners in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh happy. Now we know.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with key NDA allies TDP chief and Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu, JD(U) chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar during a meeting at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi on June 5. Union Budget 2024 focused on the two states. File photo/PTI

Both states received special attention from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

We will formulate plan Purvodaya for all round development of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, Sitharaman said.

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But what did projects did the Centre unveil for the states? How did the JDU and TDP react?

Heres everything you need to know.

5. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took power, India has been looking to boost its defence and project a more muscular image with an eye on its neighbours China and Pakistan.

The Centre in this Union Budget allocated Rs 6.21 lakh crore (approximately $75 billion) to defence spending  around 12 per cent of the 2024 Budget.

That figure was at 5.94 lakh crore ($72.6 billion) last year.

But where is the money going exactly?

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And how do Indias efforts measure up against China?

6. The story of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar seemingly never ends.

Puja Khedkar has been instructed to join the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, latest by July 23. ANI

From the controversy over her disability claims and OBC status to accusations that she abused her authority while working at the Pune collectors office, the revelations just keep coming.

Now, revelations come to light about her parents Manorama and Dilip Khedkar.

But what do we know about them? And what is the status of proceedings against Puja?

7. The monsoon hit Maharashtra with a fury this week leaving the state reeling under severe flooding.

The situation was particularly dire in Mumbai and Pune.

Pune faced heavy downpours waterlogging and witnessed four deaths.

Policemen push a vehicle stuck on a waterlogged road during monsoon rain, at Parel in Mumbai, Sunday, July 21, 2024. PTI File

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was forced to send three teams to assist in rescue efforts in the Varje, Sinhgad Road, and Ekta Nagar districts.

Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed parts of Mumbai  Indias financial capital  with several flights delayed and cancelled due to heavy rain.

But what happened exactly?

This piece gives you an in-depth breakdown of events.

You are all caught up for the week. If you like our explainers and want to stay updated with our work, you can bookmark this page.
Elon Musk has claimed he was tricked into allowing his trans child to use puberty blockers, sparking a stir. These medications are used to delay the changes that come with puberty in transgender and gender-diverse youth with gender dysphoria read more

Elon Musk claimed he was 'tricked' into giving consent for his transgender daughter using puberty blockers. File Photo/Reuters

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has caused a stir with his remarks on his estranged trans daughter, Vivian Wilson, in a recent two-hour conversation with controversial psychologist Jordan Peterson. The billionaire claimed he had been tricked into signing paperwork that allowed Vivian to take puberty blockers.

Referring to her with male pronouns, Musk said his son had been (figuratively) killed by the woke mind virus. Vivian has now shot back, saying she had disowned him, not the other way around. In 2022, she filed a request to legally change her name from Xavier to Vivian and to adopt the surname of her mother, Justine Wilson. I no longer want to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form, Vivian had reportedly said.

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Musks comments have ignited a conversation about puberty blockers. What are they? Lets understand.

What are puberty blockers?

Puberty blockers are used to delay the transformation that comes with puberty in transgender and gender-diverse youth.

These medications are called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues.

During puberty, a childs body goes through physical changes that make them attain sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction. This is marked by the brain sending hormonal signals to the gonads  ovaries in females and testicles in males.

Speaking to CNN, Dr Michelle Forcier, a professor of paediatrics at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Rhode Island, explained, Puberty blockers are sort of like a man-made hormone analogue, and basically what they do is fool the brain into not sending messages to the ovaries and testes to secrete hormones.

Forcier added, The brain thinks its got enough hormones and doesnt message the ovaries and testes to get to work. And so, the ovaries and testes kind of just rest or go to sleep until the brain gland wakes up again and tells them, Time to secrete hormones.

Who is it prescribed for?

Teens who have gender dysphoria are prescribed puberty blockers, which pause puberty-related changes in the body and give them time to think about their gender identity.

Gender dysphoria is the distress that occurs when your sex assigned at birth does not match your gender identity, as per Cleveland Clinic.

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Dr Subhash Kumar Wangnoo, senior consultant, endocrinologist, and diabetologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, told Indian Express, When a teen has gender dysphoria, a condition in which they are conflicted between the gender assigned at birth and the gender they want to assume, the medication is prescribed to pause sex hormones.

Puberty blockers can improve the mental well-being of minors with gender dysphoria. Representational Image/Pixabay

Experts say the biological changes in adolescents questioning their gender assigned at birth could cause distress and worsen their mental health.

It can create massive dysphoria, depression, suicidality and a whole bunch of other poor health outcomes, Forcier told CNN. The puberty blockers prevent permanent changes that we cant necessarily fix or eradicate in the future. We cant go backwards, but at least everything (pauses) where it is, she added.

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The puberty blockers stop the body from producing sex hormones. In people assigned male at birth, the medications can temporarily halt voice deepening, growth of facial hair, and arrest the growth of the testes or penis.

For those assigned female at birth, puberty blockers stop the development of breasts and menstruation.

Doctors also prescribe puberty blockers during precocious puberty when a childs body starts changing into that of an adult too soon. For girls, it is before the age of eight, and, for boys, the onset of puberty is before the age of nine.

ALSO READ: Why are there so few trans, gender non-conforming and non-binary people in STEM? Inaccessibility, harassment are hurdles

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How does it help?

These drugs help in improving the mental well-being of transgender and gender-diverse youth tackling gender dysphoria.

As per Mayo Clinic, puberty blockers can ease anxiety and depression, improve social interactions, and keep away thoughts or actions of self-harm. It can also prevent the need for future gender-affirming surgeries.

However, taking puberty blockers alone, without other medical or behavioural treatment, might not be enough to ease gender dysphoria. Parental consent is needed for drug use, Wangnoo told Indian Express.

Are puberty blockers safe?

Experts say puberty blockers are safe. Dr Lauren Wilson, a pediatric hospitalist in the United States, told CNN that these medications have proved highly safe and effective.

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However, there are some side effects associated with the medication.

The use of puberty blockers in any child or adolescent is associated with a risk of decrease in bone density, because bone mineralisation increases with puberty hormones. But when the medication is stopped and puberty resumes or other hormone treatments are started, bone mineralisation normalises, Wilson said.

As per Mayo Clinic, side effects could also include weight gain, hot flashes, headaches and shifts in mood.

Experts also say there is a risk of infertility if children directly go from puberty blockers to hormone therapy, reported CNN.

In May this year, the United Kingdom banned private clinics from prescribing puberty blockers to children under 18. The emergency ban, which will last until September, has been challenged in court.

With inputs from agencies
The Niti Aayog meeting was attended by most BJP-run state chief ministers as well as NDA partners including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. However, the Opposition, except Mamata Banerjee, boycotted the meeting read more

The Niti Aayog meeting on Saturday, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, turned into a political slugfest. First, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the meeting in a fit of anger and now speculations are rife about Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumars absence in the meeting.

Nitish, a key ally of the BJP-led NDA, reportedly skipped the meeting in New Delhi and instead sent deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha to represent the state, officials told PTI.

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The Niti Aayog meeting was attended by most BJP-run state chief ministers as well as NDA partners including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. However, the Opposition, except Mamata Banerjee, boycotted the meeting.

Why did Kumar skip the meeting?

While its unclear why the Janata Dal (United) supremo was absent from the meeting, party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, This is not the first time that the CM is not attending the Nitish Aayog meeting. The CM did not attend the meeting earlier as well, and Bihar was represented by the then deputy CM. This time also both the Dy CMs went to attend the meeting.

Rejecting any ideas of a rift between the BJP and JD(U), Neeraj said, Besides, there are four Union ministers from Bihar who are members of the Aayog and they will be present in the meeting. There is nothing to say on this.

Nitish Kumar, on Saturday, chaired a separate meeting on Jharkhand elections at his official residence and it was attended by JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha, who is in charge of Jharkhand, Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary and Rajya Sabha MP Khiru Mahto, who heads the JD(U)s unit in the adjoining state, among others.

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After the meeting, Mahto told reporters, We are looking forward to contesting the Jharkhand assembly polls in alliance with the BJP.

Among the issues discussed with the partys supreme leader was the inclusion of Kurmis in the list of Scheduled Tribes. Kurmi leaders in Jharkhand have been raising the demand for some time and today it was seconded by delegates from West Bengal. We will now move forward by raising the issue in Parliament and before President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he added.

What happened in the meeting?

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who came to Delhi on Friday, walked out of the Niti Aayog meeting after alleging that she was not allowed to speak and that her mic was turned off.

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While the Bharatiya Janata Party has fact-checked her on the issue, the Opposition has joined Banerjees chorus in accusing the central government.

Apart from this, PM Modi, during the meeting, said, We are moving in the right direction. We have defeated once in hundred years pandemic. Our people are full of enthusiasm and confidence. We can fulfil our dreams of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 with combined effort of all States. Viksit States will make Viksit Bharat.

He added, This decade is of changes, technological & geo-political, and also of opportunities. India should grab these opportunities and make our policies conducive for international investments. This is the stepping stone for progress to make India a developed nation.

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With inputs from agencies
The Indian Air Force has significantly improved its air defence capabilities in recent years. Air defence systems have been deployed in a big way by the Chinese military across the Line of Actual Control, while India has also deployed its own systems in a big way there. read more

The Indian Air Force, which recently received the Indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, believes the S-400 will be a game changer for it. File Image

The Sudarshan S-400 air defense missile system achieved a significant milestone in a recent exercise by successfully shooting down 80 per cent of the enemy fighter aircraft package and forcing the remaining aircraft to retreat and abort their missions.

The exercise was carried out by the Indian Air Force in a theatre where the force has deployed one of its squadrons of the long-range air defence missile system, defence sources told ANI.

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The Indian Air Force has notably enhanced its air defense capabilities in recent years. Both India and China have deployed substantial air defense systems along the Line of Actual Control, reflecting the growing emphasis on strengthening military readiness in the region.

The exercise was conducted by the Indian Air Force to showcase full integration of air defence missile system into the force, they said. During the exercise, real fighter aircraft were flying to test the capabilities of the S-400 weapon system, now called Sudarshan by the Indian Air Force after the mighty Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishan.

The Sudarshan, locking on and targeting in simulated action, could shoot down 80 per cent of the enemy offensive package.

The other remaining aircraft aborted their mission which was to attack their targets within Indian territory and were intercepted by the air defence system.

The Indian Air Force has now fully integrated the system, whose three squadrons have already been inducted and two more are expected to be supplied in 2026.The Indian side has requested that Russia expedite the delivery of the systems. The Indian side, during a high-level visit to Russia, also requested the Russian side deliver the system.

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India and Russia signed an over Rs 35,000 crore deal for five squadrons of S-400. The Indian Air Force, which recently received the Indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, believes the S-400 will be a game changer for it.

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile System under Project Kusha. The development came after the project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

With inputs from ANI.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had requested her turn to speak before lunchtime as she had to depart for Kolkata and so Mamatas slot was adjusted accordingly read more

Saturdays NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stirred up a major controversy as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that she was only allowed to speak for a few minutes and that her mic was turned off.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders including Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have rejected Mamatas claims, saying that she, like other participants, was given allotted time to speak for their respective states. Leaders of the ruling party also claimed that Mamatas meltdown was premeditated.

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The West Bengal chief minister walked out of the meeting in New Delhi following which she said, I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am there from the opposition and you are stopping me from speakingThis is not only the insult of Bengal but also of all regional parties.

The meeting was attended by most BJP and NDA partner-ruled states, excluding Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. It was, however, boycotted by the Opposition, making Mamata the only member to attend the meeting.

What has NITI Aayog said?

During a press conference after the meeting, NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said that every chief minister was allotted seven minutes and that the time was displayed on a screen.

After her allotted time was up Mamata said, I would like to speak for a few more minutes but I would not, Subrahmanyam said.

Furthermore, she had requested her turn to speak before lunchtime as she had to depart for Kolkata and so Mamatas slot was adjusted accordingly.

The chief minister of West Bengal had made a request to be given a turn before lunchtime. Im just putting facts on the ground, no interpretations. It was a very clear request from their side because normally we would have gone alphabetically. We adjusted and the Defence Minister actually called her in just before Gujarat. So she made her statement, the CEO said.

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#WATCH | After the NITI Aayog meeting, CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam says, "...We had 10 absentees and 26 participants. We had absentees from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Puducherry. The chief minister of West Bengal pic.twitter.com/dedCuQOHca  ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

Who were the absentees?

The NITI Aayog meeting had 26 participants and 10 abstentees. The absentee chief ministers were from the following states:

Kerala

Tamil Nadu

Karnataka

Telangana

Bihar

Delhi

Punjab

Himachal Pradesh

Jharkhand

Puducherry

We had a lot of last-minute dropouts, I have speeches of some states who had not participated- Jharkhand and Puducherry. Not all have dropped out for boycott reasons, Subrahmanyam said.

Mamata left in a jiffy

Meanwhile, many chief ministers who participated in the meeting told News18, Once Mamatas time of seven minutes was over, there was a small bell, which rang after which Mamata Banerjee caught up jiffy and just left.

They added, She did not even wait for anybody, including Rajnath Singh, who was asking chief ministers to speak to even give her a minute or two extra. In fact, a couple of other chief ministers who had exceeded that time asked for an extension and they were given so by Rajnath Singh.
Two intruders managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid the intense gunfight that lasted for hours, the sources said. They said the group of three intruders hurled a grenade and opened fire on a forward post near the Kumkadi post in Trehgam sector of the north Kashmir district. The troops retaliated, triggering a gunfight between the two sides, the sources said, adding that five soldiers were injured in the encounter and one of them later succumbed to his injuries read more

An Army personnel was killed and four others, including a captain, were injured as the Indian Army on Saturday foiled an attack by Pakistans Border Action Team (BAT) in Kamakari sector of Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara district, military sources said.

A Pakistani intruder was also killed in the exchange of fire, they added.

The BAT generally comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army and terrorists.

Action by Border Action Team has been foiled by alert Indian Army troops on Saturday morning in Kamakari sector, one of the sources said.

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One Pakistani intruder has been killed, he added.

Two intruders managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid the intense gunfight that lasted for hours, the sources said.

They said the group of three intruders hurled a grenade and opened fire on a forward post near the Kumkadi post in Trehgam sector of the north Kashmir district.

The troops retaliated, triggering a gunfight between the two sides, the sources said, adding that five soldiers were injured in the encounter and one of them later succumbed to his injuries.

They said the injured Army personnel, including a captain, were evacuated to a base hospital.

The condition of one of the injured soldiers was stated to be critical, the sources said.
By securing UNESCO World Heritage status for the Charaideo Moidams, the BJP aims to gain favour with Assams Ahom community combining cultural pride with political leverage read more

The UNESCO World Heritage status granted to the Moidams is a significant moment that blends cultural celebration with political strategy. This accolade not only honours the historical significance of the Ahom dynastys burial mounds but also reveals the BJPs attempt to court the Ahom community, showcasing the strategic use of cultural heritage in contemporary politics

The announcement was also welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Reacting to the news Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, The Moidams make it to the #UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property - a great win for Assam. The Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assams Tai-Ahom community.

Why UNESCO World Heritage Site status to Moidams matters politically?

The timing of Moidams getting World Heritage recognition, although long anticipated, couldnt be more fortuitous for the BJP, with Assams Assembly elections on the horizon in 2026. Facing the need to bolster their support, the BJP is now focussed on consolidating every possible advantage and the Ahom communitys substantial voter base in Upper Assam is seen as crucial to their electoral strategy. Assam Chief Minister Sarma and the BJP have keenly acknowledged the substantial influence of the Ahom community in the state.

Although the BJP hasnt explicitly stated it, their strategy suggests a clear hope to gain substantial political mileage from UNESCOs recent declaration. By securing international recognition for the Moidams, the party appears to be aiming to foster a sense of cultural pride and belonging among the people of Assam. This recognition could act as a catalyst, creating a sentiment that politically benefits the ruling party by reinforcing the states significance within the broader national narrative.

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For many years, Assam has been plagued by complaints of marginalisation and discrimination, with its citizens feeling sidelined in national policies. This perception might undergo a transformation with this unprecedented recognition, which is a credit to the current government. Such acknowledgment could serve as an important moment reshaping Assams image and countering the narrative of neglect. When the political climate is favourable, the BJP is likely to claim credit for this achievement. Even if they refrain from making overt claims, they are likely banking on the people perceiving it as a gift from the ruling party.

The party, therefore, bears the responsibility to bring this issue to the forefront of public discourse. The projects anticipated success was largely due to the sites unique position as a cultural landmark in Asia and possibly the world. This made the initiative not only necessary but strategically significant. The incorporation of the Moidams into broader cultural policies further emphasises the importance of this recognition. It presents a political opportunity that the BJP could leverage to strengthen their narrative and position themselves as champions of Assams heritage.

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The relevance of this strategy becomes clearer in light of recent political developments. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi achieved a significant victory by securing the majority of votes in 10 out of the 11 Assembly constituencies within the Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency, including those dominated by the Ahom community. The Ahom areas of Sonari and Mahmora in Charaideo district, along with Demow, Sibsagar and Nazira in Sivasagar district, all contribute to the historical and electoral significance of Jorhat.

With the Ahom community comprising 32.25 per cent of the total electorate in Jorhat, their votes are important. The strategic importance of this constituency was highlighted when Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot statue of Lachit Barphukan, the legendary Ahom general.

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The BJPs nervousness was evident following the unexpected victory of Congresss Gaurav Gogoi in the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, where he defeated the incumbent BJP MP, Topon Kumar Gogoi. This electoral upset prompted a strategic reassessment by the BJP, revealing the critical role of the Ahom community in shaping Assams political future.

What are the Charaideo Moidams?

The Moidams of Charaideo, nestled at the foothills of the Patkai range, beautifully capture the Tai-Ahom cultures deep-seated reverence for their kings and distinctive funerary practices. Located just 28 kilometres east of Sivasagar, Charaideo stands as a testament to the Ahom dynastys legacy.

Charaideo gained prominence as a sacred burial site when the first Ahom king, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha, was interred there with all the solemnity and grandeur befitting Tai-Ahom religious rites. This tradition set a precedent, and soon it became customary to bury Ahom royaltykings, queens, princes and princessesin this hallowed ground. Over their six-hundred-year reign, Charaideo transformed into a revered site, echoing the echoes of history and devotion.

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The Moidams themselves are architectural marvels with exteriors shaped like hemispheres. Their sizes range from modest mounds to towering hillocks over 20 metres tall, reflecting the status and resources of the individual interred. Each Moidam consists of three distinct elements: a vaulted chamber where the royal remains are placed, a hemispherical earthen mound that rises above it, topped with a brick structure known as a Chaw-chali for annual offerings and an octagonal boundary wall encircling the base, complete with an arched gateway facing west. While smaller Moidams may lack some of these elaborate features, the grandeur of the larger structures speaks volumes about the prominence of those buried within.

Dear India,



Today is a historic day for Assam as the #CharaideoMoidams have been recognised as a @UNESCO #WorldHeritageSite. This must have enticed an interest in crores of Indians in knowing more about the Moidams and its history.



Watch this video to know more  pic.twitter.com/y6FMt3sB2y  Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 26, 2024

This heritage spans over 800 years, and this recognition will help preserve and promote it within the international community. Alongside this, it will generate economic opportunities through tourism, research and other activities. In other words, Assam and its people will now be prominently featured on the international tourism map. It is anticipated that in the coming years, Assam will experience significant growth in the tourism industry, Raktim Patar, Associate Professor, Centre for Historical Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University told Firstpost.

Similarly, the states infrastructure will receive a significant boost in areas such as roads, bridges, connectivity, accommodations and hotels. This recognition not only marks a cultural milestone but also highlights our heritage and history, he said.

Through this recognition, most of the sites along the Charaideo Moidam will receive protection from the Archaeological Survey of India and UNESCO. It is crucial for local people to engage in generating income through tourism activities. The people of Assam and North East India should seize this opportunity. Once a site is recognised by UNESCO, it attracts visitors from around the world. Consequently, it will be the responsibility of the local communities to capitalise on the economic benefits generated by tourism, said Patar.

Who are the Ahoms?

The Ahoms are a significant ethnic group in Assam, originally migrating from Southeast Asia in the 13th century under the leadership of Tai Prince Chaolung Sukapha. They established a powerful kingdom that endured for nearly six centuries noted for its resistance against Mughal invasions, particularly during the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, led by the legendary commander Lachit Borphukan. Their innovative Paik system and cultural assimilation policies helped shape the regions identity and governance.

Today, the Ahoms remain an influential ethnic group in Assam actively participating in the states political, social and cultural life.

Ultimately, the UNESCO World Heritage status for the Moidams not only honours a rich cultural legacy but also strategically positions the BJP to leverage this recognition for future political gains highlighting the intricate interplay between heritage and electoral strategy.
Although both China and the US proclaim their support for the Two State Solution to the Palestinian-Israel issue, they seem to be on the two opposing banks of the River to the Sea chimera claimed by both Israel and Palestine read more

It was perhaps no coincidence that China hosted Hamas and Al Fatah along with twelve other Palestinian groups for a unity conference and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blew his trumpet in a Washington, DC, meeting, addressing the high and mighty.

Although both China and the US proclaim their support for the Two State Solution to the Palestinian-Israel issue, they seem to be on the two opposing banks of the River to the Sea chimera claimed by both Israel and Palestine.

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Mirage merely deepens as the war rages on, decimating Gazan civilian lives and causing more uncertainty and escalation possibilities in the region. Still, both of these events are important, whose import will be witnessed in times to come. Some say that now that President Joe Biden is absolved of the shackles of electioneering, he might focus a bit more on the two wars that have the potential to define the new world order, if at all there will be one.

China is heavily invested in the Middle East (West Asia) and has cast its lot with the Arabs and Palestinians even as supporting the Two State Solution on the basis of 1967 borders broadly as defined in the 2002 Arab Peace Plan with east Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine.

How would those geographical contours be achieved on the ground, if at all there is some agreement with Israel, will be the biggest challenge. What would be the compromises and under what conditions that will ensure the security and sovereignty of both Israel and Palestine will be the deciding factors for any movement forward.

Meanwhile, after its real success as a peacemaker between Riyadh and Tehran, Beijing is trying to position itself as cupid, at least for the Palestinians, while it has peeved the hardliner government in Tel Aviv despite the extensive economic engagement with Israel.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Palestinian quest has been the vertical divisions and wars of supremacy among various groups, especially Al Fatah and Hamas, and their approaches, which had to a great extent defied any momentum on the Israel-Palestine issue for decades now. It helped the deep state designs of Israeli leadership, especially Netanyahu, who was often accused of supporting and sustaining Hamas all this while. It was only after October 7-terror strikes by Hamas that he vowed to destroy them.

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But Beijing has thought of addressing the issue upfront and hence has been working for quite some time on all Palestinian factions to have a unified approach under the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).

Hence, on July 23, Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared that an agreement has been reached on post-Gaza war governance and the establishment of a provisional national reconciliation government.

The exact terms and the role of Hamas, going forward, will probably be known only in the future, but China has displayed its role as a peacemaker that has been appreciated by the Arab world and many others. Israel has, of course, as expected, criticised the Beijing Declaration as well as the Palestinian Authority (PA) and President Abbas for hobnobbing with the terror outfits.

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Netanyahu has repeated that he would not handover Gaza to become Hamastan or Fatahstan. Only the US and internal support to some modus vivendi at the popular level could allow a Palestinian Authority rule in Gaza. As such, Hamas and Fatah have tried to get past their differences and problems over a dozen times, including their pact in 2021 and Algeria Accord in 2022, but every time back to square one, turning the handshakes into fisticuffs. Will it be any different this time remains to be seen!

Meanwhile, the UAE, Egypt, and the US have also been discussing post-war Gaza governance and reconstruction and are discussing the possibility of a regional security force to stabilise as the Palestinian Authority integrates governance of Gaza and the West Bank, where political Hamas can or cannot have some role as well. As of now, Biden has not shuttled as much in any conflict and the least traction he got due to prevailing intransigence and maximalist positions on both sides. That could be a red line for Netanyahu and the US, but the ongoing ceasefire negotiations are still holding out some promise. Biden has not shuttled as much in any conflict and the least traction he got due to prevailing intransigence and maximalist positions on both sides.

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Netanyahu in Washington, while addressing the Congress, was at his best in his tirade as he successfully veered and encashed on sympathy for Israel, very well managed by the powerful Jewish lobby and US deep state.

Even though Vice President Kamala Harris was away for her election campaign and could not chair the session, which could notionally assuage the Arab lobbies and protesters opposing the Israeli disproportionate response against the Palestinians. Being a master blaster and a wily politician, he successfully deflected the attention of US lawmakers and the public at large from the plight of the Palestinians towards the security and terror threats from a nuclear Iran and its proxies in Hamas, Houthis, and Hezbollah, projecting himself as the first line of defence for the Americans, underscoring, We are protecting you. He castigated the protesters. Yet incredibly many anti-Israel protesters, many choose to stand with evil. They stand with Hamas.

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The Israeli PM smartly invoked the security threats to America and not only to Israel when he started We meet today at a crossroads of history. Our world is in upheaval. In the Middle East, Irans axis of terror confronts America, Israel, and our Arab friends. 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, adding, For Israel, every civilian death is a tragedy. For Hamas, its a strategy.

He also recalled April 14 US support in neutralising Iranian missiles and drone attacks. No wonder the captive audience gave him an unprecedented standing ovation 58 timesa feat indeed that would ensure continued US assistance and supplies of all arms and ammunition to continue his war against Hamas at all costs. He also clarified in no uncertain terms that they did not want to occupy Gaza but would not allow its security to be controlled by others so that situation and terror groups crop up again.

Calling his friendship with the US, he sealed it as, Working together, I am confident that our two nations will vanquish the tyrants and terrorists who threaten us both.  Israel will not relent, and Israel will not bend. Meanwhile, Senator Benie Sanders was yet again caustic in his criticism of Netanyahu and US policies.

With these contradictory positions, Beijings efforts will weigh against Washington and Tel Avivs stance, and how some modus vivendi, let alone the Two State Solution, can be found is a gaping question as ever before. But the quest for peaceful coexistence must not be given up by all major actors.

The author is the former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is currently a Distinguished Fellow with Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Until now, the large container ships bypassed Indian ports due to insufficient depth, opting instead for neighbouring hubs like Colombo, Dubai, Singapore, and Malaysia. But with recent efforts in enhancing shipping connectivity, India may soon join the list of the worlds major hubs for trans-shipment read more

Analysts are confident in Indias ability to soon join a group of elite hubs like Singapore, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Busan, and Hong Kong that constitute the world's biggest transhipment ports. PTI

Maritime transport serves as the bedrock of international trade and, by extension, the global economy. As per the International Chamber of Shipping, the international shipping industry is accountable for transporting approximately 90 per cent of global trade. Therefore, it is not unexpected that ocean transport or shipping continues to have a significant impact on Indias international trade, despite the considerable expansion of other alternative and leading modes of transportation, such as airways.

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Due to its strategic geographic location, ports have been an integral part of Indian history. In contemporary times, these ports are vital to the countrys economy, managing 95 per cent of Indias external trade by volume and 70 per cent by value. In the fiscal year 2022, the cargo traffic at Indias major ports surged to 406.98 million metric tonnes, marking an approximate 15 per cent increase from the previous year. Hence, pointing at the growing role of the maritime sector in Indias national development.

Consequently, it is unsurprising that ports have experienced substantial advancements in efficiency and capacity in recent years. India harbours ambitions of positioning itself as a manufacturing and export hub as well as a node in global supply chains. This demands that India enhance its competitiveness and connectivity on the world stage. A crucial step towards this objective is increasing the deployment of ships in the Indian market.

Specifically, India will need a greater number of larger vessels dedicatedly deployed to India-centric trade routes. This will ensure New Delhi is effectively integrated into global supply chains, facilitating smoother and more efficient international commerce.

Recent advancements in port infrastructure, like the Vadhavan Port (Maharashtra), which, on completion, is expected to make India prepared to meet the additional demand generated due to the planned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Vizhinjam port, which recently saw the berthing of the first mothership, San Fernando, point out that India is looking to up its game in the arena of international maritime trade.

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Analysts are confident in Indias ability to soon join a group of elite hubs like Singapore, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Busan, and Hong Kong that constitute the worlds biggest transhipment ports.

Vizhinjam, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced automation and IT systems, is on track to become Indias first semi-automated port. When completed, this port will rank among the worlds largest and will serve as Indias premier transshipment hub. Here, cargo will be transferred from smaller ships to larger mother ships, streamlining the journey to their final destinations. The port will also provide large-scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels, with the ability to handle Megamax containerships.

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The port is expected to attract some of the worlds biggest container ships. Given its strategic location near the southernmost tip of the country, the port has the capability to tap into vital global shipping routes, thereby allowing India to grab a bigger share of the international maritime trade, which is currently dominated by China. In this regard, the port will boost Indias ambitions to become an alternative manufacturing destination to China.

Furthermore, lower logistic and shipping costs and greater cargo and container capacity will position India as the main port of call instead of the side port of call for the major shipping lines. This aligns perfectly with the Modi governments Maritime India Vision 2030, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Indias maritime landscape, which focuses on developing world-class mega ports, establishing advanced transshipment hubs, and modernising infrastructure to enhance efficiency and global competitiveness.

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While a lot has been discussed about the potential benefits of such ports in India, one aspect has been overlooked: Indias ability to weather geopolitical tensions arising in the sea and disrupting sea lines of communication (SLOCs).

Ports tend to exhibit a butterfly effect when it comes to geopolitical conflicts. In recent years, geopolitical tensions are becoming more regular as global powers clash more frequently and use geo-economics as their weapon of choice to challenge the sovereignty of rival states and change the power balance at both the peripheral and global levels.

In recent years, certain geopolitical events with wider implications have taken place, for example, the situation in Ukraine, a country responsible for nearly 10 per cent of global cereal production. The blockage of Ukrainian ports impacted global trade volumes and shipping, owing to the large volume of cereal exports that Ukrainian ports accommodate.

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Similar incidents were also witnessed in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery that carries around a fifth of the worlds oil, which, over the years, has been the centre of numerous geopolitical tensions. In the past few months, global trade has been held back by disruptions at two major shipping routes. Attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have decreased traffic through the Suez Canal, the shortest maritime link between Asia and Europe, which typically accommodates around 15 per cent of global maritime trade. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, a severe drought at the Panama Canal has led authorities to impose restrictions that have significantly cut down daily ship crossings since last October, further hampering maritime trade through this critical chokepoint, which usually accounts for about 5 per cent of global maritime traffic.

On January 26, 2024, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) expressed profound concerns over the escalating disruptions in global trade, particularly stemming geopolitical tensions affecting shipping in the Black Sea, recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea affecting the Suez Canal, and the impact of climate change on the Panama Canal.

In this context, it is the need of the hour to diversify the SLOCs and establish alternate yet equally critical shipping routes.

Indias maritime landscape, given its strategic location and its major ports serving as vital gateways for international commerce, can serve as a pivotal player in the global trade arena.

The country has a vast coastline of over 7,500 km, 12 major and 60+ non-major ports handling cargo, and a significant share of the worlds seafarers. The current world demography is favourable to India, giving it the base for necessary skilled labour power and providing shipping services to the world.

Despite its extensive coastline and more than 200 ports, Indias maritime industry still falls short on the global stage. In 2021, India accounted for just 2.4 per cent of global container traffic, a figure comparable to that of the United Arab Emirates (2.3 per cent) but considerably lower than Singapores 4.5 per cent.

Until now, the large container ships bypassed Indian ports due to insufficient depth, opting instead for neighbouring hubs like Colombo, Dubai, Singapore, and Malaysia. But with the recent developments in Indias port sector and efforts in enhancing shipping connectivity, it wouldnt be wrong to predict that India might soon join the list of the worlds major hubs for trans-shipment.

The author is a researcher at the East Asia Centre, MP-IDSA, New Delhi, India. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Pakistan's security forces are battling the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) and new terrorist groups that are believed to have close links with the TTP or are its proxies. Image: REUTERS

During his address in Drass, Kargil, on the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the terror masters of Pakistan.

Conveying a stern message to them, he said, Pakistan has learned nothing from its history. It is seeking to remain relevant by relying on terror. Today I am speaking from a place from where the masters of the terrorists are able to directly hear my voice. I want to convey to the patrons of terrorists that their unholy plans will never be successful. Our brave hearts will crush terrorism with all their might; the enemy will be given a crushing response.

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Pakistans Kargil military operation was not undertaken by terrorists but by its regular forces. It sought to disguise it as a terrorist undertaking, but India successfully exposed that attempt. That notwithstanding, it was appropriate that Modi sent a forceful message on terrorism to Pakistan at this stage because it has activated terrorism in the Jammu Division in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Clearly, Pakistans promotion of terrorism, including at Reasi, on the day of his swearing in on June 9, would have been on Modis mind in Drass.

Pakistan is willing to pay any price for not abandoning the use of terrorism against India. Indeed, during the current period when its economy continues to be in such trouble that it has again gone for financial assistance to the International Monetary Fund for the 24th time in its history, it is refusing to change course on terrorism.

While promoting terrorism against India, Pakistan is itself facing terrorism, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces. Its security forces are battling the Tehreek-e-Taliban-e-Pakistan (TTP) and new terrorist groups that are believed to have close links with the TTP or are its proxies. Yet it is unwilling to remove the use of terrorism against India from its security doctrine. Truly, the Pakistani Generals are like the Bourbon dynasty of France, during whose reign the French Revolution began in 1789. About the Bourbons, it was said, they learn nothing and forget nothing! The Pakistani Generals are the same.

In the early morning hours of July 15, a group of terrorists attacked the Bannu cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They breached the cantonment wall and, in the engagement that followed, succeeded in killing eight Pakistani security service personnel. Reportedly, 141 persons were also injured in the cantonment. It appears that some civilians also died in the terrorist attack. The Pakistani army claimed that it killed 10 terrorists. This terrorist attack was claimed by Jaish Fursan e Muhammad, who is believed to be a proxy of the TTP. The word Fursan can roughly be translated as warriors.

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A day after the Bannu attack, terrorists struck a rural health centre in Dera Ismail Khan, killing two women, two children, and a watchman. In an encounter with the terrorists, they killed two members of the security forces and lost three of their own.

On July 19, four people were killed when an IED went off in South Waziristan. The same day, a policeman was killed and two others were injured in an attack at the Buddhist archaeological site Takht Bahi in Mardan. However, the most serious incident on that day took place in Bannu. Traders took out a peace march. The marchers from a stadium moved towards the cantonment. There are confused reports of what precisely happened, but violence occurred in which a person died while more than 20 were injured. The security forces deny that they fired on the crowd.

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These violent incidents in KP caused dismay in the country. The KP government belongs to former Prime Minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. While the KP governor admonished the bad law and order situation in the province, he said that Islamabad would not go against the peoples mandate. The army, on the other hand, sees these developments as attempts to tarnish its and the countrys reputation.

Hence, the Director-General of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, held an hour-long press conference on July 22. Its obvious purpose was to convey that the Pakistani army is successfully undertaking action against the terrorists under the new Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) campaign. At the same time, Chaudhry repeatedly said that the restoration for stability required other government agencies to act in keeping with their mandates.

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In the press conference, Chaudhry also said that Pakistani security forces had undertaken as many as 22,904 small and big security operations against terrorists from the beginning of this year. In these 398 terrorists were killed; 31 of them were high value targets. As many as 137 officers and jawans had lost their lives in these anti-terrorist operations. Chaudhry severely criticised the wrong narratives that were being built against the armys operations and especially about Azm-e-Istehkam. He vehemently denied that it involved large scale army campaigns that would involve the displacement of people. He said that the success of previous anti-terrorist operations had eliminated the need for such actions.

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Defending Azm-e-Istehkam, Chaudhry said that the operation was approved by the National Apex Committed in June. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by provincial chief ministers as well as the army brass and the heads of the intelligence agencies. The operation did not only involve kinetic action but had political, diplomatic, socio-economic, and information aspects too. Thus, what he was seeking to emphasise was that it was to be a whole-government approach. He also mentioned that Sharif had said it was necessary for the nations survival and well-being. He stressed that no one can be allowed to challenge the writ of the state. During the press conference, it was implicit in some of Chaudhrys comments that the armys antipathy towards the PTI continues, for he referred to May 9, 2023 too.

Three points in Chaudhrys responses are particularly noteworthy:

Pakistan was facing a criminal-terrorist nexus that did not want matters to change. This nexus wanted porous borders with Afghanistan to enable smuggling to continue. He said that when Pakistan tightened import regulations, Afghanistans transit trade flourished. The obvious implication was that goods that were prohibited entry directly into Pakistan found their way in through the Afghanistan route. These included motor vehicles, which were also used by terrorists. The fact is that smuggling is a way of life along the Durand Line and that it is simply not possible for the Pakistan state to plug all the loopholes. This is also linked with the movement of Afghan narcotics into and through Pakistan. Some senior army officers involvement in the narcotics trade cannot be ruled out. Indeed, it is possible that the proceeds of this narcotics trade fill the coffers of some parts of the ISI as well to undertake or sponsor terrorist operations in other countries, including India.

Chaudhry bitterly complained against digital terrorists who set negative, violent, and pernicious narratives against the Pakistani army, its economy, and the Pakistan state. Their purpose was to help the terrorists and their missions. They wanted to spread gloom and doom in Pakistan. Kinetic force could obviously not be the answer against them. There was a need to use technology and laws to combat them so that fake news would not spread. Naturally, all this is easier said than done in this age of more and more powerful artificial intelligence tools.

Chaudhry claimed that India was on the lookout for the weakening of Pakistans army and its institutions to carry out incidents (wardat). These accusations are laughable. India has to combat and finish off the Pakistani terrorist challenge, but in strategic terms, Indias attention has decisively moved away from Pakistan to China. This is deeply disappointing for Pakistan because its foundational principle is based on an equality between Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. That was always a stupid way of looking at India-Pakistan relations, but it was a natural outcome of the two-nation theory. Pakistan has never reconciled to a secular India.

The Pakistani generals must understand that their country can only have a real future if they normalise relations with India. Perpetual enmity with India will always keep it in an economic, social and political ICU, and on a drip.

The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
US Vice President Kamala Harris has narrowed the lead of Donald Trump in US presidential race and in some polls has got a lead of her own as well read more

Vice President Kamala Harris and US President Donald Trump are locked in a neck-to-neck contest in battleground states, according to a new poll.

The exit of President Joe Biden from the presidential race and Kamala becoming the presumptive nominee of the Democratic party has enthused fresh energy in the campaign against Trump, the nominee of the Republican Party.

As per a poll conducted by Fox News in four most important battleground states, Harris is leading over Trump in one and is tied in two. The poll showed Trump as leading in only one of the states.

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Harris and Trump locked in fierce contest

The Fox News conducted the poll in the four battleground states of Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

The poll shows Harris ahead in Minnesota, Trump just narrowly ahead in Wisconsin, and the two tied in Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Here are the exact findings of the poll:

Michigan : Harris 49, Trump 49

Minnesota : Harris 52, Trump 46

Pennsylvania : Harris 49, Trump 49

Wisonsin : Harris 49, Trump 50

The poll was conducted during July 22-24 after Biden dropped out and Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee.

This is a stark reversal of the situation in May where another poll conducted in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin showed Trump in overall lead.

In May, Trump was leading in Michigan and Pennsylvania and Biden was leading in Wisconsin, according to a poll by The New York Times, Siena College, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The poll also counted three other states as battleground states and showed that Trump was leading in Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada as well.

These seven states Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada are widely considered to be very critical to the US election result. For context, Biden won all seven in 2020.

What are battleground states?

The battleground states are the key states that really decide the US presidential election. These states have a history of swinging between the Democrat and Republican nominees and thats why the result here is what makes or breaks a nominees fortunes.

In the US electoral system, the nominee with the most votes does not win. Each state has a number of electors. The nominee who wins the state gets all electors in their favour. These electors form the electoral college. There are a total of 538 electors and a nominee needs to win 270 of them to win a majority.

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Therefore, presidential campaigns are tailored such that nominees win states in order to reach the 270-mark and not necessarily the popular vote. In 2016, Trump lost the popular vote but won the election as he won the states such that he crossed the 270-mark.

Most states in the United States are well-known to be Democrat or Republican in nature. It means that they are almost always won by one party. But some states keep swinging between the two parties and have no certainty of result. These swing states are called battleground states and it is in these states that fiercest campaigns are conducted. The result in these states decides the presidential election.
California Governor Kevin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are the top choices to be the running mate of Kamala Harris read more

As the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party, Vice President Kamala Harris has the crucial choice of naming her running mate.

Previously, Harris was the default running mate of President Joe Biden. After his withdrawal from the contest, however, Harris has to name her own vice-presidential candidate who would boost her own chances against Donald Trump, the Republican Partys nominee, and also take on his running mate JD Vance.

For weeks, names of California Governor Kevin Newsom and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have been making rounds along with those of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Mark Kelly. But Harris has been quiet about this even as media reports have kept the stories coming.

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Now, a Yahoo News/YouGov poll has found that the Democrat and Democrat-leaning voters were not sure of any one to be Harris running mate. But when they were asked which of the possible names would have their highest approval, seven names came up.

Notably, 30 per cent of the participants in the poll said they were not sure of anyone to be Harris running mate and 6 per cent said none of the above.

Here are the polls top seven picks to be Harris running mate:

California Governor Gavin Newsom

With 30 per cent votes in the poll, Newsom was the most likely pick to be Harris Vice President.

There may be a catch. Even though Newsom has not publicly ruled out being on the ticket with Harris, NBC News has indicated that he may have privately conveyed it to Harris. But there are things in his favour  if Harris indeed considers him.

Over the past year, Newsom has emerged as the foremost critic of Trump and his far-right Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

On the other hand, Newsom may drive away some moderates as his woke agenda as California governor has proved to be very contentious. Moreover, the US law prohibits two persons from the same state to be on the ticket  Harris is also from California. This means that either Harris or Newsom would have to leave California and establish residency elsewhere.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

Buttigieg came second with 25 per cent votes in the Yahoo-YouGov poll.

MSNBC has reported that the Harris campaign is indeed considering Buttigieg.

In recent times, Buttigieg has championed the cause of Harris in media appearances and, as the Transportation Secretary, he worked both with her and Biden, so he not just has pre-existing rapport with her but also knows how things work in Washington DC.

The flipside may be that Buttigieg comes from Indiana, which is a Republican stronghold. He is unlikely to be able to flip Indiana or nearby Republican states to Harris favour and this may affect his candidacy.

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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

With 24 per cent votes, Whitmer ranked third in the survey.

As the Democratic governor of a battleground state, Whitmer is seen as an emerging star of the party. However, Whitmer has said that she is not interested in moving to Washington DC.

I am not leaving Michigan. I know everyone is always suspicious and asking this question over and over again  I am not going anywhere," said Whitmer.

There have been reports that the Harris campaign has still sought documents from Whitmer for vetting purposes but she has denied these reports.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro

With 24 per cent votes, Shapiro ranked next.

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The NBC News has reported that Shapiro is one of the leading contenders to be Harris running mate.

While there are several things in his favour, such as his image as a practical, nuts-and-bolts governor, his support of Israel and criticism of anti-Israel protests across the United States may lead to infighting in the Democratic Party, noted Yahoo News.

Shapiro is also a Jew and there might be backlash in the current sociopolitical climate where antisemitism in the country is rampant. CNN anchor, who is himself a Jew, said during a programme that his religion may make him a risky choice for Harris.

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Beside this, Shapiro was Pennsylvanias Attorney General when Trump was trying to overturn the 2020 election result and he led multiple successful lawsuits to block Trumps scheme, according to Yahoo, which added such a tough on Trump message may benefit him.

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly

Kelly may be a surprise pick. The poll showed 18 per cent voters favouring him.

Kelly has all the marks of popularity. He comes from working class roots, served as a combat pilot, and went to space as an astronaut of NASA.

Kelly is also the husband of Gabby Giffords, a Congresswoman who was shot at a rally. He is a gun owner himself but has campaigned for gun safety for a long time.

Kelly could shore up Harris biggest vulnerability over immigration with his expertise on the technical issues and politics of the U.S.-Mexico border and could also help with bipartisan efforts with the trust hes earned from Republicans as a result, according to Yahoo.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear

Beshear has confirmed that he is being vetted. He polled 15 per cent votes in the survey.

Beshear appears to be the most overtly enthusiastic candidate for the job as he has already started Vance, Trumps running mate, in a bid to make his case.

In 2023, Beshear won in Kentucky for the second time. This may be a factor as Kentucky has not voted for a Democratic presidential nominee since 1990. He is also the second-most popular governor in the United States, as per a separate survey.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper

Cooper had 11 per cent votes in the survey.

Cooper is reportedly being vetted by the Harris campaign. His working class background and his image as a moderate, bipartisan dealmaker are in his favour, as per Yahoo.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations also welcomed unspecified practical measures to reduce tension in the South China Sea and prevent accidents and miscalculations. read more

From left, Thailand's Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Cambodia Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul, Laos Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Vietnam Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet and Myanmar Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Aung Kyaw Moe pose for photos at the 12th Mekong-South Korea Foreign Ministers event during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, Friday, July 26, 2024. Image-AP

Foreign ministers of the Southeast Asian regional bloc ASEAN on Saturday condemned violence against civilians in military-ruled Myanmar and urged all parties to end hostilities and follow an agreed peace plan.

In a joint communique issued two days after their closed-doors retreat in Laos, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also welcomed unspecified practical measures to reduce tension in the South China Sea and prevent accidents and miscalculations.

It described North Koreas missile tests as worrisome developments and urged peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Ukraine, as well as Gaza, expressing concern over the dire humanitarian situation and alarming casualties there.
The country was plunged into a civil war after the military seized power in a coup in 2021. Weeks after it seized power and launched a crackdown on dissent the junta agreed to a five-point peace plan with ASEAN but has failed to implement it. Myanmar is deeply concerning, we see it in the economy, instability, insecurity, deaths, Wong told journalists at a press conference read more

Australias foreign minister on Saturday called on Myanmars junta to take a different path from its bloody crackdown on dissent, saying the situation in the war-torn country is not sustainable.

Penny Wong made the comments at an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting, where the crisis in ASEAN member Myanmar has divided the bloc.

The country was plunged into a civil war after the military seized power in a coup in 2021.

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Weeks after it seized power and launched a crackdown on dissent the junta agreed to a five-point peace plan with ASEAN but has failed to implement it.

Myanmar is deeply concerning, we see it in the economy, instability, insecurity, deaths, Wong told journalists at a press conference.

The message I want to send to the military regime is this is not sustainable for you and your people.

We urge them to take a different path and reflect the five-point consensus.

The junta has been barred from high-level ASEAN meetings over its crackdown on dissent.

It had previously refused to send non-political representatives but two senior bureaucrats are representing the country at the talks in Vientiane.

A Southeast Asian diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity earlier this week that the militarys readiness to re-engage diplomatically was a sign of its weakened position.

In recent weeks ethnic minority armed groups have renewed an offensive against the military in northern Shan state, seizing territory along a vital highway to China.

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Myanmars generals have yet to make any meaningful counterattack following a previous offensive by ethnic armed groups in October that seized swaths of territory along the border with China.

The losses triggered rare public criticism of its top leadership.

ASEAN has spearheaded diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis but with little success.

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have called for tougher action against the junta, while Thailand has held its own bilateral talks with the generals as well as detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The conflict in Myanmar has forced 2.7 million people from their homes since the coup in 2021, according to the United Nations.
It said, Biden will also advocate for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, responding to the Supreme Courts July 1 ruling that protects presidents from prosecution for official acts performed while in office. This ruling stemmed from a case involving former President Donald Trump read more

President Joe Biden is set to announce a significant proposal for reforming the US Supreme Court on Monday, according to sources familiar with the plan.

This marks a notable shift for Biden, who had previously resisted calls for changes to the high court.

As per the report by Politico, the proposal is expected to include recommendations for implementing term limits for Supreme Court justices and establishing a mandatory code of ethics.

It said, Biden will also advocate for a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity, responding to the Supreme Courts July 1 ruling that protects presidents from prosecution for official acts performed while in office. This ruling stemmed from a case involving former President Donald Trump.

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Details of the proposal are not yet fully clear and may be subject to change, according to the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Biden is anticipated to unveil the proposal during a visit to Texas.

The White House has not commented directly on the proposal, but Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated Bidens belief in the need for transparency, accountability, and high ethical standards for those in high office.

The proposal comes amid Bidens growing criticism of the Supreme Court and its decisions, which include the overturning of federal abortion rights, the reduction of affirmative action in higher education, and the blocking of stricter gun regulations. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have faced scrutiny over their conduct, including issues related to undisclosed gifts and controversial personal actions.

Biden had previously announced that he would not seek a second term and had endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. In a recent Oval Office address, Biden stressed the importance of Supreme Court reform for the health of American democracy.

Implementing term limits and an ethics code would likely require new legislation. Given the current divided Congress, this is not expected to be addressed before the end of the year. Additionally, achieving a constitutional amendment would require significant legislative support, including a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress and approval from three-fourths of state legislatures.
The US and China renewed their mutual grievances as Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Chinese counterpart held their sixth meeting since last year amid an uncertain political situation in the US and growing concerns about Chinas increasing assertiveness in Asia and elsewhere. read more

Mr Blinken (left) shakes hands with Mr Wang as they meet on the sidelines of the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Vientiane on July 27.- Image- AFP

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over Beijings actions toward Taiwan and its support for Russias war in Ukraine as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday on the sidelines of an annual Southeast Asian regional security forum in Vientiane, Laos.

Blinken and Wang agreed to keep making progress on their countries military-to-military ties, bit did not discuss nuclear arms control talks, which China has halted in protest over Washington providing arms to Taiwan, the official said.

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Blinken, who earlier called out China for escalating maritime tensions with the Philippines, talked extensively with Wang about Taiwan and Beijings recent provocative actions toward the democratically governed island, a senior U.S. State Department official said.

The United States will continue to take necessary actions to safeguard our interests and values, and those of our allies and partners, including on human rights, Blinken told Wang, according to Miller.

Blinken made clear that the United States, together with our allies and partners, will advance our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said, highlighting recently aggressive Chinese actions toward Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as part of the mainland and has vowed to reunify by force if necessary.

The top U.S. diplomat also scolded China for destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and affirmed the United States support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes, consistent with international law, Miller said.

However, Blinken also praised China and the Philippines for concluding an agreement earlier this week that allowed the Philippines on Saturday to make a supply trip to the disputed area without having to confront Beijings forces, the first such trip since the deal was concluded.

We are pleased to take note of the successful resupply today at the Second Thomas Shoal, Blinken told Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers before his meeting with Wang. We applaud that and hope and expect to see that it continues going forward.

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Prior to the deal, tensions between the Philippines and China escalated for months, with Chinas coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

Still, Blinken, who will be in Manila next week as part of his current six-country tour of Asia, also deplored Chinas escalatory and unlawful actions taken against the Philippines in the South China Sea over the last few months.

In his meeting with Wang, Blinken also re-raised deep U.S. and European concerns about Chinas support of Russias defense industrial sector that Washington and capitals in Europe believe Russia is using to ramp up the production of weapons for use in its war against Ukraine.

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Blinken made clear that if (China) does not act to address this threat to European security, the United States will continue to take appropriate measures to do so, Miller said. Since that warning was first issued more than a year ago, the U.S. and others have imposed sanctions on more than 300 Russian and Chinese firms engaged in the trade.

Asked whether the Chinese had responded to those sanctions in the way the U.S. and its allies would like, a senior State Department official replied: Not enough. Not enough that our concerns have been put to rest. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss the private diplomatic meeting.

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Blinkens Asia trip was announced just hours after President Joe Biden said he would step down as a candidate in Novembers election in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris. Although the senior official said the shake-up had not come up in Saturdays meetings, he said Blinken had pointed out to Wang that Harris had experience with China and had met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bangkok in 2022.

The official said Blinken referred to the Biden-Harris administrations desire to keep relations with China on a positive track and noted that while he has mentioned her before, obviously theres a different context now.

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Also present at the ASEAN meeting in Laos was Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, but the senior official said Blinken had no interactions with him.

From Laos, Blinken flew to Hanoi for a brief stop to offer condolences for the passing last week of Vietnams powerful Communist Party chief and was to travel on to Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia.

In Tokyo and Manila on Sunday and Monday, Blinken will be joined by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin where they will meet with their Japanese and Filipino counterparts to shore up defense cooperation. Blinken will also meet in Tokyo with the Indian and South Korean foreign ministers.

For the past six decades, there have been large U.S. troop deployments in Japan and South Korea and a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines has been a constant of American policy in Asia.

Former President Donald Trump, now the Republican candidate for president, cast doubt on the usefulness of U.S. alliances around the world during his first term in office and suggested that the American military presence in Japan and South Korea could be reduced or eliminated.

With inputs from agencies.
The apex court sharply condemned both the federal and Ontario governments for their dishonourable conduct around a 174-year-old agreement read more

Canadian Supreme Court ruled that an egregious refusal by successive Canadian governments to honour the treaty signed with the Indigenous, made a mockery of the deal. The court went on to state that the Canadian authorities deprived the First Nations of fair compensation for generations and hence owe them billions.

While the ruling was watched closely across the country and put forward the plight of the Indigenous, First Nation chiefs said that it would add yet another hurdle in the multi-decade battle for justice. On Friday, the apex court sharply condemned both the federal and Ontario governments for their dishonourable conduct around a 174-year-old agreement.

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The neglect from the authorities left the First Nations people to struggle in poverty while surrounding communities, industry and government exploited the abundant natural resources. For almost a century and a half, the Anishinaabe have been left with an empty shell of a treaty promise, the court wrote in the landmark ruling.

What is the treaty about?

The case is centred around the treaty signed in 1850 between the British crown and a group of Anishinaabe nations on the shores of Lakes Huron and Superior. It was called the Robinson Treaty and it dealt with 35,700 sq miles (92,400 sq km) of land. The agreement also holds an augmentation clause under which the crown pledged to increase the annual payments on the land from time to time as the land generated more wealth if and when.

Over the next 174 years, the land in question generated immense profits for companies operating in the region and helped boost the Ontario provinces economy. However, in 1874, the annuities, which were initially pledged to be increased from time to time, were capped at $4 a person and were never increased.

Due to this, the owners of the actual land never got the benefit from the economic boom. Today, in what can only be described as a mockery of the Crowns treaty promise to the Anishinaabe of the upper Great Lakes, the annuities are distributed to individual treaty beneficiaries by giving them $4 each, the court wrote in the ruling.

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The Crown has severely undermined both the spirit and substance of the Robinson Treaties," the judgement further reads. When it comes to the augmentation clause in the treaty, the justices maintained that even though the treaty does not promise to pay a certain sum of money, no party doubts that the Crown was able to increase the annuities beyond $4 per person without incurring loss and that it should have exercised its discretion to do so," The Guardian reported.

How the victims reacted

After the hearing, Lawrence Wanakamik, chief of Whitesand First Nation, told reporters the decision had been a long time coming.

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We have suffered all those years [with] no economic benefits to our community. Its been hard over the years trying to make a whole community for Whitesand, he said, holding back tears. We do have other struggles to contend with, but you know, with this settlement  well have a better community from this point on.

However, Wilfred King, chief of Gull Bay First Nation said that he was a bit disappointed by key parts of the ruling, namely the way in which the Crown proposes the figure it feels is fair. How do you negotiate when one side says, Well, we think this is a fair amount?

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The Supreme Court has now given the province of Ontario a six-month timeline to propose a new settlement with the First Nations group on Lake Superior. The Judges overseeing the case went on to warn that if governments couldnt settle fair compensation for the group, the court would step in.

Im hopeful that the Crown comes to the table with clean hands this time and try to come to an amicable agreement, said King. We knew we were never going to come close to the C$126bn we believe were owed. But it just showed you the vast amount of resources that have been extracted from our territory without fair compensation," he added.
While China has always censored political content about Tibet, now China has started censoring all content in Tibetan language, according to a report read more

Paramilitary police officers swap positions during a change of guard in front of Potala Palace in Lhasa, during a government-organised tour of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, October 15, 2020. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo

China has started censoring all content in the Tibetan language on TikTok-equivalent Douyin, according to a report.

While ByteDance runs TikTok in the rest of the world, the apps equivalent in China in Douyin.

While China has always censored political content about Tibet, now China has started censoring all content in Tibetan language, according to France 24.

For most of the history, Tibet had been an autonomous region even though it had some sort of relationship with Beijing. Then, in 1950-51, China under the new Communist Party regime invaded Tibet and occupied it and began its ongoing repression of its culture and heritage.

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Since occupying China, the Communist regime has sought to replace the Tibetan language with Mandarin and has also renamed Tibet as Xizang. It is part of its ongoing agenda to suppress the cultures of ethnic minorities in the country with that of majority Han Chinese. Following the Chinese repression, the Tibetans mounted an uprising in 1959 which failed. Following the failure, the Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama fled to India along with his followers.

Beijings diktat harms Tibetan economy too

Tibetan users on Douyin have been questioning why Tibetan language content is being removed.

One user by the name of Youga Ga posted the question in a video in Mandarin: Arent all ethnic groups supposed to be equal? Why, then, is the use of our language, Tibetan, being restricted?

France 24 reported that the video, even though it was in Mandarin, was quickly removed. It was removed as it concerned Tibet. China, which is run by the Communist Party with an iron-fist, allows no free speech in the country and the internet is severely restricted. Several issues like Tibet, Taiwan, and the Tiananmen Square (the massacre in which the Chinese regime killed thousands of protesters) are out of bounds for discussions.

Tenzin Dawa, the Executive President of the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), said the Communist Party of Chinas (CPC) evolved policy has also harmed economic prospects for Tibetans as several of them use the app for a living.

Some of them make a living from the platform, and are now facing sudden restrictions. Many of them spoke about things that were strictly non-political. Its just that they were using the Tibetan language. Doctors, entrepreneurs, monks, or content creators, they were using Douyin for non-political purposes - for example, to teach Tibetan to non-Tibetans. Or in the case of doctors, to communicate with people in areas such as remote villages where they only speak Tibetan, said Dawa to France 24.

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Dawa further said that while videos may take days to be removed, the live-streams are removed within minutes and users are banned.

Communist Chinas harassment of minorities

The harassment of ethnic minorities is not new in China. It is a policy.

While the Communist regime has occupied Tibet since 1950-51, similar systemic harassment is also happening in Xinjiang province of native Uighur Muslims.

In Xinjiang, China runs internment camps where millions of Muslims have been forcefully kept to reeducate them. China has sinicised Islam where tenets of Islam as well as Islamic buildings like mosques have been given Chinese characteristics at the behest of the state.

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Estimates of detained Muslims ranged from 8 to 30 lakhs. In an investigative piece, Vox noted that China has kept up to 3 million Muslims in the so-called re-education camps in which they are forced to undergo psychological indoctrination programs, such as studying communist propaganda and giving thanks to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The report says that detainees are also abused, such as waterboarding and sexual abuse.

Even though the communist regime describes these places as re-education camps, these camps are in essence internment camps of the kind Nazis ran for Jews during the World War-II era.

France 24 has reported that the Chinese Tik-Tok Douyin is not the first platform to ban Tibetan language content. Previously, Talkmate, a language-learning app, deleted its content in Tibetan along with video streaming platform Bilibili and another TikTok-like app Kuaishou, according to the report.
The United States deployed its Typhon missile system to the Philippines as part of joint military drills earlier this year read more

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned the Philippines over the U.S. intermediate-range missile deployment, saying such a move could fuel regional tensions and spark an arms race.

The United States deployed its Typhon missile system to the Philippines as part of joint military drills earlier this year. It was not fired during the exercises, a Philippine military official later said, without giving details on how long it would stay in the country.

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China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and dialogue and consultation are the right way, Wang told the Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Friday during a meeting in Vientiane, the capital of Laos where top diplomats of world powers have gathered ahead of two summits.

Wang said relations between the countries are facing challenges because the Philippines has repeatedly violated the consensus of both sides and its own commitments, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

If the Philippines introduces the U.S. intermediate-range missile system, it will create tension and confrontation in the region and trigger an arms race, which is completely not in line with the interests and wishes of the Filipino people, Wang said.

The Philippines military and its foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wangs remarks.

China and the Philippines are locked in a confrontation in the South China Sea and their encounters have grown more tense as Beijing presses its claims to disputed shoals in waters within Manilas its exclusive economic zone.

Wang said China has recently reached a temporary arrangement with the Philippines on the transportation and replenishment of humanitarian supplies to Renai Jiao in order to maintain the stability of the maritime situation, referring to the Second Thomas Shoal.

Philippine vessels on Saturday successfully completed their latest mission to the shoal unimpeded, its foreign ministry said in a statement.
The meeting comes at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in the US, is facing growing pressures to reach a ceasefire deal. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden asked Netanyahu to seal the deal and bring the hostages back while VP Kamala Harris urged him to end the war read more

The director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) William Burns will likely meet his Israeli and Egyptian counterparts as well as Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Rome over the weekend to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal.

A source told Reuters that the meeting between Burns and the Israeli and Egyptian intelligence chiefs in the presence of Thani will take place on Sunday.

It comes as Israel seeks changes to a plan for a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages by Hamas, complicating a final deal to halt more than nine months of war that has devastated the enclave, according to a Western official, a Palestinian and two Egyptian sources.

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The meeting also comes at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in the US, is facing growing pressures to reach a ceasefire deal. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden asked Netanyahu to seal the deal and bring the hostages back while VP Kamala Harris urged him to end the war.

The Biden administration announced that Israel and the US were working to bridge their differences on the matter while Harris, the likely Democratic presidential candidate, stated that she would not remain silent about the tragedy and suffering experienced by Gazan civilians, urging all parties to come to an agreement.

Apart from this, countries like New Zealand, Australia and Canada have joined the chorus to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and asked Israel to respond to a United Nations court which last week ruled its occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements there were illegal.

Last week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said Israels occupation of Palestinian territories and its settlements there are illegal and should be withdrawn as soon as possible, its strongest findings to date on the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu on Friday said that he would send an Israeli delegation to Rome for the ceasefire talks during his meeting with former US President Donald Trump.

With inputs from agencies
EAM Jaishankar also expressed concern over attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, saying that India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping. read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday stressed the need for a substantive and effective code of conduct to secure sea lines of communication in the South China Sea which he said are critical for peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, amidst growing concerns about Chinas maritime coercion.

Addressing the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Laoss capital Vientiane, Jaishankar said the EAS process will complete two decades next year and India will contribute towards a stronger EAS process.

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He said India will continue to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy.

Talking about maritime security, Jaishankar said: the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific region. SLOC is a term describing the primary maritime routes between ports, used for trade, logistics and naval forces.

The Code of Conduct should be substantive and effective, consistent with international law and should not prejudice legitimate rights and interest of nations not party to discussions, he said.

Jaishankars comments hold significance as his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi is also in Vientiane to attend the summit.

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.

The South China Sea provides shipping routes connecting Northeast Asia with Southeast Asia and West Asia.

Southeast Asian countries are trying to reach an agreement with China on a code of conduct to avert confrontations in the South China Sea.

At the meeting, Jaishankar also called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza.

India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine, he said.

He also expressed concern over attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping, Jaishankar said.

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On the conflict in Ukraine, he said India maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve it.

PM @narendramodi recently engaged President (Vladimir) Putin and President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible, he said in a post on X.

India remains a steadfast supporter of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and appreciates its convergence with the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

India encourages more East Asia Summit (EAS) members to join IPOI.

We have consistently contributed towards the EAS Plan of Action, he said, adding Nalanda University is a realisation of an important commitment to the EAS, he said, referring to the premier educational institution in Bihar.

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India values the participation of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members in the Voice of the Global South Summit hosted by it last year.

The EAS is crucial in bringing us together at a time when differences are sharp and interests are diverse. India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process, he said.
In the South China Sea, a tentative agreement between the Philippines and China aimed at reducing tensions faces immediate challenges. China says the deal involved prior notification to Beijing for Philippine resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal. Manila has rejected this. In return, China has warned of resolute response if Manila backtracks or creates complications read more

China and Philippines' recent tentative agreement for peace in the South China Sea is showing signs of strain. Reuters

The South China Sea remains a contentious arena where national interests collide and diplomacy is perpetually tested. Last week, in a bid to quell escalating tensions, the Philippines and China reached a provisional arrangement.

The deal was designed to allow resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal, a site of recent violent clashes.

However, this fragile peace is already encountering significant obstacles, highlighting the complexities of achieving lasting stability in one of the worlds most strategic waterways.

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A Tentative Agreement

The agreement, brokered after several rounds of diplomacy between Manila and Beijing, aimed to create a temporary solution to the ongoing disputes at Second Thomas Shoal. This area, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, is a flashpoint where Filipino troops have been stationed on a rusting warship, the BRP Sierra Madre, since 1999.

China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, has repeatedly challenged the presence of the Philippine outpost.

On the surface, the deal seemed like a step forward. It allowed for the lawful and routine rotation and resupply mission to Filipino personnel without Chinese interference. The move is even more significant in light of the recent aggressive encounters.

However, the factor causing the strain is the conflicting interpretations by both parties.

Philippines hails no incidents in resupply mission

The first resupply mission since the agreement saw Philippine government personnel successfully delivering food and other supplies to Second Thomas Shoal with no incidents. This mission, described by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila as a testament to the professionalism and coordination of the Philippine navy and coast guard, was a rare moment of relative calm.

An announcement from Chinas foreign ministry quickly soured that.

Strain marks fragile peace

Chinas foreign ministry suggested that the agreement required the Philippines to provide Beijing with prior notification and verification of deliveries. Manila promptly rejected this, maintaining that such requirements were not part of the original understanding.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Saturday (July 27), reiterated the importance of the Philippines honoring its commitments during a meeting with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo at an ASEAN gathering in Laos. Otherwise, China will definitely respond resolutely, Wang stated, according to a readout of their meeting.

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His remarks were both a caution and a threat. The first signs of strain in this fragile peace.

If the parties implement, and we hope China implements the agreement, then well be able to resupply our military personnel on the ship without any obstruction, Manalo said.

Baggage of past aggression

The shadow of past confrontations looms large over this nascent agreement.

Chinese forces have previously employed aggressive tactics, including water cannons and dangerous maneuvers, to obstruct Philippine resupply missions. The memory of a particularly violent incident on June 17, where Chinese personnel rammed and boarded Philippine navy boats, remains fresh. Such incidents underscore the volatility of the situation and the fragility of any diplomatic agreement.

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With inputs from agencies
The authorities noted that the disruption could affect hundreds and thousands of more passengers as people try to navigate across the country amid rail disruption and the 2024 Paris Olympics read more

Hours ahead of the Paris Olympics, the French high-speed rail has been subject to arson attacks. File image/AFP

Frances rail company SNCF has warned that the disruption caused by the Friday Sabotage in the countrys train network could last until the end of the weekend. The authorities noted that the disruption could affect hundreds and thousands of more passengers as people try to navigate across the country amid rail disruption and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, there was a coordinated arson attack on three lines of the high-speed TGV network on Friday. While the authorities managed to prevent the fourth attack, the incident caused chaos for travellers.

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Shortly after the attacks, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal released a statement in which he described the arsons as an act of sabotage. About a quarter of international Eurostar trains were also cancelled. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among those affected by the cancellation.

SNCF gives an update

The French railway company issued a statement on the matter in which they assured that the traffic would improve on the affected lines and insisted that thousands of rail workers are working tirelessly to get things back on track.

The SNCF issued the following updates about the affected train networks:

On the eastern line, trains would run normally from 06:00 (Paris time) on Saturday.

On the northern line, 80 per cent of trains would be running, with delays of 1-2 hours.

On the south-western line, 60 per cent of trains would be running, with delays of 1-2 hours.

SNCF also assured that surveillance of the rail network had been strengthened on land and in the air, using 1,000 workers and 50 drones. Patrice Vergriete, Junior Transport Minister mentioned that around 250,000 people had been affected on Friday and up to 800,000 could face delays and cancellations by Monday, BBC reported.

Vergriete also claimed that the attacks did not have links to the Olympic games and that the saboteurs were planning to disrupt holiday travel. There is not necessarily a link with the Olympics, he said in an interview.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks as of now, a source linked to the investigation told AFP that the operation was well-prepared and organised by a single structure. Meanwhile, prosecutors have opened an investigation into attacks referring to it as the fundamental interests of the nation.

With inputs from agencies.
Lavrovs comments, made during the ASEAN summit, followed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kulebas visit to Beijing. Kuleba had asserted Chinas support for Ukraines sovereignty read more

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Saturday (July 27) that he does not listen to what he termed Ukraines contradictory statements on peace negotiations. Lavrovs remarks came following Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kulebas visit to China for discussions earlier in the week. Then, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had indicated that Beijing had sent a clear signal in support of Ukraines territorial integrity.

Kuleba, in an interview with Ukraines TSN channel on Friday (July 26), reiterated that Kyiv could not be coerced into negotiations and that China, positioning itself as a mediator post-invasion, respects Ukraines territorial integrity.

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Speaking to Russian journalists on the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in Laos, Lavrov dismissed the recent comments by Zelensky and Kuleba.

Kuleba has said this many times and has also said the opposite on occasion, Lavrov remarked. Recently, they were discussing negotiations. Zelensky mentioned a readiness to finally sit down with Russian representatives. Frankly, I dont listen to them.

Chinas Role and Peace Summit Prospects

Lavrov also noted that Beijing maintains that any peace talks format must be acceptable to all sides. Zelensky recently suggested that Russia should be represented at a forthcoming peace summit, after Russia was excluded from a previous summit in June in Switzerland, which China did not attend.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported on July 24 that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed his Ukrainian counterpart that the timing was not yet ripe for peace talks to end the conflict with Russia. Despite this, Beijing continues to promote its own peace initiative, which includes Moscow at the negotiating table.

Both Ukraine and Russia have recently indicated, to varying degrees, a willingness to negotiate, Wang Yi said. We support all efforts conducive to peace and are willing to continue playing a constructive role in achieving a cease-fire and resumption of peace talks.

With inputs from agencies
32nd National Book Expo held in Jinan, E China

Xinhua) 12:25, July 27, 2024

Readers visit the exhibition area of Shandong Province during the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2024. Over 700,000 publications of various types have been put on display, both online and on site, at the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province.

The book expo that opened on Friday has attracted more than 1,700 publishing units from across the country.

Scheduled to run through July 29, the expo is expected to hold over 750 activities, such as readers' conference, interviews and book donations. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Readers select books during the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2024. Over 700,000 publications of various types have been put on display, both online and on site, at the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province.

The book expo that opened on Friday has attracted more than 1,700 publishing units from across the country.

Scheduled to run through July 29, the expo is expected to hold over 750 activities, such as readers' conference, interviews and book donations. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Readers visit the exhibition area of Beijing during the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2024. Over 700,000 publications of various types have been put on display, both online and on site, at the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province.

The book expo that opened on Friday has attracted more than 1,700 publishing units from across the country.

Scheduled to run through July 29, the expo is expected to hold over 750 activities, such as readers' conference, interviews and book donations. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Readers view books during the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2024. Over 700,000 publications of various types have been put on display, both online and on site, at the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province.

The book expo that opened on Friday has attracted more than 1,700 publishing units from across the country.

Scheduled to run through July 29, the expo is expected to hold over 750 activities, such as readers' conference, interviews and book donations. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Readers select books during the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2024. Over 700,000 publications of various types have been put on display, both online and on site, at the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province.

The book expo that opened on Friday has attracted more than 1,700 publishing units from across the country.

Scheduled to run through July 29, the expo is expected to hold over 750 activities, such as readers' conference, interviews and book donations. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Readers select books during the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, July 26, 2024. Over 700,000 publications of various types have been put on display, both online and on site, at the 32nd National Book Expo in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province.

The book expo that opened on Friday has attracted more than 1,700 publishing units from across the country.

Scheduled to run through July 29, the expo is expected to hold over 750 activities, such as readers' conference, interviews and book donations. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Nepals Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, Indias Power Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar and Bangladeshs Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, Nasrul Hamid will also be present to witness the event read more

Nepal will soon send 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh via India after the three countries sign a tripartite power trading deal on July 28 (Sunday).

The deal is historic as this will be the first time in history that Nepal will sell electricity to a third country other than India.

Ground has been cleared for the three countries to sign the agreement on exporting electricity to Bangladesh, said Chandan Kumar Ghosh, spokesperson at Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)  the government-owned electricity body.

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The power sale agreement will be signed in New Delhi by officials from NEA, the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVN) of India.

Nepals Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, Indias Power Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar and Bangladeshs Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister, Nasrul Hamid will also be present to witness the event.

In January, Nepal signed a long-term agreement for the export of 10,000 MW of power to India, and jointly inaugurated three cross-border transmission lines during the two-day visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the Himalayan nation.

Heres all you need to know about the deal:

According to the agreement, the NEA will supply 40 MW of hydroelectric power to Bangladesh through India from June 15 to November 15 each year Under the tripartite deal, Nepal will receive a tariff $0.064 per unit for selling electricity to Bangladesh First, Nepal will transmit the power to India via the 400KV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line following which India will transfer the equivalent amount of power to Bangladesh The delivery point will be a 400kV substation at Muzaffarpur in India, and Bangladesh will pay the transmission charge for using the Indian transmission infrastructure According to an estimate by the NEA, Nepal will receive around Rs 330 million through the sale of electricity

With inputs from PTI
An Israeli airstrike has hit a school in central Gaza, killing at least 30, Palestinian health officials say. read more

Bird-eye view of destruction in one of Gazan streets. File image/Reuters

An Israeli airstrike has hit a school in central Gaza on Saturday (July 27), killing at least 30, Palestinian health officials say.

The school, which was sheltering displaced people in central Gaza, resulted in the deaths of dozens. The attack comes as negotiators prepare to meet international mediators to discuss a proposed cease-fire.

At least 30 people sheltering at a girls school in Deir Al-Balah were pronounced dead at Al Aqsa Hospital following the strike, which the Israeli military claimed was aimed at a Hamas command and control center storing weapons and planning attacks.

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Gazas Health Ministry reported an additional 11 people killed from other strikes on Saturday.

Near Al Aqsa Hospital, Associated Press journalists witnessed an ambulance navigating a dusty road while people ran in the opposite direction. An injured man lay on a stretcher outside the ambulance, alongside a body covered with a blanket and a deceased toddler inside.

Inside the school, classrooms lay in ruins, with people frantically searching for victims under the rubble and gathering the remains of the deceased.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military had ordered the evacuation of part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Younis.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Saturday that at least 39,258 people have been killed in more than nine months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

The toll includes 83 deaths in 48 hours, according to ministry figures, which also list 90,589 people as having been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.

With inputs from agencies
Meloni will be looking to relaunch bilateral relations in sectors of common interest, an Italian official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Talks will focus on the main issues on the international agenda, starting with the war in Ukraine, the official added read more

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Beijing on Saturday, Chinese state media said, in her first visit to the country since she took office nearly two years ago.

During the five-day trip she is due to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, with boosting bilateral trade and ending the war in Ukraine topping the agenda.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Beijing on the afternoon of 27 July for an official visit, state broadcaster CGTN said in a post on the Weibo social network.

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Meloni will be looking to relaunch bilateral relations in sectors of common interest, an Italian official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Talks will focus on the main issues on the international agenda, starting with the war in Ukraine, the official added.

Melonis administration withdrew from Chinas vast Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) last year, having been the only G7 nation to sign up.

Before taking office, Meloni said joining the initiative  a central pillar of Xis bid to expand Chinas clout overseas  had been a mistake.

Italys 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 Italys allies.
Jaishankar maintained that both the nations also reaffirmed their intention to develop partnership and cooperation in areas like defence and energy read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Saturday, in which he raised the issue of Indian nationals being trafficked through cyber scam centres in the Southeast Asian country. The foreign minister took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to give an insight into what the two leaders discussed.

Jaishankar maintained that both the nations also reaffirmed their intention to develop partnership and cooperation in areas like defence and energy. During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centres, the External Affairs Minister wrote on X.

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During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers.



Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens.



Also discussed the matter with the Foreign  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 27, 2024

Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens, he added. Jaishankar also noted that he discussed the matter with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand as well. The phone call took place while Jaishankar was in the capital of the Laos Peoples Democratic Republic to participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

A concerning matter

Earlier, the Indian embassy in Laos said that 13 Indians, who were lured into certain cyber-scamming centres in Laos, have been rescued and sent back home. So far, the embassy of the Asian nation has managed to rescue 518 Indians. In light of this, the Laos embassy came out with an advisory, urging Indians to not fall for fake job offer scams.

It has come to attention that Indian nationals, lured by fake promises of lucrative job opportunities in Cambodia, are falling into the trap of human traffickers, the foreign ministry noted in a separate statement on the matter. The ministry mentioned that these Indian nationals are being coerced to undertake online financial scams and other illegal activities.

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Indian nationals intending to visit Cambodia for employment are cautioned to do so only through authorised agents. It is also advised that the background of the prospective employer in Cambodia is checked thoroughly, the advisory further reads.

Modi ki Guarantee works for all at home and abroad.



17 Indian workers, lured into unsafe and illegal work in Laos, are on their way back home.



Well done, @IndianEmbLaos. Thank Lao authorities for their support for the safe repatriation. pic.twitter.com/KgIM56YJkE  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 6, 2024

Modi ki Guarantee works for all at home and abroad. Seventeen Indian workers lured into unsafe and illegal work in Laos, are on their way back home. Well done, @IndianEmbLaos. Thank Lao authorities for their support for the safe repatriation, the Foreign Minister wrote in April, lauding the Laos consulate.

With inputs from PTI.
Court records showed that Zambada directed that a not-guilty plea be entered on his behalf, which was accepted by US Magistrate Judge Anne Berton read more

Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a historic leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, has been arrested by the US. AP

Ismael El Mayo Zambada, the notorious alleged co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, pleaded not guilty to U.S. drug charges on Friday after he and the son of a Mexican drug lord were arrested in Texas in a dramatic achievement for US law enforcement that could usher in a seismic shift to Mexicos criminal landscape.

Court records showed that Zambada directed that a not-guilty plea be entered on his behalf, which was accepted by US Magistrate Judge Anne Berton.

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At an initial court appearance in a Texas courtroom on Friday, Zambada, who is believed to be in his 70s and was in a wheelchair, was read his rights and charges, according to a transcript.

He waived his right to be present at an arraignment next Wednesday. He will be required to appear in person at a status conference next Thursday before US District Judge Kathleen Cardone, who will oversee the rest of the case, the records show.

Zambadas lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Zambada is accused of being one of the most consequential traffickers in Mexicos history, having co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel with Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. El Chapo opens new tab was extradited to the U.S. in 2017 and is serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison.

Both Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of El Chapo, face multiple charges in the United States for funnelling huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to U.S. streets. Fentanyl overdoses have surged to become the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

Guzman Lopez, who is in his 30s, is due to appear in court in Chicago next week, according to a US official. The two were detained after landing in a private plane in the El Paso area on Thursday.

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Reuters was the first news organization to report the story, ahead of a Justice Department statement on Thursday evening which confirmed the two men were detained in El Paso.

On Friday, US President Joe Biden heralded the arrests and vowed to continue combating drug trafficking.

Too many of our citizens have lost their lives to the scourge of fentanyl. Too many families have been broken and are suffering because of this destructive drug, he said in a statement.

A Trap

Guzman Lopez lured Zambada to the U.S., according to three current and former U.S. officials familiar with the operation who sought anonymity to speak candidly about the events.

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US authorities have made drug bosses key targets, frequently striking plea bargain deals with them in exchange for information that leads to the capture of other high-ranking cartel figures.

Reuters could not immediately confirm a plea bargain deal had been struck.

Zambada and El Chapos sons have had a fractious relationship since their father was extradited in 2017, and the arrests of Zambada and Guzman Lopez may trigger instability or even violence in their heartlands in the northern state of Sinaloa.

Mexicos defence ministry on Friday said it had sent 200 special forces soldiers to Sinaloa to enhance security. A bloody inter-cartel war erupted in 2008 when another senior Sinaloa leader was detained. His family members accused El Chapo of orchestrating the arrest with Mexican authorities, triggering a violent fissure between two powerful factions of the crime group.

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Guzman Lopez is one of four sons of El Chapo - known as Los Chapitos, or Little Chapos - who inherited their fathers faction of the cartel. His brother, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, was arrested last year and extradited to the US

Rumours on social media had circulated that Ovidio Guzman had been released, but the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, said in a statement that he remains in custody in the United States.

In recent years, the Sinaloa cartel has become the biggest target for U.S. authorities, who have accused the crime syndicate of being the biggest supplier of fentanyl to the US

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The Sinaloa cartel traffics drugs to more than 50 countries around the globe and is one of the two most powerful organized crime groups in Mexico, according to U.S. authorities.

Zambada and El Chapos sons belong to two different generations of traffickers, with differing styles. Zambada is known for being an old-school narco, avoiding the limelight and operating in the shadows. El Chapos sons, by contrast, have a reputation for being flashy narcos who courted attention as they ascended the ranks of the cartel.

El Chapos sons are also known to be more violent and hot-headed than Zambada, who had a reputation as a shrewd operator.

Criminal Enterprise

The Texas charges to which Zambada pleaded not guilty included continuing criminal enterprise, narcotics importation conspiracy, and money laundering.

The indictment, filed in April 2012, alleges that cartel members under the leadership of Zambada and El Chapo kidnapped a Texas resident in 2009 to answer for the loss of a seized marijuana shipment, and kidnapped a U.S. citizen and two members of his family in 2010.

Both victims were murdered, and their bodies were discovered in Juarez, Mexico, prosecutors said. Mexican Security Minister Rosa Rodriguez said that Mexico was informed of the detentions by the U.S. government, but that Mexican authorities did not participate in the operation.

She also said that it was unclear whether the two men were captured or surrendered themselves to U.S. authorities.

The Mexican government did not participate in this detention or surrender, Rodriguez said at a press conference.
During a recent visit to Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Netanyahu commented on Harriss statements regarding the situation in Gaza. Harris had declared that she would not be silent about the tragedy and suffering of Gazan civilians, urging all parties to reach a resolution read more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to send a delegation to Rome next week to participate in peace talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

This decision follows discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris about potential ceasefire agreements.

During a recent visit to Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Netanyahu commented on Harriss statements regarding the situation in Gaza. Harris had declared that she would not be silent about the tragedy and suffering of Gazan civilians, urging all parties to reach a resolution.

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She stressed the need for an end to the conflict that ensures Israels security, the release of hostages, and the cessation of suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, while also supporting their right to freedom and self-determination.

Netanyahu expressed hope that the ceasefire talks would progress positively and noted that there had been some movement in negotiations due to military pressure. He also indicated that he hoped Harriss remarks would not hinder the negotiation process.

The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 39,000 people have been killed in Gaza as a result of Israels military response.

Additionally, the International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor has requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and several Hamas leaders on charges of war crimes, which all parties deny.

The upcoming talks in Rome are part of broader efforts to address the conflict. The U.S. is also sending CIA Director Bill Burns to meet with representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and Israel to negotiate a deal aimed at halting hostilities and securing the release of hostages.

Former President Donald Trump has pledged to seek peace if re-elected and denounced Harriss comments as disrespectful to Israel.

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Trump stated that his administration strongly support Israel, which included moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, and promoting the Abraham Accords and the Trump peace plan, which were met with mixed reactions and were rejected by the Palestinian Authority.
A Boko Haram insurgency has killed thousands of people and displaced millions since it began in 2009, creating a humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria and putting pressure on the government to bring the conflict to an end. The last mass trials of Boko Haram suspects took place between 2017 and 2018, where 163 people were convicted and 887 set free read more

A general view shows the damage at a camp for displaced people after an attack by suspected members of the Islamist Boko Haram insurgency in Dalori, in northeast Nigeria November 1, 2018. REUTERS

Nigerian courts convicted 125 Boko Haram Islamist militants and financiers of a series of terrorism-related offences in a mass trial this week, the attorney-generals office said.

A Boko Haram insurgency has killed thousands of people and displaced millions since it began in 2009, creating a humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria and putting pressure on the government to bring the conflict to an end.

Kamarudeen Ogundele, the spokesman of the Attorney-Generals office, said in a statement late on Friday that they were convicted of charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, and cases relating to International Criminal Courts (ICC) criminality.

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The last mass trials of Boko Haram suspects took place between 2017 and 2018, where 163 people were convicted and 887 set free.

Ogundele added that from the previous convictions, 400 defendants who had completed their sentences were moved to a rehabilitation centre known as Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State, northeast Nigeria for rehabilitation, deradicalisation and subsequent reintegration.

Boko Haram kidnapped more than 270 girls from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok in April 2014, an attack that sparked outrage and gave rise to the global #Bring Back Our Girls campaign, though more than half of the girls have returned, many as mothers of multiple children.

The breakdown of the latest convictions showed that 85 peeople were convicted for terrorism financing, 22 for ICC related crimes, while the rest were convicted for terrorism.
Hlain and Doval exchanged views on friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries, the political progress of Myanmar, preparations to hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election, and measures for forging peace and stability in the border region. read more

Myanmar and India share a 1,643-km-long border which passes through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Myanmar Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlain has met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and discussed measures for forging peace and stability in the border region.

Doval was in Myanmar to lead the Indian delegation at the 4th annual meeting of the security chiefs of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of the State Administration Council, received Doval at his office on Friday.

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According to The Global New Light of Myanmar, a government-owned newspaper, at the meeting, they cordially exchanged views on friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries, the political progress of Myanmar, preparations to hold a free and fair multiparty democratic general election, and measures for forging peace and stability in the border region.

Myanmar strives to forge peace and stability in the border region of India, the paper said.

The two nations share a 1,643-km-long border which passes through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

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.

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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.

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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.

With inputs from agencies.
The main opposition party, PTI, could not hold its much-publicised protest in the national capital after the government banned public gatherings. However, its ally, Jamaat-e-Islami went ahead by defying the ban and claimed that police arrested several workers. read more

Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeemur Rahman is addressing a press conference on the occasion of the second day of sit-in Image/X/ @JIPOfficial

Pakistans rightwing Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Saturday vowed to continue its protest in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi as the partys sit-in entered the second day to press the government to reduce electricity price and taxes on the salaried class.

Electricity bills in Pakistan spiked after the crisis-hit nation agreed to increase its power tariffs in order to secure a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF in a contentious, drawn-out negotiation with Islamabad, demanded that Pakistan boost its tax revenues as one of the terms of the agreement.

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Also Read: Pakistans new budget taxes the already struggling middle class while rich eat the cake'

What makes the Pakistani budget so controversial is the fact that instead of providing any relief to the middle class, the National Assembly increased the effective income tax rate of a salaried person to 39 per cent, for the association of persons to 44 per cent and for the non-salaried individual the number jumped to 50 per cent from last year.

Interestingly, the Shehbaz Sharif administration exempted income tax on sales of properties by serving/retired bureaucrats and serving/retired military personnel.

The taxes on the already stressed salaried class are being increased at a time when the particular section of society has lost almost half of its purchasing power in the last five years.

The party for the second day on Saturday held the protest to hold a rally at the D-Chowk in Islamabad. The JI drive was, however, stopped by police. The party later changed its plan and announced holding a sit-in at three places, including Murree Road and Chungi No 22 in Rawalpindi and H-8 Bridge Islamabad.

JI chief Hafiz Naeem addressed the participants camping on the Murree Road, the main artery of the garrison city connecting it with Islamabad, and vowed to continue the sit-in till the demands were accepted.

Our demands are simple and we want the government to give relief to the masses, he said, adding that the party was aware of difficulties but was sure that the issue of power tariffs could be addressed.

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He said the protest would continue until its key demands were met, elaborating that renegotiations be held with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), a group of power companies considered the main cause of the exorbitant rise in the electricity bills.

Naeem also expressed willingness to talk with the government if the latter showed seriousness in addressing the issues highlighted by the JI. He said the government should first set up the committee for talks.

He also announced to address a big gathering on Murree Road on Sunday evening and asked people from every walk of life to attend as his party has been fighting for their rights.

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The JI is one of the oldest parties in the country and is also known for holding big protests. The protestors have been so far peaceful but Naeem alleged that dozens of party workers had been arrested and demanded their immediate release. PTI SH PY Separately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf: supporters also held demonstrations across the country where hundreds of workers were arrested on Friday, protesting the inflated electricity bills and demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan from jail.

With inputs from agencies.
Foreign Office spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described China as Pakistans steadfast and reliable strategic partner, emphasising that Islamabad is committed to further strengthening this bond. At the same time, Pakistan cherishes its strong ties with the United States and advocates for constructive engagement with it read more

Earlier this week, the US sought a budget of $101 million to help Pakistan stabilise its economy, strengthen its democracy and most important of all, reduce its overreliance on China. While Pakistan has welcomed the move, it has rejected any possibility of sacrificing its relationship with Beijing to improve ties with Washington.

Foreign Office spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, Pakistan doesnt believe in zero-sum relationships.

For us, relations with the United States and relations with China are both important. We do not believe in situations where relationship with one country can be sacrificed on the altar of relations with another, she added.

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She also described China as Pakistans steadfast and reliable strategic partner, emphasising that Islamabad is committed to further strengthening this bond. At the same time, Pakistan cherishes its strong ties with the United States and advocates for constructive engagement with it.

We would like to develop this relationship on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each others domestic affairs, Baloch said.

About the US aid to Pakistan

The US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, Donald Lu, on July 23, requested a $101 million aid package for Pakistan.

In his statement before a subcommittee of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Lu underscored that the purpose of the aid is to stabilise Pakistans economy while supporting democratic values and human rights.

As per the budget request document, the aid also aims to compete with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), counter Russian and Chinese disinformation, and prevent terrorist groups from threatening US security.

Lu also said that through the financial assistance, the US wants to prevent Islamabads further overreliance on Beijing.

China is the past in terms of investment; we are the future, Lu said, adding that Washington wants to strike a balance in terms of Chinas strong and growing influence in Pakistan.

Pakistans dependence on China

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China has become a major player in helping Pakistan get back on its feet.

It has become a big source of economic aid for Pakistan with the country funding various development projects, including infrastructure and energy initiatives.

Pakistan has received substantial loans from China, particularly through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These loans help address balance-of-payments issues and support economic development, but they also increase Pakistans debt dependency on China.

The country has also emerged as one of Pakistans biggest trading partners.

With inputs from agencies
Afghanistan trades goods worth over 5.2 bln USD in H1 2024

Kabul, July 27(UNI) Afghanistan exported and imported commercial goods valued at 5.24 billion U.S. dollars from January to June 2024, said the country's Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Afghanistan shipped exported products worth nearly 700 million to various countries, with 58 million value of exports going to Central Asian countries within the first six months of 2024, the ministry's spokesman Akundzada Abdul Salam Jawad told local media outlet TOLO news on Friday.

The Afghan products were mostly exported to Pakistan, India and Iran, and the major sources of imports included Iran, Pakistan and China, the country's National Statistics and Information Authority reported in July.
In the past, Bulgakov was widely blamed for the Russian armys logistical failure amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war read more

Dmitry Bulgakov was detained by the FSB on Friday and placed in Lefortovo prison in Moscow. File Image / Reuters

Russias former Deputy Defence Minister Dmitry Bulgakov was arrested and charged with corruption in the latest high-profile incident. The arrest came amid an ongoing purge within the Russian military top brass. Bulgakov was in charge of the military logistics for almost 15 years until he was dismissed in September 2022.

The former Russian defence official was detained by the FSB security service on Friday and placed in the notorious Lefortovo prison in Moscow, The Guardian reported. In the past, Bulgakov was widely blamed for the Russian armys logistical failure amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

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It was believed that the Russian troops fighting on the front line were left severely undersupplied and this stalled Moscows advances on the battleground. Interestingly, Bulgakov has been a recipient of several top military and civilian awards, including the Hero of Russia Award, the countrys highest honour. Not only this, he was one of the longest-serving defence officials.

The purge

The purge of senior Russian officials began on April 23 after the shocking arrest of Timur Ivanov, another veteran deputy defence minister. Following this, in the span of several weeks, four other top defence officials were arrested on corruption charges. This marked the most significant crackdown on the Russian defence ministry in decades.

Amid all this, Russian President Vladimir Putin also dismissed his longtime Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, replacing him with the technocrat economist Andrei Belousov. The move was seen by experts as Putins attempt to curb corruption in the defence ministry and streamline military production as Russias war against Ukraine continues to rage on.

The recent arrests of defence officials can also be seen as the growing influence of the FSB, which is largely responsible for the recent developments. Interestingly, Putin himself has been an FSB officer in the past.

Meanwhile, Moscow has constantly played down suggestions of a crackdown within the defence ministry. The fight against corruption is consistent work, the Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters in May. It is not a campaign, it is constantly ongoing work.

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With inputs from agencies.
We accept their apology, Trump remarked a day after the FBIs confirmation, to jeers from the crowd at the Turning Point Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida read more

Republican presidential candidate former US President Donald Trump is surrounded by US Secret Service agents after an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. File Image/AP

During a charged-up rally in Florida, Former US President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing scandal about whether it was actually a bullet that pierced his ear during an assassination attempt on him at an event in Pennsylvania. Earlier this month, FBI Director Christopher Wray suggested that the wound on Trumps ear might have been caused by Shrapnel and not a bullet.

However, on Friday, the federal agency confirmed that it was a bullet that struck Trumps ear. We accept their apology, Trump remarked a day after the FBIs confirmation, to jeers from the crowd at the Turning Point Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida. It just never ends with these people. They raid Mar-a-Lago. They do things, so bad, so bad," he averred.

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Amid the speculations, the FBI issued a statement in which the body refuted the directors speculation. What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle, the bureau said in a statement.

Trump launches scathing attack against Harris

During the Florida rally, the former president also took time to bash Vice President Kamala Harris and lashed out at the Democratic Party. Not only this, on the subject of Joe Biden bowing out of the 2024 Presidential race, Trump interestingly described the process as a coup led by fascists. I hate to stick up for Biden, but he didnt want to do what he did, he said.

Trump went on to refer to Harris as bum and continuously mispronounced her name. I couldnt care less if I mispronounce it," he remarked. He insisted that Harris would bring crazy San Francisco liberal values to America and branded her the most incompetent, unpopular, and far-left vice-president in American history.

Trump calls Harris anti-semite

The former president also spent considerable time calling out the Biden administrations response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and alleged that Harris doesnt like Jewish people. Ive done more for Israel by far, than any other president, claimed Trump, pointing to the Abraham Accords and the Trump administrations controversial decision to move the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

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She doesnt like Jewish people. She doesnt like Israel. Thats the way it is, he added. Trumps criticism came after Harris told the media that she wont remain silent over the Gaza crisis following her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It is pertinent to note that Harris husband is Jewish and she is also part of an administration which was responsible for sending millions to support Israel in the ongoing conflict. Trump, however, claimed Harris was really pandering to the jihad sympathisers and stabbed Israel in the back in its greatest hour of need, by not attending a recent controversial address from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to Congress.

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With inputs from agencies.
After holding a meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, the vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said that she would not be silent about the suffering of Palestinians. Many touted it as one of the clearest stances on the matter from Harris read more

If Trump were to lose again, his camp would blame the Deep State. If he were to win, there is still no guarantee that he would dismantle that very Deep State. File Photo

Before holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former US President Donald Trump slammed Vice President Kamala Harris over her remarks on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Trump insisted that Harris remarks on the ongoing crisis were disrespectful as he braced himself for the meeting with Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence.

After holding a meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, the vice president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said that she would not be silent about the suffering of Palestinians. Many touted it as one of the clearest stances on the matter from Harris.

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The very next day, Trump dissected the matter and criticised Harris. They werent very nice pertaining to Israel, Trump said. I actually dont know how a person who is Jewish could vote for her, but thats up to them," the former reality television star furthered.

Netanyahu echoed the same sentiments

Soon after Harris made those remarks, Right-wing Israeli politicians attacked her and claimed that this might affect the ceasefire deal. Not only this, but even Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the same sentiments.

I think to the extent that Hamas understands theres no daylight between Israel and the United States, that expedites the deal, said Netanyahu to reporters at his meeting with Trump. And I would hope that those comments dont change that.

This is the first time Trump and Netanyahu met each other since the former left the White House in 2020. Over the years, the two men had strained relations which started deteriorating after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the 2020 US Presidential Elections. Bibi could have stayed quiet. He has made a terrible mistake, Trump said at the time. F**k him.

However, the two men were close allies in the past. During his presidency, Trump made several grand gestures to Israel including ADD moving the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Earlier this year, Trump told Fox News that Israel should finish the war and bring back the hostages first. They are getting decimated with this publicity, and you know Israel is not very good at public relations, Trump told the broadcaster.
Young Ugandans took to the streets on Tuesday and Thursday to protest alleged graft by elected leaders in the East African country, drawing inspiration from weeks of youth-led protests in neighbouring Kenya that led the president there to scrap proposed tax hikes read more

Protestors chant slogans during a rally against what they say are rampant corruption and human rights abuses by the country's rulers in Kampala, Uganda July 23, 2024. REUTERS

Police in Uganda arrested 104 people during anti-corruption protests this week and almost all of them have been charged with public order offences, a police statement said late on Friday.

The governments response to the street protests drew criticism from rights campaigners and the United States, which said it was concerned by the arrests of dozens of protesters who were peacefully demonstrating.

In a statement posted on its X account on Friday, the US embassy in Uganda urged the government of President Yoweri Museveni to investigate allegations that some of the detained protesters had been assaulted.

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Young Ugandans took to the streets on Tuesday and Thursday to protest alleged graft by elected leaders in the East African country, drawing inspiration from weeks of youth-led protests in neighbouring Kenya that led the president there to scrap proposed tax hikes.

In response, the government of long-standing leader Museveni deployed police and soldiers across the capital, Kampala, detaining dozens of protesters holding banners and shouting slogans.

In their statement, police said 100 of those arrested had been charged. It was the first time police had said how many protesters had been detained.

Rights group Amnesty International criticised the governments heavy-handed tactics against the protesters earlier this week.

Ugandan authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those who were arrested solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, it said in a statement on Thursday.
The Justice Department has accused TikTok of collecting user data on divisive issues like abortion and gun control. Government lawyers claim TikTok employees used an internal system to transfer sensitive data to Chinese servers. This revelation comes amid a legal battle over a potential US ban on TikTok, citing national security threats and the apps potential to manipulate content read more

TikTok had previously claimed that it has already spent over $2 billion in protecting the data of US citizens. Reuters

In a fresh broadside against one of the worlds most popular technology companies, the Justice Department late Friday accused TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on views on divisive social issues like gun control, abortion and religion.

Government lawyers wrote in a brief filed to the federal appeals court in Washington that TikTok and its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance used an internal web-suite system called Lark to enable TikTok employees to speak directly with ByteDance engineers in China.

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TikTok employees used Lark to send sensitive data about US users, information that has wound up being stored on Chinese servers and accessible to ByteDance employees in China, federal officials said.

One of Larks internal search tools, the filing states, permits ByteDance and TikTok employees in the US and China to gather information on users content or expressions, including views on sensitive topics, such as abortion or religion. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported TikTok had tracked users who watched LGBTQ content through a dashboard the company said it had since deleted.

ByteDance the parent of TikTok urged US appeals court to slash down the controversial law passed by the Biden administration. Source: AP

The new court documents represent the governments first major defense in a consequential legal battle over the future of the popular social media platform, which is used by more than 170 million Americans. Under a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, the company could face a ban in a few months if it doesnt break ties with ByteDance.

The measure was passed with bipartisan support after lawmakers and administration officials expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over US user data or sway public opinion towards Beijings interests by manipulating the algorithm that populates users feeds.

The Justice Department warned, in stark terms, of the potential for what it called covert content manipulation by the Chinese government, saying the algorithm could be designed to shape content that users receive.

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By directing ByteDance or TikTok to covertly manipulate that algorithm; China could for example further its existing malign influence operations and amplify its efforts to undermine trust in our democracy and exacerbate social divisions, the brief states.

The concern, they said, is more than theoretical, alleging that TikTok and ByteDance employees are known to engage in a practice called heating in which certain videos are promoted in order to receive a certain number of views. While this capability enables TikTok to curate popular content and disseminate it more widely, US officials posit it can also be used for nefarious purposes.

Justice Department officials are asking the court to allow a classified version of its legal brief, which wont be accessible to the two companies.

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Nothing in the redacted brief changes the fact that the Constitution is on our side," TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said in a statement.

The TikTok ban would silence 170 million Americans voices, violating the 1st Amendment, Haurek said. As weve said before, the government has never put forth proof of its claims, including when Congress passed this unconstitutional law. Today, once again, the government is taking this unprecedented step while hiding behind secret information. We remain confident we will prevail in court.

In the redacted version of the court documents, the Justice Department said another tool triggered the suppression of content based on the use of certain words. Certain policies of the tool applied to ByteDance users in China, where the company operates a similar app called Douyin that follows Beijings strict censorship rules.

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But Justice Department officials said other policies may have been applied to TikTok users outside of China. TikTok was investigating the existence of these policies and whether they had ever been used in the US in, or around, 2022, officials said.

A view shows the office of TikTok after the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill that would give TikToks Chinese owner ByteDance about six months to divest the US assets of the short-video app or face a ban, in Culver City, California. Reuters

The government points to the Lark data transfers to explain why federal officials do not believe that Project Texas, TikToks $1.5 billion mitigation plan to store US user data on servers owned and maintained by the tech giant Oracle, is sufficient to guard against national security concerns.

In its legal challenge against the law, TikTok has heavily leaned on arguments that the potential ban violates the First Amendment because it bars the app from continued speech unless it attracts a new owner through a complex divestment process. It has also argued divestment would change the speech on the platform because a new social platform would lack the algorithm that has driven its success.

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In its response, the Justice Department argued TikTok has not raised any valid free speech claims, saying the law addresses national security concerns without targeting protected speech, and argues that China and ByteDance, as foreign entities, arent shielded by the First Amendment.

TikTok has also argued the US law discriminates on viewpoints, citing statements from some lawmakers critical of what they viewed as an anti-Israel tilt on the platform during its war in Gaza.

Justice Department officials disputes that argument, saying the law at issue reflects their ongoing concern that China could weaponize technology against US national security, a fear they say is made worse by demands that companies under Beijings control turn over sensitive data to the government. They say TikTok, under its current operating structure, is required to be responsive to those demands.
Washington, July 27 (UNI) US President Joe Biden spoke with Jordanian King Abdullah II, commending Jordan's humanitarian efforts in Gaza and discussing support for the Palestinian Authority and efforts for a ceasefire, the White House said in a statement on Friday.

"President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. He commended Jordans extraordinary humanitarian response in Gaza under His Majestys leadership, which has been critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza," the statement said.

Biden informed King Abdullah II about the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the remaining hostages, along with plans to increase humanitarian aid to the Gaza residents during the ceasefire period, the statement said.

"The two leaders discussed the situation in the West Bank and the Presidents efforts to enhance the viability of the Palestinian Authority through encouragement of reforms and ensuring the PA has the revenues it needs to deliver for the Palestinian people," the statement added.



UNI SPUTNIK GNK
Top DPRK leader visits China-DPRK Friendship Tower commemorating war victory

Beijing, July 27 (UNI) Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), visited the China-DPRK Friendship Tower Friday on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the country's Fatherland Liberation War victory, state media reported Saturday.

Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, used the occasion to express his belief that the friendship between the two countries would be "firmly carried forward and developed," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

During the commemoration, a wreath in the name of the top leader was laid before the friendship tower with letters on a ribbon reading "We will remember the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers forever", the report said.
Sanaa, July 27 (UNI) The U.S.-British naval coalition launched three air strikes on Houthi-held Yemeni airport in the port city of Hodeidah on Friday, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The television did not provide further details.

Local residents said on social media that the strikes hit Houthi targets.

These airstrikes occurred shortly after four other strikes carried out by coalition forces targeted the Yemeni island of Kamaran in the Red Sea, as reported by the Houthi television.

There was no immediate comment from the coalition.

The armed Houthi group seized much of northern Yemen in late 2014, forcing the internationally recognized Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa.

Since November last year, the Houthi group has been targeting ships linked to Israel with ballistic missiles and drones, to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In response, the U.S.-British coalition in the area has since been targeting Houthi military sites to deter the group, which only led to an escalation of Houthi attacks.

UNI XINHUA GNK
Central Asian military spending surges amid border tension, regional conflict fears

By VOA News July 25, 2024

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 year's 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 year's 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 Kyrgyzstan's 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 Kyrgyzstan's 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 Gunbanguly Berdymukhamedov 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 militarization's 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 region's 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?"

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Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand

Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau

July 26, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario

Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel.

The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.

We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 and ongoing acts of terror. Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages. We see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.

Israel must listen to the concerns of the international community. The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas. It must end.

An immediate ceasefire is needed desperately. Civilians must be protected, and a sustained increase in the flow of assistance throughout Gaza is needed to address the humanitarian situation.

We fully stand behind the comprehensive ceasefire deal, outlined by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council. We call on parties to the conflict to agree to the deal. Any delay will only see more lives lost.

We are committed to working towards an irreversible path to achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognised borders. This is the only realistic option to achieve a just and enduring peace.

We call on Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ's advisory opinion, and ensure accountability for ongoing acts of violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers, reverse the record expansion of settlements in the West Bank which are illegal under international law, and work towards a two-state solution.

We are gravely concerned about the prospect of further escalation across the region. We condemn Iran's attack against Israel of April 13-14, call on Iran to refrain from further destabilizing actions in the Middle East, and demand that Iran and its affiliated groups, including Hizballah, cease their attacks. We also condemn the Houthis' ongoing reckless acts, including their indiscriminate drone attack in Tel Aviv and ongoing attacks on international shipping.

We are particularly concerned by the situation along the Blue Line, including the escalation of hostilities and rhetoric between the terror group Hizballah and Israel. It has led to the displacement of thousands of Israelis along the northern border and thousands of Lebanese along the southern border. Further hostilities put tens of thousands of civilians in Lebanon and Israel at risk.

This escalation in hostilities only makes a ceasefire in Gaza more urgent. We urge all involved actors to exercise restraint and de-escalate. We support diplomatic efforts to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701. A wider scale war would have disastrous consequences for Israel and Lebanon, and for civilians across the region.

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July 26, 2024

By Joseph Clark, DOD News

Austin's 11th Visit to Indo-Pacific Builds Upon Sustained Momentum With Key Partners

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is embarking on his 11th trip to the Indo-Pacific today amid what officials said is a landmark period for U.S. ties throughout the region.

The 10-day series of engagements will include stops in Japan and the Philippines as the Defense Department continues to strengthen partnerships to support a shared vision for peace, stability and deterrence throughout the region. It will also include high-level talks with Australian officials in Annapolis, Maryland, where the secretary will meet with his counterpart.

While in Japan, Austin and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will meet with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa as part of this year's U.S.- Japan Security Consultative Committee meeting in Tokyo.

Austin and Kihara will also meet separately with South Korean defense minister for the first trilateral Ministerial Meeting, a key component of the U.S., South Korea and Japan security cooperation dialogue.

From Tokyo, Austin and Blinken will travel to Manila, the Philippines, where they will meet with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo as part of the fourth U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.

After returning to the U.S., Austin and Blinken will host Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong for this year's Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations.

The series of engagements mark a continuation of President Joe Biden's strategy of sustained engagement in the United States' priority theater of operations.

"I know that it's easy to focus on the crisis of the day, but just look at what our strategy has achieved in the Indo-Pacific over the past 3 1/2 years," Austin said yesterday during a joint press conference with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., at the Pentagon.

The secretary noted that the U.S. has nearly doubled its military construction investments in the Indo-Pacific over the last fiscal year and has continued to make significant improvements to its force posture in the region.

The U.S. has also led the way in uniting a broad network of partners focused on solving key regional challenges.

"Our ties with Australia are stronger than ever," Austin said. "We've improved our relationships with Vietnam, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and many more."

In previewing Austin's visit to the region, defense officials said the series of high-level talks will mark a crucial waypoint for U.S. engagement in the region.

"We're about to kick off the 10 most consequential days for U.S. defense ties in the Indo-Pacific since the start of the administration as the secretary participates in a rapid succession of premier defense and diplomacy dialogues with three regional allies," a senior defense official said this week.

Austin's engagements with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts in Tokyo will build upon last summer's Camp David summit with President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, which paved the way for what White House officials called "a new era of trilateral partnership" among the three countries.

The exchange between the three defense ministers will mark the first iteration of the Trilateral Minister's meeting to be held in Japan and the first time in 15 years since a South Korean Defense Minister has visited Tokyo.

"I think this reflects the really important leadership and political courage in Tokyo and South Korea to reconcile some of the historical challenges that they've faced in that relationship," the official said. "There has been a real commitment, including from President Biden, to bring these partners together."

He added that senior leaders in the department have worked throughout their entire careers on forging ties between Japan and South Korea.

"I think that what we have seen since the Camp David talks, when President Biden brought the leaders together, is just a new era in trilateral cooperation where these partners are willing to do things that are unprecedented and to deepen cooperation in a way that really is new," the official said.

At Camp David, the three heads of state agreed to a series of initiatives to strengthen security cooperation through enhanced interoperability, information sharing and coordination. The summit also paved the way for improved cooperation on ballistic missile defense and a multiyear framework for annual, trilateral exercises.

Since the summit, the three countries have made concrete progress in the exchange of real-time, missile-warning data to detect and assess ballistic missiles launched by North Korea.

This summer, the U.S., Japan and South Korea also completed the first iteration of Freedom Edge, a trilateral, multidomain exercise focused on cooperative ballistic missile defense, air defense, antisubmarine warfare, search and rescue, and maritime interdiction.

While in Tokyo, the three defense ministers are expected to build on the momentum gained since the summit and further institutionalize the trilateral cooperation, a senior defense official said.

Austin and Blinken will also highlight new bilateral pathways with Japan U.S.- Japan Security Consultative Committee meeting where the leaders will highlight the two countries' growing cooperation on defense equipment and technology.

"This industrial cooperation will bolster alliance deterrence by identifying procurement and readiness requirements and expanding production capacity, notably for advanced missiles like Patriot PAC-3 interceptors," the official said.

In Manila, Austin and Blinken will also build upon recent strides in the long-standing U.S.-Filipino defense relationship.

The two countries have recently designated four new U.S. rotational access sites in the Philippines as part of the 2023 expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which was first signed in 2014.

The nine sites are designed to strengthen combined training, exercises and interoperability between the two countries.

During their visit, Austin and Blinken will announce that the U.S. is providing $500 million in foreign military financing through the recent national security supplemental passed by Congress in the spring.

"This unprecedented provision of security assistance, which is an order of magnitude greater that what we've recently provided to the Philippines on an annual basis will be a critical enabler of the Philippine defense moderation already underway," the official said.

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Democratic Republic of the Congo: EU lists nine individuals and one entity

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

26 July 2024



Today, the Council imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and one entity responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the Eastern DRC.

The EU listed two leaders of the March 23 Movement/Congolese Revolutionary Army (M23/ARC), a non-governmental armed group operating in the Eastern DRC, namely its executive secretary, Benjamin Mbonimpa, and Brigadier-General Justin Gacheri Musanga.

Today's listings also include the deputy Commander Pierre Celestin Rurakabijem and Commander Gustave Kubwayo of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda - Forces Combattantes Abacunguzi (FDLR-FOCA).

Both M23/ARC and FDLR-FOCA sustain the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, in particular through inciting violence. In addition, they are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including killings, sexual violence and attacks on civilians, as well as child recruitment.

The EU also listed a Commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), Amigo Kiribige, due to the extreme level of violence against civilians carried by this armed group.

The spokesperson and a commander of Collectif des Mouvements pour le Changement-Forces de Defense du Peuple' (CMC-FDP), an armed group active in Eastern DRC and part of the so-called 'Wazalendo' or 'Volontaires pour la Defense de la Patrie' (VDP) were also sanctioned. VDP combatants are systematically engaged in kidnappings for ransom, arbitrary detentions and executions, the use of child combatants, illegal taxes and logging.

Colonel Augustin Migabo of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) is also listed.

Finally, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a politico-military movement created in Kenya but operating in Eastern DRC and openly associated with several non-governmental armed groups, including March 23 Movement/Congolese Revolutionary Army (M23/ARC) is the sanctioned entity, as well as its political leader, Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo.

Altogether, EU restrictive measures related to human rights violations and electoral obstruction in the DRC now apply to a total of 31 individuals and one entity. Those designated are subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze. Furthermore, EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them.

The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Background

EU autonomous individual restrictive measures in view of the situation in the DRC were adopted by the Council for the first time in 2016 in response to serious human rights violations and the obstruction of the electoral process.

On 5 December 2022, the Council decided to amend the designation criteria to allow for the application of individual restrictive measures against natural or legal persons, entities or bodies that sustain, support or benefit from the armed conflict, instability or insecurity in the DRC, as well as those responsible for inciting violence, or exploiting the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC, including through the illicit exploitation and trade of natural resources.

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Suspected territorial waters violation in the eastern Gulf of Finland

Finnish Ministry of Defence

26.07.2024

A Russian vessel is suspected of a territorial violation of Finland's marine area in the eastern Gulf of Finland.

The suspected violation took place in the afternoon of 26 July 2024.

As the highest territorial surveillance authority, the Ministry of Defence directs and coordinates the activities of the territorial surveillance authorities in matters related to territorial surveillance. The Border Guard is in charge of investigating incidents involving border violations.

The previous confirmed territorial violation took place on 10 June 2024, when four Russian state aircraft entered Finland's airspace off the coast of Loviisa and Porvoo.

The Border Guard is investigating the incident and will provide further information as the investigation progresses.

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Multilateral unity, cooperation highlighted as top diplomats meet in Laos

Global Times

Region carries hope to drive global economic development: expert

By GT staff reporters Published: Jul 26, 2024 11:12 PM

A series of ASEAN-related meetings and bilateral sideline talks have been held in Vientiane, capital of Laos in recent two days, as foreign ministers from ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region gathered to discuss shared concerns and emphasize unity amid rising global uncertainties.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's busy schedule in Laos, which included discussions on China-ASEAN relations, regional development and major global issues, demonstrated that despite geopolitical tensions and competition among major countries, dialogue and cooperation with an open China remain attractive to other nations.

As instability grows globally and interference from external countries intensifies, especially on the South China Sea issue, ASEAN countries are placing greater emphasis on regional unity and prioritizing cooperation with China and other major countries, rather than being drawn into small cliques that could undermine regional collaboration, analysts said.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with China, together with the ASEAN foreign ministers or their representatives and Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn on Friday in Vientiane.

During the meeting, Wang outlined the fruitful achievements made between China and ASEAN in various aspects from trade and investment to people-to-people exchanges and energy cooperation. For instance, China has remained ASEAN's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while ASEAN has become China's largest trading partner for four years straight, with bilateral trade growing 10.5 percent year-on-year in the first half year of 2024.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related events were held against the backdrop of sluggish global economic growth and protracted geopolitical conflicts. All parties hope to turn this region into a driving force for global economic development and to activate new momentum for international cooperation, Xu Liping, director of the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

ASEAN is a priority direction and key region for the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and it is also one of the first regions to benefit from China's efforts to advance high-level opening-up, Xu said.

The expert noted that Wang's visit to Laos, which is also his first overseas visit after the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, as well as his extensive exchanges with ASEAN foreign ministers, will promote the implementation of reform measures proposed by the session and further deepen China-ASEAN cooperation.

Growing challenges

The 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting started in Vientiane on Thursday, followed by meetings with East Asian countries and other global players, including Russia, the US, and the EU. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, from Thursday to Friday, Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Russia, India, Japan, South Korea, the UK and Norway on the sidelines of the ASEAN-related meetings.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday that Wang will also meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Laos at the latter's request. Although Mao did not provide specific information on the time and other details of the meeting, she said that it is believed Wang and Blinken will exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

According to Xu, the ASEAN-related meeting and sideline talks have become a crucial platform for China to engage in bilateral diplomacy and participate in multilateral cooperation. Over the years, China has consistently prioritized its neighboring regions in its diplomatic strategy, actively articulating its perspectives on the international stage and expanding its global influence.

Some analysts noted that China's stance on settling disputes through dialogue was clearly demonstrated in Wang's interactions with other countries' diplomats during the sideline talks, aligning with ASEAN's common aspirations.

For example, Wang met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Vientiane on Thursday, and the two sides agreed to jointly commit to maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and promote new progress in border affairs consultations.

Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, said that the latest remarks of the Chinese and Indian top diplomats on the border issue underscore both countries' commitment to resolving border disputes through diplomatic channels and dialogues, despite existing divergences. Such efforts to prevent differences from escalating into conflicts is particularly important given the current international context.

The current global instability makes peace in Asia, especially Southeast Asia, particularly valuable. Most ASEAN countries cherish their hard-earned peace and wish to avoid conflicts like those in Europe, Gu Xiaosong, dean of the ASEAN Research Institute of Hainan Tropical Ocean University, told the Global Times.

Foreign ministers of China and majority regional countries have emphasized the importance of peaceful dispute resolution, agreeing that war would disrupt the region's economy. Many also expressed a strong desire to prevent the escalation of the South China Sea situation through dialogue and cooperation, aiming to maintain regional peace and stability, Gu said.

However, analysts noted that efforts by China and most ASEAN members to resolve South China Sea issues through dialogue, as well as ASEAN's efforts to strengthen unity, have faced provocations from external interference. For example, the US and some of its allies have intensified attempts to draw ASEAN countries into their small cliques and back the Philippines in its provocations over South China Sea issues, raising concerns in the region.

Most Southeast Asian countries have expressed a strong willingness to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, which will positively influence the current tense situation to some extent, said Liu Chang, a research fellow from China Institute of International Studies.

Liu said that US Secretary of State Blinken's meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers and visit to Southeast Asia are unlikely to yield significant results. "Until the dust settles on the US presidential election, Southeast Asian countries are expected to be more cautious in their cooperation with the US."

ASEAN will continue to emphasize its collective stance, adhering to its existing foreign policy and avoiding taking sides in major power rivalries. This reflects ASEAN's determination to uphold regional peace and stability while remaining vigilant against potential instability from major power conflicts, said observers.

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Chinese, Indian FMs meet, agree to promote progress in border affairs consultations

Global Times

By Liu Xin Published: Jul 26, 2024 10:30 AM Updated: Jul 27, 2024 12:45 AM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday and the two sides agreed to jointly commit to maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and promote new progress in border affairs consultations.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, is paying an official visit to Laos from July 25 to 27 and is scheduled to attend a series of meetings of foreign ministers of southeastern and eastern Asian countries in Vientiane.

While meeting with Jaishankar in Vientiane on Thursday, Wang said that in the face of the current complex international situation and severe global challenges, China and India, as two neighboring large developing countries and major emerging economies, should strengthen dialogue and communication, enhance understanding and mutual trust, properly manage conflicts and differences, and develop mutually beneficial cooperation.

Both sides should take on their responsibility to history, their peoples, and the world, with wisdom that transcends conflicts, differences and frictions, and promote the improvement and sustainable development of China-India relations, said Wang.

Wang stated that China-India relations have an important impact beyond the bilateral scope. The improvement of bilateral relations should reflect the strategic pattern of two emerging developing countries, the handling of differences should reflect the political wisdom of two ancient civilizations, and the response to global challenges should reflect the solidarity and cooperation of Global South countries.

Hopefully both sides can move toward each other, actively explore the correct way for two neighboring major countries to coexist, and guide all sectors to establish a positive perception of each other.

Wang emphasized that returning China-India relations to the right track is in the interest of both sides and is also the common expectation of the Global South countries.

Jaishankar said India and China are the two most populous countries, two major emerging economies, and ancient civilizations with long histories. Maintaining a stable and predictable development of bilateral relations is in the interest of both sides and is of special importance to maintaining regional peace and promoting multipolarity.

India and China have extensive intertwined interests and also face the shadow of border incidents, but India is willing to find ways to resolve differences with a historical perspective, strategic thinking, and an open attitude, and to promote bilateral relations back to a positive and constructive track, said Jaishankar.

Both sides agreed to jointly commit to maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and to promote new progress in border affairs consultations, according to a release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The two sides said that they will strengthen communication within the East Asia cooperation platform, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Group of 20, BRICS and other frameworks, jointly practice multilateralism, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

On July 4, Wang met with Jaishankar in Astana, Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of a two-day meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, during which the two sides agreed to work for stability in the border areas and hold a new round of consultations on the boundary issue at an early date.

Frequent high-level exchanges between China and India underscore both countries' commitment to resolving border disputes through diplomatic channels and dialogues, despite existing divergences. Both sides are making efforts to prevent these differences from escalating into conflicts, which is particularly important given the current international context, Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times on Friday.

Through communication and exchanges, China and India can build political trust, paving the way for bilateral relations to return to a positive trajectory, said Qian.

While both nations work toward improving their relations, the US continues to sow discord. On Thursday, US Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill proposing to elevate US relations with India to counter China and support India's response to "increasing threats" to its territorial integrity, according to media reports.

Qian noted that in recent years, the US has intensified efforts to strengthen ties with India, aiming to have India play a larger role in countering China. US' support for India is motivated by its own strategic needs to counter China.

Given Rubio's hardline stance against China and his negative influence on China-US relations, it is unsurprising to see him putting forward such a bill, said Qian, noting that the bill not only involves the China-India border issue but also affects China-US relations and the region's complex geopolitical issues, and whether the bill will pass remains to be seen.

Analysts said India should remain clear-minded about US' intentions. They note that any external interference in border issues could undermine the current positive momentum in China-India communications and complicate the regional situation.

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Palestinian resistance rocket attack on Ashkelon and the Zionist settlements around the Gaza Strip

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 26, 2024

Tehran - IRNA -- Saraya al-Quds, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, announced that it had launched a rocket attack on Ashkelon and a number of Zionist settlements around the Gaza Strip.

According to Palestine News Agency, following this rocket attack, sirens were sounded in Ashkelon and towns around the Gaza Strip.

Saraya al-Quds, by releasing a statement, also announced its joint attack with Nasser Salahuddin's battalions on the vehicles and soldiers of the occupation army in the east of Khan Yunis.

This Palestinian militant group announced that the fighters of Saraya al-Quds clashed with an Israeli force hiding inside a school in Gaza City, as a result of which a number of Zionist soldiers were injured.

The Martyr Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, also confirmed in a short statement that it fired seven Sam-7 rockets at an occupying regime's army helicopter in the sky of Tal El-Havi neighborhood in the southwest of Gaza City.

2050



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UN official urges protection for civilian population in Gaza

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 26, 2024

Tehran - IRNA -- Muhannad Hadi, Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process called for immediate protection of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, including humanitarian activists.

Addressing the UNSC session on Friday, Hadi said: "Protection is urgently needed for the civilian population in Gaza, but also for the humanitarian operations. Humanitarian staff and assets must be protected from all forms of violent attacks."

"Today the UN is not in a position to provide the necessary assistance to the people in Gaza, let alone to scale up, unless specific factors are in place," he added.

"Duty of care to all humanitarian staff is one of our highest concerns. Today, the risks inside Gaza are unacceptable," Hadi noted.

"Six hundred and twenty-five thousand children have been deprived of an entire schoolyear of education. Needless to say that a child without education is a child without future," he stated.

Referring to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Hadi said thousands of children had suffered terrible injuries such as third-degree burns, amputated limbs and profound psychological injuries.

625,000 children are deprived of a full school year, he said, adding that a child without education is a child without a future.

9376**2050







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Al-Qassam Brigades destroys 2 Merkava tanks, kills a Zionist force

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 26, 2024

Tehran - IRNA -- Al-Qassam Brigades fighters destroyed 2 Merkava tanks of the Zionist forces in an operation in Tel Al-Hawa in Gaza, and a Zionist soldier was also killed during this operation.

According to the Palestinian media, in today's operation of Al-Qassam Brigades in the Tel al-Hawa in southern Gaza, two advanced tanks "Merkava-4" were destroyed using two local bombs.

Al-Qassam Brigades also announced that they targeted and killed a Zionist soldier who was patrolling on one of the Israeli army's military vehicles in Tel Al-Hawa.

The Palestinian resistance also fired 2 surface-to-air rockets at the Israeli helicopters that were flying over the western Gaza.

The Zionist artillery unit has repeatedly attacked Sheikh Nasser neighborhood in Gaza.

Over the past 9 months, the Zionist regime has launched a massive massacre in Gaza while closing all the crossings, preventing the arrival of humanitarian aid and turning this area into ruins with constant bombing and shelling.

9376**2050

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UNRWA: 90% of Gaza residents forcibly displaced

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 26, 2024

Tehran - IRNA -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced that 9 out of 10 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who have been exposed to Israel's devastating war have been forcibly displaced.

Referring to the population of 2,300,000 people in Gaza, UNRWA announced that 9 out of 10 people living in Gaza have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to the Zionist regime's crimes.

Displaced Palestinian families seek shelter wherever they can, whether it's in overcrowded schools, dilapidated buildings, simple tents on the sand or amid piles of garbage, it added.

None of these places are safe and the displaced Palestinians have nowhere else to go, it stressed.

Tel Aviv continues the war against the oppressed residents of Gaza and ignores the UN Security Council resolution to immediately stop it and the orders of the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent the genocide and improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in this region.

9376**2050

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Resistance fighters deal heavy blow on Zionists in Khan Yunis

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 26, 2024

Tehran - IRNA -- Al-Quds Brigades in a statement announced that a fierce clash between the resistance fighters and the Zionist forces was going on in the city of Khan Yunis and the resistance fighters had dealt heavy blows to the occupiers.

According to the Palestinian media, Al-Quds Brigades had announced a few hours ago that the occupying forces and their vehicles were targeted by a mortar attack around the entrance of the Rafah crossing in the south of the Gaza Strip.

It also targeted occupying forces with mortar along Netzarim Corridor.

Meanwhile, Sama News reported the martyrdom of two women and the injury of another in the bombing of a residential house in east of Khan Yunis.

The bodies of three martyrs were removed from the rubble near the Farabi school in Bani Suheila, west of Khan Yunis.

Media previously announced that the Zionist regime carried out extensive airstrikes against areas in Gaza and east of Khan Yunis.

The Israeli regime, with the absolute support of the United States, has launched a devastating war against the residents of Gaza Since October 7, 2023, which has led to the martyrdom and injury of more than 129,000 Palestinians and the missing more than 10,000 others, most of them children and women.

Tel Aviv continues the war against the oppressed residents of Gaza and ignores the UN Security Council resolution to immediately stop the war and the orders of the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent the genocide and improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in this region.

9376**2050

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Two more Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza Strip

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 26, 2024

Tehran - IRNA -- Two more Israeli soldiers were killed during fighting in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday.

According to the Palestinian Samaa news agency citing Zionist sources, these two Israeli soldiers were killed in a clash with the Resistance forces in the Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon.

The Zionist media also announced that a number of other Zionist soldiers were also injured in these clashes, although their number was not mentioned.

According to Israeli military figures, at least 683 soldiers have been killed and 4,213 others injured since the outbreak of the conflict in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since October 7 attack by Hamas.

More than 39,100 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 90,200 injured, according to local health authorities.

Over nine months into the Israeli onslaught, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

6125**2050

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Envoy denies rumors on Iran-Armenia military contract

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 26, 2024

Tehran - IRNA -- Iran's Ambassador to Yerevan Mehdi Sobhani has denied the news about the military contract between Iran and Armenia.

Sobhani considered the source of such news to be unreliable media that have a history of publishing false information and biased analyses about the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Sobhani considered the goals of publishing such news to influence the development of friendly relations between Iran and the countries of the region, and emphasized, "The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the establishment of peace and stability, as well as economic development in the Caucasus region."

2050

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Pakistan Rejects Indian Prime Minister's Belligerent Remarks

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Pakistan rejects the Indian Prime Minister's belligerent remarks made in Drass, Ladakh on 26 July 2024.

Bravado and jingoism undermine regional peace, and are totally counter-productive for resolution of long-standing disputes between Pakistan and India, especially the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian leaders' rhetorical statements cannot deflect international attention from India's heavy-handed approach to suppress the Kashmiri people's just struggle for realization of their fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly their inalienable right to self-determination.

Instead of maligning others for terrorism, India should reflect on its own campaign of orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism in foreign territories.

Pakistan stands resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression, as exemplified by its robust response to India's reckless incursion in February 2019.

While Pakistan is ready to counter India's aggressive actions, it remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.



Islamabad

26 July 2024

134/2024



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Hamas: Death of leader in Israeli jail amounts to murder

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 10:58 PM

The Gaza Ministry of Detainees has condemned the death of a Hamas leader, Mustafa Muhammad Abu Ara, in Israeli custody, saying it was a result of torture and deliberate medical negligence.

The ministry said on Friday in a statement that Israeli authorities have subjected Palestinian detainees to inhumane conditions and systematic assault.

Describing it as an ugly, slow death, the ministry pointed out that this is something unnoticed by international organizations.

Hamas reacted as well, saying it was another Israeli assassination through deliberate medical neglect.

The movement added that the heinous crime is in line with Israel's war of extermination and systematic killings of Palestinian figures.

Son of the deceased Hamas leader, Zeid Abu Ara, stated that denying necessary medical services and appropriate food to a sick prisoner constitutes execution.

Palestinians have held a funeral for the deceased Hamas leader, mourning his passing.

"The occupation deliberately induces famine inside the prison as it does outside in the areas of the Strip," the Ministry of Prisoners and Freed Prisoners said in a separate statement on Friday.

"A recently released prisoner from the occupation's prisons reported that the food provided is not sufficient at all for the huge numbers of prisoners and is served without salt, causing each prisoner to lose more than half their weight in prison," it added.

"The ministry also demands an urgent and immediate halt to such practices, the rapid release of all prisoners and detainees from the occupation's prisons, and the prosecution of the occupation leaders in international courts for committing crimes against humanity," the statement added.

Last month, Israel freed Dr. Aziz Dweik, the chairman of the Palestinian Legislative Council, after keeping him in prison for about 9 months.

Dr. Dweik told reporters on June 14 that Israel was carrying out "the massacre in the prisons."

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France joins international calls for ceasefire in Gaza amid criticism at Olympics

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 3:41 PM

The international chorus of calls for an end to the Gaza genocidal war has gathered more voices, with, French President Emmanuel Macron demanding an "immediate ceasefire" in war-torn Gaza in a meeting with Israeli president Isaac Herzog in Paris.

The call was made just a few hours before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.

A press release read, "Faced with the unbearable human toll among the civilian population of Gaza and the unsustainable humanitarian situation, the president will call for the conclusion without further delay of an immediate and lasting ceasefire to allow the release of all the 'hostages' of Hamas, including that of our two compatriots, as well as the huge delivery of medical and humanitarian aid."

The Israeli team's participation is a subject of controversy within the pro-Palestinian community as the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza escalates.

Earlier. Australia, Canada and New Zealand called for an "immediate" ceasefire in Gaza, warning of "disastrous" consequences of the regional expansion of the conflict.

Stressing that "the situation in Gaza is catastrophic," the prime ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand on Friday stressed that "An immediate ceasefire is needed desperately."

"The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue," the trio said in a joint statement on Friday.

They also emphasized, "Israel must listen to the concerns of the international community."

"The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law," the strongly worded statement added.

It also called on Israel to "respond substantively" to the top United Nations' court which last week ruled that Israel's presence in the 1967-occupied Palestinian territories is "unlawful" and must end.

"We call on Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ's advisory opinion, and ensure accountability for ongoing acts of violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers, reverse the record expansion of settlements in the West Bank which are illegal under international law, and work towards a two-state solution."

Israel's foreign ministry last week labeled the ICJ's ruling as "fundamentally wrong" and one-sided.

Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East al-Quds, areas Palestinians want for a future independent state, in a 1967 war.

The three prime ministers also expressed their grave concern about the risk of regional expansion of the conflict, amid clashes between Israeli forces and fighters from Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement, which has been conducting operations in solidarity with the Palestinians since the start of Israel's war on Gaza.

"This escalation in hostilities only makes a ceasefire in Gaza more urgent," the statement said, noting that a wider scale war would have "disastrous" consequences for the entire region.

It was the third time the three prime ministers have issued a joint statement about the war in Gaza.

In December, they pressed for "a sustainable ceasefire". In February, they spoke out against the prospect of an Israeli invasion of the refugee-packed city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

The Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 39,175 Palestinians and injured over 90,403 since the start of the offensive. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

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Israel strikes south Lebanon with phosphorus bombs, several injured

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 2:04 PM

The Israeli regime drops banned white phosphorous bombs onto areas in southern Lebanon as the regime escalates attacks on the Arab country.

The regime released the munitions on the outskirts of the town of Rashaya al-Fakhar on Friday, Lebanon's al-Mayadeen said.

Israeli war planes also launched attacks on the outskirts of southern Lebanon's Markaba, specifically the Marhat area, with missiles, injuring several people.

Israeli forces also shelled the southern town of Shebaa.

The regime has been waging incessant attacks against southern Lebanon since October 7, when it began the genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

The attacks have featured recurrent deployment of white phosphorous projectiles against civilian targets and densely-populated areas.

The attacks have sparked an international outcry, including among researchers and experts who have warned that upon deployment, the white phosphorous remains active, very toxic, and flammable for long.

The experts underlined that deployment of the bombs stands to cause long-term and potentially irreversible damage to the Lebanese environment, agriculture, and economy, potentially making the targeted areas uninhabitable.

On Thursday, Dexter Filkins, staff writer at The New Yorker magazine, spoke to the National Public Radio (NPR), an American public broadcasting organization, describing the munitions' hugely adverse effects and the intent behind their application by Tel Aviv.

"White phosphorus breaks up in the air and basically you see these flaming chunks going, scattering all over the place and then it just burns and burns and burns, and it burns very slowly," he said.

Filkins said the regime was using the bombs to destroy the farmlands and crops on Lebanon's border with the occupied Palestinian territories, which, Tel Aviv claims, are used by the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah "as cover."

"So they (the Israelis) have basically just been burning everything. They're using it to basically denude the whole area along the border," he remarked.

The regime's attacks on Lebanon come amid its repeated threats of expanding the Gaza war to the country.

Earlier this month, Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib said, "We have heard dozens of statements issued by senior Israeli officials threatening to burn Lebanon, destroy it, and return it to the Stone Age."

Hezbollah has, however, pledged to defend the country with all its resources in the event of another Israeli war.

On July 17, the movement's Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah insisted on the group's capability to head off such a potential military onslaught successfully.

"If your tanks come to Lebanon and south Lebanon, you will not have a shortage of tanks, as you will no longer have any tanks left," he said at the time.

Hezbollah fought off two Israeli wars against the country in 2000 and 2006, forcing a humiliating retreat upon the occupation's military on both occasions.

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UN says 90% of Gazans displaced as Guterres raps 'utter disaster, total lawlessness'

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 1:46 PM

The UN agency for Palestinians says nine out of every 10 people in the besieged Gaza Strip have been "forcibly displaced" during the Israeli onslaught on Gaza.

"Families seek shelter where they can: overcrowded schools, destroyed buildings, makeshift tents on the sand or amid piles of trash," the UNRWA said on X on Friday. "None of these places are safe. People have nowhere left to go."

The UNRWA and many other humanitarian agencies and rights organizations have repeatedly warned the world about the huge humanitarian consequences of the Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has reduced much of the territory to rubble.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is a "total disaster," blaming a military campaign of a "chaotic nature" and the lack of security in the strip.

"With the combination of these obstacles, with the total insecurity in the country, humanitarian aid is far from being sufficient," Guterres told reporters during a press briefing on Thursday.

"The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a total disaster. And it is a total disaster because it's the combination of two things. First, a military campaign that has have the highest level of killing and destruction that I remember in any other military campaign since I am secretary general anywhere in the world. And the military campaign that has a certain chaotic nature," he said.

"First, the North was attacked, people were told to go to the south. Then the center was attacked and people was also told to go to the South. But all of a sudden they had to go back to the North because apparently the problem was not solved."

"Then they went to the South, but all of a sudden they went to the center again, because also apparently the problem in the center was not solved. And any time people were told to move to somewhere else and people were moving from place to place in search of safety that doesn't exist in any place," he added.

The UN chief lamented that Gaza is in a situation of "total lawlessness", and that "law and order has completely disappeared" in the strip.

"Nobody is in charge of security anywhere in the area of Gaza. So we see convoys looted at any moment. And the worst, we had in three successive days, three UN convoys that were hit by fire, on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. On Sunday, they were, the bullets were lost. But on Monday and Tuesday, five bullets and four bullets penetrated our vehicles. And, they were shot by the Israeli military."

The Health Ministry in Gaza says over 39,100 Palestinians have been killed in the war and over 90,000 others injured.

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Iran hails Palestinians' unity deal as 'valuable step' towards reconciliation, consensus

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 10:45 AM

Iran has welcomed a China-mediated agreement aimed at resolving a rift between Palestinian factions and forming a national unity government, calling it a "valuable step" towards national reconciliation and consensus.

"The recent meeting of Palestinian groups in Beijing, focused on national reconciliation and unity, is a valuable step in the right direction," spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kan'ani wrote in a post published on the social media platform X on Friday.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, he maintained, will continue to "firmly" support the Palestinian cause and the consensus among Palestinian groups to confront the "apartheid Israeli regime."

Tehran backs the collective Palestinian effort for restoration of the fundamental right of self-determination, full liberation of Palestinian lands, and establishment of an independent Palestinian state with holy al-Quds as its capital, he added.

Palestinian groups on Tuesday reached a reconciliation agreement following three days of intensive talks in the Chinese capital Beijing to end their political division since 2007.

Representatives of 14 Palestinian groups, including Fatah and Hamas movements, signed a new statement pledging to end the division and strengthen unity.

Signatories of the agreement said they would form an interim national unity government to supervise the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip and hold new elections.

The announcement of the Palestinian 'national unity' deal comes more than nine months after Israel launched the war on Gaza following Palestinian resistance groups' surprise retaliatory operation into the occupied territories.

So far during the military onslaught, the regime has killed at least 39,175 Gazans, most of them women, children, and adolescents. Another 90,403 Palestinians have sustained injuries as well.

China has historically been sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, and supportive of a so-called two-state solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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Hezbollah pounds multiple Israeli sites in drone, missile strikes

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 7:53 AM

The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has launched a series of heavy strikes on the Israeli regime's strategic military positions, amid the occupying entity's intensified aggression in southern Lebanon and ongoing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.

Hezbollah announced in separate statements on Friday that it had targeted with guided missiles a technical system at the Ramia site and achieved a direct hit, which led to its destruction.

The resistance group also said that its fighters had targeted a gathering of Israeli occupation soldiers inside the Hadab Yaron site with appropriate weapons.

The Lebanese media reports in southern Lebanon confirmed that direct fire had been detected from Lebanon towards Israeli military targets in the vicinity of the Ramia and Hadab Yaron sites.

Hezbollah targets anti-drone radar system

Late on Thursday, Hezbollah confirmed targeting an anti-drone radar system at one of the Israeli regime's strategic bases last week.

The group published the footage of the group's targeting of an anti-drone radar system in al-Abbad outpost in the northern part of the occupied territories.

The attack was conducted on July 19 with an explosive-laden drone on al-Abbad outpost, which also accommodates the Israeli regime's spying devices and technical equipment.

Earlier in the day, the Lebanese resistance movement said in separate statements that it had targeted with a swarm of attack drones the Israeli artillery battalion 411 of the Fire Brigade 288, striking the positions of the regime's officers and soldiers.

The aerial attack, which Hezbollah said was carried out in support of Palestinians in Gaza, achieved "accurate hits," and caused an unspecified number of injuries.

Hezbollah alsotargeted buildings used by the occupation forces in the Shtula and Manara settlements with appropriate weapons "in response to the enemy's attacks on steadfast southern villages."

The resistance group said in one of its statements that the Ramtha site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills was struck by rocket weapons, which led to "achieving a direct hit."

Hezbollah also announced that its air defense units "launched anti-aircraft missiles at enemy warplanes within Lebanese airspace in the south, forcing them to retreat and withdraw behind the Lebanese borders with occupied Palestine."

The Lebanese resistance movement 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 its resistance groups.

Hezbollah has vowed to keep up its retaliatory attacks as long as the Israeli regime continues its Gaza war, which has so far killed more than 39,000 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.

Last Wednesday, Hezbollah's Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah noted how the group's operations had exacted a heavy toll on the regime.

"The toll includes 9,254 individuals, among them officers and soldiers, with 3,000 amputees, 650 paralyzed, 185 completely blind, and several thousands suffering severe psychological trauma," he said.

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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'Slow execution': West Bank-based Hamas leader dies in Israeli captivity

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 3:18 AM

A West Bank-based senior official of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has died after suffering drawn-out torture and medical negligence in Israeli captivity.

The Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs Commission, a Palestinian body, announced the death of 63-year-old Mustafa Abu Ora on Friday.

Ora, who used to reside in the town of Aqaba in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, had been arrested by the Israeli regime on many occasions since the 1990s.

According to the commission, he was abducted by the Palestinian Authority last year and then released "under pressure" to Israeli authorities, who jailed him again without charge or trial at the Ramon Prison in the northern part of the occupied Palestinian territories.

"Before his arrest, he was suffering from serious health problems and needed intensive medical follow-up. However, from the moment of his arrest, Sheikh Abu Ora, like all prisoners, has faced unprecedented crimes, most notably the torture, starvation, and medical crimes," the body noted.

It denounced the regime for subjecting Ora to "slow execution," saying it held the regime's prison authorities fully responsible for his death.

Hamas, itself, termed Ora's death as "a new cowardly assassination added to the occupation's criminal record against our prisoners."

There are currently more than 9,700 Palestinians being held in Israeli jails.

The regime has stepped up its campaign of rampant and violent arrests against Palestinians since October 7, when it began waging a genocidal war on Gaza.

At least 18 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody since the start of the war that has so far claimed the lives of more than 39,175 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

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US-occupied airbase comes under fresh attack in Iraq

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 12:49 AM

An airbase housing the US's occupation forces in western Iraq has come under fresh attack amid continued regional uproar against Washington's unstinting support for the Israeli regime's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Several rockets were launched against the Ain al-Assad Airbase, which is located in the Arab country's Anbar Province, on Thursday, Iraqi security officials said.

"Four rockets fell in the vicinity" of the outpost, one security source said.

Another said an attack had occurred with "a drone and three rockets" that fell close to the base's perimeter.

Over the past years, the outpost, together with the al-Harir Airbase, which houses the American troops in the northern Iraqi Kurdistan Region, has come under numerous attacks in protest at the American forces' presence on the country's soil.

Iraq's Islamic Resistance, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The coalition, however, has ramped up its strikes against the bases since October 7, 2023, when the Israeli regime, the US's most cherished regional ally, began waging the war on Gaza.

The Israeli military onslaught has so far claimed the lives of more than 39,175 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and wounded 90,257 others.

Also on Thursday, The New York Times reported that the United States had armed the regime with upwards of 25,000 bombs and missiles since the onset of the war.

Earlier this month, the regime's military radio reported that the Israeli Air Force had dropped a total eight US-manufactured JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) bombs against the al-Mawasi refugee camp in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, killing and injuring a total of 390 Palestinians.

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The Azadi Briefing: Afghans Complain Of Rising Abuse In Iran

By Abubakar Siddique July 26, 2024

The Key Issue

Afghan refugees and migrants have complained of rising harassment and abuse in neighboring Iran.



This week, banners appeared to be hung in a neighborhood in Tehran, the Iranian capital, demanding that Afghans leave. It was unclear if locals or the authorities were behind the move.



It came after Iranian media reportedon July 18 that a local man was allegedly stabbed to death by his Afghan neighbors.



Last week, the homes of several Afghan migrants in the southern city of Khur were reportedly set on fire in apparent retaliation for the killing of an Iranian man, allegedly by an Afghan.

Why It's Important: Anti-Afghan sentiment in Iran has been on the rise in recent years, especially after a mass influx of refugees and migrants following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.



Tehran has long blamed Afghans for insecurity and unemployment in Iran, and expelled many members of the community.



An estimated 4.3 million Afghans currently live in Iran, according to the United Nations. More than 1 million have been deported in the past year.



Human rights groups have also documented a sharp rise in the number of Afghans executed in Iran so far this year.

What's Next: As anti-Afghan sentiment rises in Iran, members of the community are likely to be the targets of more discrimination and abuse.



It is unclear if the ill-treatment of Afghans in Iran will discourage others from moving to the Islamic republic.



Hundreds of Afghans are believed to be illegally entering Iran every week to escape Taliban rule and the devastating humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan.

What To Keep An Eye On

A growing number of Afghans affected by natural disasters are leaving for neighboring countries.



Afghanistan has been the scene of severe droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events in recent years.



"I was forced to move to Iran after the earthquakes," Hassanzada, a resident of the western Afghan city of Herat, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi.



A series of tremors last year killed at least 1,000 people and affected more than 100,000 in and around Herat.



But survivors said the lack of aid and financial assistance forced them to leave the country.

Why It's Important: Afghanistan remains among the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of global warming and climate change.



In the latest natural disaster to hit Afghanistan, flash floods in the eastern province of Nangarhar last week killed at least 71 people, according to the UN.



The Taliban's seizure of power led international donors to immediately cut international development funding. While some foreign aid organizations continue to operate in Afghanistan, many of them have been forced to curb their work as international funding diminishes.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-iran- refugees-migrants-abuse/33052086.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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As Venezuela Votes, Russia Will Be Watching

By Todd Prince July 26, 2024

It's half a world away from Moscow, but Venezuela's presidential election could be a nail-biter for the Kremlin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin may be watching closely when Venezuelans vote in the July 28 election, which pits authoritarian Kremlin ally Nicolas Maduro against the leader of an opposition group advocating for democracy and capitalism.

Ahead of the vote, Maduro was trailing in opinion polls by a wide margin to Edmundo Gonzalez, a 74-year-old former diplomat, as Venezuelans tire of a leader who has presided over deepening poverty and economic troubles during his 11-year rule.

A Maduro exit would jeopardize Russia's power projection in Latin America at a time when Putin is seeking to rattle the United States in the Western Hemisphere amid increasing tension in Europe over Moscow's war against Ukraine, where U.S. weapons are crucial to Kyiv's defense and which the Kremlin casts as a battle against the West.

Venezuela has provided Russia with diplomatic support over its invasion of Ukraine, and Maduro has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy while accusing Western countries of fueling the conflict.

Russia sent two warships to visit Venezuela earlier this month following a stop in Cuba, and Moscow also has warm ties with Nicaragua. The United States says such visits pose no threat, and they are widely seen as efforts to show force and emphasize that Russia has friends in the region.

"Much as Russia sees the United States encroaching on its own sphere of influence with NATO expansion in Eastern Europe, it sees the opportunity to do the exact same by fortifying partnerships with its historical and authoritarian allies in Latin America, namely Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela," Henry Ziemer, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, told RFE/RL.

Oil-producer Venezuela has been the most valuable of these alliances for Russia due to its resources and size, he said.

U.S. Ties

Gonzalez is the candidate of a united opposition whose driving force and power broker is Maria Corina Machado, whom Maduro barred from running in the presidential election after she overwhelmingly won the opposition primary.

Machado, 56, went to boarding school in the U.S. state of Massachusetts and attended the World Fellows Program at Yale University in 2009, one year before the late Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny. She periodically visited Washington until the government prohibited her from leaving Venezuela.

A free-market advocate, Machado has called for privatizing state assets and opening up Venezuela's economy to investment and has indicated she would would like to bolster ties with the United States. What role she might have in government if the opposition prevails is unclear.

Few opponents and observers believe Venezuela will hold a free and fair election or that Maduro will go quietly should he lose. In addition to barring Machado, he has curtailed the number of foreign election monitors. Earlier this month, he said Venezuela would plunge "into a bloodbath" if he loses.

"The problem isn't winning the election. It is getting Maduro to give up power. His regime has been signaling that they are not going to recognize the results," Armando Armas, an opposition member who said he was forced to leave Venezuela to avoid the risk of prison or assassination, told RFE/RL by phone.

Analysts say the socialist Maduro, 61, may fear arrest should he leave power. He has been accused of ordering the killings of opposition figures, torture, large-scale corruption, and drug trafficking, among other crimes. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has opened an investigation into his regime's violent crackdown on protesters in 2017.

Maduro "has every incentive to fight to remain in power regardless of the results," Will Freeman, an analyst at the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in a July 22 opinion article in the Los Angeles Times.

Thanks in part to a financial lifeline from Russia, he survived a "maximum pressure" campaign by the United States following the 2018 presidential election. Maduro claimed he won the election, which the opposition said was rigged. The United States was among many countries that did not recognize the declared result.

Then-U.S. President Donald Trump imposed far-reaching sanctions on Venezuela and its oil industry, a key source of government revenue, in an effort to push Maduro out. The United States and dozens of other countries recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido after he cited the constitution and claimed to be interim president in January 2019, but Maduro held on.

Russia has been helping Venezuela produce and export oil to circumvent the sanctions. Iran and China, members of what Western officials call an "axis of authoritarian states" that also includes Russia and Venezuela, have played a key role in the transportation and sale of the oil, Ziemer said.

Russia also reportedly sent up to 400 members of Wagner, a Russian mercenary force that is now under Defense Ministry oversight, to protect Maduro at the time. It also sent two nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela.

Armas said Russia could potentially send people again to protect Maduro, but asserted that Moscow's main tool would be spreading disinformation and anti-opposition reports through Kremlin-controlled outlets RT and Sputnik.

This Time Different?

Analysts say it could prove more difficult for Maduro to hang on to power this time because the polling data is so conclusive.

"Erasing a 5- or 10-point defeat with fraud is one thing; a 30-point loss is another," Freeman wrote. "The bigger and more irrefutable the landslide, the greater the chances Maduro will lose control."

While Russia has not been an issue in an election widely cast as a struggle between authoritarian and democratic rule as well as well as socialism versus capitalism, a victorious opposition would likely eschew a cozy relationship with Moscow, given its support for Maduro.

"I think it would be a definite setback for Russia in the region and likely opens a window for greater U.S. engagement in Venezuela," Ziemer said.

Nonetheless, Russia would not retreat from the region, he said, but instead focus on ties with Havana and Managua, where its allies are more entrenched.

"It will lead to a doubling down of Russia's efforts to engage with Cuba and Nicaragua," Ziemer said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-venezuela-election- washington-war-ukraine/33052015.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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Trump Tells Netanyahu He Will Try to Bring Peace to Middle East, Combat Anti-Semitism if Elected

Sputnik News

20240726

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Former US President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he will work to bring peace to the Middle East and combat anti-Semitism on college campuses in the United States if elected in November, the Trump campaign said on Friday.

Trump and Netanyahu met at former's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida as part of Netanyahu's visit to the United States, during which he also delivered remarks to lawmakers at the US Capitol.

"President Trump expressed his solidarity with Israel after the heinous October 7 attack, and pledged that when he returns to the White House, he will make every effort to bring Peace to the Middle East and combat anti-Semitism from spreading throughout college campuses across the United States," the Trump campaign said in a statement on the meeting.

Netanyahu also thanked Trump for his administration's efforts to promote stability in the Middle East through initiatives like the Abraham Accords, moving the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and ending the Iran nuclear deal, the statement said.

 Sputnik

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Hamas Rejects Israel's New Conditions for Ceasefire in Gaza - Movement Representative

Sputnik News

20240726

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Palestinian movement Hamas does not agree to Israel's new conditions for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Hamas spokesman in Lebanon Walid Kilani told Sputnik on Friday.

Earlier this day, media reported that Israel was seeking changes to the Gaza truce plan, which would complicate a final deal with Hamas. Israel was reportedly demanding that displaced Palestinians be screened when returning to the northern Gaza Strip after the truce began.

"We still stand by the ceasefire proposal in Gaza that we presented to the mediators three weeks ago, but [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu has put forward additional conditions that Hamas and the Palestinian factions have not accepted," the representative said.

In May, US President Joe Biden announced a plan for a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and an exchange of hostages. The first stage of the deal is expected to include a six-week ceasefire in the enclave in exchange for the release of about 40 living and dead Israeli hostages.

Despite several rounds of negotiations, the Israeli authorities have repeatedly said that Israel sought to continue the hostilities until all of its goals are achieved, the main of which, in addition to the release of all hostages, is the complete elimination of the Hamas movement.

 Sputnik

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Joint Statement on the United States-Mongolia Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

July 26, 2024

The following statement was jointly released by the United States and Mongolia on the occasion of the successful conclusion of the First United States-Mongolia Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C.:

Begin Text:

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs Battsetseg Batmunkh to Washington, D.C. on July 23 to participate in the inaugural United States-Mongolia Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue. The two countries discussed concrete steps to advance bilateral relations and build upon our Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership based on shared democratic values and respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, good governance, and human rights.

Our joint belief in strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, and respect for human rights is the foundation of the U.S.-Mongolia relationship. The two countries also remain committed to bolstering and empowering civil society organizations, which play an important role in our democracies.

The United States and Mongolia both reiterated the importance of upholding international law, including the United Nations Charter and the principles of sovereign equality, respect for the political independence and territorial integrity of states, and prohibition of the threat or use of force.

The United States also applauds Mongolia's decades-long support to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Economic Cooperation and Resiliency

The United States and Mongolia are continuing to pursue cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including clean energy, critical minerals, food security, and the digital economy.

Furthering economic resiliency and security is a shared priority for both the United States and Mongolia. Building upon our recent progress and achievements in aviation cooperation, such as the signing of the Open Skies Agreement in 2023, our joint endeavor to launch nonstop passenger flights between our two countries in the near future is crucial for landlocked Mongolia. Increased connectivity between the United States and Mongolia will undoubtedly give an additional impetus for an enhanced trade and enriched economic cooperation, as well as further deepen our substantive people-to-people bonds.

People-to-People Ties

People-to-people ties are a critical element of our bilateral relationship. The United States and Mongolia applaud the partnerships between universities in both countries, which will only deepen cross-border educational opportunities.

The United States and Mongolia also remain committed to pursuing programs that promote gender equality and women's empowerment, establish strategic partnerships between universities, and build leadership capabilities through professional education initiatives for future public policy leaders. Both sides expressed willingness to work together to create training opportunities for Mongolian English language teachers. Both sides also expressed strong interest in working toward a Cultural Property Agreement, which would help to prevent illegal trafficking of cultural property from Mongolia and enhance cooperation on the protection and lawful exchange of cultural property.

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Civilians in Gaza need much more aid: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by UK Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.

26 July 2024

President, on his recent visit to the region, my Foreign Secretary met Israelis and Palestinians and heard their stories of suffering, pain and anguish on both sides.

He came away determined to help improve the situation and further convinced that there is no military solution to this conflict.

That is why we are calling for an immediate ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and an immediate scale-up of aid into Gaza. We urge both sides to accept the deal on the table, endorsed by this Council.

President, whilst mediation efforts continue, people in Gaza urgently need a drastic improvement in the humanitarian situation.

First, civilians need better protection and designated civilian spaces. We are deeply concerned by Israel's incursion into Khan Younis and into the only remaining IDF-designated humanitarian zone of Al Mawasi where some 1.5 million people are sheltering. We call on all sides to comply fully with International Humanitarian Law and on Hamas to release all the hostages immediately.

Second, civilians in Gaza need much, much more aid. UNRWA is central to these efforts. That is why we announced $27 million in new funding for UNRWA last week, with some directed at supporting the management reforms recommended by the Colonna review. We call for full cooperation with UN and humanitarian teams, including UNRWA, and the granting of requests for visas and equipment, and the opening of all aid routes into Gaza, including reopening the Rafah crossing. Deteriorating law and order must urgently be addressed so that aid can reach people safely.

Finally, civilians need functioning hospitals and essential supplies such as water and electricity after nine months of devastation. We are appalled by the stories of women and children living in unsanitary conditions and that diseases, including Polio, are spreading.

Colleagues, West Bank settlement expansion and settler violence have reached record levels. The Israeli government has seized more land this year than in the past twenty years combined. This is unacceptable: it runs counter to multiple resolutions of this Council and undermines the viability of a two-state solution.

The only way out of this cycle of violence and suffering is through diplomacy, with Israelis and Palestinians committing to a renewed peace process resulting in a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian State. We are committed to giving the people of the West Bank and Gaza the political perspective of a credible route to a Palestinian state and a new future. And it needs to be irreversible.

Thank you.

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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

26 July 2024

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Press Briefing

All right, good afternoon.

Once I am finished here, the new President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Ambassador Bob Rae, who is the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations, will be here to brief you. So, we will go to him once we are done with this part.

** Secretary-General's Travel

The Secretary-General is in France today. As we speak, he is about to go to the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which he is attending at the invitation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Government of France.

In about an hour  at approximately 7:20 p.m. local time, the Secretary-General will address those watching the ceremony in Paris and around the world by video message.

He will say that the power of sport to bring hope, unite people and to promote mutual respect and fair play also reflects the ideals of the United Nations.

In the spirit of the Olympic Truce, the Secretary-General will also call on everyone to lay down their arms, foster solidarity and strive for the ultimate goal: peace for all.

He will also speak directly to the thousands of athletes participating in the Olympics and Paralympics, to wish them success, but also to remind them that they inspire all of us to dream bigger.

A few hours ago, the Secretary-General met with the head of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach. In a joint press encounter after their meeting, the Secretary-General said that these Olympic Games are a remarkable example in their commitment to sustainability and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He also expressed his deep gratitude to the International Olympic Committee for allowing a refugee team to compete in the Olympics once again.

Finally, he expressed the wish that these Olympic Games, in Paris, la Ville Lumiere, will be a fantastic success.

Throughout the day, the Secretary-General held additional bilateral meetings, notably with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, Stephane Sejourne; and with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. He also attended a reception held by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

The Secretary-General will leave Paris tomorrow.

** Refugees

And, also on the Paris Olympics opening, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, today urged the world to follow the example of the refugee teams that are competing as they promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

This week, Mr. Grandi became the third recipient of the Olympic Laurel, an IOC award to honour outstanding achievements in education, culture, development and peace through sport. He will accept the award on behalf of UNHCR at the Opening Ceremony today.

Also today, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) noted that Sunday, 28 July, marks the seventy-third anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the cornerstone of refugee protection which has saved and protected the lives of millions of people around the world fleeing war, violence, persecution and human rights violations.

To date, 149 States worldwide have acceded to the Refugee Convention and/or its 1967 Protocol. Ahead of the anniversary, UNHCR  as the guardian of the Refugee Convention  is urging the remaining 46 UN Member and Observer States to accede to it.

** UN Relief and Works Agency

The Security Council this morning met to discuss the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the legislation in the Israeli Knesset concerning the UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA.

Antonia Marie de Meo, the Deputy Commissioner General of UNRWA, noted the ongoing review by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) of the allegations made against UNRWA. Ms. de Meo said UNRWA is targeted because of its role in safeguarding Palestinian refugees. She said that UNRWA must continue to provide services until a credible solution for Israel and Palestine is at hand.

She warned that the bills before the Knesset on UNRWA make a travesty of the multilateral responsibilities of Member States. They erode the very foundations of international law and multilateral norms. If these bills pass, she said, they will put all UNRWA staff and the Agency's General Assembly mandate in direct danger.

Muhannad Hadi, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator dealing with the Palestinian territories, said that everyone in Gaza is exposed to risks of injury and disease. Those who survive the bombs and bullets still face the threats of hunger, unsanitary conditions and lack of health care.

Mr. Hadi said that UNRWA has been shouldering the burden of this crisis. The campaign against UNRWA, attacks against its premises and legislative efforts to declare UNRWA a terrorist organization to end its operations are utterly unacceptable and endanger our operations, he said. He noted that the Secretary-General has asserted that UNRWA is the backbone of our humanitarian operations in Palestine.

He reiterated that the United Nations, and our partners in Gaza, will never give up. We will continue to provide desperately needed assistance; Mr. Hadi added  but we need a safe enabling environment to do so.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

As for the situation on the ground in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that Israeli bombardment continues to be reported across much of the Strip, leading to civilian casualties and further displacement.

Our humanitarian partners estimate that more than 190,000 Palestinians have been displaced this week in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah since Monday's evacuation order. Hundreds of others remain stranded in eastern Khan Younis, as the fighting continues.

Once again, we underscore that all parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian objects. This includes allowing civilians to leave for safer areas and allowing their return as soon as circumstances allow. People must be able to receive humanitarian assistance, whether they move or stay.

OCHA says that recent evacuation directives and intense hostilities have destabilized aid operations and hampered efforts to provide critical relief to civilians in Khan Younis.

This week, a dozen distribution points for food and eight for cooked meals were forced to halt their operations  and nutrition programmes at two shelters supporting more than 2,800 children and pregnant women were also disrupted.

Ten water and sanitation facilities were also impacted  including water reservoirs, desalination plants and sewage pumping stations that had to cease operations.

And six education partners in Khan Younis had to suspend activities, affecting some 20,000 children who had been benefiting from mental health and recreational activities, and about 1,500 children in 10 temporary learning spaces.

Meanwhile, OCHA says ongoing insecurity and the designation of only one access point for the entry and exit of humanitarian staff into and out of Gaza  that's the Kerem Shalom crossing  have hampered efforts to deploy additional emergency medical teams in Gaza. These workers are critically needed to help support the exhausted local health force.

None of Gaza's 36 hospitals is fully functioning. Sixteen are partially functioning, but some are only providing minimal health-care services.

Since the start of the Rafah operation in early May, the volume of aid that could be retrieved from crossing points into Gaza has significantly decreased  by 56 per cent since April.

As of Wednesday, humanitarian organizations retrieved 1,800 truckloads of aid  mostly carrying food  during July. This averages out to 75 trucks per day, excluding fuel. This is compared to a daily average of 169 aid trucks for April.

** Syria

Turning to Syria, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that water and health needs are surging during the hot summer months, with this year's humanitarian response still critically underfunded.

Access to water is limited due to power and fuel shortages. Our humanitarian colleagues have received reports from north-east Syria that in the eastern Euphrates region of Deir-ez-Zor governorate, the water station can only run for three hours a day  and most residents cannot afford to buy enough water.

Meanwhile, in north-west Syria, water and sanitation support to nearly 200 displacement camps could be suspended if additional funding is not received by September. More than 600 other camps still lack any access to this assistance. These camps host more than 900,000 displaced people.

This week, OCHA led a UN mission to northern Aleppo, in the north-west, to assess the impact of underfunding at a displacement camp and maternal hospital there. That facility serves nearly 50,000 people in the area. But it is in danger of running out of funding by the end of this month. As of June, more than 100 health facilities in north-west Syria had suspended operations due to underfunding.

The humanitarian community in Syria continues to provide critical assistance with the available resources. This week, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) supported the launch of a national vaccination campaign targeting more than 2.8 million children under the age of 5, amid a sharp decline in vaccination rates. But this year's Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria for $4 billion is only 21 per cent funded at $871 million  with the health, and water and sanitation sectors facing even larger funding gaps.

** Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is deeply concerned by ongoing attacks on energy infrastructure in the country  with hostilities overnight knocking out electricity to nearly 70,000 consumers in Kyiv and the northern region of Zhytomyr. That's according to the national power company. OCHA stresses that it is critical to mobilize resources now to help families cope once winter comes.

The humanitarian community in Ukraine is already preparing. Earlier today, we, along with our partners, launched a winter response plan to support some 1.8 million of the most vulnerable people, mainly in front-line regions and areas bordering the Russian Federation.

The appeal will complement the Ukrainian Government's own efforts and seeks $492 million to provide a range of critical assistance  including fuel, heating appliances, winter clothes, and cash to pay for heating. We and our partners will also support water and heating providers, insulate displacement sites, help health facilities keep services running, and support farmers with animal feed.

** Peacekeeping

I want to flag that, starting on Sunday, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, will visit our three peacekeeping missions in the Middle East.

Mr. Lacroix will first meet with the peacekeepers in the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria. He will also meet senior government officials in Damascus.

He will then go to Beirut to meet senior Lebanese officials and will also travel to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) Headquarters in Naqoura to meet with leadership and interact with peacekeepers.

Mr. Lacroix will then visit the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) headquarters in Jerusalem and meet with Israeli Government and military officials.

Mr. Lacroix's priority is to express his solidarity and support for peacekeepers, troop-contributing-countries and other partners, as well as the communities that the peacekeepers serve.

** Central African Republic

Our peacekeeping colleagues in the Central African Republic continue to support efforts of the national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme.

Earlier this week, peacekeepers in Birao, in Vakaga prefecture, oversaw the destruction of 20 firearms and grenades collected from armed groups, with local authorities and the community present.

Meanwhile, in Obo in Haut-Mbomou prefecture, the Mission (MINUSCA) is supporting a training programme that started this week, for more than 100 young people, including 52 women, as part of its efforts to reduce violence.

** Ethiopia

Turning to Ethiopia, our colleagues from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that the UN and our partners continue to support the Government in responding to the devastating landslides in the South Ethiopia region. This includes dispatching aid supplies  with shelter, nutrition, and water sanitation and hygiene assistance, among what's most urgently needed.

Our humanitarian colleagues note that search-and-rescue teams are still looking for missing people. It is extremely challenging to access impacted areas, given the difficult terrain and heavy rains.

OCHA is leading a team of UN agencies on the ground to assess the impact of the landslides, including the scale of displacement. An estimated 600 people have been displaced so far.

Meanwhile, the Government is working to move more than 5,600 of the most vulnerable people  including more than 1,300 children and upwards of 400 pregnant and breastfeeding women  to safer areas.

** Sudan

On Monday at 11 a.m., the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Toby Harward, will brief you on his recent visit to Darfur.

Mr. Harward will be speaking to you from Chad's capital, N'Djamena.

He was in West and Central Darfur for about two weeks, where he heard from civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict and the aid workers on the ground working to provide food, water and health care to those in need.

As we mentioned earlier this week, the food security situation in Sudan continues to worsen  and the rainy season is making it even more difficult to move humanitarian supplies, including across the border into Darfur from Chad.

** Chad

And speaking of Chad, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs say the country is grappling with an array of challenges that are driving humanitarian needs. These include the arrival of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Sudan. They account for about half of the 1.3 million refugees now living in Chad.

Ongoing violence in other parts of the country also continues to cause deaths and displacement. The country is also facing food insecurity, with malnutrition rates at a nine-year high.

While we welcome recent steps to scale up support to Chad  including $15 million provided by the Central Emergency Response Fund that we told you about earlier this month  additional resources are urgently required. More than halfway into 2024, the Humanitarian Response Plan for Chad is just [23] per cent funded  leaving millions of people without the assistance they need.

** Korean Peninsula

I've been asked about the seventy-first anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement.

I can tell you that, amidst heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the Secretary-General reiterates the need to de-escalate tensions and for a surge in diplomacy to create an environment that is conducive to dialogue. Diplomatic engagement is the only pathway to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

** Financing for Development

This week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, finance and foreign ministers met at the First Preparatory Committee meeting of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. They have called for action to reform the international financial architecture.

In a video message, the Secretary-General highlighted the limited prospects of financing the Sustainable Development Goals due to high debt burdens and capital costs in developing countries. He emphasized that the Conference is a unique opportunity to tackle these challenges and reform an outdated and unfair international financial system.

The SDG financing gap for developing countries has increased to $4 trillion annually due to global shocks over the past four years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts and economic instability. This has exacerbated poverty and inequality and derailed efforts to meet international targets set in 2015.

** World Hepatitis Day

And last, on Sunday, we will mark World Hepatitis Day.

The Day raises awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and cancer.

For those of you who like fun facts: 28 July was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning Brooklyn-born scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg.

He discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for it.

** Questions and Answers

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. Edie?

Question : Thank you, Farhan. And apologies if I missed this. Does the Secretary-General, who is in Paris, have any reaction to the apparent sabotage of numerous rail links?

Deputy Spokesman : Yes, he does. The Secretary-General, as you know, is there and he did express concern about this; although, of course, we still are trying to gather details about what happened exactly. The Secretary-General emphasizes the need for the Olympic Games to proceed smoothly, reflecting the spirit of unity and cooperation that this prestigious event embodies. The Olympic Games symbolize humanity's aspiration for peace and demonstrate what can be achieved when nations come together in a spirit of friendly competition. And that is what we want to focus on.

Question : And on Mr. [Philippe] Lazzarini, when he was here last, he said that he had a visa application pending. Do you know whether that's been approved or denied?

Deputy Spokesman : At this stage, I believe we're in discussions, but I would just refer you to what Muhannad Hadi was saying in the Security Council right now. That both he and Ms. de Meo briefed the Security Council and talked about the problems, the obstacles we've faced, including getting visas for all our personnel. And that needs to be cleared up.

Correspondent : I was listening to that. But that particular issue about a visa was never mentioned.

Deputy Spokesman : Well, there are a number of things that are under discussion. I don't have anything to say about this at this point. Certainly, Mr. Lazzarini, along with the other officials of UNRWA, continue to go about their work. Abdelhamid, and then Dezhi.

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Today there was no briefing from any Secretariat official, not Tor Wennesland, not [Rosemary] DiCarlo in the Security Council. Why is that? Why there was no participation?

Deputy Spokesman : This particular briefing is not the regular briefing on the Middle East. This was specifically requested by a number of delegations, including the current Council President, the Russian Federation, in order specifically to discuss the humanitarian perspectives, including the situation involving UNRWA. And that's what we were focusing on.

Question : My second question on the Olympics. Apartheid South Africa was denied participation in the Olympics. Russia was denied. While Israel, in the midst of all these atrocities they're committing, they are participating. Isn't that flagrant case of hypocrisy and double standard on the part of the Olympic Committee?

Deputy Spokesman : I don't speak for the International Olympic Committee. You'd have to ask them. Dezhi?

Question : Yes. Three questions. First, a follow-up on the presser, with yesterday, SG's presser. He obviously touched a little bit on the Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's speech in the Congress. What I want to ask is actually, despite all those things he mentioned, he mentioned Iran's useful idiots. He mentioned that the lowest ratio of civilian deaths is in Rafah. What he didn't mention is actually the ceasefire deal. Does the UN feel that there is still a chance to have that deal get done, like in a very short time? Because we heard this again and again  that it's only a little gap now. It's almost done, but it's never done.

Deputy Spokesman : Obviously, we as diplomats are used to the idea that things can be close to completion and yet tantalizingly far away. This happens over and over again. For us, the important point is to close the remaining gaps and get to a ceasefire deal. It's very important, and we will support all efforts to get a ceasefire agreement.

Question : So, my second question then, how far can we get the OIOS investigation closed?

Deputy Spokesman : It is proceeding. Whenever we have an update to give to you, we'll give that. [He later said it is nearing finalization.]

Question : Do you have a schedule? I mean, it lasted like already six months, I think. There are two visits to Israel, as I understand, right?

Deputy Spokesman : You have to remember that this involves getting information in an area that continues to be at war. So, there's been some difficulties, but they are proceeding with their investigation.

Question : Okay, last question. Today it's been reported that the former Israeli intelligence and security official told Israeli Channel 14 that, I quote, "According to the information I received from the delegation and what I know, Netanyahu has received full legitimacy in the United States to wage a war in Lebanon." Has the Secretary-General seen this and what does he have to say on the situation between Lebanon and Israel?

Deputy Spokesman : You're well aware of what we've been saying about this. The Secretary-General has been very clear that any escalation of the situation along the Blue Line would be a catastrophe for the region. And we are working with all parties, including through the efforts of Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, our Special Coordinator, as well as the efforts of UNIFIL and its Force Commander, to make sure that the situation on the ground is de-escalated.

Question : But has the UN contacted with the United States on this situation?

Deputy Spokesman : We are in touch with a number of parties. Yes, Dennis?

Question : Earlier today, China's Ambassador, during his speech in the Security Council, called for international conference on Palestinian State and realization of two-State solution. What does UN SG think of that, and will UN consider participating in it if it happens?

Deputy Spokesman : We'll have to see whether this is something that is agreed to broadly by the Member States, but we'll continue to follow up and keep in touch. Yes, you first?

Question : Farhan, next Sunday, there are elections in Venezuela. There is a Panel of Experts going there. I know they are not publishing their conclusions. They are just communicating to the Secretary-General. But can we expect that later in the week, if Secretary-General can share with us some of these conclusions, since these are particularly interesting elections this year?

Deputy Spokesman : Well, what I can tell you is that the decision to deploy this panel of electoral experts followed an invitation by the Venezuelan electoral authorities. And what we did is we undertook a needs assessment which determines that there was broad national support for this type of UN electoral assistance. So, a panel of four experts was deployed in early July. They're going to remain in country until a little bit after election day. Unlike UN electoral observer missions, these panels of electoral experts do not issue public statements on the conduct of the electoral process or the results. Instead, the panel will prepare a confidential internal report to the Secretary-General. If we get further information from them that we can share with you, we will do that at that point. And Abdelhamid?

Question : Mustafa Ara, a Hamas leader in jail since October 29, he just died in jail for medical negligence. That brings the number of Palestinians killed due to either torture or medical negligence to 31. Do you have anything to say on that?

Deputy Spokesman : Our basic point is that all people who are detained deserve and need to have their medical rights upheld. And with that, let me go to our guest.

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Gaza: Evacuation orders displace thousands, disrupt aid operations

26 July 2024 - Humanitarians estimate that more than 190,000 Palestinians were displaced this week in Khan Younis and Deir Al-Balah following the latest evacuation orders in Gaza, the UN said on Friday.

Meanwhile, hundreds remain stranded in eastern Khan Younis as fighting continues.

"Once again, we underscore that all parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian objects," said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, speaking in New York.

"This includes allowing civilians to leave for safer areas and allowing their return as soon as circumstances allow. People must be able to receive humanitarian assistance, whether they move or stay."

Humanitarian operations affected

On Monday, the Israeli military ordered people to leave Khan Younis.

The UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said the evacuation directives and intense hostilities have destabilised aid operations and hampered efforts to provide critical relief to civilians.

A dozen distribution points for food and eight for cooked meals were forced to halt their operations this week. Nutrition programmes at two shelters supporting more than 2,800 children and pregnant women were also disrupted.

Additionally, 10 water and sanitation facilities were impacted, including water reservoirs, desalination plants and sewage pumping stations that had to cease operations.

Six education partners in Khan Younis also had to halt their activities, affecting some 20,000 children who had been benefiting from mental health and recreational activities and roughly 1,500 others in 10 temporary learning spaces.

Medical deployments halted

Furthermore, efforts to deploy additional medical teams to Gaza have also been hampered due to ongoing insecurity and the designation of only one access point for the entry and exit of humanitarian staff, the Kerem Shalom crossing.

OCHA noted that none of the 36 hospitals in Gaza is functioning. Although 16 are partially functioning, some are only providing minimal healthcare services.

The UN agency added that efforts to collect and distribute humanitarian supplies entering Gaza continue to be hampered due to access restrictions, ongoing hostilities, infrastructure damage and a lack of public order and safety.

Following the start of the Israeli operation in Rafah in early May, the volume of aid that could be retrieved from crossing points has decreased by 56 per cent since April.

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World News in Brief: Historic Palestine monastery on World Heritage in Danger List, rights office condemnation as Ghana upholds anti-gay law, free jailed Russian activist

26 July 2024 - The World Heritage Committee of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Friday that the Monastery of Saint Hilarion/Tell Umm Amer in Palestine has been added to its list of global heritage sites and another for sites in danger.

"This decision recognizes both the site's value and the need to protect it from danger," the agency said , noting the threats posed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The monastery dates back to the fourth century and is one of the oldest sites in the Middle East. It was founded by Saint Hilarion and was home to the first monastic community in the Holy Land.

Situated at the crossroads of the main routes of trade and exchange between Asia and Africa, it was a centre for religious, cultural and economic exchanges, illustrating the prosperity of desert monastic sites in the Byzantine period.

UNESCO recalled that in accordance with the terms of the World Heritage Convention, its 195 States Parties must avoid taking any deliberate measures likely to cause direct or indirect damage to this site and to assist in its protection.

The listing was decided through an emergency inscription procedure provided for in the Convention, UNESCO added.

UN rights office condemns Ghana's choice to uphold anti-LGBTQ+ law

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Friday denounced the recent Supreme Court ruling in Ghana that upholds the country's Criminal Offences Act, which criminalises consensual same-sex relations.

According to reports, the Court on Wednesday rejected a case contesting the statute and upheld the possibility of three years in prison for violators.

The country is reportedly awaiting a new court ruling that might include heavier punishments under a new law.

OHCHR Spokesperson Liz Throssell said, "The Court's ruling on 24 July is especially concerning given reports of a recent spike in violence against LGBTQ+ people in Ghana."

'Anti-gay bill'

Ms. Throssell highlighted the legal challenges posed by the recent Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Billa bill that would further criminalise members and allies of the LGBTIQ+ communitywhich was passed by Parliament in February but has not yet received presidential assent.

She noted that this bill is harmful as it legitimises prejudice and exposes members of this community to violence and other forms of discrimination.

"It expands discriminatory criminal sanctions against LGBTQ+ people and it also criminalizes the work of human rights defenders, medical professionals, teachers, landlords, journalists, and media workers," she said.

Ms. Throssell urged the Ghanaian Government to adhere to international human rights standards and to "ensure that all people living in Ghana, without exception, are able to live free from violence, stigma and discrimination."

Russia urged to release activist detained for posting Facebook logo online

Russia must immediately release human rights defender Alexey Sokolov, who was detained for posting the Facebook logo online, two experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council said on Friday.

In March, a Moscow court banned Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, from operating in Russia for its "extremist activities" and allowing "fake news" about the Russian army in Ukraine on its channels.

Mr. Sokolov was arrested on 5 July on accusations of "repeated demonstration of extremist symbols" for displaying the Facebook logo on the website and Telegram channel of the non-governmental organization (NGO) that he heads.

Mariana Katzarova, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, and Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, called for his immediate and unconditional release, and for the charges to be dropped.

"The arbitrary arrest and detention of Alexey Sokolov is another example of the severe clampdown on freedom of opinion and expression in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022," they said.

"This crackdown is targeting activities of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, independent media and dissenting voices in Russia with the aim of silencing human rights advocacy and anti-war expression."

Special Rapporteurs and other independent experts are mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to report and advise on specific country situations or thematic issues.

They are not UN staff, serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.

Historic monastery in Palestine inscribed on List of World Heritage in Danger

Also on Friday,

It further noted that inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger enables enhanced international technical and financial assistance mechanisms to guarantee the protection of the property and, if necessary, to help facilitate its rehabilitation.

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Briefing to the United Nations Security Council by UNRWA Deputy Commissioner General, Ms. Antonia De Meo

UNRWA

26 Jul 2024

AS DELIVERED BY MS. ANTONIA DE MEO, UNRWA DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GENERAL FOR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

MR. PRESIDENT, EXCELLENCIES,

Thank you for giving UNRWA this opportunity to brief the Security Council at this pivotal time.

UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza, but it is facing enormous challenges. Gaza is in ruins, [and] the threat of a larger regional war looms. At the same time, the Agency is under unprecedent attack, including imminent threat of being expelled from occupied East Jerusalem and being designated a terrorist organization by the Israeli parliament. Our operating space in the occupied Palestinian territory is shrinking by the day.

These developments demand the urgent attention - and action - of this Council.

Mr. President,

For nearly 10 months now, Palestinians and Israelis have lived through untold suffering, grief, sorrow, and loss. More than 2 million people in Gaza remain trapped in an endless nightmare of death and destruction on a staggering scale.

Their lives are dominated by fear, thirst, hunger, disease, dehumanization, lack of basic sanitation, and repeated displacement. It's a relentless and often hourly struggle, day in and day out. Famine remains a risk, including in southern Gaza. Communicable diseases are on the rise.

Children are bearing the brunt, with 625,000 deeply traumatized children out of school. Prior to October 7th, half of them attended UNRWA schools. With this war coming so soon after the COVID-19 pandemic, we risk depriving an entire generation of girls and boys of formal education - sowing the seeds of hatred, resentment, and future conflict.

Education cannot wait. That is why, even amidst the enormous challenges of war, we are committed, together with our UN partners, to resume learning for all the children of Gaza. It starts next week with providing mental health and psychosocial support; transitions to teaching reading, writing and math in informal settings; and culminates in a return to formal education in schools.

Members of the Council,

The Security Council has already adopted several resolutions aimed at ending this war through a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the scaling up of humanitarian aid. UNRWA has thousands of staff on the ground, spearheading the humanitarian operation in close cooperation with other UN agencies. We have welcomed the adoption of these resolutions in New York. But in Gaza, we have seen woefully little impact. Instead, the fighting continues without reprieve, and the suffering continues to mount.

As my colleague, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Muhannad Hadi, will describe in greater detail, delivering humanitarian aid remains an impossible task amidst military operations, insecurity, lawlessness, damaged and destroyed infrastructure, fuel shortages, and access and telecommunications restrictions.

In Gaza, the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law is now commonplace. Women, children, journalists, humanitarian workers - all continue to pay a tragically high price. UNRWA is no exception. 199 colleagues have now been killed, the vast majority with their families. Nearly two-thirds of the Agency's premises - some 190 buildings - have been hit, some twice. Many of our schools are demolished and can no longer be used as schools. In the past two weeks alone, 8 UNRWA schools, all serving as shelters for displaced people, have been struck. Our headquarters offices in Gaza are destroyed beyond recognition. More than 560 displaced people, including many women and children, have been killed while sheltering under the UN flag. And just this week, two UN convoys heading north were shot at, despite coordination, deconfliction, and authorization from the Israeli Army.

Humanitarian workers must never be targets of war. They must be protected at all times and in all locations. But in Gaza, too often they have come under attack, been injured, and even killed. We have said it many times before, and I repeat it again: No place is safe in Gaza. No one is safe, including humanitarian aid workers.

Members of the Council,

Concerted efforts to dismantle UNRWA continue unabated. As I speak today, many UN staff, as well as staff of NGOs, have been refused visas to enter Israel. The visa of the UNRWA Commissioner-General expired more than a month ago and has not yet been renewed. And for UN staff who have been granted visas, most are only two or three months long, requiring repeated and lengthy bureaucratic processes.

Misinformation and disinformation about UNRWA is spreading on social media, at times crossing the line of incitement to violence. This puts all our colleagues at serious risk, especially in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Earlier this week, on July 22nd, Israel's parliament approved in first reading three draft legislative bills related to UNRWA: one seeking to ban UNRWA operations in occupied East Jerusalem; a second seeking to revoke UN privileges and immunities afforded to UNRWA since 1949; and a third designating UNRWA a terrorist organization. To become law, these draft bills must still pass through second and third readings by the Knesset.

These bills make a travesty of the multilateral responsibilities of Member States. They erode the very foundations of international law and multilateral norms. If these bills pass - which could happen as early as next week - the ramifications will be dire and immediate: They will put all UNRWA staff and the Agency's General Assembly mandate in direct danger. And while UNRWA will face the impacts today, make no mistake: the entire UN system around the world will feel the impacts tomorrow. We cannot afford this to become a new standard for future humanitarian operations in conflict zones across the world.

Mr. President,

The campaign against UNRWA is often framed by detractors as motivated by the Agency's alleged failure to uphold the humanitarian principle of neutrality. Following serious allegations that several UNRWA personnel in Gaza were involved in the abhorrent attacks against Israel on October 7th, the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) opened an investigation, and the Secretary-General launched an Independent Review of how UNRWA upholds neutrality in its work. The OIOS investigation into the allegations against these individuals is ongoing. If any of these allegations is proven to be true, this would constitute an appalling betrayal of Palestine Refugees, UNRWA, and UN values.

Meanwhile, the Independent Review published its findings in April. It confirmed that UNRWA - and I quote - "possesses a more developed approach to neutrality than other similar UN or NGO entities". The Review further emphasized that protecting neutrality is a shared responsibility between the United Nations and Member States, especially Member States where UN entities are based, including Israel. UNRWA is fully committed to implementing the Review's recommendations together with Member States in this spirit of shared responsibility. And to this end, we thank the members of this Council for signing the statement on "shared commitments to UNRWA".

Together we must push back against calls to dismantle the Agency. UNRWA is targeted because of its role in safeguarding the rights of Palestine Refugees, and because it embodies the international community's commitment to a just and lasting political solution. UNRWA exists because a political solution does not. It exists because a Palestinian State that can deliver public services in its place does not.

Mr. President,

To reopen the pathway to peace, we need the support of this Council. Please allow me to conclude with three asks urging you:

First, to persist in your efforts to secure a ceasefire. This should bring desperately needed respite to the people of Gaza and the region, the immediate release of all hostages, and an increase in the flow of humanitarian supplies and commercial goods into Gaza.

Second, to protect the mandate of UNRWA including within the framework of a transition. UNRWA must continue providing services until a political solution is at hand. There is no credible alternative to UNRWA in Gaza and across the region. We need political and financial support now more than ever to continue our vital task of serving one of the most vulnerable communities in the world. And we hope that this Council will speak out in one voice against attacks - legislative or otherwise - on the Agency.

Third and finally, to advance a peaceful solution to this seven-decade long conflict. The longer the war in Gaza persists, the further we drift from achieving a peaceful solution that would bring Palestinians and Israelis together, recognize our shared humanity, heal, and learn to live side by side in peace and security. This solution must also - at long last - bring an end to the plight of Palestine Refugees.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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DAF senior leaders reinforce importance of allies, partners

Published July 26, 2024

By Staff Sgt. Emmeline James

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Department of the Air Force leaders reinforced the importance of allies and partners during their recent trip to the United Kingdom July 17-23.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin reemphasized the importance of interoperability in the air and space domains during engagements at the Global Air and Space Chiefs' Conference, Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough International Air Show.

Throughout the trip, Kendall, Saltzman and Allvin participated in more than a dozen bilateral and multilateral engagements to deepen and expand relationships with allies and partners from Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.

"Integration starts with us," Allvin penned in a primer submitted to GASCC for publication. "Common values like respect for sovereignty, liberty, and the rule of law form the foundation of our relationships. These relationships translate into strategic real-time intelligence sharing and culminate in integrated battlespace activities."

Kendall met with a range of U.K. defense and military officials, including the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle, and Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton. Additionally, he met with the new chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, to discuss the recent Department of the Air Force reoptimization for Great Power Competition initiative and reaffirm bilateral strategic alignment, and Royal Netherlands Navy Vice Adm. Jan Willem Hartman, Materiel and IT Command commander, to explore opportunities to deepen collaboration.

A key aspect Kendall highlighted throughout each of his engagements was the need for the Department of the Air Force to intentionally and efficiently drive modernization efforts to contend with challenging strategic competitors.

"We're in a situation today where it's really important for the Department of the Air Force to modernize as effectively and quickly as we can," Kendall said during his keynote address at the Farnborough International Air Show. "We need to make good choices, partner closely with our allies, and develop and field cutting-edge capabilities together."

Among Allvin's engagements were meetings with the Royal Australian Air Force Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura. These discussions focused on the importance of the trilateral strategic relationship and reassuring the strength of shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Allvin also met with counterparts from Finland, Sweden, and Norway to discuss the regional security environment and support to NATO's deterrence and defense mission.

Additionally, Allvin, Saltzman and Knighton signed a shared vision statement at the Global Air and Space Chiefs' Conference. This statement underscores the focus on collaboration with the RAF across three lines of effort: operational harmonization, capability integration, and system resilience.

"Among great powers, space is the linchpin," Saltzman said. "We're part of a growing group of allies and partners that enhance our collective security through resiliency, redundancy and interoperability. Collaboration between the U.S. and the U.K. is essential to maintaining our combined force's competitive advantage across all domains."

Allvin emphasized collaboration is key to success in addressing rapidly evolving threats.

"No nation can successfully confront today's dynamic security environment alone," Allvin said. "By increasing our integration with the Royal Air Force, we are enhancing our collective ability to address the threats we face. We will continue to invest in partnerships like this to build enduring advantages while simultaneously strengthening deterrence."

Part of Saltzman's engagements included meeting with U.K. Royal Air Force Air and Space Commander Air Marshal Allan Marshall and Australian Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Novak, Australian Defence Space Command commander, to discuss the ongoing AUKUS security partnership. He also met with British Army Maj. Gen. Paul Tedman, U.K. Space Command commander, discussing U.K. space power priorities and U.S. Space Force efforts to reoptimize for GPC.

"This theory's viability rests on our ability to build a coalition to uphold and strengthen a rules-based international order for space," Saltzman wrote about the U.S. Space Force's theory of success in an article for the GASCC publication. "Given the inherently global nature of space activities and the interconnectedness of space systems, collaboration among space-faring nations is indispensable for enhancing space situational awareness, promoting responsible behavior, and establishing norms of behavior in space."

During keynote remarks at GASCC, Saltzman also advocated for a shift in perspective regarding the current military deterrence model in a time where aggressors are developing new methods, asymmetric, and hybrid warfare to try and erode the established international order - including the space domain. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of effective deterrence.

"I believe Integrated Deterrence is a valuable and worthy approach in the U.S.'s National Defense Strategy," Saltzman said. "Our NDS describes it as a weaving together of capabilities and concepts with those of our international and interagency partners to dissuade aggression."

To do this effectively, Saltzman said, "I propose we design our forces and orchestrate our activities around military functions like 'protect' and 'defend,' which we can more tangibly pursue, rather than 'deterrence,' which is a more nebulous and complex concept."

Together with NATO allies and European partners, the U.S. continues to transform and modernize its military forces to enable alliance and coalition operations and improve speed, posture, transparency and alignment across all domains - air, sea, land, cyber and space.

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AI-powered agile talent identification systems support joint force

Published July 26, 2024

By Devon Bistarkey

Defense Innovation Unit

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The launch of an artificial intelligence-powered platform for uncovering and matching talent across the joint force is an important step in tackling what Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., has described as the current "war for talent."

Combining the eagle from the Defense Department's iconic heraldry with the term for a short-term work opportunity, the GigEagle platform is one of the Defense Innovation Unit's transformational projects. It works to match members of the Reserve and National Guard with gigs based on their full set of skills, including in-demand talents gained from civilian careers. The gigs range from four hours to 90 days across DoD.

Brig. Gen. Michael T. McGinley, GigEagle's program lead, draws parallels from the platform's inception to the successful model of rideshare companies that match supply and demand in real time.

"The idea is that across the department, programs have real-time needs for specific support and skills, and by mapping the expertise across the Reserve and Guard force, who have in-demand expertise outside of their military occupational specialty, we are able to connect them in an easy-to-use environment," McGinley said.

Today, the model for real-time talent matching has been proven, and it's transforming the way one military member is serving.

Maj. Kaitlin Zimmerman created her GigEagle profile and was matched with a project listed by the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to support an on-base Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center initiative. While her military job is a program manager in the Space System Command's reserve strike team, she was tapped for her civilian career skills as a principal data scientist at Amazon Web Services to help predict MWR program office staffing levels.

"They needed a pretty straightforward machine learning model, and I was able to build a model that predicted the staffing needs with close to 87% accuracy," Zimmerman said.

The MWR office provided a dataset with information that included the number of people on-base, different events and training courses, which Zimmerman was able to use as proof of the possible.

"The training dataset was relatively small, so I'd categorize this as a prototype  nothing ready for production, but it did show that it could be done," Zimmerman said.

Showcasing what is possible for the future of defense work is precisely what platform users are demonstrating. With a focus across the services to find ways to drive modernization and recruit and develop top talent, the platform represents a joint capability gap solution.

"Throughout the U.S. Army and other services, there is an unprecedented focus on innovation and modernization which is forcing the department to leverage skillsets not typically developed within traditional military occupational specialties or branches," said Army Maj. Craig Robbins, chief talent management officer at the 75th Innovation Command.

Leveraging soldier skills and experience  especially those gained through the private sector  in AI, robotics, software development, data analytics and medical technologies represent just a few areas critical for the future force.

"These are skills we know we have in our ranks, but [we] cannot access them in real time because we lack the tools to identify them across the force," Robbins said.

The demand for talent matching is not new. Several years ago, the 75th Innovation Command prototyped a tool, which has since been retired, that matched talent with missions and assignments. Building on this demand, GigEagle brings those capabilities to the next level using AI and machine learning to understand the totality of soldiers' talents and how they align with problem sets in real time.

"I see GigEagle as the next step forward in achieving what we've been able to achieve in the 75th Innovation Command, but at scale across the Army and DoD," Robbins said.

Early adopters of the platform include DIU's own Joint Reserve Detachment, Space Force Space Systems Command, Marine Innovation Unit and AFWERX.

During a March technology demonstration at the South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas, Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Daniel Hokanson, experienced the GigEagle platform.

"We're happy to have seen the GigEagle platform in action, a new joint talent marketplace that could be a game changer for the National Guard Bureau by unlocking the incredible skills resident in our Guard force."

Most recently, GigEagle prevailed as a top contender in DoD's inaugural Talent Management: From the Ground Up Innovation Challenge hosted by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. The goal was to meet the challenges of talent management by asking employees across the department for their best talent management ideas.

Of the 200 submissions received, nine, including GigEagle, were selected after employees presented their ideas in a final round of the competition in April. They will work with various policy offices inside DoD to collaborate on how best to implement their ideas.

Initially focused on National Guard and Reserve talent, the platform has enterprise-wide use case potential to include supporting the active-duty component, civilian service matching, and even military spouses.

To learn more about how this platform can transform the way service members can apply their skills or how your organization can find and engage in-demand talent to help solve problems, visit www.gigeagle.mil.

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U.S. Navy to Christen Guided-Missile Destroyer Future USS Patrick Gallagher

US Navy

26 July 2024

The Navy will christen the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), during an 11:00 EST ceremony Saturday, July 27, in Bath, Maine.

The Honorable Sean Fleming, Ireland's Minister of State for the Department of Foreign Affairs (International Development and Diaspora), will deliver the principal address. Remarks will also be provided by the Honorable Susan Collins, U.S. Senator, Maine; Gen. Christopher Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps; the Honorable Sean Coffey, General Counsel of the Navy; Vice Adm. Darse E. "Del" Crandall, Jr., Judge Advocate General of the Navy; and Charles F. Krugh, President of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. In a time-honored Navy tradition, the ship's sponsors and sisters of the ship's namesake, Teresa Gallagher Keegan, Rosemarie Gallagher, and Pauline Gallagher, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.

The ship's namesake, Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, immigrated to the United States from Ireland and joined the United States Marine Corps. He received the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War when he managed to jump on and throw an enemy grenade into a river to save his fellow Marines. He was killed in action just one year later.

"It is my deepest honor to announce that the Fleet's newest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer will be named after Cpl. Patrick Gallagher. His keen instinct, bravery, and selflessness in the face of danger are testaments to his character and the true character of so many who choose to serve our Nation," said Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro. "As part of the world's most versatile Navy, I'm certain the crew of USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127) will uphold their namesake's legacy as they defend America's national interests and promote peace around the world."

This is the first Navy ship to honor Cpl. Gallagher.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy's surface fleet, providing protection to America around the globe. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct various operations, from peacetime presence to national security, providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface domains. These elements of seapower enable the Navy to defend American prosperity and prevent future conflict abroad.

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CNO Visits Indo-Pacific for Second Time, Strengthens Regional Ties

US Navy - Press Release

26 July 2024

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti visited Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM); Perth, Australia; and Manila, Philippines, to meet with partner navies, government and military leaders, and attend the 2024 Indian Ocean Defense & Security (IODS) Conference, July 21-26.

The international trip began in Pohnpei, FSM where CNO held an all hands call with Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 and Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 13, and thanked them for their hard work and commitment to the region.

"Thank you for serving on the Navy-Marine Corps team in a very strategic location and so far from home. The work that you're doing here is vitally important to our Nation," said Franchetti. "We're never going to do anything alone. We are always going to operate with Allies and partners, and each of you are ambassadors and diplomats for the United States. Your presence and your efforts send a message of deterrence to our adversaries and a message of reassurance to our Allies and partners."

While in Pohnpei CNO visited the Nan Madol cultural heritage site, held meetings with Ambassador Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to FSM and Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, as well as with FSM Vice President Aren Palik and FSM Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs Lorin Robert.

Franchetti then flew with Johnson and Palik to Chuuk, FSM and met with Hon. Mekioshy William, Lt. Gov. of Chuuk. During these engagements, Franchetti emphasized how the U.S. and FSM's shared commitment to their longstanding defense and security ties, underpinned by the Compact of Free Association, support freedom, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

"It's an honor to be here at such a historic time in the relationship between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia," said Franchetti. "We have a longstanding partnership, and the renewal of the Compact of Free Association provides many opportunities for economic prosperity and security for both our countries. It will help advance our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Franchetti then traveled to Perth, Australia to visit HMAS Stirling, which will play a role in Australia's future fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines as home to Submarine Rotational Force - West, and hold the first-ever trilateral meeting of the AUKUS Chiefs of Navy. Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond, Royal Navy First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Sir Ben Key, and Franchetti communicated their shared commitment to the historic agreement.

"AUKUS is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring together the exceptional capabilities of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. We will continue to build on our relationship, strengths, and interoperability, while at the same time uplifting the industrial bases of our three countries," said Franchetti. "We will bring to bear the innovative spirit of our three nations while significantly bolstering our posture in the Indo-Pacific, contributing to security and stability, and maintaining the rules-based international order in this critical region and around the globe."

The three Heads of Navy also spoke on two panels at the IODS conference where they discussed AUKUS and Security in the Indian Ocean and Naval Cooperation and Security in the Indo-Pacific.

"The Indian Ocean is a critical waterway for the free flow of resources, trade, and commerce all around the globe," Franchetti said. "It's important that we work together as Allies and partners to promote the rules-based international order that has supported freedom of navigation - in all oceans - and our collective prosperity for the last three quarters of a century."

While at the conference, CNO conducted bi-lateral engagements with her counterpart in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Adm. Akira Saito, as well as her counterpart in the Republic of Singapore Navy, Rear Adm. Sean Wat.

Following her engagements in Australia, CNO traveled to Manila, Philippines, where she met with Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and her U.S. Embassy Manila country team as well as Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., and Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. While there Franchetti expressed steadfast U.S. support for the Philippines.

"The U.S. commitment to the Philippines is ironclad and our Maritime Cooperative Activities are a testament to the strength and importance of our relationship," said Franchetti. "I look forward to building on the success of exercises Balikatan and Sama Sama to increase our interoperability and accelerate our capability to support our shared interests in this critical region."

This was Franchetti's first trip to FSM, Australia, and the Philippines as Chief of Naval Operations and her second trip to the Indo-Pacific to communicate the strategic importance of this region to the globe.

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Harris urges Netanyahu to end war; Trump says he'll resolve it if elected

By Patsy Widakuswara July 26, 2024

Likely U.S. election rivals Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offered competing views on Israel's conduct in its war in Gaza, as they separately met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week.

While reiterating support for Israel's right to self-defense "from Iran and Iran-backed militias," and condemning Hamas as a "brutal terrorist organization," Harris delivered a forceful call to immediately reach a cease-fire.

"As I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done," Harris said Thursday during remarks that followed a photo opportunity with Netanyahu where she appeared polite but firm and businesslike.

Reiterating her commitment to a two-state solution, Harris projected an empathetic tone on "the scale of human suffering" of the Palestinian people.

"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.

"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 vowed.

In an apparent nod to the large swath of Democratic voters who are angry at the Biden administration's staunch support for Israel's military campaign, Harris said, "I see you and I hear you," while appealing to the American people to "acknowledge the complexity, the nuance and the history of the region."

Her grave and measured remarks stand in stark contrast to ad-libbed comments from Trump, who blamed the Biden administration for the turmoil in the Middle East and baselessly claimed that he would quickly resolve the Gaza conflict if elected.

"If we win, it'll be very simple. It's all going to work out and very quickly," Trump told reporters gathered at his Florida residence Friday as he began his meeting with Netanyahu.

"If we don't, you're going to end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war. You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the Second World War," he said. "You've never been so close, because we have incompetent people running our country."

Saying that he was "very good to Israel, better than any president's ever been," Trump highlighted pro-Israel policies during his first term, including brokering the Abraham Accords that normalized Israel's diplomatic ties with some Arab neighbors, moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights.

Trump soured on Netanyahu in January 2021 after the Israeli leader congratulated Biden for winning the 2020 election, which the former president falsely insists he won. He has since repeatedly criticized Netanyahu publicly over the Gaza war.

On Friday, the two appeared to have mended their relationship, with Trump forcefully pulling the Israeli leader's arm to hold his body close as he shook his hand.

Eager for cease-fire

Both Harris and Trump are eager for a cease-fire and impatient with Netanyahu's prosecution of the war, but for sharply different reasons.

"Harris wants Netanyahu to prioritize the humanitarian crisis and minimize civilian casualties. Trump wants Israel to win decisively  and quickly before he takes office," said Laura Blumenfeld, Middle East analyst at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies.

Harris sees it as a "moral issue," she told VOA, while Trump views it as a "mess."

Eager to win back progressive and young voters, as well as Muslim and Arab American voters angry at the Biden administration's policy on Gaza, Harris may strive for a more balanced approach.

"Harris's approach to Gaza would embrace the gray 'complexity' of the Middle East, in contrast with Biden's, which was characterized by a bright clarity that at times could be interpreted as blinding," Blumenfeld said. Their approaches may differ more in style than in substance, but "managing emotions among the traumatized parties in the Middle East can make or break a peace agreement."

Polls show more Americans opposing than supporting Israel's military action in Gaza, particularly Democrats. In the more than 290 days since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed roughly 1,200 Israelis, Israel's military response has killed more than 39,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health authority. In May, Israel estimated the toll at 30,000.

Still, whoever wins the November election, a new administration in Washington could bring some shift in U.S.-Israel relations, whether or not Netanyahu stays in power, said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. negotiator for the Middle East who is now with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Whoever is prime minister is going to have to deal with, on one hand perhaps a more critical Democratic approach under Kamala Harris, and an unpredictable one under President Trump," he told VOA.

While a second Trump administration would be "definitely supportive" of Israel, Miller said the notoriously transactional Trump "instrumentalizes his relations."

"When people are useful to him, he praises them, and when they're not, he can easily abandon them," he said. "He's very, very unpredictable."

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Australia sanctions West Bank settlers

By Phil Mercer July 26, 2024

Australia Thursday imposed restrictions on seven Israeli settlers, with the government claiming they had been involved in violence against Palestinians.

One of them, Yinon Levi, a farmer, was sanctioned earlier this year by the United States, and is barred from accessing all U.S. assets, property and the American financial system. The U.S. accused him of inciting violence against Palestinians and setting fire to farmland, allegations he has denied, insisting he had broken no laws.

Australia also sanctioned the Israeli religious group Hilltop Youth, which is dedicated to establishing settler outposts throughout the West Bank.

The move follows an International Court of Justice opinion that Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory were illegal under international law. Israel dismissed the court's finding as "blatantly one-sided" and not legally binding.

Palestinians say violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers is aimed at expanding Israeli control over large areas of the West Bank and undermines efforts to set up a Palestinian state.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said those sanctioned had been involved in grave violence against Palestinians, including alleged sexual assault and torture.

Wong told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Thursday that the restrictions are a response to aggression by settlers and Hilltop Youth.

"The people sanctioned today have been involved in violent attacks on Palestinians and the entity [Hilltop Youth] has incited and perpetrated violence and these sanctions have been taken after careful consideration and are in line with actions taken by others in recent months," she said

The Israel Embassy in Canberra condemned violent acts against Palestinian communities and said in a statement Thursday that "Israel ... will work to bring the extreme minority involved to justice."

Australia's sanctions follow similar measures by the United States, Britain, Canada and Japan.

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US sanctions DRC rebel groups for violence, human rights abuses

By Mohammed Yusuf July 26, 2024

The U.S. government has sanctioned three rebel leaders accused of fomenting political instability, conflicts and civilian displacement in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control on Thursday imposed sanctions on Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, a rebel group accused of seeking to overthrow the government and driving political instability in the DRC. Nangaa was previously targeted with sanctions in 2019.

Washington also sanctioned Bertrand Bisimwa, the leader of the March 23 movement rebel group, for destabilization and human rights violations. Charles Sematama, deputy military leader of another rebel group, Twirwaneho, was also sanctioned.

'They are standing with them'

Great Lakes region political researcher and analyst Ntanyoma Rukumbuzi said the United States is trying to show it cares about the DRC and wants to punish those who want to create instability in the central African nation.

"The U.S. wants to convince the Congolese, the general audience, that they are standing with them and paying attention to what is happening in the DRC," said Rukumbuzi. "They can still do something to push or force the rebel groups to stop fighting. As you can see, some of these sanctions seem to disregard and overlook the entire complexity of the violence in eastern DRC."

In a statement, the U.S. government said the action it is taking reinforces its commitment to hold accountable those who seek to perpetuate instability, violence and harm to civilians to achieve their political goals.

The M23 as a group is also under U.S. sanctions. For several years, it has been fighting the Congolese army and other rebel groups in the east of the country. According to United Nations estimates, more than 7.2 million Congolese are displaced due to conflicts.

Oliver Baniboneba, a Congolese refugee living in Uganda, said U.S. sanctions won't end the suffering of the Congolese.

There is a country with money that is supporting Nangaa, said Baniboneba. "It will continue to fund him, and the killing goes on," he said.

High hopes for sanctions

The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim denied by Kigali. Rukumbuzi also said the sanctions won't stop the operations of the rebel groups.

"They have been fighting for several reasons," said Rukumbuzi. "There are different individuals and groups who have something to fight for. It may disturb them and try to understand and possibly try to dispatch roles to different individuals, but this won't stop the rebels from fighting."

The U.S. hopes the sanctions against the leaders and groups will change their violent ways and persuade them to find a peaceful means to address their grievances instead of killing and displacing innocent people from their homes.

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Central African Republic opposition threatens to disrupt local elections

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka July 26, 2024

The Central African Republic's main opposition leader, Anicet Georges Dologuele, says he will disrupt the country's first local elections in 36 years if the 2023 constitution and electoral laws that he says favor President Faustin-Archange Touadera's party are not immediately revised. Rebel groups are also threatening to disrupt the polls, which the government insists will be transparent and will help restore peace and stability to the troubled state.

Anicet Georges Dologuele says Central African Republic leaders are not showing any signs they want to organize free and fair elections to end a wave of fighting that has engulfed the central African state for more than a decade.

The leader of the Union for Central African Republic Renewal party, or URCA, spoke in the capital, Bangui, on Thursday during a press conference to mark his party's 10th anniversary.

Dologuele, a former prime minister, said his party will not take part in the October 2024 local elections, which he accused CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera of preparing to rig to favor his party, the United Hearts Movement, or MCU.

He says it is undemocratic and unethical for President Touadera to single-handedly appoint six of the eleven members of the country's elections management body, the National Elections Authority, or ANE. Dologuele says the ANE cannot be seen as credible and transparent when a majority of its members are either loyalist or sympathize with Touadera.

The URCA party also protests rules that bar people with double nationality from running for office. That would ban Dologuele himself, who reportedly has citizenship in another, unidentified country.

Dologuele says Toudera ordered his government to bar CAR civilians who have acquired double nationality in other countries because he knows a lot of politicians who fled from the CAR who are very popular and can beat Touadera and his party in all elections.

Dologuele said if constitutional reforms are not carried out and if the ANE is not made an independent elections management body, his party will disrupt the October local elections, though he did not say how.

However, CAR government spokesperson Maxime Balalou told state TV on Friday that the elections will go forward.

Balalou says President Touadera has instructed his government to ignore opposition threats and continue educating people that the October 2024 local elections will mark a return to democracy and governance and civilians will be able to participate in local development. He says the elections are part of several requests made by the people of the Central African Republic during the National Reconciliation Dialogue that was held in March 2022.

Balalou said the CAR government will not accept calls to change a constitution backed by 95% of voters in a June 2023 referendum.

In that referendum, voters also approved scrapping the constitution's two-term limit for presidents and extended the length of a president's term from five to seven years.

Opposition parties say the 67-year-old president is preparing to hold on to power for many years to come.

Over 2,000 seats in 180 local councils will be at stake in the October polls. The elected councilors will then elect mayors for each of the 180 districts.

Security remains fragile as the elections draw near, as rebels and armed groups loot communities for survival, raping women and girls and creating chaos in towns and villages across the country, according to opposition groups.

CAR government officials and the United Nations insist the October elections will help restore democracy and peace to the troubled state.

The central African state descended into violence and chaos in 2013, when rebels forced then-president Francois Bozize from office.

Since then, fighting and chaos has forced close to a million Central Africans to flee to Cameroon, Sudan, and other nearby countries.

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Eswatini seeks to expand Asia ties while navigating tricky China-Taiwan winds

By Nokukhanya Musi July 26, 2024

Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, is the only country left in Africa that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province. Eswatini is nevertheless a growing trade partner with China, which means the country has to be careful as it reaches out to other nations in Asia for new economic opportunities.

Eswatini's recent efforts to build stronger ties with South Korea, Singapore and Bhutan could be interpreted as a move away from China, its biggest trading partner in Asia. The kingdom imported more than $109 million in goods from China in 2022.

But government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo said such a conclusion was presumptive. He argued that diplomacy is a fluid process, driven by a country's interests, and that Eswatini's current focus on developing relations with other Asian nations reflected a strategic assessment of what is best for the kingdom.

"We are establishing diplomatic relations with many countries," Nxumalo said. "Geopolitics is not centered in one position. Geopolitics is controlled and influenced from various corners of the globe. As the kingdom of Eswatini, that's where we want to make our presence available, and that's where we want to make our presence felt, where there's geopolitics activities - whether economical trade or diplomacy or even political processes, we would want to be engaged. ...

"So Eswatini is, therefore, according to our cardinal foreign policy, an enemy to none but a friend to all."

Being friends to all has allowed Eswatini to maintain diplomatic relations with both China and Taiwan, despite efforts by Beijing to persuade Eswatini to cut ties with the self-governing island.

China has threatened various measures against Eswatini but has never carried them out.

Nearly 60% of Eswatini's population lives in poverty, and its economy was hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, which was followed by a wave of protests that ruined or damaged many businesses.

Mavela Sigwane, head of transformation at the Federation of Eswatini Business Community, said the outreach efforts to South Korea, Singapore and Bhutan represent more than diplomacy; they hold the potential for significant economic benefits.

"This Korea agreement which has been signed, we are so excited about it," Sigwane said. "It will open a number of avenues for the local businesses to also tap into the available opportunities in Korea."

The Korea agreement Signwane referred to is a recent South Korean commitment to spend more than $20 billion in development assistance and investment initiatives in Africa.

Eswatini's King Mswati commended South Korea for the commitments and invited South Korean businesses to invest in Eswatini.

Political analyst Sibusiso Nhlabatsi said Eswatini's recent decision to forge economic ties with non-traditional Asian partners illustrated that Eswatini is open to exploring new alliances beyond its historical Western partnerships.

"Swaziland seeks to benefit by positioning itself to be more versatile and a multi-aligned actor in that region of Asia," Nhlabatsi said. "Of course, there are geographical implications to this, because Swaziland's balancing act between China and Taiwan, together with its new partners, just demonstrates that this can be a tiny country but it's still independent on foreign policy causes, rather than automatically deferring to the interests of larger powers."

Analysts said the expanded trade, increased investment opportunities and shared technology expected from the new alliances could diversify Eswatini's economy, reducing dependency on any single market.

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Sri Lanka to hold first presidential election after economic collapse

By Anjana Pasricha July 26, 2024

Sri Lanka will hold its first presidential election since the country sank into a deep economic crisis two years ago. The vote to be held September 21, will be a referendum on the reforms that have helped stabilize the economy but also led to hardship for millions in the island nation.

After the Election Commission announced the polls on Friday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe filed as an independent candidate. He had taken charge in 2022, after widespread protests forced his predecessor, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, to resign.

His rise to the top job had disappointed the protesters, analysts say. "This is an election that people are really looking forward to because it will restore a government with the mandate of the people which was lost two years ago following the popular uprising against the government led by Rajapaksa, who was blamed for massive economic mismanagement and corruption," Jehan Perera, a political analyst in Colombo told VOA.

Wickremesinghe had been elected as president by Parliament, largely with the support of lawmakers from Rajapaksa's party.

Economic issues will dominate the five-week campaign in a country that was ranked as a middle-income nation before it faced virtual bankruptcy and defaulted on its foreign debt.

Wickremesinghe is credited with putting the economy on the path to recovery with the help of a $2.9 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund. The economy is expected to grow 3% this year after shrinking by 7.3% two years ago. The severe shortages of fuel, cooking gas, food and medicines that the country witnessed two years ago have eased and the hourslong daily power cuts have ended.

But austerity measures imposed by his government to rescue the economy have been deeply unpopular. Taxes have been hiked on businesses and professionals and massive subsidies for electricity and other utilities have been slashed.

As a result, millions of ordinary Sri Lankans face plummeting standards of living.

"Prices have risen threefold since 2022, but for a vast majority of people incomes are still the same. While it is true that there are no long lines for food and gas now, that is because people cannot really afford to buy much," Perara said.

An April World Bank report said that poverty rates have continued to rise in the country, with an estimated 25.9% of Sri Lankans living below the poverty line last year.

Opposition parties have been critical of what they call "hard reforms" imposed on the country.

Wickremesinghe's main rival is expected to be Sajith Premadasa, who heads the country's main opposition party. Anura Dissanayake, who leads a leftist party that has gained popularity in the last year, is expected to be another contender for the top job.

"The opposition says it will relieve the austerity measures and will renegotiate part of the IMF program, but it is not yet clear what exactly they are proposing," Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, executive director of the Center for Policy Alternatives in Colombo told VOA. "Polls conducted over the last month suggest that the public mood is also one of disapproval of the reforms."

Saravanamuttu also calls the presidential election critical for democracy - it will be the first vote to be held in the country since the economic collapse triggered political turmoil.

Local elections due to be held last year were postponed indefinitely after the government said it had no money to conduct a nationwide vote.

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Readout of President Biden's Call with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan

July 26, 2024

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. He commended Jordan's extraordinary humanitarian response in Gaza under His Majesty's leadership, which has been critical in addressing the humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza. The President updated King Abdullah on his ongoing efforts to secure a hostage release and ceasefire deal, and preparations for a surge in humanitarian assistance during a ceasefire period. The two leaders discussed the situation in the West Bank and the President's efforts to enhance the viability of the Palestinian Authority through encouragement of reforms and ensuring the PA has the revenues it needs to deliver for the Palestinian people. The President finally thanked His Majesty for his friendship, and affirmed unwavering U.S. support for Jordan as a partner and ally in the promotion of a more stable, prosperous, and integrated Middle East region.

###

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Travel chaos in Paris as rail network targeted by 'malicious acts' ahead of Olympics

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 11:17 AM

French train operator SNCF has announced that the nation's high-speed rail network has been targeted by "malicious acts," including arson attacks, causing significant disruptions just before the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

On Friday, just before the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics, France's high-speed national rail network was "sabotaged."

"This is a massive attack on a large scale to paralyze the TGV network," the state-owned train operator told AFP, adding that many routes would have to be canceled.

"A large number of trains were diverted or canceled," SNCF said in a social media post, urging "all travelers who can to postpone their trip and not go to the station."

SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou stated that the disruptions "will certainly last the whole weekend, because it will take a long time to fix," calling it a "day of sadness." He emphasized that the railways' role as a public service is to transport people when they need it, especially during the Olympics, and "today we can't do it."

The disruptions, expected to affect approximately 800,000 passengers, are anticipated to continue throughout the weekend as maintenance crews work on repairs.

France's Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said that the "acts of sabotage" were carried out in a "prepared and coordinated manner on SNCF installations." French security forces are searching for the culprits, Attal added.

The organizers of this year's Olympic Games, Paris 2024, said they were "assessing the situation" following the attack on the country's high-speed rail network. "Paris 2024 has taken note of incidents affecting the Atlantic, North and East lines of the SNCF rail network. We are working closely with our partner, the rail operator SNCF, to assess the situation," they said in a statement.

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete condemned the "massive attack" on France's high-speed TGV rail network as an "outrageous criminal act."

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The United States Joins Freedom Online Coalition Joint Statement on the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

July 26, 2024

On Friday July 26, the United States, together with 40 fellow Member States of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), issued a joint statement on the UN Convention Against Cybercrime. In advance of the reconvened concluding session of the Ad Hoc Committee to elaborate a UN cybercrime convention, the Coalition has reaffirmed its commitment that the same human rights offline must also be protected online.

The joint statement outlines the opportunity for the Convention to enhance international cooperation on combatting and preventing cybercrime and collecting and sharing electronic evidence for serious crimes. However, the statement raises concerns about how the treaty could be misused as a tool for acts of domestic and transnational repression and human rights abuses and calls for the treaty's scope to be carefully defined and accompanied by necessary safeguards to fully protect and promote human rights.

The Coalition stands resolute in finalizing a strengthened treaty that includes human rights provisions and safeguards and remains committed to working with countries globally in the fight against cybercrime.

As a founding Member of the FOC and past Chair, the United States continues to advance the Coalition's mission globally and to promote a rules-based, democratic, and inclusive world where human rights and fundamental freedoms are upheld in online and digital contexts. For further information on the Coalition, please visit the Freedom Online Coalition website.



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Joint Statement on the United States-Philippines Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

July 26, 2024

The following statement was jointly released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Philippines on the occasion of the successful conclusion of the Philippines-United States Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue in Washington, D.C.

Begin Text:

Senior U.S. and Philippine officials gathered in Washington for the United States - Philippines Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue on July 15 and 16, 2024. The United States and the Philippines reaffirmed their shared commitment to promote an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable, Internet, an information and communication technologies (ICT) ecosystem that supports the growth of the digital economy and stability in cyberspace, as well as to deepen bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity.

U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick and Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy opened the dialogue by underscoring the essential role of international cyber security and digital policy in reinforcing a shared commitment to democratic values and digital solidarity. The Cyber Policy discussions were chaired by Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cyberspace Security Liesyl Franz and Philippines DICT Undersecretary for Infostructure Management, Cybersecurity and Upskilling, Jeffrey Ian C. Dy. The Digital Policy discussions were chaired by U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy Ambassador Steve Lang and Philippines DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Dy. The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Department of State; the Office of the National Cyber Directorate; U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); Department of Defense; Department of Homeland Security; Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration, International Trade Administration, and National Institute of Standards and Technology; Department of Justice, including the Criminal Division and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Federal Communications Commission; Federal Trade Commission; U.S. Trade and Development Agency; U.S. Export-Import Bank; and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. The Philippines was represented by delegates from the DICT, Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC), National Security Council (NSC), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Transportation (DOTR) - Office of Transportation Security, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Trade and Industry, (DTI), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Privacy Commission (NPC), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Both sides provided updates on their respective national cyber policies and exchanged views on bilateral cyber cooperation and developments in regional and international fora. Participants explored new ways for the United States and the Philippines to promote cyberspace stability, including through further discussions on the role of accountability in cyberspace and deterring malicious cyber activity. Participants discussed strengthening regional cooperation on cyber capacity building and efforts to combat cybercrime, including in the context of the Philippines' recent admission to the International Counter Ransomware Initiative. In particular, the United States and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen cyber resilience. Both sides committed to further discussions on the protection of critical infrastructure against malicious cyber activity and enhanced collaboration between respective national Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERTs).

The dialogue acknowledged progress in fostering greater regional cybersecurity cooperation and capacity building, as well as the importance of upholding and implementing the UN-affirmed Framework of Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace as well as continued implementation of cyber confidence building measures (CBMs). These CBMs reduce the risk of conflict stemming from the use of ICTs, including efforts advanced through the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Security of and in the Use of ICTs.

Addressing a robust bilateral agenda on digital policy issues, both countries recognized the importance of promoting the development and commercial deployment of a trusted information communications technology ecosystem, including equipment, software, and services. Delegations emphasized the importance of strengthening cybersecurity and protecting privacy, intellectual property rights, and digital freedom will support the development and growth of the global digital economy.

The United States and the Philippines endorsed secure fifth generation (5G) networks and open, interoperable, and trusted architectures such as Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN). The Philippines endorsed the development of a national Open RAN policy framework, reaffirming an open, interoperable, and trusted architectures as announced during the United States-Philippines-Japan Trilateral Leaders' Summit in April 2024. Both countries also welcomed the Philippines' plan to pilot an Open RAN in its National Broadband Program and Free Wi-Fi project.

Both countries reaffirmed the importance of promoting secure and reliable global undersea cable networks, including through the designation of undersea cables as critical infrastructure and a verification process on the equipment used for cable installation, operation, and maintenance. The United States and the Philippine governments emphasized the importance of cloud computing and satellite connectivity to advance digital connectivity and inclusion and decided to further discussions on promoting cloud policies to promote resiliency and redundancy. The two countries affirmed their commitment to exchange best practices on recent reforms and efforts that expand digital connectivity through provision of satellite-based solutions and to continue to facilitate interest and market access to low and middle earth orbit services. Both countries reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the trusted flow of data across borders, which underpin the digital economy, and committed to continue to advance the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum to facilitate interoperability among data protection and privacy frameworks globally. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation, strengthen cooperation through the ASEAN Digital Ministers' and Senior Officials' meetings, and foster investments for secure and resilient ICT infrastructure.

The dialogue included discussions with U.S. private sector representatives on the promotion of 5G wireless technologies, networks, services, and cybersecurity services; public-private partnerships to support the development of the digital economy; international coordination in areas such as data protection and privacy, cross-border data flows, advancing digital freedom, and cybersecurity capacity building; public-private collaboration to foster public trust and support for responsible stewardship of the Internet and digital connectivity; and investments in ICT, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity that contribute to resilient and sustainable growth. The United States and the Philippines look forward to identifying further opportunities for cooperation in the United States, Philippines, and Japan Trilateral Cyber and Digital Dialogue in October 2024.

End text.





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AANES's amnesty for ISIS-related prisoners sparks mixed reaction

By Zana Omer July 26, 2024

The Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and Eastern Syria (AANES) released 141 prisoners Monday from Alaya Prison in the city of Qamishli, as part of a general amnesty for prisoners convicted of terrorism-related offenses linked to ISIS, provided they did not participate directly in combat. The next day, 68 more prisoners were freed from the Central Prison in Manbij. So far, three groups of prisoners have been released from facilities in Hasakah, Qamishli, and Manbij. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,500 prisoners, most of whom are from the Deir ez-Zour, Raqqa, and Manbij regions.

Families of the released prisoners have expressed their relief and joy. Issa Mahmoud al-Awad, an elder of the al-Jibur tribe, commended the initiative, stating, "Thanks to the autonomous administration for this general amnesty. It represents a positive step toward forgiveness, brotherhood, and stability in the region."

The general amnesty announced by the Democratic People's Council of the AANES on July 17, 2024, was based on the recommendation of the tribal forum titled "Dialogue, Safety, Construction for a Unified Decentralized Syria," held in Hasakah on May 25, 2024.

Arab tribal leaders have praised the AANES for fostering domestic peace and promoting coexistence through the amnesty.

Khalid al-Khaloufi, Sheikh of Ela al-Khawatine, expressed his gratitude. "I thank the Autonomous Administration on behalf of all the tribes. We are hopeful that this will lead to the release of all prisoners and benefit everyone involved," he said.

The amnesty has elicited mixed reactions. Amnesty International lauded the decision as an "important step" but called for an expansion of the initiative and the release of additional prisoners. The organization expressed concern over the detention of tens of thousands of individuals without charges or trial and urged the United Nations to facilitate urgent screenings to address potential violations of international law.

Conversely, the Syrian Kurds, especially the Yazidi community, have voiced apprehension about the amnesty. They fear that some released prisoners may return to ISIS ranks or still hold extremist views. Ziwar Sheikho, a Kurdish analyst, journalist and director of an NGO, highlighted the risks, noting the potential danger posed by individuals with a history of extremist activity.

"Especially for us Kurds, who have faced attempts of genocide, particularly against the Yazidi community, the release of these individuals poses a significant risk to society. It is crucial to assess whether these individuals can integrate into society and to what extent they may still support ISIS ideologies," Sheikho said.

The release initiative is expected to continue, with ongoing assessments and approvals for those benefiting from the amnesty.

This story originated in VOA's Kurdish Service. Robin Rushmore contributed.

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Study predicts historic decline in Afghan poppy cultivation in 2024

By Ayaz Gul July 26, 2024

New research suggests that poppy cultivation in Afghanistan will drop to record-low levels in 2024, due to the ban on the crop imposed by the Taliban government two years ago.

The findings, released this week by Alcis, a geospatial analytics firm, are based on high-resolution satellite mapping of 14 out of the 34 Afghan provinces.

"These 14 provinces were responsible for 92% of the country's total poppy cultivation in 2022, cultivating 201,725 hectares out of a total of 219,978 hectares grown," according to the study published on Thursday.

"In 2023, cultivation in these provinces had fallen to 15,648 hectares (50% of the crop that year), and in 2024, only 3,641 hectares of poppy were grown," it said.

"This year, as in 2023, it is expected that poppy cultivation will be at close to historically low levels," said Alcis.

The Afghan provinces in focus include Helmand, Kandahar, Uruzgan, and Farah in the south and southwest and Nangarhar and Baghlan in the east and north.

The Taliban banned poppy cultivation and production eight months after the then-insurgent group reclaimed power from an internationally backed Afghan government in August 2021.

The following year, Afghanistan still supplied about 80% of the global illegal opiate demand and 95% of Europe's heroin in 2022, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC. But the U.N. agency noted in its 2024 World Drug Report that the ban had reduced opium production in the impoverished country by 95%.

The Alcis study warns there are pockets of resistance to the Taliban's ban, particularly in the remote, northeastern border province of Badakhshan.

"Widespread [poppy] cultivation persists" in the province, the study noted, and the Taliban's eradication efforts have been met with violence, leaving at least five people, including three Taliban soldiers, dead in April.

"The events in Badakhshan and elsewhere, where farmers have responded to the ban by abandoning important cash crops, growing staple food crops such as wheat, and leaving land fallow, suggest the Taliban's poppy ban is fragile and will become more difficult to enforce in the future," Alcis cautioned.

The firm noted that without the income brought in by opium production, many Afghan farmers are struggling to earn a livelihood. It said without markets for cash-producing crops and an increase in non-farm opportunities, the Taliban may face "further unrest and further outmigration."

The Taliban takeover has led to deepening economic troubles in Afghanistan, mainly attributed to international financial and banking sector sanctions. It has also exacerbated a long-running Afghan humanitarian crisis.

The country remains a global pariah largely because of the Taliban's curbs on women's access to education and work, deterring the international community from formally recognizing the de facto Afghan government and offering any financial aid.

On Tuesday, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told a national conference in Kabul that the drug ban had led to immense economic pressures and severe hardships for Afghans already reeling from the effects of years of war and natural disasters. He lamented the ongoing lack of international cooperation in response.

"The illegal production of drugs has ceased. The [more than 4 million] addicts [in Afghanistan] are now in need of medical treatment while the farmers need livelihoods and employment," Muttaqi said.

"Regrettably, the international community has failed to fulfill its responsibility in this matter. Instead, they have imposed sanctions on Afghan trade, travel, and banking sectors in breach of the universal fundamental human rights," he added.

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Russia May Launch Two X-Ray Telescopes Into Orbit in 2032, 2038 - Space Research Institute

Sputnik News

20240726

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian scientists plan to launch two more x-ray telescopes, the Spektr-RGN and the Spektr-RGM, in 2032 and 2038, Alexander Lutovinov, the deputy director of the Space Research Institute (IKI) at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said on Friday.

"We hope that Spektr-RG will become not 'the swan song' of [Russia's] space program but another huge stage of its development because we have some serious plans and ideas on how to move forward in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy. The Spektr-RGN project concerns establishing a pulsar navigation system. We have everything, given we start this year, to launch in 2031-2032," Lutovinov said at the anniversary of the Spektr-RG space observatory.

The launch of the Spektr-RGM project may become another important step in the development of X-ray astronomy, he also said, adding that this telescope will operate in the Compton range and explore the universe in nuclear lines.

"According to our estimates, we can make that one in 9-10 years, given we start in 2029," Lutovinov added.

The Spektr-RG space observatory project was launched on the Proton-M rocket in 2019. The observatory has two telescopes: the Pavlinsky ART-XC, developed by the IKI, and the German-made eROSITA, which was put on hold in February 2022.

A Sputnik

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Astronomers use Webb telescope to discover new planet

By VOA News July 26, 2024

A team of astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, to observe a new, Jupiter-like planet outside our solar system - known as an "exoplanet." It was the first new planet observed and imaged with the telescope that was not first observed from Earth.

The astronomers, from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany, published a report on their discovery this week in the scientific journal Nature.

The lead author of the study, Elisabeth Matthews, described the planet as a gas giant, much like Jupiter in our own solar system, only six times its mass and much colder, with an average surface temperature of 0 degrees Celsius. It also has an elliptical orbit around its star and can take anywhere from 100 to 250 Earth years to orbit it.

Matthews said the planet is close, by exoplanet standards, at about 12 light-years away, and in a triple-star system. She said astronomers had known about the star system and, by studying it, had theorized a planet existed there, but needed the JWST to confirm it.

Matthews and her team wanted to take a picture of the known planet using a method commonly known as direct imaging. Since the stars in the system are so bright, they outshine any other nearby object.

The team employed the JWST's camera equipped with a light-block mask that covered the star's light, allowing the observers to see objects around it.

She said, though, that once they aimed the telescope's camera in the direction of the star system, the planet was not in the position they had thought it would be, because they had underestimated the mass of the planet and its orbital separation from its star.

Matthews told The Associated Press that they could not have confirmed the existence of the planet without the JWST, and that the finding illustrated just how well the telescope is working.

"It really shows that we can image these planets, and we're still, for the moment, still imaging Jupiter and bigger planets." She said that in the future, by using the telescope, they also would be able to image smaller planets.

Launched in 2021 as an international collaboration among NASA, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, the JWST is the largest and most powerful astronomical observatory ever placed in space. Unlike its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, the JWST orbits the sun, not the Earth.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press.

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Chief of Defence Force visit to Fiji & Vanuatu

Issued by Defence Media

26 July 2024

Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston AC RAN will travel to Fiji and Vanuatu from 26 to 29 July.

The visit marks the first international trip for Admiral Johnston as Chief of the Defence Force, emphasising the importance that Defence places on its relationships with Pacific partners.

"I am proud to be visiting two of our key Pacific partners for my first overseas visit as Chief of the Defence Force," Admiral Johnston said.

"I look forward to engaging with leaders in Fiji and Vanuatu to discuss our strong bilateral relationships and deepen our cooperation."

In Fiji, Admiral Johnston will formally hand over 14 Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles purchased by the Government of Fiji, which were delivered by HMAS Choules in June.

"Australian Bushmasters provide world-class protection and adaptability. They will support the development of Fiji's peacekeeping capabilities, and demonstrate our commitment to closer ties under the enhanced Vuvale partnership," Admiral Johnston said.

While in Vanuatu, Admiral Johnston will attend the commissioning ceremony of RVS Sokomanu, Vanuatu's new landing craft. The delivery of this vessel reinforces Australia's commitment to partnering with Vanuatu to enhance its sovereign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capability.

"Australia and Vanuatu's bilateral relationship is founded on our shared values and vision for a secure and prosperous Blue Pacific," Admiral Johnston said.

"We recognise the impact of natural disasters across the Pacific and are committed to working with Pacific partners to respond when disasters occur, build disaster resilience and support communities to recover.

"Australia continues to work with Pacific partners to maintain a peaceful, stable and prosperous region."

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China's silver economy unlocks potential in sync with growing global need for elderly care

Xinhua) 12:39, July 27, 2024

BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- With population aging as a common global challenge, there is a burgeoning demand for innovative and comprehensive elderly care service, which unleashes potential for emerging industries.

With a growing aging population, China is expected to ride the trend and unlock rapid development of potential industries in the silver economy, drawing investment from foreign enterprises.

In 2023, people aged 60 and above in China amounted to 297 million, accounting for 21.1 percent of its total population. Experts have predicted that the number will surpass 400 million around 2035 and is expected to reach 500 million by 2050.

Meanwhile, China's silver economy now stands at around 7 trillion yuan (960 billion U.S. dollars), and is expected to reach around 30 trillion yuan (4.13 trillion dollars) by 2035.

Japan and the European Union have chosen to promote the silver economy when entering an advanced stage of aging, transforming the potential of an aging population structure into driving forces of domestic consumption by focusing on the needs and preferences of the elderly population.

The Netherlands is exploring digital applications in the field of home care; Japan is vigorously promoting nursing robots and assistant digital technologies; and Britain is developing fundamental research and business model innovation in the silver economy, according to Hu Zuquan, a researcher with China's State Information Center.

The silver economy encompasses a wide range of industries, has a long industrial chain, and exhibits diverse business forms.

Business leaders in relevant industries worldwide see opportunities in collaboration with Chinese companies and have made large investments in China.

Sindora Living, a Singapore-based corporation of nursing homes and residential care facilities, opened a high-end elderly care institution in May in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province in east China.

"We see a booming market for elderly care in China in the future, and we chose to invest in China," said Nathaniel Farouz, managing director of Sindora Living.

Yada Panasonic Community is another example of foreign collaboration in the industry. In 2023, the community, aimed at providing advanced elderly care integrated into daily life, was opened in Yixing of Jiangsu Province, along with a Wellness Smart Town infused with Panasonic technologies in aging care and healthy lifestyle.

"Panasonic brought more than 20 years of experience accumulated in Japan, where the aging problem is more severe, to China, and fully participated in the building planning, landscape construction and space design of Yada Panasonic Community to create a safe and comfortable life for consumers," said Tetsuro Homma, executive vice president of Panasonic Holdings Corporation.

"Yada Panasonic Community is the largest smart retirement community of Panasonic in China, and also is the first named community of Panasonic overseas," he added.

Elderly care-related industries in China are currently mainly concentrated in basic services such as catering, nursing and health care, said Zhang Shixin, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission. The diversified and personalized needs of the senior community have not been effectively met, which contain huge development opportunities, Zhang said.

In 2023, the size of China's elderly products market reached 5 trillion yuan (548.57 billion dollars) with diverse types and large quantities. Meanwhile, there were more than 490,000 elderly care-related businesses in China at the end of 2023.

Jack Wu, managing partner of Acadia Advisory Group, told Xinhua that as a massive market, China is a good place for British investors.

"Take the elderly-care market as an example, China has a rapidly aging population, while the UK has one of the leading elderly-care industries in the world, and this will become a sector with huge investment potential between the two countries," said Wu.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Vienna Mechanism on treatment of prisoners by Belarus: Joint Statement to the OSCE

UK and others regret Belarus' lack of response to the Vienna Mechanism of July 2024 on prison conditions and call for immediate humanitarian release of political prisoners in Belarus.

26 July 2024

Madam Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States, who are members of the informal Group of Friends of Democratic Belarus: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and my own country, Canada.

The following participating States are also joining this statement: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Moldova, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Switzerland and Ukraine.

Madame Chair,

On July 11th, this group of participating States invoked the Vienna Mechanism and conveyed a letter to Belarus posing eleven questions regarding the conditions of detention of prisoners, and reprisals against their family members. As of today, Belarus has failed to respond to these questions.

In the letter, we referenced the findings of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism Expert Mission Report, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, as well as reporting from leading civil society groups. Despite repeated denials by Belarus, there is ever-increasing evidence of the use of arrest, prosecution and detention as instruments of repression, and of the systematic mistreatment and abuse of political prisoners.

At the recent 56th session of the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus, Ms. AnaAs Marin, described ongoing deterioration, with repressive measures being used to target Belarusian citizens inside and outside the country.

The Special Rapporteur expressed particular concern about the ill-treatment of individuals convicted on politically motivated charges. Based on corroborated witness accounts, she reported that political prisoners faced harsher treatment, were frequently subjected to solitary confinement and incommunicado detention, and prohibited from receiving correspondence, packages, and medicine. She expressed acute concern that deliberately imposed malnutrition and ill-treatment, and inappropriate or untimely health care were negatively affecting the health of many of these individuals, including cases leading to hospitalizations and even deaths.

On July 2nd, Ms. Marin and seven other UN special rapporteurs, as well as the Working Groups on Arbitrary Detention, on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and on Discrimination against Women and Girls issued a letter urging Belarusian authorities to pardon all imprisoned older persons jailed on political charges who were excluded from the July 2024 amnesty law. They noted that most of them are serving prison sentences of up to 25 years, some are detained in pretrial detention, and some have been subjected to compulsory psychiatric care. Several detainees suffer chronic diseases, acute or grave illnesses, and some are persons with disabilities.

Madam Chair,

July 14th marked the third anniversary of the detention of Ales Bialiatski, chairman of Viasna Human Rights Center, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and winner of the Democracy Defender Initiative Award. We have heard disturbing reports about his treatment including that he has been subject to solitary confinement, that he does not receive correspondence from relatives and friends, and that he has been denied access to necessary medications and medical treatment.

Mr. Bialiatski's detention is tragically symbolic. His organization - Viasna - continues to document the status of over 1400 political prisoners currently held by Belarusian authorities. These 1400 individuals, in turn, are only a fraction of the thousands of individuals who have been in and out of detention since 2020 for daring to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

The response of the Belarusian authorities in this Council is only denial and obfuscation and cynical claims to "non-interference in internal affairs."

We remind Belarus that they have a binding obligation under international law, articulated in Article 10 of the ICCPR, to ensure that all persons in Belarus that are deprived of their liberty "shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person."

We take note of the recent release of several political prisoners. Regrettably, however, this is only a fraction of the individuals at risk.

In their "Shadow Report" on the implementation of the Moscow Mechanism report recommendations, the Coalition of Belarusian Human Rights Organizations reported that there are at least 252 political prisoners who face significant risks of mistreatment while incarcerated, including vulnerable individuals such as those with disabilities, serious health conditions, seniors, and minors.

On July 12th, over 50 Nobel Laureates from across the globe - authors, activists, journalists, physicians and scientists - released a joint appeal urging "Lukashenko to show humanity and compassion by freeing all citizens recognized by human rights defenders as political prisoners."

In this regard, we reiterate the questions posed in our letter of July 11th.

We call on the Belarusian authorities to immediately release on humanitarian grounds all political prisoners facing serious health issues or chronic conditions. We further call for the unconditional release of all 1400 or more political prisoners held in Belarus and for an end to the harassment and targeting of their families.

Finally, we call on all OSCE participating States to ensure that extradition of Belarusian citizens to Belarus complies with international law, recognising that Belarusian human rights defenders, media workers and those in political opposition can face particular risks in Belarus.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

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China: High Representative Borrell met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi

European External Action Service (EEAS)

26.07.2024

EEAS Press Team

EU High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) Josep Borrell met with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, in the margins of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Vientiane, Laos on 26 July.

They discussed EU-China relations. The HR/VP said that the EU and China needs to acknowledge their respective concerns.

Those are first of all China's support to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which impacts negatively EU-China relations.

The HR/VP explained why the European Union considers Russia's war against Ukraine is an existential threat to Europe. He expressed his concern because China's exports of large amounts of dual-use goods and items represent a support to Russia to build up its military equipment.

The HR/VP asked China to use its influence on Russia to contribute to end the war. He asked China to support the Ukraine peace process and considered that the joint statement with Brazil of May 2024 does not go in that direction.

The second EU concern on EU relations with China is the impact of economic policies and production subsidies, which cause distortions on the EU's market. China should also address the root causes of our unbalanced trade relationship by rebalancing its economy.

On Taiwan, the High Representative reiterated that the EU's position has not changed. The EU has a "One China" policy, recognising the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China. We pursue close cooperation with Taiwan in a wide range of areas, without diplomatic recognition.

On the Middle East, the HR/VP asked about the outcome of the meeting of several Palestinian factions held in Beijing last week. The High Representative considers that the division among Palestinian factions has caused damage to the Palestinian people, supported efforts in order to overcome these divisions. The HR/VP stressed that the EU is united in its support to the two-state solution.



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Wang Yi, Lavrov highlight ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional cooperation architecture

Global Times

By GT staff reporters Published: Jul 26, 2024 09:11 PM Updated: Jul 26, 2024 11:11 PM

Both China and Russia support a regional architecture centered around ASEAN, as the multilateral coordination mechanism helps to prevent major powers from excessively intervening, and especially NATO from extending its tentacles into the Asia-Pacific region, observers said Friday after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Vientiane, on the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial meetings.

China is ready to work with Russia to uphold the ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional cooperation architecture, Wang told Lavrov.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that in the face of the volatile and complex international situation and external disturbances and obstacles, China is ready to work with Russia to uphold the original aspiration of lasting good neighborliness and friendship, firmly support each other, safeguard each other's core interests, and remain each other's good partners for development and revitalization.

Russia will work with China to support the centrality of ASEAN and prevent the interference and infiltration of external forces, Lavrov noted.

Relations between China and Russia are at their best time in history, and the meeting between Wang and Lavrov is a specific manifestation of the sound bilateral relations, Cui Heng, a research fellow from the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, told the Global Times.

By working together, the two countries can effectively address common challenges and promote stability and cooperation, Cui said.

Both China and Russia support a regional architecture centered around ASEAN, as the multilateral coordination mechanism helps to prevent major powers from excessively intervening and disrupting the regionalization process for their own interests, especially NATO from extending its tentacles into the Asia-Pacific region, Cui said.

In a trilateral meeting on Thursday between Wang Yi, Lavrov and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Wang stressed that enhancing cooperation among the three countries will not only help safeguard their common interests, but also send a clear message of solidarity and cooperation among regional countries to join efforts to promote regional stability and prosperity and cope with risks and challenges.

Wang cited rising hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism, and the undercurrents of "small courtyard, high fence" and "decoupling and breaking chains," coupled with persisting regional conflicts as pervading, destabilizing, uncertain and unpredictable factors around the world.

A statement on Lavrov's meeting with Wang from the Russian Foreign Ministry also said that "the two ministers went on to discuss ways to implement the concept of building a new security architecture for Eurasia."

Asian affairs are decided by Asians, and this trend is now very obvious. The Western-dominated global order has begun to fail, at least in Asia and Eurasia, and there has been a tendency for non-Western countries to cooperate bilaterally or multilaterally to dominate regional processes, Cui said.

However, bilateral relations between China and Russia differ from the normal kind of military-political alliance. The two countries transcend this model of state-to-state relations, adopting an approach of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, Zhang Hong, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, underscored.

China and Russia on Thursday held their eighth joint aerial strategic patrol that saw bombers of the two countries flying over the Bering Sea for the first time. The patrol closely followed 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 earlier this month.

Experts said it highlighted the growing China-Russia military cooperation and its contribution to peace and stability through providing global strategic balance.

The meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia and China was held on the second day after Wang Yi's meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Guangzhou.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Friday, China will send Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui to visit Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia. Starting from July 28, Li will carry out the fourth round of shuttle diplomacy on the crisis, further exchange views with major members of the Global South on the current situation and the process of peace talks, discuss with them the de-escalation of the situation, and accumulate conditions for restoring the peace talks, Mao said.

China's role in promoting peace talks has become uniquely significant. Beijing has consistently promoted peace talks, has no direct interest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and does not profit from it. It is a trustworthy party, Zhang said.

The fighting is still ongoing, the prospect for peace talks remains unclear, and the conflict could further escalate and spill over. There is widespread concern among the international community, especially countries of the Global South, about the situation and the call for de-escalation has become all the more urgent, Mao noted.

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Trial delay sparks calls for release of Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai

Lai's son and legal team call on British government to act amid growing concerns for his health in solitary.

By Luk Nam Choi for RFA Cantonese, Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin 2024.07.26 -- The son of jailed pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai has called on the British government to take action following a further four-month delay in his national security trial, as rights groups slammed the "sham" trial as part of a citywide crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.

"My father is 76 ... [and] at a time when most people get to enjoy their retirement and spend time with family ... is in solitary confinement in a Hong Kong prison," Lai's son Sebastien Lai said in a July 25 statement issued through his father's legal team.

"After repeated adjournments and long delays, my father's show trial under the National Security Law finally began in December 2023," Lai said. "Now we learn of a four month delay within the trial itself, so this unfair process drags on even longer."

"I implore the U.K. Government to take action to end this farce and secure my father's immediate release," Sebastien Lai said.

Jimmy Lai is a British citizen who, despite being born in the southern province of Guangdong, has never held Chinese citizenship.

His trial has come to symbolize the ongoing crackdown on dissent and press freedom in Hong Kong in the wake of the 2019 protest movement.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, who heads Lai's international legal team, said there are growing concerns for her client's health.

"British national Jimmy Lai is 76 years of age and diabetic," Gallagher said. "He has already spent three and a half years in solitary confinement, which poses a serious risk to his health."

'A case to answer'

Gallagher added: "He has been imprisoned due to his work as a media owner, writer and pro-democracy campaigner; for running an independent newspaper, Apple Daily, which had a robust pro-democracy and anti-corruption stance and stood up to China's leaders."

"Enough is enough. The authorities in China and the Hong Kong SAR should release Jimmy Lai, before it is too late," Gallagher said in a statement on the website of her law firm, Doughty Street Chambers.

After 92 days of trial, a court in Hong Kong ruled on Wednesday that Lai has "a case to answer" on three national security charges after hearing the evidence presented by the prosecution, but adjourned the trial until Nov. 20.

High Court national security judge Alex Lee ruled on Thursday that the charges of "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces" and two other charges under the 2020 National Security Law were well-founded, and that Lai's trial should continue despite a bid by the defense to argue that his activities were entirely legitimate for the head of a media organization.

Judges Lee, Esther Toh and Susana Maria D'Almada Remedios ruled that all charges against Lai, a British citizen, were substantiated.

Lai, who has been behind bars for nearly three years, appeared calm and relaxed in a gray suit at the hearing at West Kowloon Magistrates Court, nodding to familiar faces in the public gallery, some of whom called out "hang in there!" and "take care!" in support.

The Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights said the delay was "arbitrary" and a breach of Lai's right to a fair trial, "further prolonging the suffering of an elderly and ailing #politicalprisoner."

"His unjust #persecution and #prosecution must end," the group said via its X account.

'Completely false, absurd charges'

Benedict Rogers, founder and former CEO of the London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch, said the delay was "extremely concerning."

"#JimmyLai has been unjustly imprisoned for over 3.5 years, and his current trial - on completely false, absurd charges - continues to be severely delayed," Rogers said, calling on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy to speak out for Lai.

According to the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, the latest delay was announced on Lai's 1,301st day in prison, much of which has been spent in solitary confinement.

Foundation President Mark Clifford said Lai's alleged crime was "nothing more than committed journalism and standing up for the people of Hong Kong."

He called the delay "a deliberate tactic" to stop Lai speaking in his own defense in court.

"We urge the British and U.S governments to work for his immediate and unconditional release," Clifford said.

Lai faces two counts of "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces" and one count of "collusion with foreign forces" under a draconian security law imposed by Beijing in the wake of the 2019 protest movement, along with a charge relating to "seditious" publications.

Much of the prosecution's evidence -- in a trial before a panel of government-appointment judges and no jury -- centered on opinion articles published in Lai's now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper.

During Wednesday's mid-trial statements, Lai's defense team argued that freedom of the press and freedom of speech are protected under Hong Kong's constitution, the Basic Law, acting as the "fourth estate" that oversees and challenges the government, something which is exempt from charges of "sedition."

They also said the law was being retroactively applied to speech and writings that happened before the National Security Law took effect on July 1, 2020.

The prosecution countered that witness testimony, and Lai's media interviews and articles all showed that he continued with his actions after the law took effect, according to Hong Kong court-reporting website The Witness.

Lai has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie.

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Cambodian naval base could accommodate Chinese submarines: analyst

Ream base has a new dry dock too small for large vessels, the military expert said.

By RFA Staff 2024.07.26 -- A new dry dock that could be used to service Chinese submarines has been added to Ream naval base in southern Cambodia, a U.S. military analyst said.

The construction of a new dry dock and a wharf at the south of the base appeared to be almost completed, Thomas Shugart, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank, told Radio Free Asia.

Satellite data obtained by RFA from the Earth imaging company Planet Labs in June show a new dry dock around 140 meters (459 feet) long, and a ramp next to it. A 270-meter (886 foot) wharf runs along the southern edge of the naval base.

The dry dock was still being constructed in May.

"140m is too short for PLAN's [People's Liberation Army Navy] larger ships," said Shugart. "But the right size for submarines."

China has about 60 submarines, according to a Pentagon report, and most of them are less than 100m long.

However, Chinese destroyers, cruisers and new frigates are much larger.

Shugart explained the new dry dock is just big enough for the Type 056 corvettes like those that have been seen at Ream since last December.

He added that it seems a big investment to have it to only serve the corvettes, noting that the new facility at Ream resembles that at the Chinese submarine base in Qingdao: a roughly 140m drydock paired with a ramp for smaller vessels.

The retired Navy captain argued that a submarine base at Ream could make sense for the Chinese Navy, as it's roughly half the distance from Ream to the Strait of Malacca as from the nearest sub base at Hainan island.

The Malacca Strait is a strategic choke point and the distance to it matters more for slower non-nuclear submarines.

Should a conflict flare up in the South China Sea, the presence of submarines in the Gulf of Thailand could provide the Chinese Navy with "another axis of approach," Shugart said.

The base already has a new pier long enough to accommodate aircraft carriers.

RFA contacted the Cambodian defense ministry for comment but had not received a reply at time of publication.

Neighbor watch

Developments at Ream are closely watched by neighboring Vietnam as the base is less than 30 km (18 miles) from Vietnam's Phu Quoc island where it also has a naval base.

Vietnam has a submarine base in Cam Ranh in the central Khanh Hoa province, home to its fleet of six Russian kilo-class subs.

"Vietnam should pay close attention, especially if Cambodia develops an airfield nearby, which I believe they will," said Nguyen The Phuong, a Vietnamese military analyst at University of New South Wales in Canberra, Australia.

The Cambodian government earlier disclosed that 157 hectares of land were allocated to the Ministry of National Defense in September 2022 to develop an air defense command and general headquarters near Ream naval base with an additional 30 hectares also granted for a naval radar system.

Two Chinese naval ships could still be seen docked, likely on rotational deployment, at Ream this week.

Vietnam and China are parties to an intense territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content 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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DPRK Premier Kim Tok Hun Meets Belarusian Foreign Minister

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, July 26 (KCNA) -- Kim Tok Hun, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and premier of the Cabinet, met and had a talk with Maxim Vladimirovich Ryzhenkov, foreign minister of the Republic of Belarus who paid a courtesy call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Thursday.

Present there were officials of the Foreign Ministry, the Agricultural Commission, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health of the DPRK and the entourage of the Belarusian foreign minister.

The talk proceeded in a friendly atmosphere. -0-

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North Korea to sell gambling rights at vacant 105-floor Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang

The hotel is still under construction after 37 years, but the company that completes it can run its casino.

By Son Hye Min for RFA Korean 2024.07.26 -- A North Korean hotel which has been under construction for 37 years has plans to sell the rights to operate a casino on the premises if the operator promises to complete construction of the building's interiors, a resident of the capital Pyongyang told Radio Free Asia.

The 105-floor Ryugyong Hotel began construction in 1987 and at 330 meters (1,080 feet), it is the tallest building in North Korea and the most iconic structure in Pyongyang's skyline.

Though it was supposed to open in 1992, the collapse of the Soviet Union ended the steady stream of aid from Moscow, and the North Korean economy entered a period of crisis that culminated in the 1994-1998 famine, so finishing the hotel became less of a priority.

External construction was completed in 2011 and the Ryugyong was supposed to open partially in 2013, but those plans fell through. Though it remains vacant, LEDs have been installed on one side of the building's facade, converting it into one of the world's largest displays.

It's currently used to show propaganda signage, visible from much of the city at nighttime.

"A plan to install a casino at the Ryugyong Hotel has been reviewed," a resident of the capital told RFA Korean on condition of anonymity for security reasons. "The plan is to try to attract foreign investment."

The review happened after the country's leader Kim Jong Un ordered that the government take practical measures to promote tourism, according to the resident.

"The authority to determine the location of the casino to be installed at the hotel and the right to operate the casino will be granted to a foreign entrepreneur who invests in the cost of internal construction," he said.

"This project was approved by the Central Committee after reviewing and discussing the profitability of the casino installed at the Yanggakdo Hotel, also in Pyongyang."

The Yanggakdo is North Korea's first luxury hotel, opened in 1996. It is perhaps most well known as the site of the 2016 Otto Warmbier banner-stealing incident that led to the U.S. citizen's detention and eventual conviction and 15-year prison term. Warmbier was repatriated in a vegetative state in June 2017 and died shortly afterward.

Authorities hope to capture the success of the foreigners-only casino at the Yanggakdo in the Ryugyong.

Casinos in North Korea are very profitable for the government, as they siphon away foreign currency from international tourists, a resident from the northwestern province of North Pyongan told RFA on condition of anonymity to speak freely.

Currently the country has two such casinos, at the Yanggakdo in Pyongyang and the Bipa Hotel in the Rason Special Economic Zone in the northeast near the border with China and Russia.

"When the casino is built at the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang and the hotel's accommodations, restaurants, swimming pool, and billiards room are finally completed ... tourism in Pyongyang is expected to be revitalized," the North Pyongan resident said. "This is why overseas investment is desperately needed.".

He said trade representatives would advertise the investment opportunity at a Chinese government-sponsored product exhibition event involving North Korea, China, Russia and Mongolia scheduled to start on Saturday in the Chinese city of Dandong, which lies across the Yalu River from North Korea's Sinuiju.

Translated by Claire S. Lee. Edited by Eugene Whong.

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German chancellor vows to continue arms exports to Israel

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 10:28 AM

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says his country will continue to provide Israel with weapons, despite opposing calls that demand a halt of arms sales to the regime amid its onslaught on Gaza.

"We have delivered weapons to Israel and we have not made a decision to stop doing so," Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a news conference in Berlin.

"We have not decided not to supply weapons. So we will (deliver) and we have (delivered to Israel)," added the leader of the country that is the second-largest weapons exporter to Israel in terms of major conventional weapons, accounting for more than 25% of imports between 2019 and 2023.

Scholz also stressed that Berlin would not support calls to boycott goods, services and products coming from Israel, adding "Frankly, I find such demands repulsive."

That came despite calls by protesters and dozens of human rights groups that urged Germany to stop arming Israel.

Germany faced charges at the top United Nations court for "facilitating the commission of genocide" against Palestinians in Gaza in coordination with its ally, Israel.

The case filed by Nicaragua in April asked the International Court of Justice to hand down preliminary orders known as provisional measures, including that Germany "immediately" suspend its aid to Israel, in particular, its military assistance, including military equipment.

Though the court rejected the request, the case exposed Germany's unwavering support for Israel's genocidal war.

Germany has been a staunch supporter of Israel for decades. The European country is a significant arms supplier to Israel, with a substantial contribution of a326.5 million ($353.70 million) worth of military equipment and weapons in the past year alone.

Germany's lethal arms exports to the occupied territories have seen a tenfold increase after Israel launched its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, making it not only complicit but an active participant in the genocide unfolding in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation against Palestinians.

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'Criminal cannot be absolved with standing ovation': Pezeshkian on Netanyahu's Congress speech

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 9:01 AM

Iran's President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has denounced frequent applause from US lawmakers for the Israeli prime minister during his address to Congress, noting that applauding a criminal will not result in his absolution.

"The crime of killing innocent people and homeless children cannot be overlooked, nor can the criminal be absolved with a standing ovation," Pezeshkian wrote in a post published on the social media platform X on Friday in response to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the US Congress.

The Iranian president-elect also quoted a verse from the Holy Qur'an which says, "Those who do wrong will come to know by what a (great) reverse they will be overturned!" [26:227]

In an address to Congress on Wednesday, American lawmakers applauded in multiple intervals Netanyahu's recount of the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war in the Palestinian territory over the past ten months.

The Palestinian resistance movement Islamic Jihad denounced the Israeli prime minister's speech as "full of lies and slander," calling on the international community to make utmost effort to "quarantine" him following the regime's months-long onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip.

"Netanyahu's speech is full of lies and slander," the statement said. "Netanyahu's lies that his army did not kill a single civilian in the attack on Rafah, and is not waging a war of starvation and genocide against the Gaza Strip, indicate his mockery of the world and his shameless indulgence in lies."

Earlier, Hamas also termed the Israeli prime minister's so-called ideas about a "future" for the Gaza Strip that excludes the resistance from the territory's rule as mere "delusions."

"We in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) affirm that the war criminal Netanyahu's visions for the future of the Gaza Strip are mere delusions and fantasies he is trying to market," the Gaza-based Palestinian resistance movement said.

Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory operation into the occupied territories.

The regime has been also enforcing a near-total siege on the coastal territory, which has reduced the flow of foodstuffs, medicine, electricity, and water into the Palestinian territory to a trickle.

So far during the military onslaught, the regime has killed at least 39,175 Gazans, most of them women, children, and adolescents. Another 90,403 Palestinians have sustained injuries as well.

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Western Myanmar farmers warn of low yields from rainy season rice crop

Fighting between insurgents, military junta has caused many people to leave rural cultivation areas.

By RFA Burmese 2024.07.26 -- Farmers in an area of western Myanmar's Rakhine state said they have been unable to grow a seasonal rice crop because of recent intense fighting between the military junta and an ethnic insurgent army.

One farmer in Maungdaw township near the border with Bangladesh said people are worried about a looming food shortage because not enough rice was planted during the current rainy season.

Many farmers in Rakhine count on production from the rainy season crop because they don't have access to irrigation water.

Monsoon paddy is usually planted in June, but fierce fighting between the Arakan Army and junta troops have caused many farmers to flee their homes, according to Ar Mula, a farmer who recently moved into Maungdaw town along with thousands of others.

"Everybody has left our village," he said. "We can't grow paddy there. All the people in our village have fled to the city."

Another Maungdaw township farmer, Kyaw Maung, said his family is already facing food shortages.

"We are facing difficulties as no one shares food with us, and we have been selling our possessions for food," he said. "There is no doubt that we will surely face many difficulties."

The Arakan Army, or AA, has been fighting the military junta for territory in Rakhine and Chin states, and has captured several junta bases in Maungdaw township since June, including several key border posts.

In the meantime, the junta has blown up bridges and blocked waterways, roads and trade routes throughout Rakhine.

Farmers are facing a scarcity of chemical fertilizers, fuels and farming tools due to the closure of trade routes and the increasing prices of agricultural supplies such as herbicides and pesticides.

Farmers elsewhere in Rakhine state - in Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, and Ponnagyun townships - have also had difficulties with rice cultivation because of the fighting , several farmers said.

Out of the 850,000 paddy acres in Rakhine, most are located in the northern part of the state, according to Kyaw Zan, chairman of the Arakan Peasant Union.

About 750,000 paddy acres were cultivated last year, but the cultivation of monsoon paddy this year may be reduced by half because of trade route and supply issues, he said.

"Farmers who own 10 paddy acres can grow only on a small amount of acres - maybe one or two acres - for their self-sufficiency," he said.

RFA sent a message to AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha through Telegram to ask about their work addressing the farmers' difficulties, but he didn't immediately respond. RFA was also unable to contact Rakhine state's junta spokesperson, Hla Thein.

Translated by Aung Naing. 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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Thousands flee junta raids in central Myanmar

Three people died when troops attacked villages thought to be harboring insurgents.

By RFA Burmese 2024.07.26 -- Myanmar junta forces raided a string of villages in central Myanmar killing three civilians and sending some 10,000 fleeing from their homes after anti-junta insurgents attacked a nearby military base, residents told Radio Free Asia on Friday.

The Sagaing region has been regularly battered by airstrikes and artillery bombardments as junta forces crack down on insurgent groups that have stepped up attacks in the past nine months.

On Thursday, about 150 junta soldiers in a convoy of vehicles raided at least nine villages in Kanbalu township, residents said, following an attack on an army camp by members of an anti-junta People's Defense Force allied with the shadow National Unity Government, which was formed by civilians after the military seized power in a 2021 coup.

"After the Kyi Kone Bridge camp was attacked, the army launched an offensive on the villages," said one resident who declined to be identified in fear of his safety.

"The junta troops stationed at Tha Yet Khaung village are burning houses this morning. Revolutionary groups are monitoring the situation," he said, referring to anti-junta fighters."

Three civilians in Tha Yet Khaung and Tha Pyay Thar villages were killed in junta artillery and drone attacks.

Kanbalu district and Ye-U township-based People's Defense Forces said they killed 16 soldiers and seized weapons in their attack on the army camp. RFA has not been able to independently verify the claim.

RFA called Nyunt Win Aung, the junta spokesman for the Sagaing region, to request comment on the incident, but he did not answer the phone.

Sagaing, for years a peaceful heartland region of central Myanmar, inhabited mostly by members of the majority Burman community, has seen unprecedented opposition to the military since the 2021 coup dashed hopes for reform.

In the months that followed, the junta crushed protests against military rule and many activists then took up arms, some linking up with ethnic minority insurgents who have battled for self-determination from remote border lands for decades.

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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Pakistani minister confirms internet firewall, rejects censorship concerns

By Sarah Zaman July 26, 2024

Pakistan's minister for information technology and telecommunication confirmed Friday the government is implementing an internet firewall but rejected talk that the tool will curb free speech online, defending it as a cybersecurity upgrade.

"It's a system. It is not a physical wall that we are putting up," Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the state minister, told VOA. "It will not curb anything."

The junior minister, currently the ministry's top official, defended the government's decision to implement a nationwide internet regulatory tool, saying the country was under daily cyberattacks.

"If a cybersecurity system, a capability, comes to the government, it's a good thing," Khawaja said in response to a VOA question at a news briefing earlier.

Pakistan has allocated more than $70 million for a Digital Infrastructure Development Initiative in the latest budget. Critics and digital rights activists worry the nationwide firewall will be used to silence dissent.

Pakistani authorities have hinted at a nationwide censorship tool for months but hesitated to issue a formal statement.

In a January interview with a news channel, Pakistan's then-interim prime minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, announced the measure.

"Very soon a national firewall will be deployed," Kakar said.

A high-ranking government official confirmed to VOA Urdu in June that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government was working to deploy a nationwide tool meant to control internet traffic and filter content available to online users in Pakistan.

Sharif's government has rebuffed calls for clarity, however, while downplaying censorship concerns.

"I think if there is a firewall system, it will be about cybersecurity and data security. It will have nothing to do with freedom of speech, as far as I know," Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said at a news briefing Sunday.

Earlier the minister dismissed reports that Pakistan was acquiring an online censorship tool from China.

Digital terrorism

The firewall comes as the Pakistani military faces severe criticism online for its alleged role in keeping former Prime Minister Imran Khan behind bars while his party continues to face a crackdown.

The military, which denies meddling in political affairs, has lately been using the term "digital terrorists" for online critics.

"Just as terrorists use weapons to get their demands met, digital terrorists use negative propaganda and fake news on social media platforms, mobiles and computers to create despondency to get their demands met," Pakistani military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said at a news conference this week.

Chaudhry said the military had become the sole target of digital terrorists.

He blamed a "certain" political party without naming Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party, which has a formidable social media presence.

This week, police raided the PTI's headquarters in the Pakistani capital, detaining its chief spokesperson and several other media team members, accusing them of running an "anti-state campaign."

Service disruption

On Thursday, Pakistani media outlet The News reported recent problems users encountered in sharing content via the Meta-owned messaging app Whatsapp were a result of a test run of the firewall.

Refusing to comment on the implementation process of the firewall, the spokesperson of the independent Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said the regulator did not receive any reports of service disruptions.

"Our systems were clear. They were up and running. They did not falter anywhere," Malahat Obaid told VOA, adding that the problems users faced could be because of a technical glitch.

Cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks recorded five incidents of authorities restricting internet access so far this year. The disruptions occurred around February's general elections.

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Pakistan boosts security of Chinese workers amid growing terrorism

By Sarah Zaman July 26, 2024

"We have never seen a Chinese reaction like this one," says regional security affairs analyst Ahmed Rashid, referring to Beijing's persistent public demand that Pakistan ensure the safety of Chinese nationals since a March 26 suicide attack killed five Chinese workers there.

As Pakistan fights a resurgent wave of terrorism that has killed hundreds of local civilians and security personnel this year, officials insist they can keep a few thousand Chinese nationals safe.

A major ally of China, Pakistan has seen billions of dollars in much-needed energy and infrastructure projects pour in through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a the flagship project of Beijing's global Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

The project, popularly known as CPEC, however, has suffered as Islamist militants and Baloch insurgents fighting the Pakistani state target Chinese nationals and projects.

Since 2017, at least 19 Chinese nationals have been killed in Pakistan. The March suicide attack in Besham, a town in northwestern Pakistan, came just days after militants stormed a government compound in Gwadar, home to a Chinese-built deep-sea port in the southwest.

Keen to save one of its most critical bilateral relationships, Pakistan quickly revamped protocols, promising "fool-proof" security for Chinese citizens in meetings with the Chinese leadership.

In June, Pakistan also announced a new nationwide anti-terrorism campaign soon after a visiting senior Chinese official told Pakistani politicians "the primary factor shaking the confidence of Chinese investors is the security situation."

"This is a very serious issue because for the first time we have had in the last few months some very strong, tough statements from the Chinese, criticizing its biggest ally in the region, Pakistan," said Rashid.

What's new?

A dedicated military division and special provincial police units provide security to Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. Local intelligence units keep a record of where the foreigners live and work. Chinese nationals usually move between cities in bullet-proof vehicles with a police escort. One percent of the cost of any project involving Chinese workers is budgeted for security.

Large-scale projects are often cut off from nearby towns to limit public access, while locals hired to work at sites secured with barbed wires and cameras must clear police background checks.

"There is pressure," a counterterrorism officer said while speaking to VOA on background about the new push in Pakistan, to ensure the closely follow pre-existing security protocols for Chinese personnel and projects.

Since the Besham attack, the Ministry of Interior has created a so-called foreigners security cell to streamline coordination among provinces. A new Special Protection Unit of police in Islamabad now protects Chinese nationals in the capital.

Police personnel are undergoing renewed training and having equipment audited, while security checks on roads near where the Chinese live or work have increased, officials tell VOA.

"Another element that has been added since then [the Besham attack] is kinetic," said a senior provincial law enforcement officer speaking to VOA on background. "There is improved record-keeping of area residents. So that we are aware of who lives there."

"The probability of local support and facilitation is very high in our spectrum, and we try to keep identifying such people so that we can preempt it," the official said.

Chinese help

Pakistani officials reject reports that China has sought to deploy its own security personnel in Pakistan but say law enforcement cooperation between the two countries already exists.

"They have extended support to the establishment of SPU [Special Protection Unit]," Aitzaz Goraya, provincial counterterrorism chief in Baluchistan, told VOA. "They have promised some equipment for it, too. Some has arrived and some is on the way. Such a process is ongoing, at least in Balochistan."

Authorities say they hope to complete a "safe city" program in Gwadar by the end of the year. The project includes installing hundreds of cameras controlled from a centralized command center in the key port town to surveil residents as guards keep an eye on the area from watchtowers.

Resentment

Heightened security for Chinese workers is also a source of resentment among locals in parts of Pakistan. In Gwadar, where the Pakistani military controls security, impoverished locals have staged mass protests in recent years, complaining of a lack of involvement in Chinese-funded development projects, and of loss of livelihood and limited mobility.

"All the shops and roadside restaurants close along the five- to six-kilometer-long distance when the Chinese travel from the port to the airport. This happens two to three times a week," said Naeem Ghafoor, a local activist.

The new nationwide anti-terror offensive named Azm-e-Istehkam faces intense opposition in the militancy-hit northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where residents have experienced mass displacement and destruction of infrastructure in past military operations.

Security affairs expert Rashid says Pakistan cannot ensure the security of Chinese workers without providing basic facilities to its own citizens first.

"There is a chronic need to involve civil society," said Rashid. "It's not just that the army can deal with this on its own or the police can. This needs development. It needs better facilities."

Fulfilling decades-old promises of development may still take years as Pakistan struggles to bring its economy on track with bailouts from the International Monetary Fund.

Still, Goraya believes Pakistan can keep its promise of providing security to the Chinese.

"They [terrorists] don't have anything that we don't," Goraya said. "If we follow the SOPs [Standard Operating Procedures] and don't deviate from it, we can do it."

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Russia, China conduct joint bomber patrol operation off US coast

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 8:17 AM

Russian and Chinese military aircraft have conducted a joint flight for the first time in international airspace near Alaska.

Two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Chinese Xian H-6 planes flew over the waters of the Chukchi and Bering seas, with Russian fighter jets guiding them, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday in a statement.

According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint military operation between the US and Canada that defends the continent's airspace, the Russian and Chinese aircraft did not enter American or Canadian airspace.

"During the patrol, the aircraft of both counters strictly obeyed to the provision of the international law. There has been no violation of the airspace of foreign countries," Russia's Ministry of Defense confirmed on Telegram.

"The patrol were conducted as part of the implementation of the 2024 military cooperation plan and is not directed against third countries," it added.

A spokesperson from China's Defense Ministry, Zhang Xiaogang said that it was the eighth such patrol organized by the two militaries since 2019, which was aimed at "further testing and enhancing the level of cooperation between the two air forces, as well as deepening strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two countries."

"This action is not aimed at third parties, it is in line with relevant international laws and international practices and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation," Zhang said.

The bombers were flying in an area known as the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, or ADIZ.

The five-hour-long flight raised the eyebrows of United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who expressed concerns over Beijing's growing military cooperation with Moscow.

"This is a relationship that we have been concerned about throughout a mostly because we're concerned about China providing support to Russia's illegal and unnecessary war in Ukraine," Austin told reporters.

Despite the NORAD saying that the bombers stayed in international airspace and were "not seen as a threat", it intercepted the aircraft with US F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as Canadian CF-18 fighter jets.

Moscow and Beijing recently concluded their fourth joint naval patrol in the northern and western Pacific Ocean earlier this month.

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The Week In Russia: A Propaganda Pivot

By Steve Gutterman July 26, 2024

As Russia's war against Ukraine grinds on and the Kremlin casts it as a defensive struggle against the West, a name change in Moscow reflects how the state wants citizens to see the direction the country has taken, gradually and suddenly, under President Vladimir Putin.



Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward.



Shifting Symbolism



In the late 1980s, the sprawling space outside the Kiev Railway Station in Moscow was little more than a wasteland, if memory serves -- a nondescript expanse with a few small structures littered around, its edges lined with kiosks where you could get syrupy cola and shashlik on a piece of cardboard.



That state of affairs persisted into the 1990s, following the Soviet collapse, though a wholesale market occupied part of the square for a time. The area gained a sort of notoriety when an American entrepreneur embroiled in a fight for control of a hotel adjacent to the station was shot dead on a stairway to the subway nearby in 1996 -- a killing emblematic of the often-bloody brand of capitalism that took root in Russia after the collapse of communism.



Several years later, a different kind of symbolism took hold: After renovations, a large part of the territory opened as Europe Square in 2002, featuring the flags of European countries and a fountain with an abstract sculpture depicting the mythological Abduction of Europa at its center.



Just next door, one of the biggest of the many malls that were being built in Russian cities went up as the country's oil wealth fueled consumerism and buoyed Putin, who first came to power as prime minister in August 1999 -- 25 years ago next month -- and is now in his fifth term in the Kremlin. The mall, which opened in 2006, was called Yevropeisky: European.



Russia has always looked to both the east and the west, but Europe Square seemed like a fitting symbol at a time when Moscow was building ties with the European Union and the United States and, as the Soviet era receded, appeared eager to be part of the global economy -- and even part of the West.



"Russia is part of the European culture," Putin said in a BBC interview in 2000, shortly before his inauguration to his first presidential term. "And I cannot imagine my own country in isolation from Europe and what we often call the civilized world."



That was then.



As of this week, Europe Square has a new name: Eurasia Square.



'One Little Change'



The change, decreed by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, is a symptom of an actual shift in Russia's attentions amid growing economic sanctions and geopolitical isolation from the West as a result of Putin's decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.



"One little change that says a lot about the direction in which Russia is moving," BBC correspondent Steve Rosenberg said in a report from the square. "The Russian authorities talk constantly now of the need to tilt east to China, North Korea, Asia as a whole."



But mainly it's a piece of propaganda, a pointed statement as Russia fights an unprovoked war in Ukraine that Putin has cast as an existential struggle against the West -- including what the Kremlin portrays as a decadent Europe that has lost its way and ceded sovereignty to Washington.



The flags of 48 European countries were removed from the square about a year into the full-scale invasion. The name of the European mall has not changed.



Of course, the rift between Russia and Europe goes much further back than February 2022 or even 2014, when Moscow seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and fomented separatism across eastern and southern Ukraine, leading to war in the Donbas.



By 2004, Putin was accusing the West of supporting militants in the Caucasus, and his pressure on independent media, suppression of dissent, and rollback of rights and democracy were raising hackles in the United States and Europe.



Relations tanked further from around the time Putin returned to the presidency in 2012 after a second stint as prime minister, and further still with the poisoning in 2020 and jailing in 2021 of Putin's most prominent opponent, Aleksei Navalny, who died in prison three years later.



But the full-scale invasion of Ukraine sent relations off into a steep downward spiral. The symbolism of a street-name change in Moscow is just part of a transformation that one journalist calls "Russia's spiral into madness under Putin."



And it's a speck of dust or less with the acts of violence that Russia is committing every day in the neighboring countryin the biggest war in Europe since 1945.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-europe-eurasia- symbolism-war/33051099.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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Moscow Car-Bombing Suspect Extradited From Turkey To Russia

By Current Time July 26, 2024

A Russian man suspected of being behind a car bombing that left two people wounded in Moscow on July 24 has been extradited from Turkey and has arrived in the Russian capital, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk said on July 26.

One of the two people wounded in the car explosion in a parking lot in northern Moscow was reported to be a senior military intelligence officer, although confusion still persists about the identity of both victims.

The bombing suspect, identified as Russian citizen Yevgeny Serebryakov, was detained by Turkish police in the Aegean Sea resort of Bodrum after arriving there on a flight on July 24, the same day the bombing occurred, according to a statement by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

Volk, in a post on Telegram, said the arrest and extradition of Serebryakov was possible through the cooperation of Russian and Turkish law enforcement agencies coordinated through Interpol channels.

"Today, Serebryakov was taken to Russia and handed over to investigators of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation," Volk said.

Neither the Investigative Committee nor the Interior Ministry have identified the two people wounded in the blast, saying only that a criminal investigation and a forensic investigation had been opened into the incident that occurred on Moscow's Sinyavinskaya Street.

But Russian media reports said Andrei Torgashov, 49, the deputy chief of a military satellite-communications radio center who had reportedly taken part in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and his wife were the two victims of the bombing.

However, a person purported to be Torgashov's wife, Maya, was quoted by the 360 Telegram channel as saying that neither she nor her husband was in the car when the explosion occurred, claiming other people were in the vehicle.

In an unverified video posted on the Telegram channel of the MSK1.ru news site on July 26, a young man in handcuffs who is described as Serebryakov says the Ukrainian secret services promised him "Ukrainian citizenship and $10,000-$20,000 to blow up an officer in Moscow."

The authenticity of the video could not be independently established.

An earlier report in the Moskovsky komsomolets newspaper had previously said that "the investigation leads include possible involvement of Ukrainian special services and their agents."

Several Russian military officials and pro-Kremlin public figures and bloggers have been targeted by bombing attacks since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Serebryakov, 29, was born in the city of Uryupinsk in the Volgograd region, according to Russian media reports.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-car-bombing-suspect- turkey/33051628.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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Statement by the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the Russian Federation at the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee forthe 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of NuclearWeapons, Deputy Director of the Department forNon-Proliferation and Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Mr. Mikhail Kondratenkov (ClusterII: Non-proliferation and IAEA safeguards), Geneva, 26 July, 2024

26 July 2024 19:04

1433-26-07-2024

Mr. Chairman,

The nuclear non-proliferation regime is one of the pillars of international peace and security. The IAEA Safeguards System plays a pivotal role in supporting it; it was established in accordance with the IAEA Statute, improved after the conclusion of the NPT and today has become universal. The NPT States Parties' confidence in the IAEA Safeguards System is a key to ensuring resilience of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime in general. This confidence can be secured only if the mechanism the Agency applies to verify the States' compliance with their non-proliferation obligations, is objective, technically sound and politically unbiased. The failure to meet these criteria has a most negative effect on the IAEA verification mechanism, and on the non-proliferation regime as a whole.

The safeguards system is intended to verify the compliance of the States Parties to the NPT with their non-proliferation obligations. The safeguards should be applied while respecting the sovereignty of States. Any attempts to use them for settling political scores or exercising external pressure undermine the credibility of the NPT's verification mechanism and affect the Treaty itself adversely.

Russia closely follows the situation around the reform of the IAEA Safeguards System, which continues to cause our serious concerns. We are still expecting the Agency's leadership to present an exhaustive report on the State-level concept clearly stating all the parameters of the reform, the procedure for applying the new approaches, the obligations and rights of the IAEA Secretariat and Member States. Let us remind that this report should be presented to the Agency's Board of Governors for consideration and approval.

To our mind, at the moment, State-level approaches to safeguards implemented by the Secretariat remain purely experimental, leaving the States the right not to recognize any safeguards findings and conclusions derived from such approaches. We believe that only the verification measures and procedures provided for in the State's Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol should be applied to this State (for those States that have signed them). The mechanisms determining the frequency and intensity of verification activities should be equally transparent for all Members without exception. They should also exclude the possibility of subjective assessments and rely on clear, measurable and statistically substantiated models. We emphasize that to make safeguards conclusions the IAEA Secretariat should take into account only the information, the credibility of which it is prepared to stand up for in an open discussion at the session of the Agency's policy-making bodies.

We note the significance of Additional Protocols to IAEA Safeguards Agreements for ensuring confidence in the peaceful nature of all nuclear material in the country and the country's nuclear activities. At the same time, it is our firm belief that concluding such additional protocols remains a voluntary step.

Russia supports the IAEA's efforts to ensure resilience and improve the efficiency of the NPT verification mechanism. We have contributed money and expertise to this work, including through our national safeguards support programme. For over 40 years of its history, significant work has been done to strengthen the conceptual framework and build technical capability of the Department of Safeguards of the IAEA Secretariat.

In particular, under this programme Russia assists the IAEA by analyzing environmental samples collected by the Agency as part of its inspection activities, in Russian analytical laboratories. We pay considerable attention to training the IAEA inspectors, including in the conduct of inspections on facilities for isotopic separation of uranium and facilities using plutonium. We perform joint missions to elaborate approaches to verification for new types of nuclear plants, such as mobile nuclear power plants with small modular reactors, and to examine the feasibility of safeguards by design.

Mr. Chairman,

Russia has consistently supported addressing nuclear non-proliferation challenges exclusively through political and diplomatic means based on the NPT, in strict compliance with the norms of international law and taking into account the legitimate security and development interests of all States.

Nuclear-weapon-free zones (NWFZs) are an essential component of the non-proliferation regime. Establishing such zones is envisaged by Article VII of the NPT. We consider establishing such zones and nuclear-weapon States' signing legally binding protocols on security assurances to the parties to such zones as a meaningful factor strengthening the non-proliferation regime and regional 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. While acceding to such protocols, Russia traditionally makes reservations that serve the purposes of clarity and do not affect the interests of States following the "letter and spirit" of NWFZ arrangements in good faith.

Such reservations to the protocols to the treaties establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones have been wholly justified, as the situation around the United States', United Kingdom's and Australia's AUKUS deal has demonstrated, as one cannot exclude the possibility that as a result of such partnership nuclear-weapon States create their military infrastructure in the territory of a non-nuclear-weapon State party to the Treaty of Rarotonga.

We deplore that to this date, only one NWFZ has a full set of international instruments in force. I would like to stress that the protocols to the remaining NWFZ treaties have not been ratified by the United States. We call on Washington to complete the necessary internal procedures and thus strengthen the nuclear-weapon-free status of the impressive number of our planet's regions that expressed such intention.

Mr. Chairman,

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. Russia, which co-sponsored the resolution, is fully conscious of the responsibility this status implies and intends to continue making all the necessary efforts to reach the objectives of this resolution.

We welcome 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. Many important substantive discussions have already taken place there, and many specific decisions have been made.

Certainly, this process can only be meaningful if it involves all Middle East countries excepting no one. In this context, we once again call on the United States, who co-sponsored the 1995 resolution, and Israel not to disregard the Conference, but rather take this opportunity to contribute their vision and engage in an open discussion on strengthening security in the Middle East. We emphasize that we regard the decision on establishing a WMD-free zone in the Middle East as an integral part of the arrangements concerning the NPT reached in 1995. We regret that the United States blocked the final document of the 2015 NPT Review Conference in order to prevent a language on the WMD-free zone.

We hope that the States of the region will manage to arrive at an arrangement on establishing such zone in the foreseeable future. For out part, we will provide all possible assistance to this work.

Mr. Chairman,

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 invented pretexts. 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. Nevertheless, we remain committed to the purposes and objectives of the CTBT and have recently completed our national 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. Chairman,

Russia supports launching negotiations to elaborate a universal, non-discriminating, and effectively verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices a the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) a at the Conference on Disarmament.

At the same time, it should be understood that to achieve result, this process should be part of a comprehensive and balanced programme of work of the Conference and strictly abide by the principles enshrined in the 1995 document CD/1299 (the so-called Shannon mandate). It is equally important that the negotiations involve all countries possessing capabilities for the production of weapon-grade fissile material.

We see that the FMCT, if it is ever to be elaborated, should aim at providing reliable guarantee that fissile material for nuclear weapons will not be produced globally. This is the only way to ensure the compliance with the principle of equal and indivisible security for all.

We emphasize that we believe statements on the possibility of transferring the FMCT negotiations from the Conference on Disarmament to another forum, to be destructive. In such a case the number of participants in the negotiations may be extremely limited.

Mr. Chairman,

We attach great importance to the implementation of Article III para 2 of the NPT. We believe that the activities of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Zangger Committee, which was established as the NPT Exporters' Committee, have demonstrated that there is practical possibility of establishing an agreed non-discriminating procedure of nuclear export controls. Russia arranges its national export control system in accordance with the Guidelines for Nuclear Transfers (INFCIRC/254). Russian legislation, including control lists, has been fully harmonized with this document. Regular updates are made to reflect the relevant changes introduced.

We believe that international non-proliferation efforts should not lead to unreasonable restrictions on legitimate trade in dual-use goods and technologies and on civil cooperation in the areas of science and technology.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.



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Statement on P5 meeting

26 July 2024 13:07

1429-26-07-2024

As part of the ongoing P5 process, a working-level meeting of the five Nuclear Weapon States under the NPT (the People's Republic of China, the French Republic, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America) was held on July 23, 2024 on the margins of the Second session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2026 NPT Review Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

This was the last event in a series of the P5 activities in 2023 and 2024 under the Russian Chair. The chairmanship will be soon transferred to the People's Republic of China.







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Press release on the Russia-ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference

26 July 2024 12:37

1428-26-07-2024

On July 26, Vientiane hosted Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's annual meeting with the foreign ministers representing the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

One of the main outcomes of this conference consisted of the adoption of a joint statement on the 20th anniversary of Russia's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, a fundamental document for the association, which provides for building a stable regional security architecture in the Asia Pacific Region.

During the meeting, the participants reviewed the performance under the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Russian Federation Strategic Partnership in 2021-2025, and agreed to draft a new medium-term document of this kind for the next period. Discussions also focused on measures to expand practical cooperation on political, security, trade and economic matters, as well as humanitarian affairs. The participating foreign ministers noted the successful launch of a new cooperation track in 2024, which deals with the digital transition. During the meeting, they placed special emphasis on research-intensive sectors and undertaking initiatives to develop smart cities. Russia's partners praised it for holding advanced training courses for ASEAN specialists.

The participants exchanged views on the international agenda, confirming that Russia and ASEAN share converging approaches regarding the most urgent and topical global and regional challenges, and are committed to building a just world order based on the principles of international law, inclusivity and equality. In this context, Russia drew the attention of its partners to President Vladimir Putin's initiative to create a Eurasian security framework.

The conversation also touched upon efforts to promote integration processes across Greater Eurasia. In this context, the participants discussed opportunities for expanding ASEAN's ties with the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. ASEAN thanked Russia for supporting the association's central role in regional affairs.

As per tradition, the meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere.









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Andrei Belousov inspects organisation of combat training at training ground in Leningrad MD

26.07.2024

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov inspects organisation of the combat training at a training ground of the Leningrad Military District.

The Russian Defence Minister was shown how to train servicemen in various military-accountable specialities of junior command personnel and servicemen who had only signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation got acquainted with the tank crews practical exercises, UAVs piloting, mortar firing, artillery fire control, sniper training, tactical shooting, and command of units.

Russian Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov reported that all training exercises at the training ground are conducted under the guidance of experienced instructors who have gained combat experience in the special military operation zone and are organised taking into account the peculiarities of the enemy use of Western-made weapons.

Andrei Belousov also presented state awards to servicemen who distinguished themselves during the special military operation, who are currently undergoing retraining or speciality development at the training ground. After the award ceremony, Andrei Belousov spoke to the contract officers and soldiers.

At the meeting, the head of the military department discussed prospects for the formation of a district training centre for the Leningrad Military District based on this training ground, and heard recommendations and issues of increasing the efficiency of the training and support processes for military personnel at the special military operation.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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First transfer of a1.5 billion of proceeds from immobilised Russian assets made available in support of Ukraine today

European Commission

Press release

26 July 2024

Brussels

Today, the EU makes available in support of Ukraine the first payment of a1.5 billion generated from immobilised Russian assets. These extraordinary revenues generated by EU operators and held by central securities depositories (CSDs) from immobilised Russian sovereign assets were made available by Euroclear to the Commission as a first instalment on 23 July. The money will now be channelled through the European Peace Facility and to the Ukraine Facility to support Ukraine's military capabilities as well as to support the country's reconstruction.

The immobilisation of the Russian Central Bank's assets is a result of EU sanctions against Russia, adopted in the wake of its war of aggression against Ukraine. The extraordinary revenues generated in this context by the EU operators do not belong to Russia and are held by CSDs. The EU has now started to channel these revenues to Ukraine.

Background

In response to Russia's brutal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, the European Union and its Member States adopted several packages of restrictive measures (sanctions) against Russia.

As part of these sanctions, the assets of the Central Bank of Russia held in the EU were immobilised. The prohibition on transactions related to the assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia and its affiliated entities leads to extraordinary and unusual accumulation of cash and deposits on the balance sheets of CSDs from maturing financial instruments and generates extraordinary revenue.

Following proposals by the Commission and the High Representative, in February 2024, the Council decided that central securities depositories holding more than a1 million worth of assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia that were immobilised as a result of EU sanctions must set aside extraordinary cash balances accumulating due to EU sanctions and may not dispose of the ensuing net revenues generated by the EU operators.

Following the proposals by the Commission and the High Representative in March, on 21 May 2024 the Council adopted a set of legal acts enabling the use of these net profits for the benefit of Ukraine.

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Update 239-IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

International Atomic Energy Agency

66/2024

Vienna, Austria

26 Jul 2024

The nuclear safety and security situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remains highly challenging during the military conflict, including efforts to ensure adequate maintenance of key safety systems and other vital equipment, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

Over the past week, the IAEA experts stationed at the ZNPP have conducted several walkdowns focused on monitoring maintenance activities across the site, as well as the availability of necessary spare parts for the plant.

"These are areas which are of vital importance for sustainable nuclear safety and security, even though they are often overshadowed by more urgent difficulties, including the extremely vulnerable off-site power situation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant," Director General Grossi said.

"At all nuclear power plants around the world, maintenance is essential to prevent the degradation of reactor structures, systems, and components. This has been an especially difficult task to implement during the war. But if not conducted regularly and comprehensively, it could further increase the risk of a nuclear accident in the future. We are continuing to follow this issue very closely," he said.

In recent days, the IAEA team observed ongoing maintenance of the components of the main electrical transformer of reactor unit 3, which were being disassembled for servicing. Once the maintenance is completed, tests will be performed to ensure the operability of the transformer prior to it returning to operation.

The IAEA experts also monitored planned maintenance activities in the reactor hall and the nuclear auxiliary building of unit 6, including the refuelling machine crane and the heat exchangers. The team was also able to observe the maintenance of some electrical as well as instrumentation and control equipment. They did not report any issues related to nuclear safety or security related to the observed maintenance activities. When visiting the same unit's turbine hall, the team was once again not granted access to its western part.

In other areas of relevance for nuclear safety and security, the IAEA team observed emergency diesel generator (EDG) testing at unit 4, which was performed within the established nuclear safety criteria.

While visiting the ZNPP's training centre to observe activities there, the IAEA team noted that the centre is also providing training for specialists performing metal integrity inspections at the ZNPP, using ultrasonic equipment. The centre plans to expand its capabilities to include training on the use of industrial radiography for the non-destructive testing (NDT) of metal integrity.

Over the past week, the IAEA experts have continued to hear explosions and gunfire at various distances from the site.

Following a series of outages earlier this month that also affected the availability of water, power has been restored in the nearby city of Enerhodar, where most ZNPP staff live. At the ZNPP site, the IAEA experts have had more regular access to tap water this week, following shortages last week.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, the IAEA experts present at the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and the Chornobyl site reported that nuclear safety and security is being maintained despite the effects of the ongoing conflict. The teams continued to report air raid alarms heard from the sites.

One of the three reactor units at the South Ukraine NPP has completed its planned maintenance and refuelling activities and was successfully restarted, while a planned outage at another unit is nearing completion.

Last week, the IAEA team at the South Ukraine NPP reported that its unit 2 was temporarily shut down following the actuation of electrical protections due to a transformer problem in the 330 kV open switchyard, located outside the NPP site. As a result of a short circuit, there was damage to the ceramic insulator, causing an oil leak that caught fire due to an electric arc. After the electrical connection was restored, the reactor was restarted and commenced supplying electricity to the grid after about 17 hours, reaching full power just over 24 hours after the shutdown.

The IAEA teams at the Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs rotated late last week and the Khmelnytskyy NPP team rotated on Wednesday.



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EU sends a1.5 billion to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets

Iran Press TV

Friday, 26 July 2024 7:13 PM

The European Union has transferred 1.5 billion euros to Kiev from the revenues obtained from the Russian assets frozen as part of the European bloc's sanctions imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine war.

"Today we transfer 1.5 billion euros in proceeds from immobilized Russian assets to the defense and reconstruction of Ukraine," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media platform X on Friday.

"There is no better symbol or use for the Kremlin's money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live," she added.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked the EU.

"Thank you von der Leyen and the EU for your steadfast support and this significant contribution to Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. Together, we are turning adversity into strength and building a safer, more resilient Europe," he said.

The announcement marks the first money transfer from Russia's immobilized assets after EU member states reached an agreement on the legal texts in May.

Russia's immobilized assets are estimated to be about a210 billion across the EU.

The next transfer will take place in March next year, according to the Commission.

Last month, the Group of Seven (G7): the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Canada and Italy, and the EU agreed to use interest earned from the frozen Russian assets to support a $50 billion loan for Ukraine. Moscow has vowed legal action.

Russia launched the military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Western countries have responded to the Russian military operation by backing Ukraine with cash and heavy weaponry while imposing unprecedented sanctions on Russian officials and entities.

Moscow has repeatedly warned that such a flow of weapons to Kiev will only prolong the conflict.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the US, alone, has pledged more than $44 billion in security aid to Ukraine.

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EU To Transfer To Ukraine 1.5 Billion Euros In Proceeds From Frozen Russian Assets

By RFE/RL July 26, 2024

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that the European Union will send Ukraine 1.5 billion euros ($1.63 billion) that represent revenues from Russian assets frozen by the 27-member bloc.

"Today we transfer 1.5 billion in proceeds from immobilized Russian assets to the defense and reconstruction of Ukraine," von der Leyen wrote on X. "There is no better symbol or use for the Kremlin's money than to make Ukraine and all of Europe a safer place to live."

Following Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the West froze some 276 billion euros ($300 billion) in sovereign Russian wealth funds and the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized countries last month decided to service a $50 billion loan for Ukraine with proceeds generated by Russia's frozen assets, prompting Moscow to threaten legal action.

On July 25, EU Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said the G7 was likely to have a framework deal on the loan for Ukraine's defense and reconstruction by October, according to Euractiv.com.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal voiced gratitude for the EU move in a message on X.

"Thank you, @vonderleyen, and the EU for your steadfast support and this significant contribution to Ukraine's defense and reconstruction. Together, we are turning adversity into strength and building a safer, more resilient Europe," he said.

Most of the frozen Russian sovereign funds -- some 210 billion euros ($228 billion) -- are held in Europe, while about $10 billion is in the United States, Euractiv.com estimates. Some $30 billion are in Japan, and $10 billion in Britain.

In reaction to von der Leyen's announcement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia will not leave the EU's move unanswered but said Moscow's response had to be carefully planned.

"This is certainly grounds for well-thought-out actions in response to such unlawful decisions being implemented by the European Union. Such actions will certainly follow," Peskov told journalists on July 26.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-frozen- assets-ukraine/33051974.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Ukrainian Forces Fight Intense Battles In Donetsk Region, Zelenskiy Says

By RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service July 26, 2024

Ukrainian forces are under heavy pressure in the east of the country, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on July 26, describing the area around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region as the main focus of Russian attacks.

Zelenskiy said on X that Ukraine's military command is assessing the situation and pledged that "everything must be done and will be done to strengthen our positions" in the area.

"It is important that our warriors receive exactly what they need under these conditions of very intense battles and pressure from the Russian Army," he said.

The General Staff said in its evening assessment on July 26 that Russian forces had launched more than 30 assaults in the Pokrovsk area, adding they were "paying a high price for their attempts to advance" there. Russian losses amounted to 187 people killed and wounded, the General Staff said.

Zelenskiy also expressed "special appreciation" to all units that attacked Russian bases and logistics in occupied territories of Ukraine.

"The occupier must feel that this is Ukrainian land," Zelenskiy said without citing what bases were hit. "And each destroyed Russian airbase, each destroyed Russian military aircraft whether on the ground or in the air, means saving Ukrainian lives."

Earlier on July 26 a Russian military airfield in occupied Crimea was reportedly targeted by a missile strike that caused explosions and a fire, Ukrainian media and Russian Telegram channels reported.

The Ukrainian TV channel Suspilne, citing local residents, reported explosions in the cities of Saky and Yevpatoria in Crimea. "Very powerful explosions" were reported by residents in Saky, which is home to a Russian airfield.

The Crimean Wind channel on Telegram reported that an ammunition depot at the airfield was struck and quoted a source as saying that missiles and aircraft had been blown up.

The Russian Telegram channel Astra, citing emergency services sources in occupied Crimea, said the airfield and the munitions depot had been attacked with long-range ATACMS missiles, starting a fire. Two Russian soldiers sustained shrapnel wounds, Astra reported.

Astra also said that an ATACMS missile hit a Russian air-defense site in the Saky district, destroying a radar station. Citing unnamed sources, it said a total of four ATACMS missiles were fired from Ukraine, and two were shot down by Russian air defenses.

The information could not be independently confirmed.

Russia's Defense Ministry did not mention the strikes on Crimea, saying only that its air defenses shot down six Ukrainian drones -- four over the Rostov region and two over the Kursk region.

The Saky military airfield, near the village of Novofedorivka, has been targeted by missile strikes several times in the past.

The air base is home to Russia's 43rd Fighter Aviation Regiment, which supports Russian troops in southern Ukraine and operates Su-24 bombers and Su-30 fighters.

Occupied Crimea was used by the Russian military as a relatively safe launching pad for missile attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war in February 2022.

But in April, the United States began delivering versions of the powerful long-range ballistic missile ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) that can travel as far as 300 kilometers, effectively making it possible for Ukraine to hit any of the more than 100 Russian military targets in Crimea.

Russia, meanwhile, once again targeted Ukrainian energy facilities with drone and missile strikes.

Energy supplier Ukrenerho said on July 26 that facilities in the Zhytomyr and Chernihiv regions were hit.

The Ukrainian Air Force said separately that its air defenses shot down 20 of the 22 drones launched by Russia at targets in four of its regions on July 26.

The attacks on the Kherson, Sumy, Zhytomyr, and Chernihiv regions came a day after Moscow struck installations in the Ukrainian port of Izmayil on the Danube near NATO member Romania's border, prompting the alliance to scramble F-18 jets to monitor the situation.

On July 26, Romania's Foreign Ministry summoned the Russian charge d'affaires from the Russian Embassy in Bucharest, the ministry said in a statement.

"The Romanian Foreign Ministry representative conveyed the Romanian authorities' firm protest and condemned the repeated attacks by the Russian forces on the Ukrainian civil infrastructure, requesting their immediate cessation," the statement said.

The Romanian side "emphasized the irresponsible nature of [Russia's] military strikes, including in the immediate vicinity of Romania's border, which endanger national security."

Bucharest also "highlighted the sole responsibility of the Russian Federation, as a result of its aggression against Ukraine, for the serious deterioration of the security environment in the Black Sea."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-crimea-saky-strikes- russia/33051827.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Troops Carry Out 33 Precision Strikes on Ukrainian Military Targets Over Past Week

Sputnik News

20240726

The Russian military conducted 33 strikes using precision weapons and attack drones, targeting Ukraine's military enterprises involved in producing gunpowder, armored equipment, and energy facilities, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated on Friday.

"From July 20 to 26 of this year, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation carried out 33 coordinated strikes using precision weapons and attack drones, hitting Ukrainian military facilities manufacturing gunpowder, plants producing armored equipment and energy infrastructure supporting them," the MoD said in a statement.

The ministry also specified that Russian the strikes targeted drone assembly workshops, ammunition and artillery depots, military convoys carrying equipment and personnel, as well as temporary deployment sites for foreign mercenaries.

"The losses of the armed forces of Ukraine amounted to up to 4,640 servicemen, six tanks, 23 armored combat vehicles, including two US-made M113 armored personnel carriers and 44 vehicles [in battles with Russia's Battlegroup Yug]," the MoD also said in a statement.

Russian troops liberated the village of Ivano-Daryevka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the ministry said.

Russia's Battlegroup Zapad repelled nine counterattacks, and Kiev lost up to 3,640 servicemen, while the Tsentr Battlegroup thwarted 42 counterattacks and Ukraine lost up to 2,525 soldiers.

Additionally, Russia's Battlegroup Sever repelled 21 counterattacks and Kiev as lost up to 1,385 soldiers in battles, the ministry added.

A total of 63 Ukrainian soldiers surrendered to Russia in the past week, the ministry concluded.

A Sputnik

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Russia Warns of Retaliation Over EU's Use of Frozen Assets for Ukraine Support

Sputnik News

20240726

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to European Union (EU) moves to pilfer interest from frozen Russian assets to pay for military aid to Ukraine, warning that such actions will not go unanswered.

"Of course, such steps by the European Commission will not go unanswered," Peskov told reporters.

On Friday, the European Union will send the first tranche of military aid to Ukraine, amounting to a1.5 billion, from the revenues of frozen Russian assets, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on social media site X.

But Kiev will not receive the proceeds from the Russian assets directly - the funds will go into the European Peace Facility to compensate EU countries for arms already supplied, the European Commission said.

"This is not a reason for an immediate reaction, but certainly a reason for thoughtful actions in response to such illegal decisions by the European Union," Peskov added.

These actions will definitely take place, but they must be well-considered and fully align with our interests." Following the start of Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the EU and G7 countries froze nearly half of Russia's foreign exchange reserves, amounting to approximately a300 billion.

Over a200 billion are held in the EU, mainly by Belgium's Euroclear, one of the world's largest settlement and clearing systems. The Russian Foreign Ministry has described the freezing of assets in Europe as theft, noting that the EU is targeting not only private funds but also Russian state assets.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia would respond if frozen Russian assets in the West were confiscated. He mentioned that Russia also has the option to seize funds that Western countries hold in Russia.

A Sputnik

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Hungary Accuses Ukraine of Blackmail Over Russian Oil Transit Halt

Sputnik News

20240726

Ukraine is using the stoppage of Russian oil transit to blackmail Hungary and Slovakia due to their stance on the Ukraine conflict, the Hungarian prime minister's chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, stated at a government briefing.

"Ukraine is blackmailing two countriesaHungary and Slovakiaathat consistently advocate for a ceasefire and the start of peace negotiations," he said.

Gulyas noted that Ukraine's actions contradict the EU agreement from the summer of 2022, which granted Hungary an exemption from sanctions on Russian oil supplies, as the country cannot guarantee its energy security otherwise. He warned that if the issue isn't resolved, Hungary could face a fuel shortage and stressed the need for a solution by September.

Despite these challenges, Budapest does not wish to resort to counter-blackmail and adheres to the agreements in place, Gulyas emphasized. He pointed out that Ukraine receives over 40% of its electricity and more than 10% of its gas and diesel imports from Hungary.

"But it is completely unacceptable for them to blackmail us. We have approached the European Commission to mediate in the agreements. If this does not yield results, we will have to consider other steps," Gulyas concluded.

Meanwhile, Hungary is scrutinizing whether Ukraine's decision to halt oil transit breaches World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, the EU Energy Charter, and the EU Association Agreement, Hungarian EU Affairs Minister Janos Boka said on Friday.

"The Hungarian government is investigating whether Ukraine's actions, in addition to the EU Association Agreement, also violate WTO rules and the EU Energy Charter. Depending on this, we retain the possibility of further steps," Boka told reporters.

Last week, Hungary and Slovakia reported that they had stopped receiving oil from Lukoil via the Druzhba pipeline due to Ukraine halting transit through its territory. The Slovak Ministry of Economy noted that Kiev had included the Russian oil company in its sanctions list. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented that the transit of energy resources has long been a "manipulation tool" for the Kiev regime, and the West encourages this policy, which she described as growing into "true international terrorism."

In December 2022, Western countries imposed sanctions prohibiting the supply of Russian oil to the European Union, with exceptions only for the Druzhba pipeline to avoid difficulties for several landlocked countries in finding alternative suppliers.

A Sputnik

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Russian Hackers Leak Data About 3,200 Mercenaries Fighting in Ukraine

Sputnik News

20240726

On July 26, RaHDit, a Russian hacker group (also known as "Evil Russian Hackers"), made the news once again with a massive leak, after having published the data of more than 1,200 Ukrainian drone operators earlier this month.

RaHDit has disclosed information on more than 3,200 foreign mercenaries fighting in the ranks of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Among them is Evelyn Aschenbrenner, born in 1981, who is a senior soldier and assistant commander in the personnel unit of the 1st Battalion of the International Legion in Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces. Aschenbrenner is an LGBT* person who also uses the "they" pronoun.

Tanner Pierce Reed, born in 1993, a US citizen, is a former Oakland Police Department officer. On July 26, 2023, he was arrested in the state of Indiana for molesting a minor and aiding and abetting juvenile offenses.

The list of mercenaries also includes Kristaps Maurins, born in 1991, a Latvian native. Kristaps competed in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, where he came in 21st place in luge. In Latvia, he served as the general secretary of the Latvian Luge Federation.

Pablo Garrido Mancedo, a Spanish citizen, who has a record of partaking in various military conflicts prior to going to Ukraine. In particular, he fought on the side of Kurdish militants in Syria.

Juris Alberts Ulmanis, born in 1959, is an entrepreneur, professor, climber, and polar explorer. Today, he serves in the ranks of the 67th Mechanized Brigade of the International Legion (unit A4123). He has participated in fighting against Russia on the Ukrainian side multiple times and has provided various goods to Ukrainian forces, including financial aid. He wrote a book titled When War Becomes Personal, and is known for his Russophobic rhetoric. He has served in Ukraine's National Guard for five years.

The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has repeatedly warned foreign citizens against traveling to Ukraine and emphasized that under international humanitarian law, mercenaries are not considered combatants and do not have the right to prisoner of war status.

According to the Ministry, over 13,000 foreign mercenaries have arrived in Ukraine to fight for the Kiev regime since the start of the special operation. During this period, about 6,000 fighters have been eliminated.

*Extremist organization banned in Russia

A Sputnik

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EU transfers $1.6 billion to Ukraine from frozen Russian assets

By VOA News July 26, 2024

The European Union announced Friday that it had made available $1.6 billion to Ukraine - interest generated from $225 billion in immobilized Russian Central Bank assets.

The Russian assets, frozen under sanctions levied in retaliation for Moscow's February 2022 full-scale invasion, are projected to generate an estimated $3.2 billion annually.

EU officials say 90% of the funds will be held in the European Peace Facility, a reimbursement account for member states of the European bloc that send arms, ammunition and equipment to Ukraine. The remaining 10% will get absorbed by the bloc's budget for Ukrainian defense and reconstruction.

Ukraine has expressed concern that Russian forces will further advance into the country if financial support were to halt.

Ukraine reported Friday that its missile forces struck a Russian military airfield in Crimea, the latest in a series of attacks in the region. A statement released by Ukraine claimed that the airfield is often used by Russia to control the airspace over the area, including over the Black Sea, and to launch attacks against Ukraine.

There was no immediate comment from Russian officials.

'Warriors' thanked

In his nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alluded to the attack, saying, "I want to especially acknowledge our warriors who strike at Russian bases and logistics in the occupied territory. The invader must feel that this is Ukrainian land ... our warriors, I thank you for your precision."

According to Ukraine, the attacks in Crimea have forced the Russian navy's Black Sea Fleet to relocate combat vessels to a safe harbor.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens were reported to be without power Friday after a Russian drone attack on Ukrainian energy facilities. Fifteen individuals were said to have been wounded in the attacks, which sparked large fires, according to Ukrainian officials. They said six residential buildings were also damaged.

Officials said 20 of Russia's 22 drones were reported to have been struck down in the assault.

In the southern Russian border region of Bryansk, the regional governor said Russian air defense units intercepted 12 Ukrainian drones over the course of an hour late Friday.

"Thanks to our valiant defenders, all airborne targets were intercepted and destroyed," Governor Alexander Bogomaz wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

In other developments Friday, Russia issued harsh sentences to several people convicted of treason and "terrorism" charges linked to Russia's military offensive in Ukraine. They included two men, Mikhail Dariy and Ilya Kovylkov, who were sentenced to 22 years and 15 years, respectively, for allegedly plotting to blow up fuel tanks at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport to benefit Ukraine.

Also Friday, NATO member Finland suspected that Russia violated its territory with a Russian vessel believed to have been spotted in the eastern Gulf of Finland. That followed an incident in June, when Finland reported four Russian planes in its airspace.

In Hungary, officials Friday accused Ukraine of blackmail for blocking the transit of oil from Lukoil, a Russian group. This came after Ukraine issued sanctions that blocked the transit of Russian crude via the Druzhba pipeline in June.

The dispute has shown how some EU countries like Slovakia and Hungary still depend on Russian energy more than two years after a decision in the bloc to stop oil imports following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Governments in Bratislava and Budapest, which oppose the sanctions against Moscow and sending military aid to Kyiv a have blasted Ukraine for the halt to Lukoil supplies. They're seeking EU mediation in the dispute.

Gergely Gulyas, chief of staff for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, said Friday that Ukraine's decision was blackmail for Hungary's and Slovakia's positions on Russia's war in Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials hold that the decision to move forward with the sanctions are not blackmail and have nothing to do with the matter.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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NEW YORK, July 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) between July 27, 2022 and January 24, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important August 2, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Humana common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Humana class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25679 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 2, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about Humanas business and operations. Specifically, defendants downplayed pressures on Humanas adjusted earnings per share (EPS) resulting from increased medical costs associated with pent-up demand for healthcare procedures (especially as COVID concerns abated) which, contrary to Humanas assurances, resulted in increased utilization rates and costs. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Humana class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=25679 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
Vancouver, July 26, 2024 - CopAur Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CPAU) (OTCQX: COPAF) ("CopAur" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, subject to regulatory approval, it intends to enter into a loan agreement (the "Loan Agreements") with an arms length lender (the "Lender") pursuant to which the Company will borrow a total of C$1,000,000 (the "Loan"). The Loan will bear simple interest of 1% per month (12% per annum). The maturity date of the Loan will be the date that is 6 months following the date that the Lender provides the Loan to the Company and the Loan may be repaid at any time prior to its maturity with a minimum interest payment of 3 months' interest. Subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, in the event that the Company conducts a private placement of its securities prior to the maturity of the Loan, the Lender will have a right to participate in the private placement by specifying the amount of the Loan that the Lender wishes to be used as a subscription commitment and the outstanding balance of the Loan will be reduced by the Lender's subscription commitment in the private placement.

Subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), the Company will issue 2,500,000 non-transferable share purchase warrants (the "Bonus Warrants") to the Lender as a bonus inducement for providing the Loan. Each Bonus Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.20 until the date that is 12 months following the date of issuance of the Bonus Warrants. In the event that the closing price (or closing bid price on any day on which there is no trade) of the common shares on the TSXV exceeds $0.45 per common share for a minimum of five consecutive trading days, the Company may provide written notice to the Lender accelerating the exercise of the Bonus Warrants to the date that is 30 days following the date of delivery of such written notice (the "Advance Exercise Date") and any unexercised Bonus Warrants will expire on the Advance Exercise Date.

The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Loan for general working capital purposes and to pay the cash consideration payable to Nevada Sunrise Metals Corp. (TSXV: NEV) (OTCBB: NVSGF) to purchase Nevada Sunrise's 18.74% ownership interest in the Kinsley Mountain Gold Project in Nevada ("Kinsley Acquisition"). The balance of the consideration payable to Nevada Sunrise will be the issuance of 1,000,000 common shares of the Company. If the Kinsley Acquisition is completed, CopAur will own 100% of the Kinsley Mountain Gold Project. See the Company's news release disseminated on July 8, 2024 for further information about the Kinsley Acquisition.

About CopAur

CopAur is an exploration company focused on developing projects within the emerging, mineral-rich mining regions of Nevada. The Company is backed by a dynamic and experienced team of resource professionals advancing its projects in Nevada with the flagship project being Kinsley Mountain Gold Project, a Carlin-style project located 90 kilometres south of the Long Canyon mine (currently in production under the Newmont/Barrick joint venture, Nevada Gold Mines).

For more information, please contact:

CopAur Minerals Inc.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance including the Company's plans to borrow the Loan and issue the Loan Bonus Warrants and the intended uses for the Loan funds, as well as the Company's intention to complete the Kinsley Acquisition, and the obtaining of TSXV approval for these transactions. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revised any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217980
Vancouver, July 26, 2024 - David H. Brett, President & CEO, EnGold Mines Ltd., (TSXV: EGM) ("EnGold" or the "Company") reports that the Company has closed an insider-lead non-brokered private placement of 4,000,000 flow-through units at a price of $0.08 per unit (the "Units") for gross proceeds of $320,000 (the "Financing"). The Units consist of one flow-through common share and one two-year warrant to purchase one non-flow-through common share at a price of $0.10 per share. Finders' fees of $8,400 in cash were paid and 105,000 finders' warrants were issued in connection with the Financing. Each finders' warrant entitles the holder to acquire on common share at $0.10 per share for two years.

Proceeds of the Financing will be used to explore the Company's 100% owned, fully permitted Lac La Hache Copper-Gold Property in the southern Cariboo region of BC. The exploration costs incurred as a result of the Financing will qualify as critical mineral flow-through mining expenditures.

About EnGold

EnGold is a Vancouver-based copper, gold, silver, and magnetite exploration company focused solely on its 100% owned Lac La Hache property in the Cariboo region of BC which hosts the Spout Copper Deposit, the Aurizon Gold Deposit, and the G1 Copper Deposit and other targets within a large porphyry mineralizing system. With world-class infrastructure at its doorstep, Lac La Hache is a great location to be exploring.

EnGold Mines Ltd.

David Brett

President & CEO

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/217995
Alpine chaos not prelude to F1 team sale

Alpine's outgoing team boss insists the crisis-struck Formula 1 team is not being prepared for sale.

Esteban Ocon, Belgian GP 2024

 Alpine

Although one of the goals of the all-new, heavily-electrified 2026 regulations was to attract new carmakers like Audi, Renault owner Alpine has actually all but decided to scrap its works engine program.

The marque can't make the news about its Viry-Chattilon F1 engine headquarters official yet, because of France's ultra-tough labour laws and union influence.

Therefore, negotiations with potential customer engine suppliers - with Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains the frontrunners - cannot yet move forward.

We are talking to some PU manufacturers, said Bruno Famin in Belgium, but we cannot sign anything until this process is over.

Famin won't even still be in charge of the team beyond the forthcoming August break, as he will focus on Viry's transition to non-Formula 1 activities.

His successor will be announced in due course , with Hitech founder Oliver Oakes the current frontrunner. Famin denies he has clashed badly with new team executive advisor Flavio Briatore.

I have no problem with Flavio, he said at Spa-Francorchamps. "The little time we spend together, I have absolutely no issue, no problem. He has his own way.

But I think it will be clearer on that side if I step down from the team principal role.

Famin admitted getting a new team boss signed up quickly is a major priority. Everybody in Enstone needs to know what (engine) to design the 2026 car for, he said.

However, he denied all the activity at Alpine at the moment is a prelude to a potential team sale. No, said Famin. The Formula 1 project remains a key project for the Alpine brand. It's thanks to Formula 1 that we want to develop the brand awareness globally.

But one rumour doing the rounds in Hungary is that General Motors could buy the intellectual property of Renault's 2026 engine project - which may otherwise never be fired up at a racetrack.

The job which is being done in Viry to prepare the 2026 engine is incredible, said Famin. We fixed a very high target and I am confident that we can reach it. The figures we have from the dyno are very good. All the people are very involved, very professional, very skilled.

Renault actually pledged to the FIA to remain an engine manufacturer in F1 all the way to 2030, but in reality the governing body is unlikely to issue any penalty.

Finally, if Hitech's Oliver Oakes is appointed the new Alpine boss, it is believed he is keen to pair Pierre Gasly with his own F2 protege Paul Aron next year rather than Jack Doohan.

(GMM)
Marko doubts Verstappen will win Belgian GP

Dr Helmut Marko is not sounding confident about a Max Verstappen victory this Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps.

Max Verstappen, Belgian GP 2024

 Red Bull

The triple world champion bounced back from Hungary with strong pace in opening practice at his favourite track on Friday, but was then outpaced by both McLarens in FP2.

We're in the running, team boss Christian Horner insisted. "According to our measurements, (Lando) Norris was using the engine more than us.

We're comparing ourselves more with (Oscar) Piastri, who was a mere 2 thousandths faster than Verstappen.

After the debut of the vastly-different engine cover without the familiar lumps in Hungary, the old version was back on Verstappen's car on Friday. But Horner says that was always the plan.

We are only using the different engine cover, he said. "The rest of the car is the same. This has always been the plan for the fast tracks - here and Monza.

We change depending on the circuit.

And while Sergio Perez is still using the pre-Hungary specification, Verstappen did try a new wave-shaped rear wing in Belgian GP practice.

Verstappen also has a new power unit fitted - which will cost him ten places on the grid. It will be very difficult on Sunday, team consultant Marko admits.

At the moment it does not look like it will be a victory. We will see if we can make any (setup) changes, but we are not so worried about McLaren's pace. It's about finding the right balance in the car.

Also on Friday, the FIA ordered all teams to attach prescribed reference stickers and cameras on the front wings, as the governing body tries to understand the cars' new flexibility tricks.

The intention is to measure all front wings over several race weekends, an FIA source said. The data we collect will lead to a better general understanding of flexibility in order to define future regulations.

(GMM)
Red Bull drivers facing nervous F1 summer break

Red Bull is shaping up to emerge from the forthcoming August break with different driver lineups at both of the brand's Formula 1 teams.

Liam Lawson, Belgian GP 2024

 Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo faces the prospect of either being dropped by the junior squad RB altogether, or promoted at least for the second part of 2024 to Red Bull Racing.

Obviously going up (to Red Bull Racing), that's my goal, said the Australian. I'd love to return, but you know there's also talks of 'will I even be here?

Sergio Perez might also be driving his final race of 2024 this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, with team boss Christian Horner admitting the Mexican's gap to Max Verstappen is still too big .

Checo's future is in his hands, he told Sky Italia. In the next 11 races we have to defend the constructors' title, so we need two drivers who can score points, so experience is important.

The fact that Horner emphasised 'experience' is a clear blow to Liam Lawson, although the young New Zealander looks very likely to fill Ricciardo's place at RB instead.

Perez, though, denies that he's about to trigger a poor performance clause in his contract, even though team advisor Dr Helmut Marko has been referring to those clauses repeatedly of late.

You have to ask Helmut that, Perez insisted. But have I been given a goal in the standings? Absolutely not.

Marko, though, said at Spa: He has to be closer to Max, or score reasonable points.

As for RB and Lawson, the Faenza based team's boss Laurent Mekies freely admits team owner Red Bull could tweak the driver lineup over the summer break.

Well, yes, there have been a lot of speculations, said the Frenchman. I think we've made it very public that we will sit down in the summer break in order to discuss the drivers' futures.

(GMM)
Lewis Hamilton, Belgian GP 2024

 Mercedes

Oracle Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen (1st, 1:53.159): "Hopefully we can fight for a position with the grid place penalty and be back in the mix and I hope that we can be competitive. Today was a positive day. We were really strong, have maximised the car and have the best possible position for tomorrow. You always try and do the best lap possible; it was wet today and the conditions tomorrow will be better and I think it will all be about tyre management. Hopefully what we did today will help us with tyre management for tomorrow, and I felt more comfortable with the wing that we chose, so I hope I can come back into the fight with the other teams. There are many other fast cars out there who are really strong and I think the McLarens will be tough to beat tomorrow. Hopefully we can fight for a position with the grid place penalty and be back in the mix and I hope that we can be competitive. We hope that it won't hurt us too much but we will see as the weather will be different, the wind will change and we will set up the car a bit differently. So we will see and we look forward to tomorrow."

Sergio Perez (3rd, 1:53.765): "It feels good to have momentum on my side and to hopefully have a strong result ahead of summer break. It is a good boost of confidence for myself and the team to be starting on the front row tomorrow. It feels good to have momentum on my side and to hopefully have a strong result ahead of summer break. We had good pace all the way through qualifying, we changed the car's balance dramatically from yesterday to today with everything focused on race pace. We managed to get nice, solid balance out there so I'm very pleased with that. It's going to be a long race tomorrow, if I see an opportunity early on we'll go for it but it is going to be a different scenario with weather conditions. Tomorrow is a new opportunity, and I'm looking forward to it as I think we are in a good position to fight for the victory."

Christian Horner, Sporting Director: "Max was on fire today. Both our drivers pushed it to the limit. Max was on it all through the session, right from the start. Exceptional qualifying from him and he could have even given a set of tyres back to Pirelli's. He used fewer tyres to get to Q3 and then just two laps in Q3 to get the pole. But I have to say a big congratulations to Checo, only with scrub tyres in Q3, his middle sector on that scrub only two tenths off Max and to miss out on what would have been pole by only five hundredth's for what is now a front row start, is a great effort. Max of course starts in 11th on the grid tomorrow, but as we have seen in previous years, there is plenty he can do from there so we are very much looking forward to what tomorrow brings."

Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team

Lewis Hamilton (4th, 1:53.835): "Overall, qualifying was a good session for us. We tried to predict the weather as best we could, which is a real challenge around here. In hindsight, we would have chosen to run a little later on our new set of Intermediates in Q3, but the conditions and incoming rain are so hard to forecast. Our pace was still decent on tyres that we had completed multiple push laps on so we can be pleased with our efforts today. Tomorrow's race will be a challenge. We've likely got a few quicker cars starting behind us in Verstappen and the McLarens. I will be getting my head down though, trying to hold position to them and see if I can keep up with the guys ahead of me. I will be giving it everything and hopefully the changes we've made overnight will help us find more pace in the dry than we had on Friday."

George Russell (7th, 1:54.184): "George Russell Predicting the ever-changing weather made qualifying a real challenge today. You had to make sure you had the new Intermediate tyre on your car at the right time, and that was difficult to do. We were maybe slightly too early putting it on in Q3, but it is easy to say that with the benefit of hindsight. Starting P6 for tomorrow is therefore a fair result. There will be a lot of unknowns going into tomorrow. The forecast is currently dry, and we will be hoping to move forward from P6. The McLarens looked fast on Friday and may be slightly quicker than us, but let's wait and see. Tyre degradation will also play a big factor. It was some of the highest levels we have seen so far this year in FP1 and FP2. Today's rain may also have an impact on the surface so we will have to be adaptable."

Toto Wolff, Team Principal: "Today was a typical day at Spa; changeable conditions, with the forecast shifting constantly. That made it a real challenge. We also made changes to the car overnight but weren't able to evaluate them in FP3 given the lack of running. Nevertheless, both drivers were competitive in qualifying. In Q3, we expected heavier rain to arrive and decided to use our final set of new Intermediates at the start of the segment. Conditions didn't particularly deteriorate however and being just one tenth from starting P1 tomorrow, having set our time on tyres that had done multiple laps, is a little frustrating. That is all part of the challenge of Spa though and overall, we can be pleased with our efforts. Tomorrow is forecast to be dry. We saw on Friday that tyre degradation may play a large role in the race. The changes we've made overnight will hopefully help us manage this better and we can be in the fight for the podium once again."

Andrew Shovlin: "We weren't happy with the balance or pace of the car yesterday, so we made some fairly major changes to the mechanical and aero specification of the car overnight. We'd hoped for a dry window in FP3 to evaluate those, but unfortunately it stayed wet throughout and there was no chance to accumulate any meaningful running. Wet qualifying sessions are difficult at present as the grid is tight. You need to time your new sets to coincide with when the track is at its quickest. By Q3, we were down to one new set of Intermediates. We'd decided to carry more fuel and do multiple laps to try and land one with the driest conditions. That was similar to McLaren. We lost out to the Ferrari of Leclerc though who used his new set right at the end. Had we not been carrying the fuel, we would have had the pace for P2. We don't know where we will stack up on race pace, as the car is quite different to the one we ran in the dry yesterday. Starting from P3 and P6 though, we are hopefully well placed to fight for a podium."

Scuderia Ferrari

Charles Leclerc (2nd, 1:53.754): "It feels good to be starting at the front of the grid. It isn't the easiest track on which to defend the first position on the opening lap, but I will do everything to convert this to a victory for the team. The weather conditions played their part and today's result exceeded our expectations. Our focus will now shift to getting ready to do the same in dry conditions tomorrow."

Carlos Sainz (8th, 1:54.477): "I cannot be happy with the end result today because I was fast during the entire session and I didn't extract the maximum out of the last set of tyres in Q3. Immediately into turn 1 I felt I didn't have the same grip as I had during the previous runs and the entire lap was a struggle. I need to understand what I did differently to have such low grip. As for tomorrow, the race will be open and the goal will be to gain positions and fight at the front. It's difficult to predict what conditions we will find in the race, but I'm sure there will be opportunities."

Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal: "We can be pleased with today's result, as I always prefer to have a car starting from pole... Of course it will be interesting to see what happens between the start line and turn 5, as it can be tricky to keep the lead at Spa-Francorchamps on the opening lap. Charles drove a great lap and we got the strategy right, deciding to refuel between the two runs in Q3 and to keep the fresh set for the end to make the most of it in the final minutes of Q3. As for Carlos, the pace was there all through the session, but he made a small mistake at the beginning of the last lap and couldn't extract everything from his fresh tyres. We don't know what will happen tomorrow, but starting from pole is the first step in the right direction. Now we need to have a good start and get through Raidillon well keeping the lead with Charles. We know Max (Verstappen) can still be a danger and that McLaren will also be quick, so we must focus on ourselves, knowing that our long stint yesterday looked good."

McLaren Formula 1 Team

Lando Norris (5th, 1:53.981): "Mixed feelings today. I was struggling at points, and it felt like I was a little bit off the pace, which is frustrating. I think we paid the price for a slightly lower downforce, so hopefully, it comes back to us tomorrow after some work overnight. Starting P4 tomorrow keeps us in the fight and provides a great opportunity to gain positions."

Oscar Piastri (6th, 1:54.027): "They were tough conditions in Qualifying today and we felt reasonably good, we just didn't quite get the most out of the new set of tyres in Q3. A little improvement would have made a decent difference, however, we go into tomorrow with confidence. It's a long run through Eau Rouge and a long race ahead, so we've got plenty of chances to move forward and fight for the top spots."

Andrea Stella, Team Principal: "Qualifying was wet throughout, and conditions were made particularly tricky with the level of rain being variable. We managed the sessions effectively and the drivers drove well. We have good positions from which to start the race tomorrow and Spa-Francorchamps is one of the easier circuits on which to overtake. The car also looks strong in the sort of dry conditions that are forecast. Of course, having looked very competitive on Friday and even in the rain earlier today in FP3, we felt we could fight for pole position, but the reality this afternoon was that Verstappen was a bit too fast for us, while Leclerc, Hamilton and Perez have done good jobs. We may have left a few tenths out there on our final laps but everyone will say the same. We now look forward to making progress tomorrow in the race."

Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team

Fernando Alonso (9th, 1:54.765): "I am happy with ninth position in Qualifying today, which will become eighth with Max Verstappen's grid penalty, and I think it was probably the maximum we could achieve. I wasn't feeling totally comfortable in all of the Free Practice sessions this weekend, so I wasn't sure what to expect heading into Qualifying. The car felt good and I had confidence in these mixed weather conditions. We go into the unknown in tomorrow's race with less knowledge of the tyre degradation and with the new asphalt too, so that will make things interesting. We have a lot of the dry tyres available, so hopefully we can push and fight for some points."

Lance Stroll (15th, 1:55.716): "Firstly, I want to thank the team in the garage for the repair work they did to fix my car after FP3. We had to change the front corner and floor due to damage as well as the power unit and gearbox because of the heavy impact, so they did a great job working super quickly to get me back on track in time for Qualifying. It was a tough day out there. I struggled in Qualifying with the grip and balance of the car; it's hard to really push when you don't have that confidence. We'll work through everything tonight to see if there's any improvements we can make ahead of the race. This is a track that offers good overtaking opportunities, so we'll be pushing hard for points."

Mike Krack, Chief Operating Officer: "Spa is always a challenge especially with inclement weather conditions. Lance got caught out with some aquaplaning in FP3 and that gave the team a tough job to repair the car for Qualifying. A heroic effort, with both car crews working together, ensured that Lance was able to make it through to Q2 and P15. Fernando managed the conditions in Q3 to line up P8 for the race. Tomorrow we expect it will be a dry race and we will be aiming to maximise the points. Spa is frequently unpredictable so we will be fighting right to the chequered flag."

BWT Alpine F1 Team

Esteban Ocon (10th, 1:54.810): "We will start tomorrow's race from ninth place after Qualifying in tenth and reaching Q3. We brought some upgrades here in Spa, which we'll continue to gather data for each time we're on track. It was a good afternoon and we maximised the potential in Qualifying. The weather conditions meant that it was not easy in the wet but it was fine for us to run. In Q3 it was trickier out there as we did not have a new set of tyres. We start inside the points on Sunday, we know it will not be an easy race, however, we have given ourselves a great opportunity to score points. We need to look ahead to tomorrow, assess the conditions, where it will most likely be dry, and assess our options on strategy. We aim to take all the opportunities that might come our way."

Pierre Gasly (12th, 1:54.635): "It's definitely a disappointing feeling to exit in Q2, especially after such a good Q1 where we ended second on the timesheets. We did not maximise our out laps and tyre preparation in the changing conditions and I felt like I lacked rear grip. We did not give ourselves the best chance to reach Q3 and we need to better understand how we can maximise performance. My set-up is different to the other car  focusing on corners and compromising some straight-line speed  so we will see what that brings in tomorrow's race. It looks like it will be dry, we tried a few things in Practice in dry conditions on Friday, so hopefully it will all pay off tomorrow, where we aim to progress into the points."

David Sanchez, Executive Technical Director: "This weekend it has been a great team effort to introduce our first significant update to the car in recent weeks. We've been able to experiment and better understand how these work on our car and we will continue to do so each time we are on track. Spa-Francorchamps is always a challenging circuit to get right in terms of car set-up. For today's Qualifying, we opted to split the downforce configuration on both our cars. Esteban was extremely fast on the straights  purple in Sector 1  with a low downforce option, while Pierre ran a set-up more favourable for performance in the corners. We will see how this will pay off in tomorrow's race where we line up in ninth and twelfth. It looks like it will be dry and we will be alert on our strategic options given the potential high degradation on this newly resurfaced track."

Williams Racing

Alexander Albon (11th, 1:54.473): "It was a lot of fun out there today with the conditions making it a bit tricky but a joy to drive. Trying to get the rears to survive or to go flat through Eau Rouge; every lap was pushing the limits. Whilst we were three milliseconds off Q3, I'm still happy with how the car felt and due to penalties, we'll be starting from P10 anyway. We've made a lot of changes on our car from FP3 to Qualifying, however because of the rain, we aren't 100% sure how these changes have gone, but we'll be looking to have a good day tomorrow and fight for points."

Logan Sargeant (19th, 1:57.230): "It's always tricky at Spa and it's never easy in these kinds of conditions when the track is drying. A lot of it comes down to that last lap and we didn't get one in as we didn't get ourselves in the right position. So what could have been, nobody knows, but I'm not sure we quite had the pace today. We'll go again tomorrow."

Sven Smeets, Racing Director: "The weather dictated Qualifying today. The track remained too wet for Softs, however it was very difficult to decide when to come in and take a new set of Intermediates. With Logan, we missed the right track position at the end of Q1 and had to abandon our last pushlap which we needed to get into Q2. Alex got into Q2 with a good lap and missed out on Q3 by a few milliseconds, but we're happy with P11 after such a tricky Qualifying. Tomorrow it will be dry so the race will be a completely different story to today, but we're ready to fight for points."

Visa Cash App RB Formula One

Daniel Ricciardo (13th, 1:54.682): "Today I felt good and thought we would be better than thirteenth; I'm disappointed with this result but happy with the session and the pace we had, as I generally think we were a Q3 car. In Q2 the rain started to come down a bit more, so we chose to set the time a bit earlier in case it got worse. At the time we felt it was a good decision and we were able to improve our lap time a little bit, but it didn't work out for us as the rain stabilised enough when we were at the garage, and everyone was able to improve. I'm comfortable with the dry conditions we're hopefully going to have tomorrow; here it's normally a one-stop race, but with the bad weather we had today maybe the track will have poor grip which might create a two-stop race. In this case, there might be more opportunities with the strategy."

Yuki Tsunoda (18th, 1:56.593): "It wasn't a normal qualifying for me as I have an engine penalty for tomorrow, so it was about getting a lap in and seeing how the car feels. The car is quite different from yesterday, so it was good to make sure I'm happy with everything and gather more data. Together, we'll focus our efforts on tomorrow because overtaking won't be easy in the race as DRS trains often form here. We'll try to maximise the car and our strategy to make it work as a team, and hopefully score some points."

Jody Egginton, Technical Director: "Qualifying started with a damp track meaning inter tyres for the entire session, but both cars set solid times within the top 10 on their first runs. Yuki struggled a bit more with variability in grip across the lap on his second set and consequently did not progress, but either way will be starting the race from the back due to his PU change. The second run was good enough to put Daniel back into the top 10, but some drivers were going quicker later on, which is frustrating as the underlying pace in these conditions was good enough for Q3. We need to understand what we could have done better to have secured the place in Q3, but the focus now shifts to the race and scoring points tomorrow. The midfield is likely to remain very tight, so we will be focused on moving both our cars forward."

Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

Valtteri Bottas (14th, 1:54.764): "I feel we made the most out it today  considering the unpredictable, ever-changing track conditions. We manage to put in clean laps with good timing, and the end result is pretty much an indication of where we stand at the moment. Every lap felt different, and it was quite the challenge to estimate tyre grip, but we managed to improve on the last push lap of Q2 on a new set of tyres  eventually claiming 14th on the grid. The conditions are set to be different again tomorrow, but we were able to put in a good amount of running in the dry yesterday to properly understand our setup ahead of the race, which should help us be in the mix. Tomorrow is a new opportunity to go for it, and it would be nice to finally get points before heading into the summer break. We've seen some unpredictable races on this track, and overall, it's always been a pretty pace-dominated race, so let's see what we have in store for tomorrow."

Guanyu Zhou (20th, 1:57.775): "I feel like we definitely missed a chance in today's qualifying session. My first run on inters wasn't bad, and I believe I could have made it into the top 15 at that point. However, when pitting for a fresh set of tyres, the team held me in the pit lane to time our final run better and, unfortunately, this strategy didn't work out. I ended up at the back of a train of cars heading into the final chicane, and with only one lap to optimally prepare my tyres, it was impossible to improve my time. It's disappointing because I think we could have achieved a better result. Despite this setback, I believe we can make up some ground tomorrow, given my overall feeling today and the way the car was performing."

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Team Representative: "Today was a tricky session for everyone on track due to changeable conditions. We started the session on a wet track that dried with each lap. Overall, it was a good session for Valtteri, who maximised performance in Q1 when he finished in P11, less than seven tenths of a second off the best time. Our strategy to use two new sets of inters paid off for him. In Q2, he maximised performance at the end of the session, when he experienced a damper last sector, closing today's qualifying in P14, meaning we're once again in the mix. Zhou, however, struggled more with today's track conditions, especially at the beginning of the session. We opted for the same strategy, pitting him for a second set of inters and keeping him in the pit lane to position him for the last lap  allowing him to cross the chequered flag as one of the last cars when track conditions became more favourable. Unfortunately, three cars passed him in the chicane before the last lap, resulting in a loss of almost eight tenths of a second between the finish line and La Source. With an already compromised lap, he wasn't able to improve his lap time on the final attempt  a lap that was deleted regardless due to exceeding track limits at Turn 4. This leaves a bitter taste for all of us as he had the potential to enter Q2."

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team

Nico Hulkenberg (16th, 1:56.308): "I think our run profile was actually good, close to optimum, I don't feel like we left anything out there. We just didn't have the pace unfortunately, I was struggling on the intermediate, and we didn't have the grip needed to do a better lap time. It's been a bit of a theme this season that on the intermediates the car doesn't feel that happy and not in the best place. We need to understand and analyze that for the future. I don't know if others went for higher downforce for qualifying because of the rain, but if that is the case it could play into our hands, but we'll only find out tomorrow."

Kevin Magnussen (17th, 1:56.500): "I don't think we were too far from the optimum we could do. I went out for two timed laps in the second run and the track was getting so much better that it would've been better to do one timed lap with new tires with the track being the best. We didn't look as competitive in these conditions compared to the dry conditions yesterday. Our plan was for a wet session but there was almost a dry line at the end, so that didn't work for our plan, but the performance wasn't there."

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal: "Obviously that wasn't the qualifying session we were looking for. Fundamentally, the car doesn't seem to be working well on the intermediates, so we really need to investigate the reason why. On top of that, Kevin's car looks like it had a physical issue with the rear suspension which we can see on the data so we're now looking into that, but I'm sure we can put that one right tonight. Tomorrow, we can't solve the issue with the intermediate compound overnight, but looking ahead it's a dry race with very different temperatures, so hopefully we should be a bit more competitive."
It's a new day, so it's time for some new Pixel leaks. Google may have been trying to prevent comprehensive leaks of its upcoming devices by holding its annual launch event two months early in August, but that clearly hasn't worked at all.

Following yesterday's barrage of Pixel leaks, today we have a ton of newly leaked promo materials, leaked promo videos, and leaked official cases. So let's dive in.

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL's official cases have been leaked. The former device will get silicon cases in Charcoal, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose, and Aloe. That last one is strange because the Pixel 9 Pro itself isn't expected to be offered in Aloe.



Google Pixel 9 Pro official cases

Moving on to the XL model, this one's cases will come in the same colors as the Pixel 9 Pro, minus the Aloe variant.



Google Pixel 9 Pro XL official cases

Next up, a promo video for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL has been outed, and posted on YouTube where it was unfortunately removed from in the meantime "for violating YouTube's Terms of Service". The video focused on the fact that the Pixel Pro is now, for the first time, going to be offered in two sizes. It also confirms Google's ongoing software update commitment - the company promises seven years of Pixel Feature Drops.

There's a quick look at Pixel Screenshots too, which will let you easily search through any screenshot you previously saved. Of course Google also brags about the 'Pro-level' cameras on the two Pro models, complete with Super Res Zoom Video, and a new AI Add Me feature which lets you take two group shots and then merge them by the magic of AI.

This ensures everyone is in the resulting image, and the person taking the photo doesn't get left out. Google's Gemini also gets a lot of screen time, as you'd expect in 2024 with AI being the main buzzword in the tech world.

Finally, we have another leaked video, this time one that focuses on the 'vanilla' Pixel 9. At the time of publishing this hasn't been removed by YouTube yet, but we wouldn't be surprised if it eventually meets the same fate as the other one.

This one replaces Add Me with Magic Editor which uses AI to "reimagine" your shots, and also boasts about how the phone has a "durable design", whatever that means. Otherwise it is pretty similar, as it's meant to be since it's going to be part of the same ad campaign.

Source 1 | Source 2
WASHINGTON (AP)  The FBI said former President Donald Trump was struck in the ear by a bullet during an assassination attempt on July 13, as the agency moved Friday to clarify what happened after nearly two weeks of confusion and conflicting accounts.

In a statement issued Friday evening, the FBI said what struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle.

The statement came two days after FBI Director Christopher Wray said during congressional testimony that it was not clear whether Trumps injuries were caused by a bullet or shrapnel.




Haiti - Cap-Haitien : The CSPJ expands its local services





The Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ) proceeded this week to the inauguration of the Office of the Annex of the Judicial Inspection in Cap-Haitien, with the support of the Justice and Fight against Impunity Support Program (PAJLI), implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in collaboration with the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and funded by the Government of Canada.



This event, as well as the opening of the same office in Les Cayes marks the extension of the CSPJ's services beyond the capital, aims to offer local justice to the entire population.



Xavier Michon, UNDP Resident Representative in Haiti, expressed his satisfaction with this initiative, stating that "the opening of these annexes will allow for more regular and effective monitoring of the courts of the country's 18 jurisdictions."



It should be recalled that the CSPJ benefits from the continuous support of UNDP to carry out its administrative, control and disciplinary missions.



Recently, UNDP participated in the training of 18 new inspectors, several of whom are assigned to these first two regional annexes.



Maria Isabel Salvador, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of BINUH, welcomed the initiative of the CSPJ. She congratulated the new inspectors for their commitment and ethics, emphasizing that this decentralization will allow for better handling of grievances and increased monitoring of the functioning of the courts.



UNDP provided office equipment, IT equipment, furniture and solar energy systems to support the inspectors in their daily tasks. A vehicle will also be made available to the CSPJ to facilitate essential travel to the most remote courts.



The collaboration between UNDP and the CSPJ continues with logistical support to the Technical Certification Commission (CTC) to process the many magistrates' files. This certification process is essential to ensure an efficient and honest judiciary.



UNDP will also support the CSPJ in popularizing the judges' ethics guide, adopted in April 2023, to inform magistrates about their duties and obligations.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The Bihar Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed the Bihar Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 with a voice vote with the objective of cleaning up the exam system.

The bill, on the lines of the law enacted by the Centre, proposes to prevent unfair means in the public exams conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), Bihar Staff Selection Commission, Bihar Technical Services Commission, Bihar State University Service Commission, Bihar Police Subordinate Service Commission, Central Selection Board of Constable and others.

The bill outlines that its main objective is to effectively and legally check the persons, organised gangs or institutions involved in tampering with the exam system using illegitimate ways for financial gains or illegal gratification and proposes harsh punishment of up to 10 years in and 1-crore fine.

Introducing the bill, Parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said it was an important legislation aimed at ensuring a clean exam system for the youth.

The Centre had provided model draft of the central legislation to the states and now Bihar has come up with its own legislation. The main objective of the bill is to usher in greater transparency, neutrality and credibility in the examination system by providing a strong deterrent, he added.

The need for the bill in Bihar

The bill is significant in the backdrop of the ongoing nationwide paper leak controversy in which the states name surfaced as well. Following a swift probe into the damning allegations, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Bihar police have made several arrests.

The investigation was handed over to the CBI after the leak of question papers snowballed into a major controversy and also landed before the Supreme Court. The Apex Court observed that the questions were leaked in Patna and Hazaribagh though it stopped short of cancelling the entire exam on the ground that its impact was not across the country.

However, it is not the first time Bihar has had to face this ignominy. There have been several such instances in the past five years including in exams conducted by the state agencies.

For example, the Phase-3 teachers recruitment examination conducted by the BPSC was cancelled earlier this year because of the same reason. The re-test was organised this month. Last year, the recruitment exam of constables conducted by the Central Selection Board of Constables for 21,391 vacancies was cancelled due to a question paper leak on the very first day of the examination. Over 18 lakh candidates had applied for the exam. Later, the chairman of the Board and former Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) SK Singhal was removed.

In 2022, the BPSC cancelled its 67th combined (preliminary) competitive exam following allegations of question leaks by an organised gang. Prior to that the SSC (intermediate level) exam was cancelled and the then-chairman was arrested following an uproar. The former chairman of the Bihar School Examination Board was also arrested over allegations of irregularities in board exams.

In 2017, a senior IAS officer was arrested and later suspended for his alleged involvement in the Bihar SSC question leak in 2017. However, he got bail from the Supreme Court in 2021 and his suspension was revoked.

Penal Provisions

The Bill has harsh penal provisions for anybody involved in the crime or facilitating it including up to three-to-five-year jail term and up to 10-lakh fine. For the service provider found involved, the fine proposed is 1 crore, besides termination of service and recovery of expenditure incurred on conducting the exam. There is also a provision of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a 1 crore fine and confiscation of property if the involvement of organised gangs and complicity of the top brass of the service provider is established.

The centre had provided a model draft of the central legislation to the states. The main objective of the bill is to usher in greater transparency, neutrality and credibility to the exam system by ensuring strong action against unscrupulous elements and organised gangs trying to tamper with it.

The bill clearly defines various offences related to unfair means, such as leakage of question paper or answer key or part thereof, the use of fake websites, collusion with service providers, accessing question paper or OMR sheet without authority or making available solution to one or more questions by any unauthorised person during a public examination or directly or indirectly assisting in any way.

Tampering with answer sheet or OMR sheet, altering assessment, wilful violation of set norms or standards, tampering with documents required for preparing the merit list, deliberate violation of security measures, tampering with computer network, manipulation of Swati bf arrangement, threatening persons associated with exams or conduct of fake exams/ issue of fake admit cards  all come under the purview of the crime.

It empowers officers not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police to investigate offences under the Act and fixes accountability on the service provider in an era of outsourcing.

Service provider or any person shall be deemed to have committed an offence if he fails to report any incidence of unfair means or if he is himself found involved in any way  says the bill.

Point- counterpoint

This bill proposes harsh punishment to deter the organised gangs and anti-socials involved in question paper leaks or trying to influence exam results in any manner. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister termed it the need of the hour in view of growing challenges. Once notified, all crimes under this law will be cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.

Though the Opposition staged a walkout when the bill was tabled for discussion, RJD spokesman Mrityunjay Tiwari said that no law would be effective if the intent of the people manning the key positions in the examining bodies is not right.

The problem is that the clout of the government is no more there. Law to prevent the use of unfair means in exams has always been there. If the questions land in the hands of unscrupulous elements, the exam will always be compromised. How the questions land in the wrong hands is the bigger challenge, as it cannot happen without the role of any insider at any stage, he added.

He said the intent was more important, as there are many laws, which could never make any impact and remained a piece of paper. As a common man, I know a simple thing that question paper leak gangs thrive because they have access to confidential sections. In the NEET-UG paper leak, the kingpin Sanjiv Mukhiya is still out of the clutch of the CBI and that tells the entire story, he added.
The Finance Ministry is developing a new model to provide home loans based on a person's consumption and spending pattern, Indian Express reported, quoting Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi. Banks will be developing the framework mostly on their own, but some of the parameters are to be discussed with the Indian Banks' Association. Banks will consider consumption or spending patterns of individuals while making their credit assessment (iStock/Hindustan Times Archive)

How are home loans currently given and why is the new change being brought in?

"As of now, home loans from banks are available only to those who are salaried or are a tax returnee," Joshi told The Indian Express in an interview. "For those who dont have it (required documents), banks can lend to them (under the new model) seeing their digital footprints.

Also Read: iPhones become cheaper by up to 6,000 as Apple reduces prices across models

The new method of assessment is therefore, aimed at individuals applying for home loans whose creditworthiness is not that easy to determine due to factors such as a lack of documents used traditionally for granting home loans.

How is the new model of credit assessment connected with MSMEs?

The Union Budget 2024 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on July 23 had announced a similar new credit assessment model for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), where banks will assess them based on their digital footprints and not on their balance sheets.

Also Read: CrowdStrike CEO's update on outage: 97% sensors hit back online

What are the components of the digital footprint that is taken into account?

The components of the digital footprint includes salary payments, electricity bills, municipal taxes, GST and provident fund details, according to a Times of India report, which added that bank accounts by themselves can give a lot of information about a borrower.

Also Read: Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica says Mark Zuckerberg interested in stake
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd has announced its first quarter results for the financial year 2024-25 on Saturday, July 27. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories' net profit was down 0.74% despite revenue growing 13.86% (Representational/Unsplash)

Also Read: Bajaj, Indias top rickshaw maker sees bright future in CNG motorbikes

How much was Dr. Reddy's Laboratories' revenue and net profit?

The pharmaceuticals giant's consolidated revenue grew to 7,672.7 crore, which is a rise of 13.86% or 934.3 crore, compared to 6,738.4 crore in the first quarter of the financial year 2023-24.

Also Read: Ola Electric's 5,500 crore IPO to launch next Friday on August 2

The net profit however, fell to 1,392 crore. This was a drop of 0.74% or 10.5 crore, compared to the same quarter of the previous year's net profit of 1,402.5 crore.

Global generic drugs made up for most of the revenue, contributing 6,885.8 crore to it. This was an increase of 14.60% or 877.5 crore, compared to 6,008.3 crore in Q1 2023-24.

Pharmaceutical services and active ingredients contributed 1,030.9 crore to the revenue. This was an increase of 11.83% or 109.1 crore, compared to 921.8 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

When it comes to net profit, global generics contributed 4,451.8 crore. This was an increase of 15.97% or 613.1 crore compared to the same quarter of the previous year's 3,838.7 crore.

Pharmaceutical services and active ingredients contributed 176.8 crore to the net profit. This was an increase of 75.22% or 75.9 crore compared to 100.9 crore in the first quarter of the financial year 2023-24.

Global Generics

The profit before tax was 1,882.1 crore, an increase of 19.39% or 35.8 crore from 1,846.3 crore in Q1 2023-24.

How much was Dr. Reddy's Laboratories' expenses?

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories incurred total operating expenses of 2,841.9 crore. This was an increase of 29.66% or 650.2 crore, compared to 2,191.7 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.

Also Read: Abbott fined $500m in US for allegedly hiding infant formula fatal disease risk

The company incurred research and development (R&D) expenses of 619.3 crore in Q1 2024-25. This was an increase of 24.25% or 120.9 crore from 498.4 crore in the first quarter of the previous year.

Selling, general and administrative expenses added up to 2,269.1 crore, an increase of 28.18% or 498.9 crore, compared to 1,770.2 crore in Q1 2023-24.

How did Dr. Reddy's Laboratories' shares perform?

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories' shares closed at 6,892.15 on the Bombay Stock Exchange after Friday's trading session, yesterday on July 26. This was an increase of 0.55% or 37.95 points compared to the previous close.
China Coast Guard departs for fisheries patrol in North Pacific

Xinhua) 12:49, July 27, 2024

BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Two ships dispatched by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Friday set out for this year's patrol mission to enforce fishery laws on the high seas of the North Pacific Ocean.

The CCG ships, which departed from Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province, will carry out a 45-day patrol, said the CCG, adding that this year is CCG's ninth patrol for such inspections.

Over the past years, they have undertaken the inspections under relevant United Nations General Assembly resolution and the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North Pacific Ocean, the CCG said.

Efforts have been made to crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities on the high seas of the North Pacific Ocean, contributing to the fishery order and the sustainable development of fishery resources, added the CCG.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said the government's decision to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South was to utilise the brand of the capital city to give a new direction to next generation and bring development to the region. Noting that the government was not changing the name of the district headquarter town Ramanagara, he said only that of the district will be changed, which comprises four Taluks  Ramanagara, Channapatna, Kanakapura and Magadi. We are not touching Ramanagara . Bengaluru is our district. Those living in Ramanagara Taluk, Channapatna Taluk, Kanakapura Taluk and Magadi Taluk are our people. Ours is Bengaluru, not Ramanagara, Shivakumar, who is Kanakapura Congress MLA, told reporters here. The Karnataka cabinet on Friday approved changing the name of Ramanagara as Bengaluru South district. Today Bengaluru is famous worldwide. Why should we spoil the name given by our forefathers? Shivakumar pointed out. The Deputy CM insisted that Ramanagara will remain the headquarters of the proposed Bengaluru South district. Explaining the reason behind the change of name, he said, We are thinking about our next generation to give them a new direction, good thoughts, new ideas and their development. On Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamys statements against the decision, Shivakumar said Kumaraswamys politics revolved around wishing for his downfall. He sleeps and gets up thinking of our downfall even though we do good to him. I am aware of his actions, behaviour, sentiments, conduct and thoughts. Kumaraswamy has slammed the state government's decision to rename Ramanagara as Bengaluru South. Kumaraswamy was the CM when Ramanagara district was carved out in August 2007 from four Taluks of Bengaluru. He was also the MLA from the same district. The Union Minister said, Shivakumar was an MLA from the same district when the district was formed. Why didnt he protest in 2007 . It was done unanimously and no one protested in the Vidhana Soudha. Responding to remarks of Kumaraswamy that the name of the district will be changed again when the Congress loses in the next election, Shivakumar said, Its not in his destiny. Congress will return to power in 2028.

HT Image
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that female teachers aged over 50 and male teachers above 55 are exempted in law from being considered as 'excess teachers' during the process of rationalisation and redeployment in other schools. This decision enforces Section 10(1)(vi) of the Karnataka State Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Teachers) Act, 2020, which mandates that authorities must honour this provision. Teachers above 50 years of age exempted from 'excess teacher' transfers: Karnataka high court(Pic for representation)

Also Read - Mutton or dog meat? Food safety department in Bengaluru sends samples for lab testing amid allegations

The court's decision came while dismissing the appeals filed by the Department of School Education, which had challenged the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal's orders. These orders had quashed the transfer of two teachers, Umadevi Hundarkar and Prabhavati Ronad, from their high schools in Bagalkot district on the grounds of being 'excess teachers'.

Also Read - Karnataka high court adjourns POCSO case against former CM BS Yediyurappa for a week

A division bench comprising Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice S G Pandit, emphasised that such beneficial provisions must be implemented in favour of eligible teachers, regardless of whether they have specifically requested it. The bench highlighted that this statutory provision grants a right to the teachers to be protected under the Act.

The court also noted that the two teachers should not have been classified as excess and transferred, especially after they highlighted the relevant Act provisions. Upholding the tribunal's decision, the court underscored that age-based exemptions are a long-established practice and that the authorities should have considered the teachers' valid and timely representations.
An initial investigation into the murder of the 24-year-old, Kriti Kumari, who was stabbed to death at a paying guest facility on July 23 in Koramangala, Bengaluru, revealed that the accused was believed to be romantically involved with the victim's roommate and was often found to be in a dispute with the roommate. The accused is said to have caused ruckus some time back at the victim's PG for allegedly helping her friends accommodation.

The accused, Abhishek, who was arrested from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday. Kriti Kumar and her roommate would often get into arguments with her regarding his unemployment, reported NDTV. Kriti Kumari, who was working in a private firm in Bengaluru, would sometimes get involved in these disputes and it is alleged that she suggested her roommate to maintain a distance from her alleged partner.

ALSO READ | Man seen in CCTV footage brutally killing Bihar woman at Bengaluru PG arrested in Madhya Pradesh: Report

NDTV also reported that Kriti Kumari and her friends used to avoid the accused as the relationship worsened. It was reported that Abhishek has caused ruckus in their PG accommodation some time ago when Kriti Kumari helped her friend shift to a new hostel.

Following Abhishek's arrest in Bhopal, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said he is being brought to Bengaluru on a transit demand. However, the police haven't given an official clarification on the killer's motive yet, reported news agency PTI. Commissioner Dayananda told reporters, We don't know it yet. He has to be brought here and then we have to take his police custody and thorough investigation and interrogation has to be conducted... only then further details can shared.

On Friday, a CCTV camera footage of the brutal murder surfaced on the internet and went viral. In the video, the accused is seen walking into the corridor of the hostel holding a polythene bag. Abhishek knocks on the door and drags her outside, when she opens it. Despite Kumari's resistance, the murderer slits her throat and stabs her repeatedly. Even after the victim collapsed, the killer held her by the hair and continued to stab her before he ran away. Upon hearing the loud noise, people rushed to the spot but could not save her.

(With inputs from PTI)
Punjab health and medical education minister Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday admitted that the government could not keep the chief ministers promise regarding availability of medicines at the Government Rajindra Hospital, but promised to ensure the same from August 15. Punjab health and medical education minister Dr Balbir Singh interacts with patients in Rajindra hospital on Saturday. (HT photo)

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had promised medicine availability at the pharmacies of all the government hospitals from January 26, but the Rajindra hospital is sans basic medicines even after six months.

When questioned, minister Dr Balbir Singh said the institutions under the health department  civil hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals and community health centres  were having all the medicines. We will try to ensure availability of medicines from August 15 at the Rajindra hospital which comes under the department of medical education and not under the health department, he said.

The minister, who was at the hospital to inaugurate a new power line, said, We couldnt implement the CMs promise in hospitals under the medical education department. I am working on it.

The non-availability of medicines has troubled the poor patients for whom medicine purchase is sometimes out of bounds.

Cannula, IV infusion set, cotton and syringes too are not available at the hospital which is viewed as a tertiary care institute. A few months ago, the hospital had formed a committee of doctors to purchase medicines mentioned on the non-essential drug list.

The medical superintendent of the hospital had even directed the doctors to send a list of medicines (whether or not on the essential drug list) prescribed by them which was not available in the hospital on a daily basis. However, no purchase has been made so far by the committee.

The minister, when asked about Rajindra hospitals doctors indulging in private practice, said only a few had been doing so. This is my last warning to such doctors. They are getting a good pay so I dont think they need to indulge in such activities (private practice). If doctors continue to do it, I will take an exemplary action against them, said Dr Balbir Singh.

Under the Punjab Medical Education Services rules, private practice by government doctors is not allowed, but a few take it up in the absence of punitive measures.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday released sketches of three terrorists responsible for the recent terror attacks in Doda district, including the ambush that left an army officer and three soldiers dead in the Urarbagi area of Dessa forest on July 16. The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday released sketches of three terrorists responsible for the recent terror attacks in Doda district. The police have announced a reward of  5 lakh for information leading to the capture of each terrorist.

The police have also announced a reward of 5 lakh for information leading to the capture of each terrorist. The trio, the police said, are moving in the upper reaches of Doda and Dessa.

J&K Police appeals to the public to provide information about the presence/movement of these terrorists to police. Identity of the informer will be kept secret, the statement read.

Mobile numbers of police officers have also been issued for the people to share information about the attackers. The contact numbers are: Doda SSP 9541904201, SP (HQ) 9797649362 and 9541904202, SP (operations) 9541904203, deputy SP DAR Doda 9541904205, deputy SP headquarters 9541904207, Doda station house officer 9419163516, 9541904211, Dessa SHO 8082383906, Bagla Bharat police post in-charge 7051484314 and 9541904249, PCR Doda 01996233530, 7298923100, 9469365174 and 9103317361.

The July16 attack was the second major encounter in the Jammu region after five soldiers were killed in an ambush in Kathuas Badnota village on July 8.

Of late, Jammu and Kashmir has been rattled by a spike in terror attacks.

Six terrorists were recently killed in Kulgam district. On June 26, three terrorists were killed after a gunfight broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Gandoh area of Doda district.

Terrorists had attacked a joint security picket of the police and army in Chattargala area of Bhaderwah, adjoining Kathua district on June 11. Five Army personnel and a police officer were injured in the attack. The next day, terrorists attacked a police team, injuring head constable Fareed Ahmed at Kota Top in Gandoh tehsil of Doda district.

On June 9, terrorists attacked a bus of pilgrims in Reasi that left nine people dead and 42 others injured. The bus was returning from Shiv Khori shrine to Katra.
A division bench of the Calcutta high court on Friday lifted a restraint imposed by a single bench on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee from making any statements against Governor CV Ananda Bose. The Calcutta high court. (File)

The bench, however, warned of retaliatory actions if the statements of the chief minister and other Trinamool Congress leaders (TMC) cross the contours of freedom of speech and expression.

We only clarify or modify the said order by saying that the appellants will be free to make any statement concerning his Excellency the Governor not crossing the contours of freedom of speech and expression and public duty as described above. Otherwise, the appellants run the risk of being exposed to a claim for heavy damages and other retaliatory actions, the bench stated.

Earlier this month, in an interim order, a single bench of justice Krishna Rao had put a gag on Banerjee and three other TMC leaders from making any defamatory statement against Bose till August 14.

Bose had filed a defamation suit seeking a restraint on Banerjee and other TMC leaders from making further comments in connection with recent allegations of sexual harassment against him.

Banerjee, however, moved the division bench challenging the single benchs order. The division bench of justices IP Mukherji and Biswaroop Chowdhury heard the matter on Friday.

The division bench said Banerjee had all the right to make statements against the governor as long as they were not defamatory in nature.

The court also said that the impugned order of the single bench restrains the appellants from making any defamatory or incorrect statement against the respondent by way of publication and on social platform till 14th August, 2024.

It has been correctly stated by senior advocates, appearing for the appellants and respondents, that the statements referred to in the body of the judgement (of the single bench) have not even prima facie been declared to be defamatory of his Excellency or incorrect. In the absence of such declaration what is the defamatory statement referred to in the impugned order which is being restrained from being published in future is not known. This order applies to statements being made by the appellants in future, the bench stated.

Meanwhile, the woman who accused Bose of sexually harassing her, has written to the President and Prime Minister, narrating the alleged incident.

I have sent letters to President of India Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah earlier this week narrating what had happened at Raj Bhavan, she sad while refusing to divulge the contents of the letter.

On May 2, the woman, a contractual woman employee of Raj Bhavan, had made an allegation of molestation against Bose, following which the Kolkata Police started an enquiry. Under Article 361 of the Constitution of India, no criminal proceedings can be instituted against a governor during his/her term in office.
Former Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Sultanpur Maneka Gandhi on Saturday filed a petition in the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court, challenging the election of Samajwadi Party MP Rambhual Nishad on the grounds of not disclosing all the pending criminal cases against him at the time of filing his nomination papers for the recently concluded Lok Sabha election. Maneka Gandhi (HT File)

In the petition, Gandhi has pointed out that out of 12 criminal cases, Nishad only mentioned eight in the election affidavit and also concealed the fact that in four of these he had been charge sheeted.

Also read | Defamation case: Rahul Gandhi appears before Sultanpur court

She appeared in person before the registrar of the high court on Saturday to file the petition.

Nishad defeated the sitting MP Maneka Gandhi from Sultanpur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 43,174 votes in June. Nishad secured 4,44,330 votes and Gandhi got 4,01,156 votes.

Maneka Gandhi has filed a case challenging the election of SP MP from Sultanpur Rambhual Nishad. Twelve criminal cases are lodged against him and he had only mentioned eight in the election affidavit, said Prashant Singh, the counsel for Maneka Gandhi.

He (Rambhual Nishad) also misled the Election Commission by not disclosing the fact that in four criminal cases he had been charge sheeted, Singh added.

After nomination of the bench, the case will come up for hearing soon, said Singh.

Also read | Electorally relevant Nishad community demand inclusion in SC category

It has been alleged in the election petition that the non-disclosure/ deliberate omission of criminal antecedent is an act of corrupt practice and thereby covered under Section 100 of the Representation of People Act, 1951.

Maneka Gandhi has prayed in the petition that on this ground alone, the election to the Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency may be declared void.

When asked for his comment on the development, Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary said, "Let the court decide.
With residents reporting muddy tap water following heavy rains in the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued an advisory to boil drinking water before consumption. The district administration on Thursday evacuated at least 400 people from low-lying areas, mainly alongside the Mutha River on Sinhgad Road, after release of water from Khadakwasla Dam. (Mahendra Kolhe/HT PHOTO)

Nandkishor Jatap, chief superintendent engineer, PMC water supply department, said, The civic body is ensuring supply of clean water to residents, but citizens are advised to take precautions. As an additional health measure, drinking water for domestic use should be boiled and filtered.

PMC on Friday issued an advisory urging citizens to follow precautions to safeguard their health following torrential rains in the city which has increased the risk of waterborne diseases that could spread by drinking contaminated water.

Contaminated water and poor sanitation can cause transmission of waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, typhoid fever and hepatitis. In the event of an outbreak of infectious diseases, alert ASHA workers, health workers, or PMC health centres, said Dr Suryakant Deokar, PMC assistant health officer.

Dr Kalpana Baliwant, deputy health officer, PMC, said that anyone having symptoms like diarrhoea, dysentery, chills, or fever should seek immediate treatment.

People should ensure that water tanks, both underground and overhead, in their buildings are cleaned. Leaks in taps or valves should be repaired and individuals should maintain cleanliness around tanks, she said.
Telangana Council of Higher Education (TSCHE) has commenced the Phase 2 certificate verification process for TS EAMCET 2024 from today, July 27, 2024. The certificate verification is being done for those candidates whose slots are already booked. TS EAMCET Counselling 2024: Phase 2 certificate verification begins at tgeapcet.nic.in. (HT representative image)

As per the schedule, the candidates can select their options after the certificate verification till tomorrow, July 28, 2024. The freezing of options will also done on July 28th itself.

Also read: NEET UG revised result alters fate of candidates as number of toppers drop to 17, 4 rank holders from Rajasthan

The provisional allotment of seats for second phase will be on July 31, 2024. The Payment of Tuition Fee and Self Reporting through the website and reporting at the college will be done between July 31 to August 2, 2024.

The college joining details will be informed to candidates on August 4, 2024.

It may be mentioned here that, candidates who have got allotment in the second phase but have not reported at the allotted college are not permitted to exercise options in the Final Phase of Counselling, as informed by the official notice.

Furthermore, the physical reporting of the candidate at the allotted college after the Second Phase allotment is mandatory. Candidates also need to hand over a set of Xerox copies of the Certificates and Original Transfer Certificate (T.C) at the allotted college.

Also read: CTET July 2024 Answer Key: Objection window closes today at ctet.nic.in, direct link here

Notably, the online filing of basic information, payment of processing fee and slot, booking for selection of helpline center, date and time to attend for certificate verification for not attended candidates in the first phase commenced on July 26, 2024.

Also read: SSC CGL 2024: Last date to apply today for 17727 posts at ssc.gov.in, direct link here

TSCHE declared the TS EAMCET 2024 seat allotment result for Phase 1 on July 19, 2024.

Candidates are advised to visit the official website of TS EAMCET for more information.
The Union Public Service Commission, UPSC, on Friday released the admit cards for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant (AC) Examination 2024. Candidates who are appearing in the examination can download their hall tickets from the official website of the UPSC at upsc.gov.in. UPSC CAPF AC Admit Card released at upsc.gov.in. Direct link to download is given here.

To download the UPSC CAPF AC hall tickets, candidates will need to enter details such as their Registration ID or Roll Number.

It may be mentioned here that the UPSC CAPF AC examination 2024 will be conducted on August 4 for two papers  Paper I and Paper II. Paper I consisting of General Ability and Intelligence, will be held from 10 AM to 12 PM, whereas Paper II, which deals with General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension, will be conducted in the second half, from 2 PM to 5 PM. Paper I will consist of 250 marks, whereas Paper II will be held for 200 marks.

Also read: NEET UG revised result alters fate of candidates as number of toppers drop to 17, 4 rank holders from Rajasthan

The commission had stated that Paper I would be evaluated first and evaluation of Paper II would be done only for those candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I.

Notably, registrations for the UPSC CAPF AC 2024 began on April 24 and candidates could apply till May 14.

Also read: TS EAMCET Counselling 2024: Phase 2 certificate verification begins at tgeapcet.nic.in, check details and schedule here

Through the examination, the UPSC aims to fill tentatively 506 Assistant Commandant vacancies. The break-up of vacancies is given below:

BSF: 186

CRF: 120

CISF: 100

ITBP: 58

SSB: 42

Candidates who qualify in the written exam will proceed to the next stage of the selection process, including physical efficiency tests (PET), interview or personality tests, and medical examinations.

Also read: RRB JE Recruitment 2024: Notification for 7951 posts out at rrbald.gov.in, details here

UPSC CAPF AC 2024: How to download the hall ticket

Visit the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in

On the home page, go to the Admit Cards section

On the new window, click on the link that reads E-Admit Cards for various Examinations of UPSC.

Click on the admit card download button for CENTRAL ARMED POLICE FORCES (ACs) EXAMINATION, 2024.

Read the instructions carefully and proceed further.

Enter details such as Registration ID or Roll Number.

The UPSC CAPF AC Admit Card 2024 will be displayed on the screen.

Check the admit card and download it.

Keep a printed copy of the same for further need.

For more information, candidates are advised to visit the official website.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University, IGNOU, has appointed Prof Uma Kanjilal as its new Acting Vice-Chancellor. Prof Uma Kanjilal, who has been appointed IGNOU's new Acting Vice Chancellor, has an illustrious career to her credit.

A press release issued by the university in this regard stated that Prof Kanjilal will replace Prof Nageshwar Rao who is completing his term as the Acting Vice Chancellor.

Prof Kanjilal, who was serving as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University, has an illustrious professional background to her credit. She began her career as a Research Assistant at IIT Kanpur in 1984 and has held various positions, including Cataloguer and Professional Assistant at IGNCA, and rose through the academic ranks at IGNOU from Lecturer to Professor, a position she has held since 2003, the release informed.

Also read: RBI Officers Recruitment 2024: Apply for 94 posts at rbi.org.in, details here

She also has extensive administrative experience  she has served as a Librarian in Charge, Director of the School of Social Sciences, Director of the Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning, Director of the Inter-University Consortium for Technology-Enabled Flexible Education and Development, and as Director of the Centre for Online Education.

If that is not all, Prof Kanjilal has also been a part of international assignments which include consultancy roles for CEMCA and UNRWA, and module development for the Commonwealth of Learning.

Also read: NABARD Grade A Recruitment 2024: Apply for 102 Assistant Manager posts at nabard.org

She has been a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Illinois and has received numerous awards including the Manthan Award for eGyankosh and DELNETs Best Lending Library Award, the release said.

Apart from the other portfolios, Prof Kanjilal is one of the National Coordinators for SWAYAM which offers free online courses across various disciplines, allowing learners to access high-quality educational content.

Also read: UPSC CAPF AC Admit Cards released, direct link to download, vacancies and other important details here

Additionally, she is also associated with SWAYAM PRABHA, which involves educational DTH (Direct-to-Home) channels broadcasting educational programs 24x7, providing valuable content to learners.ht ed
ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin is facing intense backlash following the leak of private conversations by Dispatch. The revelations, detailing her reliance on a shaman to determine NewJeans' initial lineup and the unreasonable sum of nearly 40 million spent on consultations, have sent shockwaves through the K-pop fandom. BTS label HYBE faces big blow as stocks plummet amid Min Hee Jin feud; may request Investigation into misconduct (Pic: Bighit Music, Min Hee Jin)

The shaman, a central figure in the ongoing ADOR-HYBE feud since the start, has now vanished without a trace. Following the explosive revelations, Korean media outlets tried reaching out to the shaman's M Shrine, located in H Villa, only to find it abandoned. The mysterious disappearance has added another layer of intrigue to the already scandalous affair.

Also read: ASTRO Cha Eun Woo to romance Park Eun Bin in new K-drama by Extraordinary Attorney Woo director

Min Hee Jins shaman disappears

The controversy surrounding ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin continues to deepen as her close ties to a shaman named "Jiyeongnim0814" come under intense scrutiny on a global front. Despite dismissing the shaman as merely an "acquaintance," leaked messages reveal a level of dependency and influence. These messages also include disparaging remarks about NewJeans members Hanni, Danielle, Mini, Haerin, and Hyein, including negative remarks regarding their looks.

As the scandal gets bigger, the attempts to locate the shaman have been unsuccessful. TV Daily went to the shaman's old office in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, but it was empty. The shaman going missing just makes the whole thing even more mysterious.

Also read: Hybe's bombshell counter-lawsuit against Min Hee Jin: Not forcibly acquired

Min Hee Jins vs Hybe feud continues

While its not clear whether Ms. Lee is the same fortune teller who previously suggested the controversial CEO send BTS to the military, HYBE has accused Min Hee Jin of consulting this mysterious figure to perform black magic to force the seven-member boy bandJin, Jimin, Jungkook, RM, Taehyung, J-Hope, and Sugato enlist in the military. Although there has been a massive backlash towards HYBE for releasing private Kakao Talk messages, the matter is being investigated.

The news source says that the shrine is now being managed by a new shaman called H, who's saying he has nothing to do with the hot-button topic. When approached, H answered questions cautiously, opening the door with a wary expression. The inside looked like a regular place where people get their fortunes read, but there was no clear sign saying it was a business.

When questioned about their connection to Min Hee Jn, they said, I have no relationship with her and am not the shaman being mentioned," as per TV Daily. "I started running this place as OO Shrine since January this year. I don't know much about the previous tenant," the person added.
Amidst breakup rumours, actor Arjun Kapoor and television personality Malaika Arora attended designer Kunal Rawal's show at the India Couture Week in Delhi on Friday. Several videos and pictures of the duo at the event emerged on social media platforms. Malaika Arora and Arjun Kapoor started dating in 2018.

Arjun and Malaika take separate seats at event

In a video, Arjun Kapoor and Malaika were seen seated in the front row. However, they didn't sit beside each other. In another clip, Arjun was seen surrounded by fans who wanted to click selfies with him. Malaika, who had to pass through, stopped for a brief moment as fans blocked her way.

Malaika rushes past Arjun

Arjun was seen making way for her though Malaika quickly walked past him and then out of the room. For the event, Malaika looked gorgeous in a white blazer co-ord set. Arjun was seen in a black sequin sherwani and dhoti pants.

Malaika, Rahul Khanna turn showstoppers

At India Couture Week 2024, Malaika and actor Rahul Khanna turned showstoppers for designer Siddartha Tytler. Rahul Khanna complemented her with a black-embroidered outfit. He wore a bandhgala sherwani with golden floral motifs at the bottom of it and completed his look with black shoes that went perfectly with his attire.

Malaika looked stunning in a black embroidered glittering lehenga and paired it with a beautiful blouse. She accessorised her ensemble with bangles, earrings, and rings.

About Malaika and Arjun's relationship

In May this year, several reports suggested that Arjun and Malaika had parted ways. However, the two, to date, have not publicly addressed their break-up rumours. Malaika and Arjun started dating in 2018. The duo, however, had never opened up much about their relationship but kept posting romantic pictures from their vacations as well as wishing each other on birthdays.

Malaika was previously married to actor Arbaaz Khan. They have been co-parenting their son Arhaan since their divorce in 2017.
Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor and his wife Mira Kapoor are currently enjoying a chill vacation in the UK with their children. The couple is making sure to give their fans a glimpse of their time off. Recently, Shahid dropped a cute pic of them together, giving us major couple goals. Also read: Shahid Kapoor's Deva postponed; actor announces new release date with poster, unveils his cop look Shahid Kapoor and Mira Kapoor share two kids together.

Insta treat

On Saturday, Shahid took to his Instagram Stories to share a selfie with Mira from their vacation. In the picture, they are flaunting their fit physique in swimsuits, and it seems it is from their beach day out. Mira was rocking a chill vibe in a floral swimsuit, with her hair tied up and shades on. Meanwhile, Shahid looked cool with his own shades.

A few days back, Mira shared a reel on Instagram, taking one through the beauty of England by moments from her visit to Stonehenge and Windsor Castle. Posting the video on Instagram, she mentioned that she ticked an item from her bucket list by visiting the Stonehenge during the summer solstice.

His Insta story.

More about the couple

Shahid Kapoor tied the knot with Mira Rajput in 2015. The couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl in 2016 and named her Misha. They then attained parenthood for the second time in 2018 when they welcomed Zain into their lives. They keep on giving major couple goals through their social media posts, and public appearances.

Earlier this month, Mira took to Instagram to post a sweet message for Shahid with a video, with includes a mix of unseen wedding photos, vacation pictures, and moments of their happy times together.

In one of the photographs, the family is relaxing on the beach, accompanied by their kids Zain and Misha. In another video, Mira has her phone in hand, documenting Shahid as they enjoy a drive. Furthermore, in yet another clip, they are huddled together, checking something on their phone, with Mira comfortably reclining her head on Shahid's shoulder. Posting the video, she wrote, You're the one I... (heart emoji) Happy 9, love of my life @shahidkapoor (kiss emoji). She also included the song, You're Still The One. in the background.

On the work front, Shahid was last seen in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. He also featured in the action thriller Bloody Daddy, and Raj and DK's crime thriller series Farzi.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter Shiloh has always been in the public eye, but she is now carving out her own path as a dancer. Shiloh Jolie-Pitt still image from her dance video on YouTube.

She's someone that I've worked with for a couple years now, choreographer Kolanie Marks told People on July 26.

My style is a lot harder for a lot of people and it's something that she's dedicated herself to trying to figure out.

Kolanie, who has been training Shiloh at the Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles, commended her for the hard work and dedication that she puts in.

ALSO READ| Angelina Jolies daughter Shiloh experienced painful events before dropping Brad Pitts name

Despite her celebrity status and the media attention that comes as a tail being part of the Jolie-Pitt family, Shiloh's lessons with Kolanie remain focused solely on dance. That's something I don't talk to her about, he said regarding her famous background.

I keep it very strictly based off of what we focus on, which is the dancingI totally forgot who she is in that moment, because that's not what we focus on when we're training.

Kolanie also showcased Shilohs growing dance prowess on Instagram with an appreciation post on July 3. So much love for this human, he captiones.

I've spent the most time with her out of anyone I'm training in LA! Something about [her] doesn't quit! Most never experience what I have to offer because they can't get past the intensity but those that do experience what my God-given gift is! That's to develop.

Shiloh seeks legal help to drop Pitt surname

Just a month back, the 18-year-old has also petitioned to drop Pitt from her last name. But why exactly she opted for this was not sure; however, her lawyer cited that there are some painful events.

ALSO READ| Brad Pitt will have to just sit back and take ultimate humiliation from his children

Shilohs attorney, Peter Levine, told Page Six denying the newspaper ad posted about dropping her Pitt surname, Shiloh Jolie did not take out an ad announcing any name change, and any press reporting that is inaccurate.

As Shilohs attorney, I am required to publish a legal notice because the law in California requires that of anyone who wants to change their name. That legal notice was published in the Los Angeles Times, as is required.
Jennifer Garner's unexpected appearance in the action-packed Deadpool & Wolverine delivered a happy little surprise to the fans. However, it was her witty dialogue (or stingy for ex) that truly captured the spotlight. Garner, who previously shared the screen with ex-husband Ben Affleck in the superhero film Daredevil, made a quick quip about their past relationship. This comes amid brewing split rumours of Affleck with his wife Jennifer Lopez. After 10 years of marriage, Hollywood royalty Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner announced their plans to divorce.

Warning- This article contains spoilers

Jennifer Garner takes a Jab at Ben Affleck in Deadpool & Wolverine

Jennifer Garner made a surprise comeback as Elektra nearly two decades after her initial portrayal in the 2003 Marvel film, Daredevil This marked her return to the superhero genre, where she originally starred opposite her then-husband, Ben Affleck. The co-stars fell in love and later went on to marry each other before calling it split in 2015.

Also read: Ben Affleck reportedly planning grand party after Jennifer Lopez divorce; big blowout at his place

Deadpool's off-the-cuff remark about Daredevil's demise took a surprising turn when met with Garners nonchalant reply. There was a scene where Ryan Reynolds' character pays tribute to fallen Marvel heroes. Upon offering condolences for Ben Afflecks titular characters death, Jennifer Garner's Elektra nonchalantly replies, Oh, it's fine.

Elektra cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine

Deadpool 3 is hitting the theatres after it came out in the UK on July 25 and in the US on July 26. For her cameo role, Elektra swoops in to rescue Deadpool, Wolverine, Gambit, X-23, and others from the clutches of the villainous Cassandra Nova. She then reveals a grim reality: numerous heroes, including her former lover Daredevil, have already fallen victim to Nova's deadly rampage.

Jennifer Garner and Ben Afflecks relationship

Garner and Affleck, who fell in love on set during their early years, got married in 2009. After welcoming three kids, Violet (18), Seraphina (15), and Samuel (12), the couple announced their split in 2015, and their divorce was finalised in 2017. Affleck is currently married to his former flame Jennifer Lopez, whom he dated before Garner; they previously called off their engagement only to reconcile two decades later. Despite all this, there is no bad blood between the exes, who co-parent their kids together. In fact, Garner and the kids even love Lopez and share a beautiful bond with her.

In 2020 the Accountant 2 star called his divorce from Garner the biggest regret of his life and attributed the fallout to his addiction. I drank relatively normally for a long time, said Affleck in an interview with the New York Times. What happened was that I started drinking more and more when my marriage was falling apart. This was 2015, 2016. My drinking, of course, created more marital problems, he added.
Meg Owen, a beauty and lifestyle content creator, couldn't make it to Taylor Swift's ongoing Eras Tour but came quite close to that experience at Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire. She shared a video in which a Taylor Swift lookalike, looking, dressing, and performing exactly like her, gave a 30-minute performance on the popstar's hit tracks on stage. (Also Read  Taylor Swift trolls best friend Ryan Gosling in hilarious post for Deadpool and Wolverine: My godkids sperm donor') June aka Princess Juniper has an uncanny resemblance to Taylor Swift

Uncanny resemblance to Taylor Swift

Meg shared the video in which the Taylor Swift lookalike is performing on the stage, replicating her moves and gestures, while wearing bright, glitzy outfits like her. Like Taylor, she kicks off the show with the line It's a long time coming now from her song Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince. She follows it up with the track Cruel Summer and You Need To Calm Down from the album Lover.

The lookalike even goes for outfit change with every album set, as Taylor does during Eras Tour concerts. She also performed I Knew You Were Trouble from the album Red, Style, Shake It Off, and Blank Space from 1989. At the end of the video, Meg and her daughters met the Taylor lookalike, posed with her for a picture, and congratulated her on the performance.

Who's the lookalike?

The lookalike is June aka Princess Juniper, who goes by the Instagram handle of @junipers_castle. The internet was amazed by the uncanny resemblance. They flooded the comments section of the Reel and enquired about the lookalike. Meg shared the Reel with the caption, The closest Ill get to the Eras Tour and it was AMAZING! June (Taylors Version) at Canobie Lake Park was so fun. You can tell how much thought and effort went into this. We loved it!!!

An Instagram user commented, Could have fooled me. She looks and sounds just like Taylor. Another wrote, Ive seen her videos, and honestly, she is the next best thing to Taylor! You know what, I'm not mad. She's giving the role justice (laugh with tears emoji), read a third comment. I thought it was Taylor for a second, said a person, while another echoed, Wow. She embodies Taylor perfectly! Looks, mannerisms, everything.
Kriti Sanon may have bought herself a swanky high-rise duplex in Mumbai's posh Andheri locality, but her heart will always belong to Delhi's Patparganj. As the Mimi actor turns 34 today, July 27, what better time than now to put the spotlight on her NCR connect. From her days in DPS RK Puram right down to her favourite street side snack in the city, let's take a look at all that Kriti cherishes about her hometown. Kriti Sanon turns 34: From DPS RK Puram to yummy shawarmas, a look at her Delhi connect(Photos: Instagram/kritisanon)

Kriti Sanon(Photo: Instagram/kritisanon)

Once a Dipsite always a Dipsite

For everyone not down with the lingo, those having studied at Delhi Public School (DPS), popularly refer to themselves as a 'Dipsite', and Kriti is one too! The actor has completed her schooling from the well-known DPS RK Puram in Delhi. As a matter of fact, she even made her way back there in November of 2022, a whole 15 years after passing out, to promote her film Bhediya (2022), also starring Varun Dhawan. "I made it!" she said, as she shared a glimpse of her standing, arms wide open, in front of the school gate.

After completing her schooling, Kriti pursued her Bachelors in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from Noida's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology. Incidentally, it was during her college years that she began dabbling in modelling which is what eventually paved the road to becoming an actor for her.

Kriti has a soft spot for NFC's shawarmas

A true blue Delhite is well aware of the scrumptious shawarmas up for grabs at Al-Bake, located in New Friends Colony. This, along with some golgappas make for Kriti's favourite snacks in Delhi. As a matter of fact, earlier this year when she found herself in the city owing to some work commitments, an interview saw her quip about how she was surely going to make a quick stop at NFC to grab some shawarma to savour for her ride to the airport. Besides this, the actor has time and again professed her love for some good old dal makhani and chole bhature. Also among her favourite late night snacks, is the famous chana barfi from the city's Om Bakery.

Kriti Sanon's favourite treats from Delhi(Photos: X, Instagram/Kriti Sanon)

What could possibly be more Delhi-coded than that!

Shanti Path holds a special place in Kriti's heart

In a previous interview, Kriti shared how one of her favourite routes to drive through in Delhi is the well-known Shanti Path. The actor expressed how being driven through Shanti Path always fills her with a sense of peace and calm. Not just this, she also shared how whenever in Delhi, she always makes it a point to take in the sights and sounds of her city from the car window, a routine that never fails to hit her with a good dose of nostalgia.

Kriti admits to struggling with directions in Delhi

Though Kriti no doubt loves Delhi to bits, there is one thing that slightly irks her. It's the ever-ongoing rounds of city development. The actor admitted how every time she decides to come back home, there are almost always new roads, new flyovers and new exits to learn about. In a previous interview, she joked about inadvertently having to pull out Google Maps, even just to reach her home in East Delhi.

Delhi or Mumbai, what is Kriti's pick?

Though the actor has never affirmatively picked one over the other, there is one thing she prefers about her hometown over the city of dreams  it's the roads. She has previously recalled going through a bit of a culture shock when she permanently shifted base to Mumbai, not really being able to believe the difference in the width of the roads. "When I shifted to Mumbai, the first question I asked my dad was, where are the main roads? I genuinely felt the main roads there were galiyan", she shared in a 2019 interview with TOI.

Here's wishing Kriti a very Happy Birthday!
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Kyiv around the Ukrainian National Day on August 24 next month, his first visit to the country since the start of the war with Russia in 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky

According to reports, during his probable visit, Modi will meet Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky amid renewed global efforts to bring peace to the eastern European nation, reported PTI, citing diplomatic sources. It added that massive preparations would be required for the visit in terms of logistics and related issues.

However, there is no official word yet on the visit, either from India or Ukraine.

Modi met Zelensky on June 14 on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy's Apulia. According to a readout from the external affairs ministry, the two leaders held a productive meeting, during which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties. They also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine and the Summit on Peace being hosted by Switzerland, it said.

Following the meeting, the readout also mentioned that Modi said India continues to encourage a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy and that New Delhi will continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution.

Previously, Modi and Zelensky had met on the sidelines of last years G7 Summit in Japan.

Modi's visit to Ukraine would come several days after he visited Russia for two days on July 8.

During his visit, Modi held an informal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, followed by a dinner at Putin's dacha or country home in the suburb of Novo-Ogaryovo  a rare honour reserved by the Russian president for only a handful of visiting leaders. Following their meeting, Modi, in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), thanked Putin.

Meanwhile, Putin praised Modi for the work he did for India's progress.

(With inputs from PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 9th governing council meeting of the NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Saturday to draw a blueprint for making India a developed country by 2047. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi on July 27. (ANI)

The meeting, which was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the capital, was attended by chief ministers and lieutenant governors of 20 states and 6 Union Territories, respectively.

The meeting was boycotted by states ruled by INDIA bloc parties except West Bengal. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, an ally of the BJP, also skipped the meeting.

Mamata Banerjee courted controversy after she walked out of the meeting, claiming she was unfairly stopped midway through her speech, a charge denied by the Centre.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath at the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi on Saturday.(ANI)

During Saturday's meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the cooperation and collective effort of all states and the Centre to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Prime Minister (Modi) observed that India has achieved steady growth in the past ten years. Indian economy, which was ranked 10th largest economy in the world in 2014, has risen to become the 5th largest economy by 2024, a release issued by the NITI Aayog said.

Modi also added that now the collective aim of the government and all citizens is to become the third largest economy in the world.

According to the NITI Aayog, Modi stressed that our country has already made a lot of progress in the past ten years by strengthening social and economic infrastructure.

From being a predominantly import-driven country, India now exports many products to the world. The country has made its mark on the world stage in wide ranging sectors like defence, space, start-ups and sports. He appreciated the confidence and enthusiasm of 140 crore citizens, which is the driving force behind the progress of our country, it said.

Prime Minister said that this is the decade of change which brings a lot of opportunities across sectors. He encouraged States to utilise these opportunities and make policies and initiate governance programmes that are conducive for development through innovative approaches in policy making and execution, the NITI Aayog added.

Chief minister and lieutenant governors also poured in suggestions for the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and also discussed steps being taken in their states.

Some of the key suggestions and best practices highlighted were in the field of agriculture, education and skill development, entrepreneurship, drinking water, reducing compliances, governance, digitalisation, women empowerment, cyber security, etc. Several States also shared their endeavours to create a State Vision for 2047, according to the NITI Aayog.

The council, the apex body of NITI Aayog, includes all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers. Prime Minister Modi is the chairman of NITI Aayog.
Woman stabbed to death in PG accommodation in Bengaluru: The man accused of brutally killing a woman from Bihar in a paying guest accommodation at Koramangala in Bengaluru on July 23 has been arrested from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal on Saturday and is being brought to the Karnataka capital for further investigation, the Bengaluru Police said. A CCTV camera footage of the said incident emerged on Friday purportedly showing gruesome details of the crime.

A CCTV camera footage of the said incident emerged on Friday purportedly showing gruesome details of the crime. According to police, the assailant sneaked and killed 24-year-old Kriti Kumari on July 23 night.

Abhishek was arrested in Bhopal where he fled after committing the gruesome murder of Kriti Kumari. Yes, he has been arrested, a senior police officer told news agency PTI.

Commissioner Dayanand told NDTV that the investigation is being expedited. The Bengaluru Police had formed three dedicated teams to catch the accused.

Police sources told PTI that the victim was staying with another woman. A few days ago, Kriti Kumari's roommate had moved out of the paying guest accommodation. It is suspected that she had gone to stay with her boyfriend.

On July 23, the woman returned to the PG to stay with Kriti Kumari. The sources suspect that the assailant had doubts that Kriti Kumari could be instrumental behind the change of her roommate's mind.

The footage shared by the police shows that the man walked into the corridor of the paying guest holding a polythene bag. He then knocked on the door and dragged the woman out. The victim resisted the attack but was soon overpowered by the murderer, who slit her throat and ran away.

Warning : Disturbing visuals below

Hearing the loud noise, other women among the paying guests came running, but they could not save her.

Kriti Kumari, 24, hailed from Bihar. She was working in a private company in the city. The incident might have happened on July 23 at about 11 pm, a police officer said.

The police, meanwhile, said they were reviewing the CCTV camera footage and inspecting the spot to determine her last contacts and trace the events leading up to the murder.

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.

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 a disturbing incident, a Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel thrashed a 25-year-old man till his intestines spilt out at a station in Bihar's Sithmarhi district. The incident reportedly took place on Thursday night during a scuffle between passengers over train seats. Bihar railway cop thrashes man during scuffle. His intestines spill out: Report(Representational image)

The victim, identified as Mohammad Fukran, was rushed to a nearby primary health centre and later moved to Muzaffarpurs Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in a critical condition for treatment, The Times of India reported.

According to the report, Fukran, who had recently undergone abdomen surgery, had gone to see off a family member on the Mumbai-bound Karmabhoomi Express. However, as the train arrived, there was a lot of chaos due to overcrowding, followed by a fight over the train seats.

Amid this, some GRP personnel entered the train to disperse the crowd. However, some policemen were also assaulted, TOI reported, citing Railways SP. Reportedly, one of the cops was injured during the scuffle. During this time, one of the GRP personnel struck the 25-year-old boy with his baton on his stomach, causing it to explode, the report said.

According to the police, two GRP personnel, identified as Prani Dayanand Paswan and Gorelal Chowki, have been suspended, while several suspects involved in the fight have been taken into custody, reported TOI.

A probe has also been ordered into the incident.

Meanwhile, soon after the incident took place, several angry people sparked a rampage at the Janakpur Road railway station. Reportedly, a large group of people smashed glass counters and windows of the railway staff. Media reports claimed that some government employees sustained injuries during the rampage.
New Delhi: The minister of information and broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, informed the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, was still in the drafting stage in a written response to a question raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Jawhar Sircar. Union minster Ashwini Vaishnaw (File Photo)

In the response, he said that the Bill was placed in the public domain for feedback and comments of the stakeholders, including domain experts and the general public.

Also Read: New draft of broadcasting bill: News influencers may be classified as broadcasters

Sircar had asked for the governments response to the concerns related to the Bill raised by the Editors Guild of India, the National Alliance of Journalists.

He had also asked the governments plan to avoid overlap of jurisdiction in view of Acts and Rules Amendments under the IT [Information Technology] Act on data, private communications, and public expressions on TV, films, OTT, YouTube platforms, social media, as well as digital journalism. Neither were answered.

Also Read: MIB adds new provisions to draft broadcasting bill

To be sure, the first draft of the broadcasting bill was placed in public domain for public consultation on November 10. However, the second draft, shared with stakeholders earlier this week and reported on by HT on July 26, has not been placed in the public domain. Stakeholders were instructed to collect their individual copies of the second draft from Shastri Bhawan and give an undertaking that they would not share the Bill further.

Each copy given to stakeholders is unique, as it bears a watermark across each page that is unique to the stakeholder so that the MIB can trace leaks.
Bhubaneswar, CPI general secretary D Raja Saturday justified the decision of several chief ministers to boycott the Governing Council meetings of the NITI Aayog, claiming that certain actions of the Centre are behind their move. Centre's actions responsible for INDIA bloc CMs boycotting NITI Aayog meet: D Raja

Taxes and funds were not being shared properly by the central government, Raja alleged.

"The CMs who are boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting have certain issues. There are very genuine issues. The Central governments actions were responsible for it," Raja told reporters here.

Chief ministers of the INDIA bloc Stalin , Kerala's Pinarayi Vijayan , Punjab's Bhagwant Mann , Congress's Siddaramaiah , Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Revanth Reddy , and Jharkhand's Hemant Soren skipped the NITI Aayog meeting.

Stating that the Constitution defines India , as a union of states, Raja said: "It means the union government should treat all the state governments equally and there should be proper share of taxes and funds, but the union government is not doing that."

"Even though it is the mandate of the constitution, the union government is not doing that. There is some discriminatory approach from the union government and some states feel they are let down. Their voice is not respected and their demands are not considered," Raja said while supporting the CMs boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting.

He said the Union Government headed by Narendra Modi and the BJP, do not understand federalism.

"Mr Modi talks about cooperative federalism. Where is the cooperation between the central government and the state government? Where is federalism? Federalism is not just political, but fiscal federalism is also an integral part of our federal system of governance," he said.

"Mr Modi's government does not respect all these things," he alleged.

Raja pointed out that the old Planning Commission was dismantled and now NITI Aayog has been formed ever since Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister.

"What is the mandate of NITI Aayog? What are the policy decisions that the NITI Aayog can take when there is Parliament? All these questions are there. Therefore, the chief ministers have a point addressing these questions and demonstrating their protests, Raja said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A Congress municipal council member, known as Ravi alias Scrap Ravi, was murdered by a gang in Bahadurpur, Anekal town, in Bengaluru Rural district, a police officer familiar with the matter said. Congress municipal council member hacked to death in Anekal: Cops

The 32-year-old municipal councillor was allegedly ambushed and killed by a group of assassins who fled the scene, the officer said, adding that the attack allegedly took place on Wednesday when Ravi was in his office in Bahadurpur.

The police quoted residents as reportedly seeing a gang of youths wielding long machetes loitering nearby for the past 15 days. The police in Anekal have collected CCTV footage from nearby locations to identify the assailants and the events leading up to the crime.

A senior police official, on condition of anonymity, said: We are investigating all angles, including personal and political enmities. The CCTV footage is being scrutinised, and we are hopeful of identifying the culprits soon.

Anekal sub-division deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Mohan said: According to preliminary investigations, the attack happened at around 8:30pm on Wednesday when Ravi was in his office at Bahadurpura in Anekal town. The rival gang had been monitoring his movements for the last 15 days.

After confirming he was alone in his office, a gang of three-four people attacked him with machetes and sickles, killing him on the spot. Based on a complaint by Ravis father, we have registered a case under BNS 103 (murder) and are actively searching for the accused, he said.

A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Ravi had enmities with a few people who might have been responsible for the attack.

The family members of the deceased have named Harish and Vinay from Badanpur, along with JK from Karpur village, as suspects for orchestrating the murder.

Mohan said that the autopsy of Ravis body was conducted at the Anekal Taluk Government Hospital, and the body was then handed over to his family. His cremation was held on Thursday, with tight police security in place to prevent any further incidents.

The Karnataka Congress has condemned the murder, demanding immediate action against those responsible.
The continued destruction of Erra Matti Dibbalu (red sand dunes) a national geo-heritage site located on the shores of Bay of Bengal near Bheemili on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, even after the change of government in Andhra Pradesh, has triggered protests from environmentalists and also kicked up a political controversy. Continued destruction of red sand dunes in Andhra sparks row

Last week, pictures and videos of excavators digging up the ecologically-sensitive red sand dunes and levelling the area and trucks carrying the red soil from the area went viral on social media as part of real estate development in the area, evoking strong protests from the environmentalists.

Noted environmentalist Satyanarayana Bolisetti, took to X and sought the intervention of deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, who holds the portfolio of environment in preventing further damage to the Erra Matti Dibbalu

The entire area is one of the rare geological treasures of the nation. There are just two such red sand dune sites in the country. The second one is at Peri in Tamil Nadu. They need to be protected, Bolisetti said.

Another prominent environmentalist and retired IAS officer EAS Sarma wrote a letter to chief secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad on Wednesday expressing concern over the continued destruction of the red sand dunes at Bheemili, a 17th century Dutch township.

It is a constitutional obligation on the part of the state, under Article 49, to protect natural and cultural heritage monuments and sites of geological importance, he said, adding that it was unfortunate that the authorities colluded with the public functionaries and real estate developers.

The issue has also taken a political turn with the opposition YSR Congress Party accusing the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders and their alliance partners of destroying the geo-heritage site for real estate development.

YSRCP leader and former IT minister Gudivada Amarnath posted a selfie taken at the historical site on X and criticised that the construction work is being carried out with the support of the alliance government and local leaders. This sets an example of how Visakhapatnam would be in alliance governance, he posted.

Reacting to the reports on social media and local television channels, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered the district authorities to see that the levelling of large tracts of land at Erra Matti Dibbalu be immediately stopped and assess the damage caused to the geo-heritage site.

On Wednesday, officials of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and revenue department led by joint-collector K. Mayur Ashok visited the Erra Matti Dibbalu site. The authorities checked out the damage caused at the environmentally sensitive site.

The joint collector asked officials to form monitoring teams in the area and prevent all further activities on the said land. He ordered the removal of a shed on the land, which had been constructed on government land.

An official of the GVMC said Bheemunipatnam Aided Cooperative Building Society has been undertaking the levelling activity at the site and developing housing layout. The permission for taking up construction was given by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) in April 2023.

Though the permission was given to the site outside the protected geo heritage site, the developers took up excavation even in the protected area. Following the governments intervention, the society relocated all construction machinery and lorries from the site, the official said.

In fact, the works on the construction of a weaker sections colony at Nerellavalasa village on the fringes of Erra Matti Dibbalu began in July 2023 itself during the previous YSRCP government. Hundreds of trees on the west side of Erra Matti Dibbalu have been felled to level the ground, posing a threat to the rare geological formations, dating back to more than 18,000 years ago, Sarma said.

Meanwhile, former minister and TDP lawmaker from Bheemili Ganta Srinivasa Rao, who also visited the Erra Matti Dibbalu site on Wednesday, said the present government had not given any permission for levelling of land at the geo-heritage site. The works have been going on for several months, much before the TDP came to power. We have ordered an inquiry by district collector into the matter, he said.

Rao also said the government would also constitute an expert committee to study the extent of Erra Matti Dibbalu and the steps to be taken to protect them from destruction. We shall take a decision soon in a transparent manner, he said.

According to geologist and former professor of Andhra University, Visakhapatnam D Rajasekhar Reddy, these red sand dunes were a geological marvel unique to the coastal Andhra, spread over a length of five kilometres along the coast and a width of nearly two kilometres, located at a distance of 16 km from Visakhapatnam city.

He said the Geological Survey of India declared Erra Matti Dibbalu as a geo-heritage site in 2014 and the state government declared it as a protected area.

Reddy said research by geologists revealed that the Erra Matti Dibbalu might have been formed nearly 18,500 ago during glacial maxima period, when the sea is believed to have gone back to over 50 km away from the shore due to climatic changes, leaving vast stretches of sand dune deposits.
In a shocking incident in Delhi, a teenage girl was seen falling off a building's roof after she was slapped hard by a builder after a heated argument, NDTV reported. The argument was reportedly over a property dispute((X))

The video of the incident has gone viral. The argument was reportedly over a property dispute. After a heated exchange of words, the angry builder slaps the girl hard and she falls off the building. The girl could be screaming in pain as the locals lift her to help.

As the accused is said to be on the run, the police have registered a case and formed multiple teams to nab the accused builder.

Crimes against women in India increased by 4% in 2022 according to the latest data by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2023. Among metro cities, Delhi reported the highest number at 14,158 cases for the third consecutive year with about 186.9 crimes reported for every 1,00,000 women. The national capital accounted for 31.20 percent of total crimes in the category, according to the NCRB data.

More number of crimes against women have been reported over the week.

In Navi Mumbai on Saturday, a 20-year-old girl was brutally stabbed to death allegedly by her boyfriend over relationship issues. The police have registered a case of murder under various sections and the accused is believed to be on the run.

On July 23, a 24-year-old woman was stabbed to death in her PG in Bengaluru's Koramangala. The police arrested the absconding accused from Madhya Pradesh. The victim from Bihar was allegedly killed over her advice to her roommate to distance herself from the unemployed accused.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday hit back at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for objecting to her shelter offer to people from violence-hit Bangladesh. West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee with the party's National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee addresses the media at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport before leaving for Delhi, in Kolkata, Friday, July 26, 2024. (PTI Photo)

I know the federal structure very well. I was an MP seven times and a Union minister twice. I know the MEA policy very well. They shouldn't teach me a lesson; they should learn from the system instead, Banerjee told media persons on Friday.

She made the offer at the annual Marytrs' Day rally of her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party in Kolkata on July 21.

I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh as it is a sovereign nation. But I can tell you this, if helpless people come knocking on the doors of Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter, the Trinamool supremo asserted in her speech.

That's because of a United Nations resolution to accommodate refugees in regions adjacent to those under turmoil, she added.

Banerjee's comments came amid student-led anti-quota protests in Bangladesh, which turned violent last week.

Dr Hasan Mahmud, the foreign affairs minister of Bangladesh, said that Banerjee's words may cause confusion and mislead people.

With due respect, I want to say that we share a very good and warm relationship with CM Mamata Banerjee. But this statement has a scope of creating confusion. We have given a note to the Government of India on this issue, Mahmud informed reporters on Tuesday.

Two days later, in the MEA's weekly press briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Bangladesh had lodged a formal protest with India.

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, Jaiswal emphasised.
The Congress on Saturday slammed the NITI Aayog meeting that was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of it, claiming she was unfairly stopped midway through her speech.



Since it was established ten years ago, NITI Aayog has been an attached office of the PMO and has functioned as a drumbeater for the non-biological PM. It has not advanced the cause of cooperative federalism in any manner. Its functioning has been blatantly partisan, and it is anything but professional and independent, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on X. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh(PTI file)

It muzzles all divergent and dissenting viewpoints, which are the very essence of an open democracy. Its meetings are a farce to be reckoned with. Its treatment of the West Bengal CM today, although typical of the NITI Aayog, is unacceptable, he added.



Mamata Banerjee claimed that she was not even given seven minutes to speak at the meeting. I was the only one from the Opposition ruled states who had gone there. They should have given me 30 minutes...At the beginning of the meeting, Rajnath Singh said that everyone should present their views in 5-7 minutes but I was not even given 7 minutes to speak, ANI quoted Banerjee as saying.



ALSO READ: Opposition parties slam Mamata Banerjee over her walkout from NITI Aayog meeting



Their people were given 20 minutes, they got special packages and privileges but others got 0 minutes. I did the right thing by boycotting the meeting. I will not let them insult Bengal. I stand strongly with the Opposition parties running the government in other states, she added.



Responding to the Trinamool chief's allegation, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman told ANI,"CM Mamata Banerjee attended the Niti Aayog meeting. We all heard her. Every CM was given the allotted time, and that was displayed on the screen, which was present before every table. We could see that two tables have a screen before us. She said in the media that her mic was turned off. That is completely false. Every CM was given their due time to speak."



(With ANI inputs)
New Delhi Labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday led interministerial discussions on creating a centralised database of jobs, an idea he broached citing employment data scattered across agencies and ministries, which could be a reason for the lack of a comprehensive picture on hirings. Govt to create centralised jobs database

Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal, Mandaviya and labour secretary Sumita Dawra, among others, participated in a meeting with representatives of over a dozen ministries and agencies. There is a need to create linkages between different data sources. Data should not exist in silos, Mandaviya said.

Employment numbers are generated by several entities, such as the Reserve Bank and the ministry of statistics, which carries out quarterly and annual Period Labour Force Survey (PLFS).

Payroll data are also generated or maintained by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation, the state-run retirement fund manager, the Employees State Insurance Scheme, National Pension Scheme, the state-run think tank Niti Aayog, among others.

Since several ministries maintain records of employment generated through different federal programmes administered by them, the government could be underestimating total job creation in a given period, an official said, on condition of anonymity.

While the nodal authority for tracking critical data, such as GDP growth and job creation, is the National Statistical Office of the ministry of statistics and programme implementation, the labour and employment ministry is responsible for making policies, such as social schemes, for the workforce.

The lack of a central database means the government doesnt have an institutional mechanism to access comprehensive information on jobs data reported by various ministries, the official quoted above said.

All existing mechanisms of tracking employment, such as the flagship sample surveys of the NSO, will continue.

The plan is to have all employment-data-generating ministries to seamlessly upload their information on to a central portal-like platform so that it is handy and there is no blind spot, the official added.

The labour ministry feels many programmes geared towards the labour market and their contribution in generating jobs are not being tapped because there is no central database with details of all such sectoral schemes. There will be more rounds of meeting to finalise the plan, the official said.
The supermarket heavyweight said customer buying habits have shifted, with its new system set to address the changing trends.

Woolworths has redesigned the checkout layout at its new stores. Source: Supplied

Woolworths is rolling out a brand "new front-of-store experience" set to transform how shoppers check out with their groceries.

"Using data" to "ensure we have the right choices for customers in each local community", the supermarket giant says it's launching a series of reformatted hybrid checkouts with a mix of self-serve and manned registers to meet shoppers' needs.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Woolworths spokesman said its customer base was split when it comes to their preference in checkout options. The spokesman said "customer buying habits have shifted" with its new system set to address the changing trends in new and recently upgraded stores.

"We are seeing more frequent, smaller basket sizes, and a strong customer preference for a quicker and easier self-serve checkout experience," the spokesman told Yahoo.

The new format is seen here at the recently opened Spotswood store in Melbourne. Source: Supplied

Woolworths' fresh new format set to address checkout trends

"For a basket with 20 items or less, 83 per cent of our customers choose self-service checkouts, whereas for a basket with more than 20 items, the majority of our customers select a staffed checkout.

"But we know there are some customers who prefer to be served by a team member and were gradually rolling out a new front-of-store experience where we are using data to ensure we have the right choices of checkouts for customers in each local community.

"This new format provides a great customer experience for customers to continue to be served by one of our friendly team members if they choose."

Photos shared with Yahoo News show the modernised new format.

Woolworths says under the new format customers can continue to be served by a team members if they choose. Source: Supplied

"You can see the service desk has two checkouts and then a conveyor belt, in the other pictures it's a different angle and there you can see the normal, manned check outs as well in the third picture," the spokesman said.

New format coming to all new and upgraded stores

The changes are coming into effect in all new and recently renovated stores. The announcement comes after some people online questioned whether "express lanes" were being phased out after anecdotal reports that some stores had scrapped the option.

The Woolworths spokesperson said in some stores express lanes may have been removed to make way for the new format, but there are still hundreds of branches around the country where they exist.

"Some stores that are being upgraded or renovated are also getting the change, but there's still 800 stores with express lanes, so lots of checkout options," he said.

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Facades of two mosques and a mazar along the Kanwar Yatra route in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, were reportedly covered with large sheets of white cloth on Friday to prevent trouble. However, the sheets were removed by the evening following objections from various quarters. Kanwariyas (Lord Shiva devotees) arrive after filling their pots with ganga water from Sultanganj during the annual 'Kanwar Yatra' in Deoghar. (ANI file)

The sheets were hung on bamboo scaffoldings in front of the mosques and the mazar, all located in the Jwalapur area.

The mosque's maulana and the mazar's caretakers said they were unaware of any administrative order regarding this action and mentioned that this was the first time such a measure had been taken during the yatra.

While the Haridwar senior superintendent of police and district magistrate were unavailable for comment, Cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj told reporters that the action was taken to maintain peace. "Any such thing is done only to prevent trouble," news agency PTI quoted the minister as saying.

"It is not such a big thing. We also cover buildings when they are under construction," he added.

The district administration later removed the sheets of cloth following objections, including by locals and politicians.

We received orders from the railway police post to remove the curtains. That is why we have come to remove these, PTI quoted Danish Ali, appointed as a special police officer (SPO) by the administration for the yatra's management, as saying.

Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi said he has never seen such a thing in his life.

"We Muslims always welcome Shiv bhakts (devotees) for the kanwar fair and arrange refreshments for them at various places. This has been an example of harmony between Hindus and Muslims in Haridwar, and there has never been a tradition of curtains," he said.

Qureshi said before the kanwar mela started, the administration had held a meeting and members from both the Hindu and Muslim communities were made SPOs.

One of the mazar's caretaker Shakeel Ahmad said no one spoke with the caretakers about this -- covering the religious structure.

Kanwariyas stop under the shade of trees outside mosques and mazars to take rest, Ahmed said and added that this is the first time such a step was taken.

Congress leader and former district panchayat president Rao Afaque Ali said the administration's decision to cover mosques and mazars is surprising.

"It has never happened earlier. Some kanwariyas also go to mosques to pay obeisance. India is a country where everyone takes care of every religion and caste. Today mosques are being covered, what will happen if temples are covered in this manner tomorrow?" he asked.

Uttarakhand Congress vice president Suryakant Dhasmana claimed that this was a "contempt of the Supreme Court".

"The order to put curtains on mosques and mazars on the kanwar yatra route in Haridwar district, whoever has issued it, goes against the Supreme Court which has put a stay on an order which asked hotel and restaurant owners and fruit vendors on the route to display their names, caste and religious identity," Dhasmana said.

Attacking the ruling BJP in the state, he said it has not learnt from its electoral defeats in Badrinath, Manglaur, Chitrakoot and Prayagraj.

"The message it has missed is that the entire country is one. BJP's divisive and discriminatory politics has been rejected. But the party is not learning," Dhasmana said.
Mumbai, The Bombay High Court came down heavily on Satara police for seeking action against a professor who referred to late activist Govind Pansare's book "Shivaji Kon Hota" while pacifying agitated students during an event. The court questioned the police as to what kind of democracy this was and asked whether an offence was made out against the professor. The division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan was hearing a plea by Dr Mrunalini Aher who challenged a letter sent by the sub-inspector of a police station in Satara district in August 2023. The plea was disposed of on Friday after police told the court the letter will be unconditionally withdrawn. The professor claimed the letter "brazenly and in complete excess of its powers" asked the principal of Yashwantrao Chavan college in Pachwad to conduct a probe against Aher and submit a report to the police station. The plea, filed through her advocate, claimed that on August Kranti Din last year a professor delivered a lecture on venerable personalities. During the speech a segment of students got agitated as they felt that some disrespectful words were used about the said personalities. Aher, who was present during the lecture, claimed she attempted to pacify the situation and referred to Pansare's book to do so, the plea said. Aher claimed some "over enthusiastic and unscrupulous" audience then sought to attack her alleging she was supporting the fellow professor instead of condemning his behaviour. The inspector in question, who was also present on the spot, asked the principal to conduct a departmental enquiry against the professor. Initiation of such an enquiry on the request by a police officer who was not an appointing authority was illegal, she said in her plea. The HC bench asked the police inspector if he had read the book and questioned if an offence was made out despite the petitioner's right to freedom of speech. The police officer could not have exceeded his powers and asked or issued directions to the college principal to take action, the HC bench said. The court then warned the state of passing strictures against the officer. However, the plea was disposed of after the prosecution told the court the communication will be unconditionally withdrawn. Pansare was shot at on February 16, 2015 in Maharashtra's Kolhapur and succumbed to injuries on February 20.

HC admonishes cops for seeking action against professor who referred to Pansare's book on Shivaji
Three scanning centres in Mudhol and Badami towns have been sealed during a raid into several prominent hospitals by officials from Delhis Central Prenatal Fetal Detection Prohibition Team and Bagalkot district health officers for illegally conduction abortions, the officials said. A raid into several prominent hospitals by officials from Delhis Central Prenatal Fetal Detection Prohibition Team and Bagalkot district health officers for illegally conduction abortions (File photo)

An official said that the scanning centres at Malaghan Hospital in Mudhola, Renuka Hospital in Badami, and Banashankari Hospital in Guledagudda were shut down on Wednesday.

Bagalkot district health officer Dr Jayashree Emmi told HT: Acting on specific information, we carried out raids on Tuesday and Wednesday with a team of officials from Delhi. During the raids, we found all three hospitals operating abortions in scanning centres without any registration or permission from the government, which is illegal. We have also seized the scanned documents as evidence and will file a case in court.

The health officials said that Malaghan Hospital in Mudhol, operated by Dr Asha Malaghan, was found to be running a scanning centre without the required permissions. During the probe, it was found that centre was being used for illegal prenatal sex determination and abortions.

The team also sealed Renuka Hospital in Badami, which was being run by gynaecologist Dr Kavita Shivanaikar who also works at the Badami Government Hospital. The authorities seized the scanning machine and related documents, after it found evidence of illegal fetal sex determination and subsequent abortions. The officials said that there were allegations of Dr Shivanaikar conducting these unlawful activities during her duty hours at the taluk hospital.

During the crackdown at Banashankari Hospital, the team seized equipment and documents.
The Union government would have no stake in 350-crore Medical Device Park coming up at Nalagarh in Solan district as the state government has decided to construct the park from its own resources and return 30 crore received from the centre, according to a release. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the government expects to make  500 crore from selling the land and other resources within the next five to seven years. (HT File)

The decision has been taken in the interest of the state.

ALSO READ | High court suggests green tax to rid Himachal of waste

The project would come up in over 265 acres of land and in case 30 crore received from the centre was not returned, the land would have been provided to industrialists at the rate of Re 1 per square meter, electricity at 3 per unit and water, maintenance and warehouse facilities, free of cost for ten years, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said.

The state government has so far spent 74.95 crore for the project, a statement issued here on Saturday said.

ALSO READ | Himachal govt to close about 100 schools with zero enrolment of students

Keeping the interests of the state and steering out of the bindings, the government has decided to build the Park by itself as the project when commissioned would accrue benefits amounting to 500 crore from the sale of land and other resources in the next five to seven years, he added.

The state government will take a loan from SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) under the cluster development scheme for the construction of the medical device park and with restructuring of the project, 25 per cent of the land will be allotted exclusively for medical device industries and 75 per cent for other strategic industries, he said.

The industrial park will be developed as a modern industrial hub which will become a perennial source of income for the state government along with economic development and better infrastructure in the coming years, he said.

Earlier also the state government had decided not to take help from any private agency in the Bulk Drug Park being built at Haroli of Una district and the government will provide 1,000 crore from its own resources, the statement added.
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, who directed The Kashmir Files, on Saturday raised concerned over the recent spurt of terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Vivek Agnihotri's reaction comes after an Indian Army personnel was killed and four others, including a captain, were injured as the security forces foiled an attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in Kamakari sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district earlier in the day. Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.

A Pakistani intruder was also killed in the exchange of fire.

Religious Terrorism in Kashmir is occurring on almost daily basis. There is a strong current of fear amongst Hindus in Jammu region, which is the intention, and its a very dangerous development. This must be nipped in the bud immediately. Btw, Macchal is named after Maa Durga, aka Machail Mata, Vivek Agnihotri posted on X (formally Twitter).

The BAT generally comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army and terrorists.

"Action by Border Action Team has been foiled by alert Indian Army troops on Saturday morning in Kamakari sector," one of the sources said.

"One Pakistani intruder has been killed," he added.

Two intruders managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid the intense gunfight that lasted for hours, the sources said.

They said the group of three intruders hurled a grenade and opened fire on a forward post near the Kumkadi post in Trehgam sector of the north Kashmir district.

The troops retaliated, triggering a gunfight between the two sides, the sources said, adding that five soldiers were injured in the encounter and one of them later succumbed to his injuries.

They said the injured Army personnel, including a captain, were evacuated to a base hospital.

The condition of one of the injured soldiers was stated to be "critical", the sources said.

In the last few months, there has been a spike in terror attacks in the Jammu region, including the terror attack on an Army convoy in Kathua and encounters in Doda and Udhampur.
India today raised with Laos the issue of trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber-scam centres and measures for rescuing scores of people who have fallen victims to such criminal networks. External affairs minister S Jaishankar meets Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Vientiane on Saturday. (Image posted on X by S Jaishankar)

The issue figured when external affairs minister S Jaishankar met Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane. Jaishankar is in the Lao capital to attend Asean-related meetings.

During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers, Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens, he said.

Jaishankar said he also discussed the same matter with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.

Hundreds of Indian nationals have fallen victims to cyber scam networks, usually run by Chinese criminal syndicates, in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. The workers, who are usually lured with promises of jobs in the IT sector, are forced to participate in various cyber scams. Hundreds of people have been rescued from these four countries and repatriated in the past few years.

Jaishankar also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modis greetings to Sonexay and discussed the development partnership between India and Laos, as well as cooperation in defence, energy, digital, capacity building and heritage conservation.

At a separate meeting, Jaishankar and Lao foreign minister Saleumxay Kommasith witnessed the exchange of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on 10 quick impact projects for Laos under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation initiative and cooperation in sharing digital solutions.

Jaishankar and Saleumxay launched a special postage stamp set celebrating the shared cultural treasures of Ramayana and Buddhism.

The commemorative postage stamp set by Laos showcases the civilisational connect between the two countries and consists of two stamps depicting Lord Buddha of the city of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos, and Lord Ram of Ayodhya.

Besides ties of Buddhism, the Ramayana (the Lao version of which is called Ramakien or the story of Phra Lak Phra Ram) is revered in Laos and performed on auspicious occasions.

The theme of the stamp set is therefore Celebrating shared cultural heritage of Lao PDR and India. A unique feature of the set is that the stamp by Laos on Lord Ram is the worlds first stamp depicting Ram Lalla of Ayodhya.
New Delhi: India and the US on Friday signed their first ever Cultural Property Agreement on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee being hosted by India this time. The agreement was signed to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the US. (Twitter/@MEAIndia)

Culture secretary Govind Mohan and Eric Garcetti, US ambassador to India, signed the agreement in the presence of Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) is aligned with the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, to which both countries are parties..

The illicit trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history. A large number of antiquities have been smuggled out of India before the ratification of the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which are now housed in various museums, institutions, and private collections across the world.

Speaking on the occasion, Shekhawat said that the CPA is another step towards securing Indias rich and diverse cultural heritage and invaluable artefacts of our grand history. It is the beginning of a new chapter to prevent the illegal trafficking of cultural property and retrieval of antiquarian objects to their place of origin.

The Union minister further added that the preservation and protection of the Indian artefacts and cultural heritage has emerged as an integral component of Indias foreign policy over the last decade.

India has repatriated 358 antiquities since 1976; out of these, 345 have been retrieved since 2014, mostly from the US, said the Shekhawat.

In 2023, the US had offered 1,440 artefacts in possession of its museums or authorities for repatriation, and a team of experts from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had visited to examine their antiquarian value. The team found around 300 artefacts eligible under the antique category. The agreement would mean that the repatriation would be faster and smoother.

While it is not clear where these repatriated artefacts will be situated once returned, Shekhawat said that most of them would be sent back to the states to which they belong with a possibility of having a special section or a museum for the repatriated artefacts.

The minister further said that the agreement is a culmination of year-long bilateral discussions and negotiations held on the sidelines of the G20 culture working group meetings and is a groundbreaking endorsement of culture as a standalone goal in the post-2020 development framework in the New Delhis Leaders Declaration (NDLD).

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to the US last year, conveyed his deep appreciation for the repatriation of Indian antiques. Both the state parties expressed their strong interest in working expeditiously toward a Cultural Property Agreement aimed at preventing illegal trafficking of cultural heritage and enhancing cooperation between the two nations. As many as 262 antiquities were handed over to India by the US on the occasion of Modis visit.

Garcetti, after signing the agreement, said, The colonial experience in India meant that much was taken from the country, but independence did not bring everything back to India. This cultural property agreement is about two things. First, its about justice, and secondly, its about connecting India with the world, because every American and every global citizen who is not Indian deserves to know, see, and feel the culture that we celebrate here today. This agreement will allow us to legally be able to share that part.

With this agreement, India joins the ranks of 29 existing US bilateral cultural property agreement partners. The US-India Cultural Property Agreement was negotiated by the state department under US law implementing the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday hit back at Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, after the latter's attacks on NITI Aayog in wake of Mamata Banerjee walking out of the central think tank meeting.



In response to Ramesh's "attached office of PMO" at the NITI Aayog, Sitharaman said,"Jairam, you werent even there! We all heard Hon. CM @MamataOfficial. She spoke her full time. The screen in front of our tables kept showing the time. A few other CMs spoke beyond their allotted time. On their own request, extra time was allowed without any fuss. Mikes were not switched off, not for anybody, particularly, not for CM, WB. Mamata ji has chosen to spread falsehood."



I was happy she attended. Was happier when she said she is speaking for Bengal and in fact for the entire opposition. I may agree or disagree with what she had to say. But now with her saying baseless things outside, I can only conclude that she is making an effort to keep I.N.D.I alliance happy, the minister said.



The opposition has hit out at the Narendra Modi government after Banerjee walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting, alleged she was unfairly not allowed to speak for more than five minutes.



I said the central government should not discriminate against state governments. I wanted to speak, but my mic was muted. I was allowed to speak only for five minutes. People before me spoke for 10-20 minutes, the Trinamool Congress chief had alleged. "



Jairam Ramesh in an X post had said,"Since it was established ten years ago, NITI Aayog has been an attached office of the PMO and has functioned as a drumbeater for the non-biological PM."



Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Jairam Ramesh
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president and former Telangana minister KT Rama Rao on Friday threatened that his party, along with 50,000 farmers would storm the Lakshmi pump house of Kaleshwaram project at Medigadda and forcibly start the pumps to release Godavari water to the command area, if the state government does not act on it by August 2. KTR visited the barrages and pump houses of Kaleshwaram project along with other BRS MLAs and leaders (File photo)

KTR, as the son of former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is popularly known, visited the barrages and pump houses of Kaleshwaram project along with other BRS MLAs and leaders.

He sought to know why the Congress government was not operating the pumps at Lakshmi pump house and lift the water from Medigadda despite the availability of sufficient water in the barrage.

The BRS delegation inspected the pump house and spoke to officials, who told them that the pumps were in good condition and that there was sufficient flow of water to operate the pumps. Yet, the government was not taking any decisions to pump water and provide water to farming community, KTR said.

While the pumps can be operated at 30,000 cusecs water flow, the officials are not releasing water though the outflow was 9.60 lakh cusecs.

This is a criminal negligence on part of the Congress government. The pumps are in perfect condition to release water to the command area, but the government is not acting, thereby compromising on the farmers interests, he alleged.

He said the only reason behind the Congress government not operating the Lakshmi pump house is that once they do it, they have to admit that the Kaleshwaram project is the lifeline of Telangana.

Before the elections, the Congress had defamed the BRS government over the sinking of two pillars at Medigadda. But the barrage is now standing strong despite 10 lakh cusecs of water flowing down into the sea, he said.

On the state government citing National Dam Safety Authority orders for pumping water, the BRS working president called it a bogus exercise. Officials informed that grouting was taken up and it was a regular exercise as part of operation and maintenance.

State irrigation minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy, however, said the government would strictly follow the directions of NDSA in the release of water. He said the NDSA wanted all the three barrages to be drained for interim works and to keep them free from impounding and hence all the gates of the barrages were kept fully open.

He explained that in case of adding to the storage of the barrages at Medgadda, it would be resulting in huge submergence problem in the vicinity of the project.

He, however, said the project command area would be given water from the Sripada Yellampalli Project and that the pumping operations would commence in two or three days.
Mumbai, The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana was announced after the approval of the finance and planning as well as other concerned departments apart from the state cabinet, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said on Saturday. Amid criticism from the opposition about the financial burden on the exchequer due to the scheme, under which women will get monthly financial aid, Pawar asserted it was possible for a prosperous state like Maharashtra to bear the expenditure. In a statement, Pawar, who holds the finance and planning portfolio in the Eknath Shinde government, said he introduced Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme in the supplementary budget of the state for the year 2024-25 after "approval of finance and planning, all concerned departments as well as the state cabinet." "The entire amount of 35,000 crore required for the scheme in the current financial year has been provided in this year's budget itself. So, the question about where the money for the scheme will come from does not arise. It is possible for a financially prosperous state like Maharashtra to spend such amount," Pawar said. The state government is ready to spend this amount for economic independence, self-reliance, nutrition and all-round empowerment of mothers-sisters-daughters, to increase honour and self-respect, the NCP leader said. "There is no reason for anyone in this state to oppose the scheme. Reports of the finance department's opposition to the scheme, which have been published in some media outlets, are fanciful, inconsistent with facts, and politically motivated," the senior Nationalist Congress Party leader said. Under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, women in the 21-65 years age group with a family income of less that 2.5 lakh will be given 1,500 per month. While announcing the scheme in the budget, Pawar had said the scheme will entail an annual expenditure of 46,000 crore.

Ladki Bahin scheme announced after all approvals, asserts DY CM Pawar
A spectacular cloud formation resembling a rolling set of waves in the outback has left Australians stunned - and it turns out for good reason.

The formation is actually an extremely rare phenomenon called Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds. Source: Reddit

A spectacular cloud formation resembling a rolling set of waves in the outback has left Australians everywhere stunned  and as it turns out, the incredible sight is actually an "extremely rare phenomenon".

A South Australian resident uploaded footage of the unbelievable cloud pattern online earlier this week, showing almost a dozen "wave-like" clouds sweeping across Coober Pedy, a tiny outback town in the in the state's north.

The SA resident said they'd been living in the region for a year and "sunrise, sunsets and night skies never stop being amazing". "Pulled over at weird angle on side of dirt road to take [the picture]," the local wrote on social media.

Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds occur when there is a strong vertical shear between two air streams, causing winds to blow faster at the upper level than at the lower levels. Source: Reddit

Aussies stunned by 'absolutely gorgeous' outback snap

"Nature did all the heavy lifting, I just pulled over and snapped a pic with my S22." The remarkable formation unsurprisingly attracted an onslaught of responses from astonished Australians, many people questioning how such an occurrence took place.

"Surfing them later today?" one person joked. "That's a really cool shot," another wrote. "The waves have truly come to life in the sky  epic post," someone else said. "Absolutely gorgeous! It looks like they're just flying along in a strong wind," a fourth said.

What are Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds?

While undoubtably beautiful, the formation is actually an extremely rare phenomenon  Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds, according to weather bureaus around the world.

Martin Singh, from the School of Earth, Atmosphere, and Environment at Monash University earlier explained to Yahoo News Australia what's taking place here.

"Essentially we are seeing the way the air is moving," Professor Singh said, adding that "air is moving everywhere but you just cant see it because theres no cloud to visualise it with".

"One layer has a cloud, and one layer doesnt and the instability is happening on that boundary," he said.

The UK's Meteorological Office  the nation's weather and climate service  said Kelvin-Helmholtz "are one of the most striking and rare cloud types."

"Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds are an extremely rare phenomenon, where a cloud produces a billowing wave pattern," the weather authority said. "They occur when there is a strong vertical shear between two air streams, causing winds to blow faster at the upper level than at the lower levels.

"When the upper layer of air is moving at a higher speed than the lower-level air, it may scoop the top of an existing cloud layer into these wave-like rolling shapes."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The NITI Aayog on Saturday clarified over West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's walkout from the central think tank's meeting. Banerjee had walked out of the meeting, claiming she was unfairly stopped midway through her speech, despite being the sole representative of the opposition.



We had 10 absentees and 26 participants. We had absentees from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Puducherry. The chief minister of West Bengal was present. The chief minister of West Bengal had made a request to be given a turn before lunchtime. I'm just putting facts on the ground, no interpretations, NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam was quoted by ANI as saying.



ALSO READ: Opposition parties slam Mamata Banerjee over her walkout from NITI Aayog meeting



Adding further, Subrahmanyam said,"It was a very clear request from their side because normally we would have gone alphabetically. So it begins with Andhra Pradesh, then Arunachal Pradesh...We actually adjusted and the Defence Minister actually called her in just before Gujarat. So she made her statement. Every chief minister is allotted seven minutes and there's just a clock on top of the screen which tells you the time that is remaining."



ALSO READ: NITI Aayog meet: FM Sitharaman reacts, PIB fact checks Bengal CM's mic claim



So it goes from seven to six to five to four to three. At the end of that, it shows zero. Zero.Nothing else. Nothing else has happened other than that...Then she said look, I would have liked to speak for more time, but I'll not speak anymore. That was it. There was nothing more. We all heard, the NITI Aayog CEO added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses the media as she arrives at NSCBI Airport after attending the NITI Aayog meeting, in Kolkata on Saturday. (ANI)

She made her points and we respectfully heard and noted points, which will be reflected in a minute...Just to mention the fact the chief secretary continued to attend and he was in the room even after she left because she had to catch a flight to Calcutta, Subrahmanyam said.



The NITI Aayog CEO further said,"We had a lot of last-minute dropouts, I have speeches of some states who had not participated- Jharkhand and Puducherry. Not all have dropped out for boycott reasons. For those who did not participate, I always say that it is their loss. The room is richer if they are there both for us and for them. Nobody is going to be excluded if they are not going to participate."

What Mamata Banerjee said?

Mamata Banerjee had alleged that she was stopped after speaking for five minutes."I have come out boycotting the meeting. (Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister) Chandrababu Naidu was given 20 minutes to speak. The chief ministers of Assam, Goa, Chhattisgarh spoke for 10-12 minutes. I was stopped from speaking after just five minutes," the Trinamool Congress chief had said.



This is insulting. I will not attend any further meeting, she added.



(With PTI, ANI inputs)
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday, July 27, walked out of NITI Aayog's 9th Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, claiming that she was allowed to speak only for five minutes. The NITI Aayog meeting is being chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. (ANI file)

"...I said you (central government) should not discriminate against state governments. I wanted to speak but my mic was muted. I was allowed to speak only for five minutes. People before me spoke for 10-20 minutes," Mamata Banerjee told reporters after she stormed out of the NITI Aayog meeting.

"I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak. This is insulting...," the Bengal chief minister added.

Also Read | PM Modi to chair NITI Aayog meeting today: Who is attending, who's skipping

Several Opposition-ruled states have announced they will boycott the meeting. Chief ministers of three Congress-ruled states - Karnataka's Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh's Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana's Revanth Reddy have announced they will not attend the meeting over alleged bias against their states in the Union Budget 2024.

Tamil Nadu's chief minister and DMK leader MK Stalin along with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab and Delhi governments have said they would also boycott the meeting.

Mamata Banerjee, who attended the meeting, earlier said she felt their voices should be raised on a common platform.

The meeting focuses on making India a developed nation by 2047. It aims to foster participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and state governments, enhancing the quality of life for both rural and urban populations by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of government interventions.

The council, the apex body of NITI Aayog, includes all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers. Prime Minister Modi is the chairman of NITI Aayog.

The meeting also focusses on recommendations of the 3rd National Conference of chief secretaries held in December last year.

During the conference, recommendations were made on five key themes--drinking water: access, quantity, and quality; electricity: quality, efficiency, and reliability; health: accessibility, affordability, and quality of care; schooling: access and quality and land and property: accessibility, digitization, registration, and mutation.

A vision document is being prepared to help India become a developed economy of USD 30 trillion by 2047, the 100th year of its independence.

In 2023, NITI Aayog was entrusted with the task of consolidating the 10 sectoral thematic visions into a combined vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.

The vision encompasses various aspects of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance, among other.
Shillong, At least 10 pro-ILP activists were arrested after they tried to prevent tourists from visiting Sohra and Dawki in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, police said. Meghalaya: Pro-ILP activists arrested for trying to prevent tourists from visiting Dawki, Sohra

Tourist inflow to Sohra and Dawki was briefly affected on Friday when the pro-ILP activists belonging to Hynniewtrep National Youth Front tried to prevent some tourists coming from Assam from visiting these places.

"The district authorities have beefed up security arrangements for tourists intending to travel to Sohra and Dawki and security personnel have been deployed at specific locations along the route to prevent any disruption in tourists' visits," Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtynger told PTI.

"We have arrested 10 members of the HNYF at Umtyngar town for unauthorisedly preventing tourists from visiting Sohra and Dawki," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong condemned the incident, saying, "It was very unfortunate. People are visiting Meghalaya to enjoy the nature. We will not let such things happen again."

Tynsong, who is also the Home Minister, said that the law will take its own course.

The Hynniewtrep National Youth Front seeks implementation of the Inner Line Permit in the state.

HNYF president Sadon Blah said the group has called for such an action to force the government to implement a policy restricting the movement of tourist vehicles coming from outside the state.

Tynsong said the state government is aggressively following up with the Centre for implementation of ILP in the state.

Various tourism associations in Meghalaya strongly condemned the HNYF for its decision to prevent tourists from visiting Sohra and Dawki.

Speaking to reporters, Tourism Operators Association of Meghalaya president Banlum Blah said that they will write to the tourism minister to demand strong against such individuals who try to jeopardise the industry of the state.

Blah said that after the incident, various tourism associations in Meghalaya had called for an emergency meeting to discuss it.

"It was a surprise not only for the tourists but also for us as for the first time, we heard that tourists were being stopped and sent back," Blah said.

He claimed it took years for all stakeholders in Meghalaya to build up the tourism footfall that the state is witnessing at the moment.

He said the tourism sector is one of the biggest employment generators in Meghalaya and it has benefited hundreds of youths.

Blah said the incident that happened in Umtyngar has painted a bad picture of Meghalaya.

"From all the tourism associations of Meghalaya, we want to apologise to all the tourists who have been affected today. From the tourism stakeholders' side, we appeal to all the tourists to come back to Meghalaya as such incident will not happen again," he added.

Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma also expressed regret that illegal checking conducted by pro-ILP activists for documents of migrant workers has led to a labour shortage.

He said around 200 labourers used to work at the construction site of the new assembly building but now the number has dipped to around 50-60.

"Yesterday, I paid a surprise visit to the site of the new assembly building to ensure that the work is going on smoothly and I am happy that the work is going on smoothly despite fewer labourers," he said.

"However, I feel that after the recent incidents, some of the contractors and labourers have disappeared and this has affected the pace of work," he added.

The speaker said that about 95-96 per cent of the work on the left and right wings of the building has been completed.

Another pro-ILP group, the Khasi Students Union, has in the last three weeks, sent back over 2,500 unregistered migrant labourers from construction sites across the state.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state government has made it compulsory for migrant labourers to register themselves with the Labour Department under various sections of the Interstate Workmen Act 1979 and the Meghalaya Identification, Registration of Migrant Workers Rules 2020.

He, however, said that although registration is required for all migrant labourers, no individual or organisation is authorised to check their papers.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday accused Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu of unleashing a false propaganda against the previous government under the guise of releasing white papers. YSR District, Mar 27 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy greets the gathering at the start of the Memanta Siddham bus yatra, at Idupulapaya in YSR District on Wednesday. (ANI Photo) (Tharun Vinny)

Speaking to reporters at his camp office, Jagan said during the elections, Naidu had launched a false campaign stating that the debt burden on the state was 14 lakh crore, but after coming to power, the chief minister scaled it down to 10 lakh crore. However, the actual debt of the state government by June this year stands at 5,18,708 crore. At the time of bifurcation of the combined state, the total outstanding liabilities of the state were 1,53,347 crore and by May 2019 when Naidu lost power, they went up to 4,08,710 crore, he said.

He said the YSRCP government had directly transferred 2.70 lakh crore to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes over the past five years and added that even though state received 5,655 crore from the Centre on June 10, and the treasury had about 7,000 crore by June 12, Naidu opted for a Vote on Account to avoid fulfilling his promises.

On the law and order in the state, the YSRCP president said that the state had become unsafe for women after Naidu took over as the CM 45 days ago, with as many 12 rape cases being reported during this period.

With regard to sand policy, the former chief minister said the previous YSRCP government had sold sand at 375 per tonne, generating an annual revenue of 765 crores for the government implementing a clear and transparent sand policy. But now, the Naidu government is supplying sand at a higher rate, though it is claiming to supply sand free of cost, he said.

He said revenue from the mines and geology department was 2,200 crore in 2018-2019 and it rose to 4000 crore by the end of YSRCP governments tenure in 2023-24. The revenue of Andhra Pradesh mineral development corporation was 400 crore in 2018-19 while it increased 3200 crores by the end of 2023-24, he said.

Jagan also refuted the allegations of Naidu that the previous YSRCP government had neglected the Polavaram project causing huge loss to the state. He said it was because of unscientific works that the diaphragm of the dam suffered damages due to the heavy floods.

Reacting to allegations on liquor policy, the YSRCP president said the liquor syndicate was rampant, leading to uncontrolled alcohol flow through permit rooms and belt shops during the TDP tenure from 201419.

He asserted that the YSRCP government did not grant new permits to any distilleries or approve any new liquor brands. The so-called unknown brands being referred to by Naidu were approved on November 22, 2017, during his tenure. The TDP government approved nearly 15 brands of whiskey and brandy and 14 out of 20 liquor distilleries in the state were approved during Naidus regime..

He also condemned the allegations of TDP on poor quality liquor and said the tests on liquor sample revealed that there is no poor quality in liquor.
A 20-year-old woman was stabbed to death allegedly by her boyfriend over their relationship issues, Indian Express reported. The victim's body was found dumped inside bushes near a railway track in Navi Mumbai's Uran on Saturday. The victim's father Surendra Kumar suspected that a person named Dawood Shaikh killed his daughter (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The victim has been identified as Yashshri Shinde, a resident of Uran, who was working in a company in Belapur. Police believe that she worked for just half a day on the day of the crime.

The woman had gone missing, and the family started to look for her but were unsuccessful in their attempt. Later, a missing complaint was registered at a local police station in Uran on Thursday.

The police managed to trace the victim's body after receiving a tip off around 2 am that a woman's body had been found inside the bushes near the railway station.

A team immediately sent the remains to a nearby hospital, where it was identified by the victim's family. A case of murder has been registered against unknown persons and the police suspect the crime to be motivated by a love affair that went wrong.

The victim's father Surendra Kumar suspected that a person named Dawood Shaikh killed his daughter. Police have formed seven teams to search for the accused, who is believed to be absconding. The crime branch is also conducting a parallel investigation.

We suspect that the incident of murder took place at around 3.30 or 4pm on Thursday. We are checking CCTV footage to ascertain the facts, Deputy Commissioner of police Vivek Pansare told Indian Express.

Also read | Delhi: Girl falls off building after builder slaps her over property dispute

A senior police officer said, The body has not been chopped into pieces, but we have found multiple stab injuries on her stomach and back. He added that medical reports revealed that she was raped before being killed and appropriate sections will be added to the First Information Report (FIR).

Several crimes against women have been reported over the last week. On July 23, a 24-year-old woman was stabbed to death in her PG in Bengaluru's Koramangala. The police arrested the absconding accused from Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. The victim from Bihar was allegedly killed over her advice to her roommate to distance herself from the unemployed accused.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman rejected West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's claim that she was unfairly stopped midway in her speech a NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday. After walking out of the 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mamata Banerjee alleged that her microphone was stopped after five minutes, while other chief ministers were allowed to speak for longer durations. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference.(ANI file)

Reacting to the Trinamool Congress chief's allegation, Nirmala Sitharaman told news agency ANI that it is incorrect to say that Mamata Banerjee's microphone was switched off and claimed that the clock showed that her speaking time was over.

CM Mamata Banerjee attended the NITI Aayog meeting. We all heard her. Every CM was given the allotted time and that was displayed on the screen which was present before every table...She said in the media that her mic was put off. That is completely false. Every CM was given their due time to speak...It's unfortunate that the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has claimed that her mic was switched off which is not true...She should speak the truth behind this rather than again build a narrative based on falsehood, the finance minister said.

Separately, Press Information Bureau Fact Check (PIB Fact Check), under the information & broadcasting ministry, claimed that Mamata Banerjee's allegation was misleading

It is being claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal was switched off during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog. This claim is #Misleading. The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it, PIB Fact Check posted on X.

Alphabetically, CM, West Bengal turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early, it added.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi reacts

Union minister Pralhad Joshi said he has not seen what has happened at the meeting. I can only say this so-called INDI alliance is not at all an alliance because Mamata Banerjee did not give a single seat to the Congress in West Bengal. They are not able to digest the mandate of the people, they are crying foul.

What did Mamata Banerjee allege?

Mamata Banerjee said her microphone was stopped after five minutes, while other chief ministers from NDA-ruled states were allowed to speak for longer durations.

This is insulting. I will not attend any further meeting, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said.

"I have come out boycotting the meeting. (Andhra Pradesh chief minister) Chandrababu Naidu was given 20 minutes to speak. The chief ministers of Assam, Goa, Chhattisgarh spoke for 10-12 minutes. I was stopped from speaking after just five minutes," Mamata Banerjee told reporters after coming out of the meeting of chief ministers chaired by PM Narendra Modi.

"This is unfair. From the opposition side, only I am representing here. I attended this meeting because of the greater interest that cooperative federalism should be strengthened," she added.

Banerjee added that she mentioned during the meeting that the government presented a politically biased budget and asked why the Centre was discriminating among states.

"The NITI Aayog has no financial powers. How will it work? Give it financial powers or bring the Planning Commission back," she said.

"I was stopped from speaking after five minutes. I said this is unfair. I am the only one present from the opposition side, I am attending this meeting because of the greater interest," she said.

Banerjee said she mentioned at the meeting that certain states were overlooked in the Union Budget for 2024-25.

"I said you are politically biased, you are not giving attention to different states. Even the budget is a political, biased budget.... I told them it should be reviewed. I spoke for all states," Banerjee said.

She also pointed out at the meeting that central funds are due to West Bengal under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and Prime Minister Awas Yojana.

The TMC chief said she wanted to speak more but her microphone was switched off after five minutes.

"I was stopped after five minutes. Others spoke for 10-15-20 minutes. I was the only one from the opposition but I was stopped. This is insulting. I will not attend any further meetings," she said.
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, whose Janata Dal (United) is a key member of the BJP-led ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), was absent from Saturday's NITI Aayog meeting, chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during a public meeting ahead of Lok Sabha elections, in Jamui, Thursday, April 4, 2024. (PTI Photo)

While the reason behind the Bihar CM's absence could not be ascertained immediately, the state was represented by its two deputy chief ministers from the BJP: Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.

A JD(U) spokesperson, however, pointed to how this wasn't the first time that Kumar would not be present at a meeting of the NITI Aayog, the central government's apex public policy think tank.

The CM did not attend the meeting earlier as well and Bihar was represented by the then deputy CM. This time also, the two deputies went for the meeting. Besides, there are four members from the state who are members of the Aayog and they were present, party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar told PTI.

The JD(U), with 12 seats in the Lok Sabha (out of NDA's 293), and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (16 seats) are extremely crucial for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In this year's general elections, the BJP won 240 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha and came to power at the Centre for a third consecutive time, with PM Modi, too, achieving a hattrick of prime ministerial terms.

However, unlike in 2014 and 2019, the saffron party failed to cross or reach the majority mark on its own, falling short by 32 seats. Therefore, it needs the support of both JD(U) and TDP to remain in power.

On his part, Nitish Kumar is infamous for having switched sides multiple times; all of his switches came as CM, a post he continued to hold in new alignments as well. In the most recent instance, the senior politician left Mahagathbandhan and rejoined the BJP-led alliance in January ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, having undertaken the opposite journey in August 2022.

TDP supremo Naidu, meanwhile, attended the NITI Aayog programme in the national capital.

Chief ministers of states run by members of the Congress-led opposition INDIA bloc, boycotted the conference, on the ground that the NDA government neglected' non-NDA states and favoured Andhra Pradesh and Bihar in the Union Budget, presented on July 23.

West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee, the only INDIA bloc CM at the programme, stormed out of the event. The Trinamool Congress boss alleged that she spoke only for five minutes, unlike her counterparts from several states, who, she claimed, spoke for 'longer durations.'

(With PTI inputs)
One of the four crew members selected for Gaganyaan, the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) first human-crewed spaceflight, will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) after August, according to Union minister Jitendra Singh. In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the four astronauts selected for ISROs Gaganyaan mission.

Also Read: ISRO completes human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine for Gaganyaan mission

The space station visit will be a joint exercise involving ISRO and NASA, the Indian space agency's US counterpart, the minister informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.

ISRO is pursuing a joint mission with NASA to ISS, wherein one Gaganyaatri will undertake space travel to ISS, Singh said.

This is a collaborative effort of ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space, a NASA-identified private entity. Recently, ISRO signed a space flight agreement with Axiom Space for this joint mission, he added.

Also Read: ISRO identifies 48 backup points for safe return of Gaganyaan astronauts

The statement by Singh, the Minister of State (MoS) for Science and Technology, came on a query by Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, about the Axiom-4 Mission, astronauts, and the Gaganyaan mission.

As per the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this will be the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS, and is scheduled to be launched no earlier than August 2024 from the agency's Florida-based Kennedy Space Center.

In February, prime minister Narendra Modi revealed the four Gaganyaatris'  elite fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF). They are group captains Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap, and wing commander Shubanshu Shukla.

Meanwhile Singh, the Union minister, also told the House that the IAF pilots are undergoing training at ISRO's Astronauts Training Facility in Bengaluru.

They have completed two out of three semesters of their training programme. Independent training simulator and static mockup simulators have been realised, he stated.

The three-day Gaganyaan project is expected to launch next year.
A three-member high-level committee has been formed to probe allegations of fraud committed by private engineering colleges affiliated to Chennais Anna University, officials in the know of the matter said. The university has submitted a report to the DMK ruled state government and to the Raj Bhavan as the governor is the chancellor of the university. (File photo)

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) on Friday nominated Usha Natesan, director of National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTR) Anna University nominated N Kumaravel, professor of eminence in the electronics department and the state government nominated T Abraham, Directorate of Technical Education commissioner, a senior official of the higher education department said.

The committees inquiry will begin next week against more than 60 private colleges who are involved. The colleges may even face suspension of affiliation, Anna University vice chancellor R Velraj told HT.

The university has submitted a report to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ruled state government and to the Raj Bhavan as the governor is the chancellor of the university.

Faculty will be inquired as to why they have indulged in forgery by giving fake Aadhar and PAN numbers. Disciplinary action will be initiated against them. Based on the colleges request, these individuals have yielded so the colleges will face more severe punishment, Velraj said.

Chennai based NGO Arappor Iyakkam on Tuesday had exposed the alleged irregularities in the affiliation process of private engineering colleges to Anna university. More than 353 faculty were found to be in the payrolls of more than one college. On Wednesday, the Anna University released its own findings which revealed that 211 faculty members have been filling in for 2,500 positions in various colleges across Tamil Nadu this year.

There is a minimum faculty requirement to be met by colleges to get affiliation which is why they seem to have done this, Velraj said, adding that one faculty member was found in the records of 32 colleges and another in 10 colleges simultaneously at least on paper.

The NGO found that they had used fake Aadhar and PAN entries. We had not expected that. So we checked another possibility which is forgery using their date of birth and we could immediately find the errors. We have reported this to the government, governor and AICTE, Velraj added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ukraine in August against the backdrop of renewed global efforts to find a negotiated settlement to the conflict with Russia, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (File Photo)

The visit, expected to coincide with Ukraines National Day on August 24, could be clubbed with a trip to Poland in view of the complex logistics involved with organising a visit to a warzone, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity.

The visit is yet to be formally announced by the Indian and Ukrainian sides, though diplomats from several countries, who didnt want to be named, said New Delhi and Kyiv are engaged in arrangements for it. This would be Modis first visit to Ukraine. The last visit to Poland by an Indian premier was in 1979.

Several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have used Poland as a stopover for travelling to Ukraine by train. The logistics for Modis visit are expected to be finalised in the coming days when an Indian advance team travels to the region for an extensive recce, including the security aspect, the people said.

The proposed visit to Ukraine, especially after Modis trip to Moscow during July 8-9 for holding the annual India-Russia Summit with President Vladimir Putin, is being seen in some quarters as part of New Delhis balancing act on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India hasnt publicly criticised Russias invasion of Ukraine though Modi reminded Putin at their recent meeting that a solution cant be found on the battlefield and peace talks cant succeed under the shadow of the gun.

The people, however, said the visits to both Ukraine and Poland had been under discussion for months but had been held up because of various developments, including general elections in India and Poland. Ukraine had invited Modi for a visit some time ago and the invitation was reiterated when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met the Indian premier on the margins of the G7 Summit in Italy on June 14.

The visit also figured in a phone conversation between external affairs minister S Jaishankar and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on July 19, the people said. Modi also informed Putin during their meeting earlier this month about his intention to visit Kyiv, the people said.

Modis arrival in Moscow had coincided with a Russian missile strike on Ukraines largest childrens hospital and Zelenskyy had criticised the Indian leaders visit to Russia and public images of him embracing Putin. Without naming Modi or Putin, Zelenskyy said it was a devastating blow to peace efforts to see the leader of the worlds largest democracy hug the worlds most bloody criminal in Moscow.

There was also outrage in the West that Modi chose Russia for his first bilateral visit in his third term even as the US was hosting Zelenskyy and leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for a summit aimed at shoring up support for Ukraine.

In the face of criticism from US officials such as ambassador Eric Garcetti and assistant secretary of state Donald Lu, India has defended its relations with Russia by saying that these long-standing ties are based on mutuality of interests and that all countries have freedom of choice in a multipolar world.

Though Indias top leadership stayed away from the Ukraine peace summit hosted by Switzerland last month, Modi told Zelenskyy at their recent meeting that India encourages a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and will continue to do everything in its means to support a peaceful solution.
Authorities have been told about the discovery, but researchers will need a year or more to organise a salvage mission.

Two divers had been gone for nearly two hours after leaving for a quick-drive, so crews knew there was something very interesting on the bottom. Source: Jam Press

Hundreds of bottles of champagne and fancy mineral water have been discovered in a shipwreck at the bottom of the ocean. Tomasz Stachura, leader of the Baltictech diving group, said: There was so much of it that it was hard to estimate the amounts.

The team of Polish divers found the wreck about 20 nautical miles (about 37 kilometres) south of the Swedish island of Oland. Stachura said two divers had been gone for nearly two hours after leaving for a quick-drive, so they knew there was something very interesting on the bottom.

At the shipwreck, they were stunned to discover hundreds of bottles of champagne and mineral water produced by Selters, a German brand that still exists today. Stachura told What's the Jam: We encountered a 19th century sailing ship in very good condition, loaded to the sides with champagne, wine, mineral water and porcelain.

Hundreds of bottles of champagne and fancy mineral water have been discovered in a shipwreck at the bottom of the ocean. Tomasz Stachura, leader of the Baltictech diving group, said: There was so much of it that it was hard to estimate the amounts. Source: Jam Press

Incredible haul intact for 170 years on ocean floor

We saw more than 100 bottles of champagne and baskets of mineral water in clay bottles. I've been a diver for 40 years, but I've never seen crates with bottles of alcohol and baskets of water like this.

Interestingly, the pottery factory into which the water was bottled also exists, and we are in contact with them to find out more details.

The clay bottles helped them date the wreck to between 1850 and 1867. Stachura believes the cargo was making its way to the Russian Tsar Nicholas I, who reportedly lost a ship in the region in 1852.

He explained: That would explain why the ship had this cargo  which was all very exclusive. In those days, mineral water was treated almost like a medicine and only went on royal tables.

At the shipwreck, divers were stunned to discover hundreds of bottles of champagne and mineral water produced by Selters, a German brand that still exists today. Source: Jam Press

Its value was so precious that the transports were escorted by police.

He said they have informed the Swedish authorities about the discovery, but believes they will need a year or more to organise a salvage mission.

Stachura stated: It has been lying there for 170 years so let it lie there for one more year. "We will have time to better prepare for the operation.

- Jam Press

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)'s ninth governing council meeting on Saturday, July 27. The council, the apex body of NITI Aayog, includes all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of union territories, and several union ministers, while Modi is the chairman. PM Modi to chair NITI Aayog meet today(PTI)

Chief ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states are set to attend the meeting. However, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, an NDA ally, has not confirmed his attendance yet. Meanwhile, several chief ministers belonging to the opposition parties have boycotted the event.

Who is attending the NITI Aayog meeting?

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath

Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu

Arunachal deputy chief minister Chowna Mein

Tripura chief minister Manik Saha

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel

Rajasthan chief minister Bhjajanlal Sharma

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will also be attending the meeting. However, she plans to raise her voice against the Centres step-motherly attitude towards opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget 2024-25 during the meeting.

Before the budget, I said I would attend the meeting. A copy of my written speech was also sent to NITI Aayog as per their requirement. When the budget was placed, I found how states ruled by opposition parties had been neglected. They had been shown a stepmotherly attitude. I want to speak about this. If they allow me to speak, its fine. If they dont, I will protest and leave, Banerjee told the media on Friday before leaving for Delhi.

Who is not attending the event?

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah

Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy

Not confirmed

Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren

What will the NITI Aayog meeting focus on?

According to a statement by the Centre, the meeting aims to foster participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and state governments, enhancing the quality of life for both rural and urban populations by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of government interventions.

The ninth governing meeting will discuss the Approach Paper for the vision document on Viksit Bharat @2047and hold detailed deliberations on the role of states in achieving this goal. The meeting will also focus on the recommendations of the third National Conference of chief secretaries, which was held in December last year.

During the conference, recommendations were made on five key themes: drinking water: access, quantity, and quality; electricity: quality, efficiency, and reliability; health: accessibility, affordability, and quality of care; schooling: access and quality; and land and property: accessibility, digitization, registration, and mutation, the government statement said.

Additionally, special sessions were also held to deliberate on cyber security, aspirational districts and blocks programme, the role of states, and AI in governance - which were also discussed during the National Conference of chief secretaries.
The Supreme Court on Friday set out to scrutinise the constitutional validity of action by Kerala and West Bengal governors to delay assent on bills for years together by resorting to Presidential reference and sought responses in this regard from the Centre and the secretaries of the two governors within three weeks. Issuing notice on separate petitions filed by the Kerala and West Bengal governments, a bench headed by chief justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud said, We are issuing notice to the Union of India through ministry of home affairs (MHA) and secretary, governor.

Issuing notice on separate petitions filed by the Kerala and West Bengal governments, a bench headed by chief justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud said, We are issuing notice to the Union of India through ministry of home affairs (MHA) and secretary, governor.

Former Attorney General KK Venugopal who appeared for Kerala along with advocate CK Sasi submitted that this is an unfortunate state of affairs and is usually witnessed in states where governors refuse to cooperate with the legislature in the state.

In the case of Kerala, seven bills have been stuck with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan with two of the bills pending for 23 months (nearly two years), another two for about 15 months and three for over 10 months. It is important for this court to tell governors where they have to assent and in what circumstances can they refer a bill to the President of India, the veteran lawyer said, adding that there is a confusion in the minds of many governors as to what their powers are while assenting to bills.

The bench, also comprising justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra said, We would like you to formulate a few questions on the power of the governor to reserve any bill for consideration of President, while posting the matter in August.

Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Jaideep Gupta appearing for West Bengal along with advocate Astha Sharma informed the court that the position in the state is similar as eight bills are pending consideration with Governor CV Anand Bose. While six bills are pending since June 2022, the remaining two bills have been awaiting assent for past 8 months.

This has become a practice as seen in the Tamil Nadu case as well where the bills were referred to President after sitting over it for months, Singhvi said.

His reference was to a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government in the top court alleging inaction by governor RN Ravi to clear 10 bills passed by the legislature. As governor initially withdrew assent, the state again passed the bills and presented it for his assent by convening a special session in November last year.

The matter came up before the court on November 20 when the court questioned the governor over the delay to decide on the bills. A week later, the court was informed that the re-enacted bills had been referred to the President.

The top court bench, headed by CJI, had taken serious exception to this action by governor and said, You cant withhold the bill and kill it virtually at that stage adding further, There is no option of referring it to President after he has withheld his assent and the bill is subsequently passed by the legislature again.

The court proceedings come against the backdrop of frayed relationships between governors and states ruled by parties opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party, which heads the NDA government. These states claim that the governors function like an agent of the Centre, forgetting their constitutional responsibility and also their very limited powers under the Constitution.

On Friday, West Bengal informed the court it does not know the status of bills except a communication received from governors office recently about some of the bills being reserved for consent by the President of India.

Noting a dangerous trend, Venugopal said, Referring bills to the President has become an easy way out for governors if they do not want to cooperate with the legislature. It is a very sad state of affairs as the Constitution itself which permits the functioning of legislature is being rendered otiose.

Although the two petitions listed governors as respondents, the court refrained from issuing individual notices to them, restricting the scope of consideration to the legal aspects emerging in the matter. The court allowed the West Bengal government to add Centre as a party and issued notice.

The states petition filed through advocate Astha Sharma referred to Article 200 which requires presentation of bills passed by state assemblies for assent by governor in the state. It said the governors conduct could subvert the foundation of the Constitution, including rule of law and democratic good governance.

Article 200 empowers governors to either assent to the bill, withhold assent or reserve the bill for consideration of the President. This provision also casts a duty on the governor to act as soon as possible. These words were interpreted by the top court in April 2023 when Telangana government filed a petition after assent on 10 crucial bills was held up for months together by the then Telangana governor Tamilsai Soundararajan.

The order of the top court said, The expression as soon as possible has significant constitutional intent and must be borne in mind by constitutional authorities.

The Kerala government argued that none of the pending bills involves Centre-state relations as it pertained to universities, cooperative societies and Lokayukta.

The action of the Governor in keeping the bills pending for as long as two years has subverted the functioning of the legislature of the State and rendered its existence itself ineffective and otiose, the state argued, adding that the bills include public interest bills which are for the public good.

Not dealing with the bills presented for assent for periods as long as 24 months, or 7 months to 16 months, the governor has rendered ineffective and otiose the functioning of a limb of the state under the Constitution, i.e. the legislative assembly, Kerala stated in its plea.

Significantly, the state argued that in none of the reference orders to the President does the governor mention the fact about the bill being pending with him for as long as 11 to 24 months. Such a reservation shows that the bills had been kept pending without any reason whatsoever rendering the very implementation of the bills and the purpose and functioning of the legislative assembly ineffective and otiose. If the timelines were mentioned, the President would have been put to notice on why the bills were being referred, not as soon as possible, but after two years.

...
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan on Friday announced reservations for Agniveers in their police and security forces after their stint in the army, in an effort to quell the outrage over the short-term induction of soldiers under the controversial Agnipath scheme and provide them a safety net if they are not retained in regular service. (Representative Photo)

The grievances of Agniveers, who will serve a four-year stint in the armed services before 25% of them are chosen for permanent commission, were seen as a major factor for the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) tepid performance in the Lok Sabha elections.

The announcement by the six state governments came on the 25th anniversary of Indias victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War.

It also came days after the government in Haryana, where assembly elections are due this year, on July 17 announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in some state government jobs and an age relaxation in eligibility for other services.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Agniveers from the state would be given priority while recruiting police constables and forest and jail guards once they complete their service in the army.

The state government will soon issue guidelines to provide a fixed reservation quota for Agniveers, ensuring they receive preference in these recruitments, he told reporters on the assembly premises.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav hailed the scheme and told reporters in Bhopal, As per the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has decided to give reservations to Agniveers in police and security forces. The Agniveer scheme is, in the real sense, an attempt to not only modernise the armed forces and to recruit capable jawans but also to make them young at the global level.

Odisha chief minister Mohan Majhi said the short-service soldiers will get 10% reservations in state police, among other jobs. Like Haryana, the eastern state also announced an age relaxation in eligibility for other services.

Ten percent of the posts in uniformed forces of the state will be reserved for Agniveers. They will also get a five-year age relaxation for other services after their return from the armed forces. A legislation will soon be brought in this regard, Majhi told reporters at the state secretariat.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said Agniveers will be given weightage in the state police and Provincial Armed Constabulary, a force that was set up in 1948 to prevent frequent deployment of the army in grave law and order situations.

As the Agniveer scheme progresses and when these youngsters return after their service, we will provide facility and weightage for their adjustment in the UP Police and PAC forces. We will get trained and disciplined youngsters as Agniveers. Our government is fully committed to this, he told reporters at his official residence before leaving for the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also assured reservation in government jobs for the soldiers inducted under the short-term recruitment scheme. Addressing a programme in Dehradun to pay tributes to the armed forces personnel who fought valiantly during the Kargil War in 1999, Dhami said legislation would be brought to provide the reservation.

We will make provisions and bring an Act to give reservations to them in government services. We are working on this plan. We will make use of their skills and discipline in various government departments, he said.

Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced that the Agniveer soldiers in the state will be provided with a significant reservation at the three government departments.

I bow down in front of the Bravehearts of the Kargil War on its 25th anniversary, who sacrificed themselves for their motherland. On this day, the Rajasthan government has decided to give the Agniveers reservations in the police department and as prison guards and forest guards, said the CM while speaking to media persons in Delhi.

He added, Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Agnipath scheme to provide the honest and dedicated youth an opportunity to serve the country. The Rajasthan governments latest decision will now also enable these soldiers to continue their service for the country and its people.

PM Modi also backed Agnipath, saying, The aim to launch the Agnipath scheme was to keep the arm forces younger and continuously fit for the war. It was a long-time concern for several parliamentary committees that the average age of the Indian soldiers is higher than the global average. But nobody showed any determination to make a reformation.

Taking a dig at the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, he further said, They lacked bullet-proof jackets for the army and now they are misleading the people..

However, amid such a major political salvo across the country, around seven other states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Chhattishgarh, and Odisha also declared about a 10% reservation for the Agniveers in the state police force long before Rajasthan.

Centre launched the Agnipath scheme in June 2022 that provisioned to hire the youths between the age of 17.5 to 21 for a period of four years, of which only 25% can be further permanently recruited in the armed forces based on their previous performance throughout the four years. Meanwhile, the rest of the soldiers would be relieved with a lump sum amount of around Rs.11.71 lakh, plus benefits but no pension.

According to their terms of engagement, in the case of their demise as a battle casualty, the emoluments to their next of kin include Rs.48 lakh non-contributory insurance and an ex-gratia of Rs.44 lakh, Seva Nidhi with 30% contributed by the Agniveer and an equal matching contribution from the government, and interest thereon.

In addition, the soldiers next of kin would receive pay for the balance tenure from the date of death to completion of four years (about Rs.13 lakh) and a contribution of Rs.8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund.

However, the decision sparked a massive protest by the youth across the country over the lack of job security under the scheme. The opposition parties also have been raising the issue during the campaigning of the general election earlier this year.

During a poll rally of the Congress in Haryana on May 21, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi promised that his party would scrap the Agnipath scheme if it came to power, as it is against the interest of the military people.
Two Indian army personnel were injured, and one Pakistani person was killed during an exchange of fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Saturday morning. According to the Indian Army, the injured soldiers have been evacuated and taken for treatment. Three army personnel injured during exchange of fire in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara(PTI/Representational image)

The incident took place near the Kamkari post in the Macchal sector of the north Kashmir district.

The operation is underway.

Further details are awaited.

This is the fourth encounter in Kupwara in the last one month.

Earlier on Wednesday, a terrorist was killed and non commissioned officer (NCO) was injured during an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in the Kupwara district. In a post on X, the Army said the exchange was triggered after it launched a joint search operation along with Jammu and Kashmir Police based on a specific input regarding the presence of terrorists on Tuesday.

Prior to this, the army foiled an infiltration bid in Kupwaras Keran sector and killed two terrorists, while on July 14, three terrorists were killed as security forces foiled another infiltration bid in Keran.

On Thursday, chief of army staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Line of Control in the Kupwara district, days after back-to-back gunfights in the area. During his visit to the forward posts, Dwivedi reviewed the security situation, interacted with troopers and the officers deployed on the LoC and praised them for meeting security challenges.

GeneralUpendraDwivedi #COAS, visited the forward locations of #ChinarCorps & reviewed the security situation along the Line of Control #LOC. He also interacted with the Commanders and troops on ground. #COAS lauded All Ranks for maintaining high standards of professionalism & exhorted them to remain steadfast in meeting emerging #security challenges, Armys Chinar Corps wrote on X.
The Goa governments approval to convert some green zones into settlements through an amendment of the Goa Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act last year was brought in to rectify arbitrary land conversions executed by governments in the past, senior officials aware of the matter have said. Environmental groups such as the Goa Foundation have raised concerns that this will allow development in coastal, forest and slope areas mainly for real estate

The introduction of clause 17(2) in the Goa Town and Country Planning Act, which came into force on March 2, 2023, allowed changes to Goas land use maps to fix inadvertent errors that needed alteration or modification. This, along with the introduction of Section 39A of the Act  it allows the chief town planner (Planning) to alter the regional plan after giving a notice of 30 days to invite suggestions from the public -- has become a matter of concern for environment activists, even as the government says it is simply meant to undo old wrongs.

Environmental groups such as the Goa Foundation have raised concerns that this will allow development in coastal, forest and slope areas mainly for real estate. But government documents laid in the state assembly list out its defence of the policy. For instance, the documents say that the Digambar Kamat-led Congress governments Regional Plan (RP) 2021, introduced in 2008, allowed the conversion of 94,057,700 square meters of land, which was shown as a marginal increase of 3%. RP 2021 was scrapped in 2012, soon after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2012. Kamat was in power from 2007 to 2012.

Many people lost their properties due to the idea of rationalisation. Without any thoughtful consideration, their land was classified as NDZ, paddy fields, etc., said government officials, pointing out that this needed to be addressed. Thats where section 17(2) came in because it allowed citizens to approach the department with their corrections, facilitating a transparent process, they added.

The department said that applications to identify errors are looked at by an expert committee and have transparent guidelines for conversion. Broadly, they are in the following categories  land which was in the middle of a settlement zone but was marked as non-settlement zone, 53,000 square metres marked as institutional zones, or land incorrectly designated as playgrounds due to unsuitable topography  the officials cited above said. The clause also looks at resolving errors such as roads shown over existing structures, and restoring permissions to properties that were partially marked as non-developable despite having uniform topography, they added.

To counter charges of indiscriminate commercialisation, the department says that its policies over the last two years are aimed at promoting sustainable tourism. For instance, the Goa Land Development and Building Construction Regulations (GLDBCR) were tweaked to allow agriculture research centres and similar institutes in orchard areas, while also increasing employment opportunities, officials said, highlighting that one of the changes to the regulations allow for greater disabled access to spaces such as public beaches.
Udupi district Nirmithi Kendras project director has been suspended after allegations were levied against him of misconduct related to the construction of the Parushurama theme park at Bailur Umikal Hill in Erlapadi village, Karkala taluk, officials familiar with the matter said. During the investigation it was found that the Udupi official, who was responsible for overseeing the implementation of  11.05 crore worth theme park project, of which  6.72 crore had already been disbursed (Getty Images)

The order was issued by Udupi deputy commissioner Vidya Kumari.

During the investigation it was found that Arun Kumar, who was responsible for overseeing the implementation of 11.05 crore worth theme park project, of which 6.72 crore had already been disbursed. However, the park was inaugurated on January 27 last year without completing the work in the park or officially handing it over to the concerned department.

Udupi additional deputy commissioner GS Mamatha Devi said: The work is under investigation by the CID and the justice HN Nagmohan Das commission of inquiry. To prevent potential interference with the ongoing investigation, Arun Kumar has been suspended with immediate effect by the deputy commissioner. He has been replaced by Diwakara P, assistant project director of Nirmithi Kendra, who will assume additional charge. This order was issued on June 24 by DC Vidya Kumari.

The district administration had removed the statue due to defects in its installation on October 13 last year.

Congress spokesperson Shubhadarao hailed Arun Kumars suspension and said: It is a positive development that the government has ordered the suspension of Arun Kumar, who, along with former MLA Sunil Kumar, was involved in corruption and deceived the public by installing a fake statue of Parashurama. This is the first victory for our struggle for truth.

Shubhadarao further criticised the actions of the officials involved, highlighting that an advance payment of 1 crore was made to Krishna Naik of Chris Art World, Bengaluru, for the statues creation in November 2022.

He described the suspension as a consequence of misleading the tourism minister and failing to maintain proper documentation related to the statues shipment.

In response, Udupi district Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president B Kishore Kumar accused the Congress government of using the suspension to divert attention from its involvement in other scandals, such as those related to Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and the Karnataka Valmiki Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation. The government released 6.72 crore, and the money was fully utilised for construction. How can they accuse us of irregularities before completion? This is merely a political game, Kumar stated.
A team of the state's special task force (STF) busted a gang which was involved in providing solvers for the CSIR-NET exam and arrested seven persons, including key university personnel and four applicants. The ASP of STF Brajesh Kumar Singh received inputs that the exam had been compromised and those involved in it could be arrested during the process of exam. (iStock)

A press communique of STF alleged that the gang members charged huge amount of money from applicants for providing them facility of online solvers to solve their exam papers.

The STF team, acting on intelligence received by ASP Brajesh Kumar Singh, raided the law department computer lab of Subharti University in Meerut during the CSIR-NET exam.

The team recovered a laptop, five central processing units( CPU), two bootable pendrive drives, four CSIR- UGC NET exam identity cards, three mobile phones, three Aadhaar cards, two PAN cards and incriminating documents.

Among those apprehended are Arun Sharma, the IT manager of Subharti University in Meerut, Vineet Kumar, a computer lab assistant, and Ankur Saini, a server operator from NSEIT, the company responsible for conducting the online exam. The four applicants arrested have been identified as Ankit, Tamanna, Monika, and Jyoti, all hailing from Haryana.

The investigation revealed that Arun Sharma had set up a parallel system in his room and gained unauthorised access to the exam server with the assistance of NSEIT company's server operator Ankur Saini and lab assistant Vineet Kumar.

Read: NEET verdict is not a clean chit

The compromised exam files were then shared with an accomplice named Ajay in Haryana, who organised solvers to complete the exams and send the solutions back to the applicants who had paid for this illicit service.

The financial arrangement involved Arun Sharma receiving 50,000 per paper, while Ankur Saini and Vineet Kumar were paid 10,000 each.

The raids are being conducted targeting other members of the gang and a case under sections 318(2)/338/336(3)/61(2) and 111/3 of Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita and sections 3/5/7/9/10 of UP Public Exams Act and 66(d) of IT Act has been registered against the arrested persons in Jani police station of the district.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday lashed out at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.



"More than 50 of our soldiers were killed by terrorists from across the border. Even today we have lost a soldier at the LoC. Why isn't the BJP taking name of Pakistan now? The attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda... Doda is way too far from the LoC, how did the terrorists reach there? The BJP, however, isn't talking about this," PTI quoted the Hyderabad MP as saying at an event in Telangana's Vikarabad.



Owaisi's remarks come amid heightened terror incidents in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. On Saturday, a soldier was killed and four others including a Captain were injured after the Indian Army foiled an attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in the Kamakari sector of J&K's Kupwara district.



The Centre has ordered the relocation of over 2,000 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from Odisha to the volatile Jammu and Kashmir region along the India-Pakistan border, sources told ANI.



ALSO READ: Kargil Vijay Diwas: Pakistan hasnt learnt anything from the past, says PM Modi



On July 20, Union home minister Amit Shah had chaired a high-level meeting with the heads of various security and law enforcement agencies including the BSF. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi.

Shah had impressed upon all the participants to increase engagement in the MAC and make it into a cohesive platform that brings together all the law enforcement agencies, anti-drug agencies, cyber security and intelligence agencies, for decisive and prompt action.



ALSO READ: Army chief visits forward posts along LoC near Kupwara



On Thursday, J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha had assured that the situation in the UT will be back to normal within a few months.

"Those who cannot digest (the peaceful atmosphere here), they should be (ready) for their end. People here have given a befitting response to them before also. The situation demands so. I think the situation will be back to normal again in a few months," Sinha was quoted by PTI as saying.
New Tehri, A 42-year-old woman and her teenage daughter were buried alive by a landslide in a village here on Saturday following incessant rainfall in the Budhakedar area of Tehri Garhwal district, officials said. Woman, daughter killed in landslide following heavy rains in Tehri

The bodies of Sarita Devi and 15-year-old Ankita were retrieved during a search operation carried out by police and SDRF personnel in Toli village, according to District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit.

A retaining wall behind their house collapsed amid heavy rains in the early hours of the day and they were buried under debris, he said, adding that two other members of the family were rescued.

Violent currents of the Dharmganga river washed away three shops in Budhakedar, besides damaging several bridges, breaching approach roads and disrupting power and water supply lines.

People living close to the river have been shifted to safer locations, the DM said.

A cowshed was destroyed in the landslide in Toli, trapping six animals, Ghansali SDM Apoorva Singh said.

Both the Balganga and Dharmganga rivers in the area are in spate following incessant downpour. Roads running along their banks have also been damaged.

Schools in the Ghansali area have been closed as a precautionary measure, Bhilangana's Block Education Officer Sumer Singh Kaintura said.

Heavy showers for the past two days in different places of Budhakedar and a cloudburst in Toli and Bhigun villages have caused extensive damage, the DM said.

A bridge on the Jhala-Budhakedar road was washed away, the officials said and added that more than 500 metres of the Budhakedar-Jakhana and the Budhakedar-Jhala motor roads were also washed out.

Dikshit said ration kits have been distributed among residents of the affected villages.

A temporary relief camp has been set up in an inter-college building in Bhigun for the people of Bhigun and Toli villages, he added.

The revenue department is assessing the damage. Local MLA Shakti Lal Shah also reached the site of the incident and monitored the relief and rescue work.

He said the government will provide all possible help to the affected families.

A huge mound of debris has accumulated at a power substation in Thatyud, damaging equipment and the transformer, he said. It has disrupted power supply in the area.

Executive engineer of the electricity department Amit Anand said it may take two to three days to restore power supply in the area.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Veteran Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar, recently described as the kingpin of corruption by Amit Shah, has hit back, reminding the Union home minister of how he (Shah) was forced to stay away from Gujarat, the latter's home state, by the Supreme Court. Amit Shah launched sharp attacks on Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) supremo Sharad Pawar over alleged corruption. (PTI)

A few days ago, home minister Amit Shah attacked me and called me a few things. He called me the commander of all the corrupt people in the country. Strangely, the home minister is a person who misused the law of Gujarat and for this, the Supreme Court banished him from Gujarat, Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) said.

The one who was banished is the home minister today. So, we should think about where we are headed. The way the people in whose hands this country is, are taking the wrong path, we should think about it; or else, I am 100% confident that they will take the country on the wrong path. We must pay attention to this, the former chief minister of Maharashtra, added.

in 2010, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member, was expelled from his home state for two years in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. He was acquitted in 2014.

On July 21, at a BJP conclave in Maharashtra's Pune, Shah accused the ex-Union minister of institutionalising corruption.

They (opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest kingpin of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion in that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you, he said.

Maharashtra will elect its next government in October. Mahayuti, the ruling alliance, comprises the BJP, chief minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, and NCP led by deputy CM Ajit Pawar, the nephew of Sharad. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition has the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and NCP (SP).

(With ANI inputs)
Watson's tree frog had been widespread before the Black Summer Bushfires in 2020. Source: Google Earth/Airbus

Already facing a perfect storm of attacks from disease and habitat loss, it was feared bushfires may have wiped out a rare population of endangered amphibians. But one threatened species expert refuses to give up hope despite their croaks not being detected on their former clifftop stronghold for years.

The Castle south of Sydney takes over three hours to reach from the carpark. Scrambling to the top is a further 45 minute climb, and because of the sheer drop it isnt recommended for people afraid of heights.

It was along this 1km-long plateau, which strangely resembles a tadpole with a long tail, that threatened species expert Dr Rachel Melrose knew a population of Watson's tree frog had lived. She describes The Castle as a lost world  one of several peaks in the Morton National Park that provided sanctuary from waves of invasive chytrid fungus which sadly wiped out other amphibian species elsewhere.

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The Castle is a multi-tiered monolith  a top tier with a cliff-line and another tier below it. Theyve been called islands in the sky by people a long time ago, Melrose told Yahoo News.

Related: Silent extinctions occurring unreported across Australia  from spiders to frogs

After the Black Summer Bushfires threatened species experts were concerned the Watson's tree frog could have been wiped off The Castle. Source: Rachel Melrose

Why are the frogs so rare?

Before the fungus spread, the Watson's tree frog had been widespread, spanning from just above Kiama all the way to Victoria.

What was special about The Castle and the neighbouring Byangee walls was their tadpole pools dry up during the warmer months, so the disease may not have been able to establish itself like in a permanent dam or creek.

Despite The Castle burning really hot, Melrose began searching to rediscover the Watson's tree frog as soon as it was safe to return. Many of the trees up there are still scorched black four years on.

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I kept climbing up there after it had been raining. After one big event all the pools were full but there was just nothing in them, Melrose said.

Last Christmas it rained for a week and I kept saying to everyone I knew: Theyre going to be here.

But there was a lot of scepticism because wed already been looking for a very long time.

Dr Rachel Melrose and her colleague Alex Pike travelling by chopper in search of rare frogs on other monoliths. Source: Rachel Melrose

Threatened species expert's find at cliff edge

The Department of Environment team had set up audio equipment to listen for the males trilling sound, and searched for tadpoles in the pools. But it wasnt until January this year that Melrose was proven right.

It was pretty humbling getting up there again. Youre perched on top of the highest point for a long way, she said.

I'd passed heaps of ponds and they were empty. So I thought they're not here again. Then I walked out to look at the view because you can see the ocean.

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And then the tadpoles were there, just there on the edge of the east-facing cliff.

Dr Rachel Melrose searching for the Watson's tree frog on The Castle. Source: Rachel Melrose

More stories from our wild world

How did the rare frogs survive the intense heat?

Its unthinkable the frogs could have survived the intense heat that scorched The Castle. So Melrose and her colleagues at the NSW Department of Environment think the species live elsewhere and only use its plateau opportunistically to breed.

We think theyre moving around, but they have this drive to lay eggs at the highest point they can find, she said.

People are speculating at what they do during fire. It seems to me some of the cracks and gullies on the side of The Castle could have been a place they were taking refuge  its very cool and dark even when its hot outside.

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The Commonwealth and the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee listed the Watsons tree frog as endangered in 2022, following the Black Summer bushfires.

Like many small species, it remains unknown how many individuals survived the disaster, or whether those that did became inbred after their populations became isolated.

But, amid ongoing concern for the species, the survival of the frogs on The Castle has given researchers hope there could be more remnant populations within the national park.

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A stylishly designed bathroom can bring a transformational change in the complete look and feel of your home. If you are wondering what elements to integrate into your bathroom renovation, get ready to witness the transformation because we believe creating a bathroom should bring out the best of aesthetics and functionality. Home decor, interior design tips: Add hues and tones to your bathroom with these accessories and products (Photo by Pinterest)

Bathroom Renovation Ideas:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Munir Suri, Senior Vice President at Hippo Stores, suggested, One of the primary rules to follow while renovating or constructing your bathroom is to stick to lighter hues while choosing your flooring and wall tiles. Choice of right colour scheme can turn your boring bathroom space into a brilliant one. Shades of grey, sage green, mint blue or ivory look pleasant to eyes and give an impression of a bigger bathroom space.

Accordingly, you can choose your bathroom fittings. Munir Suri advised, For a warm and inviting vibe, you can select copper or brass bathroom fittings. It looks stunning with blue, grey and sage colour schemes. On the other hand, cream, white and ivory are the most understated but the most soothing palette. You may choose chrome or nickel finish bathroom fittings to complement this colour theme.

Minimalist Dream Bathroom:

Asserting that a minimalist bathroom design will look powerful as well as elegant, the design expert said, Utilising minimalistic design aesthetics also offers a rich appearance to the entire space. Adding big size wall tiles and a modern vanity will accentuate your bathroom aesthetics. Some often wish to go bright and loud with their bathroom walls. LED mirrors has emerged as one of the biggest design trends. Crafted from finest material, 360 edge lit mirrors and vanity cabinets introduce a sense of simple elegance to your bathroom space.

For lighting, Munir Suri recommended that a well-crafted lighting fixture in the form of spotlights or panel lights can entirely alter the appearance of the space. He said, It is always a good idea to choose bath accessories in complementary colours and patterns. Introduce shelves, cabinets, drawers, vanities and baskets to find storage solutions. Lastly, give a final touch to the renovation with some element of sheen by selecting towel racks, soap dispensers and faucets in metallic hues.

Aesthetic and Functional Bathroom Design:

Bringing his expertise to the same, Vishal Chadha, Managing Director of KOHLER India, K&B South Asia at Kohler Co, said, The classic white ceramics and chrome fittings in bathroom space are passe. A variety of texture and colour in bathroom ceramics, fittings and other accessories makes it possible for consumers to mix, match and makeover their bathrooms. From monochromatic minimalism to layered maximalism, bathrooms can be designed to tell a unique story.

He highlighted, If one wishes to add colour to this space without moving too far from neutrality, they can go for warm earthy tones and soothing, nature-inspired colours perfect for those seeking a comforting and rejuvenating space. If one seeks inspiration in the immensely rich Indian roots, then they can go for shades borrowed from the bold Indian colour palette like Peacock, Indigo or Thunder Grey. Darker shades of ceramics pair beautifully with fittings in the trending French Gold, Rose Gold and Matte Black finishes. Incorporation of such lustrous statement accessories create a jewel box like effect in the bathroom.

Lastly, there is no one way of transforming your bathroom into your version of a dreamy space, therefore, one should not refrain from exploring the inner designer in them. It would not only create a personal space of comfort but will instill a sense of pride.
National Parents' Day is dedicated to honouring and appreciating parents for their unconditional love, sacrifices, and dedication in raising their children. This special day encourages people to express their gratitude and affection toward their parents or other parental figures, acknowledging the profound impact they have on their children's lives. The love and support of parents are crucial in guiding children through life's challenges, making National Parents' Day a perfect occasion to celebrate and thank them for their unwavering commitment and care. Scroll down to know more about this day. (Also read: World Nature Conservation Day: What is the theme for 2024? From history to significance, check out all details inside ) National Parents' Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July every year.(HT photo)

National Parents' Day 2024 Date and History

National Parents' Day is observed on the fourth Sunday of July every year and this year it will be celebrated on Sunday, July 28. National Parents' Day was established in 1994 when President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional resolution declaring the fourth Sunday in July as a day to honor parents. Since its inception, this yearly event has featured parades, speeches, award ceremonies, and special activities to acknowledge and celebrate the crucial role parents play in our lives.

Significance of National Parents' Day 2024

National Parents' Day holds great significance as an annual celebration dedicated to honoring and appreciating parents for their selfless love, sacrifices, and guidance in shaping their children's lives. This special day recognises the essential role parents play in offering emotional and physical support, building strong family bonds, and nurturing future generations. It reminds us to express gratitude and affection to parents or parental figures, acknowledging their unwavering dedication in overcoming the challenges of parenthood and their significant impact on their children's well-being and success, as well as on society as a whole.

National Parents' Day 2024 wishes, images and messages

Happy National Parents' Day to the most amazing parents in the world! Your unwavering support and endless love have been my greatest blessings.

Happy National Parents' Day! Your love and guidance have shaped who I am today. Thank you for everything you do.

National Parents' Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July.(HT photo)

To the parents who have always believed in me and supported me unconditionally, Happy National Parents' Day.

To the best parents ever, Happy National Parents' Day! Your support and wisdom mean the world to me. Love you both!

It honours the selfless love and dedication of parents.(HT Photo)

Happy National Parents' Day! Your love is the foundation of my life, and your sacrifices have paved the way for my dreams.

Wishing a wonderful National Parents' Day to the most amazing parents. Your strength, kindness, and love are truly inspiring.

This day was established in 1994 by President Bill Clinton.(HT Photo)

Sending all my love to the most wonderful parents on National Parents' Day.

On National Parents' Day, I want to celebrate and thank you for the endless love and sacrifices youve made. Youre the best!

Families across the nation express gratitude and appreciation.(HT photo)

To the best parents anyone could ask for, Happy National Parents' Day! Your endless patience, love, and encouragement have made all the difference.

To my fabulous parents: If life were a movie, youd be the stars and directors of the most inspiring story ever. Happy National Parents' Day!

Parades, speeches, and special events mark the occasion.(HT photo)

Happy National Parents' Day to the superheroes who never wear capes but always save the day! Your love and dedication are my daily motivation. Thank you for everything.

Happy National Parents' Day! Your love is like a superpower thats made every day brighter and every challenge easier. Thanks for being my superheroes.

Parents are recognised for their vital role in nurturing children.(HT photo)

Happy National Parents' Day to the incredible duo who have filled my life with love, joy, and endless support.
Offering extraordinary views along Italy's Cinque Terre coast, the celebrated "Via dell'Amore" or "Path of Love" trail reopens this weekend, first for locals and then visitors -- but only with a paid reservation. The path, which runs more than 900 metres between the colourful coastal villages of Riomaggiore and Manarola on Italy's northwestern coast, was closed in 2012 after a landslide. It has been rendered safe and remade as part of a 23-million-euro ($25 million) restoration project, which required a helicopter to transport materials and saw workers suspended by ropes and cables off the cliff. Italy's iconic "Via dell'Amore" trail in Cinque Terre reopens this weekend after a major restoration. (Gettyimages)

It will be opened to residents of the surrounding areas and holiday home owners from Saturday, with tourists allowed in from August 9 -- but only by reservation. Visitors must buy a five-euro ticket in advance, which includes a guided walk and entry to the Castle of Riomaggiore, with access limited to 400 people per hour. Tourists will only be able to walk in one direction, from Riomaggiore to Manarola, although locals can move freely, as they have since the path was built in the 1930s.

A daily ticket has long been required to hike the trails in the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site made up of a network of five villages on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. But ticketing the "Via dell'Amore" is a new idea, which comes amid a surge in visitor numbers to the region. Last year four million visitors were recorded by the municipality of Riomaggiore. "We want to ensure a more sustainable experience with a guided path," Fabrizia Pecunia, mayor of Riomaggiore, told AFP.

"The goal is to manage tourist flow, not to reduce the number of tourists, because we need to find a balance between tourism, the territory, and agriculture. We are not opposed to tourism, rather, we have come to understand that it needs to be managed. Tourism accounts for 13 percent of GDP in Italy, although there are growing concerns about visitor numbers on certain sites, including the Cinque Terre but also the cities of Florence and Venice.

Venice this year trialled a system of requiring tickets during peak periods, in a bid to persuade tourists to visit at quieter times. Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche has dismissed warnings of overtourism in Italy, writing on social media last week: "Let's not complain about too many tourists. They also have the right to see what we enjoy all year round."
The climate crisis has brought with it profound challenges for women, among them the impact on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Women in rural and peri-urban areas face significant risks related to water access during extreme weather events. Many rely on water tankers, which may not be enough if there are prolonged disruptions. Water sources can be contaminated during floods or dry up during heat waves. There is a need to increase women and marginal communities participation in decision-making bodies like slum development committees (Getty Images)

A study in Bhubaneswar and Jaipur looks at the impact on WASH in women-headed households in informal settlements, women categorised as vulnerable due to age and disabilities, and the urban poor. The study was conducted by the Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR) and supported by Water for Women and Australian Aid. Akhila Sivadas, executive director, CFAR, said: The aim is to prioritise interventions and strategies that address the needs of the most affected groups so that we develop people-centric solutions together with all stakeholders.

The study provides enough data to frame scalable solutions. In Bhubaneswar, nearly half of the women-headed households were situated near drains and canal roads (48.7%), making them susceptible to waterlogging and flooding during rains and cyclones. Similar risks afflict 18.3% of households, which are in low-lying areas, and 1%, which are on riverbanks. In Jaipur, households in hilly terrains (20.2%) risk landslides during heavy rains, while those in low-lying areas (22.3%), near drains and canal roads (14.9%), and riverbanks (3.2%) are prone to flooding. Those near dumping grounds (4.3%) face higher health risks.

In Bhubaneswars Ward 43, Jhuna Naik secured support from CFAR-facilitated experts and financial support from Slum Development Association (SDA) to reconstruct toilets in her low-lying slum. The effort included installing concrete roofs and raising septic tank heights to withstand heavy rainfall and flooding. Her initiative exemplifies effective localised adaptation strategies, showing community resilience against extreme weather events. In Ward 5, Sambari Purti and local officials overcame the challenge of open defecation by constructing toilets that have elevated pans and heightened side walls, to prevent waterlogging/overflow during cyclones and rains.

In many of Jaipurs settlements, community-driven initiatives have pinpointed vulnerable households and strengthened WASH practices. Residents, including Manju from Katputli Nagar and Vijaylakshmi Kanwar, spearheaded efforts to combat water scarcity and mitigate extreme weather impacts. These initiatives include water conservation campaigns in Bhojpura, where partnerships with local authorities have improved water accessibility. In Ganeshpuri and Bandha Basti, women-led projects are constructing permanent barriers to protect against floods.

With flooding come a host of infectious and vector-borne diseases. Given the vulnerabilities faced by women due to the climate crisis, localised adaptation strategies, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and ensuring community awareness and consensus must be prioritised. Increased collaboration among local authorities, civil society, and technical experts is essential.

The important finding from this study is the need to increase women and marginal communities participation in decision-making bodies like slum development committees, so that they can also contribute to the solutions and help in the implementation of localised solutions at the community level, like construction of water storage facilities with the help of ward-level representatives. Continuous follow-up, monitoring and tracking of the implementation of the programmes and actions can ensure that the climate crisis does not add further to the health and livelihood burden women already face.

The views expressed are personal
Radhikaraje Gaekwad, Maharani of the erstwhile princely state of Baroda, is facing much ridicule for her comments suggesting royal families of India had to face financial hardships after the abolition of the privy purse. Radhikaraje Gaekwad on Ranveer Allahbadia's podcast.

The "privy purse" was a term used for the funds allocated to the former rulers of princely states in India in the early years of independence. These funds depended upon the size and status of the princely states. The privy purse was abolished in 1971 as part of a larger policy aimed at reducing royal privileges and promoting egalitarianism in the country. As many royal families depended upon the privy purse to keep up their lavish lifestyles, the abolition had an immediate financial impact.

However, Radhikaraje Gaekwads comments saying royal families had to sell off properties and other valuables to survive after the abolition of the privy purse failed to elicit any sympathy.

It became difficult

Gaekwad recently appeared on Ranveer Allahbadias podcast where she made the controversial remarks. After Indira Gandhi removed the privy purse, it was difficult, she told the podcast host. It became difficult for our families to run their household.

For example, some families had to sell their silver and gold utensils, their thrones, some had to sell their houses, she said.

The Maharani of Baroda said royal families felt a sense of shame selling their possessions. The valuables were often sold at a fraction of their actual value because royals could not sell them in the open, she added.

A clip from her longer video was widely shared on X. Are we supposed to feel sorry or something? asked one X user in a post that has received over half a million views.

A large number of the comments expressed similarly negative reactions. Some accused Indian royal families of colluding with the British, while others said they grew their empires on the backs of poor peasants.

I have read stories of families who had to sell daughters to make the ends meet but these people wants us to feel sorry for not being able to chip in to sustain their lavish lifestyle, one X user commented.

Did she really mention a throne among the list of things they had to sell? What about those who dont have thrones to sell, another asked.

All these royal families who remained unharmed until Independence were British loyalists. When people were dying of famine and drought, they still wanted all the luxury, X user Sushmita wrote.

Radikaraje was born into the princely family of Wankaner, Gujarat. She married Samarjitsinh Gaekwad of Baroda.
New Delhi, The Tongan volcano eruption in 2022, thought to contribute to the extreme warming the world experienced in 2023-24, instead "induced a slight cooling effect," a new research has found. 2022 Tongan eruption 'cooled' Earth, did not add to extreme warming in 2023-24: Study

The findings bring the focus back to greenhouse gases from human activities as the main cause of warming in the period, "with a big assist from El Nino," said author Andrew Dessler, an atmospheric scientist at the Texas A&M University, US.

In mid-January 2022, the eruption of the underwater volcano Hunga Tonga - Hunga Ha'apai in the Pacific island of Tonga released unprecedented levels of aerosols and water vapour into the Earth's atmosphere, thereby raising its moisture content.

Because water vapour produces a greenhouse effect by trapping Earth's heat and raising temperatures, there was an "initial speculation that it might account for the extreme global warmth in 2023 and 2024," the researchers said.

While studies have suggested that the Tongan volcanic eruption could partly explain the extreme warmth over the past two years, its contribution to global temperatures is yet to be ascertained.

For their analysis, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, the researchers looked at satellite data of NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration related to aerosols and water vapour to estimate the energy balance of the Earth's climate.

They found that the eruption resulted in more energy leaving the climate system than entering it, thereby inducing the slight cooling effect.

The cooling brought on by the eruption is similar to the effects produced by major volcanic events in the past, the authors said.

They cited the volcanic eruptions of Tambora in 1815 and Mt. Pinatubo in 1991 , in which the aerosols released blocked sunlight, thereby "significantly cooling down the global climate."

"Our paper pours cold water on the explanation that the eruption caused the extreme warmth of 2023 and 2024," Dessler said.

By dismissing the volcanic eruption as a major factor, the study reinforces that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of climate change, according to the authors.

This focus is particularly relevant, given the ongoing debate and misinformation about the causes of global warming, they said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Toronto: The separatist so-called Khalistan Referendum will take place at a municipal plaza in the city of Calgary, in Canadas Alberta, after authorities said they could not control how the public space was used. A photo of Hardeep Singh Nijjar is seen during a news conference providing an update from the Sikh community about Nijjar's homicide from June 18, 2023 in Canadas Surrey, British Columbia. (AP)

The first such referendum, organised by the secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), will be just the second to be held on government property in the country, a matter that India has already complained about the Global Affairs Canada, the foreign ministry.

In an interview with the outlet CityNews, Calgarys Indo-Canadian Mayor Jyoti Gondek said, There are many things that happen on Municipal Plaza because its a public space. These are not events that we sanction, they are certainly not events that we approve. The public is able to gather and do what they wish to do as a community.

She added that it was not something we can control or patrol.

The outlet also cited a statement from City of Calgarys director, corporate properties and buildings, Ian Fleming, who said, Individuals and organisations can use the Plaza without permission, application or permit if they adhere to the expectations and guidelines of appropriate activities and behaviour.

Ahead of the referendum on Sunday, the Plaza already features a large poster, which shows among others Talwinder Singh Parmar. He is considered the mastermind of the bombing of Air India flight 182, the Kanishka, on June 23, 1985, claiming 329 lives. This remains the worst-ever terrorist incident in Canadian history. Also featured is Hardeep Singh Nijjar, SFJs principal organiser for the province of British Columbia who was murdered in Surrey, British Columbia on June 18 last year.

Nijjar was considered a terrorist in India but never faced charges in Canada. His killing led to a subsequent rupture in ties between India and Canada after Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus statement in the House of Commons on September 18, 2023, that there were credible allegations of a potential link between Indian agents and the murder.

In its official communique to Canadas foreign ministry, Indias High Commission in Ottawa protested the use of public property for a separatist event targeting the territorial integrity of the country.

The last time a Government facility was registered for the referendum was the Tamanawis Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia. However, on September 3 last year, week before the scheduled date for the referendum, a spokesperson for the Surrey District School Board said, in a release, that it had cancelled a community rental of one of our schools due to a violation of our rental agreement.

That referendum was ultimately held on September 10 last year at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. Prior to that on September 18, 2022, it was organised at the Gore Meadows Community Centre, a municipal property in Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area or GTA.
Toronto: Police in the city of Edmonton have arrested six persons in connection with alleged extortion-related activity, with the prime suspect believed to be running the operation from India. Photo of Maninder Singh Dhaliwal, wanted on a Canadawide arrest warrant in connection with a series of alleged extortion events in Edmonton. (Edmonton Police Service)

As part of Operation Gaslight, to counter extortion targeting Indo-Canadian businesses and individuals in the capital of Alberta, police announced the arrest of six persons and issuance of a Canadawide arrest warrant for the seventh.

In a release on Friday, Edmonton Police Service or EPS said its officers, along with colleagues from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or RCMP searched six locations in the city resulting in the arrest of five males and a female believed to be involved in the extortion scheme that was targeting South Asian business owners in the Edmonton area.

They were identified as Jashandeep Kaur, 19, Gurkaran Singh, 19, Manav Heer, 19, Parminder Singh, 21, Divnoor Asht, 19 and a 17-year-old minor male. All of them face a host of serious criminal charges, the release said.

Canada-wide warrants have also been issued for Maninder Singh Dhaliwal, 34, who is believed to be the leader of the criminal organization responsible for the extortions.

The accused face a total of 54 charges, including extortion, arson, intentionally discharging a firearm, break and enter, assault with a weapon, as well as a number of charges linked to committing an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization.

EPS is currently investigating 40 episodes of extortion in the city, with charges laid in relation to 26 of them.

We believe that the individuals identified today represent the core members of this criminal network; however, we know Dhaliwal is actively recruiting other young people, EPS Organized Crime Branchs acting director David Paton warned.

Investigators believe Dhaliwal has been orchestrating the extortions from overseas and EPS is working with our federal and international counterparts, including the (United States) Drug Enforcement Administration, to locate him, Paton added during a press conference in Edmonton on Friday, according to the outlet Edmonton Journal. That overseas base is believed to be India.

Police added they were in contact with Indian authorities with regard to the ongoing investigation.
Vientiane , India on Saturday called for de-escalation and restraint in war-torn Gaza while maintaining the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. De-escalation & restraint and dialogue & diplomacy, Jaishankar invokes Indias mantra to end conflicts

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's stand on the two major conflicts while addressing the 14th East Asia Summits Foreign Ministers Meeting here in the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic as part of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations .

Jaishankar spoke about two of the worlds current most raging conflicts: the one between Israel-Palestine leading to trouble for Gaza and the other between Ukraine and Russia after speaking on the East Asia Summit process, a decade of Indias Act East Policy and the importance of open maritime communication for peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region.

Call for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza. India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping, Jaishankar posted on X after his address.

India on July 15 contributed USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees to support the agency's core programmes and services. This was the first instalment of a total of USD 5 million that India donates annually.

On multiple platforms, India has supported a two-state solution for Gaza and called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza on a humanitarian basis.

On the conflict in Ukraine, the External Affairs Minister maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible, he said in the post further.

In June, Modi met Zelenskyy on the margins of the G7 summit in Italy. He later met President Putin in Moscow during his official visit.

#EAS is crucial in bringing us together at a time when differences are sharp and interests are diverse. India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process, Jaishankar concluded.

India has not yet condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has consistently pitched for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

However, during his talks with Putin on July 9, Prime Minister Modi told President Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed amid bombs and bullets.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Ghana's main opposition party launched its presidential campaign Saturday, five months ahead of the December 7 vote, with a rally in its Tamale stronghold in the north. Ghana's opposition NDC kicks off presidential campaign

John Mahama, the country's former president and leader of the National Democratic Congress together with vice-presidential running mate Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, addressed thousands of supporters.

He promised them would eradicate corruption and create jobs for the youth if elected.

"Ghana must change course on December 7," he added. "We cannot solve the crisis we have with the same people who caused the crisis."

The rally was enlivened with the sounds of vuvuzelas, drumming and dancing.

Supporters dressed in the party's red, white, black, and green colours waved flags and held placards backing Mahama or denouncing current President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Citing what he said were youth unemployment levels of 14 percent, Mahama told the crowd: "The youth of this country don't have four years to waste.

"They are in a hurry to create the opportunity that will let them live dignified lives."

Criticising the government's handling of the economy, he added: "Our first priority is going to be job creation for the teeming youth of this country."

Mahama also pledged to strengthen state institutions against corruption.

"Those who have engaged in scandals and acts of corruption, we shall investigate you and let the law take its course," he promised.

Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the first woman vice presidential candidate of a major political party in Ghana, promised to empower women through targeted development programmes.

"We are going to set up a Women's Development Bank to empower women and will target about one million women without asking for collateral with no interest," she said.

Mahama will be running against the ruling New Patriotic Party 's candidate, Mahamudu Bawumia.

Both hail from the north of the country, far from the capital Accra in the south, creating a regional dynamic in this year's elections.

Ghana is grappling with its worst economic crisis in years, compounded by a $3 billion-loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund.

The NPP and the NDC dominate Ghana's political landscape, both parties having strong regional bases.

Sitting president Akufo-Addo will step down after having served his two terms, the most the constitution permits. He has led the country since 2017.

Mahama lost to Akufo-Addo in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

kme/jj/giv

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Advocates say e-bikes are environmentally-friendly and good for reducing congestion, but opponents argue scenes like this one are all too common.

A Sydneysider captured an image of almost 10 Lime bikes lying in the middle of a pathway on King Street in the city's CBD. Source: Reddit

A photo of a mountain of dumped e-bikes "blocking the pathway" along a busy CBD thoroughfare has again reignited the debate about the devices' place in Australia.

While experts and environmentally-conscious Aussies agree, e-bikes are a sustainable and effective way of travelling, people have long been divided over the rollout of the bikes, particularly in major cities. Some say they go too fast and are dangerous, while others are all for them.

E-bikes provide an easy way for many to travel, especially for those who might struggle with mobility or who do not hold a licence, but the huge multinational companies behind the electric bikes have also been criticised for their lack of self-regulation. The devices are regularly spotted dumped and discarded on busy streets, often blocking the way for pedestrians and wheelchair users.

A Sydneysider captured an image of almost 10 Lime Bikes lying in the middle of a pathway on King Street in the city's central business district, asking: "Whats up with many of them taking up walking space in the city?".

The image is reflective of the way many people simply 'dump' the devices once they're done with them, Australians said online. Source: Reddit

Australians torn over the future of e-bikes here

People responding online argued that "if people would treat them appropriately" the bikes "would be a decent form of transport" and "this is why we cant have nice things".

"I took one home last night, so handy and way faster than walking. Sadly it was damaged and the seat didn't stay up," somebody said. "They're so handy, and I've sometimes contemplated hopping on one (but I can't go fast enough on a bike to be stable). Why do some people have to ruin good things?" another asked.

"Walking around the streets on my way to work and these things are everywhere on the way non-stop. So annoying, I wish they had more accessible stands for them to be returned, too," another person said.

"I hate these things in the city, nobody puts them back properly. They should have dedicated bike stations situated throughout the city as the only places these bikes can be parked," a fourth echoed.

Others said they were "disgusted" by the scenes saying it felt like "deja vu".

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Peter McLean, chief executive officer of Bicycle NSW, said he supports the electric bike movement but agreed the industry needs much stricter regulation.

Why are e-bikes an effective form of travel?

"They're getting more types of people with different chronic injuries, arthritis and joint problems or whatever else riding bikes, which is really fantastic for physical and mental health," he earlier said of the e-bikes, which require very little pushing and mostly run on motors.

"From a mobility point of view, they're getting people from A to B, in a nice, sustainable manner. It's also reducing the number of [car] trips that people are taking. Just in Greater Sydney alone, we do two million trips per day that are only less than a few kilometres in distance, a 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit found.

Advocates say e-bikes are environmentally friendly and good for reducing congestion, but opponents argue they clog city streets. Source: Facebook

He said the devices do however travel at speed, which can pose safety hazards. "When they're in the hands of people who don't have a huge amount of experience, they are unsafe," he said.

"Shared bikes are proven to work quite well in a lot of cities around the world. We just don't have the framework right now in Australia for them. They are littered here, there and everywhere, and they get in people's way, and they they block fire stairs and disability access ramps, and all sorts."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Aberystwyth University Inside the political struggle at the IPCC that will determine the next six years of climate science

Aberystwyth , The UNs climate science advisory group, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change , is currently meeting in Bulgaria to decide on a timeline for its next cycle of reports over the rest of this decade. That decision should have been taken in January, but government divisions arose over aligning IPCC outputs with UN climate negotiations, at a meeting that the IPCC chair described as one of the most intense he had experienced.

Political struggle over the final wording of IPCC reports is well known, but this division at the start of the process reflects the organisations achievements. The more successful it becomes in disseminating climate knowledge, the more deeply imbued in climate politics it becomes.

I have studied the IPCC for 15 years and think these political factors are often overlooked. For instance, though the reports are written by scientists, governments play an integral role throughout the process. The IPCC is after all an intergovernmental body  its governments that decide to produce the reports and give the final approval, not scientists.

Most notably, this involves the final line-by-line approval of a reports key findings in the summary for policymakers . Media reporting and accounts by IPCC authors frequently reveal the extent of negotiation over how the latest knowledge of climate change is presented to the public. This has lead to whole sections being deleted and open conflict between scientists and government delegates.

However, decisions made at the start of an assessment cycle are equally fraught with politics. These include electing the bureau and approving the report outline. The politics sometimes come to light, as it did when Wikileaks revealed US manoeuvring to secure the election of the US co-chair candidate for a previous round of reports which were published in 2013 and 2014.

These struggles indicate the impact that IPCC reports can have on official UN climate negotiations, where its reports provide the knowledge base to inform a collective response.

Climate negotiations are characterised by major divisions between developed and developing countries and these same political issues have shaped the IPCC too. For developing countries, climate change has never been a purely scientific issue. It is a question of development, and participation in the IPCC reflects levels of economic development.

Economic resources and long-term investment are required to produce the sort of globally-recognised climate research that leads to a country becoming an influential member of the IPCC.

Although the IPCC funds the travel of some developing country authors and one government representative, developing countries remain dramatically underrepresented. At the same time, the IPCCs reports and global climate policymaking dramatically shape how a country can develop in future.

IPCC reports can also support the goals of climate negotiators and accelerate climate action. This was evident in the IPCCs special report on 1.5C, which made world headlines when it was published in 2018, and which had challenged scientists to investigate a lower temperature target than the 2C they had been working with.

The report legitimised the lower temperature goal and applied further pressure on governments to decarbonise faster. Concerned that their collective approval of the IPCC report would signal official endorsement of the 1.5C goal, the US, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait prevented official recognition of the report at COP24 in Poland later that year.

A direct input into negotiations

The political stakes have also been raised by the IPCC being specified as a source of the best available science for the global stocktake as part of the Paris agreement. The global stocktake, first completed at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, is the mechanism to assess progress on climate change and increase ambition as necessary.

Serving as a direct input into the negotiations increased the political wrangling over every word in the approval of the IPCC reports summary for policymakers. This was particularly the case for the report on mitigation, where the approval meeting ran over by two days and was branded as the longest session in the IPCCs history. The summary for policymakers grew substantially through government attempts to elaborate and re-word the reports key findings.

As co-chair of the mitigation working group, it was Professor Jim Skea that chaired most of this approval session. This is a man that knows intense meetings. This makes his comment over his experience at the IPCC meeting in January particularly noteworthy.

The success of the IPCCs previous assessment cycle is already marking the seventh. At the current meeting in Bulgaria, which runs until August 2, governments need to decide a timeline for the seventh assessment cycle  its next major round of reports. The reports will need to be completed by 2028 at the latest to inform the second global stocktake.

If the timeline is delayed, and the seventh assessment cycle does not inform the international response to climate change and increase collective ambition, what is its purpose? Establishing this in Bulgaria will be central to determining the success of the IPCC in future. NSA NSA

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BENI MELLAL, Morocco  In the unrelenting heat of Moroccos Middle Atlas, people were sleeping on rooftops. Hanna Ouhbour needed refuge too, but she was outside a hospital waiting for her diabetic cousin who was in a room without air conditioning. Life and death in the heat. What it feels like when Earth's temperatures soar to record highs

On Wednesday, there were 21 heat-related deaths at Beni Mellals main hospital as temperatures spiked to 48.3 degrees in the region of 575,000 people, most lacking air conditioning.

We don't have money and we don't have a choice, said Ouhbour, a 31-year-old unemployed woman from Kasba Tadla, an even warmer city that some experts say is among the hottest on Earth.

The majority of the deaths were among people suffering from chronic diseases and the elderly, as the high temperatures contributed to the deterioration of their health condition and led to their death, Kamal Elyansli, the regional director of health, said in a statement.

This is life and death in the heat.

As the warming Earth sizzled through a week with four of the hottest days ever measured, the world focused on cold, hard numbers that showed the average daily temperature for the entire planet.

But the 17.16 degrees Celsius reading recorded on Monday doesn't convey how oppressively sticky any one particular place became at the peak of sunshine and humidity. The thermometer doesn't tell the story of warmth that just wouldn't go away at night so people could sleep.

The records are about statistics, keeping score. But people don't feel data. They feel the heat.

We do not need any scientists to tell us what the temperature is outside as this is what our body tells us instantly, said Humayun Saeed, a 35-year-old roadside fruit seller in Pakistan's cultural capital of Lahore.

Saeed had to go to the hospital twice in June because of heat stroke.

The situation is much better now, as it was not easy to work in May and June because of the heat wave, but I have been avoiding the morning walk," Saeed said. "I may resume it in August when the temperature will go further down.

The heat was making Delia, a 38-year-old pregnant woman standing outside a Bucharest, Romania, train station, feel even more uncomfortable. Daytime was so hot she was drowsy. With no air conditioning at night, she considered sleeping in her car like a friend had.

Ive really noticed a very big increase in temperatures. I think it was the same for everyone. I felt it even more because I am pregnant, said Delia, who only provided her first name. But I guess it wasnt just me. Really everyone felt this.

Self-described weather nerd Karin Bumbaco was in her element, but then it became just a little too much when Seattle had day after day of much warmer than normal heat.

I love science. I love the weather. I have since I was a little kid, said Bumbaco, the deputy state climatologist for Washington. It's sort of fun to see daily records get broken. ... But in recent years just living through it and actually feeling the heat has become just more miserable on a day-to-day basis.

Like this recent stretch we've had. I wasn't sleeping very well. I don't have AC at my home, Bumbaco said. I was watching the thermostat every morning be a little warmer than the previous warm morning. It was just building up the heat in the house and I just couldn't wait for it to be over.

For climate scientists around the world, what had been an academic exercise about climate change literally hit home.

Ive been analyzing these numbers from the cool of my office, but the heat has started to affect me as well, causing sleepless nights due to warmer urban temperatures, said Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune, Maharashtra, which normally has a relatively mild climate.

My children return home from school during the peak hours exhausted, Koll said. Last month one of my colleagues mother died from heat stroke in north India.

Philip Mote, a climate scientist and dean of the graduate school at Oregon State University, had moved in junior high to California's Central Valley and its triple digit summer heat.

I pretty quickly figured I didn't like a hot dry climate, Mote said. And that's why I moved to the Northwest.

For decades, Mote worked on climate issues from the comfort of Oregon, where people feared that with global warming the Northwest "would be the last nice place to live in the U.S. and everybody would move here and we'd have overpopulation.

But the region was hit by nasty fires in 2020 and a deadly heat wave in 2021, causing some people to flee what was supposed to be a climate haven.

In the second week of July, the temperature hit 104 degrees . As a member of a masters' rowing club, Mote practices on the water Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, but this week they decided to just float down the river in tubes.

In Boise, Idaho, tubing in the heat that has hovered between 99 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit for 17 days has become so popular there's a 30-minute to an hour wait to get into the water, said John Tullius, general manager for Boise River Raft & Tube.

I think it's been record numbers these last 10 days in a row, Tullius said, adding that he worries about his outdoor workers, especially the physical toll on those who pick up rafts at the end of the trek.

He erected special shade structure for them, added more workers to ease the load and urges them to hydrate.

In Denvers City Park, the swan-shaped pedal boat rental shop isnt that busy because its beastly hot outside and those brave souls who do go out have to sit on hot fiberglass seats.

Theres not much shade for the workers, but we do hide in our little shack, said employee Dominic Prado, 23. We also have a very strong fan in there that I like to raise my shirt over it just to cool down.

Borenstein reported from Washington, Metz from Beni Mellal, Morocco. Munir Ahmed in Lahore, Pakistan, Nicolae Dumitrache in Bucharest, Romania, Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, and Brittany Peterson in Denver contributed to this report.

Follow Seth Borenstein and Sam Metz on X at @borenbears and @metzsam.

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. is solely responsible for all content. Find s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at .org.

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In yet another instance of patriarchal honour, a Pakistani woman's legs were chopped by her father and uncles for filing a divorce to end an abusive marriage, reported Geo News. Pakistani woman's father chops her legs for trying to end abusive marriage (AFP/Representational image)

In patriarchal societies, violence has been used as a social mechanism to perpetuate the subjugation of women.

The woman, named Sobia Batool Shah, told police that her legs were chopped for seeking a divorce from her abusive and deadbeat husband, who never took responsibility for his family.

The deeply disturbing act of violence occurred in Gul Town, leaving the victim with severe physical as well as mental trauma, which may result in a lifelong disability--with the possibility that she may never be able to walk again.

Reportedly, Syed Mustafa Shah, Sobia's father, and her uncles Syed Qurban Shah, Ehsan Shah, Shah Nawaz, and Mushtaq Shah, who were armed with axes, injured Sobia and fled the spot, leaving her screaming for help in a pool of blood, according to Geo News.

Sobia was rushed to a Nawab Shah hospital as soon as police reached the crime scene.

The woman further told police that her husband would regularly abuse her and fail to provide for her and their two children, leaving her to suffer on her own in Karachi.

According to Sobia, she repeatedly alerted her parents about the plight she was in, but her family turned a deaf ear to her grievances and dismissed her, calling her a disgrace, as reported by Geo News.

After deciding to escape her abusive marriage, Sobia filed for divorce, which incited her father and uncles to confront her.

According to the police, Sobia's enraged parents accused her of bringing dishonour to the family by taking legal action against her husband. When she refused to withdraw her case, they attacked her with axes, they added, reported Geo News.

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Nausharoferoz took immediate notice of the incident and ordered the local station house officer (SHO) to bring all the accused to justice and ensure the victim's security.

Responding to the directions, the police have so far managed to arrest one suspect, Mushtaq Shah, and are still investigating through raids, in search of the remaining culprits.

Patriarchal values are embedded in Pakistani society, which determines the subordinated position of women. Patriarchal control over women is exercised through institutionalized restrictive codes of behavior, gender segregation and the ideology which associates family honor to female virtue.

The abnormal, amoral, and harmful customary practices which aim at preserving subjugation of women, defended and sanctified as cultural traditions and given religious overtones. Abnormal and amoral traditional practices in Pakistan include honor killing, rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, acid attacks, being burned, kidnapping, domestic violence, dowry murder, and forces marriages, custodial abuse and torture.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have come under fire from royal biographer Tom Bower, who has accused the couple of dropping bombs on the Royal Family whenever they need to stoke their reputation. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's "brilliant coup" to embarrass the Royal Family. (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP)(AFP)

Bower predicted a bleak future for the Sussexes, especially given Prince Harry's recently told ITV reporter Rebecca Barry that he will not bring Meghan Markle back to the UK. Bower warned that Meghan could use a silent weapon to make an impact once she feels the grim future.

Bower stated, The future for the Sussexes is pretty grim... I think they're on a permanent decline. But whenever they need money, whenever they need publicity to stoke their reputation, they will drop another bomb.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to go their own ways this summer; expected to mend

He suggested that Meghan might follow in Harry's footsteps by releasing her own memoir. We're still waiting for Meghan's own autobiography, which I'm sure she's penning - she's a good writer, and it will be filled with vitriol and filled with lies. She will not tell the truth because she wants a sensational headline. That is the ultimate weapon she can deploy, Bower elaborated to GB News.

Meghan is becoming a silent duchess, royal biographer claims

He speculated that Meghan was waiting for the right moment to drop the bomb. The biographer also noted that Meghan is positioning herself as the silent duchess for now, holding back to make a more significant splash later. Along with Bower, many speculate that the Duchess will join hands with Kamala Harris for the upcoming election.

According to Bower, one of the most significant moments occurred earlier this year when the Sussexes visited Nigeria. He previously described the trip to GB News as an attempt to embarrass the Royal Family, calling it a brilliant coup that put the House of Windsor in a difficult position.

ALSO READ| Will Meghan Markle join Prince Harry for 2027 Invictus Games in UK? Royal expert says

Bower highlighted Meghan's Archetypes podcast, earlier featured on Spotify for one 12-episode season, the podcast was dropped despite featuring high-profile guests like Paris Hilton and Serena Williams. Spotify's head of podcast innovation, Bill Simmons, even labelled Prince Harry and Meghan as f**king grifters following the show's cancellation. However, Meghan has since found a new home with American podcast firm Lemonada Media.
York The first farmers often made landscapes more biodiverse  our research could have lessons for rewilding today

York , You dont need to read the news or scroll through Instagram for long to stumble across the latest example of a rare and beautiful species that has gone extinct. Since AD1500, at least 705 vertebrate species and 571 plant species have died out.

Humans have now appropriated over half of the Earths surface for farms and urban areas, and this is primarily to blame for these recent declines in global biodiversity.

But humans didnt suddenly appear in the year 1500. Early humans were burning the African savannahs from about 400,000 years ago, and possibly much earlier.

There is evidence that Neanderthals altered the plants and landscapes of Europe about 125,000 years ago. And while there is still some debate, humans were probably the decisive factor in the extinction of most of Earths once-widespread megafauna over the past 100,000 years.

Then, about 12,000 years ago, the most recent ice age ended and a new geological unit of time, known as the Holocene, began. This marked a major shift in human-environment relationships, as people independently transitioned from foraging to farming in many different places around the world.

Whether this transition looked like rice paddies in China, wheat fields in the Levant or maize and squash production in Mesoamerica, humans were modifying the landscape more and more. Domesticated livestock soon followed in many places.

All this had a surprising impact on biodiversity. Our latest research shows farming and other human-driven ecosystem changes increased diversity as often as they reduced it.

Fossil pollen tells us about past vegetation

To reconstruct how vegetation has changed over many thousands of years, scientists look at fossilised pollen grains contained in layers of sediment and organic matter in places like peat bogs and lakes. The timing of layers and variety of pollen found create a picture of the changing diversity of plant species through time in the local landscape.

Analysing pollen data from the Neotoma Paleoecological Database, we found that plant communities became increasingly diverse across most of the northern hemisphere over the Holocene, starting around 9,000 years ago in Europe. Surprisingly, these increases in diversity are often linked to growing levels of human activity.

In the southern hemisphere, the results are more varied. In Africa and South America, increased human land use saw decreases in plant diversity, and reduced land use saw an increase in diversity. Despite this, the turnover rate  how quickly different types of plants change  increased with human land use in all of the continents. Humans have been a key driver of vegetation change for a very long time.

Farming created a patchy landscape

Following the end of the last ice age, the climate warmed, conditions generally became a bit wetter, and forests spread across newly thawed lands  particularly in the northern hemisphere. It is in these expanded, early-Holocene forests where we find the strongest overall links between an increasing human presence and the increased diversity of plants over the Holocene.

In contrast, in open and grassy locations such as the North American great plains and the savannas of Africa, plant diversity decreased as human pressures grew.

The link is best illustrated in Europe, where two large increases in plant turnover and biodiversity found in pollen samples roughly coincide with the two major migrations of people into Europe over the Holocene.

The first began around 9,000 years ago with the north and westward movement of Neolithic populations from the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East into Europe. The second began around 5,000 years ago during the early Bronze Age, as horse-riding pastoralists from the central Asian steppe  the Yamnaya  moved westward into Europe.

We think these new arrivals in Europe would have chopped down some, but not all, of the forests to make way for animals and crops and to make their homesteads. Grasses and other plants that thrive in disturbed ground would have moved in. This would have created a diverse landscape full of patches of different vegetation.

Making a forest patchy is easier than making an open grassland patchy, since its easier to chop down trees and for open-ground plants to colonise these gaps. Making an open, grassy location patchy means planting trees in places that are too dry or cold to support tree growth. We believe the fact it is easier to make a forest patchy could have driven some of the historic differences in patterns of vegetation between different parts of the world.

Land without people may have less biodiversity

Many people today advocate for enhancing biodiversity by minimising the human influence on landscapes. Often this takes the form of rewilding, which aims to let nature lead.

Yet our results suggest that in many places  though not all  minimally human-modified landscapes had fewer different types of plants. Often, human disturbances enhanced rather than eroded biodiversity. Indeed, many of Europes most biodiverse places today are traditionally managed, low-intensity farmlands such as Alpine meadows and the dehesas and montados in Spain and Portugal.

In light of this, removing humans from landscapes to make ecosystems healthier and more diverse could sometimes be counterproductive. Though perhaps surprising, our research reveals that in many places, biodiversity thrives because of, not despite, thousands of years of human interactions with the Earths ecosystems.

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According to Paul Beagla, a former White House advisor and chief strategist for Bill Clintons presidential campaign, Donald Trump might reconsider replacing JD Vance after a row of controversies. There have been whispers suggesting that Trump might be feeling remorse over picking the Ohio senator as his 2024 running mate, particularly following President Joe Biden's decision to step down from the race and support Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely Democratic candidate. Paul specifically pointed out Nikki Haley as the person most likely considered perfect for the swap. Donald Trump may drop his VP pick JD Vance for Nikki Haley after second thoughts- Ex white house adviser says.

Donald Trump is 'regretting' over his running mate decision

Although Trump has praised Vance, calling him "doing a fantastic job" and well-received by the public in a Fox News interview on Thursday, concerns remain about whether Vance could be problematic for Republicans in November. A former White House advisor, who recently appeared on CNN, speculated about Trumps thinking.

According to Paul, Trump might be considering replacing J.D. Vance with his former UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley. On the other hand, the former U.S. president has not hinted at any such development and has not criticised his choice even once, despite a series of controversial comments made by the Ohio senator in the past that have stirred controversy online.

Also read: Man-baby Donald Trump mocked for obsessing over Kamala Harris crowd sizes at rally; he is so scared

Paul mentioned that the former ambassador was pushing for the VP job and that Democrats had already shown it was possible to change their ticket. There's a nonzero chance the Republicans take their vice presidential candidate off the ticket," Paul remarked during the conversation. "He's been a dud. He's the first vice presidential nominee of either party since 1980 to begin underwater in his approval ratings, he added as the panel continued dissecting Haleys recent interview.

JD Vance not good on stump

It appears that the American political consultant was unimpressed with the Republicans' choice, praising Trumps charisma but criticising his VP pick, J.D. Vance, as not good on the stump and dull. The chief strategist also pointed out Vance's lack of appeal. While commenting on former presidential hopeful, Haley's interview, Begala remarked, This is a woman actively campaigning to join the ticket. Just wait and see this year.

Also read: Big Hollywood celebs endorse Kamala Harris: George Clooney to Cardi B and Beyonce; see full list

Nikki Haley wont apologise to Trump

A day before, the former UN ambassador, who had previously stepped down from the presidential race and endorsed Donald Trump, told CNN she would not apologise to the Republican presidential nominee after calling him toxic, unhinged, and lacking moral clarity during the GOP convention last week. However, she did mention that she would vote for him in the elections.

I said a lot of tough things about him in the campaign. He said a lot of tough things about me in the campaign. Thats what happens in campaigns. I dont think we need to apologize or take anything back. I dont plan on doing that, the former presidential hopeful said.
Donald Trump appears to be miraculously recovering well after the recent attempt on his life, as he was seen without a bandage on his ear. Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends Turning Point Action's The Believers Summit 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., July 26, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello(REUTERS)

The former POTUS met with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday at his Mar-a-Lago, and photos of the meeting have been circulating, showing his uncovered right ear.

However, no significant damage is visible in the photos, and now the rousing question is the extent of his injury and the nature of the incident.

The bullet grazed his ear - it looked a bit macerated, but we don't know if he got stitches and I can't tell yet if he might need plastic surgery, but that would be easy to do, Dr. Marc Siegel told Fox News.

ALSO READ| Trump meets with Israel's PM Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, says Third World War could happen if he loses

In the photos, there is no noticeable scarring or scabbing on Trump's ear, which is surprising given the initial reports.

Former White House physician Ronny Jackson had previously stated in interviews that a bullet had blown off part of Trump's ear. One would expect to see some signs of injury, but the absence of visible damage suggests either a miraculous recovery or that the injury was not as severe as initially thought.

FBI earlier claimed that no bullet grazed Trump's ear, later corrected

Jackson, however, remains adamant about the nature of the injury. He contradicted FBI Director Christopher Wray's testimony to Congress earlier in the week, where Wray raised some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that. Jackson dismissed Wray's comments, saying, there's no evidence to suggest Trump was hit with shrapnel instead of a bullet, and called Wray's statements totally out of line.

Trump has been vocal about the event, vehemently denying claims that he wasn't shot. He even lambasted Wray on Truth Social saying, FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress yesterday that he wasnt sure if I was hit by shrapnel, glass, or a bullet (the FBI never even checked!), but he was sure that Crooked Joe Biden was physically and cognitively uneventful  Wrong!

ALSO READ| FBI finally confirms a bullet, whether whole or fragmented grazed Donald Trump's ear during assassination attempt

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung also weighed in, describing Wray's claims as conspiracy bulls***.

However, on Friday FBi confirmed that the former Prez was indeed struck by a bullet, not any glass debris or shrapnel. What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle, FBI said in a statement.
On Friday, the FBI confirmed that not any glass debris or shell, a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, struck former US president Donald Trump's ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is helped off the stage by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign event in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)(AP)

Trump brutally torched FBI Director Christopher Wray for saying that they have some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that, you know, hit his ear.

FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress yesterday that he wasnt sure if I was hit by shrapnel, glass, or a bullet (the FBI never even checked!), but he was sure that Crooked Joe Biden was physically and cognitively uneventful  Wrong! Trump said.

Now, the FBI said in a statement that What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle.

ALSO READ| Trump brutally slams FBI director for questioning if he was really hit by a bullet

Director Wray was providing updates on the FBIs investigation into the assassination attempt

The gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot and killed by law enforcement after he opened fire from an elevated position near Trumps rally on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack took one spectators life and left two others critically injured.

The former president has not released medical records from his hospital treatment following the incident. However, his campaign did release a letter dated July 20 from Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, a former White House physician. Jackson stated that he had been evaluating and treating Trumps wound daily since the shooting and confirmed that Trump had sustained a gunshot wound to the right ear.

Trump referred to the FBI's new statement in a post on Truth Social, expressing a sense of closure. I assume thats the best apology that well get from Director Wray, but it is fully accepted!, he wrote.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also criticized Wrays earlier testimony on Thursday, saying, Weve all seen the video, weve seen the analysis, weve heard it from multiple sources in different angles that a bullet went through his ear. Im not sure it matters that much.

ALSO READ| Trump meets with Israel's PM Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, says Third World War could happen if he loses

Before the FBI issued its definitive statement, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., had written to Wray, urging him to amend his testimony. Graham said that the attempted assassins bullet ripped the upper part of Trumps ear and argued that this should not be a matter of dispute.

Following the FBIs statement, Graham expressed his relief on X (formerly Twitter): Glad the FBI confirmed what everyone else knew. It was a bullet that struck President Trump. The statement by the FBI Director shouldve never been made.
US First Lady Jill Biden sparked clone or body double theories after her surprising appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday. The 73-year-old FLOTUS first attended the reception at Elysee Presidential Palace with several government officials and heads of state. First lady Jill Biden welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron at the Elysee Palace ahead of an opening ceremony.(AP)

After her appearance at the ceremony, several users pointed out that Jill was with Joe Biden when he addressed the nation from Oval Office on his withdrawal from the White House race on Wednesday.

The First Lady left the US on July 24 and arrived in Paris the next day, when she met with the Team USA ahead of the opening ceremony.

Netizens wonder when did Jill Biden leave for Paris?

Meanwhile, social media user shared a video on X, compiling two clips of Jill Biden, one when she arrived in Paris for Olympics ceremony and another at the White House with Biden.

The caption of the video read, Jill Biden in Paris alone for the Olympics opening and at WH the same day. Thoughts? The AI bot in the video can be heard saying that Jill did not come back to the US for Biden's address.

When did Jill Biden leave for the Paris Olympics 2024? one user asked.

Look at Jill on the right at the 21 second mark. AI was unable to keep up with her face while her hands were clapping and blanked out her face, another user wrote.

While a third user wrote, doubles, the fourth noticed: Shes wearing the same pants.

You are meant to believe you saw Jill Biden with Joe on Wednesday in the USA. You are also meant to believe she was in Paris in the build up to the Olympics. Even Grok confirms she wasnt with Biden. I dont care where she was, but I dont like being lied to. Do you? one more remarked.

Also Read: Megyn Kelly launches brutal attack on power hungry Jill Biden, quips she guides 'infirm' Joe like

Jill Biden maintains her blue style streak

Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and his spouse Brigitte greeted Jill Biden on the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Jill Biden maintained her recent blue fashion trend at the opening ceremony. The First Lady wore a matching midi skirt, a tiny belt around her waist, and a pastel blue fitted shirt with sculpted shoulders.
Since Joe Biden announced that he is stepping down from the presidential race and that VP Kamala Harris will fill his shoes, several speculations suggest that there's a budding alliance between Meghan Markle and Harris. Meghan Markle may be set to support Kamala Harris in her bid for the presidency.(AP/AFP)

Many royal commentators and experts speculate that the Duchess may eventually endorse Harris.

Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator, told Sky News Australia host Rita Panahi, She [Meghan] will try to attach herself to Kamala Harris because it will elevate her.

If Meghan does this, then Kamala will owe her one.

ALSO READ| Meghan Markle could endorse Kamala Harris as she wants to be

Meghan previously expressed her support for Kamala Harris during the 2020 election when Harris was Joe Biden's running mate. I'm so excited to see that kind of representation, Meghan told Meghan in 2020.

For me, being biracial, growing up, whether it was a doll or a person in office, you need to see someone who looks like you in some capacity.

While members of the British royal family traditionally remain apolitical, Meghan's previous roles at the U.S. embassy and as a U.N. women's advocate highlight her engagement in public affairs.

Meghan Markle could endorse Harris

According to Schofield, a Newsweek poll revealed that 40 per cent of respondents would be influenced by a potential endorsement from Meghan and Prince Harry.

Meghan wants to be included, this is potentially a very historic election, Schofield explained to GB News.

We really saw Meghan involved, including with Kamala Harris in some voter campaigns in 2020, and I think this is a great way for Meghan Markle to get her foot in the door.

Following the cancellation of her podcast, Archetypes, there has been much speculation about Meghan's next move. She faces a career turning point with Netflix, which can literally make or break her career.

Many believe she has a keen interest in public affairs and could seek to become more involved in political activism.

ALSO READ| Meghan Markle's coming Netflix show can make or break her career

I don't feel like she has tough enough skin, but I do believe that this is important to her, Schofield admitted.

We saw her in 2020 work with Stacey Abrams, Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and Michelle Obama to do campaigns for women voting, getting women to the polls, Schofield added.

We also saw Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the Time 100 event on ABC say Americans 'deserved change' during 2020, which was a very subtle endorsement of Joe Biden at the time.
Love them or hate them, they're most likely here to stay, Australian EV drivers are insisting.

An EV owner said this photo highlights the fact that electric is the only way forward. Source: Facebook

An Aussie motorist who pulled up to a set lights to find there was not one or two, but a total of five EVs surrounding him, said he believed the sight reflected the fact electric is "the future".

EVs are soaring in popularity in Australia, and although uptake has continued on steady trajectory, they have proven controversial among the public. Some say they're an effective, affordable and environmentally-friendly mode of travel, while others have questioned their safety.

In recent months, we've seen the EV rollout expand even further as new manufacturers make their way down under from overseas  namely China  with Aussies spotting new models on our roads every day. This week, an EV owner from Queensland pulled up to a set of lights to find he was surrounded by a fleet of almost exclusively electric cars.

A new Chinese electric vehicle set to land down under within months, that some experts say 'performs better than a Tesla ' and is 'comparable to a Porsche', will increase consumer competition and likely result in cheaper EVs for Aussies over time. Source: Facebook

Five electric vehicles at set of lights a sign the 'future is here', EV owner says

"EVs are just a passing fad," he sarcastically wrote online. "There are five EVs in this picture I took while stopped at the lights today. The future is now."

In the photo, there are two EVs in front of the Queensland man's car  an ICE vehicle, though he clarified he also owns an EV  and another three to left, all in a row.

Some responding to the post said those hesitant to make the electric switch are being left behind.

"The first line of this post is exactly what the dinosaurs said about mobile phones," a woman argued.

"Colour TV, computers  now everyone on the planet has one if not two. And when the smelly liquid stuff is $150 pause per tank, its a fairly stupid argument."

"I am seeing more and more every day  it's great to see," somebody else said.

"There are five within about 100 metres on my street," wrote a third.

Meanwhile, as Aussies receive more overseas EV imports from China, a mobility expert said it's just a taste of what's to come.

More EVs to filter in down under

Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Hussein Dia, said Chinas "dominance of the EV market is not a coincidence" but instead "a result of a targeted strategy that built on their strength in advanced battery technologies" over the past two decades and their partnerships with leading car manufacturers.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Dia said Aussies are already buying Chinese EVs in record numbers  and this is only the beginning. "A couple of years back, you couldn't find a new EV for less than $45,000 ... We now have vehicles selling for around $36,000."

"Now, I think this is still expensive for a lot of people, and we still need more options, but in my opinion, more variety at lower costs is a good thing for consumers.

"People who drive electric vehicles, most of them say 'there is no going back' because it's so different, in a good way. Particularly when it comes to the technology inside and the energy management systems. And Chinese vehicles are no different."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Paris Olympics 2024: While some performances at the opening ceremony of Paris Olympics have already sparked outrage on social media, netizens were quick to point out another blunder, accusing France of making a subliminal attack on the Statue of Liberty. Paris Olympics: A video widely shared on X, formerly Twitter, is captioned as Opening TV animation for Olympics has some animated balloon travelling past the Statue of Liberty and she is beaten battered and has bullet holes in her.(X)

A video widely shared on X, formerly Twitter, is captioned as Opening TV animation for Olympics has some animated balloon travelling past the Statue of Liberty and she is beaten battered and has bullet holes in her.

Slamming France's President Emmanuel Macron, netizens asked, Is that what they want?

Meanwhile, several people called the clip anti-American, with one commenting, The Olympics is predicting things again. Predictive programming go crazy, here we go again.

The social media users emphasised on three values of Olympism -- excellence, respect and friendship and claimed that they are not seeing any if these sentiments. They went on to say, This insult has no place in the Olympics.

While a second user said, Every advertising sponsor of the Paris Olympics needs to answer if they support this kind of stuff, one more added, No one will be surprised if something terrible happens in Paris.

Amid the criticism, one user wrote, People really dont realize that the Statue of Liberty in NYC is a REPLICA of the exact same statue in Paris.

The viral video has garnered over 1 million views and over 2 thousand repost so far.

Also Read: Kelly Clarkson issues apology over her reaction to Celine Dion's performance at Paris Olympics: 'I was not ready for'

Statue of Liberty and its French connection

The Statue of Liberty arrived in America on June 17, 1885 as a gift from France to mark a commemoration of the friendship between the two countries. The statue was presented to the US ambassador to honour the alliance they formed during the American Revolution, to acknowledge America as a defender of liberty and inspire the French people to uphold the same ideal.

The French workers started working on the statue, formally called Liberty Enlightening the World, in 1875.

The sculptor Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi (bar-TOLE-dee) imagined about the statue of a woman with a torch that was burning brightly with the flame of liberation. It took around 21 years to turn Bartholdi's idea into reality. While French supporters raised funds to erect the statue, Americans donated for the pedestal it would be placed on.
A potential summer of separation for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is on the horizon in an effort to mend the strained relations within the royal family. Sources close to the couple suggest that this brief break could be a strategic move to address the tensions within the monarchy, where Harry could pay a visit to King Charles. The Duke, who hasnt seen his ailing father since February, could prioritise a planned meeting next month. Meghan, on the other hand, is unlikely to accompany him. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle blasted for taking advantage while royals are unable to conduct overseas tours (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP)(AFP)

Prince Harry to travel UK next month?

Reports by Express claim that Harry is eager to visit his hometown but is feeling "anxious to go home and see his dad." While it is far away from the official confirmation, , there's speculation that the Duke is also looking to reconnect with old friends in the UK before his 40th birthday in September.

Also read: Meghan Markle lands in NY for high stakes Hamptons business summit ahead of new brand launch: Report

In May, when the estranged royal flew back to London to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Invictus, he missed the opportunity to meet Charles, who was just kilometres away. At the time, a spokesperson attributed the missed meeting to Charles's hectic schedule, while Harry's side cited security issues.

Harry is going to have to return to the UK solo as it makes sense for him to take a longer trip, a source told Closer magazine. Hes convinced that if he spends a longer period of time there, hell have a better chance of reconnecting with his family.

Also read: Ana Navvaro shares risque Melania Trump photo while standing up for Kamala Harris dating history

Meghan unlikely to return UK

While Prince Harry is expected to visit London, possibly for an extended period compared to his previous trips, Meghan and their children are likely to remain in California. Harry has previously expressed concerns about bringing his family to the UK due to the intense media scrutiny they face.

He believes the invasive press coverage is a major security risk, especially for the duchess and has emphasised that this issue must be resolved before he would consider bringing his family back. Speaking of her return, Harry said, That's not going to work if we can't keep them safe while they're here.

"There is more than enough attention on me and my wife anyway," he continued. It got to a point where you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. But I don't think there's anybody in the world better suited and placed to be able to see this through than myself.

Meghan Markle focuses on brand launch

The source claimed that while the Duchess is respectful that Harry has to go back to his homeland for practical and emotional reasons, she doesnt want to tag alongside as theres already,  too much on her plate with the brand and her new cooking show.

On Friday, the former Suits star jetted off to the Hamptons, New York, to attend the exclusive G9 Ventures Summer Summit hosted by Amy Griffin. A prominent figure in the venture capital industry, Griffin is the founder and head of G9 Ventures and invests in startups to give them further boosts. Meghan is said to be planning to officially launch her lifestyle brand.
Usha Chilukuri Vance, the wife of Ohio senator JD Vance, found former President Donald Trump's alleged involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots deeply disturbing, a new report stated, citing her close friend. However, she is backing the GOP leader's presidential campaign due to her husband's ultimate ambition and devotion for Trump. Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump with US Vice-Presidential candidate JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance at the Republican National Convention, in Milwaukee on Thursday. (Rep. National Convention/Youtube)

The former President declared JD as his running mate during the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, where Usha proudly spoke about her spouse, Indian roots and immigrant parents. JD and Usha exchanged vows in 2014.

Usha, who has played a key role in the life and career of her husband, has been facing racist attacks because of her Hindu faith and Indian origin since Trump announced her husband's candidacy.

As she advanced through the country's most elite universities, legal practices, and judicial clerkships, Usha hardly, if ever, offered her insights on the fiercely divisive politics of the country to friends and associates, according to the Washington Post report.

But she did express revulsion at former president Donald Trumps actions on Jan. 6, 2021, it said.

One of her friends, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the outlet that JD's wife told friends she was outraged by Trump's incitement of the deadly riot at the US Capitol and lamented the social breakdown that fueled his political support.

The friend further states that Usha was generally appalled by Trump, from the moment of his first election.

Her past views contrast with her husband's recent statements as JD has downplayed the Capitol storming and dubbed the arrested people as political prisoners.

Also Read: Usha Vance's 96-yr-old grandaunt reminds her of Indian roots in a strong message

JD Vance addresses white supremacists' attack on Usha Vance

Appearing in an interview with Megyn Kelly on her podcast, JD Vance spoke about the attacks Usha has faced from white supremacists in the past due to her Indian heritage.

Expressing his love and respect for Usha, he said: Obviously, shes not a white person, and weve been accused, attacked by some white supremacists over that. But I just, I love Usha.

He further called her a good mom and hailed her for being such a brilliant lawyer. Im so proud of her. But yes, her experience has given me some perspective on the way in which its really hard for working families in this country.
MESCALERO, New Mexico  Anne Marie Brillante never imagined she would have to choose between being Apache and being Catholic. Why these Apache Catholics felt faced with a 'false choice' after priest removed church's icons

To her, and many others in the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico who are members of St. Joseph Apache Mission, their Indigenous culture had always been intertwined with faith. Both are sacred.

Hearing we had to choose, that was a shock, said a tearful Brillante, a member of the mission's parish council.

The focus of this tense, unresolved episode is the 8-foot Apache Christ painting. For this close-knit community, it is a revered icon created by Franciscan friar Robert Lentz in 1989. It depicts Christ as a Mescalero medicine man, and has hung behind the churchs altar for 35 years under a crucifix as a reminder of the holy union of their culture and faith.

On June 26, the churchs then-priest, Peter Chudy Sixtus Simeon-Aguinam, removed the icon and a smaller painting depicting a sacred Indigenous dancer. Also taken were ceramic chalices and baskets given by the Pueblo community for use during the Eucharist.

Brillante said the priest took them away while the region was reeling from wildfires that claimed two lives and burned more than 1,000 homes.

The Diocese of Las Cruces, which oversees the mission, did not respond to several emails, phone calls and an in-person visit by The Associated Press.

Parishioners, shocked to see the blank wall behind the altar when they arrived for Catechism class, initially believed the art objects had been stolen. But Brillante was informed by a diocesan official that the icons removal occurred under the authority of Bishop Peter Baldacchino and in the presence of a diocesan risk manager.

The diocese has returned the icons and other objects after the communitys outrage was covered by various media outlets, and the bishop replaced Simeon-Aguinam with another priest. But Brillante and others say its insufficient to heal the spiritual abuse they have endured.

Brillante said their former priest opened old wounds with his recent actions, suggesting he sought to cleanse them of their pagan ways, and it has derailed the reconciliation process initiated by Pope Francis in 2022. That year, Francis gave a historic apology for the Catholic Churchs role in Indigenous residential schools, forcing Native people to assimilate into Christian society, destroying their cultures and separating families.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops declined comment on the Mescalero case. But last month, the conference overwhelmingly approved a pastoral framework for Indigenous ministry, which pointed to a false choice many Indigenous Catholics are faced with  to be Indigenous or Catholic:

We assure you, as the Catholic bishops of the United States, that you do not have to be one or the other. You are both.

Several of the missions former priests understood this, but Brillante believes Simeon-Aguinams recent demand to make that false choice violated the bishops new guidelines.

Larry Gosselin, a Franciscan who served St. Joseph from 1984 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2003, said he sought the approval of 15 Mescalero leaders before Lentz began the painting that took three months to complete.

He poured all of himself into that painting, said Gosselin, explaining that Lentz sprinkled gold dust on himself and skipped showering, using his body oils to adhere the gold to the canvas. Then he gave the painting to the humble church.

Albert Braun, the priest who helped construct the church building in the 1920s, respected Mescalero Apache traditions in his ministry and was so beloved that he is buried inside the church, near the altar.

Church elders Glenda and Larry Brusuelas said to right this wrong and to repair this damage, the bishop must issue a public apology.

You dont call or send a letter, Larry Brusuelas said. You face the people you have offended and offer some guarantee that this is not going to happen again. Thats the Apache way.

While Bishop Baldacchino held a two-hour meeting with the parish council in Mescalero after the items were returned, Brillante said he seemed more concerned about the icon being hastily reinstalled rather than acknowledging the harm or offering an apology.

Still, some are hopeful. Parish council member Pamela Cordova, said she views the bishop appointing a new priest who was more familiar with the Apache community as a positive step.

We need to give the bishop a chance to prove himself and let us know he is sincere and wants to make things right, she said.

The concept of inculturation, the notion of people expressing their faith through their culture, has been encouraged by the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, said Chris Vecsey, professor of religion and Native American studies at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.

Its rather shocking to see a priest who has been assigned a parish with Native people acting in such a disrespectful way in 2024, he said. But it does reflect a long history of concern that blending these symbols might weaken, threaten or pollute the purity of the faith.

Deacon Steven Morello, the Archdiocese of Detroits missionary to the American Indians, said the goal of the U.S. bishops new framework is to correct the ills of the past. He said Indigenous spirituality and Catholic faith have much in common, such as the burning of sage in Native American ceremonies and incense in a Catholic church.

Both are meant to cleanse the heart and mind of all distractions, he said. The smoke goes up to God.

Morello said Pope Francis encyclical on caring for the Earth and the environment titled Laudato Si addresses the sacredness of all creation  a core principle Indigenous people have lived by for millennia.

There is no conflict, only commonality, between Indigenous and Catholic spirituality, he said.

There are over 340 Native American parishes in the United States and many use Indigenous symbols and sacred objects in church. In every corner of the Mescalero church, Apache motifs seamlessly blend in with Catholic imagery.

The Apache Christ painting hangs as the focal point of the century-old Romanesque church whose rock walls soar as high as 90 feet. Artwork of teepees adorns the lectern. A mural at the altar shows the Last Supper with Christ and his apostles depicted as Apache men. Tall crowns worn by mountain dancers known as gahe in Apache, hang over small paintings showing Christs crucifixion and resurrection.

For parishioner Sarah Kazhe, the Apache Christ painting conveys how Jesus appears to the people of Mescalero.

Jesus meets you where you are and he appears to us in a way we understand, she said. Living my Apache way of life is no different than attending church. ... The mindless, thoughtless act of removing a sacred icon sent a message that we didnt matter.

Parishioners believe the Creator in Apache lore is the same as their Christian God. On a recent Saturday night, community members gathered to bless two girls who had come of age. Kazhe and Donalyn Torres, one of the church elders who authorized Lentz to paint the Apache Christ, sat in lawn chairs with more than 100 others, watching crown dancers bring blessings on them.

Under a half-moon, the men wore body paint and tall crowns, dancing to drumbeats and song around a large fire. The women, including the two girls donning buckskin and jewelry, formed the outer circle, moving their feet in a quick, shuffling motion.

In the morning, many from the group attended Mass at their church, the Apache Christ restored to its place of honor.

The painting shows Christ as a Mescalero holy man, standing on the sacred Sierra Blanca, greeting the sun. A sun symbol is painted on his left palm; he holds a deer hoof rattle in his right hand. The inscription at the bottom is Apache for giver of life, one of their names for the Creator. Greek letters in the upper corners are abbreviations for Jesus Christ.

Gosselin, the mission's former priest, said he was struck by the level of detail Lentz captured in that painting, particularly the eyes  which focus on a distance just as Apache people would when talking about spirituality. He believes the painting was divinely inspired because the people who received it feel a holy connection.

This has resonated in the spirit and their hearts, he said. Now, 35 years later, the Apache people are fighting for it.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The is solely responsible for this content.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The popular US food chain, Chick-fil-A addressed the french fries fiasco making rounds on the internet for a while. Fans of the food chains popular waffle fries went into a frenzy when rumours spread of Chick-fil-A bidding farewell to the fries. The fries fire spread quickly with a video on Tik Tok which claimed the waffle fries were leaving the menu. The news was followed by a second wave of rumours claiming the waffle fries were being replaced. Chick-fil-A addressed rumours about replacing its popular waffle fries.(@ChickfilA/X)

Also Read: Boneless chicken wings can have bones, US Supreme Court rules

Are Chick-fil-As Waffle fries getting replaced?

After the TikTok video claiming that Chick-fil-A is bidding farewell to its popular waffle fries which hit 3 million on the social media platform, the user posted another video where he stated he had no idea it would go so viral. He said that the video and the news about fries were false in a second video, however, both the videos were deleted later.

The rumours of the fries being replaced sparked when a popular food blogging page about food updates and news on Instagram posted a picture of straight-cut fries with the text,  "NEW!! Chick-fil-A french fries" and the caption, "Do you want to see these go nationwide? I kind of like the idea of having another fry option besides their waffle-cut fries, as reported by USA Today.

The post angered french fries lovers as people expressed their anger on special media asking the food chain to not mess with the perfection, and demanding the old waffle fries.

After the uproar, the food blogging page edited the caption of the aforementioned post apologising for the misunderstanding. He wrote, These are available now at the Little Blue Menu location. Apologies for putting NEW. At the time of making and posting I was under the impression that they were new as I hadnt seen them on the menu before. Big thanks to @littlebluemenu for clearing that up.

Also Read: Taco Bell offering freebies, Stanley Cups on Baja Blast's 20th anniversary

Chick-fil-A responds to the rumours

Chick-fil-A responded to the rumours of snuffing out waffle fries after witnessing a lot of confusion and misunderstanding around them. They released a statement saying, "Chick-fil-A Guests do not need to worry  our much-loved Waffle Fries are not going anywhere!

The food chains side project, Little Blue Menu also cleared the rumours in the comment section of one of their posts about fries on Instagram, where they wrote, Dont worry  Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries arent going anywhere! These French Fries are only available at Little Blue Menu in College Park, MD. Thats the fun of our Little Blue Menu restaurant  Guests can enjoy Chick-fil-A classics alongside our Little Blue Menu exclusives, like French Fries, Sweet Potato Tots and Onion Rings!"
Treat India as an ally, punish Pakistan on terror: Marco Rubio introduces legislation to deepen ties US Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, speaks during the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 16. (AFP)

Washington: Marco Rubio, a powerful Republican Senator from Florida who was in the running to be Donald Trumps running mate, has proposed a legislation that bats for deeper India-US defence ties in response to growing threats to Indias borders, calls for expeditious delivery of defence equipment to India, and asks the US administration to effectively treat India as an ally when it comes to technology transfer.

The proposed legislation, titled United States-India Defense Cooperation Act of 2024, also mandates the US Secretary of State to track and report all instances in which Pakistan has used offensive force, including the use of proxies against India, provided safe havens to terror groups, and the assistance Pakistan has provided to militants in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The trigger for the proposed law is the shared threat from China. In a statement, Rubio said, Communist China continues to aggressively expand its domain in the Indo-Pacific region, all while it seeks to impede the sovereignty and autonomy of our regional partners. Its crucial for the U.S. to continue its support in countering these malicious tactics. India, along with other nations in the region, is not alone.

In its statement of policy, the legislation proposes that US policy be oriented to support India in its response to growing threats to its internationally recognized land and maritime borders, provide necessary security assistance to India to deter actions by foreign actors that violate these borders, and cooperate with India on defense, civil space, technology, medicine and economic investments.

It proposes giving India an exception to the Countering Americas Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a legislation that is meant to penalise countries that procure sensitive defence equipment from Russia. And it proposes treating India as an ally when it comes to provisions of the Arms Export Control Act, thus lifting the export controls that currently apply to India and inhibit technology transfer beyond a threshold.

To be sure, the value of the proposed legislation is, at the moment, largely symbolic for converting it into an act requires several steps. The Senate armed service committee will have to take it up, deliberate on it and go through a process of amendments.

The bill will then have to go on to the Senate floor either as a standalone legislation or a part of a larger legislation such as the National Defense Authorization Act and be passed by a majority vote. A similar process will have to play out in the House. If both the chambers do pass the legislation, but have different versions, it will have to be reconciled in a conference. It will then go to the President to be signed into law.

But while most the proposed legislation may or may not turn into law, its value lies in the fact that it comes from Rubio, who is the ranking member/vice chair of the Senate select committee on intelligence and a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. If the Senate flips to the Republicans this November, he will head the intelligence committee.

Rubio is also among the most important foreign policy voices in the party known for his strong position against China. A rival of Trump in the 2016 presidential primaries, Rubio is now close to Trump, was considered for the vice presidential slot, and spoke at the Republican National Convention. And it is a sign that the relationship with India continues to enjoy bipartisan support on the Hill, despite criticism from some quarters on Indias engagement with Russia and domestic political developments.
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'Redcoats and Rebels,' one of New England's largest Revolutionary War re-enactments, brings 600 re-enactors Old Sturbridge Village.

Revolutionary War Re-enactment Returns to Old Sturbridge Village

STURBRIDGE, Mass.  Old Sturbridge Village is set to host "Redcoats and Rebels," one of New England's largest Revolutionary War re-enactments, on Saturday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 4. The event promises a weekend of historical immersion, featuring nearly 600 costumed re-enactors from across the region portraying both soldiers and civilians from the Revolutionary War era.

Guests will have the chance to witness dramatic re-enactments of historic battles and skirmishes between colonial and British troops, complete with cannon and musket demonstrations and cavalry displays. The event will also feature live fife and drum music and special presentations designed to bring the Revolutionary War to life.

On Saturday, the day will begin with morning drills, marching, and a cavalry demonstration followed by an afternoon battle at 3 p.m. The day will conclude with cannon and musket demonstrations, as well as fife and drum musical performances. The village will be open extended hours until 8 p.m.

Sunday will feature an afternoon battle at 2 with re-enactment groups from across New England, including Providence, R.I.; Sturbridge and Boston. They will showcase authentic tactics and formations used during the Revolutionary War.

In addition, visitors can explore Revolutionary War camps and engage with costumed historians to learn about everyday life in early New England. Re-enactors will demonstrate traditional cooking methods, baking, and the crafting of everyday items such as soap, brooms and muskets, offering a detailed look into the past.

"'Redcoats and Rebels' brings the Revolutionary War to life in a way that engages all the senses," said Jim Donahue, president and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village. "This event offers a rare opportunity to experience history up close, from the intensity of the battle to the quiet moments of camp life. We invite everyone to join us next month and connect with history in a way that is both powerful and unforgettable."

Donahue extended gratitude to the family-owned American manufacturer Dexter-Russell of Southbridge for its continued sponsorship. "Their generous support is vital in bringing this exciting event to life," he said.
The cost to hire a tree service to deal with downed trees from the July 16 storm at Eastlawn Cemetery is estimated at $50,000. Town Manager Robert Menicocci told the Select Board on Monday that the town doesn't have the equipment to deal with the larger trees. PreviousNext

Williamstown Select Board Pushes for Better Communication About Emergencies

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Select Board on Monday discussed how the town communicates to residents during an emergency and whether residents unaffiliated with Williams College should have access to the same information as college students and staff about incidents on campus.

The topic came up in response to a couple of recent events: the July 16 power outage that left most of the town in the dark for hours, and two incidents that led to evacuations on the Williams campus on May 23 and July 11

During both campus events  which turned out to be false alarms  the college notified its students and staff through email, voicemail and text message and gave regular updates until the incidents were resolved.

The college also posted about the incidents in real time on social media, specifically on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The Williamstown Police Department, on its Facebook page, posted on July 11 that it was, "assisting Williams College with a threat to campus. The Williams campus will be closed at noon, but no credible threat or device has been located at this point."

But Select Board members wondered on Monday whether it would make sense for the town to take similar actions in the event of threats on a campus that is so interwoven into the community. They also asked if residents could enroll for notifications on the college's system.

Randal Fippinger noted that it was an equity issue to have some people in town aware of potentially life-threatening situations but not others.

"I agree that we need to trust the professionals [to assess threats], but if the college is sending out texts, emails, phone calls every half hour during a particular emergency, that's horses out of the barn," Fippinger said.

"But to tell a significant part of the community and not tell the whole community is, I think, not supportive of the community."

Fippinger cited, as one example, the non-profit community pantry Remedy Hall, which operates in space at First Congregational Church in the middle of Williams' campus and continued to operate throughout the July 11 incident, when the college ordered the evacuation of all of its buildings.

Jeffrey Johnson agreed, saying the first indication he had of the "suspicious package" incident on May 23 was when he attempted to drive up a road that was closed to traffic near the college's science center.

"As a parent who has a child who works down on Spring Street, I want to know," Johnson said. "I'm not sure, based on these two incidents, especially if it gets to the level where the State Police is involved, what the rationale is for not notifying people through Code Reds."

A State Police bomb squad unit did respond to the May incident and determined that the suspicious package was not a threat.

Town Manager Robert Menicocci said the Police Department has a protocol for when the town implements the rarely used Code Red service. He also indicated that the town could add a reverse 911 system if it felt it warranted the cost.

A 2002 report from Branson, Mo., said a reverse-911 system at that time cost about $57,000 to bring online plus an annual maintenance fee of 15 percent of the purchase price (about $8,600). At the time, Branson had a population of about 7,000 people, roughly the same as Williamstown.

Menicocci said the town's revamped website could include automated notifications of incidents to residents who sign up.

"All that will do is take our existing communications we do through the town or public safety's Facebook site, take that relatively low level of communication and push that through more channels," Menicocci said. "If we want to do more and we're going to have hourly communication during an incident, that takes a resource in order to be able to do that."

As for college campus-specific events, Menicocci said Williams, like any private entity, takes the lead on how it wants to disseminate information.

"The college will have their way of handling things, which we would not step on unless there's going to be something that would spill over into the community," he said. "What it really comes down to, largely, is the threat assessment and whether that is rising to the level where the public should be informed to stay away.

"We rely on our public safety folks to make that assessment. If something rises to that level, they will absolutely communicate that. Our main way of doing that is the CodeRed piece at this time."

Residents can sign up for the CodeRed service through a link on the main page of the town's website

Menicocci indicated that the communication between the college and the town about incidents is a topic he could bring up in an upcoming meeting with the new head of the college's Campus Safety and Security department.

In other news related to recent emergency situations, Menicocci reported that it will cost about $50,000 to hire a tree service to deal with downed trees at Eastlawn Cemetery.

"It's not something our folks can handle," he said. "We don't have the equipment  the booms and the lifts  to get big trees out of the way."

The mid-July storm and associated power outage pointed to a continued need to address emergency preparedness in town, Menicocci said. The town's regular cooling center, the Milne Library, was in the dark itself during the outage. Menicocci said the town needs to decide whether it should acquire more backup generators in the future; during July's outage, the police station on Simonds Road, which is served by a backup generator, was available for residents who needed to cool off.

In other business on Monday, the Select Board:

 Reached a consensus on details of a new town policy on memorial donations. Hogeland said he would take the changes decided on Monday back to the Conservation Commission to consider before the policy is enacted. The Con Comm has custody and control of several public parcels, including Margaret Lindley Park, that could potentially receive the kind of memorial benches and plaques addressed in the policy.

 Reviewed the public letter that was produced from the annual performance review of the town manager. "Over the past year, Mr. Menicocci has demonstrated knowledge and expertise in his approach to financial management and budgeting while also keeping an eye on future long term capital planning needs," the letter reads in part.

 Unanimously approved the renewal of an intermunicipal agreement with the town of Lanesborough, which shares the services of the town planner.

 And discussed with the chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee's desire for a policy to address attendance on town boards and committees. The Select Board members were sympathetic to Shana Dixon's concern that DIRE has had to cancel recent meetings due to a lack of a quorum and said the town needs a bylaw to address attendance for all committee members.
China allocates 475 million yuan to support six flood-hit provinces

Xinhua) 14:35, July 27, 2024

BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management have allocated an additional 475 million yuan (66.65 million U.S. dollars) to bolster disaster relief efforts in six provinces.

The funds will be distributed to Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces to support search, rescue and resettlement operations for affected residents and restore normalcy in the disaster-stricken areas as soon as possible, the Ministry of Finance said Saturday.

Torrential rain during the peak flood season, from late July to early August, has triggered flash flooding in many parts of China. The National Meteorological Center renewed an orange alert for rainstorms on Saturday.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Saturday activated a Level IV emergency response to floods in Hunan Province in the wake of Typhoon Gaemi.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Frani Miceli of Williamstown Elementary was nominated as July's Teacher of the Month. Miceli says her students have great problem-solving skills and are 'completely honest.' She encourages her students to be creative and hands-on. PreviousNext

Teacher of the Month: Frani Miceli



Students say teacher Frani Miceli makes learning fun. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  Williamstown Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Frani Miceli has been selected as the July Teacher of the Month.

The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, will run for the next 12 months and will feature distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here

Miceli has been teaching for 26 years and has worked to develop a happy, comfortable, and creative learning environment for her pupils.

Through her connection with her students and the decor on her classroom walls, Miceli hopes to help them realize that being kind is possible.

"I have a thing on my wall that says, 'Character is what you do when no one is watching.' So, I hope that they have internalized that," Miceli said.

"We make personal decisions because it's the right thing to do, and sometimes our actions can negatively impact other people, and sometimes they can positively impact other people. So I think happy kids make happy choices, and so I just want them to be happy, engaged children"

Every single one of her students in her morning math class jumped at the opportunity to praise their teacher.

They lauded her kindness, honesty, and good character, which they say made them feel safe in learning and expressing themselves.

"She's just really funny and kind, and she makes learning fun," Miceli nominator and student Judah Filson said.

Miceli said she tries to find engaging and fun ways to learn, such as hands-on activities and projects, which help them retain the material.

"Franny really takes learning and the look at learning differently. She really is a hands-on classroom. So, by having them be a hands-on interaction and environment, she really impacts, and I think, connects with students that may not connect with learning out of a book or learning from a lecture," Assistant Principal Griffin Labbance said.

"She really kind of meets students in an active and engaging way, and so in turn, her students look forward to the activity she plans and look forward to kind of learning and being taught differently."

An example of this is the "big project" she was having her students do, in which they used recycled materials to make carnival games.

"It's really a design and engineering challenge where they're going to, they're really working and making these beautifully, kind of super kid friendly projects," Miceli said.

The result of this is a mess, she said with a chuckle, but that is just part of the creative process, and they will all just clean it up.

"I like the fact that there's a lot of creativity. I teach them different ways to solve math problems. We've made models in science that allow them to be creative," Miceli said.

"I think this project is pretty fun because they're working collaboratively. It's really just very, very student-driven. So it makes me really happy to see how creative they are. I'm amazed at what they've come up with."

The students not only learn the curriculum but also gain important skills that go beyond academics, such as problem-solving, collaboration, and environmental awareness, and they become involved in their community.

"The environment she creates is "welcoming. It's free for discussion. I think the environment that she creates is one that allows students to ask questions when they have them and voice thoughts and comments," Labbance said.

"If they get something wrong, they discuss it, and then they are able to continue to ask questions or share their ideas and not feel like they got one wrong."

While learning about water quality and watersheds, the students tested the water quality of the Hoosic River.

"I think that helped us because by doing work out in the field, I think we got to interact. I think that that helps learning because we got to collect bugs, we got to look at water samples, we got to identify those bugs, and so we learned a lot about what types of animals live in our environment," fifth-grade student Patrick Philip Sullivan said.

"I think that really like enforced that we got to take care of nature, and if we don't, then it won't end well. So, I think that's really helped us throughout this year, because we've been doing a lot of interactive experiments, and that's really gotten everything that we need to learn in our brains."

Students said learning about this is important because it inspires the next generation to get involved in current issues, such as climate change, and prepares them for the work they will do in the future.

The earth is going to get a lot worse, so it is important to teach the younger generation about climate change "so they can fix the world," fifth-grader Grace Jena Nicole Simmons said.

"I feel like if we don't learn about it now, then when we're older, we're gonna believe that everything's fine," fellow student Aurora Kathleen DeMayo Cruz said.

She said if students don't learn about it when they are older, they may not believe it, and it will take longer to come to a solution.

"We're learning it now, it's better, so that when we're older, we don't have to take a long time actually to believe in climate change," DeMayo Cruz said.

Miceli also teaches her students multiple ways to learn a subject, so if they do not understand something one way, they still have another,

The students are what Miceli loves most about teaching.

"They are really fun. They are completely honest. They have great problem-solving skills. They make me laugh, and even on their worst days, I really just adore them. I relate better to children than I do to adults," she said.

The moment in her career that impacted her the most was when she became a parent, which helped her understand teaching from the parents' point of view and helped her connect with families better.

Miceli attended Kenyon College, where she majored in Classics. While attending the private liberal arts college, she was part of a program that brought local elementary students to look at the school's art gallery.

"I loved it. I thought it was really, it was like my highlight. It was, it felt really enriching and personally fulfilling," she said.

When she graduated, she was not sure what to do with her degree in Classics, so she thought she would try teaching, and she loved it.




iciHaiti - Culture : 60th anniversary of the compas direct





This Friday, July 26, 2024, the 69th anniversary of the compas direct, Augustin Antoine, as Minister of Culture, paid tribute to the memory of Nemours Jean-Baptiste, creator of this musical style. He also applauded the work of all those who are dedicated to the perpetuation of the Compas and its promotion at the international level.



Minister Antoine reiterated the Government's desire to protect the country's cultural values, in particular the "Konpa" and to constantly ensure its transmission as an element of heritage.



Learn more :

During the 1950s, thanks to the magic of a Haitian saxophonist, Nemours Jean-Baptiste, a musical trend emerged, the Compas Direct / "Konpa Direk" which will guide the musical podium and the dance floor in Haiti.



Coming out of our ancestral and traditional rhythms mixed with Caribbean colors, the Compas has established itself. Despite all the socio-political crises that Haiti has experienced, the Konpa still holds its place in our celebrations, our country and patronal festivals and is at the heart of Haitian daily life. It is essential in family, public and political life.



Registered in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Haiti since October 21, 2019, the "Konpa" is ready to become an international heritage. To this end, the application file on the practice of Konpa dance and music for inscription on the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity is submitted to UNESCO by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Permanent Delegation of Haiti to UNESCO, and actors from the Haitian music industry and civil society.



IH/ iciHaiti


















Photo: Adam J. Dewey/Anadolu Agency (Getty Images)

Good morning! Its Friday, July 26, 2024, and this is The Morning Shift, your daily roundup of the top automotive headlines from around the world, in one place. Here are the important stories you need to know.



1st Gear: Stellantis Scrambles After Dismal First Half

Stellantis is in deep doo-doo right now, and the automaker is scrambling to address problems it is facing in North America and elsewhere by cutting output and prices. This news came after Stellantis reported worse-than-expected first-half results for 2024.

Net income has fallen 48 percent in the first six months of 2024 to $6.1 billion. That is... not good. From Automotive News:

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Its operating margin on adjusted EBIT shrunk to just below 10 percent, slipping below the double-digit margin it aims to achieve for the full year. The companys performance in the first half of 2024 fell short of our expectations, CEO Carlos Tavares said in a statement on July 25. Margins declined most significantly in North America, Stellantiss key region for profits, after shipments declined 18 percent amid an unfavorable model lineup and pressure on prices, the company said. Chief Financial Officer Natalie Knight said Stellantis is taking decisive actions to address operational challenges. Measures include inventory reduction, especially in North America. (That) is the market that needs the most work and where we are most concentrated when we look at the second half, Knight said. There are operational issues we have had in North America where I think we could have performed stronger. Knight said Stellantis would reduce production in North America this quarter, as well as prices. Thats one of the things that is important for us, to calibrate how the supply and demand meet, she said.

To help cope with this downturn, Stellantis is apparently planning to drastically cut labor costs and is expecting a 25 percent reduction in logistics expenses for the second part of this year.

Maserati may also not be too long for this world in the Stellantis portfolio.

Story continues

Knight suggested the company may reconsider what would be the best home for Maserati, even though for now the group remains focused on driving improvements at the Italian luxury brand, whose shipments plummeted by more than half to 6,500 units in the first six months. Stellantis is under increasing pressure as it deals with high inventory levels and a string of executive departures in the U.S. The company has already extensively cut costs, with 500 million more in savings planned for the second half. Some analysts have started flagging the limits of Tavares strategy on costs. He has also faced pushback from shareholders and advisory firms over his $39 million pay package for last year, a 60 percent increase from 2022 levels. Analysts at Citi said in a note they expect Stellantiss problems to continue. We see no real improvement until and unless Stellantis removes the overhang from inventories  which itself would put pressure on full-year ...margins, they wrote.

Stellantis is hoping new model launches will help the automaker in the second half. Right now, there are a total of 20 new vehicles planned across Stellantis vast stable of brands.

Listen, I dont know if these changes will actually help Stellantis recoup some of these massive losses in the second half of 2024, but damn. Its gotta do something, because a net income drop that huge isnt something that you can fix easily.

2nd Gear: Hybrids Help Hyundai Thrive

Hyundai reported a record profit for the second quarter of 2024. It actually topped analysts projections, backed by really strong hybrid sales that made up for lagging electric vehicles. From Bloomberg:

Operating profit for the three months ended June was 4.3 trillion won ($3 billion), compared with the 4.2 trillion won median estimate compiled by Bloomberg. The profit was a record, at least since 2010, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Revenue rose 6.6% from a year ago to 45 trillion won, the Seoul-based company said. [...] Hyundai also said it plans to go forward with a listing of its India unit by the end of 2024. The initial public offering could raise as much as $3.5 billion, people familiar with the matter have said, and will start gauging investor interest this month, with a listing likely in September or October, they said. India is the worlds fourth-biggest stock market, it is doing very well, Lee Seung Jo, Hyundais chief financial officer, said in a call with analysts. We are preparing for new growth in the country. Hyundais shift to hybrids and SUVs, such as a new Santa Fe released last year, helped the company offset the losses in EVs, Hanwha Investment & Securities wrote in a note before the earnings announcement. Hyundai plans to release the new hybrid Tucson in Europe and the Casper Electric in South Korea in the second half, the note said. Hyundai sold about 122,000 hybrid vehicles in the second quarter, accounting for 11.6% of total deliveries. Battery-powered vehicles accounted for 5.6% of total shipments, compared with 7.4% a year earlier. Hybrids are making almost similar profit margins with gas-powered vehicles, which is in double-digit, Lee said. EVs are generating at least low-single-digit margins, due to higher incentives given to dealers, he added.

Adding to Hyundais good news, its market share for hybrids in the U.S. rose to 15 percent, up four points from a year ago, and its not slowing down. The Korean automaker expects the Santa Fe hybrid to drive up growth in the second half of 2024.

Total retail sales in the second quarter were 1.03 million, dropping 3% from a year earlier, according to its earnings presentation. Value-added products, such as sports-utility vehicles and luxury brand Genesis, accounted 61% of the total. Retail sales in North America climbed 5.2%, while those in Europe fell 1%. China saw a steep decline of 32%, while India posted a 1% gain. Hyundai plans to hold its annual investor day in August with analysts to discuss its long-term business plan. It will address details on shareholder returns as well as the operation of its new plant in the US state of Georgia, Lee said.

If this news from Hyundai shows me one thing, its that if you build good cars, people will tend to buy them. Also, hybrids are here to stay, baby.

3rd Gear: UAW, Lear Reach Tentative Agreement

Three days after the strike began, the United Auto Workers union says it has reached a tentative agreement for its 500 workers at a Lear factory in Missouri. This strike ending means General Motors can resume production of its midsize pickup trucks and cargo vans. From the Detroit Free Press:

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 GMs 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 GMs 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. 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.

Here are some more details about the strike and what the tentative agreement entails for Lear workers:

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. 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. Well 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.

We just love it when workers get their fair share, dont we folks?

4th Gear: Toyota To Build Lexus A Battery Factory

Toyota is reportedly planning to build an electric vehicle battery plant in Japan exclusively for Lexus. The plant is set to be located in the southwestern prefecture of Fukuoka, where Toyota plans to build up a supply chain for battery electric vehicles.

A spokesperson for the automaker said they were aware of the report, but it was not something Toyota had officially announced. That being said, its in line with Toyotas current EV plans to strengthen battery production capacity. From Reuters:



The automaker has previously said it will introduce EVs employing next-generation batteries globally from 2026, manufactured by its EV-focused unit BEV Factory. The company is targeting sales of 3.5 million EVs annually by 2030, with just under half of those made by the BEV Factory unit. It sold 104,000 EVs in 2023. The amount Toyota would spend on the battery plant and the start date for its construction have yet to be finalised, according to Nikkei, which did not say where it got the information.

The Nikkei Business Daily reports that the plant will be operated by Primearth EV Energy, another Toyota subsidiary that focuses on building batteries for hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.

Reverse: There Once Was A Crash Off Nantucket

Neutral: I Miss This Car

On The Radio: Enigma - Return To Innocence

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New footage showing Francis Ford Coppola kissing Megalopolis extras has surfaced months after he was accused of inappropriate on-set behavior.

Two videos, reportedly taken by a crewmember and published by Variety, show the famed director roaming around a dance floor as he hugs and kisses female extras.

The Independent has contacted Coppolas representative for comment about the video footage.

According to Variety, the videos were taken during the filming of the movies bacchanalian nightclub scene and appear to corroborate previous accusations made against Coppola, 85.

In May, the day before Megalopolis had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, The Guardian published a report alleging chaotic behavior on the set, including Coppola reportedly pulling women to sit on his lap and trying to kiss some of the topless and scantily-clad female extras.

Coppola denied the allegations at the time, telling The New York Times in an interview: Im not touchy-feely. Im too shy.

My mother told me that if you make an advance toward a woman, it means you disrespect her, and the girls I had crushes on, I certainly didnt disrespect them, he said.

open image in gallery Francis Ford Coppola was accused of inappropriate on-set behavior during production on Megalopolis ( 2024 Invision )

According to sources who spoke to Variety, Coppola displayed unprofessional behavior on the set of his self-funded magnum opus, which reportedly cost him around $120m to make.

One source, who is said to have been on set during the nightclub scene, estimated that between 150 to 200 crewmembers and background actors were present. The source alleges that while directing, Coppola would often jump up to hug and kiss several of the female extras.

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Ive worked with really important directors and that behavior is uncommon  the most Ive ever seen any director do is say something like, high energy, guys, the source told the outlet. Ive never seen anyone on set, and this extends to a camera operator, so much as touch an actor.

The source claimed that after several takes, Coppola eventually announced over a microphone: Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know its solely for my pleasure.

In a statement responding to The Guardian report, Megalopolis executive producer Darren Demetre said: I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project.

Francis successfully produced and directed an enormous independent film, making all the difficult decisions to ensure it was delivered on time and on budget, while remaining true to his creative vision.

There were two days when we shot a celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene where Francis walked around the set to establish the spirit of the scene by giving kind hugs and kisses on the cheek to the cast and background players.

It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was so important to the film.

Following a months-long search for a distributor, Megalopolis was finally acquired by Lionsgate in June and will be released in US and Canadian theaters on September 13.

The dystopian drama, which received a mixed reaction from audience members at the premiere, stars Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina, an architect-scientist who wants to better a fictional version of New York City called New Rome. Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Giancarlo Esposito and Jon Voight also feature.
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Blake Livelys cameo in the new Deadpool & Wolverine was predicted long before the Deadpool movies came into existence, she has revealed.

Lively, who is married to Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds, is one of a number of stars who make surprise cameos in the new comic book film, which was released on Thursday (25 July).

Shes a bit tricky to identify, though, as Lively portrays the masked Lady Deadpool, a female variant of the titular hero who arrives through a wormhole alongside a number of other Deadpool variants.

In a new Instagram post, Lively confirmed that she did indeed play the character, and also revealed that her casting in the role was written in the stars more than a decade ago.

The A Simple Favor actor wrote that Deadpool creator Rob Liefeld used her likeness as his inspiration for an unmasked Lady Deadpool way back in 2010, and shared a screenshot from 2022 in which Liefeld confirmed on his own Instagram that he was a fan of the actor.

We unmasked [Lady Deadpool] in 2010, with her unblemished visage, Liefeld wrote, adding that he and his wife Joy were such big fans of Livelys star-making TV series Gossip Girl that he modelled the characters look after her. Upon meeting Blake on the set of Deadpool, I was tongue tied in the most embarrassing fashion. Years later at the Golden Globes I again bothered [her] to the point I think I was speaking in tongues. If ever we are blessed with Lady Deadpool on screen, Im pretty certain Ms Lively will have some say in casting.

open image in gallery Blake Lively as Lady Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine ( Disney )

Lively also revealed that she recalled being told about Reynoldss plans for a Deadpool movie while they were shooting Green Lantern, an ill-fated comic book movie that has been frequently poked fun at in the Deadpool movies and by Reynolds himself since.

In 2010 I was on Gossip Girl and about to film my first superhero movie, The Green Lantern with my kind Canadian costar Ryan Reynolds, Lively wrote. He told me, our other costar, another superhero newby [sic] Taika Waititi and all of us about Deadpool for the first time. It was a meta superhero. Most of us didnt know what exactly meta meant back then. Except Taika bc hes always been more brilliant than the rest of us mortals.

We understood in theory, but how it would come together for an audience was murky, for everyone but him. It wasnt a real dream. The movie was never gonna happen.

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Deadpool & Wolverine, which is in cinemas, has drawn mixed reviews from critics  including our own Clarisse Loughrey. But its sparked lots of attention for its cameos, particularly the shock return of the vampire hunter Blade, as played by Wesley Snipes. Snipes famously clashed with Reynolds on the set of 2004s Blade: Trinity, and their feud is joked about in the new film.

Missing from the movie, however, is Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor Rob McElhenney, who announced this week that his cameo was left on the cutting room floor  despite his real-life business partnership with Reynolds.

Elsewhere, Reynolds revealed during a recent appearance on the YouTube show Hot Ones that he originally had a horrible idea to trick the Deadpool & Wolverine audience into thinking they had walked into an intentionally bad movie.
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Guy Ritchies latest film, the action comedy The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, has finally been released in the UK  but many viewers seem to be voicing the same complaint.

Henry Cavill, Eiza Gonzalez, Henry Golding and Reacher star Alan Ritchson all appear in the film, which revolves around a ragtag team of secret agents sent to sabotage Nazi U-boats during the Second World War.

The film is an exaggerated spin on the real-life mission known as Operation Postmaster, while Cavills character  army commando Gus March-Phillipps  has long been speculated to have been an inspiration for Ian Flemings James Bond.

Despite the film receiving strong reviews upon its US release in April, and the fact that many of those behind and in front of the camera are British, its only just received a straight-to-streaming release in the UK. Its meant that many fans have been surprised to discover it on the landing page of Amazons Prime Video.

Will Guy Ritchie ever make a film that sees the inside of UK cinemas again? tweeted one person, who added that Ritchies last three movies have all skipped British cinemas.

Aladdin and The Gentlemen, both released in 2019, currently mark the most recent Ritchie-directed films to receive theatrical releases, with Wrath of Man, The Covenant and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre all debuting on streaming in the UK.

Other fans of the film echoed the complaint. Had a lot of fun with Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, one X user tweeted. Shame we never got it at the cinema here, would have liked to take my Dad.

Another added: Been looking forward to this. Did it get a cinema release? As I didnt hear about till Amazon Prime started advertising it.

A Cavill superfan also voiced their annoyance. A worldwide release would have brought in $$$, she wrote. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it.

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Not coming to a cinema near you: Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchies The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare ( Prime Video )

Cavill himself appeared to reference the films unusual release while promoting the film this week, writing on his official Instagram that finally us Brits can watch the movie about us Brits!.

The Superman star added that he was particularly proud of the film.

This one is one of my favourites in my stable of movies, Cavill wrote. Its another Guy Ritchie spectacular, and we all had an absolute blast shooting it. So tomorrow night, pop a pizza in the oven, or order a curry and settle in for a bloody good time!

It is yet to be confirmed whether Ritchies next film, the action thriller In the Grey, will receive a cinema release in the UK. It stars Cavill, Gonzalez and Jake Gyllenhaal as members of a gang of thieves hunting for stolen loot.

Ritchie is also filming yet another movie, an adventure film called Fountain of Youth, in which Natalie Portman and John Krasinski play siblings who team up to find the mythical spring of the title. It is believed to debut on Apple TV+  and potentially in cinemas  in 2025.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is streaming on Prime Video now.
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Roland Emmerich had some choice words for his fellow director James Cameron during a panel at Comic-Con on Friday (July 26).

Emmerich, who is promoting his new Peacock series Those About to Die, appeared on stage with Training Day director Antoine Fuqua for Colliders Directors on Directing event.

Back in the early Nineties, Emmerich was attached to reboot the camp sci-fi classic Fantastic Voyage (1966), which sees a crew in a tiny submarine injected into a human body to battle with corpuscles.

However, after Cameron was brought in to help on the project, Emmerich said he lost interest.

It was a little bit like, James Cameron is very overbearing, and so I at one point just gave up, said the director. Because its like, is it your movie or my movie? And thats what happened.

Emmerich said his take on Fantastic Voyage was only in the very beginning stages when he gave up on it. Because I said, Gosh, why is he so overbearing?

Look, Im going to have to say, I do my stuff, and when I cannot do my stuff, Im like totally not interested. Its as simple as that. So when someone else wants to say something to me and is more powerful to me, I drop out.

open image in gallery Roland Emmerich (left) fell out with James Cameron over his script for Fantastic Voyage ( Getty Images )

Its not the first time Emmerich has criticized Camerons input on the project. In an interview with Empire in 2007, the German director said: Two years ago Jim called me up and said Roland I want you to look at the script for Fantastic Voyage  its not there yet. And he sent it over and I hated the script.

Emmerich took issue with the fact that Cameron had set the film in the future and that it felt too militaristic.

I said why have you put this in the future? I said let this happen now. Its so much more cool and fun when we can say to a normal person from now, well were going to make you microscopic and put you in some submarine which we will shrink down and you have to do this stuff inside a body.

There were two submarines in the body. It was like a Navy SEALS film. And then the president of production at Fox  me and my partner and him all go surfing together  says Well, will you do it with a page one rewrite and we wont start until youre happy with the script? So then I said yes. The key is I wont do it unless its going to be a good movie.
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If you google the British actor Romola Garai, youll be presented with some additional suggested search terms. Most are nosy classics of the genre: Romola Garai relationships, Romola Garai childrens names. But one is more curious. What happened to Romola Garai, we are prompted to ask, as though the star of Atonement and Netflixs recent drama Scoop is the subject of a mysterious true crime podcast. And Im actually starting to wonder what happened to Romola Garai myself... she was supposed to be here about half an hour ago.

Were meeting at the Almeida Theatre, where she is starring in an adaptation of The Years, the autobiographical masterpiece by Nobel prize-winning French author Annie Ernaux. Just as Im musing over all the things I want to ask her about  her enjoyably forthright views on feminism and the film industry, why Briony had to ruin everything in Atonement  she bursts into the room, brandishing a bike helmet, her face glowing with sweat. Im SO sorry, she says, the picture of mortification. Only when she was innocently walking her dog before work did she discover shed got the time wrong and had to bomb it over from where she lives in Stoke Newington.

So, no need to worry about what happened to Garai. Shes here, speaking pretty eloquently for someone who has just done a bike ride at top speed. Already shes telling me about The Years, first published back in 2008, in which Ernaux elegantly blended the personal and the political in a memoir simultaneously about one womans life and her entire generation. Annie Ernaux basically invented a new form, which I think was an inevitable part of her being a woman, Garai explains. Its like: how do I write about the experience of being female, being born in a womans body and having the experience of your body dictated so much by the culture that you live in?

The stage adaptation, originally seen in Amsterdam in 2022, features a cast of five actors all playing Annie at different times of her life, who often directly address the audience in an attempt to replicate the intensity and intimacy of Ernauxs own writing. The Years is remarkable in how epic in scale it feels, given that writing about womens lives is often dismissed as minor or domestic. Garai recognises that assumption. Thats just so clearly true. Its just always historically been the case, hasnt it? she says, dissolving into laughter at the irony of it.

That laughter punctuates our conversation. Even though she clearly approaches interviews as the professional obligation that they are, Garai regularly laughs her way through her sentences, finding mirth in most topics  particularly the strange industry in which she operates. At one point, she discusses her work, before adding her own brackets: For want of a better word.

Dressed for rehearsals in a grungy T-shirt, blonde hair tied back, shes a genial mix of someone who doesnt take themselves that seriously but has strong opinions about plenty of things. When I ask if shes ever felt obliged to speak about particular subjects, she seems surprised at the concept. I just... do speak about things. Im very garrulous and very... Im angry as a person, she shrugs, before sounding amused again. There have been times in my life where Ive been pissed off and Ive had the opportunity to talk about that.

This is when the penny drops. Back in 2017, Garai was one of the early clarion voices sharing unsettling experiences of producer Harvey Weinstein, describing not just being summoned to his hotel room where he answered in a dressing gown, but, aged just 18, having her weight monitored and food taken from her trailer on the set of Dirty Dancing 2. It dawns on me that this might be what people are searching for when they ask what happened to Romola Garai. Not to find out if she was somehow banished.

Garai in rehearsals for The Years ( Ali Wright )

Its true that, thus far, her best-known roles are the ones she took on early in her career: Dodie Smiths wide-eyed hero in I Capture the Castle; aforementioned life-wrecker Briony Tallis in Joe Wrights adaptation of Atonement; gossipy Emma Woodhouse opposite Jonny Lee Miller in the Beebs 2009 imagining of Austens Emma; pale-lipped sex worker Sugar in The Crimson Petal and the White; fast-rising TV producer Bel Rowley in the 1950s-set drama The Hour. In fact, Garai seems just to have been doing things her own way. The work she does is deliciously eclectic and assured in its tastes, from playing Measure for Measures Isabella amid a sea of blow-up sex dolls at the Young Vic in 2015 to performing in Ella Hicksons incendiary 2018 play The Writer here at the Almeida, and writing and directing her debut film, Amulet, in 2020, inspired by the trauma of childbirth.

And, she tells me, she no longer has to do work she hates. Garai slightly has the air of someone who has been through the trenches and lived to tell the tale. I started in the industry in the Nineties, which was a very different landscape, she says, eyes widening. No one in my family was in the industry. I was incredibly young. I hadnt gone to drama school and I was put into a professional workplace at an incredibly young age. And no one gave me a single piece of advice about how to manage any of it: how to appear, how to interact with journalists, how to be on a film. None of it. So, you know, it was all pretty bad.

Garai as Briony Tallis in Atonement ( Universal Studios )

Garai spent her early years in Hong Kong and Singapore, where her father was a banker and her mother a journalist, before returning to England with her family at the age of eight. She was spotted by an agent while doing her A-levels and was just 18 when she took on her first lead film role, as Cassandra Mortmain in I Capture the Castle. On reflection, she appreciates her good fortune in being offered such a good part so early. When you get very lucky, very young, its like becoming head features writer at The Independent when youre 17. You just think, Oh, good stuff just happens! But she also had no experience of being on a set, and remembers feeling scared a lot. Like a lot of people that age who were in an adult environment, I was pretending to be a grown-up a lot. Now I look back and think, This was insane. Why was I unchaperoned?

Falling into acting at such a young age made her unsure whether it was the career for her, and she deeply wanted to have options, so she completed an English degree with the Open University while working on a number of acting projects. But there were always aspects of being an actor that she struggled with. Particularly when I was younger, I found it extremely difficult that you are trading in your body a lot as a woman, and that can be very complicated.

Garai earlier this year at the premiere of Scoop, with co-stars Keeley Hawes, Billie Piper and Gillian Anderson ( Eamonn M McCormack/Getty )

Its a concern that The Years shares. It really details how difficult it is, as a woman, to understand your body as belonging completely to yourself, Garai says. Particularly as a young woman, I definitely did not understand that. I thought that my body was the property of the society that I lived in. I didnt really understand that it belonged to me, and that I could dictate its size and shape and what went into it and what went out of it, food and sex and all of it. And I dont know, actually, that women definitely do feel that any better now.

This is part of what made her comments about Weinstein in 2017 so powerful; she described an atmosphere in which she was constantly under pressure to change her body, even alleging that people were paid to make sure she didnt eat on the set of Dirty Dancing 2. Her words preceded a wave of testimonies about the way that Weinstein abused his power, and I wonder what she made of his 2020 rape conviction being overturned earlier this year. Shes not familiar enough with the legal situation in America to talk about that specifically, but I can say what it makes me feel in relation to rape convictions in this country. Garai told me earlier that shes an angry person, and Ive not seen that yet  but she speaks now with an anger that is red hot. Its a f***ing disgrace. Rape has effectively been decriminalised in this country. I think its an epidemic of sexual violence that women live in.

One of the most concrete things that came out of the #MeToo movement was the rise of intimacy coordinators, who help to supervise sex scenes for actors. It struck me that it might feel bittersweet to Garai that they werent around in the early days of her career. But nope. Theres no bitter. Theres only sweet. It was just nonsense. I mean, what were people doing? Theres just so many situations where youre like, this is a workplace. Were at work. It needs to be very clear that Im not a sex worker. Like, nudity is not something that Im being paid for  its an element of what we do that needs to be managed, she says.

Theres just so many situations where youre like, this is a workplace. Were at work. It needs to be very clear that Im not a sex worker

Garai felt this strongly from a young age. But when she used to question directors about scenes, people thought I was crazy. Id say to a director, But wait, I want to know what it is youre asking me to do. And directors would kick off. If you were just saying, could you just explain it to me? Or if there is a night where, for whatever reason  if Im on my period or something  I feel very uncomfortable doing it, is there a way round it? People would freak out, like you were being...  her lip curls around the word  difficult.

It was starring in Penelope Skinners play The Village Bike at the Royal Court in 2011  a comedy about a pregnant woman whose husband ignores her sexual appetites  that made Garai see why she wanted to act: she could make important, challenging work with people she admired. Motherhood focused her work further. I felt much more in conversation with my history as a woman. And the sort of tension that exists between trying to be an artist and trying to be a mother  I think that crystallised my understanding of the patriarchy.

When she started her career, it was a generally accepted fact that older actresses would be farmed out of the industry at a certain age. Particularly if you had children, your agent would just stop calling, and it was just accepted that you had made a choice in your life to become a mother. And that obviously did not impact fathers at all! She laughs that laugh again  but its one that says its not really funny.

Garai speaking about her film Amulet ahead of a screening at the BFI in 2022 ( Getty )

After The Years, shell jump straight into another stage project: Giant at the Royal Court, a new play that imagines a meeting between Roald Dahl and his Jewish editor Tom Maschler following the publication of an antisemitic article by Dahl. Its partly about how you manage a successful person if youre reliant on them; its also a lot about antisemitism and Israel, and what it means to be a Jew, Garai  who has Jewish heritage of her own  tells me. What does she make of the debate now woven into our culture, of whether you can separate the art from the artist? Oh, God, I mean Ive been WhatsApping my friend about the Alice Munro story this morning, she says, dismayed. A recent article written by Munros daughter Andrea Robin Skinner alleges that the Nobel prize winner  who is one of Garais favourite writers  ignored her second husbands abuse of Skinner, which she claims began when she was nine years old. I think time is the only thing. Like, will I have the instinct to pick up her books and read them? Maybe not. Maybe it will forever colour my relationship with that work.

In 2022, Garai directed her husband, actor and sometime playwright Sam Hoare, in his play at the Park Theatre in north London; Press was about a tabloid journalist with dodgy methods. It was a lot of time together, Garai says, before adding, jokingly, but were still together. After the warm critical reception of her directorial debut, though, its films she wants to make more of. Unfortunately, she says, its really, really, really, really, really hard, and the model for independent filmmaking in this country has kind of collapsed. She has, she tells me wryly, a lot of projects  a period romp, a country house horror, literary adaptations  and I just try to keep them all ticking over, in the hope that the industry will reshape itself into some sort of thing that makes sense.

Just then, some muscular drumming starts to boom from beneath us. Yes, thats our play. Sorry, Garai says, sheepishly. After several more abashed apologies for her late arrival, she darts downstairs. What happened to Romola Garai? She was busy doing things her own way.

The Years is at the Almeida until 31 August; almeida.co.uk
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An international university in Delhi issued a notice to a scholar for citing Naom Chomskys criticism of prime minister Narendra Modi in his doctoral research proposal.

South Asian University, set up by member countries of the regional bloc South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, also initiated a disciplinary inquiry against the scholars supervisor, The Indian Express reported.

While the scholar tendered an apology for hurting sentiments, the supervisor, Sasanka Perera, a former vice president of the university and a founding member of its sociology department, resigned. The university confirmed initiating the inquiry to the daily but claimed that no PhD proposal led to the resignation of a professor.

The scholar, who wasnt identified, received the notice in May for quoting from a 2021 interview of Chomsky in which the renowned American intellectual said that Mr Modi came from a radical Hindutva tradition and was trying to dismantle Indian secular democracy and impose Hindu technocracy.

The notice also asked the scholar to explain his choice of research topic, Kashmirs ethnography and politics, the paper reported.

The university did not explain what it found objectionable about the proposal, submitted last November and approved by the supervisor, the Express said.

The politics of Kashmir, a Himalayan territory held in part by India and Pakistan but claimed in whole by both, is a touchy subject in the country, not least due to the long-running movement for independence which has, in the past three and a half decades, taken the form of an armed insurgency.

The university told The Independent the notice was issued due to prima facie inconsistency with the Saarc intergovermental agreement, without elaborating. It did not respond to a question about the resignation of Prof Perera. Asked if his departure was linked to the notice, a spokesperson for the university declared that the query is falsely premised.

Mr Modis critics accuse his Hindu nationalist party of turning Indias educational institutions into ideological battlegrounds amid concerns about declining academic freedom.

In August last year, an elite private university drew widespread criticism after a faculty member resigned due to a row over his research paper suggesting electoral manipulation during the 2019 general election.

Sabyasachi Das, assistant professor at Ashoka University, had faced intense backlash from the supporters of Mr Modi after he circulated his paper on social media.

Manipulation appears to take the form of targeted electoral discrimination against Indias largest minority group, Muslims, partly facilitated by weak monitoring by election observers. The results present a worrying development for the future of democracy, read the abstract of the paper.

In 2021, Pratap Bhanu Mehta, renowned academic and critic of Mr Modi, had resigned from the university saying it was abundantly clear his association was a political liability.
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Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1998, Danielle Carr-Gomm had spent the larger part of two decades searching for alternative methods to control her illness.

Struggling to find a treatment that made life more bearable, it was in July 2016 that she turned to a Paida Lajin workshop  otherwise known as slapping therapy  run by Californian alternative healer Hongchi Xiao.

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, slapping therapy is described as a self-healing philosophy which involves the patient being slapped or slapping themselves repeatedly, for hours at a time, to rid them of toxins or illnesses.

Despite critics saying it has no scientific basis, 30 keen disciples of the defendant, who styled himself as Master Xiao, willingly joined his workshop in Cleeve House, Wiltshire, in October of that year.

The court heard Hongchi Xiao failed to obtain medical help for Ms Carr-Gomm before she died ( CPS/PA )

Among them was 71-year-old Ms Carr-Gomm, who duly signed a disclaimer stating the practice was not meant for medical treatment and went on to fast for several days, only consuming Chinese tea.

Desperate to cure her diabetes in a non-conventional way due to her fear of needles, the vegetarian pensioner had previously expressed her admiration for his holistic methods, writing that she foresaw freedom from years of slavery.

Despite becoming drastically ill during one of his workshops months earlier, Xiao congratulated her when she revealed she had stopped taking her insulin, despite being aware of the risks this posed to her health.

In a sinister sign of the power he wielded over her, Ms Carr-Gomm had previously provided a testimonial for Xiao describing him as a messenger sent by God who was starting a revolution to put the power back in the hands of the people to cure themselves and to change the whole system of health care.

Xiao had previously been prosecuted for the death of a young boy ( Supplied )

Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson told the court during his manslaughter trial: Xiao knew that Danielle Carr-Gomm, by stopping her insulin injections, had created a source of danger, and he was all too aware that it was a source of danger.

He knew of his influence over her, he knew the consequences of her not taking her insulin, and he had at least influenced and encouraged her decision to take the potentially fatal step of stopping her insulin.

Xiao, of Cloudbreak in California, was convicted on Friday by a jury at Winchester Crown Court of manslaughter by gross negligence.

Despite the fact his slapping therapy was not rooted in science, Xiao had written a book on Paida Lajin in which he stated that doctors are brainwashed by drug producers to act as salespersons for their drugs.

Xiao promoted Paida Lajin therapy despite it having no scientific basis ( Elizabeth Cook/PA )

Mr Atkinson said: The messages that come from this book, very clearly, are that the defendant viewed drugs such as insulin as poisons which were contrary to, rather than conducive to health.

Insulin was a cause of problems, and that in contrast, Paida Lajin was a cure for illness, including diabetes.

The death of Ms Carr-Gomm was not the first time his methods had come under scrutiny. In 2015, he was prosecuted in Australia for the manslaughter of a six-year-old boy who had died after his parents took him to one of his workshops in Sydney. The boy, with type 1 diabetes, became fatally ill after his parents stopped giving him insulin. The judge at Xiaos subsequent trial in Australia concluded Xiao had told the boys mother to stop injecting him.

During her stay at his workshop in Bulgaria, Ms Carr-Gomm had also become violently unwell after she stopped taking her injections, and had to be persuaded to resume her medication.

Mr Atkinson said that both the childs death and the incident in Bulgaria would have made abundantly clear to him that her [Ms Carr-Gomms] life was increasingly in danger.

In short, therefore he chose to congratulate a diabetic who stopped injecting, rather than to persuade them not to take so grievous a risk to their life.

Even when she became increasingly and seriously unwell on his latest retreat, Xiao failed to call for medical aid despite her crying and yelling on her bed.

He denied the manslaughter charge and denied having any influence over his students ( Elizabeth Cook/PA )

By the third day, she was vomiting, tired and weak, and by the evening she was howling in pain and unable to respond to questions, the court was told.

Medical aid was finally called on the fourth day, 20 October, but by then it was too late and she died of diabetic ketoacidosis as a direct result of the decision to stop taking her insulin injections.

In the evenings before her death, she had been fed mashed-up couscous and had been seen drooling from the mouth and speaking incoherently. Slapping noises had also been heard from her bedroom, alongside very loud painful noises like howling.

A chef at the retreat described how she observed the group in the workshop slapping themselves for about five to six hours a day, by cupping their hand and hitting different areas of their body quite hard until there were marks on the skin.

He was said to have congratulated her once she stopped taking her insulin medication ( Elizabeth Cook/PA )

After Xiao was arrested, he said in his police interview he had believed Ms Carr-Gomm had been weak from fasting and had not needed an ambulance.

The prosecutor said: He denied that he had any influence over the students at all. He had no more responsibility than anyone else in attendance.

In her desperate bid to be cured of a condition that had dogged her adult life, Ms Carr-Gomm paid the ultimate price.

Following the verdict, head of Special Crime at the Crown Prosecution Service, Rosemary Ainslie, said: Hongchi Xiao knew the consequences of Danielle Carr-Gomms decision to stop taking insulin could be fatal; he had seen it before.

Hongchi Xiao was the man in charge, yet he failed to respond to Ms Carr-Gomms worsening condition, with tragic consequences. His failure to take reasonable steps to help Ms Carr-Gomm substantially contributed to her death and amounted to gross negligence.

Xiao will be sentenced on 1 October.
A father trapped under an indefinite jail term for a laptop robbery almost 20 years ago still has no release date after he was recalled to prison for missing a hospital appointment.

Abdullahi Sulemans devasted wife, Bernadette Emerson, has accused the prison system of exploiting his mental ill-health to keep him incarcerated under an abolished Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) jail term.

The 41-year-old, who has been diagnosed with bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorder, was sentenced to a minimum of three years and 276 days for robbery aged 22.

But he is still languishing in prison 19 years later  despite having committed no further crimes  having been hauled back to jail four times after attending mental health care was made part of his licence conditions.

In total, he has served nearly 15 years of the last 19 years in custody and is currently back in prison with little hope of being freed.

His case was branded scandalous by former chair of the justice committee Sir Bob Neill, who said it is a clear example of the vicious circle of the mental health deterioration endured by many IPP prisoners.

Sir Bob urged the new government to have the courage to follow the committees recommendation to resentence almost 3,000 prisoners still trapped under the sentence, warning: It needs to happen now.

Bob Neill said the case was scandalous ( AFP/Getty )

Ms Emerson insisted her husband should receive treatment rather than punishment as she demanded immediate help for IPP prisoners.

The 39-year-old told The Independent: Its really wrong. They are breaching his human rights. They are exploiting his illness.

The IPP jail terms  under which offenders were given a minimum tariff but no maximum  were scrapped in 2012 amid human rights concerns. But the abolition of the policy did not affect those already sentenced, leaving thousands trapped in jail for years beyond their original prison terms.

According to the latest figures published this week, some 2,734 people are still incarcerated under the abolished sentence  down just six per cent since last year. An estimated 700 have served at least 10 years longer than their minimum tariff.

Suleman, a trained bricklayer and plasterer who fled conflict in Somalia as a child for a better life in Britain, was handed an IPP in 2005 for a laptop robbery in a Cardiff park.

He served six years before he was first released, but was recalled two-and-a-half years later after he suffered a mental health relapse in the community.

Doctors gave him a treatment plan, which was then added to his strict licence conditions. So, when he missed a hospital appointment he was recalled to prison  despite not having committed any further crimes.

In the years that followed, he has been recalled three more times. On each occasion it was linked to mental health non-compliance, his wife said, adding that his detention has now become arbitrary.

Ms Emerson, from Cardiff, said each recall breaks up their family, leaving her to raise their three daughters aged nine, 10 and 19 as a single parent.

He was last hauled back to prison in 2017 and has served almost seven more years without release while his mental health continues to deteriorate.

Its really psychologically affected him, Ms Emerson said. He always describes just immense psychological torture. I feel it halted his life. Its stopped him from moving on from the sentence and starting his life.

Its affected every aspect. Its affected him being a father.

I think its just painful for him that hes lost so much of his adult years to the sentence.

Ms Emersons anxiety about her husbands situation was compounded recently when she lost contact with him for almost a month. She said she was told by a solicitor that he had been stabbed inside scandal-hit category B prison HMP Swaleside in Kent.

The Independent understands the Ministry of Justice cannot find evidence of an assault and a spokesperson said an error with Sulemans telephone account has now been rectified  and apologised for the distress caused.

Ms Emerson said when she finally heard from her husband on Friday he sounded unwell and was speaking rapidly. I am just glad to be back in touch with him, she added.

Abdullahi Suleman, 41, and his wife Bernadette Emerson, 39, from Cardiff ( Supplied )

Ms Emerson hit out at the introduction of an IPP Action Plan which she said has repeatedly interfered with Sulemans mental healthcare in prison.

Im 39 now. It feels like my twenties and thirties have just been dominated by the impact and struggles of IPP, she said, adding they are planning to explore appealing his sentence after another Welshman, Leighton Williams, had his IPP sentence quashed earlier this year.

It feels suffocating when I think there is no end. When you have got a loved one in prison with a mental health illness it just makes your anxiety worse.

Campaigner Shirley Debono, who co-founded IPP Committee in Action with Ms Emerson, backed calls for Suleman to be moved to a mental health facility where he can recover and she called for the newly elected Labour government to resentence all IPP prisoners.

She said she was very disappointed with a speech from new prisons minister James Timpson, who said IPP sentences would not be overhauled under a sentencing review to help ease prison overcrowding.

Sir Bob, who was chair of the justice committee before he stood down as an MP earlier this year, condemned Sulemans case as scandalous as he blamed the state for the 41-year-olds deteriorating mental health.

Thats scandalous, and thats been done to him by the state, and the state has an obligation to sort this out because it continues to harm people, he told The Independent.

A 2022 justice committee report urged the previous government to resentence all IPP prisoners, but this was rejected. Plans to reduce the IPP licence period from 10 years to three were passed.

What it demonstrates is something that our committee said about IPP prisoners, he said. The way that IPP sentences make prisoners mental health worse, so theyre trapped in a vicious circle, because their mental health deteriorates, then theyre concerned about releasing them  but thats what the state does by putting them on IPP sentences. And that seems to have been whats happened to the unfortunate man here.

Sir Bob urged the new Labour government to implement reform, demanding: It needs to happen now.

He added: There has been a lack of courage from both sides of the House on this. People are too fearful, but theyve got to have the courage to know when something is wrong  at the beginning of a five-year term is the ideal time.

Campaigner Shirley Debono, 63, from Cardiff, has called for all IPP prisoners to be resentenced ( Shirley Debono/The Independent )

Richard Garside, director of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, said prisoners face immense difficulty escaping the dragnet of recall to prison, which often includes being returned for minor infractions.

He added: If he was given the usual determinate sentence, then he wouldve been long released, and if he didnt get into any further trouble, he wouldve just have been able to get on with his life.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: We have now rectified the error with Mr Sulemans PIN telephone account and his family has now been contacted. We apologise for the upset this has caused.

It is right that IPP sentences were abolished. The Lord Chancellor is committed to working with organisations and campaign groups to ensure the appropriate course of action is taken to support those still serving IPP sentences.
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At least nine people have been arrested following a Tommy Robinson march which saw clashes between demonstrators, counter-protesters and emergency workers in London.

Around 1,000 police officers were mobilised to keep the peace in the capital on Saturday as three marches made up of thousands of people took place simultaneously.

The events included a Stand Up To Racism march, a Uniting The Kingdom demonstration organised by far-right activist and English Defence League founder Mr Robinson, and a Trans Pride protest.

In an updated report late on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said two men had been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) after a participant of the Stand Up To Racism protest was assaulted by two suspects and suffered a head injury.

Thousands of protesters could be seen filling the Strand wearing clothing and holding flags depicting the Union, English, Scottish and Welsh flags ( Maja Smiejkowska/PA Wire )

Officers added another member of the public was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a steward at Trans Pride.

Another was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and a racially aggravated public order offence after he allegedly snapped a Palestinian flag and made a racially abusive remark.

A fifth was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence after a police officer was kicked.

The force later added: A further four people have been arrested outside a pub in Whitehall on suspicion of assault on emergency workers. Four officers were assaulted. Fortunately none sustained serious injuries.

It also said a number of videos depicting racist and anti-Muslim chants were being investigated.

The police had already used powers under the Public Order Act to try to keep the opposing groups apart amid fears of serious disruption.

People taking part in a counter-demonstration against Tommy Robinson and his supporters ( AFP via Getty Images )

Chief superintendent Colin Wingrove, who was in charge of this weekends operation, warned at the start of the day that police would intervene decisively to deal with protesters who break the strict conditions about when and where they are allowed to demonstrate.

Demonstrators at the event organised by Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, marched from the Royal Courts of Justice to Trafalgar Square, setting off at 12.45pm.

In what was advertised as the biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen, the demonstrators were heard chanting England and Rule Britannia, as well as Mr Robinsons name. Israeli flags were also seen being waved at the event.

A man walked past the protest at the square holding a Palestinian flag and attendees could be heard booing. Some attempted to chase the person as he was escorted by a group of Met officers down Cockspur Street.

Just a few hundred metres away, Stand Up To Racism demonstrators marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, holding up placards calling for the end of British weapons supplies to Israel.

The counter-protest, which set off at 1.30pm, was run with the support of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and 11 other trade unions, as well as Jeremy Corbyns Stop the War Coalition, Peace & Justice Project and Unite Against Fascism.

Mr Robinson, who caused controversy running counter-protests to the pro-Palestine marches during Armistice Day last November, was pictured addressing crowds at Trafalgar Square.

Actor turned political activist Lawrence Fox was also seen among the crowds at the event.
Screen grab: The Rich Eisen Show

Despite rumors to the contrary, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has yet to sign a new media rights deal.

And we now know why theres seemingly been such little movement for the pro wrestling promotion. On Thursday, its owner and president, Tony Khan, revealed that AEW is still in its exclusive negotiating window with its current partner, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Were still having great conversations right now in the exclusive window, Khan said during a conference call with reporters. Im very focused right now on the conversations were having here at TNT and TBS and with Warner Bros. Discovery about AEW and potentially [Ring of Honor] as well. That right now is 100 percent of the focus as were working through this exclusive period.

Its unclear whether AEW and WBD extended their previous exclusive negotiating window, as most had been under the impression it had already expired. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter  who asked the question that prompted Khans answer  even went as far as to recently suggest that its time for AEW to consider its alternatives.

Khans comments, however, indicate that even if AEW wanted to negotiate elsewhere, its not allowed to do so yet. And the son of Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan also reiterated that its his preference for his pro wrestling company to remain on WBD airwaves.

Theyve been such great partners to us, he said. When you look at the history of pro wrestling, theres so much utility, so much history and it just fits and feels right for there to be pro wrestling every week on TNT and TBS. And I want to make sure thats still a great American institution because I really believe in that and Im very proud we brought that back with AEW every week on TNT and TBS every week.

Of course, Khans feelings toward WBD arent totally benevolent, as he also knows that the media conglomerate is likely AEWs best suitor, both in terms of potential payment and exposure. Yet despite Khans insistence last month that their negotiations were in the red zone, they now appear to be in a holding pattern, as WBD currently has its hands full with other matters.

[Fightful]
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The Metropolitan Police is appealing for information about a missing woman as they grow increasingly concerned about her disappearance.

Deborah OConnell, 38, has not been seen since she left her home in New Cross, south-east London, on 15 July.

She left the property telling a family member who was visiting from Ireland that she had to go somewhere, but she did not specify where she was going.

She was later reported missing to the police on the evening of 17 July.

More than 10 days after she went missing, police are urgently calling for any information that might lead to her being found.

A statement from the force read: Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a woman who is missing from her home in New Cross.

Deborah OConnell, 38, was last seen at home on 15 July by a family member visiting from Ireland. She left the property saying that she had to go somewhere.

The Met added an investigation into her disappearance is ongoing.

Numerous tactics [are] being explored and a full trawl of available CCT [is] being undertaken, the statement continued.

Deborah has links to Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hayes, Lewisham and Ireland.

Anyone who may have seen Deborah is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 7804/17JUL24. For an immediate sighting, please dial 999.
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A senior US congressman has asked the new Labour government to rethink financial aid to Cuba due to concerns that the regime is supplying troops to Vladimir Putin to fight in Ukraine.

Republican congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, who represents the 26th district in Florida and is the son of Cuban exiles, told The Independent he has seen security documents showing a substantial number of Cubans have been sent to fight for Russia.

He wants the foreign secretary, David Lammy, to help change Britains policy and persuade EU allies to do the same.

Previous reports suggested 200 Cubans had been sent to fight in the Russian army but this figure is understood to have increased.

Vladimir Putin greets Cubas prime minister Manuel Marrero Cruz (centre) and Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, deputy chairman of Cubas council of ministers, to the Kremlin ( Sputnik )

Rep Diaz-Balart, whose aunt was Fidel Castros first wife, has appealed to Mr Lammy to rethink Britains involvement in the Paris Club, which has forgiven billions in debt to the communist regime now headed by Miguel Diaz-Canel.

The UK also gave more than 25m in development aid to Cuba between 2010 and 2022.

The UK and EU do not support US sanctions on the regime and have passed legislation to protect companies from those sanctions.

But Rep Diaz-Balart told The Independent that Cubas involvement in the war should be a game-changer, given that the UK, US and Nato allies are spending billions in military support to protect Ukraine.

He said: It is ludicrous. It is the concept of on one hand spending taxpayers money to try to defeat Putin in Ukraine, which I support. Then with the other hand, spending taxpayers money on a country which is helping Putin fight that war. When you forgive the debt or send aid its basically taxpayers money.

War damage in Ukraine ( Evgeniy Maloletka )

Rep Diaz-Balart went on: You [the UK and EU] are giving money to the strongest ally of Putin, including one that has actually sent weapons and has sent personnel to fight with Putin. It is the most irresponsible and also asinine policy ever.

He accused British and European countries of having a love affair with the Castro regime which he accused of being a state sponsor of terrorism.

He said he had seen the number of troops being sent but was unable to breach security protocols by revealing it. However, he added that the number of Cuban troops in Ukraine is substantial.

Rep Diaz-Balart noted that Cuba had a history of sending troops around the world as mercenaries to conflict zones including Angola.

He said young men in Cuba were often being misled into joining.

The Paris Club agreed in 2015 to forgive $8.5bn (6.6bn) out of $11.1bn (8.6bn) of the islands debt and interest payments through to 2020. On 9 June 2021, the Paris Club adjusted the islands payment schedule to extend the deadline for several payments which amount to at least $200m (156m). In this way, the regimes next annual debt payment was postponed until November 2022.

But critics have pointed out that the country still has an appalling human rights record as well as being an ally of Putin.

Recent concerns over human rights abuses include the more than 1,000 political prisoners on the island.

Added to that, at least 1,905 citizens have been detained since the first mass protests on 11 July 2021.

Most peaceful protesters have been sentenced from nine to 30 years in prison. At least 22 peaceful demonstrators are imprisoned in labour camps.

The regime will not allow either the UN special rapporteurs on human rights or an EU human rights delegation to travel to Cuba.

Rep Diaz-Balart claims that support for Cuba is mostly fuelled by anti-American feelings because of the embargo on the island since Fidel Castro seized power in 1959.
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Dame Priti Patel is promising 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.

The leadership pitch by the former home secretary is an overt attempt to stop the flow of Tory members defecting to Nigel Farages Reform UK and restore right-wing policies at the heart of her party.

Dame Priti has the 10 MPs needed to nominate her on Monday for the first round of the contest, which is set to take four months until 2 November.

Party members will be given a choice of a final two following the Tory conference in October.

Democratisation of the party will include allowing members to directly elect the chair, rather than leaving the appointment in the hands of the leader. Members will also get a much greater say on the party board.

Former home secretary Patel has the 10 MPs needed to nominate her for the first round of the leadership contest ( PA Wire )

The move will contrast heavily with Mr Farages Reform UK, which has been criticised for being a dictatorship where members have no say.

Reform is a company and Mr Farage is the majority owner. He has resisted attempts to democratise the party, and during the election made policy decisions in the middle of interviews.

Dame Priti, a leading right-wing Brexiteer, last year helped found the grassroots Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO) which has been calling for power to go back to ordinary members amid anger over the rift between the membership and MPs.

She believes that giving members a say will also help unite the party again after growing divisions and civil war left it unfit to fight a general election. Many members refused to go out and deliver leaflets or knock on doors, while others switched their vote to Reform or stayed at home.

Dame Priti said: It isnt our heroic members who failed, but politicians distraction from public service.

We must now turn our Conservative values into strong policies to bring about positive change for people across our country.

It is time to put unity before personal vendetta, country before party, and delivery before self-interest.

I have done this throughout my 30-plus years of service to our party, in both government and opposition. I can get us match-fit to win the next general election.

Reform UK leader and MP for Clacton Nigel Farage allows no democracy in his party ( PA Wire )

She will hope that by giving members a greater say it will allow the partys policies to move to the right and undermine the powerful centrist One Nation Group, on the left of the party, whose strength lies in controlling a majority of Tory MPs and Conservative campaign headquarters (CCHQ).

Ms Patel, who infamously danced with Mr Farage at the last Tory conference, has made no secret of her desire to put authentic Conservative values back into practice which she believes will help get the party back into government.

These include policies on health and social care, energy, security, community cohesion, immigration, education, childcare, and getting people on the housing ladder without developing on the green belt.

Supporters of Ms Patel have been claiming she would tear CCHQ down and rebuild it after failures on communications, research and, particularly, candidate selection were identified as key weaknesses ahead of the partys worst ever defeat in a general election on 4 July.

She will rely on her 30-year experience working for and representing the party, from the time she supported former leader William Hague through to her work in the Home Office and other departments.

Critics will go after Ms Patel over her involvement in creating the Rwanda deportation policy, allegations that she bullied civil servants, and over the way she was sacked by Theresa May for breaking ministerial rules on a trip to Israel.

Ms Patel will be up against fellow right-winger Robert Jenrick, as well as centrists James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat, who have all declared. She is also likely to face former business secretary Kemi Badenoch, with Suella Braverman hoping to enter the race. Former work and pensions secretary Mel Stride has declared his candidacy, claiming to be a unifying figure.
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Hungarys nationalist prime minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday that the European Union is sliding toward oblivion. It came in a rambling anti-Western speech in which he warned of a new, Asia-oriented world order, and expressed support for Donald Trumps presidential bid.

Europe has given up defending its own interests, Mr Orban said as he spoke in Baile Tusnad, a majority ethnic Hungarian town in central Romania. All Europe is doing today is following the USs pro-Democrat foreign policy unconditionally  even at the cost of self-destruction.

A change is coming that has not been seen for 500 years. What we are facing is in fact a world order change, he added, saying China, India, Pakistan and Indonesia were becoming the dominant centre of the world.

Mr Orban also alleged that the US was behind the 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines built to carry gas from Russia to Germany, calling it an act of terrorism carried out at the obvious direction of the Americans. He didn't offer any evidence to back up the claim.

The far-right leaders remarks come amid growing criticism from his European partners after he embarked on rogue peace mission trips to Moscow and Beijing earlier this month, aimed at brokering an end to Russias war in Ukraine. Mr Orban is widely considered to have the warmest relations with the Kremlin of all EU leaders.

On Ukraine, Mr Orban cast doubt on the war-torn country becoming either a member of NATO or the EU. We Europeans do not have the money for it. Ukraine will revert to the position of a buffer state, he said, adding that international security guarantees will be enshrined in an agreement between the US and Russia.

Throughout Russias full-scale war in Ukraine, Mr Orban has broken with other EU leaders by refusing to provide Kyiv with weapons to defend against Russian forces and has routinely delayed, watered down, or blocked efforts to send financial aid to Kyiv and impose sanctions on Moscow.

Mr Orban typically uses the annual Tusvanyos Summer University platform in Romania to indicate the ideological direction of his national government and to deride the standards of the EU bloc, which Hungary joined in 2004.

Hungary currently holds the EUs rotating presidency, during which Mr Orban has made a Trumpian vow to Make Europe Great Again and has openly endorsed Mr Trumps candidacy in this years US presidential election. Mr Orban has visited Mr Trump twice this year at the former presidents beachside compound in Mar-a-Lago.

Mr Orban said on Saturday that Mr Trumps bid for re-election aims to pull the American people back from a post-nationalist liberal state to a nation state and rehashed a slew of conservative tropes that Mr Trump is being penalised unfairly to hamper his electoral bid.

That is why they want to put him in prison. Thats why they want to take away his assets. And if that doesnt work, thats why they want to kill him, Mr Orban said, referring to an assassination attempt on Mr Trump at a Pennsylvania rally this month.

Mr Orbans remarks on Saturday arent the first time hes used the festival in Transylvania to stir controversy. In 2014, Mr Orban declared for the first time his intentions of building an illiberal state in Hungary, and in 2022, he sparked international outrage after he railed against Europe becoming a mixed race society. He doubled down on his long-held anti-immigration stance on Saturday, saying it is not an answer to his country's ageing population.

There can be no question of a shrinking population supplemented by migration, he said in his Saturday address. The Western experience is that if there are more guests than owners, then home is no longer home. This is a risk that should not be taken.

The EUs longest-serving leader, Mr Orban has become an icon to some conservative populists for his firm opposition to immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. He has also cracked down on the press and judiciary in Hungary and been accused by the EU of violating rule-of-law and democracy standards.

___

McGrath reported from Sighisoara, Romania.
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Kathy Kleiner Rubin was a 20-year-old Florida State University student when notorious serial killer Ted Bundy crept into her bedroom at the Chi Omega sorority house in 1978 and smashed her face in with a slab of wood.

Decades later, the smell of oak takes her right back to the life-changing attack. She still remembers the excruciating pain as the log made contact with her face, shattering her jaw, ripping her cheek open and nearly severing her tongue in half.

Down the hall, Bundy had already violently murdered two of her sorority sisters, 21-year-old Margaret Bowman, and 20-year-old Lisa Levy.

But Kathy lived. Shes one of only a few victims to survive Bundys murderous rampage in the 1970s  although for years the Florida native never spoke about the attack.

Kathy Kleiner Rubin was a 20-year-old Florida State University student when notorious serial killerTed Bundy crept into her bedroom at the Chi Omega sorority house in 1978 and bashed her head in with an oak log ( Provided by Kathy Kleiner Rubin )

Nearly dying at the hands of one of the most infamous serial killers was just one difficult moment during Kathys life. She also battled childhood Lupus, breast cancer, miscarriages and a bank robbery.

I face things. Even though its hard you gotta decide, is it going to get you or are you going to get it? she said in an interview with The Independent. Cant move forward until you make that decision.

In 2019, she ended her public silence and shared her story of escaping Bundy with Rolling Stone. Since then, Kathy has spoken at universities and true crime conventions.

She published her memoir, A Light in the Dark: Surviving More Than Ted Bundy, which details the attack and her life challenges.

The Florida native published her memoir in 2023 in which she details the attack ( Provided by Kathy Kleiner Rubin )

Kathy shared with The Independent how she overcame the many obstacles in her life.

The Attack

Bundy escaped from jail in Colorado, where hed been awaiting trial for kidnapping and murder, and fled to Tallahassee, Florida in 1977.

On January 15, 1979, Bundy followed a group of Florida State University sorority sisters as they walked home to the Chi Omega house from a bar. He hid in the bushes, later slipping into the house because of a broken lock.

First, he beat Margaret Elizabeth Bowman with a piece of wood as she slept, and choked her to death with a nylon stocking, police said.

Bundy then went into the room of Lisa Janet Levy, where he beat her unconscious and strangled her to death. Bundy also bit her, and sexually assaulted her with a hairspray bottle.

The Chi Omega pledges in 1976 -- two years before Ted Bundy snuck into their sorority house at FSU and killed two of the sorority sisters ( Provided by Kathy Kleiner Rubin )

He then crept into the room of Kathy and her roommate Karen Chandler.

That night, I heard the door swish open against the carpet and I woke up, Kathy recalled.

I heard this loud noise of someone kicking the foot locker we had between our beds. I open my eyes but the room is so dark and all I see is a silhouette of someone standing right next to my bed, she said. He raised his arm up over my head, and he had something in his hand, and it turned out to be a log, an oak log from outside.

She continued: He hit me so hard on my face that at first it didnt hurt. It was like just a thud. Then within seconds, the pain was excruciating.

A Light in the Darkness

Bundy then turned his attention to Kathys roommate and began beating her with the same log.

I was moaning and groaning and I thought I was yelling and screaming for help but all I was doing was making gurgling sounds from all the blood in my mouth, Kathy said.

He came back over to my side of the room so I tucked myself into the smallest ball. I thought if he didnt see me, he wouldnt kill me.

He looked at me. He raised his arm up over his head, but just as he was about to hit me again, a bright light shone through our window, she said, explaining that the window faced the back parking lot and they always kept their curtains open.

He got real antsy and started moving around. Then he ran out of the room, she said.

It turned out the light was from a car that pulled into the parking lot that was dropping off one of her sorority sisters after a date. Both Kathy and her roommate survived the attack.

Because of that light, he left the house and he didnt get to go down that hall and kill more women, she said. That light saved my life.

Road to Recovery

I woke up and a police officer was standing at the head of my bed looking at me, she said. I touched my face and it was warm with blood. I was in excruciating pain  it felt like daggers and knives. But he just told me its going to be OK.

Her jaw, which had been broken in three places, was hanging on by just one joint. Her cheek had been slit open, her chin was shattered and she had nearly bit off nearly half of her tongue.

It wasnt until later that Kathy learned that two of her sorority sisters had been killed.

Lisa Levy, 20, (left) and Margaret Bowman, 21, (right) were beatened to death at Florida State University in Tallahassee ( Florida Sheriffs Association )

After Kathy was released from the hospital in Tallahassee, she went back to her parents house in Miami  to recover physically, but also mentally.

I was mad. I was mad that this whole thing happened, she said. I was mad I had to leave the sorority house. And then I was sad. I was sad that all my friends were there and then I couldnt see them anymore. And then I was depressed because it wasnt right. It wasnt my fault. I didnt do anything. So with all these emotions in my head, I had to get better. I knew I wasnt gonna live like this with all those feelings bundled up inside of me.

Kathy was never offered therapy  and didnt consider it.

It wasnt really a thing at that time, she said. So I had to figure out my own ways of coping.

Kathy faced a slew of obstacles throughout the years after being attacked by Ted Bundy at her sorority ( Provided by Kathy Kleiner Rubin )

Face to face with her killer

Kathy found herself pulled back into Bundys world when she had to face him in court.

Bundy went to trial in June 1979. It was the first-ever trial to be televised nationally  just months after the Florida Supreme Court ruled to allow cameras in court.

On the day Kathy testified, she wore the reddest dress I could find in my closet, sat down in the witness box and told her story.

I went to the witness box, was sworn in and looked around and saw Bundy sitting at the defense table. He was not upset or anything. This was just a waste of time for him because he thought he was going to be acquitted, she said. But he didnt scare me. When I looked at him, I felt strength because I was in a good place. I knew he was going to go down.

On July 24, 1979, Bundy was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of the two students, as well as the attempted murders of Chandler, Kleiner, and Thomas.

Bundy confessed to murdering 30 women in seven states in the 1970s.

He spent nearly a decade in Florida State Prison before he was executed in the electric chair on January 24, 1989.

Brushes with death

Kathy has faced more obstacles in her lifetime than most.

She was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 13. Her months-long hospital stays led to her fear of hospitals, which only escalated after her friends were murdered.

A lot of the time it felt like one step forward, two back.

She tried to conquer her new fear of men after the Bundy attack. So she got a job at a lumberyard to ensure she would be surrounded by them.

I went in, and I saw as many men as I could, she said. But then I smelled the oak of the lumberyard, and that was the smell I remembered that night.

Kathy then took a job as a bank teller. But once again, she came face-to-face with death when a gunman tried to rob her at gunpoint.

I started to get the money in slow motion and thought, do I give ones or twenties? They dont teach us this is teller school.

Kathy, her husband Scott and son Michael ( Provided by Kathy Kleiner Rubin )

Kathy wed within six months of the attack, but that first marriage ended in divorce. After years of trying to have a baby, she suffered through two miscarriages. Her adult son Michael now has children of his own.

She had to face her fear of hospitals once again when she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at 34. To overcome her fear, she got a job at a hospital.

But I did it, she said. Ive been working in hospitals for 18 years.

It was just something else I had to overcome, she added. And it was all for the better.

Shining a light on the victims

Kathy wanted to give Bundys victims a voice. With the help of her co-author Emilie Lucchesi, her book tells the story of the women who were killed.

She hopes her story will help others get through their own obstacles  and steer the focus away from Bundy who has been portrayed as a charming law student.

His victims may be mentioned in the books and movies about him, she said, adding that she has read and seen every one. But its like one paragraph  its just everyones name separated with a comma  and that hurt me so much because I knew they had a life and they had things to look forward to, and it wasnt fair that people didnt know that. It was important for me to explain who they were  to tell their hopes and dreams.

As this week marks the 45th anniversary of Bundys conviction, she says its important more than ever to shine a light on the victims and the survivors.

Kathy, who is now retired and lives in south Florida with her husband, says life is good for her ( Provided by thy Kleiner Rubin )

I wanted to share this with the world, because it helped me heal, she said.

Thats why Im telling my story now. People need to know they can go through more than they think.

Now retired and living in South Florida with her husband, she spends her time sailing, camping and loving on her grandchildren, who live nearby.

We go sailing and camping and moving forward and I look forward to living life each day, she said. Right now life is good for me. Im happy.
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A 23-year-old man faces a murder charge after police found his 82-year-old neighbor dead.

Darren Martell was charged on Thursday with aggravated murder in connection to the killing of Roberta Martin, according to NECN . Martell had been living next door to the victim in Enosburgh, Vermont.

Family reported Martin missing on July 17 after they went to her home to check on her, and she was not there.

Vermont State Police said Sunday that troopers found human remains in the woods near Martins home. An autopsy confirmed they were the 82-year-old woman, according to the report.

Police have yet to detail how the woman died.

Roberta Martin was found dead in the woods near her Vermont home. Now, Darren Martell has been charged in connection to her killing. ( Vermont State Police )

Authorities believe Martell broke into Martins residence and sexually assaulted the victim before killing her. ( Vermont State Police )

According to the Saint Albans Messenger , authorities believe Martell broke into Martins residence and sexually assaulted the victim before killing her.

When her family arrived at the home, they found the air conditioning pulled out from the window and still running.

Martell was charged on Thursday while being held in jail. He had been in custody since Monday when he was arrested on a charge of lewd and lascivious conduct after police reportedly found him touching himself along the edge of a walking path near a school, according to NECN.

If convicted, Martell faces life in prison.
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The son and daughter-in-law of a disgraced Texas megachurch pastor who departed in shame last month over allegations of sexually abusing a pre-teee have also stepped down from their leadership positions at the congregation.

James and Bridgette Morris, the executive senior pastor and executive pastor of ministry experience, communication, and womens ministry at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, met this week with church elders and, after having been diligent in prayer about the situation, collectively made the decision to resign, according to a statement issued by Gateway officials late Thursday.

We as Elders affirm and believe that God has placed a desire in both Pastors James and Bridgettes hearts to serve as senior pastors of a church at some point in the future, the statement said.

Pastor Robert Morris, who founded the 100,000-strong congregation nearly a quarter-century ago and also served as a religious adviser for former president Donald Trump, resigned on June 18, after an Oklahoma woman accused him of having lured her into a five-year sexual relationship beginning when she was just 12-years-old and Morris, now 62, was in his early 20s.

The abuse began on Dec. 25, 1982, when Morris was evangelizing across the nation as a traveling preacher, Cindy Clemishire, now 54, revealed in bombshell allegations published June 14 on a Christian watchdog blog.

Pastor Robert Morris, who founded the 100,000-strong congregation nearly a quarter-century ago and also served as a religious adviser for former president Donald Trump, resigned on June 18, after an Oklahoma woman accused him of having lured her into a five-year sexual relationship beginning when she was just 12-years-old ( WFAA / YouTube )

Morris admitted to the congregation that he had been involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady, but did not specify that the lady was, in fact, a little girl.

In 2007, Clemishire hired a lawyer and threatened to sue Morris over what she said he had done to her 25 years earlier. Morris lawyer responded by blaming Clemishire for having been the one to initiate the abuse, as a child, by being flirtatious.

According to Clemishire, she was still wearing pink pajamas to bed and playing with Barbie dolls at the time of the alleged abuse. Morris, who had become friendly with Clemishires parents, and his family were staying at their home while he put on a youth revival event in town.

On Christmas, Morris asked Clemishire to visit him in his room that night. There, according to Clemishire, he molested her for the first time.

The abuse would continue until March 1987, according to Clemishire. Her father continued to donate to Morris ministry throughout, unaware of what the trusted family friend was doing to his daughter. When he finally learned what had been happening, Clemishires dad reported it to church elders, and Morris stepped down for two years before returning to the pulpit.

Morris later founded Gateway Church in 2000, and grew it into one of the largest evangelical churches in the country. The church said on social media earlier this week that the board of elders had a few important updates they will be sharing during services this weekend.
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A 75-year-old man was killed in a bee attack as he was bulldozing trees on his property in Texas.

The beehive was in one of the trees Bryce Smith was clearing at his home in Bedias, about 80 miles from Houston, when the attack occurred. KBTX reported that Smith was stung more than 60 times on his face and neck.

Someone brought the man inside his home and called 911. First responders declared him dead at the scene.

The Bedias community lost a very, very good individual yesterday, a very good man, said Grimes County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Judge Chris Acord. He was a wonderful husband, great dad, great grandfather to his kids. He was very well respected.

Bryce Smith, 75, died after being stung to death by bees at his home in Bedias ( KBTX )

The judge advised the community to remain vigilant as bee hives are common in the area.

The severity of what happened and how this could happen to anybody and we dont think about these things, said Acord.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research Honeybee Scientist, Juliana Rangel, told the outlet that the bees that attacked Smith were likely Africanized honey bees.

Africanized bees are a little bit more prone to feeling threatened by any external stimuli than more often than not, European bees, said Rangel.

Between 2011 and 2021, a total of 788 deaths took place from hornet, wasp, and bee stings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Texas officials are vowing to continue busing and flying migrants to liberal cities like Chicago in protest of Biden border policies, and that has officials in the Windy City preparing for an influx of up to 25,000 migrants during the Democratic National Convention next month.

"Until President Biden and Border Czar Harris step up and do their jobs to secure the border, Texas will continue busing migrants to sanctuary cities across the country like Chicago to provide much-needed relief to our overwhelmed border towns," a spokesperson for Texas governor Greg Abbott told the San Antonio Current on Friday.

At the Republican National Convention earlier this month, Abbott hammered the Biden administration for its border policies.

"When Joe Biden and Kamala Harris refused to even come to Texas and to see the border crisis that they created, I took the border to them," Abbott said. "I began busing illegal immigrants to Washington, D.C., and weve continued busing migrants to sanctuary cities across the entire country, he told the crowd. Those buses will continue to roll until we finally secure our border."

Chicago officials believe these threats could translate into between 20,000 and 25,000 migrants arriving during the DNC, set to take place between August 19 and 22, Chicagos deputy mayor for immigration Beatriz Ponce de Leon told Axios.

"It depends on how many people are crossing the border, she added. Right now there is a slowdown because of the [Biden] executive order that puts limits on how many people can cross and ask for asylum, but that is being challenged in court."

The Chicago official said theyre keeping 5,000 city shelter beds open in preparation and could activate even more if need be.

At the end of 2023, the city was taking in about 2,000 migrants a week, at a cost of about $1.5m a day.

Abbott began busing migrants to liberal cities in April of 2022, arguing it was a way to shift "the burdens imposed by open-border advocates.

Since then, the state has transported over 100,000 people to cities like New York, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., at a cost to the state of over $148m as of January.

Chicago officials have accused the program of employing drivers who dont follow city rules on dropping off passengers and failing to coordinate with the mayors office.

"Its so disturbing that [Abbott] is unwilling to coordinate with mayors," Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson said last month. "If the governor of Texas decides to continue on his diabolical rage, there are limitations to what we are able to do as a city  I wish he had a heart. I dont know. Maybe he needs a visit to the Wizard of Oz."
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Donald Trump has been seen in public without a bandage on his right ear for the first time following the assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13.

The former president was seen bandage-free for his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday. The FBI confirmed on Friday that Trump was hit by a bullet in the ear during the shooting.

Trump was first seen in public after the assassination attempt at the Republican National Convention, where he donned a large white, square ear bandage. Supporters quickly began wearing similar bandages to show their support for the former president.

Trump at the RNC with his VP pick JD Vance ( AP )

After the convention, Trump began wearing a much smaller, skin-colored bandage.

Photos from the meeting on Friday show the former president sitting across from Netanyahu. At one point, Trump pointed out where he was shot to the Israeli prime minister.

The images from the meeting appear to show the former presidents ear without major injuries or scarring.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Friday, July 26, 2024, in Palm Beach ( AP )

Trump slammed Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, for her insisting that Israel should avoid civilian casualties and allow Palestinians access to humanitarian aid as he met with Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago.

The former president called her comments disrespectful and he claimed that a world war would break out in the Middle East if he doesnt win the election in the fall.

If we win, itll be very simple. Its all going to work out, and very quickly. If we dont, youre going to end up with major wars in the Middle East, and maybe a third world war, he claimed.

Trump was also seen without an ear bandage as he spoke at The Believers Summit 2024, a Turning Point Action event, in West Palm Beach on Friday night.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump attends Turning Point Action's The Believers Summit 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., July 26, 2024 ( REUTERS )

The ex-president told the audience of Christians that they wont have to vote again after this election, saying well have it fixed so good.

You wont have to do it anymore, four more years, you know what? Itll be fixed, itll be fine. You wont have to vote anymore, Trump said. Youve got to get out and vote. In four years, you dont have to vote again. Well have it fixed so good, youre not going to have to vote.
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony featured several moments that sparked political debate. Photo Credit: Scott Bryan

The Olympics are supposed to be a time when politics and division give way to unity and the spirit of competition.

Yet politics always seem to make an unwelcome appearance and that happened several times during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

The political talk began in unexpected fashion after a bizarre sequence in the opening ceremony showed a beheaded Marie Antoinette figure, holding her head, singing.

headless marie antoinette opening ceremony is metal af pic.twitter.com/oLZI76DID8  Kimmi Kill Zombie (@kimmikillzombie) July 26, 2024



The famous queens 1793 execution in the French Revolution helped shape modern political history, and many social media users argued about what that means today.

The French using their global spotlight to send a political message to right wing anti democracy factions everywhere is 10/10 fucking perfect no notes. https://t.co/awmEe1ahMj  Erin Belieu (@erinbelieu) July 26, 2024

Celebrating the murder of a woman by an authoritarian state is a yikes.  Sam Grant (@BryanMillsFist) July 26, 2024

Telling a story =/= celebrating. And the state became authoritarian but the sentiment around her murder is basically what Americans proclaim to be, a check on power and greed. The French did what Americans promise they will do every year but eventually cower  Jay (@lnjard) July 26, 2024



The ceremony also featured a drag queen parody of the Last Supper that sparked comment.

To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation. #notinmyname A tous les chretiens du monde pic.twitter.com/GusP2TR63u  Marion Marechal (@MarionMarechal) July 26, 2024

I am not religious but this is just the continuation of the total destruction of France/ Europe The West we are doomed. https://t.co/MPI92e9oAJ  Voltaire1970 (@AsgaardSharon) July 26, 2024

To all Christians in the world . It is time to revolt. French government is insulting your religion. How long are you going to stay silent against these haters of your god? Wake up !!! . #Paris2024 #paris2024olympics #Paris #Macronie #Macron #ChristianVALUES #France https://t.co/1pNmILGaw8  EYM29200 (@EYM29200) July 26, 2024



Who knew the French Revolution and the Last Supper could spark such animated political debate in 2024? NBC announcer Mike Tirico also raised the ire of some fans with his introduction of the athletes from Iran.

It makes me nervous when Mike Tirico threatens to talk about geopolitics. You can imagine why Iran and Iraq arent sharing the same boat. I can imagine, Mike. Lets move on.  Lon Harris (@Lons) July 26, 2024

So Im watching the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games and I cant help but to call out Mike Tirico. Sir, The American Audience is fully aware about how our diplomatic relations with Iran are in regards to the current situation in the Middle East. The same goes with Israel.  Jesus Farias  (@RealJesusFarias) July 26, 2024

wow, Mike Tirico, did the State Dept write that Iran blurb? nothing on the actual athletes? or Iraq?  Drew Lawrence  (@by_drew) July 26, 2024

Tirico also got called out for the way in which he introduced the Israeli and Palestinian athletes.

On the NBC TV telecast in the USA, lead commentator Mike Tirico mentioned Israel and Hamas when Team Israel aired on TV, but when Team Palestine aired, he didnt mention either Israel or Hamas, only conflict in the region. He did give info about each teams Olympic committee. https://t.co/i566EKNDHo  Sid Mehta (@_sidmehta) July 26, 2024



Prediction: This wont be the last time politics becomes a hot topic in the Paris Olympics.
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Some Republicans are openly having second thoughts about former President Donald Trumps choice of running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

The senator has received negative attention after old clips resurfaced of him calling some Democrats, including Vice President and presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, childless cat ladies and arguing that people with children should have more influence over the future of the country than those without children. The vice president has two stepchildren.

Harris, who would be the first Black South Asian woman president, has seen massive influxes in fundraising since President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race and threw his support to her. Over the weekend, her campaign announced that theyd raised $200 million over the seven days since Bidens exit, with the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue crediting her with driving multiple broken fundraising records during her first week atop the Democratic ticket.

She also secured enough delegates to claim the nomination at the Democratic National Convention next month within days, averting what could have been a messy fight when the party returns to Chicago for the first time since the tumultuous 1968 convention after then-president Lyndon Johnson withdrew from that years race.

The Trump campaign picked Vance just days before Biden revealed his exit, at a time when Trump was riding high after surviving an assassination attempt. But now, GOP influencers and prominent party figures are wondering if the ex-president made the right call.

Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator, recently said on his show, If you had a time machine, if you go back two weeks, would [Trump] have picked JD Vance again? I doubt it.

I think he probably would have picked someone like [Governor] Glenn Youngkin from Virginia in an attempt to broaden out his base, he added.

There was clearly zero vetting of JD Vance. Clearly a vibes pick by an overconfident Trump that is proving to be a disaster, former Trump White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah Griffin wrote on X after The New York Times revealed that Vance wrote I hate the police in an email after the killing of 18-year-old Black man Michael Brown by a white officer in October 2014.

Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) holds a campaign rally at Radford University on July 22, 2024 in Radford, Virginia ( Getty Images )

Given the number of negative experiences Ive had in the past few years, I cant imagine what a Black guy goes through, he added at the time.

Wisconsin Republican strategist Bill McCosten told Politico that Of the people that were mentioned as finalists, he had the most risk, because he had never been vetted nationally.

He added, Doug Burgum ran for president, he had been vetted, mostly. Marco Rubio has run for president, he had been vetted. JD Vance hadnt. So there was risk in the pick. And were going to see over the next 102 days how he stands up to the bright lights of a national campaign.

A member of the House Republican caucus anonymously told the outlet: Find me one publicly elected official in the Senate who is pushing JD Vance other than [Utah Republican Senator] Mike Lee. Ill wait.

This week, an NPR/PBS News/Marist College poll found that 28 per cent of registered voters hold a favorable view of Vance and that 31 per cent have an unfavorable view  41 per cent were either unsure or havent heard of him.

A Pennsylvania Republican strategist, Joshua Novotney, told Politico that Vance was not chosen to get a leg-up in some area, he was chosen as someone who Trump trusted and wanted to serve with.

Appearing on Fox & Friends on Thursday morning, Trump was asked if he was still 100 per cent behind JD 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 previously 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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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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At one point on Thursday, the Kamala Harris campaign was raising $20,000 per minute, campaigners have said.

The campaign for the vice president was hosting a Zoom call for white women to answer the call and show up for Kamala Harris.

Were raising $20,000 per minute  the system wasnt built for this. If you cant make your donation, keep trying, Shannon Watts, founder of the anti-gun violence group Mom Demands Action, wrote on X on Thursday morning.

Watts added that there were more than 100,000 participants and that at least $2m was raised during the fundraising effort.

The Harris campaign expected to bring in another $1.4m during a fundraiser in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on Saturday. The event, with about 800 attendees at the Colonial Theatre, was the largest event held in the Berkshires since then-First Lady Michelle Obama visited in 2012.

Her remarks at the fundraiser lasted roughly 18 minutes.

Describing her past as a prosecutor, she said: In those roles, I took on perpetrators of all kinds. Predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain. So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trumps type.

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at a campaign event in Pittsfield, Mass., Saturday, July 27, 2024 ( AP )

The Harris campaign is targeting women voters, a group former President Donald Trump has struggled with in past elections. In 2016, Trump won 39 per cent of women, losing the group by 15 points to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In 2020, he garnered 44 per cent of the womens vote, losing by 11 points to President Joe Biden, Newsweek noted.

According to a New York Times/Siena College poll conducted between July 22 and 24, Harris leads Trump among women by 14 points  55 to 41 per cent.

This comes as Trumps running mate Ohio Senator JD Vance is facing increasing scrutiny for his past comments about women.

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.

During an appearance on Fox News in July 2021, 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.

In a statement to Newsweek, spokesperson Taylor Van Kirk said: Once again, the left-wing media have twisted Senator Vances words and spun up a false narrative about his position on the issues. The Democrats are in complete disarray with the most unpopular vice president in history as their partys nominee.

She added: The only childlessness we should be talking about is the childless parents who lost their kids to the murderous thugs and deadly fentanyl coming across Kamalas southern border.
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During a speech on Friday in Florida, Donald Trump addressed the ongoing mini-scandal over whether he was struck with a bullet to the ear at a recent Pennsylvania rally.

The FBI on Friday confirmed an assassin shot Trump in the ear earlier this month after the agencys director suggested earlier this week the wound mightve come from shrapnel.

We accept their apology, Trump said, to jeers from the crowd at the Turning Point Believers Summit in West Palm Beach, Florida.

It just never ends with these people, Trump said elsewhere in the speech. They raid Mar-a-Lago. They do things, so bad, so bad.

Elsewhere in the speech, Trump lashed out at the Democratic party and Kamala Harris.

On the subject of Joe Biden bowing out of the 2024 presidential race, Trump described the process as a coup led by fascists within the Democratic party.

I hate to stick up for Biden, but he didnt want to do what he did, Trump said.

The former president reserved his most scathing remarks, however, for vice-president Kamala Harris, who will likely replace Biden on the Democratic ticket for 2024.

Trump called Harris a bum and mocked her name, saying, I couldnt care less if I mispronounce it.

Trump also took issue with her policies, arguing Harris would bring crazy San Francisco liberal values to America and branded her the most incompetent, unpopular, and far-left vice-president in American history.

Given the religious audience he was speaking in front of, Trump also spent considerable time discussing his administrations relations with Israel.

Trump claimed, Ive done more for Israel by far, than any other president, pointing to the Abraham Accords and the Trump administrations controversial decision to move the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

The former president, moving to the present, made a series of inflammatory claims about Harriss views on Jewish people.

She doesnt like Jewish people, Trump said. She doesnt like Israel. Thats the way it is.

Harriss husband is Jewish and she is part of an administration that has supplied Israel with billions of dollars in military aid in its war with Hamas.

Trump, however, claimed Harris was really pandering to the jihad sympathizers and stabbed Israel in the back in its greatest hour of need, by not attending a recent controversial address from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to Congress.

On Thursday, Harris 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.

Harris, who met with Netanyahu in Washington added that she told Netanyahu 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.
 Close Trump kisses female genius behind life-saving chart in first rally in Pennsylvania since shooting

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Donald Trump is back on the campaign trail having returned to Pennsylvania for his first campaign rally in the swing state since he came within inches of being killed by a would-be assassins bullet on July 13.

The former president and Republican nominee spoke in Harrisburg, just hours after a confrontational interview with the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago.

During the interview, Trump insulted his presumptive 2024 Democratic Party opponent, Kamala Harris, and falsely accused her of lying about her race  stating that she recently became Black. Harris, who is biracial, is Black and Indian-American.

At the evening rally, Trump remained largely tied to his prepared remarks and attacked Harris for supposedly wanting to destroy Pennsylvanias economy.

His next big campaign event will be a joint appearance with his vice presidential pick, JD Vance. That will take place in Atlanta on Saturday, at the same venue Harris held a barnstorming first rally of her campaign earlier in the week.

We are temporarily pausing our Trump campaign blog.

Please join us in our main US election 2024 blog for full coverage of both campaigns as the race to the White House gathers pace.
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Israeli airstrikes have hit a school in Gaza where dozens of displaced people were taking shelter with at least 30 people pronounced dead, the Gaza health ministry has said.

Eight women and 15 children are among those killed after a strike hit a girls school in Deir Al-Balah, with those injured taken to Al Aqsa Hospital. People have been seen searching the rubble for further victims, with more than 100 wounded.

Israels military said that it had targeted a Hamas command and control centre which was being used to store weapons and plan attacks. A statement added that it had warned civilians before the strike.

It comes a day before officials from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel are scheduled to meet in Italy for talks about hostages and a possible ceasefire.

Palestinians leave the school after an airstrike killed at least 30 people ( Reuters )

Pictures show classrooms in ruins, while civilians and emergency workers gather the remains of those who were killed.

Um Hasan Ali, a displaced woman living at the school, said it had only been a couple of months since she had returned to Gaza from Egypt with her daughter who had been taken there for medical treatment, and now her daughter had been wounded in the strike and taken to hospital.

Gazas health ministry said that at least 11 people had been killed in other strikes on Saturday across the besieged enclave.

Earlier, Israels military ordered the evacuation of part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Younis on Saturday.

The evacuation order was in response to rocket fire that Israel said originated from the area.

The military said it was planning an operation against Hamas militants in the city, including parts of Muwasi, the crowded tent camp in an area where Israel has told thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge throughout the war.

People have been searching through the rubble for more victims ( Reuters )

It was the second evacuation order issued in a week for the humanitarian zone that lacks sanitation, aid and medical facilities.

Israel expanded the zone in May to take in people fleeing Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population at the time had gathered.

According to Israeli estimates, about 1.8 million Palestinians are currently sheltering there after being uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israels punishing air and ground campaign. In November, the military said the area could still be struck and that it was not a safe zone, but it is a safer place than any other in Gaza.

Further north, Palestinians mourned the deaths of seven killed by Israeli airstrikes overnight on Zawaida, in central Gaza.

Smoke rises during an Israeli strikeon Deir Al-Balah ( Reuters )

Members of two families  parents and their two children as well as a mother and her two children  were wrapped in traditional Islamic white burial shrouds as community members gathered to perform funeral rights.

As men lined up to pray in front of the bodies, weeping friends and neighbours approached individually to pay their final respects.

On Sunday, officials from four countries are due to meet to discuss the situation in Gaza as 115 Israeli hostages continue to be held by Hamas.

CIA director Bill Burns is expected to meet Qatari prime minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, Mossad director David Barnea and Egyptian spy chief Abbas Kamel, according to officials from the US and Egypt who spoke on condition of anonymity.
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Nearly 182,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee Khan Younis due to Israeli bombardment since Monday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said.

Hundreds of people are trapped as the Israeli military has intensified hostilities in the southern Gaza region, sparking a new wave of internal displacement, the UN agency said, according to AFP.

Palestinian authorities said Israeli attacks killed at least 14 people in Khan Younis since dawn on Saturday.

At least 12 Palestinians were also killed in an Israeli strike on a school housing displaced Palestinians in the Deir Al-Balah area of central Gaza, the local civil defence said.

The Israeli military on Saturday again ordered Palestinians to leave southern Khan Younis, which it had earlier designated as a humanitarian zone, so it could forcefully operate against Hamas fighters who were allegedly firing rockets from there.

It was the second evacuation order issued in a week in an area designated for Palestinians fleeing Israels air and ground offensive in Gaza. Many of these displaced civilians have been uprooted more than once as Israel has expanded its war across the territory.

Khan Younis is part of a 60sqkm humanitarian zone to which Israel has been ordering Palestinians to escape throughout the ongoing war. The area is blanketed with tent camps that lack basic facilities like sanitation and medical aid, UN and humanitarian groups say.

The Israeli military on Friday claimed to have battled Palestinian fighters and destroyed tunnels in the area.

The fighting, nine months into Israels invasion of Gaza, underlines the difficulty the military faces in putting down continued resistance from Hamas.

Israels latest war on Gaza has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry. It has also displaced nearly 90 per cent of the territorys 2.2 million population, according to the main UN agency for Palestinian refugees Unrwa.

The offensive came after Hamas attacked southern Israel last October, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage.

The Israeli military claimed on Saturday that its calls to evacuate were relayed to the displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis via several mediums in order to mitigate danger to civilians.

UN and humanitarian agencies accuse Israel of using disproportionate force, which it denies.

Israel accused Hamas of putting civilians in harms way by operating from densely populated neighbourhoods, an allegation the group denies.

Additional reporting by agencies.
The UK is not immune from the rise in nationalism and populism on the continent, Keir Starmer told The New Statesmans summer party on Monday.

Do not think for a minute that that could never happen here, he said. It could  and it might, if we fail in our project of delivering change, and our project of being a government of service ... that restores faith in the idea that politics can be a force of change.

Although Labour intended before the election to be tough on crime and immigration once in government, Nigel Farages success on 4 July has reinforced that desire in spades. Reform UK has spooked Labour by coming second behind it in 89 seats, sparking fears that Farage could attract voters who are disillusioned with politics in general and with the Labour government in particular.

Yet theres a danger that Labour does not pay enough attention to the equally serious threat it faces from the left  the Greens and independents, including pro-Palestine campaigners. Labour does not usually have enemies to its left, but will have to get used to it.

During the election, Labour was alive to the threat from the Greens, and feared that Thangam Debbonaire, then the shadow culture secretary, would lose to them in Bristol Central. But Labour was blindsided by the pro-Palestine campaigners. When Wes Streeting expressed concern that he might be under threat from one in Ilford North, Labour officials diagnosed a bout of candidates nerves  but Streeting was right: his 5,218 majority was cut to just 528, and Jonathan Ashworth unexpectedly lost in Leicester South to another such opponent.

Labour has acknowledged the Farage question, but said less about left-wing populism. This worries some wise Labour heads. Andrew Harrop, outgoing general secretary of the Labour-affiliated Fabian Society, said that at the next election, Labour will be vulnerable to voters deserting to the Greens or Liberal Democrats, not just the Conservatives. He added: Keir Starmer will need to prove himself to voters concerned by global conflict, environmentalism and social justice  not just those who swing between Labour and the Conservatives.

Although the two-child benefit cap will surely be scrapped eventually, there will be many similar demands  and even after Labour raises taxes in the autumn, the government will not have the money to satisfy its left-wing critics. I think Starmer was right to suspend the seven MPs who defied the government over the two-child limit. But it could compound his problem on the left.

Before the election, Starmer allies expected a band of left-wing MPs to rebel, lose the whip and hook up with Jeremy Corbyn  but were relaxed about the prospect. Even with a massive majority, they cannot afford to be so relaxed now. Corbyn  who retained his Islington North seat after being dumped by Labour  and the other four independents have already written to the seven Labour rebels. There are even rumours about a new hard-left party, perhaps built on Corbyns new peace and justice project, which might also attract the support of some left-wing trade unions.

Before the general election, it seemed unlikely that such a party would prosper under our archaic first-past-the-post system, but the volatility that swept away the Tories could do the same to Labour next time, if it fails to deliver. It would be a mistake for Labour to regard this years contest as a Gaza election; the independents did and will campaign on other issues.

The threat to the Conservatives from their right flank is more obvious, and Farage will cast a shadow over their leadership election. But the Tories lost almost as many of their 2019 votes to Labour and the Lib Dems (a total of 17 per cent) as they did to Reform (25 per cent)  and many more seats.

Yet leadership contenders pander to right-wing grassroots members. Tom Tugendhat, the One Nation candidate, has threatened to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, a body he used to defend. A lurch to the right risks alienating the centrist voters the Tories need to win back. Policy positions that will win votes in the leadership election  such as favouring withdrawal from the Convention, and opposing net zero, wokery, and closer links with the EU  will not win over enough centrist voters at a general election.

Even if the Tories won back all the supporters who defected to Reform this month, uniting the right would not necessarily yield electoral dividends. Only three in 10 Tory voters said they might vote for Reform, with more prepared to switch to parties to the left, according to More in Common.

Nor can the Tories assume that the tactical voting against them this month was a one-off. Veering to the right will encourage it. Starmer will try to hug the Lib Dems close, and his non-aggression pact with Ed Davey seems to be holding, even though Labour is in power.

To win the next election, both Labour and the Tories will need to learn to look left as well as right.
A school and home for vulnerable children in the UK that is operated by a firm of which businessman Denis Brosnans son Paul is director and CEO is facing claims that staff physically restrained pupils with excessive force.

Wings School, operated by Kedleston (Wings Education) Limited, in Cumbria, was closed by its owner following consultations with Ofsted, which inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people.

The regulator carried out an inspection in May, finding the school inadequate, and then carried out a follow-up monitoring visit last month when it noted further concerns.

According to Companies House records in the UK, Paul Brosnan is the chief executive of Kedleston Group and is listed as a director of Kedleston (Wings Education) Limited alongside Tony Hurran. They founded Kedleston Group in 2006, an operator of schools and homes across England for autistic children and those with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Pauls father, Denis Brosnan, was previously a director of Kedleston (Wings Education) Limited but resigned in late 2020. He is a director of Kedleston Group.

It is not known what knowledge Paul or Denis Brosnan had, if any, of the conditions at Wings School. The Irish Independent made efforts to contact Denis Brosnan but did not receive a response.

In May, Ofsted found that children at Wings School had suffered harm due to serious and widespread safeguarding failures and that the leadership and management arrangements at the school were ineffective, according to a report by the regulator.

The June visit was to monitor what efforts Wings School had made since the May inspection. Ofsted found it was unable to demonstrate sufficient action to meet the steps in the compliance notices. Its report said further safeguarding concerns had been identified.

Some children say that staff use physical restraint as a form of discipline and compliance, the report said. They say excessive force is used and that they have sustained physical injuries. These are now being investigated by the appropriate safeguarding professionals.

After the inspections, a consultation followed between Kedleston and the regulator. Kedleston decided to deregister the school earlier this month.

In response to questions, Kedleston Group said it takes the wellbeing of children and young people very seriously.

The Wings School in Cumbria has recently experienced operational challenges which were being addressed in close liaison with our regulator. After careful consideration, the difficult decision was taken by us to deregister the school and on-site childrens home.

In conjunction with local authorities, the children have moved from the home and are now residing elsewhere. Their wellbeing remains our absolute priority.

Our organisation has a strong track record of providing the highest standards of childrens services and takes its responsibility of supporting children very seriously.

A spokesperson for the UKs department of education said: Working closely with Ofsted and the local authorities, we acted quickly to remove all pupils from the school and make sure an alternative placement was provided for all children.

Ofsted declined to comment.
Q: I am thinking of booking a villa in the Algarve for a few weeks. I have come across a lovely property on a rental accommodation website. When I contacted the owner he said that this particular villa was booked for my dates of travel but that he had another villa that was not advertised on the site. The alternative villa looks good too but hes asking me to transfer a substantial deposit into his bank account to secure it. I am uncomfortable about that. Should I go ahead?
A former Fine Gael politician and businessman says he fears being murdered by a gang linked to the late gangster Cyril Dublin Jimmy McGuinness after pleading guilty to money laundering.

Speaking to the Irish Independent after pleading guilty to laundering more than 2.6m, former Longford county mayor Frank Kilbride described a daily nightmare since becoming entangled with a circle of violent and dangerous cross-border associates of Dublin Jimmy.
Two hospitalised with gunshot injuries as gardai investigate bizarre shooting incident

This is a very weird situation to say the least  there has been untruths said all round

Gardai are trying to get to the bottom of the incident that left two men badly injured. Photo: Getty

Ken Foy Sat 27 Jul 2024 at 03:30







Detectives are this weekend trying to piece together a bizarre sequence of events surrounding an incident in which a car was blocked by another vehicle and a shotgun was fired into it.
A woman in her 30s who was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Jordan Ronan (also known as Jordan Pakenham) in Tallaght has been released without charge.
Home is where heart is for boxer Kellie Harringtons family as Portland Row gears up for Olympics

Champs relatives are staying local for her bid to bring back more gold

Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington parents, Yvonne and Christy, with her brother, Christopher, outside their home on Portland Row in Dublin. The family celebrated her Tokyo win in the same way, surrounded by the overjoyed community. Photo: Mark Condren

Conor Feehan Sat 27 Jul 2024 at 03:30

There might be medals in Paris, but home is where the heart is, and thats where boxer Kellie Harringtons family will be supporting her from as she embarks on her second Olympic journey.
Two PSNI water-cannon trucks arriving to the Garda depot in the Phoenix Park

By 6pm on Saturday evening, there were just 14 protesters standing outside the former Crown Paints factory on the Malahide Road in Coolock.

It was a far cry from the 2,000-odd people who showed up last Friday week to support a Coolock Says No protest, or the violent scenes on several days in the past fortnight.

Saturdays planned demonstration against the proposed use of the building to house 500 asylum-seekers was heavily advertised online.

But a number of people from the Coolock Says No group said they didnt know who had arranged it but they wanted to show up, given they said the protests had been initiated by local people several months ago.

Far-right conspiracy theorist Dee Wall was the most high-profile person in attendance. At 3pm, she was being interviewed by like-minded people who oppose the arrival of migrants.

She declined to be interviewed by this newspaper, saying: No offence but no way. I dont trust the mainstream media. You just make up lies.

One man then asked that we move away. Within an hour, the same man, now on a bicycle, approached the Sunday Independent.

How do you work for a newspaper like that. How do you sleep at night? he asked.

When no response was forthcoming, he said: You might see me later, watch out for me. Dont rule it out.

There was a heavy garda presence throughout the day.

Community gardai mingled with the small crowd throughout the day, trying to speak to them about their reasons for being there.

One woman verbally abused a garda, to applause from some onlookers. Minutes later, the same garda was involved in a lengthy chat with another woman. This is what community policing is about. Talking to the people, an officer said.

Several dozen uniformed gardai were positioned around the vicinity of the former paint factory.

Water cannon borrowed from the PSNI were on standby nearby but there was no call for them by early evening.

Protesters at the site on the Malahide Road in Coolock on Saturday

Burger King, directly across the road, had been closed as a precautionary measure because of the planned protest, and a group of gardai stood outside, keeping an eye on proceedings across the road.

Its a shame really, a business shut down over this, said one officer. Not to mention that were starving, another laughed in response.

There were around 35 protesters present at 3pm, but the number has more than halved by 6pm.

We dont know who arranged this. We thought there would be more people here. Maybe tonight it will kick off? one woman said.

Theres more gardai here than us now. What a disgrace. Hopefully tonight things will change.
Some communities in Tallaght are being plagued by a targeted campaign of tree vandalism, according to one local councillor.

Sinn Fein councillor Niamh Whelan told the Irish Independent that trees was one of the biggest issues which came up across the board during the run-up to the local elections.

Whether it was replacement trees or those that had to be removed for different reasons, like the new cycle scheme, trees were the top local concern, she said.

There seems to be a targeted campaign of tree vandalism, which is quite frustrating because were lucky to live in an area with such vast green spaces and have the privilege to plant trees.

A lot of time and money goes into it, and its unfair on the community, she added.

Newly planted trees have been cut down or completely removed in certain areas such as Tymon Crescent, Old Bawn in Tallaght. Another incident happened at Dodder Valley down the Firhouse end.

Recent vandalism to a tree in Tallaght

Ms Whelan added that while she cant see why anyone would cut down a tree, people doing it near their own homes may give them some sense of justification, but doing it in a local park is just baffling.

People have been genuinely upset about the vandalism. For years, theyve been asking for trees in certain areas, and then within months, theyre cut down, she said.

The recent incidents have involved people using saws, not just snapping branches. Its clear cuts, with some trees even uprooted. These were mature trees, not newly planted, which shows the significant investment lost.

Its really hard to understand why this is happening. Trees do no harm; they only benefit the community.

People who work within South Dublin City Councils environmental section are now reluctant to keep replanting trees in the same areas where they have been repeatedly vandalised.

The council is working to come up with a solution that is suitable for the area and prevents the issue from reoccurring.
Ukraine said yesterday that its missile forces carried out a strike on a Russian military airfield in Crimea that has been used for long-range attacks against it, the latest in a series of blows to the Russian military on the occupied peninsula.
Palestinians inspect a school sheltering displaced people following an Israeli strike, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, July 27, 2024. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed

Israeli airstrikes hit a school being used by displaced people in central Gaza on Saturday, killing dozens, as the country's negotiators prepared to meet international mediators to discuss a proposed ceasefire.

At least 30 people sheltering at a girls' school in Deir Al-Balah were taken to Al Aqsa Hospital and pronounced dead, after a strike that Israel's military said targeted a Hamas command and control centre used to store weapons and plan attacks.
One hundred Palestinian fighters killed in Khan Younis as battles with Israeli troops continue

Despite mounting pressure for a deal, there is no sign of movement in peace talks

A Palestinian woman holds her daughter as she walks past the rubble of houses in Khan Younis. Photo: Reuters

James Mackenzie and Nidal Al-Mughrabi Sat 27 Jul 2024 at 03:30







Israeli troops battled Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and destroyed tunnels and other infrastructure, as they sought to suppress small militant units that have continued to hit troops with mortar fire, the military said yesterday.
A wildfire that has tripled in size in one day, becoming Californias largest of the year even as other blazes scorched the Pacific Northwest, was started by a burning car, authorities said. They arrested a man who was seen pushing the blazing car into a gully.
We have a very good relationship  Trump plays up meeting with Netanyahu despite previous tensions

Former US president also hit out at Kamala Harris for her comments on Gaza crisis

Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the former US president's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Photo: Getty

Maria Alejandra Cardona and Patricia Zengerle Sat 27 Jul 2024 at 03:30







Former US president Donald Trump touted his close relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu when he hosted the Israeli prime minister yesterday and accused US vice-president Kamala Harris of making disrespectful comments about the Gaza war.
Photo Courtesy: India in Saudi Arabia X page

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has confirmed the return of a man from Andhra Pradesh who was stranded in the Gulf Nation after being duped by an agent who promised to give him a job in Qatar.

The Indian national, who was identified as Veerendra Kumar, arrived in Hyderabad on Friday night where his family members welcomed him.

Veerendra had appealed for help through a video on social media, following which Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh had promised to rescue him, reported Khaleej Times.

According to reports, Veerendra said he was cheated by an agent who promised him a job.

He reportedly arrived in Qatar on July 10 and was sent to Saudi Arabia later.

Few days back, plight of an Indian National, Mr Veerendra Kumar was brought to the attention of the Embassy. We are happy to announce that he has safely returned to  now. We wish to thank all the community volunteers who worked with the Embassy to ensure his safe return to . pic.twitter.com/pMEJTTXZPq  India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) July 26, 2024

The Indian national complained he was asked to work as a camel herder in the desert and was not provided with any kind of basic amenities.

He said in the video that he was unable to sustain in the harsh weather conditions, reported The News Minute.

He appealed to the Indian minister that he would die in the hard conditions.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia posted on X: "Few days back, plight of an Indian National, Mr Veerendra Kumar was brought to the attention of the Embassy. We are happy to announce that he has safely returned to now. We wish to thank all the community volunteers who worked with the Embassy to ensure his safe return to India."
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video

New Delhi/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday boycotted the NITI Aayog meeting alleging that she was insulted by not being allowed to speak for more than five minutes while her counterparts from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled states received ample time.

Speaking to the reporters, a furious Mamata Banerjee said, "I have boycotted the meeting. They had allowed Chandrababu Naidu to speak for 20 minutes, CMs of Assam, Goa, Chhattisgarh 10-12 minutes but I was allowed only five minutes. This is unfair.

"I was the only one from the opposition-ruled states but was stopped at five minutes. I was attending this meeting for a greater interest. This is an insult. I won't attend my meeting further."

"While I was raising the point about how my state has been deprived, my mic was stopped," she added.

Mamata Banerjee was the only Chief Minister from the INDIA bloc to attend the meeting, which was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

TMC-BJP tussle over Budget 2024

Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday slammed the Modi government's first budget in the third term calling it "directionless" and "visionless".

Banerjee said the budget is filled with "political mission".

"This budget is totally directionless, anti-people, and visionless. This budget has only the political mission. I don't see any light in this budget but darkness," the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister, who is the arch-rival of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has slammed the Centre for not giving assistance to her state to tackle natural calamities while the budget has an allocation for Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim for the same purpose.

"They (BJP) come to Darjeeling for votes but forget the people from the district once the elections are over," she said and added, "Floods & natural calamities are an annual ordeal for West Bengal, yet the Centre snubs us from the flood management fund! What's West Bengal's fault? Is it for voting against you?"

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman engaged in a fierce faceoff with the Trinamool Congress MPs in Parliament after the party led by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the budget as "discriminatory" and "biased".

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Sitharaman said, "Yesterday, the TMC questioned the Budget, saying nothing has been given to Bengal.
Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee claimed her microphone was muted and was not allowed to speak beyond five minutes which forced her to walk out of the Niti Aayog meeting that was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

The Centre, however, denied her claims.

 Alphabetically, CM, West Bengal turn would have come after lunch.



 She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early.  PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 27, 2024

Banerjee was the only opposition-ruled state's CM who attended the meeting.

"I was allowed to speak only for five minutes. Chandrababu Naidu was given 20 minutes to speak. The chief ministers of Assam, Goa, Chhattisgarh spoke for 1012 minutes. I registered my protest and came out," the Trinamool Congress supremo was quoted as saying by India Today.

"I was talking about central funds not being given to West Bengal, this is when they muted my mic," Banerjee said.

The Centre refuted her claims and sid her time was over.

"She was accommodated as the seventh speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early," sources told India Today.

The opposition states boycotted the meeting as a protest against what they called a "discriminatory" Union Budget which was presented by the government this week.

Refusing Banerjee's claim, Centre also issued a fact-check which said: " It is being claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal was switched off during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog."

The Centre said her claim was 'misleading'.

"The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it," the PIB Face check said.

"Alphabetically, CM, West Bengal turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early," the fact checker said.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

A school teacher in Bihar has been accused of sexually exploiting several minor children at a government school in Muzaffarpur district, media reports said.

The accused teacher was identified as Kasif Raza, according to OpIndia quoting abplive.com.

According to reports, five students, who are studying in class 1, have alleged that the teacher often used to put his hands in their pants and insert fingers in their private parts.

He threatened them not to reveal the matter to anyone else he would ensure their names were removed from the school register.

An FIR has been lodged against the accused after one of the victim's parents informed the school principal about the teacher.

Additionally, an education department official has confirmed that prima facie the case is true, reported OpIndia.

Police have launched an operation to nab the accused who has taken a leave from school and since been absconding.

After getting information about the matter, SDM East Amit Kumar told OpIndia that the matter has come to light from Bandra block.

He said the accused would not be spared.
Photo Courtesy: Wallpaper Cave

Mohammad Hafiz, the former principal of HSS Bani school in Jammu, and lecturer Mohammad Farooq, who were suspended in August 2023 for 'thrashing' a student for allegedly writing Jai Shri Ram on the blackboard, have been reinstated after a 'departmental inquiry', media reports said.

An order by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department said the Director of School Education had reinstated the accused principal, Mohammad Hafiz, citing a lack of evidence and witnesses to testify against him, reported OpIndia.

#Update - #JammuKashmir Director School education has silently reinstated the accused principal & lecturer who were suspended in  case, after a departmental inquiry.



While principal Mohd Hafiz was reinstated citing 'no evidence or witness testified against him'. He is, https://t.co/edcIcHzqzp pic.twitter.com/TheCiqbYdi  Jammu Tweeter (@jammu_tweeter) July 27, 2024

The order recommended he remain vigilant in the future as he holds the vital position of principal and the head of the institution.

The committee has also recommended the reinstatement of senior lecturer Mohammad Farooq, with the imposition of a penalty and withholding of two increments, reported OpIndia.

The period of suspension in the case of both officers was treated as on-duty.

A student was beaten mercilessly by teacher, at Govt Higher Secondary School, Bani, Distt. #Kathua, allegedly for writing #JaiShriRam on black board. Students along with locals & #hindu organisations are protesting & demanding action against erring teacher. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/uvQGg7kb16  Jammu Tweeter (@jammu_tweeter) August 26, 2023

Apart from being reinstated, both of them will be granted 10 months of salary for their period of suspension.

The incident:

Mohammad Farooq and Mohammad Hafiz allegedly thrashed the student in the government school HSS Bani for writing Jai Shri Ram on the blackboard on Aug 23 last year.

A video of the minor victim in hospital went viral on social media later triggering an outrage and leading to an investigation by the education department.
In recent events, the Wests selective outrage over acts of extremism has become glaringly evident.

Just days after D.C. protests coinciding with Israels Prime Ministers address to Congress, Union Station was defaced with graffiti, and American flags were burned.

The swift condemnation was palpable. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the vandalism vile, offensive, wrong, encapsulating the collective denunciation of what was promptly labeled as terrorist activity.

However, this rapid categorization starkly contrasts with the Wests approach to the Khalistan extremist movement. Despite open threats to blow up Air India flights, and assassinate Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Indian High Commissioners, Western nations like Canada exhibit a perplexing leniency.

A case in point is the recent threat against Canadian MP of Indian origin, Chara Arya, by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Khalistan separatist leader. The severity of such threats cannot be overstated, yet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus administration has allowed the hosting of a Khalistan Referendum in Calgary. This decision not only undermines the gravity of the threats but also emboldens those who openly incite violence.

The inconsistency in addressing extremism based on geopolitical and cultural contexts raises significant concerns. The swift labeling of Hamas graffiti as terrorist activity, while Khalistan extremists receive tacit encouragement, reveals a troubling double standard. The Western narrative seems quick to condemn certain acts of extremism while turning a blind eye to others, depending on the political convenience.

It is imperative to question why acts of terror and threats from Khalistan extremists are not met with the same level of denunciation. The selective outrage undermines the universal fight against terrorism and sends mixed signals about what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Canadas stance on the Khalistan Referendum amidst direct threats against public figures and national leaders poses a serious question about the Wests commitment to combating all forms of extremism. This inconsistency not only jeopardizes international relations but also emboldens those who thrive on spreading fear and violence.

The West must address this double standard. Extremism, in any form, should be met with unequivocal condemnation. Only through consistent and impartial responses can the international community hope to effectively combat the pervasive threat of terrorism.

(Photo and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com)
Photo courtesy: IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: The deadlock over Bengali film superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee's next film continued on Saturday after the film federation remained stubborn over its decision to not accept Rahool Mukherjee as the director.

Even after the Directors Association of Eastern India (DAEI) on Friday lifted a three-month break of service which was imposed on Rahool, technicians, as the makers of the upcoming film claimed, refused to take the floor for the shooting of the film, which is produced by the largest production house in the market, SVF.

The situation escalated after several directors, producers and actors from the industry reached the Technicians Studios in Tollygunge, Kolkata, this morning in a show of support for Rahool, who shot to fame directing Dev starrer Kishmish.

Photo courtesy: IBNS

"A narrative has been built that we are against technicians. This is incorrect. This is a very bad message which is going out to other industries of the country.

"An actor like Bumba-da (Prosenjit Chatterjee), who is now known even in Mumbai, is not able to work in his own city! This is unfortunate," said Tollywood superstar-producer Dev, who is also a Trinamool Congress MP.

Rahool was announced as the director of an untitled project starring Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anirban Bhattacharya, Priyanka Sarkar by SVF recently.

Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) president Swarup Biswas had claimed Rahool violated the rule by not informing the federation or the Directors' Association of Eastern India about his foreign visit for shooting.

After the ban, SVF replaced Rahool with filmmaker Soumik Haldar, who directed Abar Bibaho Obhijaan last year. Rahool was incorporated into the film as a creative producer by SVF.

Prosenjit, a giant in the Bengali film industry, was visibly upset with the technicians not turning up on the shooting floor.

Photo courtesy: IBNS

"Disagreements may happen but how can work be stalled for that? I was not ready for the example, which is taking place now," the Tollywood veteran, who witnessed the highs and lows of the industry over four decades, said.

After Rahool was asked to be relieved of the director's duty, several Bengali filmmakers including Srijit Mukherji, Arindam Sil, Anik Dutta, Anjan Dutt, Kamaleswar Mukherjee had taken to social media to launch their protests.

Popular filmmaker Raj Chakraborty, who also happens to be an MLA of the ruling TMC, has threatened to stop all works in the studio from Monday if work doesn't start with Rahool as director.

"We are giving two days' time. If work doesn't start, we will stop working from Monday and will see how shooting takes place," Raj told the media in a warning to the federation.

Photo courtesy: IBNS

In a press briefing in the evening following its internal meeting, the federation said it has no objection to shooting the film with Soumik Haldar as the director but not Rahool Mukherjee.

Swarup Biswas, who also happens to be the brother of TMC heavyweight Aroop Biswas, cleared that technicians have no problem with working on the project, which is yet untitled, with Soumik Haldar as the director.

When asked about how the break of service lift on Rahool was overturned, Biswas said, "The decision to overturn can't be done in a moment as it's an organisation which has its rules.

"The decision to impose a break of service was taken through AGM. So the decision to overturn it will also have to be made through a meeting."

Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

When he was asked for responses on the actors and filmmakers' claims, Biswas refused to give any comment saying the federation will only respond to a written statement.
In Khan Younis, thousands of people are fleeing for their lives again.Photo Courtesy: UNRWA

Humanitarians estimate that more than 190,000 Palestinians were displaced this week in Khan Younis and Deir Al-Balah following the latest evacuation orders in Gaza, the UN said on Friday.

Meanwhile, hundreds remain stranded in eastern Khan Younis as fighting continues.

Once again, we underscore that all parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian objects, said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, speaking in New York.

This includes allowing civilians to leave for safer areas and allowing their return as soon as circumstances allow. People must be able to receive humanitarian assistance, whether they move or stay.

Humanitarian operations affected

On Monday, the Israeli military ordered people to leave Khan Younis.

The UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said the evacuation directives and intense hostilities have destabilised aid operations and hampered efforts to provide critical relief to civilians.

A dozen distribution points for food and eight for cooked meals were forced to halt their operations this week. Nutrition programmes at two shelters supporting more than 2,800 children and pregnant women were also disrupted.

Additionally, 10 water and sanitation facilities were impacted, including water reservoirs, desalination plants and sewage pumping stations that had to cease operations.

Six education partners in Khan Younis also had to halt their activities, affecting some 20,000 children who had been benefiting from mental health and recreational activities and roughly 1,500 others in 10 temporary learning spaces.

Medical deployments halted

Furthermore, efforts to deploy additional medical teams to Gaza have also been hampered due to ongoing insecurity and the designation of only one access point for the entry and exit of humanitarian staff, the Kerem Shalom crossing.

OCHA noted that none of the 36 hospitals in Gaza is functioning. Although 16 are partially functioning, some are only providing minimal healthcare services.

The UN agency added that efforts to collect and distribute humanitarian supplies entering Gaza continue to be hampered due to access restrictions, ongoing hostilities, infrastructure damage and a lack of public order and safety.

Following the start of the Israeli operation in Rafah in early May, the volume of aid that could be retrieved from crossing points has decreased by 56 per cent since April.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

An explosion at a plant in China'sYongcheng city left at least five people dead and 14 others injured on Friday, media reports said.

The park is reportedly located in an industrial park.

The machine explosion occurred at 6:32 p.m. on Friday in Gaozhuang industrial park, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the city's emergency management department.

The department said people who were in charge of the company have been detained.

An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

At least three people were killed and another person was injured in a firing incident by unknown people in Pakistan 's Balgatar area on Friday.

According to officials, four persons were travelling in a vehicle to Panjgur when unknown armed men ambushed them in tehsil Gwargos Balgatar area, opening indiscriminate fire with automatic weapons, reported Dawn News.

Three persons received multiple bullet injuries and succumbed to their wounds on the spot, while another passenger was injured in the firing, a senior police officer told Dawn.

The injured person and the bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital in Panjgur.

According to local reports, the deceased were identified as Muhammad Nasir, Muhammad Ishaq and Jumma.

Police suspect the incident was a target killing.

A case has been registered against unknown attackers

An investigation is currently ongoing.
Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

The World Uyghur Congress recently commemorated the victims who lost their lives when Chinese security forces violently suppressed a large peaceful protest in Yarkand, leading to many innocent Uyghurs losing their lives.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Yarkand massacre.

10 years later, the situation on the ground hasnt improved, but drastically deteriorated over the past few years, said WUC President, Dolkun Isa. The Yarkand massacre marks the deadliest episode since the Urumchi massacre in July 2009.

According to Uyghur sources, the protests started as a response to the Chinese governments response to a protest in Bashkent Township which led to the extrajudicial killing of a Uyghur family of five during house to house searches.

As a result, many Uyghurs fled to nearby Elishku Township, where they took part in the protests.

Based on Chinese governments statistics,96 civilians (including 59 Uyghurs) were killed when police and security forces clashed with protesters. Chinese state media labelled the incident a premeditated terrorist attack on a police station in Xinjiang.

Although the attack took place on Monday, July 28, state media took a full day to release any official reports about the incident.

Uyghur groups, however, reported that the incident involved residents protesting against Chinese security forces heavy-handed Ramadan crackdown [] and extra-judicial use of lethal force in recent weeks.

According to Uyghur sources, at least up to 3000 Uyghurs may have been killed during and in the aftermath of the protests. To this day, the full number of those arrested, killed and disappeared remains unclear, given the lack of transparency and judicial accountability.

On the tenth anniversary of the Yarkand massacre, the WUC calls on international solidarity to pay respect to the victims that have lost their lives. The WUC renews its calls on the Chinese government to immediately and transparently disclose the whereabouts and fate of the missing and deceased to their family members and the wider Uyghur community.
The Telugu movie Double iSmart, starring Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, is all set to be released in theaters. The movie will hit theatres in August 2024. But before it gets released on the big screens, there is an update about its OTT release. Isn't that too early? Well, the buzz is that digital rights for the movie have been reportedly sold to an OTT platform. According to media reports, OTT platform Prime Video has acquired the digital rights of Double iSmart.

Double iSmart OTT release date: when and where to watch

According to a report by Koimoi.com, the Telugu film's digital rights have been purchased by Amazon Prime Video. The report quoted an X (former Twitter) post by producer BA Rajus team that claimed that the digital streaming rights for this Telugu language film have been taken by Prime Video. According to the quoted tweet, the deal was for Rs. 33 crore, which fixed the rights with Prime Video.

Also Read: Emily In Paris Season 4 Part 1 OTT release date Netflix: When to watch Lily Collins' romantic comedy drama

The unique look of actor Ram Pothineni has already impressed the fans, as they saw the teaser for Duble iSmart. On July 18, one item from the film was also launched, titled Maar Muntha Chod Chintha, which has sparked controversy.

The song has a phrase that says, "Em Cheddam Antav Mari," which is said to be closely linked with former Telangana CM K. Chandrashekhar Rao. According to media reports, this use of the phrase offended some BRS leaders, and a complaint was filed by Rajitha Reddy, who is a BRS member. The makers of the film were accused of indecently using the sensitive phrase in the complaint.

Also Read: Upcoming Tamil releases on Disney Plus Hotstar, Aha and other OTT platforms

More about Double iSmart:

Double iSmart is a sequel to iSmart Shankar, which was released in 2019. The upcoming movie stars actors like Ram Pothineni and Sanjay Dutt in crucial roles. Other cast members of the film include Kavya Thapar, Bani J, and Getup Srinu, among many others.

Double iSmart was initially scheduled for release in March of this year, but now it coincides with Independence Day in India, which is August 15th. The film will be released first in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam at theatres. After its theatrical run, it is expected to land on OTT platforms soon.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Season 4 of Emily in Paris is about to be released on the OTT platform Netflix soon. Part 1 of season 4 stars Lilly Collons as Emily, who is on another exciting chapter in her journey. Emily is shown playing a marketing executive from Chicago, who relocates to Paris as she gets hired by the French company Savoir. The much-awaited part of the series will be released on August 15, 2024.

Emily In Paris Season 4 Part 1 OTT release date Netflix: When to watch

The trailer for the upcoming season was released on July 22 by streaming platform Netflix.

This Netflix' beloved original last time ended on a love-triangle that was created between Emily, Camille, and Gabrielle. This season, which is to be released in August, will again show the love triangle, but this time Emily is about to take some tough decisions for herself.

Also Read: Raayan OTT release date: When and where to watch this Dhanush starrer thriller film

The official description given by Netflix for the series says, "New Passions. New fashions. New Emily? A plucky American marketing whiz spreads her wings in life and love after landing her dream job in Paris."

Are there more parts to Season 4 of Emily in Paris?

Season 4 of Emily in Paris is actually being released in two parts. In August, 2024, Part 1 of the series will be released, and the second part of the series will be announced in September on Netflix.

How many episodes are there in Emily in Paris S4?

In Part 1 of Emily in Paris season 4, there are only 5 episodes. The rest of the five episodes will be released in September as Part 2 of Season 4.

All about the cast of Emily in Paris:

Part 1 of Emily in Paris Season 4 has almost the same cast and crew, including the same actors like Lily Collins in the lead and Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, and Camille Razat, among others.

Also Read: Upcoming Tamil releases on Disney Plus Hotstar, Aha and other OTT platforms

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a Kerala-based hepatologist and clinician-scientist who goes by the name The Liver Doc (@theliverdr) on social media, has shared a heartwarming incident where he received a gift from a patient who came to his outpatient consultation from another state.

Patient couldn't afford organ transplant

According to Dr. Philips, the patient, a resident of neighboring Tamil Nadu, had approached him after he was diagnosed with advanced cirrhosis and ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen). However, as he did not have the money or a donor, the patient wanted to find out if he could somehow avoid the transplant.

Also read: 'Four Stars For Saving My Life', Patient's Review Leaves Doctor Perplexed

Twitter

Misdiagnosed as cirrhosis

During his examination, Dr. Philips realized that the patient did not have cirrhosis and had a medical condition called Budd-Chiari Syndrome, where the liver veins (hepatic veins) get blocked. Stenting of the blocked veins resulted in complete resolution of ascites.

According to Dr. Philips, many doctors misdiagnose Budd-Chiari Syndrome as advanced cirrhosis even in the disease's early stages. The new revelation came as a great relief for the patient, who, according to Dr. Philips, slept well after months as troubles faded away.

Patient thanks the liver doc

"Some patients show their gratitude by gifting. Some smile. Some remain silent, but their faces speak volumes. This man traveled all the way from Tamil Nadu to gift me export-quality cashew nuts," Dr. Philips wrote on X.

Also read: 'Engineers May Eat Doctor's Jobs,' Says CRED Founder Kunal Shah, Sparks Debate Online

According to The Liver Doc, this was the patient's way of telling him that he was doing well.

Who is Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips

Dr. Philips, a Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Specialist at Rajagiri Hospital in Kerala's Aluva, is one of the most prominent medical practitioners from India on social media.

TWITTER

The Liver Doc has been using social media to create medical and scientific awareness. He has also waged a relentless war on traditional medicine, which he calls pseudoscientific. He has also called out influential personalities including Virat Kohli, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Zerodha founder Nikhil Kamath for spreading health-related misinformation.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
It is official! The US Presidential Election will be fought between Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump and the Democratic Party's Kamala Harris, the incumbent US Vice President. Ending weeks of speculation on who will challenge Trump, the Democratic Party has now officially thrown its weight behind Harris. The events leading to President Joe Biden's decision to drop out and the days that followed saw all kinds of speculations about who the Democratic candidate would be.

AP

Kamala Harris files nomination

All these have now been put to rest as Harris on Saturday officially declared her candidacy for the US presidential elections.

Also read: Not 'childless cat lady,' Kamala Harris' 'cutie pie' stepchildren respond to JD Vance's criticism

"Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for President of the United States. I will work hard to earn every vote. And in November, our people-powered campaign will win," she said in a social media post.

Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for President of the United States.



I will work hard to earn every vote.



And in November, our people-powered campaign will win. pic.twitter.com/nIZLnt9oN7  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 27, 2024

Kamala Harris gets endorsement from Barack Obama

The development came hours after Harris got the endorsement of former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama. Notably, the influential Obamas were the most high-profile Democratic leaders who had not endorsed Harriss candidacy so far.

REUTERS

Obama, under whom Biden served as Vice President, is said to have played a crucial role in convincing the 81-year-old to drop out of the race due to his advanced age and poor health.

Why Obama endorsement matters

While Biden had endorsed Harris to succeed him, there were reports that Michelle Obama, who is widely popular among Democratic voters and the non-partisan electorate, was keen to run for office. This, according to many, was the reason for the Obamas not endorsing Harris.

Also read: When Michelle Obama paid tribute to Kamala Harris as the first Black and Indian-American woman VP

AP

However, on Friday, Barack Obama endorsed Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee.

What Obamas said about Harris

Former President Obama and ex-First Lady Michelle Obama said in a joint statement that they believe Harris has the "vision, the character, and the strength that this critical moment demands."

"Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her we think shell make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, were going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope youll join us," Obama said.

REUTERS

Trump vs Harris

The endorsement comes at a crucial time as opinion polls show that the gap between Trump and Harris has narrowed.

While Trump continues to lead the polls, the latest data showed that Harris has managed to reduce it by half.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Is Queen Elizabeth haunting Windsor Castle nearly two years after her death aged 96? According to a royal enthusiast who was on the premises because the structure was open to the public, the late monarch was supposedly captured in some photographs they took.



What did the tourist capture?

The tourist saw a ghost of late Queen Elizabeth | Image: OK Magazine

RadarOnline.com said that the tourist noticed a white "flash" in their lens while photographing inside the castle.



"I'm not a believer in anything beyond the grave, but I don't think there's any arguing with these images," they told the newspaper.

Also read: AI Created Images Of Late Queen Elizabeth Dancing On The Floor

"I'm completely aware that people will say this is a lens trick, a light flash, or anything, but I've researched into it and the form in my image is highly unlikely to be any of those. It's certainly the Queen's spirit, and she appears unsettled - as evidenced by the expression on her 'face.' She appears to be in limbo and lost."

How did the tourist describe what he saw?

Queen Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96 | Image: X

They added, Im a royalist and it was sad for me to think she is wandering around forever dressed in one of the outfits she used to wear on state visits  you can see shes got the old handbag, coat and hat. Im stunned I captured this. And its no wonder shes troubled  look at the mess her family is in. She used to be the glue that held that institution together, and she now looks tortured over what is happening to it.



Also read: Handwritten Note By Queen Elizabeth To Grandson Prince William Goes Viral

It's also been claimed that Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret saw a ghost at Windsor Castle, which was believed to be their mother.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has urged Nigerian youths, to use the power of the ballot box to resolve the current economic hardship in the country.

The former Governor of Kano State spoke via X on Saturday on the background of a planned nationwide hunger and hardship protests by youth.

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He said although the idea of a protest resonates with him, Nigerians should rather be patient with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government, and give it all necessary support to succeed.

His words: Today, I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation. The recent calls for protests against bad governance resonate with me, as they reflect our collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria.

However, I urge Nigerians to put our country first before any other consideration by way of being patient with the government and giving it all necessary support to succeed.

If any government fails to provide the necessary leadership for better Nigeria, we will have opportunity as citizens to elect the people who can bring the required change using our votes.

In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.

READ ALSO: Planned Protest Unjustifiable, FG Already Tackling Grievances  APC NWC

As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change. However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformationthrough the power of your ballot.

Protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often come with unforeseen and dire consequences. The tragic events of the past have shown us that protests can escalate into violence, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos. The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.

He traced the current economic crisis to bad leadership, saying that the hardship and hunger spreading across the country was avoidable.

We found ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007. However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity and better welfare of citizens.

This could be achieved through ensuring good governance, respect for the rule of law, transparency and accountability. It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance plunged the citizens, especially youth, into anger, hunger, insecurity, hopelessness and giving up on the country, he noted.
Dele Momodu, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against acting like a dictator by hindering citizens right to protest.

His advice stems from statements of Nigerias security agencies, including Department of Security Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Army and Defence Headquarters against citizens planned hardship protest.

Momodu reminded President Tinubu that he engaged in several protests before becoming president against policies of governments.

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In a post via X on Friday, the PDP chieftain said, As I write this, my mind goes back to my earliest recollection of you as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a young journalist, you were everyones delight. The June 12 Presidential election annulment brought out the best in you as a pro-democracy figure.

You spent money and time fighting the military. Our exile years were lived in constant fear and trepidation.

The publisher of Ovation Magazine told Tinubu that since he became President things have been hard for citizens because of his economic policies.

According to him, the President failed to realize the country was more complicated than Lagos State.

READ ALSO: Nothing Wrong With Protest But Faceless People Planning To Destabilise Country Unacceptable  Fani-Kayode

Unfortunately, things have not been easy for Nigerians (except members of the privilegentsia) since you realized your lifelong ambition. And let me be frank sir. You caused it all. You did not realize that a country is much more complicated than a state.

Im sad and embarrassed that a fighter for democracy is now saying Nigerians will not be allowed to congregate and demonstrate on the streets, something you and I enjoyed during the military regimes, at home and abroad.

I will never support anarchy, after engaging in peace initiatives in Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia. But Im reasonably assured that any potential threat can be contained and nipped in the bud, since our secret service claims to have discovered the sponsors of mayhem. Such people should be arrested speedily, he continued.

While urging Tinubu to go back to his friends who fought for democracy alongside him for sincere truth, he told him to use the opportunity of the planned protest to test the strength of Nigerias security agencies.

Please Sir, go back to your original friends in civil liberties and seek their assistance. Then, use this opportunity to test the strength, security architecture and combat readiness of our security agencies. Ignore the advice of the hawks in your team. They have nothing to lose since they are mostly beneficiaries of what others died for. Resist the temptations of full blown dictatorship, he added.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has revealed that the Force has credible intelligence that foreign mercenaries are involved in the planned nationwide protest.

He spoke in Abuja, on Friday, at a press conference following plans by youths for a nationwide protest from August 1, over the economic hardship in the country.

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Egbetokun who cautioned that a peaceful protest in the country at the moment may be ill-timed, said We note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, fearing enemies of our country may be manipulating the process.

We confirm that their fears are genuine, as we have credible intelligence of foreign mercenaries involvement in this planned protest.

The Nigeria Police urge Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group while we alert citizens to the sinister motive of certain groups planning to wreak havoc.

READ ALSO: Planned Protest Good For Democracy But Bad For Nigerias Economy  Orji Uzor Kalu

It has become clear that even a peaceful protest at this time may be ill-timed.

We issue a strong warning to clandestine groups planning to destabilise the country and hoodlums seeking to exploit the protest for their criminal agenda, he said.

According to him, the police acknowledged the constitutional right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly, hence, the police will provide security cover during the protest.

To facilitate an incident-free protest, they (organisers of protest) should please provide the following information: one, proposed protest route and assembly point; two, expected duration of protest; three, names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers; four, measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers of possible isolation of potential troublemakers, he added.

The IGP added that the police are ready to work with all Nigerians to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested Kehinde Ganiyu, 50, for allegedly murdering his Ghanaian friend Emmanuel Collins in Osogbo for money ritual purposes.

During a press briefing in Osogbo on Friday, the Commands Spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, stated that Collins, 35, was murdered by his friend Ganiyu on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Opalola further revealed that the suspect confessed to murdering Collins by butchering him with a kitchen knife while he was sleeping and extracting his throat, which he then admitted to drying in the sun for three days.

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READ MORE: Nigeria Is Okay, Go And Hustle  Portable Curses Those Asking Him To Sing At #EndBadGovt Protest

Four distinct blood-stained knives, one chisel, two gourds, one wooden traditional pot with black soap, two local sponges with black soap, one woods traditional tray (opon ifa), one wooden box, and several local charms were among the items seized after Ganiyus arrest.

She said, On 18th July 2024 at about 3:00 pm, upon information received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Oke-Odo Division Osogbo that, on the same date at about 2:30 pm a Ghanaian named Emmanuel Collins m about 35yrs old was killed by a yet to be identified individual, Police detectives swung into action and through an intelligence-led investigation, one Kehinde Ganiyu m intimate friend to the deceased was arrested.

He confessed to the commission of the heinous crime and stated that, on 9th July 2024, at about 9:00 pm, he went to the deceaseds residence with a knife where he met him sleeping because he was sick. He slaughtered the deceased with the kitchen knife and removed his throat.

He added further that, he dried the throat for three days before he took it to a bush called Igbo Imese Aiwosi Area, located at Oba-Oke village where he burnt it in a clay pot with some ritual materials and later mixed the burnt powder with soap for money ritual (OSOLE).

He confessed to having single-handedly carried out the operation.

Opalola added that an investigation is still ongoing and the suspect will be charged in court accordingly.
The Nigerian government, through the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, has responded to calls for the suspension of a controversial film by actress Nancy Isime.

According to sources, Isime was photographed in a viral poster for a yet-to-be-released film wearing a niqab during a heist scenario.

Some Muslim women wear the niqab, a long robe that covers their entire body and face except their faces.

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The poster, on the other hand, sparked an outpouring of anger online, with many Muslims, notably the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), urging the NFVCB to ban the film, which it described as satanic.

The NFVCB responded to the calls with a statement on Friday, noting that the film is still in development and has not been classified.

READ MORE: Thanks For Making Me Be Part Of Your Family  Adekunle Gold Credits Olamide For Career Boost

The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, the statutory regulatory agency for film and video works as well as exhibition and distribution in Nigeria, have received complaints about an upcoming Nigerian movie that associated the Hijab, an outfit attributed to Muslim women that symbolizes modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices.

Our check revealed that the movie has not been released, and it has not been submitted for classification as required by law and our mandate.

However, we have been able to reach the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.

We restate that as a classification agency, we will not overlook any movie or video works, including skits that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.

We commit to contributing to positive transformation of the Nigerian society through classification of video and film works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit cultural, social and religious harm caused by films, the agency said.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Friday, posited that the planned hardship protest slated for August by young Nigerians is baseless.

The Party disclosed the Committees stand via X even as citizens are writhing in pain, anger and frustration over the unbearable cost of living.

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According to the NWC, it met with State Chairmen at the APCs National Secretariat in Abuja over the August protest.

READ ALSO: Nothing Wrong With Protest But Faceless People Planning To Destabilise Country Unacceptable  Fani-Kayode

The resolution, the Partys NWC said, was that, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is already tackling grievances, hence, no need to protest.

The post read: The National Working Committee met with State Chairmen at the Partys National Secretariat over the planned protests.

The meeting, among others, resolved that there was no immediate justifiable basis for the protest as the government was already tackling all legitimate grievances.

The Federal Government has since appealed to Nigerians to shelve the protest billed for August 1 while promising that the situation of things will get better.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command says it has deployed 4,200 officers ahead of a nationwide planned protest.

The protest will reportedly commence on August 1.

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In a Friday statement, Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, said the deployment of the officers is aimed at ensuring public safety, protection of protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.

Adeh said Benneth Igweh, FCT police commissioner, has assured residents that officers will protect lives and property and not condone violence.

She urged residents to report any suspicious movements and remain vigilant.

READ ALSO: Police Kill Two Suspects During Carjacking Attempt, Arrest Two Others In Abuja

The FCT Police Command, in anticipation of the planned nationwide protest by some human rights activists and Nigerian youths to publicly express their displeasure over hunger and hardship, has proactively deployed material and human resources at the commands disposal across the nooks and crannies of the nations capital.

The proactive deployment, which is aimed at ensuring public safety, protection of protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors, is characterised by visibility policing, the deployment of explosive ordinance devices (EOD) experts and personnel at various strategic locations, raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, stop and search, vehicular and foot patrol and synergy with sister security agencies, the statement added.
Isa Ali, Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, says members receive about 400 million annually to execute constituency projects through Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) and Special Intervention Projects (SIPs).

The lawmaker, representing Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, made this known on Friday during a town hall meeting aimed at keeping his constituents informed of recent developments in the National Assembly and their impacts on the constituency.

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According to Ali, the funds are divided into two major categories; ZIPs, where N179 million is allocated to these projects and SIPs, where N40 million is designated for these projects.

He further explained that an additional 200 million is specifically budgeted for the Billiri/Balanga constituency.

If you look at part of the bills Im sponsoring, it is on federal constituencies and senatorial districts fund development to enable every constituency and senatorial district to have major projects. When you move to most of these constituencies, you will not see Federal Government projects apart from the constituency projects done by members of the National Assembly.

READ ALSO: Man Arrested For Cutting Out Ghanaian Friends Throat In His Sleep For Money Ritual In Osun

Regarding the amount, particularly in the 10th House of Representatives, which Nigerians call the peoples house, we are very open. The Zonal Intervention Project has been in existence for the past 20 years, and the money has not changed; its 179 million.

We have Special Intervention Projects; this year, its 40 million. In previous years, it was N30 million. The same applies to ZIPs; in previous years, the money remains the same. We have other interventions like the capital intervention for Balanga/Billiri, which is 200 million. In total, we are talking about a little above 400 million for each constituency, he said

The member of the Peoples Democratic Party further lauded the Federal Government for previously releasing 100 per cent of the projects.

Im part of the leadership and Im working hard to ensure the implementation process commences. We will ensure 100 per cent implementation because, to be honest, from 2019 to 2023, the Federal Government tried by releasing almost 100 per cent of all ZIPs and SIPs, he added.

Ali assured his constituents of the quality of projects despite the economic situation, saying, We are working hard. The finances of the country are under serious challenge, but as a leader, Im working with my colleagues to ensure that this years intervention is also 100 per cent by the releases of the Federal Government.
To get inside chef Nicholas Baziks Provenance restaurant, opening next month in Society Hill, you will need to punch in a code on a keypad at the dining room door.

People often just walk into a restaurant, not realizing that it has changed hands or concept, Bazik was saying the other day.

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Better to stop them before they see that Provenance is not its predecessor: Xochitl, a Mexican restaurant that ended its 15-year run in 2022, offered short rib tamales and late-night margs in a colorful setting. Provenance has a seafood-focused menu informed by French technique in a sleek setup incongruously inhabiting a 200-year-old rowhouse at 408 S. Second St.

The door lock also means weve left the outside world out there, Bazik said. How better to define exclusivity?

In his debut as a restaurateur after cooking for 15 years at such restaurants as Fork, Bistrot La Minette, La Peg, the Good King Tavern, and Lacroix at the Rittenhouse  including two years as culinary director for 13th Street Kitchens  Bazik, 38, wants to make special-occasion dining special again. We have 100 fantastic restaurants [in Philadelphia] that fit that bill, but they also try to fit other bills because they have to, Bazik said. Provenance will be a space that cant be replicated anywhere with food that cant be reproduced  because it shouldnt be. It isnt meant to be full of regulars.

In spirit, Provenance will be a flashback to the days of Le Bec-Fin, for decades the ne plus ultra of Philadelphia special-occasion dining  but now without the gilt trip. Im channeling this vibe that was really brought to the scene by Pierre Gagnaire and the older guard of Parisian chefs during the 1990s, Bazik said. Were just continuing it.

In doing so, Bazik seems intent on flipping what he thinks is the usual restaurant business model. Without disparaging anyone, it just seems as though the focal point has always been, How do we make money? The secondary things are: How do we improve the guest experience and then how do we make sure that the employees are working in a comfortable, culturally satisfying environment?

Im not the guy thats opening a stuffy French restaurant that will cost a lot of money that Im trying to take from you, Bazik said. I am trying to show that theres a process behind everything thats being done and theres people that are involved in that. The reason things cost a lot of money is because things cost me a lot of money and the labor costs a lot of money  not because I need to pay it, but because I should pay it because were skilled craftspersons.

Hell be working with luxe ingredients, with an eye toward sustainability. Some pantry items are from Korea. Rather than Japanese miso, for example, he uses doenjang.

Seating 25 people across three areas, Provenance will exclusively offer tasting menus: Officially, they are four courses but with 25 bites served, such as crudites with trout roe taramasalata, tuna with foie gras mousse and black truffle gastrique on brioche Pullman toast, squid with zucchini, and farmers cheese agnolotti with whey and black truffle. Then comes a pre-dessert nibble before pastry chef Abigail Dahan delivers dessert. Prices in the main room will be $225, and $195 in the side dining room and downstairs.

Every bottle on the wine list will be available by the glass. The standard beverage pairing will be $140 per person. But you need not go for a full pairing. I want our guests to be able to fully recount our experience, he said. Bazik is also offering a pairing ($115) that is half nonalcoholic beverages and half premium wines. A temperance pairing of nonalcoholic drinks will be $90.

The main room, whose walls are clad with matte-finish Venetian plaster by Zack Bird of Bird Studio, opens into a black soapstone counter that seats 11 people. (Why not an even number? Its important to serve solo diners, Bazik said. Not every spouse or significant other will want this kind of experience.) There are eight seats at two four-tops in a second dining room (decorated with ceramics by the artist Sunkoo Yuh), and a six-top table downstairs, along with a wine cellar and the bar, which will be used only for full service, not hanging out. He wanted it to feel alien to the context that youre on Headhouse Square in this quaint little strip of historic buildings, said Lance Saunders, design director of Stokes Architecture & Design, which worked on the project. Its transportive.

At their initial meeting, Saunders recalled, the first thing he said was, You know, Michelin isnt in Philly, but if Michelin was here, wed be going for a star.

Bazik, who grew up in Harleysville, Montgomery County, was inspired by such two-star destinations as Pineapple & Pearls in Washington, Atomix in New York, and Saison in San Francisco. Three years ago, while expecting their son, Emile Eu-Jin, Bazik and his wife, Eunbin, an accounting professor at Widener University, had dinner at Le Clarence in Paris. After meeting the chef de cuisine at the time, Joshua An, Bazik returned to stage at the restaurant.

There, Bazik cooked on a bespoke Molteni stove for the first time. Its just the most consistent piece of cookery possible, Bazik said. Heat radiates throughout the entire unit, meaning I can transfer any pot or pan to a different part and it will hold its temperature.

He had to have one for his restaurant. Provenances Molteni, measuring 4 by 9 feet and weighing 1,700 pounds, is the first of its kind in Philadelphia. Moltenis cost $50,000 to $400,000  mine is on the way lower end of the spectrum, Bazik said. The challenge was getting it inside the restaurant. Removing the front windows, even temporarily, would have forced hearings with the Historical Commission as well as hiring riggers and using specialized equipment, at a price tag of $25,000 to $30,000, he said. Instead, his contractor enlarged the back door and they shlepped it in one day in May, over the course of five hours, for $800. Some people might wait till they make a lot of money and then buy a Porsche, Bazik said. Im just buying the Porsche now, and letting everyone drive it.

(Bazik declined to divulge Provenances budget, other than to say it would cost about the same as if I was building a 60- to 80-seat restaurant.)

Besides his experiences in France, Bazik has spent more than a year on a series of preview dinners at such restaurants as a.kitchen, Le Cavalier, Fork, and River Twice. In February, he flew back to Paris to partner with An for a sold-out, two-night dinner at Mokoloco.

Otherwise, Bazik has been on site almost daily since November 2022 as the restaurant space  once home to such long-ago spots as Borgia Cafe and Lautrec  was stripped to the bones, then rebuilt. I could have gotten another job through this, but my being able to spend time with our son and my wifes support have been the biggest blessings I could have ever hoped for, Bazik said.

Bazik assembled his team from Phillys fine-dining world: Pastry chef Dahan, born in France, made her mark as executive pastry chef at Parc; sous chef Nicholas Piwinski was sous at River Twice after his time as chef de cuisine at Serpico; sous chef Zac Cohen left an eight-year line cooks job with chef Greg Vernick; and general manager Benjy Satlow worked with Bazik at Lacroix. Hes offering staff a four-day work week and three weeks paid vacation. This might not be your average Philadelphia restaurant, but I am the average Philadelphia chef, and I want to create the experience that I think everyone in the kitchen deserves.

Ive never felt that Philly was a second-rate city, Bazik said, so the idea that a restaurant like mine doesnt really exist here is strange to me.
A patient in a wheelchair sits in the hallway of a hospital or nursing home. Read more

The University of Pennsylvania Health System plans to turn its sole nursing-home unit over to a new operator next month, the Philadelphia nonprofit confirmed Thursday. The change is pending regulatory approvals.

The 19-bed unit at Penn Rittenhouse, the former Graduate Hospital, operates as the Penn Presbyterian Center for Continuing Care. It moved to that location, in the 1800 block of South Street, in 2020 from Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

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The new operator, Rittenhouse Post Acute, will have the backing of Marquis Health Consulting Services, a fast-growing New Jersey management company that works with 15 nursing homes in the Philadelphia region. Penn said the new operator has plans to expand the Rittenhouse unit to 38 beds next year.

Typically, Marquis manages nursing homes owned by Tryko Partners, a real estate firm based in the same building as Marquis in Brick, N.J., but Rittenhouse Post Acute does not involve Tryko, a spokesperson for the two companies said.

Employees in the skilled-nursing unit will either move to the new operator or take different jobs at Penn, according to Penn.

Good Shepherd Penn Partners operates an inpatient rehabilitation unit on the third and fourth floors of Penn Rittenhouse and a long-term acute care unit on the fifth floor. The operation of those is not changing, according to a spokesperson for Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, an Allentown nonprofit that has partnered with Penn for post-acute care since 2008.

Penns decision to move away from its small skilled-nursing unit continues a trend for local health systems. Virtua Health sold its two nursing homes to Tryko in 2022. Jefferson sold a nursing home in Washington Township, N.J., to a different company last year.
FILE - Horseshoe crabs sit at Reeds Beach in Cape May Court House in June 2023. Read more

The horseshoe crabs that clamber like armored warriors by the thousands each spring across Delaware Bay beaches in New Jersey trace back hundreds of millions of years to the age of dinosaurs.

While their numbers might look impressive to people who have witnessed the spectacle, horseshoe crabs are far below their modern peak marked in 1999.

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One of the reasons for the decline of the ancient species: Their highly prized blue blood is collected by the biomedical industry to support production of a clotting agent that helps detect endotoxins in people, helping make vaccines and other medications safe. The agent allows for quick detection of infectious bacteria in drugs and medical devices.

Conservationist groups aligned with the nonprofit Horseshoe Crab Recovery Coalition rejoiced Friday when a major scientific organization, U.S. Pharmacopeia, issued new guidelines that pave the way for wider use of synthetic alternatives to horseshoe crab blood for biomedical testing.

Good news for horseshoe crabs is also a big plus for the federally threatened red knot that feasts each spring on the eggs of the crabs, which are not crustaceans but are closely related to spiders.

A safe and expeditious transition from horseshoe crab blood to a synthetic alternative in the biomedical industry is an important step in protecting shorebirds, horseshoe crabs, and other wildlife, Bethany Kraft, senior director of coastal and marine resilience at the National Audubon Society, said in a statement by the coalition.

The Rockville, Md.-based U.S. Pharmacopeia announced Friday that it had approved including non-animal-derived reagents for endotoxin testing formally next year in the National Formulary (USP-NF), which includes thousands of standards for medicines. The guidelines dont prohibit use of Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL), the clotting agent derived from horseshoe crabs.

But the addition gives pharmaceutical manufacturers the information needed to use synthetic chemical compounds.

Research has shown that up to 30% of horseshoe crabs tested can die as a result of the blood extraction, the Horseshoe Crab Recovery Coalition estimates, though specific numbers are hard to track. The blood has been valued at $15,000 a quart.

Horseshoe crabs are also harvested as bait and caught as bycatch and discarded by commercial fisheries. The majority of that harvest comes from the Delaware Bay.

For the Atlantic Coast, horseshoe crab landings peaked in 1999 at 2.6 million and have decreased since the late 1990s. Landings have remained under 1 million horseshoe crabs since 2003. In 2022, the latest year data is available, there were 573,633 horseshoe crabs, according to the 2024 Horseshoe Crab Stock Assessment Update by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Though horseshoe crabs are native to the Mid-Atlantic, they are closely identified with the Delaware Bay, the part of the Delaware River estuary that borders New Jersey and Delaware before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Their eggs provide food for 11 migrating bird species such as the red knot, a federally threatened species.

The horseshoe crabs are not listed as endangered, but New Jersey implemented a moratorium in 2008 on harvesting them from May 1 through June 7 each year, with an exemption for biomedical use, provided they are released unharmed.

New Jersey Fish and Wildlife reports the Delaware Bay population may be recovering.

Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia allow harvesting but have set quotas.

The Horseshoe Crab Recovery Coalition, a group of 30 organizations, has urged for years that synthetics be used instead of horseshoe crab blood, and has briefed congressional staff members on the issue.

Its unclear how big an impact the new guidelines will have on New Jerseys horseshoe crab population, but state leaders backed them.

I fully support U.S. Pharmacopeias new guidelines for synthetic alternatives to horseshoe crab blood for biomedical testing, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D., N.J.) said in a statement. For years, Ive been leading the charge in Congress to track horseshoe crabs, study coastal ecosystems, and modernize our biomedical testing guidelines.
Drew Snyder of Philadelphia wants concrete action for cyclists. Snyder held up his message at City Hall after cyclists biked from the Art Museum to City Hall Friday to protest what they see as a lack of commitment to traffic safety from the mayor. Read more

Hundreds of cyclists filled the streets of Center City on Friday night to push local leaders to protect bike riders and pedestrians by upgrading traffic infrastructure.

The protesters, led by Philly Bike Action, spent more than an hour chanting Paint will not protect us, concrete now! as they shut down traffic and wove their way through a seven-mile route from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to City Hall. There, they called on Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson to put up concrete barriers to protect every bike lane in the city, starting with Spruce and Pine Streets and Allegheny Avenue.

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They also demanded city leaders replace all No Parking signs on bike lanes with No Stopping signs and prohibit parking in bike lanes on the weekends.

We want to design roads that make it impossible to drive recklessly and make it impossible for cars to drive, to stop, and to park in bike lanes, Jessie Amadio, an organizer with Philly Bike Action, said at the rally. The preservation of human life is more important than this citys obsession with unrestricted parking.

The demonstration came just more than a week after Barbara Friedes, a 30-year-old pediatric resident at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, was struck and killed, police said, by a vehicle being operated by a man accused of driving under the influence while she was biking in the bike lane on Spruce Street. On the same day, 38-year-old Christopher Cabrera was killed while standing on the corner of Frankford and East Allegheny Avenues in Kensington, after a driver veered onto the curb and hit him, police said.

Three days later, in the citys Feltonville section, a 31-year-old woman with her 13-year-old daughter and a 22-month-old girl in a stroller were crossing westbound on East Wyoming Avenue at North Front Street in a marked crosswalk with a green light when a Dodge Ram 1500 Classic struck all three of them, killing the toddler.

The driver who police say struck Friedes, 68-year-old Michael Vahey, has been charged with several crimes, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence. Police said they expect to charge 41-year-old Christopher Sorensen, the driver who hit Cabrera, once they receive the results of a toxicology report. Charges were also pending further investigation in the Feltonville crash.

Organizers and attendees at Fridays rally expressed their condolences for the families of the victims and also voiced frustration with what they said is a lack of investment by the city in street safety. Several bikers referenced a funding cut from $2.5 million to $1 million in the mayors first budget for Vision Zero, a traffic safety program.

I dont think were buying that [Vision Zero] hasnt been de-prioritized, Jacob Pritchett, another Philly Bike Action organizer, told The Inquirer. If you look at the state of the bike lanes, its obvious that when it comes to bikes, theyre not really doing anything that makes anybody safer.

Parker has repeatedly disputed the claim that she cut Vision Zero funding, pointing to $1.25 million the budget allocated to other traffic safety initiatives, as well as additional federal funding the city is using to improve traffic safety.

 READ MORE: Philadelphias streets are death traps for cyclists. City government must act after last weeks tragedies | Opinion

There are multiple traffic calming measures needed across the city, she told WHYY on Thursday. 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.

Johnson declined to comment beyond referring The Inquirer to his July 18 statement on Friedes death, in which he said he had asked the citys Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems to recommend safety measures on Spruce Street, part of which he represents, to prevent similar crashes.

Cyclists in attendance also took aim at what they saw as a culture of reckless driving and endangerment of bicyclists and pedestrians that transcended infrastructure issues across Philadelphia.

Mishael Scott, who came to the protest from Fishtown, said that as a real estate agent, he bikes across Philadelphia every day to show listings to clients. He recounted how once, when he asked a driver who was stopped and on his phone at a green light at the corner of South and Third Streets, to go, the driver pulled into an adjacent parking lot, got out of the car and threatened to run him over.

Scott observed how during Fridays protest ride, some drivers had gotten out of their cars to curse at cyclists or attempted to edge past police barricades into the road.

For partners Meesh Zhang and Frankie Ahlers, Philadelphia is primed to be a great city for cyclists because of its density and flat landscape. But that potential has been squandered by what Zhang described as wild drivers in the most dangerous city Ive ever biked in.

Ahlers shared a nearly identical story to Scott of an irate driver swerving into a bike lane on Pine Street, and when Zhang yelled that they were there, she parked her car, jumped out, and said she was going to kill them. For the two Fishtown residents, the call for better infrastructure is in response to the recklessness of drivers.

When you have drivers that are doing crazy [things], like getting crazy drunk and just veering into bike lanes, then it is the role of the city to step in and be like, people are clearly not driving safely and the way to alter behavior on a societal level is to have the infrastructure to make safety unavoidable, Zhang said.
Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, seen at a September 2023 news conference with her top legal adviser, Undersheriff Tariq El-Shabazz, had repeatedly refuted reports of massive delays in processing deeds after sheriff sales. On Wednesday, the Sheriff's Office conceded that there have, in fact, been delays they were unaware of. Read more

For the last month, Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal claimed that nothing was wrong.

Her staff repeatedly denied the office was having trouble processing deeds after mortgage foreclosure auctions  despite the phone calls and visits from frustrated property buyers, and an Inquirer analysis of city records showing chronic holdups.

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You insist there is a widespread delay, but that is incorrect, Bilals spokesperson wrote in an email Tuesday afternoon.

The Inquirer has reported that some winning bidders at sheriff sales have been waiting seven months or longer to receive the deeds. That process used to take six to eight weeks.

And in response to reporters questions about how the slowdown might impact the recent resumption of tax-delinquency sales, Bilals legal team suggested that the delays could be caused by the city Records Departments failure to record the deeds after the Sheriffs Office submits them.

But, on Wednesday, James Leonard, the citys commissioner of records, provided The Inquirer with documentation showing that his department has been recording deeds minutes after the Sheriffs Department submitted them electronically.

Presented with that documentation, Bilals staff reversed course and acknowledged that they were wrong, blaming the problem on an unspecified staffing issue.

They are now planning to conduct an audit of every deed filed this year.

Your persistent questions caused us to delve deeper into this matter, and we discovered that the deeds you provided to our office were delayed due to a staffing error, Bilals spokesperson Teresa Lundy wrote in an email Wednesday. We are evaluating and updating our current policies and procedures, as well as ensuring that corrective action and training take place.

 READ MORE: They bought properties at Philadelphia sheriff sales, but they never got the deed

Some buyers are still waiting for deeds to properties auctioned off as long ago as last September. The problem appears to be widespread.

Bid4Assets, the online auction firm used by the Sheriffs Office for property sales, tells buyers that it could take as long as 90 days for deeds to be recorded. But an Inquirer analysis of more than 130 sheriffs deeds recorded between October 2023 and March 2024 found that it has been taking more than 200 days, on average.

In February and March, the office submitted just 29 deeds for recording, nearly all of which corresponded to auctions that occurred between 200 to 300 days prior.

Buyers, attorneys and real estate agents facing delays say they have not received any clear explanations from the Sheriffs Office.

Most who spoke to the The Inquirer were reluctant to publicly criticize the sheriff, worried that might further delay getting the deeds or make it more difficult for them to purchase properties in the future.

Sheer incompetence, said one such buyer who on Friday was still waiting for a deed from an auction shed won last year.

The deed delays have led to renewed calls for reform in the Sheriffs Office.

State Rep. Jared Solomon (D., Philadelphia) this month said its time for overhaul of the office, accusing Bilal, a fellow Democrat, of administrative malpractice.

Andrew McGinley, vice president of external affairs at the Committee of Seventy good-government group, said: [Time] after time, its proven that it cant even do the most basic functions of the office. The committee has long called for eliminating the Sheriffs Office as an independently elected office.

The delays may have also been a violation of Pennsylvanias Rules of Civil Procedure, which require sheriffs to file deeds with the courts, then forthwith deliver the deed to the appropriate officers for recording.

Docket entries show that while the Sheriffs Office was submitting deeds to the court prothonotary, it apparently failed to send copies to the city Records Department to finalize these sales until weeks or months later. That department processes deeds for every real estate sale in order to create a formal, public record of a property changing hands.

For example, Dave Brown, of Norristown, paid $143,000 for an Oxford Circle rowhouse he won at auction last November. Court entries list a sheriffs deed acknowledgment on March 11, indicating the sheriff transmitted a deed of sale to the prothonotary and closing the underlying foreclosure case.

But in Browns case, the Sheriffs Office appears not to have submitted a deed to the Records Department until months later. According to Leonard, the records commissioner, the Sheriffs Office sent Leonards office a copy on June 4 at 10:53 a.m. His staff recorded that document less than an hour later.

Brown, 54, who works for a local utility company, described his experience as a debacle.

Asked Thursday about the lag between deed acknowledgment docket entries and the deed recording times, Bilals spokesperson said lawyers in the office do not know what that term means, referring to the docket entries.

She did not respond to questions about why deeds were submitted to the courts but not the city Records Department, and declined to elaborate on the staffing issue that she said caused the delays. But she said that a new software system, which went online in June, was expected to alleviate and reduce any further deed delays.

The Sheriffs Office will have to tackle these delays at the same time as it handles more auctions. The office this month resumed selling tax-delinquent properties for the first time since April 2021.

Those sales had been on hold since April 2021 after Bilal awarded a no-bid, six-year contract to Bid4Assets without the involvement of the citys Law Department. That led to a backlog of more than 1,000 tax-delinquent properties and has left the city and school district with an estimated $35 million in uncollected revenues.

Joseph Vignola, who served as undersheriff under Bilals predecessor, Jewell Williams, said electronic deed recording was typically a straightforward process.

He said he was confused as to how lengthy delays could occur.

Wed send it over to the prothonotary with my signature, it would come back, and wed send it over to the recorder of deeds, Vignola said. We never had a problem. I dont know what their new system does.
Mary Mason in her WHAT studio on Aug. 1, 1986. Read more

Mary Mason, 94, a Philadelphia radio legend and prominent civic and political voice in the city, died Thursday, July 25, at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Thera Martin, a former broadcasting colleague and longtime friend, said Ms. Mason had been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease more than a decade ago and most recently was living at a nursing home in West Philadelphia. Her cause of death was not immediately available.

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Mary Mason allowed a number of Black women to stand on her shoulders in broadcasting, Martin said in a phone interview. And men, too. She made a difference.

Martin was Ms. Masons program director when they both worked at WHAT-AM, but I still stood on her shoulders, Martin said.

U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, a Philadelphia Democrat, said on social media that he was sad to hear of Ms. Masons death and called her a pioneer for African American women in Philadelphia radio.

Evans added: Its impossible to overstate her impact and influence! May she rest in power.

State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Philadelphia and Delaware County, also mourned Masons death in a social media post.

Her profound impact during the civil rights movement was felt both civically and politically. Her legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with many, Williams said.

Ms. Mason led radio telethons for the Rev. Leon Sullivan from the 1970s to the 90s, and urged her listeners to elect Wilson Goode, who became the citys first Black mayor in 1984.

A 1991 Inquirer profile of Ms. Mason captured her essence, describing how the late T. Milton Street, a feisty personality in his own right, responded to Ms. Mason during a phone call to her show.

Its the Queen Mother of Talk Radio  I birthed Black radio in this town, she says  scolding the in-your-face brother of Philadelphia politics. And T. Milton Street does what most callers to Mornings with Mary do. He backs down. The man with mega-chutzpah, who told Traffic Court to stick it, knows you dont play around with Mother Mary.

In another Inquirer profile four years later  1991 and 1995 were city mayoral election years  Ms. Mason said: Id like to think I make elected officials. Why be one? If you can recommend 17 people for the job of [City] Council, why would you want to be one of them.

Born Beatrice Elmore, Ms. Mason grew up at 22nd and Catharine Streets in South Philadelphia. She got her first radio job in the late 1950s at WHAT spinning gospel records. She said her first paycheck at the station was for $7.28.

In 1970, Ms. Mason finally shifted from playing music to hosting talk radio at WHAT.

In the mid-1980s, she took a job at WWDB-AM, then moved to WCAU-AM, before returning to WHAT in 1990.

Ms. Mason landed high-profile interviews throughout her career with such figures as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Oprah Winfrey. She interviewed President Bill Clinton live on air during a visit to Philadelphia in 1993.

Mary Mason is a Philadelphia radio legend, said Vincent Thompson, current director of communications for City Council and Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who worked with Ms. Mason as a producer at WCAU and an intern at WHAT.

He said Black talk radio was almost nonexistent across the country before Ms. Mason. She was a fervent advocate for Phillys Black community and the rest of the city, and held major influence and respect because of it. Thompson said that anyone in public office or aspiring to it knew they had to come talk to Ms. Mason on her show.

He recalled that, once while he was working with her, a radio caller made a complaint about then-Mayor Goode. Ms. Mason called Goode herself, and successfully persuaded him to come on air to answer for the complaint.

She was very much a stickler on making sure that she presented the audience ... with the best information that [she] could, he said.

She leaves a hell of a legacy in this town.

Her career was winding down when in 2010 she was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease.

In November 2016, the Philadelphia Tribune reported that her health had declined substantially and her life savings had disappeared.

In May 2018, Ms. Masons sole grandchild, Calvin Steven Turner IV  her only surviving immediate family member  pleaded guilty to two counts of felony theft related to his looting of her life savings.

Funerals arrangements were pending.
A photo of Barbara Friedes, a CHOP resident who was killed while biking on Spruce Street, rests against a tree during a vigil on the 1800 block of Spruce Street in Philadelphia, on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Philly Bike Action held the vigil for Friedes and other cyclists killed last week. Read more

On July 17, Barbara Friedes, our beloved friend, colleague, chief resident, and future pediatric oncologist, was killed while riding her bike on Spruce Street during daylight hours. She rode in the designated bike lane, wearing a helmet. She was struck by a speeding vehicle that drove through the plastic dividers, hit her and threw her from her bike. This led to the injuries that ended her life.

Minutes after she was hit, another vehicle crossed a bike lane on Allegheny Avenue, striking and killing a pedestrian. The same day, a young woman was hit by a car while crossing the street in Germantown, and remains in critical condition.

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The media calls these tragedies accidents, yet they are wholly preventable. For too long, the city government has neglected to protect its citizens from avoidable traffic-related injuries and death, and that must change now.

 READ MORE: Hundreds of cyclists filled the streets of Center City to call for concrete-protected bike lanes and other traffic safety improvements

Traffic safety is a major public health issue. In Philadelphia, traffic- and bike-related injuries and deaths have become all-too-common, occurring at three times the rate of New York City, with five children being struck by cars every week. At our pediatric hospital in Philadelphia, we see these children in our emergency departments, traumatized and injured, and think to ourselves  this couldve been much worse, and this should have never happened in the first place.

Children under 17 years old account for 37% of all cyclists and have more than four times the rate of bicycle-related deaths as compared to adults. In fact, over 10 years, 2 million children nationwide were treated in emergency rooms for bike-related injuries.

Pediatricians play a critical role in preventing and treating bike- and traffic-related injuries. In our primary care offices, we counsel our patients on wearing helmets, using bike lanes, and riding with an adult. We treat acute injuries. We provide long-term medical care for children and families affected by devastating neurological outcomes and lifelong trauma.

We all deserve to survive our journeys home.

Yet, pediatricians can only do so much to prevent traffic-related injury and death without policies that safeguard and protect our children and families.

Our city government is failing to invest in safer streets. Despite Mayor Cherelle Parkers executive order re-committing Philadelphia to Vision Zero  an evidence-based strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities  her proposed budget cut funding for the program by 40%. And in spite of overwhelming scientific and public support, the Washington Avenue Repaving & Improvement Project which would have improved safety was blocked by City Councilpersonman Kenyatta Johnson in 2022.

The safety of all Philadelphias cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists requires authentic investment in policies and infrastructure that protects them. Parkers statement on July 18 lacked any substantive commitment to change. We call on her, at the bare minimum, to restore funding for Vision Zero to its prior budget level.

 READ MORE: Im tired of feeling unsafe as a pedestrian, and waiting for the city to act | Opinion

We advocate for building Complete Streets in Philadelphia  streets designed with drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists in mind  which reduce fatal and severe injury traffic collisions by 34%. Moreover, lives can be saved by installing permanent concrete barriers to protect bike lanes, speed bumps, and by enforcing no-parking zones in bike lanes.

Our community is grieving and heartbroken over the loss of an extraordinary doctor who touched the lives of countless children and families. She was a beautiful soul who gave so much to so many. We call on the Mayor and City Council to honor her life, and the lives of our patients and families we tirelessly care for, by investing in safe streets for Philadelphians.

We all deserve to survive our journeys home.

Kelly McNult and Olivia Legan are Philadelphia-based pediatricians, colleagues, and co-residents of Barbara Friedes. They are daily bike and pedestrian commuters who enjoy recreational cycling and are passionate about advocating for the safety and well-being of children and families in Philadelphia and beyond.
Phillies acquired Michael Rucker this offseason in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations. Read more

The Phillies bullpen was already an area of need before the team traded away reliever Seranthony Dominguez on Friday.

Dominguez, together with outfielder Cristian Pache, made up the return package for Baltimore Orioles outfielder Austin Hays. The right-hander was at one point one of the most reliable arms in the Phillies bullpen and had played a key role in their National League pennant victory in 2022.

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But Dominguez had fallen down the depth chart after struggling with his command, and his ERA rose to 4.75 across 36 innings this season.

 READ MORE: What Phillies fans should know about new outfielder Austin Hays

Seranthony, when he first came up, he was that high-leverage guy that you could really count on, and unfortunately, he got hurt, Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. This year, its just been kind of hit and miss. Ive always said all year long, as long as he powers the ball through the zone, hes going to get people out. And I think he will. When he does, hes going to get people out.

So I think he just may need just a little reset, maybe a new setting for him. I think this is going to end up being a really good trade for both clubs.

To fill Dominguezs spot on the roster, the Phillies reinstated Michael Rucker, who has been on the injured list since March with an arterial vasospasm in his right hand. Rucker posted a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings on his rehab assignment with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

The Phillies acquired Rucker this offseason in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in exchange for cash considerations, and he has not pitched in a major league game since last August. Thomson said he envisions using him in a lower-leverage-type situation, and filling a similar role that Dominguez did this season.

Well see what we have there, because its a good arm, and hes been pitching very well on rehab, Thomson said.

The Phillies still have a need for a high-leverage bullpen arm. Jose Alvarado has had a difficult July, and his 9.95 ERA in seven appearances this month caused Thomson to move him back to lower-leverage situations to help him regain his footing.

And Alvarado isnt the only reliever to struggle lately. Orion Kerkering issued three walks and hit two batters over his last two appearances.

 READ MORE: David Murphy: The Phillies trade for Austin Hays could be the prelude to something bigger

Weve gotten away from attacking the zone a little bit, Thomson said. We didnt do that. Because all those guys down there have great stuff. And theyve got strikeout stuff, bat-missing stuff. So they just need to believe in it, trust their stuff, and run it through the zone.

Gregory Soto was tabbed for more late-inning work to fill in for Alvarado. But Soto struggled to throw strikes in the ninth inning against the Twins on Wednesday, leading to a walk-off Minnesota win. While Thomson said Soto will get another chance, it sounds unlikely he will be a long-term solution.

Hes going to have to at some point, Thomson said. At some point, theres going to be other people that arent available.

Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said that despite its recent struggles, the overall bullpen depth gave him the confidence to part with Dominguez to acquire Hays, who has been a Phillies target for several seasons. But he added that the Phillies still are looking for a reliever.

[The bullpen] hasnt been quite as good, Dombrowski said. But we still feel good about our guys. But again, you can still get better. Thats one area that Ive always felt that you never have enough, good bullpen arms.

Extra bases

Tyler Phillips (2-0, 2.81 ERA) is scheduled to start Saturday against Cleveland righty Carlos Carrasco (3-8, 5.32 ERA).  Taijuan Walker is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Saturday as he rehabs a finger injury.
Former president Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., on Saturday, July 13, 2024. MUST CREDIT: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Read more

Former President Donald Trump plans to return to Butler, Pa. for another rally, he wrote in a Truth Social post Friday  nearly two weeks after a 20-year-old Pennsylvania man attempted to assassinate the former president, killing one rallygoer and injuring two others.

In his post, Trump said his forthcoming Butler visit will honor Corey Comperatore, the 50-year-old man who was killed at the July 13 rally, as well as the two other men who were wounded in the shooting. No other details were provided.

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Comperatore, a firefighter, was fatally shot while shielding his wife and two daughters. Pennsylvania State police identified the two people who were wounded but survived as David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pa., and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pa.

Trumps return will play a vital role in the healing of our community and the elevation of our name above the ugliness of July 13, said Jondavid Longo, the mayor of Slippery Rock, a borough less than 20 miles away from Butler. Despite the violence at the previous rally, Longo said he did not believe Trumps supporters would be deterred from attending.

Ive held the line and said that the people will always meet President Trump if he comes to visit us, and nothing is going to stop us, not violence or the threat of violence, from exercising our First Amendment rights to participate in this political cycle openly and freely, Longo said.

Trump did not provide a date for a second Butler rally, although he is already expected to return to Pennsylvania next week. On Wednesday, the former president will hold his first rally in the commonwealth since the assassination attempt, this time located indoors at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. The U.S. Secret Service has encouraged the Trump campaign to stop outdoor rallies in favor of indoor ones. Trump reportedly plans to follow this guidance for the foreseeable future.

In Harrisburg, doors will open at 2 p.m., and Trump is scheduled to speak at 6 p.m., according to the event page.

Since the deadly rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds, all eyes have been on the Secret Services major security lapses that led to the agencys failure to protect Trump from Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pa.

Crooks was able to scale a nearby building  despite being spotted by law enforcement more than 30 minutes beforehand  and used an AR-15 style rifle to fire several rounds from the buildings roof less than 150 feet away from the stage where Trump was speaking.

 READ MORE: What we learned about the Trump assassination attempt from the Secret Service directors testimony before Congress

Crooks was also able to survey the rally site twice before he attempted to assassinate Trump, including flying a drone to scope out the Butler Farm Show grounds, FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress this week. Crooks also searched online queries such as How far away was [assassin Lee Harvey] Oswald from Kennedy, on the same day he registered to attend the Butler rally.

Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned this week after testifying at the same congressional hearing. She said the shooting was the Secret Services most significant operational failure in decades.

 READ MORE: Trump gunman searched for info on JFKs assassin and other new details we learned from this weeks hearings on the attack

Attendees at the rally told The Inquirer that security measures at the Butler rally mirrored what they had experienced at other Trump rallies. Rallygoers went through bag-checks and metal detectors. Attendees also noted a large police presence there, and said items such as firearms, weapons, explosives, umbrellas, and laser pointers were prohibited.

Staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this story.
Gov. Josh Shapiro throws his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris at a rally at the Philadelphia Building Trades Union Hall on Friday, July 26, 2024. Read more

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Friday refused to engage in speculation that Vice President Kamala Harris may choose him to be her running mate despite standing alongside a bevy of Democratic leaders from across the region who endorsed him for the job.

She is the Democratic nominee for president, Shapiro told reporters after a rally with labor leaders in Northeast Philadelphia. Of course it is her decision to choose who she wants to run with, to govern with, and to serve the American people with, period, end of sentence. She makes that decision.

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The governor said he hasnt spoken to Harris since Sunday, when President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection and endorsed her to be his successor. He repeatedly dodged questions about whether he would accept the nomination if selected, and refused to confirm whether hes being vetted.

Shapiros posture  essentially referring questions about the vice presidential search to Harris campaign  is slightly different from earlier in the week. On Tuesday, Shapiro said he had not submitted paperwork to be vetted. Asked again on Friday whether he had done so, he wouldnt answer.

More than two dozen elected officials and Democratic leaders attended the event Friday hosted by the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council. While it was a rally to endorse Harris, several speakers  including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and Philadelphia Democratic Party chairman Bob Brady  endorsed Shapiro for the vice presidential nod.

Brady said Shapiro had nudged him to be quiet, but told a crowd of supporters: To hell with that.

The road to the White House goes through Pennsylvania, Brady said, saying Shapiro as vice president would be a slam dunk, without question.

Parker, who has known Shapiro since serving in the state House with him in the early aughts, said his presence on the ticket could lift Democrats in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground.

If you want to win Pennsylvania, there is no other candidate in this nation positioned to help us win the White House, Parker said. She cast Shapiro as a champion for workers, saying, you have seen him use his role and the powers afforded to him to make government work for regular people, everyday people, and that is something Ive always admired about him.

 READ MORE: Josh Shapiro is getting VP hype for a commanding win in Pa.  against a weak opponent

Labor unions have in large part united behind Harris since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race last weekend. She is backed by the AFL-CIO, the largest umbrella organization of unions in the country, and has secured endorsements from national unions that represent the likes of service workers, teachers, government employees, and construction workers.

And on Friday morning, more than 50 Pennsylvania labor leaders signed a letter in support of Shapiro, acknowledging their political differences and writing: Recent history has taught us that even amongst our brothers and sisters in labor, we are not always aligned in our politics.

Thats why it is more crucial than ever that we elevate elected officials whose leadership can unite our democratic coalition, they continued, and remind us that, above all else, we share a vision for a fairer, stronger, more inclusive Commonwealth and country.

Shapiros appearance also came as critics from both sides of the political spectrum have emerged to oppose his nomination. More than two dozen public education advocacy groups  most from outside the state  published a letter this week urging Harris to select someone else, citing Shapiros support of vouchers to help families send their children to private schools. Pro-Palestinian groups and cease-fire activists have criticized Shapiros support of Israel.

And this week, the Commonwealth Foundation, a conservative think thank in Harrisburg, launched a television ad campaign in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., and took out full-page newspaper ads to portray Shapiro as a failed governor. They describe him as Pennsylvanias least effective governor in at least 50 years.

Shapiro defended his record as governor Friday and took a jab at the Commonwealth Foundation, saying, That group has spent millions of dollars to defeat me over the years, [and] Ive never lost an election in Pennsylvania.

He added: I know that people have strong feelings about politics, and thats fine. Ive got strong feelings about the record, what weve been able to accomplish here in Pennsylvania.

Inquirer staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article.
KLJ names CEO

KLJ Engineering LLC has named Kurt Zmich, PE, current COO and acting CEO, as president and CEO.

Zmich joined KLJ in 2022, with multiple years of executive leadership experience in the AEC industry.

Starion Bank promotes staff

Starion Bank has promoted Troy Hilz to business banking officer in its Mandan branch.

Hilz joined Starion Bank in 2022, bringing previous finance and sales experience. He began as a universal banker and moved up to credit analyst. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in agricultural economics.

Board selects Howe

North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe has been selected by his peers to serve as the Midwestern region vice-president on the Executive Board of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Howe previously served as co-chair of the NASS Business Services Committee. He is a member of the NASS Elections, Cybersecurity, and Business Services committees.

Attorney elected trustee

Brian Bjella, attorney with Crowley Fleck, has been elected as an honorary trustee of the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law of Denver, Colorado, for his years of service.

Communications professional awarded

Kayli Richards has been recognized with the Golden Gov Award by the North Dakota Public Information Officer Association.

Richards is the director of communications for the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The award recognizes outstanding achievement and excellence in government communications.
Our second quarter daily brokerage revenue indications from audits, endorsements, and cancellations remain positive, indicating continued strong customer business activity. Additionally, new claims arising within our third-party claims administration business, which are typically tied to business activity, continue to grow year over year, he said. The business is in great shape, and we are in an enviable position. Our net new business is up from prior year, renewal premiums continue to increase, and our M&A pipeline is growing. I am proud of our year-to-date financial performance and remain bullish about 2024 and beyond.
Brokers can share this survey with their clients to be rated based on a series of criteria, including providing personalised service and ensuring the best value for money.
Morache, her husband, and their daughter have had to move rental properties five times since their home was flooded. She told ABC that dealing with two insurance, securing higher payouts, and managing temporary accommodation have consumed much of her time. She has also been coordinating with tradespeople and builders for repairs.
Irish TV presenter Laura Whitmore alleges that she was subjected to inappropriate behaviour during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Love Island host, 39, was partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2016 and was the seventh celebrity eliminated.

Whitmore, who battled through an ankle injury during the early weeks of the BBC One show, claims she raised concerns at the time.

Laura Whitmore (left) and Giovanni Pernice (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Pernice, 33, had previously rejected threatening or abusive behaviour allegations made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with him in 2023 before he exited the show.

Whitmore wrote in an Instagram story on Saturday: I was trying not to comment on recent press speculation until the BBC review is complete but feel there is a lot of misinformation in the press and I want to help and show support by setting the record straight.

I was asked to speak to the BBC along with six people that I know of (who deserve anonymity as they dont want to be dragged through the press), about inappropriate behaviour they experienced similar to mine with the same individual.

I initially raised concerns back in 2016.

I thought my experience was specific to me but Ive since learned I was wrong.

The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop.

My evidence is to support other peoples experience.

Its a shame it takes this for someone to be heard.

I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it wont happen to anyone else again.

Because I have not made an official complaint, and am providing evidence of my experience to support the investigation, not all the communication will be passed on to all parties involved.

She added that she is trying to set the record straight by speaking out.

Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington who appeared on 2023s Strictly Come Dancing on BBC 1 (Ray Burniston/BBC)

Victim blaming must stop or we will never get better, Whitmore also said.

Ive tried to speak up in the correct way.

I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up.

Abbington claimed producers were shocked and horrified after they viewed her training films, during an interview with former Strictly co-star Krishnan Guru-Murthy on Channel 4 News.

However, she said she is unable to provide more detail because of the ongoing BBC review of her complaint, but described it as bullying and aggressive behaviour.

A spokesman for Pernice previously said: We are cooperating fully with the BBCs review process.

All parties have been asked to respect this process and to not speak to the media before it concludes.

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 Amandas 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 reviews conclusion and not to pay heed to these very serious and defamatory allegations that have no evidence in support of them.

Graziano Di Prima left the show after allegations about his treatment of Love Island star Zara McDermott.

BBC director-general Tim Davie apologised to contestants who have had an experience that hasnt been wholly positive, and maintained the show would return.

Paralympian Will Bayley said he suffered a serious injury while performing a jump during rehearsals in 2019, and claimed he was shown no duty of care.

On July 16, the BBC said it would introduce measures to strengthen welfare and support on the show, including a chaperone who will be present at all times during training room rehearsals.

A previous statement from the corporation 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.

The BBC and Pernice have been contacted for comment.
A Cork man leaving what was described as a drugs storehouse at Maddens Buildings in Blackpool, Cork, was searched and found with 3,000 worth of heroin stuffed down his pants.

Detective Garda Rory Fogarty said that in a follow-up search at a house the gardai seized 2,500 in cash which was believed to be the proceeds of drug-dealing.

These were among the allegations made by the detective in an objection to bail being granted to 39-year-old Alan Duggan, formerly of 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, at Cork District Court.

Det. Garda Fogarty said the prosecution concern was that if the accused man was released on bail he would get involved in further serious crime, in particular drug-related offences.

Donal Daly, solicitor, applied for bail stating that the accused man was expecting his first child and that his partner was due in the coming weeks. Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Alan Duggan, formerly of 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, in custody with consent to bail.

The conditions of bail include his own bail of 3,000 of which 1,000 has to be lodged in court and an independent surety of 2,000 of which 1,000 cash to be lodged. Other conditions require him to live at an address at Blackpool, keep a curfew to be home from 11pm until 7am each night, surrender his passport and abstain from intoxicants.

Det. Garda Fogarty alleged that 20 grammes of Diamorphine (heroin) valued 3,000 were found in his pants and 2,500 cash was found in the follow-up search of a property.

Alan Duggan had the case against him adjourned until July 29. Also adjourned to that date was an older charge on which he was arrested on a bench warrant yesterday when being dealt with on the fresh matter.

The old charge relates to April 15, 2021, and states that he permitted drug preparation at a house at Ard Bhaile, Mayfield. The new charges of heroin possession and having the drug for sale or supply related to Wednesday, July 24, at Maddens Buildings.
You might not think a sleep apnoea business in Australia would have much of a connection with GLP-1 medication. Or be threatened by it. But last month, shares in one such company dropped by more than 13% at one point as investors got worried about the medication reducing the incidence of sleep apnoea.

Obesity is a frequent underlying cause of sleep apnoea, so if you move out of obesity, youre less likely to suffer sleep apnoea, which in turn implies lower future sales for that technology.

The share-dumping in a sleep apnoea technology company is just one of the hundreds of unanticipated consequences of GLP-1 success.

Its estimated that at least 15 million people in the US alone are now taking these medications, with brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy becoming household names. Such a volume of consumption means that in just a couple of years, this semaglutide medication has become the first legitimate prescription drug to seriously lift the economy of a nation: Denmarks finances are flying because of it.

But  as the evidence across a wide range of human activities builds up  it is becoming clear that the social, healthcare, cultural and economic effects of the GLP-1 injections go further. Much further.

No previous medicine has ever challenged international culture, jolted the food industry into radical change, rattled the future prospects of the alcohol industry, threatened Big Tobacco or promised the possibility of cheaper air travel.

Were seeing almost daily publication of clinical studies into the efficacy of the medication, which in itself is an oddity. What usually happens with a game-changing drug is that the years before its release onto the market are the period within which most of the relevant studies happen.

Semagludite, as a remedy for obesity, didnt follow that pattern, largely because it was on the market initially and for several years as a way to control erratic blood sugar in diabetic patients, rather than as a weight-loss solution.

Broadcaster and author Matt Cooper, in 2018, on an August holiday in New York, found himself needing to get up in the middle of the night to visit the toilet. His energy levels were collapsing, leaving him wanting to drop off to sleep in studio in front of the microphone.

What ailed him was Type 2 diabetes, despite walking 10,000 steps a day, doing tough workouts at least twice a week, drinking little alcohol. He was put on Ozempic.

It did lead to considerable weight loss, he said. Within months the weight started to fall off. Im four years on it at this stage and 12 kg lighter than when I started it.

Matt Cooper: 'Im four years on it at this stage and 12 kg lighter than when I started it.'

Four years ago, when Cooper started on the prescription, Ozempic was seen as a diabetes medicine. Now, it is synonymous with weight loss. What it will be synonymous with, four years from now, is anybodys guess.

According to the New York Times, dozens of studies are now going on to investigate if GLP-1s might help with Alzheimers, liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and even skin conditions. If these trials prove successful, the drugs may extend many lives by years, save billions in medical costs and divide public health into before-and-after epochs.

Understandably, the HSE is an interested observer, with Dr Siobhan Ni Bhrian, HSE National Clinical Director, Integrated Care, Office Chief Clinical Officer confirming to the Irish Examiner that the HSE is monitoring closely the ongoing work and research in the field of GLP-1 based therapies.

She says that to date, based on the clinical trials, the benefits that have accrued are confined to diabetes, complex obesity and cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients but that as with any high use and new class of medication, there are signals of potential benefit in other areas. These could include, in the case of GLP-1 medications, dementia and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

It will take some time before more information emerges and the evidence base becomes stronger one way or the other, she says. The early signals have not been studied in sufficient detail to date to have a position about their use. Those early signals, like the possibility of reducing the risk of dementia, were initially attributed to the weight loss facilitated by GLP-1s. Like sleep-apnoea reduction: if obesity drops, sleep apnoea drops, too. One is a consequence of the other.

However, it now seems the picture is more complex. The mechanism whereby the risk of dementia may be reduced does not seem to follow the If A, then B sequence. Some of the gains may be attributable to factors within the drug itself, rather than consequent on weight-loss.

Semagludite may, goes one line of thought, reduce inflammation in the body, and it may be that factor which generates other beneficial changes. Whatever the cause of the putative benefits, those benefits themselves are of breathtaking possible magnitude.

Reducing dementia, kidney disease, stroke and heart failure would radically change public health provision throughout the world. It might not do it speedily, and it may not do all of these things, but it puts the world on the cusp of a new way to manage aging populations and their illnesses.

Nobody, right now, can project with precision any diminution in waiting lists or reduction in trolley-occupation, but it is not naive to suggest that both will be measurably impacted  and for the better  by the wider benefits of these drugs, assuming the supply lines can be strengthened.

Nor are all the positive implications restricted to older people. The CDC, looking at the almost three quarters of a million people in the US who each year develop obesity-associated cancers, points out that the incidence of these cancers has been going up in the last few years, particularly in younger people.

Could this trend be reversed if more people in their 20s and 30s were prescribed the drug for weight loss? The World Health Organisation maintains that five million lives are lost every year to diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular problems, chronic respiratory diseases and disorders of the digestive system which are caused or contributed to by people being overweight or obese.

Ozempic and its extended family could possibly make a quantum leap in the reduction of deaths from diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular problems, chronic respiratory diseases and disorders of the digestive system.

Ozempic and its extended family could possibly make a quantum leap in the reduction of those deaths, which is why the HSE's Obesity National Clinical Programme (NCP) is contributing to a World Health Organisation working group on the existing and potential future indications for the GLP-1 therapies.

This group is due to issue its report by the end of this year and the Obesity NCP will continue to advise other HSE national clinical programmes and strategies of the risks and benefits of these therapies, says Dr Ni Bhrian, adding that the impact of the muscle loss that occurs with weight loss and its potential to increase frailty is also an area that requires further attention.

At one end of the spectrum, whats going into peoples supermarket trolleys has already measurably changed, at least in the US. At the other end of the spectrum is the boost for gyms and protein products designed to mitigate the muscle-wasting effects sometimes associated with medication containing semaglutide.

Some of the worlds biggest companies face a complicated future. One side of Nestle, for example, brings us Rolo, KitKat, Smarties and Haagen-Daz ice-cream. The chief executive of Mark Schneider, has acknowledged the threat to food manufacturing companies. "In our case, he said, that will be the frozen food side of things, confectionery, and to some extent ice cream."

The other side of Nestle is their Health Sciences Division, of which Anna Mohl is the CEO. Mohl told Bloomberg that theyre developing supplements to help in "preserving lean muscle mass, managing digestive upset and assuring an adequate daily consumption of micronutrients" in those taking skinny drugs. One womans "Ozempic face", in other words, is another womans marketing opportunity.

Swiss food giant Nestle CEO Ulf Mark Schneider has acknowledged the threat to food manufacturing companies. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images

Walmart may have been the first major retailer to use its massive data-management capacities to measure the GLP-1 prescriptions issued by their pharmacies against the consumption by the individuals taking those prescriptions, and to come to a speedy realisation that the individuals were significantly changing their purchasing and consumption habits.

For starters, they were spending less. In addition, what they were buying with that reduced spend was changing, too. They were picking up less junk food: ultra-processed, high fat, high calorie, high salt, high carbohydrate items, ranging from cookies to crisps.

This was added to by a Morgan Stanley survey in April of this year, showing the users of these drugs were visiting restaurants less frequently and reducing their takeout orders.

It is, of course, possible to cast doubt on this threat to the purveyors of empty calories by mentioning the numbers of patients who quit the drug in any given year, either because, like writer Stephen Fry, they suffer unbearable side effects from it, or because they dont like the idea of being dependent on a pharmaceutical product for the rest of their lives.

Taking comfort from the dropouts might not be a great commercial strategy, according to the Morgan Stanley analysts who expect the market for GLP-1s to be worth $105 billion by 2030.

They go further, predicting that as many as 31.5 million people, or around 9% of the US population, will take GLP-1s by 2035. Extrapolate from the US figures to a nation with embedded obesity problems, like India, and the inevitable conclusion is that the direction of choice for food manufacturers has to be smaller sizes higher in protein, while the direction of choice for retailers is a greater emphasis on berries and vegetables.

Paradoxically, the new drugs may deal a near-fatal blow to many weight-loss products that have been around for a while.

Sales of SlimFast, the meal replacement shakes, have plummeted from $300m in 2019 to half of that last year. That is not good for Irelands Glanbia, which owns the brand and now finds itself, in common with many food manufacturers, facing sudden change and the need to re-invent what it provides.

Stephen Fry suffered unbearable side effects from Ozempic. Photo: Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

A largely unanticipated outcome of the new drugs is a reduction in alcohol consumption with almost a quarter of the users claiming to have either reduced their alcohol consumption or quit booze altogether.

If this pattern holds true as GLP-1 consumers exponentially grow, then this, too, carries inchoate but considerable benefit for public health and public health systems, worldwide. A reduction of even a couple of percentage points in hospital admissions resulting from alcohol abuse in Ireland would be a gift to the A&E in every one of our acute hospitals.

Progress comes with warnings, though, and the WHO last month issued a global alert about fake Ozempic. There were seizures of fake medication claiming to contain semaglutide in Ireland last year as well as Brazil, the UK and US.

But if, as seems inevitable, millions of people worldwide lose weight on these drugs, this is a step change. Knock-on effects could include the textile industry reducing the amount of fabric they use. A lighter load means a plane requires less fuel, so in theory airline tickets could be cheaper.

One thing is certain. That argument that people should lose weight by being disciplined rather than taking pharmaceuticals? Forget it. GLP-1 users have already moved on from that one. Its not a moral issue any more.
The medieval violence meted out on a father-of-seven attending a funeral at a cemetery in Tralee was the central image from this murder trial but another altogether different picture is possibly even more disturbing.

The image comes from moments before the murder of Tom Dooley when he ambled across the forecourt of Kellehers garage from the Mace store to Rath cemetery. He was a big man. We see him as he walks along with a couple of his children. He stops to tie his shoelace.

One of the kids  doubtless in his best clothes as the family paid their respects to their friend and neighbour who had died  does what kids will do, he walks straight into a puddle and jumps up and down splashing.

There is nothing extraordinary going on at just after 11.30am that morning. It is just one of the million moments that make up the life of a family.

But freeze the frame. Zoom in on the top right-hand corner of the CCTV image. There is something that looks like two postage stamps on the corner of an envelope. In fact, they are two parked vans. Two of the three getaway vans, faced towards Cork.

Unfreeze the video and let it play on. What could have been a most ordinary scene is now something infinitely more sinister. A dead man walking. Tom Dooley is ambling to his death.

It was claimed in court by one of his brothers that Thomas Dooley was fighting with everybody. Picture via Facebook

Those grainy images from the corner  the getaway vans  are some of the seeds of his destruction.

Seconds pass, now a minute, and just a few more seconds. Tom Dooleys children and his wife Siobhan are running back to the Mace shop in terror. At the top of the screen is the scurrying of figures jumping into getaway vans before spinning to Cork.

Those postage stamps from the corner of the image, what they now come to signify out of sight of this camera is a 43-year-old father of seven children in a pool of blood, dying or already dead.

What happened in the graveyard was not on any recorded image. Instead, a horrible cluster of pictures of what happened in those seconds in the cemetery were painted by witnesses in words.

A shout goes up  Come on boys. A group of men run at Tom Dooley and surround him.

They were hitting him with everything, they were hitting him with weapons, blood was squirting everywhere.

Another shouts  Shove over, give me a chance, give me a go. The father-of-seven is bleeding to death on the ground of the graveyard. His brother Patrick is standing over him. He was grinning, youre a big man now.

Siobhan Dooley was doubtless thinking only seconds earlier of the woman who died and to whose memory she was there with her family to pay respects.

Suddenly she has a ringside view of the barbaric murder of her husband: They were actually grinning. Tom (Tom Dooley Sr.) had a coat on him. He was taking it off him and he was grinning. I saw something in his hand. I said to my husband to run. He said, No, why should I run? I have nothing to run for.

I saw Tom with something in his hand. I saw him with two weapons in his hands. One was kind of shiny and looked to be new. The other had a bit of rust on it. I think one had a kind of round top on it, the other was kind of a big chunk of a yoke Tom (Tom Dooley Sr.) said, Youre a big man now. Patrick was grinning. He had another weapon. I dont know what sort it was.

(The teenaged accused) had something long in his hands. He had it over his head, like something youd see in an Indian movie. It was kind of like an axe thing.

"Patrick and (Thomas snr) grabbed him by his two collars Mike  my husbands first cousin  had a weapon in his hand. He was standing behind my husband. I knew they were going to do him harm. I saw the weapons. I tried to squeeze in between them. I knew I had no hope All I could do was start scraping (Thomas snrs) face and eyes to get him away from my husband.

I heard one of them saying, Take her out too  get rid of her. I got another bang. I was pegged to the ground. They were all gathered around. He (her late husband) turned his head and said, Run, just run.

Siobhan Dooley (beige jacket) with her daughters Noreen and Siobhan, and son-in-law Jamie Harty at Anglesea Street court during the murder trial. Picture: Larry Cummins

They were actually pushing each other to get in at him. I remember one of them pushing (another) back. Shove over, give me a chance, give me a go," she said.

If these pictures were like moments from a cowboy movie or indeed a horror film, they were from one that Siobhan and her seven children will never want to see. It is more than enough that she and some of the children saw it playing out live in front of them.

And if the trial itself could be compared to a movie, then it had many of the tropes of contemporary film-making  episodic, time-bending, riddled with competing narrative voices, some of them unreliable narrators and we also got fragmentation and hyperreal pictures, random elements and cross-cultural references.

The jury might have hoped for the classical structure of beginning, middle and end  and ideally in that order, but that was not what they got. Of course there were days when the focus of the trial was scientific and exact, not least the pathologists evidence and the DNA analysis of blood spots found on clothing.

But there were digressions too when the time it would take to run across the graveyard saw Jamaicas Olympic champion Usain Bolt being brought into the picture. Hurling legend Diarmuid The Rock OSullivan got a mention.

We were whisked back a century to Michael Collins rallying the troops, and four centuries to Rene Descartes and his philosophical musings. And there was time in the 34 days of the trial for a mention too of Montreals finest, Leonard Cohen.

'Honour killing'

With all of the alternating between focusing and digressing there was some attempt to bring all of the disparate elements together under a single unifying theme  the honour killing.

But how convincing an explanation was that? What the prosecution called an honour killing, with no honour, but which the defence rejected, one lawyer calling it a racist slur.

From Siobhan Dooleys evidence there was at the very least among the killers a smug sense of them deciding that this was some kind of comeuppance for her husband, Tom Dooley.

Taunting him with the words, Youre a big man now, as he lay bleeding in the graveyard that morning in front of his wife and family. What emerged was a sense that they had been appointed or were self-appointed to bring about this righteous act.

Some people close to the case speculated privately that there may well have been a decision to give the deceased a good hiding  or some other like euphemism for a serious assault  but that it might well have fallen short of a plan to murder.

But of course that is where the legal definitions sternly left the accused nowhere to hide.

Even if they intended only to cause serious harm, and never meant for him to die, they are still murderers. Of course, none of them came to court saying I only meant .

Everyone of them came to court saying  not from the witness box or even to the investigating gardai but  through their lawyers, in effect, I had nothing to do with violence of any kind, I was only there for a funeral. Wrong place, wrong time.

One of the convicted, 20-year-old Thomas Dooley, being escorted to Tralee District Court in November 2022.

Patrick, the brother of the deceased, went further, telling gardai on top of that blanket denial that he jumped in a vain attempt to save his brother from attack by others.

Well never know how the jury concluded as they did.

But if any juror articulated the view, Id say they only meant to assault him, they would have had to consider  against that  the seriousness of that attack.

We heard a lot about weapons, knives, cleavers, this round yoke, a small circular shaped weapon on a short handle, and an axe thing  something youd see an Indian with in a film. And we heard about the swinging of blows down on the victim.

And we heard the words coming from the attackers which were more than suggestive of something at the serious end of the spectrum of violence and warped honour.

Come on boys! You are a big man now. Shove over, give me a chance, give me a go. But not just the words. There was the laughing. And more menacingly, the grinning. Siobhan Dooley referred to that several times, like she has no chance of ever getting it out of her head. The grinning.

And if it was all about honour, vengeance for wounded pride, or something like that, what evidence is there?

Why?

It certainly stretches any known meaning of honour to find anything honourable in it. But what caused it? Nobody disputes that the deceased man did not raise a hand to anyone on October 5, 2022, and he did not behave in any kind of provocative way but why did this brutal, fatal attack happen?

This is one of the places where different narrators are at odds. The dead mans brother said the deceased did not get on with the family.

He (the deceased) was fighting with everybody, not fighting physically. We left him off. He did not talk to the father, he didnt talk to any of us. We left him do his own thing Like I said, he had a bit of a mental thing.

That was how Patrick Dooley described it when gardai questioned him. But can he be relied upon on that point?

Siobhan did not agree that there was even a falling out or any kind of fighting going on over the years.

The late Thomas Dooley (left) with his wife Siobhan who had a ringside view of the barbaric murder of her husband. Picture via Facebook

We never had a falling out. The trouble only started when my daughter refused to marry Tom Dooleys son, Thomas. We were not speaking. We never fell out. It was a clean break. We never communicated after. We never spoke," she said.

She said her daughter Rosie left Thomas Jnr in November 2019 on the day one of her other daughters was getting married.

But Thomas Jr did not give Siobhan a clear run at describing it like that.

Through his lawyer, he said, he had been happily married for six months when the killing occurred. Like the others, he stayed out of the witness box but the suggestion was that his happiness would not tally with any notion of his honour being injured and in need of vengeance.

Whatever was behind it, the murder was as swift as it was brutal.

Thomas Dooley's brother said the deceased did not get on with the family. Picture via Facebook

Once the Come on boys cry went up, the armed men ran at Tom Dooley, surrounded him and flaked into him with deadly weapons. Then they ran, jumped into their getaway vans and drove out of Tralee in convoy.

The father-of-seven was left dead or as close to it in that moment as would make no difference.

Siobhan Dooley would be a happy woman today if it was all merely some twisted movie. Instead of which it is the brutal reality which now haunts her family.

Lifelong scars have been left. At least one of them is physical and runs almost the width of Siobhans back after she was cleaved while trying to save her husbands life.

As for the emotional scars, who beyond Siobhan Dooley and her children could even begin to imagine how deeply they have cut?

We might get some sense of how deeply when we hear victim impact evidence from the family on July 30 ahead of the imposition of the mandatory life sentences to be imposed on the murderers.
This column has featured before the rewriting of the history of the Troubles in the North. As memory of the violence fades and the trauma of thousands continues to be internalised, there are efforts to shift blame, rewrite narratives, present the past in a manner that is at variance with known facts.

This week a row kicked up in Derry over a new museum. The Peacemakers Museum opened on Monday. It exhibits a version of the past in the city from 1972 to 2007 and focuses on three men from The Bogside  John Hume, Martin McGuinness and Mitchel McLaughlin.

John Hume needs no introduction. He was, to the greatest extent, the leader of nationalist Ireland in the North during the Troubles. His SDLP party was always far more popular than Sinn Fein and Derry was an SDLP heartland. Hume was central to the peace process and was duly awarded with David Trimble a Nobel Peace Prize in 1998.

Mitchell McLaughlin was a Sinn Fein politician. He was in various party delegations involved in the peace process. Retrospectively elevating his role to the point where he features in a museum is, by any standards, a little over the top.

Pat Hume, told the museum her husband John did not wish to be involved.

That brings us to one of the problems that John Humes family have with this museum. The family has issued a statement distancing itself from the project and pointing out issues raised by Johns wife, Pat, in 2021 which were not addressed. These included that the exhibition was not inclusive and it features two Sinn Fein politicians along with Hume, despite the SDLP having been the main political force in the city during the period in question.

The museum received public funding, including 1.8m from Northern Irelands Executive Office. The office now admits it didnt carry out sufficient due diligence on the project and has apologised to the Hume family and commissioned an independent review on the matter.

All visitors to the facility, and particularly those from outside Derry, will remain completely ignorant of this background.

'Peacemaker' McGuinness

Apart from any of that, portraying McGuinness primarily as a peacemaker is to stretch credulity to breaking point.

McGuinness had personal qualities. In the years before the ending of the IRAs campaign of violence, and particularly after it, he made serious efforts to advance politics and even reconciliation. He showed that he was a politician of substance.

However, there is now no dispute about his status during the conflict as one of the leading figures in the IRA and the effective leader of the group in Derry.

During that time the Provos in Derry undertook some depraved operations. In April 1981, Joanne Mathers, a mother of one, was going door to door to collect census forms when a masked man ran up to her, put a gun to her head and pulled the trigger, killing her.

In October 1990, Catholic baker Patsy Gillespie was taken from his home, strapped into a car containing a bomb and told to drive to an army checkpoint or his family would be murdered. He did as he was ordered, the bomb was exploded and he and six solders died.

There were many other operations in McGuinnesss bailiwick in which civilians were treated as pawns in spreading terror. He is reported to have given the go ahead for the murder of Lord Mountbatten in 1979, an operation in which two teenage boys were also murdered.

According to a new book, the potential for McGuinness to become a peacemaker was spotted in the early 1980s by the British Security Services. Four Shots in The Night by Henry Hemming traces McGuinnesss evolution from killing to using exclusively democratic means to pursue his aims. The British, through their network of intelligence agents in the IRA and Sinn Fein, saw that McGuinness and Gerry Adams were men who one day might leave the gun behind.

Thereafter these two figures were to a large extent protected by the British, Hemming writes. They werent agents, as some have speculated, but senior elements in the security services wanted to see them kept in place as they were the best bet for the Provos ending their campaign. What this in effect means, in McGuinness case, is that he was sending young men and women out to kill and die for a united Ireland which he knew was unattainable, while the British did what they could to ensure he stayed alive and in a position of power.

Four Shots hones in on McGuinnesss role in the killing of Frank Hegarty. Hegarty was recruited as a British agent in 1980 and six years later was whisked out of Derry when it became apparent his cover was blown. While he was away McGuiness repeatedly visited Hegartys mother Rose and assured her that her son would be left alone if he returned. He did return and a few weeks later met by appointment senior IRA figures. His body was found on the other side of the border, his eyes taped, gunshot wounds to his head.

Subsequently, MI5 shut down a criminal investigation into McGuinness for the murder as the police honed in on him. The IRA leader had to be protected.

So McGuinness was a peacemaker but he was much more. He was a leader in an organisation that John Hume at one point characterised as those who saw themselves as keepers of the holy grail of the nation in which that deep-seated attitude, married to their method, has all the other hallmarks of the fascist.

You wont see that quote in the Peacekeepers Museum, nor other disparaging observations from Hume or his colleagues during the years when the vast majority of the people of Derry were opposed to the campaign of killing for a united Ireland

You wont see reference to the debate within the upper echelons of the IRA in the early eighties on whether or not they should murder Hume.

What you get instead is a distortion of history in which a minor figure like Mitchel McLaughlin features prominently in a museum in order to present Sinn Fein as the main drivers for peace.

What intrigues is why the so-called Republican movement insist on these distortions. If they believe, as they claim to, that they were representing the nationalist people, if they believe that the Provos were correct to kill anyone whose death might advance the cause, why not come out and own it? Surely its not because they know that any such moral argument was then, and even today remains, entirely bankrupt. Surely its not because they know deep down that Humes characterisation of their campaign as fascist is far closer to the truth than their benign portrayal of some redundant and savage fight for freedom.

Henry Hemming is this weeks guest on the Mick Clifford podcast
Top DPRK leader visits China-DPRK Friendship Tower commemorating war victory

Xinhua) 15:18, July 27, 2024

BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), visited the China-DPRK Friendship Tower Friday on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the country's Fatherland Liberation War victory, state media reported Saturday.

Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, used the occasion to express his belief that the friendship between the two countries would be "firmly carried forward and developed," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

During the commemoration, a wreath in the name of the top leader was laid before the friendship tower with letters on a ribbon reading "We will remember the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers forever", the report said.

Kim said that the Fatherland Liberation War victory was a great victory, and that the peoples of the DPRK and China won the war in the most difficult period of the DPRK by "sharing weal and woe in the same trench."

"The military merit of the Chinese People's Volunteers registered in the DPRK's history of war victory would be kept in the minds of the Korean people as an eternal golden star symbolic of feats," he said.

The DPRK leader also visited the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery and the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Mt. Taesong on Friday in commemoration of the war victory, the KCNA reported.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Every time I see a brave, dignified, resilient woman waive her anonymity to call out her rapist or abuser, I think of the first brave, dignified, resilient woman to do so, Lavinia Kerwick.

She did more than make history when she went on live radio in July 1993 to express her utter disbelief after a judge adjourned sentencing for a year to give the accused, William Conroy, a chance as a human being.

The following day, 2fm broadcaster Gerry Ryan said the man would certainly not have walked free if he had anything to do with it. Encouraged by his attitude, Lavinia phoned The Gerry Ryan Show and made history.

When he asked how she felt, she said: I had to be removed from the court because I just sat there and cried and I kept on saying, I cant believe it, I cant believe it. He might as well have raped me yesterday again.

By the time the 11 oclock news came around, Lavinia Kerwick was a national story.

It is difficult to overstate the importance of that interview. Neither broadcaster nor interviewee knew what might happen. Gerry might have been sacked, Lavinia said later.

He wasnt although, despite the collective outrage, Lavinia Kerwicks rapist never went to jail. A year later, he got a nine-year suspended sentence.

Annie Murphy, the woman with whom Bishop Eamon Casey had a child, during her interview with Gay Byrne on The Late Late Show.

It was the year of the ground-breaking interview.

A few months before, in April 1993, Annie Murphy shattered another taboo when she appeared on The Late Late Show to talk about the son she had with Eamonn Casey (I find it hard to attach the title Bishop to his name after this weeks documentary exposing his grotesque Buried Secrets.)

Its worth replaying that interview because the tone of disapproval so evident in Gay Byrnes tone echoed a widespread belief at the time that Annie Murphy was a temptress and a hussy. Even so, his parting shot still rankles: If your son is half as good a man as his father, he wont be doing too badly.

Annie Murphy gave him a magnificent side-eye and retorted: Well, Mr Byrne, Im not half bad myself.

We now know that Eamonn Caseys relationship with Annie Murphy represented the respectable tip of a very dark past. His niece Patricia Donovan spoke on camera for the first time to outline a catalogue of abuse that began when she was five.

She spent years and years and years trying to get heard, she said during Anne Sheridans excellent investigation into a man who had three other charges of child sex abuse made against him and one child safeguarding concern.

Two abuse cases were settled, but gagging orders prevented those involved talking about what had been done to them. However, if we can take one significant positive from the Casey documentary it is that women  and survivors of abuse  will not be silenced any more.

More and more, women are prepared to stand up in public to put the shame back where it belongs  on the rapist and/or abuser.

In the 1960s, poet Muriel Rukeyser asked: What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life?/ The world would split open.

The world did split open, to a degree at least, when Lavinia Kerwick told the truth about her life in 1993. Her courage led to the introduction of victim impact statements in court and emboldened many other women to tell the truth about their lives.

If feels so deeply unjust, then, that Lavinia Kerwick has been forced yet again to tell the truth about her life so that she can get access to the health treatment she needs.

On 18 July, she posted on X: I have to be honest I am struggling with a very serious relapse of anorexia and have been hospitalised and I am so sorry I have let everyone down.

There was an immediate rush to reassure her that she had not let anybody down. It was the other way around. The state had let her down. Again. Its not often that social media posts are clear-eyed and balanced, but the outcry about the lack of suitable available care hit the nail on the head.

The harrowing details of her treatment, or rather lack of it, were also posted online. It made for shocking, painful, disquieting reading that should make the providers of healthcare hang their heads in shame.

Its not that they are unaware of the issues. In March, MindEverybody organised protests in Cork, Limerick, and Dublin to highlight the urgent need to remove the multiple barriers faced by people trying to access services for eating disorders.

At the time, Amy Hanley, whose daughter was diagnosed with anorexia in 2022, said: No family or individual should endure the obstacles we faced in securing treatment for my daughter.

If the authorities treated this mental health condition with the gravity it deserves, not only could it alleviate the profound suffering experienced by patients, but it could also significantly reduce the economic burdens.

The words that jump out there are profound suffering because they describe Lavinia Kerwicks experience. She didnt get justice for the rape perpetrated against her in 1991 and now she is being denied the treatment she needs for anorexia, a condition exacerbated by her experience of trauma.

She is getting the right treatment now, a friend told this column, although that means her phone has been taken away. While that might be standard practice it means she hasnt been able to tell us how she is getting on.

Others, though, are using their voices to speak out on her behalf. One of them, Suzanne, used hers to outline why she was incensed by Lavinias experience.

To read in another post the nature of her current treatment in an open, psychiatric ward; that she was stripped and held down after being sectioned, that there is no coherent treatment plan, no chance of rest, recuperation, dignity, is immensely distressing. Forty years ago this month, I was sectioned in a Cork hospital. My experience was identical to Lavinias, she said.

Four decades on, nothing has changed.

Once again, adds Suzanne, Lavinia's willingness to tell the truth in an open forum has exposed the mean secrets at the heart of mental health care in this country.

The failure to respond to those mean secrets draws me back to a phrase Lavinia repeated in her interview with Gerry Ryan. I cant believe it. I cant believe it.

Its a stain on all of our services that Lavinia Kerwicks experience is actually true.
The FBI has confirmed a bullet struck Donald Trumps ear, clearing up conflicting accounts about what caused the former presidents injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.

What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle, the agency said in a statement.

The statement marked the most definitive law enforcement account of Mr Trumps injuries and followed ambiguous comments earlier in the week from director Christopher Wray that appeared to cast doubt on whether he had actually been hit by a bullet.

Former president Donald Trump is escorted to a motorcade following an attempted assassination at a campaign event (Gene J Puskar/AP)

The comment drew fury from the former president and his allies and stoked conspiracy theories that have flourished on both sides of the political aisle following the July 13 attack.

Up until now, federal law enforcement agents involved in the investigation, including the FBI and Secret Service, had repeatedly refused to provide information about what caused Mr Trumps injuries.

The Republican presidential nominees campaign has also declined to release medical records from the hospital where he was first treated or to make the doctors there available for questions.

Updates have come either from Mr Trump himself or former White House doctor Ronny Jackson, a staunch ally who now represents Texas in Congress.

Though Dr Jackson has been treating Mr Trump since the night of the attack, he has come under considerable scrutiny and is not the former presidents primary care physician.

FBI Statement out this hour  attributable to the agency and not a specific person:

What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle.  Bret Baier (@BretBaier) July 26, 2024

The FBIs apparent reluctance to immediately vouch for Mr Trumps version of events  along with the ire he and some supporters have directed at the bureau in the shootings aftermath  has also raised fresh tension between the Republican nominee and the nations premier federal law enforcement agency.

Questions about the extent and nature of Mr Trumps wound began immediately after the attack, as his campaign and law enforcement officials declined to answer questions about his condition or the treatment he received after narrowly escaping death.

Those questions have persisted despite photos showing the trace of a projectile speeding past Mr Trumps head, photographs that show teleprompter glass intact after the shooting, and the account Mr Trump himself gave in a Truth Social post within hours of the shooting, saying he had been shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.

I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin, he wrote.

Update on President Trumps recovery from the bullet wound to his ear. pic.twitter.com/zLQuvk5cnQ  Ronny Jackson (@RepRonnyJackson) July 26, 2024

Days later, in a speech accepting the nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Mr Trump described the horrific scene in detail while wearing a large, white, gauze bandage over his right ear.

I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me really, really hard on my right ear. I said to myself, Wow, what was that? It can only be a bullet,' he said.

If I had not moved my head at that very last instant, Mr Trump said, the assassins bullet would have perfectly hit its mark, and I would not be here tonight.

But the first medical account of the former presidents condition did not come until a full week after the shooting when Dr Jackson released his first letter.

In that letter, he said the bullet that struck Mr Trump had produced a 2 cm wide wound that extended down to the cartilaginous surface of the ear. He also revealed that Mr Trump had received a CT scan at the hospital.

However, federal law enforcement involved in the investigation, including the FBI and Secret Service, declined to confirm that account, and Christoper Wrays testimony offered apparently conflicting answers on the issue.

Theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear, Mr Wray testified before he seemed to suggest it was indeed a bullet.

I dont know whether that bullet, in addition to causing the grazing, could have also landed somewhere else, he said.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally after an attempt on his life. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The following day, the FBI sought to clarify matters with a statement affirming that the shooting was an attempted assassination of former president Trump which resulted in his injury, as well as the death of a heroic father and the injuries of several other victims.

The FBI also said Thursday that its Shooting Reconstruction Team continues to examine bullet fragments and other evidence from the scene.

Dr Jackson, who has been treating the former president since the night of the July 13 shooting, told The Associated Press on Thursday that any suggestion Mr Trumps ear was bloodied by anything other than a bullet was reckless.

It was a bullet wound, he said.

You cant make statements like that. It leads to all these conspiracy theories.

In his letter on Friday, Dr Jackson insisted there is absolutely no evidence Mr Trump was struck by anything other than a bullet and said it was wrong and inappropriate to suggest anything else.

He wrote that at Butler Memorial Hospital, where the Republican nominee was rushed after the shooting, he was evaluated and treated for a Gunshot Wound to the Right Ear.

The FBI declined to comment on the Jackson letters.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung blasted the media for asking if the campaign would release hospital records or allow the doctors who treated the Republican nominee there to speak,

The media has no shame in engaging in disgusting conspiracy theories, he said.

Ranking Member @LindseyGrahamSC to FBI Director Wray: I urge you to immediately correct your statement and acknowledge that President Trump was hit by a bullet rather than glass or shrapnel. pic.twitter.com/jFo8tNsKUk  Senate Judiciary Republicans (@SenJudiciaryGOP) July 26, 2024

The facts are the facts, and to question an abhorrent assassination attempt that ultimately cost a life and injured two others is beyond the pale.

In emails last week, he told the AP that medical readouts had already been provided.

Its sad some people still dont believe a shooting happened, Mr Cheung said, even after one person was killed and others were injured.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also urged Mr Wray to correct his testimony in a letter, saying the fact Mr Trump had been hit by a bullet was made clear in briefings my office received and should not be a point of contention.

Mr Trump also lashed out at Mr Wray in a post on his Truth Social network, saying it was No wonder the once storied FBI has lost the confidence of America!

On Friday, he called Mr Wrays comments so damaging to the Great People that work in the FBI.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu worked to mend ties with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday and offered measured optimism about progress towards a ceasefire deal for Gaza.

At Mr Trumps Florida Mar-a-Lago estate, where the two men met face-to-face for the first time in nearly four years, Mr Netanyahu told journalists he wanted to see US-mediated talks succeed for a ceasefire and release of hostages.

I hope so, Mr Netanyahu said when reporters asked if his US trip had made progress.

While Mr Netanyahu at home is increasingly accused of resisting a deal to end the nine-month-old war to stave off the potential collapse of his far-right government when it ends, he said Friday he was certainly eager to have one. And were working on it.

As president, Mr Trump went well beyond his predecessors in fulfilling Mr Netanyahus top wishes from the United States. Yet relations soured after Mr Netanyahu became one of the first world leaders to congratulate Joe Biden for his 2020 presidential victory, which Mr Trump continues to deny.

Mr Netanyahu with Vice President Kamala Harris (Julia Nikhinson/AP)

The two men now have a strong interest in restoring their relationship, both for the political support their alliance brings and for the lustre it gives each with their conservative supporters.

A beaming Mr Trump was waiting for Mr Netanyahu on the stone steps outside his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida. He warmly clasped the hands of the Israeli leader.

Weve always had a great relationship, Mr Trump insisted before journalists. Asked as the two sat down in a muraled room for talks if Mr Netanyahus trip to Mar-a-Lago was repairing their bond, Mr Trump responded: It was never bad.

For both men, Fridays meeting was aimed at highlighting for their home audiences their depiction of themselves as strong leaders who have gotten big things done on the world stage, and can again.

Mr Netanyahus Florida trip followed a fiery address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday that defended his governments conduct of the war and condemned American protesters galvanised by the killing of more than 39,000 Palestinians in the conflict.

On Thursday, Mr Netanyahu met in Washington with Mr Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who appears on track to becoming the new Democratic presidential nominee after Mr Biden decided to step out of the race.

Both pressed the Israeli leader to work quickly to wrap up a deal to bring a ceasefire and release hostages held by Hamas.

Mr Trumps campaign said he pledged in Fridays meeting to make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East and combat antisemitism on college campuses if American voters elect him to the presidency in November.

Mr Netanyahu handed Mr Trump a framed photo that the Israeli leader said showed a child who has been held hostage by Hamas-led militants since the first hours of the war. Well get it taken care of, Mr Trump assured him.

In a speech later on Friday before a group of young Christian conservatives, Mr Trump said he also asked Mr Netanyahu during their meeting how a Jewish person, or a person that loves Israel can vote for Democrats.

For Mr Netanyahu, repairing relations with Mr Trump is imperative (Alex Brandon/AP)

He also laced into Ms Harris for missing Mr Netanyahus speech and claimed she doesnt like Jewish people and doesnt like Israel.

Ms Harris has been married to a Jewish man for a decade.

For Mr Trump, the meeting was a chance to be cast as an ally and statesman, as well as to sharpen efforts by Republicans to portray themselves as the party most loyal to Israel.

Divisions among Americans over US support for Israels war against Hamas in Gaza have opened cracks in years of strong bipartisan backing for Israel, the biggest recipient of US aid.

For Mr Netanyahu, repairing relations with Mr Trump is imperative given the prospect that Mr Trump may once again become president of the United States, which is Israels vital arms supplier and protector.

One gamble for Mr Netanyahu is whether he could get more of the terms he wants in any deal on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release and in his much-hoped-for closing of a normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia if he waits out the Biden administration in hopes that Mr Trump wins.

Benjamin Netanyahu has spent much of his career in the last two decades in tethering himself to the Republican Party, said Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat for Arab-Israeli negotiations, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

For the next six months, that means mending ties with an irascible, angry president, Mr Miller said, meaning Mr Trump.
Do you write Elixir but sometimes miss the benefits of type safety we have in other languages? If the answer is "yes", you may want to take a look at Gleam. It is a relatively young language that runs on top of the BEAM platform, which means it can be added as an enhancement to an Elixir codebase without you having to rewrite everything.

In this article, we will add Gleam code to an Elixir project.

Why Use Gleam for Elixir?

First, let's ask ourselves a question: why would we use Gleam? The Elixir ecosystem is mature at this point, with a multitude of great solutions for everyday problems. Ecto and Phoenix make a really powerful combination for writing web applications. Elixir itself is a dynamically typed language, which is great for some applications but opens the door to a whole class of errors.

Imagine you're working on a critical payment processing system in Elixir and need to ensure your core logic's absolute reliability and correctness. Despite Elixir's strengths, its dynamic typing sometimes leaves room for subtle bugs. Enter Gleam. It's a statically typed language for the BEAM platform that promises to enhance your system's robustness. Where Elixir falls a bit short, Gleam can shine. Let's explore how to integrate Gleam with an Elixir project, so we can have the best from both languages.

We want our core business logic to be written in Gleam while the surrounding code is in Elixir (somewhat akin to the idea of a "functional core, imperative shell", although in the functional world, it's rather a "pure core, stateful shell"). We will take this idea very far, establishing a physical boundary between the two worlds.

Let's see how to get there.

About The Project

To witness the power of Gleam in action, we will implement a feature in a made-up application to manage students at a university. We will take care of their enrollment in courses. Our business rules will look as follows:

A student can be enrolled in a course.

Every course has a limited number of seats and a finite-length waitlist. If a student tries to enroll but all the seats are already taken, they are put on the waitlist (if there are spots there; if not  the enrollment is rejected).

If someone with a reserved seat cancels their enrollment, the first person on the waitlist takes their place.

Some courses have age limits: only students older than a certain age can enroll.

We will start the implementation by creating a fairly standard Phoenix and Ecto application:

shell mix phx.new student_roll mix ecto.create mix phx.gen.live Enrollment Student students name:string date_of_birth:date mix phx.gen.live Enrollment Course courses name:string max_students:integer waitlist_size:integer min_age:integer mix phx.gen.schema Enrollment.Enrollment enrollments student_id:integer course_id:integer waitlisted_at:datetime mix ecto.migrate

With this basic structure in place, we can add Gleam into the mix using the mix_gleam library. We will follow the steps from the project README. First, install mix_gleam :

shell mix archive.install hex mix_gleam

Now prepare the project to use Gleam by adding some entries to mix.exs 's project definition:

elixir @app_name :student_roll def project do [ archives: [ mix_gleam: "~> 0.6" ], app: @app_name, compilers: [ :gleam | Mix . compilers ()], aliases: [ "deps.get" : [ "deps.get" , "gleam.deps.get" ] ], erlc_paths: [ "build/dev/erlang/ #{ @app_name } /_gleam_artefacts" ], erlc_include_path: "build/dev/erlang/ #{ @app_name } /include" , prune_code_paths: false , # rest of the function ] end

Note that this assumes you are changing an existing mix.exs file generated by phx.new . These are required steps to make the Gleam code work with Elixir, as outlined in the documentation. You don't need to understand every single change here (I, for instance, don't). The important thing is erlc_path which tells the compiler where to find compiled Gleam files, so we can use them in our project.

Next, also in mix.exs , we need to add the Gleam standard library and testing framework to our dependencies:

elixir defp deps do [ # others { :gleam_stdlib , "> 1.0" }, { :gleeunit , "~> 1.0" , only: [ :dev , :test ], runtime: false } ] end

Finally, fetch dependencies and create the src directory where the Gleam code will live:

shell mix deps.get mkdir src

Let's Write Some Gleam

With all the setup in place, we can now start writing our business logic in Gleam! In the first iteration, we will skip the waitlist functionality, but we will still create a system that checks if enrollment is possible. Let's start with a src/enrollment.gleam file. src is the directory at the top level of the project, where mix_gleam expects you to keep your Gleam code.

We will put the following code in the file:

gleam pub type Student { Student(id: Int, age: Int) } pub type Course { Course(id: Int, min_age: Int, seats: Int, seats_used: Int) } pub type RejectionReason { NoSeats AgeRequirementNotMet } pub type EnrollmentDecision { Enrolled Rejected(reason: RejectionReason) } pub fn enroll(student: Student, course: Course) -> EnrollmentDecision { case student.age >= course.min_age { False -> Rejected(AgeRequirementNotMet) True -> case course.seats > course.seats_used { False -> Rejected(NoSeats) True -> Enrolled } } }

There are quite a few things to unpack here, so let's take a quick crash course on Gleam.

What's Happening Here?

In the first part, we define a bunch of types. Types are the heart of typed languages. Here we need a Student , a Course , an EnrollmentDecision , and a RejectionReason .

Taking a Student declaration, we define not only a type itself but also its constructor, a Student with two arguments: id and age . You can note that we don't include the name here, even though we defined it before in the Elixir schema definition. The name is just side-data. We don't use it for anything related to business logic (unless you have a requirement, such as that only people with names starting with E can take a course).

A type like RejectionReason defines two constructors, which we can basically read as no seats left or the age requirement not being met.

At the end of the code block, we define an actual enroll function. It takes a student and a course, and using a case statement, makes some decisions about the pending enrollment command. case is the only flow control structure in Gleam (there is no if , for example). In this example, we first check the age requirement, and if it's met, we check if seats are left.

With that code ready, we can now write a failing unit test. Let's add a student_roll_test.gleam file in the test directory (this is a naming convention that mix_gleam expects). In that file, add the following:

gleam import enrollment.{Course, Enrolled, Student} import gleeunit pub fn main() { gleeunit.main() } pub fn enrolled_test() { let course = Course(id: 1, min_age: 21, seats: 10, seats_used: 9) let student = Student(id: 10, age: 20) let assert Enrolled = enrollment.enroll(student, course) }

There's a bit of boilerplate here, but in essence, we create a test function that builds a course with id = 1 , min_age = 21 , seats_limit = 10 and seats_taken = 9 .

Then, we create a student who is 20 years old (therefore too young to enroll). Finally, we try to enroll them. On running mix gleam.test , you get the error:

shell Running student_roll_test.main F Failures: 1 ) enrollment_test.enrolled_test: module 'enrollment_test' #{function => <<"enrolled_test">>,line => 12, message = > << "Assertion pattern match failed" >> , module = > << "enrollment_test">>, value => {rejected,age_requirement_not_met}, gleam_error => let_assert} location: enrollment_test.enrolled_test:12 stacktrace: enrollment_test.enrolled_test output: Finished in 0.011 seconds 1 tests, 1 failures

This is good, but not great. Let's improve the output by using gleeunit/should , a library that makes the unit testing experience better in Gleam:

gleam import enrollment.{Course, Enrolled, Student} import gleeunit import gleeunit/should pub fn main() { gleeunit.main() } pub fn enrolled_test() { let course = Course(id: 1, min_age: 21, seats: 10, seats_used: 9) let student = Student(id: 10, age: 20) enrollment.enroll(student, course) |> should.equal(Enrolled) }

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Now, the output is much more readable:

shell Running student_roll_test.main F Failures: 1 ) student_roll_test.enrolled_test: module 'student_roll_test' Values were not equal expected: Enrolled got: Rejected ( AgeRequirementNotMet ) output: Finished in 0.011 seconds 1 tests, 1 failures

Now, let's fix the test by calling it using a student who is old enough, and we will have a pass:

shell Running student_roll_test.main . Finished in 0.012 seconds 1 tests, 0 failures

Now that we have the first test figured out, we should write some more tests to cover interesting branches in the code. But one important question still lingers: How do I call this from my Phoenix project?

Calling Gleam from Elixir

Let's start working on the Phoenix side of our project. Go to lib/student_roll/enrollment.ex and define two functions related to the enrollment process:

elixir def enrolled? (course_id, student_id) do from (e in Enrollment , where: e.student_id == ^student_id and e.course_id == ^course_id and is_nil (e.waitlisted_at)) |> Repo . exists? () end def enroll (course_id, student_id) do student = get_student! (student_id) course = get_course! (course_id) # some logic should go here % Enrollment {} |> Enrollment . changeset (%{ student_id: student.id, course_id: course.id}) |> Repo . insert () end

We will write a test checking the enrollment logic:

elixir describe "enrollment" do import StudentRoll . EnrollmentFixtures test "enroll a student" do birthday = DateTime . utc_now () |> DateTime . add ( - 18 * 365 , :day ) student = student_fixture (%{ date_of_birth: birthday}) course = course_fixture (%{ min_age: 22 }) assert { :ok , _ } = Enrollment . enroll (course.id, student.id) assert Enrollment . enrolled? (course.id, student.id) end end

And it passes! But it should not. We created a student who is roughly 18 years old, but the course requires that the students be at least 22. This is because we did not plug our Gleam-written business logic into the mix. Let's fix this now.

Calling compiled Gleam modules looks to Elixir the same way as Erlang modules. You invoke modules by prepending : to the module name. In our case, this will be :enrollment . We will also have to pass something that Gleam can interpret as its Student and Course types. This is the boilerplate I mentioned earlier.

elixir def enroll (course_id, student_id) do student = get_student! (student_id) course = get_course! (course_id) student_age = DateTime . utc_now () |> DateTime . to_date () |> Date . diff (student.date_of_birth) |> div ( 365 ) seats_taken = Repo . aggregate ( from (e in Enrollment , where: e.course_id == ^course_id and is_nil (e.waitlisted_at)), :count ) case :enrollment . enroll ( { :student , student.id, student_age}, { :course , course.id, course.min_age, course.max_students, seats_taken} ) do :enrolled -> % Enrollment {} |> Enrollment . changeset (%{ student_id: student.id, course_id: course.id}) |> Repo . insert () { :rejected , reason} -> { :error , reason} end end

Our enroll function is slightly inflated, so let's walk through it.

First, we need some more data. We calculate the student age in Elixir here and also fetch the number of already enrolled students. Second, we build a structure that Gleam will interpret as its type. These are just tuples, where the first element is the name of a type, followed by several fields required by the constructor.

elixir # Gleam: Student(id: Int, age: Int) { :student , student.id, student_age} # Gleam: Course(id: Int, min_age: Int, seats: Int, seats_used: Int) { :course , course.id, course.min_age, course.max_students, seats_taken}

Finally, we call :enrollment.enroll with these tuples. If we run the test now, we will get:

shell 1 ) test enrollment enroll a student ( StudentRoll.EnrollmentTest ) test /student_roll/enrollment_test.exs:131 match ( = ) failed code: assert {:ok, _} = Enrollment.enroll ( course.id, student.id ) left: {:ok, _} right: {:error, {:rejected, :age_requirement_not_met}} stacktrace: test /student_roll/enrollment_test.exs:136: ( test )

This is exactly what we wanted to have! The test does not pass because the student is too young.

gleam pub type RejectionReason { NoSeats AgeRequirementNotMet } pub type EnrollmentDecision { Enrolled Rejected(reason: RejectionReason) } # in Elixir: # :enrolled | {:rejected, :age_requirement_not_met} | {:rejected | :no_seats}

We've made the first step. We called the Gleam code from Elixir, got the results back, and interpreted them back into Elixir idioms (a result tuple of {:ok, term()} | {:error, term()} ).

We should now write any remaining tests we want to run in Elixir. Remember that at this point, the enrollment process is thoroughly unit tested in Gleam by Gleeunit, so perhaps we don't need to duplicate all the cases  only the ones that have consequences in Elixir (but this is up to you and your testing strategy).

After this, we can refactor the enroll function to look nicer and more reader-friendly.

elixir defp get_gleam_student! (id) do student = get_student! (id) student_age = DateTime . utc_now () |> DateTime . to_date () |> Date . diff (student.date_of_birth) |> div ( 365 ) { :student , id, student_age} end defp get_gleam_course! (id) do course = get_course! (id) seats_taken = Repo . aggregate ( from (e in Enrollment , where: e.course_id == ^id and is_nil (e.waitlisted_at)), :count ) { :course , course.id, course.min_age, course.max_students, seats_taken} end def enroll (course_id, student_id) do course = get_gleam_course! (course_id) student = get_gleam_student! (student_id) case :enrollment . enroll (student, course) do :enrolled -> % Enrollment {} |> Enrollment . changeset (%{ student_id: student_id, course_id: course_id}) |> Repo . insert () { :rejected , reason} -> { :error , reason} end end

This looks better. You could even hide get_gleam_student!/1 and get_gleam_course!/1 in a module called, for example, GleamTypes . This way, other contexts that potentially call these structures in Gleam will have them readily available.

But that's not all. We still have some work to do.

Implementing the Waitlist

If you recall, our initial requirements also included a waitlist.

This is missing in the implementation above; now is the time to fix it. This will allow you to see how changing the code in both Gleam and Elixir works. I strongly recommend you change the logic in Gleam first, unit-test it, and only then, write the Elixir proxy code (although if you fancy some strict TDD, you can start with some red Elixir tests too).

But before diving into the code, let's ask ourselves one design question: How should we represent the waitlist? Should it be a number ( waitlist_size ) or maybe a list of students? This is the classic question in functional design and probably deserves a separate article to address it fully.

In our project, for already-signed-in students, we just pass a number of them, not a list of them. This time, we will model the waitlist as an actual list to make things more interesting.

First, we need to change our domain model by extending the Course type:

gleam pub type Course { Course( id: Int, min_age: Int, seats: Int, seats_used: Int, waitlist: List(Student), max_waitlist_size: Int, ) }

And then the list of enrollment decisions:

gleam pub type EnrollmentDecision { Enrolled Rejected(reason: RejectionReason) Waitlisted }

After that, we have to adjust our existing Gleam tests because now they fail with the following message:

shell error: Incorrect arity  /home/user/dev/student_roll/_build/dev/lib/student_roll/test/student_roll_test.gleam: 10 : 16  10  let course = Course( id: 1 , min_age: 21 , seats: 10 , seats_used: 9 )  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Expected 6 arguments, got 4 This call accepts these additional labelled arguments: - max_waitlist_size - waitlist

And we also have to modify the Elixir glue code that calls Gleam:

elixir defp get_gleam_student! (id) do get_student! (id) |> to_gleam_student () end defp to_gleam_student (student) do student_age = DateTime . utc_now () |> DateTime . to_date () |> Date . diff (student.date_of_birth) |> div ( 365 ) { :student , student.id, student_age} end defp get_gleam_course! (id) do course = get_course! (id) seats_taken = Repo . aggregate ( from (e in Enrollment , where: e.course_id == ^id and is_nil (e.waitlisted_at)), :count ) waitlist = from (e in Enrollment , where: e.course_id == ^id and not is_nil (e.waitlisted_at)) |> Repo . all () |> Enum . map (&to_gleam_student / 1 ) { :course , course.id, course.min_age, course.max_students, seats_taken, waitlist, course.waitlist_size} end # the enroll/2 function stays the same

Now let's write a failing test in Gleeunit:

gleam pub fn waitlist_exceeded_test() { let course = Course( id: 2, min_age: 0, seats: 10, seats_used: 10, max_waitlist_size: 2, waitlist: [ Student(id: 1, age: 22), Student(id: 2, age: 13), Student(id: 3, age: 54), ], ) let student = Student(id: 4, age: 22) enrollment.enroll(student, course) |> should.equal(Rejected(NoSeats)) } pub fn waitlisted_test() { let course = Course( id: 2, min_age: 0, seats: 10, seats_used: 10, max_waitlist_size: 2, waitlist: [], ) let student = Student(id: 4, age: 22) enrollment.enroll(student, course) |> should.equal(Waitlisted) }

One of these tests will accidentally pass (because we reused the NoSeats rejection reason, which might be a dubious choice). But the other one fails. Let's fix it now by actually implementing the waitlist. We need to import the gleam/list package on top and change the branch which previously resulted in NoSeats :

gleam import gleam/list # ... pub fn enroll(student: Student, course: Course) -> EnrollmentDecision { case student.age >= course.min_age { False -> Rejected(AgeRequirementNotMet) True -> case course.seats > course.seats_used { False -> case list.length(course.waitlist) >= course.max_waitlist_size { True -> Rejected(NoSeats) False -> Waitlisted } True -> Enrolled } } }

The final part will be done in Elixir. We have decided that a person should go to the waitlist, but now we have to persist it. Again, let's start with a test:

elixir test "waitlist a student" do student1 = student_fixture () student2 = student_fixture () course = course_fixture (%{ max_students: 1 , waitlist_size: 10 }) Enrollment . enroll (course.id, student1.id) Enrollment . enroll (course.id, student2.id) assert Enrollment . waitlisted? (course.id, student2.id) end

Then we need the waitlisted? function:

elixir def waitlisted? (course_id, student_id) do from (e in Enrollment , where: e.student_id == ^student_id and e.course_id == ^course_id and not is_nil (e.waitlisted_at) ) |> Repo . exists? () end

Finally, we implement the infrastructure part, persisting the waitlist in the database. In the enroll function's case statement, we need to handle the :waitlisted return type case:

elixir :waitlisted -> % Enrollment {} |> Enrollment . changeset (%{ student_id: student_id, course_id: course_id, waitlisted_at: DateTime . utc_now ()}) |> Repo . insert ()

All the tests pass now. We have, therefore, successfully implemented a waitlist function in our Gleam/Elixir application!

Looking at the requirements, we still have some way to go. We haven't touched on canceling an enrollment (when a user has successfully enrolled in the past but is no longer interested). Hint: this handles moving a person from a waitlist to a regular enrollment, so we at least need this type as a return value:

gleam pub type CancellingEnrollmentDecision { Cancelled CancelledWithWaitlistProcessed(Student) }

There's also a big topic that can be explored further but was not even covered in our requirements: how we should handle uniqueness. Everyone should be able to enroll in a given course only once, and they should not be able to cancel if they are not enrolled. There are at least three ways to model that behavior between Gleam and Elixir, but that's a topic for a separate article.

Why Did We Do It Again?

Everything we've done here could, of course, all have been written just in Elixir. The code would be shorter and in one language. In most cases, splitting the responsibilities between Elixir and Gleam probably would be a questionable choice. However, I personally think it's something worth considering if:

You like to model your application with types and are missing this from Elixir.

You expect your business logic to grow in complexity and want guarantees from a statically typed language to help you manage that complexity.

You want a strong separation between pure business logic and stateful application code.

If any of these are true for you, consider this arcane-looking setup. In any case, it's good to be aware that it is possible.

Wrapping Up

I have shown you how to call Gleam from an Elixir application and how to interpret the results. We wrote tests in both languages and some glue code.

Happy coding, whether you choose to do it only in Elixir or you also make use of Gleam!

P.S. If you'd like to read Elixir Alchemy posts as soon as they get off the press, subscribe to our Elixir Alchemy newsletter and never miss a single post!
Jul 27 (Jowhar.com)  The Ethiopian government announced on Friday three days of national mourning, after it was confirmed that 257 people died in two landslides that occurred on Sunday and Monday in southern Ethiopia.

A statement issued by the Ethiopian parliament said that mourning for the victims will begin today, Saturday. The Ethiopian Disaster Management Committee also said that rescue operations and humanitarian aid are going well.

The news agency AFP told you that the houses of the people who died in the disaster were filled with mourners, to participate or pray for the hundreds of people whose bodies were brought out from under the mud.

The United Nations Organization for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, abbreviated to OCHA, citing local officials, said that storms caused by heavy rain caused a landslide in the small village of Kencho Shacha Gozdi. She warned that the death toll could rise.

It is the largest number of landslide deaths in Ethiopia, while the rescue operations are still ongoing.
Jul 26 (Jowhar.com)  One of the worlds drug traffickers, the most famous Ismael El Mayo Zambada, the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, was arrested in El Paso, Texas in the United States.

Zambada, 76, co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel with Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who is now in custody in the United States.

Zambada was arrested Thursday along with Guzmans son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, according to the US Department of Justice.

In February, Zambada was charged by US prosecutors with being behind the manufacture and distribution of fentanyl, a drug more powerful than heroin.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Zambada was tricked into boarding a plane that was said to be inspecting a secret airfield in Mexico but was landed in the United States.

Guzman Lopez surrendered to US authorities and is believed to be behind the Zambada plot because he accused Guzman of arresting his father, who is serving a life sentence in a US prison.

US authorities have previously noted that fentanyl is the leading cause of death in the US for people aged 18 to 45.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has offered a $15m (12m) reward for Zambadas capture.

During the trial of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman in 2019, his lawyers accused Zambada of bribing the entire Mexican government to live openly without fear of prosecution.

In addition to the fentanyl charges, Zambada also faces charges including drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, money laundering and organized crime.
Jul 26 (Jowhar.com)  Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam and his delegation arrived today in Afmadow district of Lower Jubba region.

The delegation was welcomed in the center of the district by the district administration and hundreds of people who live there.

The trip of the President and the delegation he leads is related to the acceleration of the operations of the Armed Forces of the country and Jubbaland, who have recently achieved effective results in the war against insurgents in the past few days.

The Jubaland forces and the national security forces recently opened the road connecting Kismayo and Afmadow.

This strategic road has been a key target for the insurgents, who have been trying to cut off vital supply lines to the region. The successful reopening of the road has not only boosted morale among the troops but has also allowed for the transportation of much-needed supplies to the communities in the area.

During the Presidents visit, he praised the efforts of the armed forces and reiterated the governments commitment to supporting them in their fight against terrorism. He also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among the different security forces in order to effectively combat the insurgents.

The delegation also met with local leaders and community members to discuss ways to further enhance security and development in the region. The President promised to continue working closely with the district administration and the people of Jubbaland to bring peace and stability to the area.

As the delegation prepared to leave, they were met with cheers and applause from the crowd, who expressed their gratitude for the governments efforts in ensuring their safety and security. The Presidents visit served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the importance of their work in protecting the country from external threats.
Sharif, the former president of Somalia, criticized the government on important issues

Jul 26 (Jowhar.com)  The 7th President of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who held a press conference in Mogadishu this morning, spoke about sensitive issues, such as the elections, the issue of khat, the slowness of the war against Al-Shabaab and the arrest of journalists.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed pointed out that the government has slowed down the fight against the Al-Shabaab group, clearly pointing out that there is currently no army fighting the group.

It seems today that the Military Forces do not have a single battalion that can fight. If the fighting against AS is good, why did the troops fail?

He pointed out that the leaders of the government are involved in the issue of Qad brought to the country, and journalists were arrested when they presented it.

Jad used to enter the country but I have never seen a senior leader involved in drug issues, and the journalist who was arrested said that and he is right.

He pointed out that the issue of the weapons seized in Abudwaq could lower the international confidence in the security of the country and the weapons could be handed over to Al-Shabaab.

Many efforts have been made to lift the sanctions, but it is unfortunate that it seems irresponsible that the weapons are in the hands of the people, and the government is involved and its army is escorting illegal weapons.

He also accused the government of attacking the leaders of the regional governments and wanting to make noise in the issues of local government elections.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The Labour Party in Britain announced that it would not submit a brief to the International Criminal Court arguing that the court has no jurisdiction over Israeli actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The previous Conservative government of Rishi Sunak had pledged to make such a submission, but the new prime minister Keir Starmer has, after some waffling, decided against it.

Starmer is a strong supporter of Israel and, in alliance with a secretive British Israel lobby, has purged severe critics of Tel Aviv from Labour Party ranks, so in some ways the decision is surprising. Further, Starmer appears to have gotten heavy pressure from the Biden administration to challenge prosecutor Karim Khans request for warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for the commission of war crimes in Gaza.

Starmer, however, also faced pressure from British Muslim constituents of the Labour Party, a significant bloc. In the July 4 election that Labour won so handily, it nevertheless did lose some seats it was expected to win, apparently over Gaza policy. Five independents ran and won, campaigning for an immediate ceasefire. Some 3,801,186 Muslims live in the UK, or 6.7% of the population of 67 million. They therefore have even more clout than Asian Americans in the US, who form about 5.6% of the American population.

The British youths, the left, and British Muslims as well as other minorities, e.g. left-liberal Hindus and activists from the Caribbean, have staged large and frequent demonstrations against Israels total war on Gaza. Further, trade unionists, another key Labour constituency, have urged an arms boycott on Israel over its atrocities against Palestinians.

Given Starmers stalwart support of Israel, he would not have backed down on the ICC submission unless the pressure from within his party was overwhelming.

The episode demonstrates the limits of Israels policy of ignoring Western public opinion in general and concentrating on influence-peddling in governmental decision-making bodies. Those bodies, as with Labour parliamentarians, are also susceptible to shifts in public opinion, as with the vehement denunciation of Israel for what many Britons see as a genocide in Gaza. Europeans also pay more attention to bodies such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court than do Americans

The Labour Party said that it was leaving the decision up to the ICC, and the BBC concludes that if Netanyahu and Gallant are indicted, the United Kingdom would feel itself obliged to arrest them if they stepped foot on British soil. The same would also hold true for Spain, Ireland and Norway, all of which recognized the State of Palestine in late May as a way of protesting the Israeli destruction of Gaza and the brutalization of the Palestinians living there.

It should be understood that this move by Labour is a major symbolic loss for Israel and for the Biden administration, which has sought to ensure impunity for Netanyahu and his cronies and has even refused to allow the State Department to certify that Israel is using US weaponry in Gaza in a manner contrary to International Humanitarian Law, as required by the Leahy laws.

It is highly unlikely, however, that Starmer will take any practical action, such as an arms boycott or even a limitation on arms sales to Israel, as demanded by many trade unionists and other activists.

Palestine was recognized by the UN General Assembly as a non-member observer state of the UN in 2012. That status permitted Palestine to sign the Rome Statute and accede to the International Criminal Court as a member in early 2015. In 2018, the Palestine Authority brought a case against Israel at the court for its illegal settlements on Palestinian land. Although Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute and would ordinarily not be under its jurisdiction, the argument the court accepted in 2021 is that Israeli actions in the West Bank and Gaza are within the courts purview. Sunak had intended to challenge that argument. Note, however, that the US and most European countries welcomed the 2023 ICC finding that Russian President Vladimir Putin is guilty of war crimes in Ukraine. Russia is also not a signatory to the Rome Statute, nor is Ukraine. But Ukraine granted the court jurisdiction over Russian war crimes in the Donbass. The case for the ICCs jurisdiction over Israeli actions in the West Bank and Gaza is tremendously stronger than that for its jurisdiction over Russian actions in Ukraine.
( Middle East Monitor )  Why are many amongst us still tiptoeing around language when it comes to the horrific Israeli genocide in Gaza?

Layers of censorship imposed on Palestinian and pro-Palestinian voices in corporate and social media seem to have blurred the judgment of some. They continue to speak of a conflict, calling on both sides to use restraint and, partly, blaming the Palestinian resistance for the ongoing Israeli massacres.

Though such language is expected from the sensible few of mainstream media, there are those who are counted as pro-Palestine intellectuals, journalists and activists who often use similar language.

Throughout the years, the common wisdom is that, for a pro-Palestine voice to be published in mainstream US-western newspapers, he or she would have to adhere to a certain set of rules and avoid certain adjectives to describe Israel  even if such vocabulary is consistent with good sense, international law or the judgment of leading human rights organisations.

By watering down the language, one supposedly gains greater credibility, thus space to be heard or published.

Equally true, it is also practically forbidden to defend the Palestinian peoples internationally recognised rights to use all forms of resistance, or to support their democratic choices, because the outcomes of which are, maybe, not consistent with mainstream western thinking.

Some are even afraid to use the term resistance altogether. But if Palestinians are denied their most basic right to resist, they become deprived of any human agency, let alone relevance as political actors. The notion would then suggest that Palestinians can only serve the role of victims, and nothing else. Not only is this untrue, and condescending, it is outright bigoted, as well.

All this tiptoeing around what should have been a clear language on Palestine, comes at a price. When the truth is masked or hidden, the space becomes open for lies, deceptions and quasi-truths.

In this alternative space, Israel is, at best, equally culpable for the war in Palestine as the Palestinians themselves; and, at worst, the Israeli army is merely engaging in a state of self-defense.

Additionally, by tightly controlling the discourse on Palestine, the West has harmed its own interests. Indeed, by marginalising authentic Palestinian voices, the West has lost its ability to understand the context behind the current Israeli war on Gaza, to accept or navigate its share of responsibility in the genocide and to play any meaningful role in bringing the atrocities to an end.

The outcome is an unavoidable cognitive dissonance  where western governments are violating the very rules they had created, opposing the laws they enshrined and investing in an Israeli genocide in Gaza, while criticising war elsewhere.

76 years on, Palestinians are still living the Nakba  Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

I doubt that the West will ever succeed in claiming any moral authority, retrieve its lost credibility or build lasting trust with Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims or the Global South. The extermination of ones people entitles a person to some degree of cynicism.

To further expose western duplicity in Gaza, however, we must learn to speak with no reservations, no matter the restrictions on the pro-Palestine voice or the censorship on social media.

Naturally, not all Palestinians and pro-Palestinian voices agree on everything. There are those willing to risk everything, and those who want to tell some kind of truth without risking the loss of their privileges, careers or standing in society.

It is those in the former group who deserve platforms and must be celebrated for their courage.

One of the most inspiring examples are young students in US and western universities who have risked their own futures  as in being expelled from universities or denied their degrees  for raising awareness about the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Those students are the true leaders of justice-based solidarity movements, now and in the future.

They have understood that, due to the unprecedented censorship of authentic Palestinian voices in all media platforms, their actions on campuses, in the streets and every available venue are critical.

The risks they have taken by speaking out for Gazas genocide victims will serve as a new threshold of courage that will inspire the youth of this and future generations.

Equally important is that these students have refused to compromise on their language, their demands and their priorities to simply fit in, to get published or use a genocide as an opportunity to build careers.

As for those who exploited the Palestinian suffering for their own benefit, neither history nor the rest of us will forgive their opportunism and intellectual timidity.

Those who are well-intentioned, but water down their language to circumvent censorship, ultimately make little difference, because there are certain truths that cannot be softened or diluted.

Indeed, there is no other honest way of phrasing what is taking place in Gaza but as a genocide, one for which only Israel  a military occupier and apartheid state  can be blamed.

The only Palestinians who deserve blame or condemnation are those who are collaborating with Israel to ensure the outcome of the war remains consistent with their interests, financial status and false titles. No amount of money or prestige will ever redeem the credibility or honour of such people.

In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act, said George Orwell. Sadly, we live in these times. It is equally true that, in a time of genocide, not telling the truth is the most contemptible of all acts.

Please continue to speak out; be radical; be revolutionary and never equate between those carrying out the genocide and those resisting it  even if at the risk of not fitting in.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.

Via Middle East Monitor
VANCOUVER, BC, July 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Rua Gold Inc. (CSE: RUA) (OTC: NZAUF) (WKN: A4010V) ("RUA GOLD" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into a definitive share purchase agreement (the "Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Reefton Resources Pty Limited ("Reefton"), a 100% owned subsidiary of Siren Gold Ltd. (ASX:SNG) ("Siren") with tenements located adjacent to the Company's suite of properties in New Zealand's prolific Reefton Goldfield (the "Transaction").

The Transaction will establish the Company as the dominant landholder in the Reefton Goldfield on New Zealand's South Island, with approximately 120,000 hectares ("ha") of tenements. The district produced over two million ounces at gold grades ranging from 9 to 50g/t. The Reefton Goldfield is seeing a resurgence in interest, led by the construction of Federation Mining's Blackwater mine, which is expected to produce 70koz per annum at US$738/oz AISC1.

Actively Advancing a District-Scale Discovery in a Tier 1 Jurisdiction:

Represents the next chapter in RUA GOLD's development towards our goal to be a major gold producer in New Zealand .





development towards our goal to be a major gold producer in . Newly consolidated project represents one of the least explored, high-grade gold districts in the world.





Permits, access, and consents in place for aggressive drilling following a district-wide reassessment of targets and potential on the combined land package.





The Transaction will increase regional tenement holdings from ~34k ha to ~120k ha and cover all known past production camps outside of Blackwater and the Globe Progress mine.





Potential for lower overall project capital expenditures through the development of a potential central processing hub.





The Transaction creates a bigger player in New Zealand , allowing greater opportunity to work alongside a pro-mining Government in helping them draft their Minerals Strategy for New Zealand .





, allowing greater opportunity to work alongside a pro-mining Government in helping them draft their Minerals Strategy for . Backed by team of mining professionals with +200 years of combined experience.

More information can be found at the Company's website: www.ruagold.com

Following the completion of the Transaction, the Company will be well positioned as the preeminent gold explorer in New Zealand with a pro forma market capitalization of ~C$60 million.

Combining properties and exploration activities in the Reefton Goldfield provides many strategic benefits, including:

Increased profile with a very supportive local community that has a long history and skilled work force in mining.





Opportunity to realize significant synergies and cost savings.





Combined data sets, local work force and historic knowledge, leading to higher quality target generation with a greater scale of opportunities.





Ability to expand exploration programs and generate more consistent news flow.





Consolidation of permitting activities with an expedited project development timeline.

Transaction Highlights

Under the terms of the Agreement, Siren shall receive: A$2 million ( C$1.8 million ) in cash, of which A$1 million has been paid and the remaining A$1 million will be paid at the close of the Transaction; and 83,927,383 fully paid shares of RUA GOLD representing A$18 million ( C$16.6 million 2 ), to be issued at the close of the Transaction with agreed contractual resale restrictions.





The total consideration represents: an implied value of A$20 million ( C$18.5 million ); and an acquisition price of ~US$25 /oz AuEq based on Reefton's 0.5 Moz AuEq Resource 3 .





Upon completion of the Transaction, Siren will own ~30% of RUA GOLD , and Siren Chairman, Mr. Brian Rodan , will join the RUA GOLD Board. Mr. Rodan is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM) with 48 years' experience. Previously, Mr. Rodan was the owner and managing director of Australian Contract Mining Pty Ltd. (ACM), a contract mining company completing $1.5 billion worth of work over a 20-year period. Mr. Rodan held various roles with Eltin Limited over 15 years as General Manager between 1993 and 1996 and Executive Director from 1996 to 1999), being Australia's largest full service ASX listed contract mining company with annual turnover of +$850 million. Mr. Rodan was a founding Director of Dacian Gold Ltd. 2013 and Desert Metals Ltd. 2020. Mr. Rodan was the founding director and is currently Chairman of Siren, Iceni Gold Limited (ICL) and Augustus Minerals (AUG), all listed on the ASX.





, and Siren Chairman, Mr. , will join the RUA GOLD Board. Mr. Rodan is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (FAusIMM) with 48 years' experience. Previously, Mr. Rodan was the owner and managing director of Australian Contract Mining Pty Ltd. (ACM), a contract mining company completing worth of work over a 20-year period. Mr. Rodan held various roles with Eltin Limited over 15 years as General Manager between 1993 and 1996 and Executive Director from 1996 to 1999), being largest full service ASX listed contract mining company with annual turnover of +$850 million. Mr. Rodan was a founding Director of Dacian Gold Ltd. 2013 and Desert Metals Ltd. 2020. Mr. Rodan was the founding director and is currently Chairman of Siren, Iceni Gold Limited (ICL) and Augustus Minerals (AUG), all listed on the ASX. The Transaction is targeted to close in Q4-2024 (subject to regulatory approvals and satisfaction of all conditions under the Agreement).

2 Calculated using RUA GOLD's 30-day VWAP on the CSE as of July 12, 2024 of C$0.1983 at an AUD:CAD exchange rate of 0.9246. 3 Gold equivalency calculated using metals prices of US$2,200/oz Au and US$20,500/t Sb.

Simon Henderson, COO of RUA GOLD commented: "This Transaction creates a significant opportunity in an under explored orogenic gold district. The Company has focused on the Reefton Goldfield and in four years combined rapid geochemical sampling, ultra-detailed geophysical surveying and mapping to highlight the potential of exploring old workings at depth as well as several new greenfield prospects. It is very exciting to combine RUA GOLD and Siren data sets, combined knowledge, and have the whole orogenic district to explore. We will be looking at a combination of new discoveries and scalability of historic high-grade gold mines to develop the next major gold producer in the region."

Brian Rodan, Chairman of Siren commented: "Having personally been involved with the Reefton Project for over 6 years, I firmly believe that the Reefton Goldfield has enormous untapped potential to create a substantial long-term, high-grade gold and antimony mining operation. Antimony being a rare critical mineral will also provide the opportunity to create a world class operation that will assist the western countries transition to greener economies through securing a long-term supply of antimony, which is necessary to construct solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, power storage batteries and defense needs. The decisions taken by the Boards of both Siren and Rua to take a major step to consolidate the 40km line of strike of the entire Reefton field is truly visionary and will realize significant long-term benefits to the Reefton district as a whole. The additional flow on effects created from this consolidation will also bring long term generational growth in regional development through increased infrastructure spending and increased employment opportunities that are created by the "mining multiplier affect". The significant improvement in regional infrastructure and employment opportunities that will follow will be transformational for the entire West Coast and New Zealand as a whole."

The Transaction will deliver the following benefits to the Company's shareholders:

Increased scale and resources by combining projects and exploration teams.





Increased exposure to the highly prospective and under-explored Reefton Goldfield, as the largest landholder in the district with approximately 120,000 ha of combined tenements.





The tenements owned by Reefton host a total JORC-compliant inferred mineral resource estimate (at a 1.5 g/t Au cut-off grade) containing 444koz Au @ 3.81g/t Au and 8.7kt Sb @ 1.5% Sb 4 with the excellent opportunity to define further mineralization with aggressive exploration across the combined land package.





with the excellent opportunity to define further mineralization with aggressive exploration across the combined land package. Improved investor visibility and positioning amongst peers, with the opportunity to broaden the Company's shareholder base.





Potential for future operational synergies (i.e., centralized infrastructure and workforce) by realizing economies of scale across the whole land package.





Continued exposure to the Company's highly prospective asset, Glamorgan on the North Island of New Zealand .

4 Source: Siren AGM presentation: Click Here.

Transaction Details

The Transaction will be effected by way of a share purchase agreement under applicable Canadian laws.

As consideration for the acquisition of Reefton, the Company will:

pay an aggregate of A$2.0 million (subject to a working capital adjustment) to Siren, of which (i) A$1.0 million was paid by the Company upon entering into the Agreement in the form of a forgivable loan (repayable only in the event the Agreement is terminated prior to consummation of the Transaction), evidenced by a promissory note issued by Siren in favor of the Company and secured by an enforceable security interest in all of Reefton's present and after-acquired personal property; and (ii) A$1.0 million will be payable at the completion of the Transaction (the " Closing Date "); and





(subject to a working capital adjustment) to Siren, of which (i) was paid by the Company upon entering into the Agreement in the form of a forgivable loan (repayable only in the event the Agreement is terminated prior to consummation of the Transaction), evidenced by a promissory note issued by Siren in favor of the Company and secured by an enforceable security interest in all of Reefton's present and after-acquired personal property; and (ii) will be payable at the completion of the Transaction (the " "); and on the Closing Date, issue 83,927,383 common shares in the capital of the Company to Siren at a deemed price of C$0.1983 per RUA GOLD Share (based on the 30-day volume-weighted average price of the common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange prior to the date of the Agreement), having an aggregate value of A$18.0 million 5 (the "Consideration Shares").

Key conditions precedent to the completion of the Transaction include, amongst others:

the parties obtaining all required corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals for the Transaction;





the parties obtaining all required material third party, regulatory and ministerial consents; and





other conditions customary for a public transaction of this nature.

5 Calculated using RUA GOLD's 30-day VWAP on the CSE as of July 12, 2024 of C$0.1983 at an AUD:CAD exchange rate of 0.9246.

The Agreement otherwise includes customary representations, warranties, covenants and conditions contained in agreements for transactions of this nature.

In connection with the closing of the Transaction, the Company will enter into a shareholder rights agreement with Siren pertaining to Siren's interest in the Consideration Shares, which will include, amongst others, the following terms:

Siren shall have the right to nominate one member to the board of directors of the Company, so long as Siren maintains at least a 10% equity interest in the Company's issued and outstanding common shares.





The Consideration Shares shall be subject to the following contractual resale restrictions: 22.2% will be restricted from trading for a period of six months from the Closing Date; 22.2% will be restricted from trading for a period of 12 months from the Closing Date; 22.2% will be restricted from trading for a period of 15 months from the Closing Date; 22.2% will be restricted from trading for a period of 18 months from the Closing Date; and the remaining Consideration Shares will be restricted from trading for a period of 24 months from the Closing Date.





The contractual resale restrictions above shall be lifted if, at any time after six months following the Closing Date, RUA GOLD's market capitalization is five times greater (or more) than its market capitalization measured as of July 12, 2024 (being the date the Agreement was signed).





market capitalization is five times greater (or more) than its market capitalization measured as of (being the date the Agreement was signed). For so long as Siren owns or controls 10% or more of the issued capital of RUA GOLD , Siren shall agree to vote, or cause to be voted, all Consideration Shares in the same manner as the board of directors of RUA GOLD at any general or special meeting of shareholders of the Company.

Conference Call and Presentation

RUA GOLD will host a conference call and presentation on July 15, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. (Toronto time) to discuss the Transaction.

Webcast

Participants can access the webcast at the following link: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=hdiq90oN

An archive of the webcast will be available until end of day on October 15, 2024 .

Conference Call

Participants may gain expedited access to the conference call with the following registration link. Upon registering, call in details will be displayed on screen. Using these call details will by-pass the operator and avoid the call queue. Registration will remain open until the end of the live conference call. Participants who prefer to dial-in and speak with a live operator, can access the call by dialing 1-844-763-8274 or +1-647-484-8814. It is recommended that you call 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Advisors and Legal Counsel

Cormark Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Company and its Board of Directors. McMillan LLP is acting as Canadian legal counsel to the Company and Simpson Grierson is acting as New Zealand legal counsel to the Company.

Red Cloud Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Siren and its Board of Directors. Steinepreis Paganin is acting as Australian legal counsel to Siren and Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is acting as Canadian legal counsel to Siren.

Intention to list on the TSX Venture Exchange

Aligned to executing on the growth strategy, the Company is also pleased to announce that it has applied to list the common shares of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") under the symbol "RUA". The Company's application remains subject to TSX-V approval. In connection with listing on the TSX-V, it is expected the Company's common shares will be voluntarily delisted from the Canadian Stock Exchange ("CSE").

About RUA GOLD

RUA GOLD (CSE: RUA, OTC: NZAUF, WKN: A4010V) is a new entrant to the mining industry, specializing in gold exploration and discovery in New Zealand. With permits that have a rich history dating back to the gold rush in the late 1800's, RUA GOLD combines traditional prospecting practices with modern technologies to uncover and capitalize on valuable gold deposits.

The Company is committed to responsible and sustainable exploration, which is evident in its professional planning and execution. The Company aims to minimize its environmental impact and to execute on its projects with key stakeholders in mind. RUA GOLD has a highly skilled team of New Zealand professionals who possess extensive knowledge and experience in geology, geochemistry, and geophysical exploration technology.

For further information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Technical Information

Simon Henderson CP, AUSIMM, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained herein.

Website: www.RUAGOLD.com

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur and specifically include statements regarding: the Company's strategies, expectations, planned operations or future actions; the strategic benefits of the Transaction; the benefits of the Transaction to shareholders; closing of the Transaction and the satisfaction of the conditions thereof, including but not limited to the receipt of all corporate and regulatory approvals and consents; listing the Company's common shares on the TSX-V and the receipt of TSX-V approval therefor; and delisting the common shares from the CSE. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A variety of inherent risks, uncertainties and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, affect the operations, performance and results of the Company and its business, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Some of these risks, uncertainties and factors include: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; risks related to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war; risks related to climate change; operational risks in exploration, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration projects or capital expenditures; the actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; changes in labour costs and other costs and expenses or equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, including but not limited to environmental hazards, flooding or unfavourable operating conditions and losses, insurrection or war, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing, and commodity prices. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's annual information form dated April 19, 2024, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors.

Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.




Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua praised former National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndungu for his performance at the ministry.

Speaking during the burial of Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjaus mother, Susan Wanjohi, in Laikipia County, Gachagua said Ndungu should walk with his head high because of his achievements.

DP Gachagua noted that Ndungu worked long hours during his tenure in the National Treasury.

"I want to thank Professor Njuguna Ndungu for your very outstanding performance at the National Treasury. I want to say we are very proud of you as our son from this region.

We know where you found our economy and your stewardship of the National Treasury. As you hand over to the new nominee, walk with your head tall.

"You worked hard for late hours, you came to the cabinet and presented clear and concrete proposals, said Gachagua.

The DP went on to encourage Ndungu that God would open another door for him after he missed out on the cabinet nominations.

Let me encourage you that when one door closes, God opens another. We wish you well. As you retreat, know that we are very proud of your achievements," Gachagua added.

Ndungu was among the 10 former CSs that President William Ruto refused to reappoint after sacking them for corruption and incompetence.

The Head of State nominated ODM chairman John Mbadi to take over in the National Treasury.

The Kenyan DAILY POST


Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Detectives from DCI headquarters have successfully seized a Browning pistol from a notorious gang of three members who have been sowing fear to the public at Ogembo market in Kisii County.

While on duty in Kisii County, the detectives received crucial information about three criminals on a motorbike KMGK 292Z red in colour planning to rob an M-Pesa shop in the area. The officers strategically positioned themselves in anticipation of the unsuspecting criminals.



Upon noticing the officers, the culprits started shooting at the officers and fled in different directions. Undeterred, the officers retaliated, bravely fatally injuring one of the robbers.



A nearby river inadvertently aided the fugitives escape as the other two criminals plunged into its murky depths, disappearing from the scene.



Upon searching the incapacitated desperado, the officers recovered a browning pistol with a defaced serial number and one live ammunition.



Meanwhile, efforts to track down the two culprits, who escaped with gunshot wounds, are ongoing, and it is just a matter of time before they are smoked out of their hideouts.









The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, July 27, 2024  The fate of ODMs John Mbadi, Wycliffe Oparanya, Hassan Joho, and Opiyo Wandayi to sit in President William Rutos Cabinet now hangs in the balance.

This is after the Executive Director of the Commission for Human Rights and Justice petition was filed to bar the ODM bigwigs from becoming Rutos Cabinet Secretaries.

According to the petitioner, appointing former Prime Minister Raila Odingas allies would destabilize the Oppositions role in overseeing the governments operations.

While seeking orders to halt the appointment of the four, the petitioner argued the Opposition was constitutionally recognised and thus nominating the four would pose an imbalance within the opposition.

He further argued that the entire citizenry of Kenya stood to suffer great prejudice and a violation and infringement of their Constitutional Rights by allowing the opposition to join the government.

"The nomination and appointment of the Interested Parties into the cabinet and/or government as secretaries shall conflict with their constitutional duty bestowed upon the opposition party," the petitioner argued.

"This shall also conflict with their constitutional duty bestowed upon the opposition party by the people of Kenya and the constitution to oversight the government."

The petitioner also demanded that an order be issued stopping the process of vetting the four ODM members for the position of cabinet secretaries.

"It is thus fair and just that the matter be heard on a priority basis and the orders sought to be granted to protect the constitution from its violation by the Respondents," stated the Director of the Commission for Human Rights and Justice.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has been accused of silencing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, who was previously vocal in defending young protesters being arrested and killed by rogue Kenyan police officers.

When the protests began five weeks ago, Faith, nicknamed Madam President was very committed to defending the Gen Zs who were arrested or abducted by police.

However, in the last two weeks, Faith has remained silent, despite police continuing their extrajudicial activities by abducting and killing Kenyan youths.

A Kenyan on X revealed on Friday that it was former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who urged Faith Odhiambo to go easy on President William Rutos government and not question the police killings or abductions.

Have you noticed something? Once @WilliamsRutothrew a bone to greedy Kanda Bondoman@RailaOdinga, the @LawSocietyofKeprezo @FaithOdhiambo8who had turned so radical in supporting Goon Zs totally toned down.

"She now preaches peace. Mtu wetu anakula. Wajinga nyinyi. Bure kabisa, Ogeto Sironga wrote on his X.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Saturday, July 27, 2024 - The Sh285 million Mandera County governors official residence has raised eyebrows, with Senators directing the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate whether residents got value for money.

The Senates County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) issued the directive after Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu flagged the cost of the residence, saying it was inflated beyond the ceiling set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

Committee chairperson and Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang said the expenditure on the governors residence did not make sense to the residents who are battling biting poverty as well as a lack of food and water.

See the photo of the palatial home.









The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Saturday, July 27, 2024 - President William Ruto has vowed to co-opt former Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa after failing to reappoint her to Cabinet.

While addressing the residents of Kilifi County, the Head of State acknowledged Jumwa as a close political ally and vowed to heed her call.

Ruto lauded the former CS as a capable leader whose role in his administration was significant in driving the country forward.

According to Ruto, a conversation had already been held about Jumwa's new role in working with the newly nominated cabinet secretaries from the coastal region.

I will not leave Aisha Jumwa behind, she is my sister and we will walk together, I will not leave her behind. Isnt she capable? Ruto asked.

I have decided to nominate Hassan Ali Joho to my government, let him come together with Aisha Jumwa and work together, he added.

Jumwa while addressing the same rally, commended Ruto for granting her the opportunity to serve in his administration despite failing to reinstate her.

The former Gender and Culture CS similarly promised to work with the Head of State even as she commended Ruto's leadership.

"He allowed me to serve the people of Kenya and I am grateful for that and I will continue to be thankful. I believe in Ruto because what he sees while sitting, I can't figure while standing," Aisha Jumwa commented.

"I want to thank him for nominating my brother Ali Hassan Joho and Salim Mvurya into his government. I have no problem with that. Let us all support the president," she added.

Ruto's sentiments come hardly a day after a section of Kilifi residents staged demonstrations demanding the immediate reinstatement of Aisha Jumwa.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Court at Buganda Road has been forced to re- call from remand and release on bond a suspected anti-graft protestor for having both the male and female sexual organs.

The suspect whose names we opt to withhold was remanded to Luzira womens prison on July 23rd, 2024 but prison authorities reportedly complained to the court that they had discovered that person had two sexual organs and the female inmates had expressed concern.

A production warrant was immediately issued to bring back the suspect before court for further medical examination which has since revealed that they indeed have two sexual organs and breast tissue, plaited hair but no uterus.

Confused about where to remand the suspect until the next court session on August 5th, Grade One Magistrate Jalia Basajjabalaba was left with no option but to release the person on bail even without sureties for fear of what could befall the suspect while in prison.

The suspects is among the nearly 100 youth who were rounded up by security personel for staging anti-graft protests demanding for the resignation of the speaker of parliament Anita Annet Among.
East African Community (EAC) member states have agreed to enhance tourism collaboration efforts as one of the ways to accelerate regional development

This was during the ongoing Technical Officials Meeting of the Immigration, Tourism, Trade, Labour and Services (ITTLS) Cluster meeting under the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs) in the Rwandan capital Kigali.

The meeting, according to Ugandas head of delegation and national coordinator for the NCIPs Amb Richard Kabonero, marked a pivotal moment in implementation of the directives from the 14th NCIPs Heads of State Summit.

He says the ITTLS recommendations are focused on expediting the implementation of directives from the EAC to accelerate regional development.

A follow-up meeting scheduled for September 2024 will finalize updates before the 15th Summit, and partner states will constitute their ITTLS Cluster focal points, coordinated by Rwanda.

The ministry of foreign Affairs is leading these transformative initiatives, ensuring effective implementation of the NICPs. Our collaborative efforts are crucial in enhancing regional connectivity, economic growth and shared prosperity, said Mr. Kabonero.

Delegates also noted that under the Single Custom Territory (SCT) framework, significant progress has been made, with the transit module now ready for deployment pending final integration efforts.

On this, they noted that Uganda and Rwanda have commenced electronic exchange of certificates of origin, with Kenya nearing completion. Customs scanner image sharing between Uganda and Kenya is operational, and the development of the EAC Bond Scheme is well on track with pilot operations expected by August 2024, he added in a statement issued on Friday, the second day of the meetings.
A section of human rights activists has asked government to investigate allegations of sexual abuse against suspects arrested during the anti-corruption protests that rocked Kampala last week.

Yesterday the US mission in Uganda also weighed in and called for through investigations into alleged torture of the suspects

Over 90 anti-corruption protestors including KFMs Salima Faliza were arrested and some were charged with being a public nuisance.

Some of those released from detention so far have also alleged that they were sexually assaulted while in police cells, sparking widespread criticism, allegations police have since denied.

Samuel Nsubuga, the Executive Director, African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture tells KFM that they also intend to conduct investigations into the allegations.

Investigation must be carried out first and as a non-government organisation, we first have to ask for permission to enter the prison and we have to get a court order by a judge then we can be able to carry out investigation, the only organisation which can go to prison without permission is Uganda Human Right Commission, he said.

The anti-corruption demonstrations went on last week despite a warning from President Museveni that the protesters were playing with fire.
1 of 1

WOMEN ARTISANS TO BE PROMOTED IN GEMS AND JEWELLERY TRADE



khaskhabar.com : Sat, 27 July 2024 1:35 PM

- With an aim of discussing the current state of the Jaipur Gems and Jewellery industry



- Joint Meeting of the Executive Committees of Jewellers Association Jaipur and Jaipur Jewellery Show Held



Jaipur. A joint meeting of the Executive Committees of the Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) and the Jewellers Association Jaipur was held to discuss the current scenario of the Jaipur Gems and Jewellery industry. During this meeting, several proposals were unanimously passed. These included efforts to make the traditional mastery of Jaipur's jewellery industry more competitive, making the industry employment-oriented, encouraging women artisans, providing better training to artisans, and creating a platform for young and new artisans.



In his welcome address, JJS Chairman, Vimal Chand Surana stated that it is the need of the hour for both organisations to come together to find solutions to the challenges faced by the Gem industry. He also highlighted the golden opportunity for jewellery artisans to find employment. JJS Secretary, Rajiv Jain further mentioned that Jaipur has been famous worldwide for decades as the Emerald (Panna) capital. Now, the time has come to make special efforts for Ruby (Manik). Keeping this in mind, the theme for this year's JJS is also Ruby, he informed.





The President of the Jewellers Association, Alok Sonkia said that the entire world is aware of the skills of Jaipur's artisans in gem cutting. However, this art also requires technical support. For this, it is necessary to bring the developed techniques, research, and studies from other countries here. Nirmal Bardia stated that despite the changes and recession in the world market, there are tremendous opportunities in the Indian domestic market. Only Jaipur's Gems and Jewellery industry can fulfill this demand. For this, manufacturing infrastructure development is essential. Dinesh Khatoria said that due to the increasing trends towards Emeralds, there should be more transparency and certification of treatment to protect the interests of customers. Vijay Kedia emphasised the need for more training for artisans in the walled city area of Jaipur.





Secretary of Jewellers Association, Neeraj Lunawat proposed to present a long-term plan for artisan training, better wages, secure future, calling it more attractive for jewellery artisans than other industries. Kamal Kothari mentioned that due to recent branding in a big wedding, the popularity of Emerald has significantly increased. Ajay Kala from JJS emphasised the need for joint efforts to end the dependence on Bangkok for Ruby (Manik) treatment. He also mentioned the necessity for various labs to use a uniform language in their documentation.
Recent research by Athy-based Irish Tax Rebates has revealed the counties with the highest average tax rebates for 2023.

Kildare ranks seventh with an average rebate of 535.75 per person.

Dublin tops the list with an average rebate of 583.59 per person. This is followed by Cavan and Laois, with average rebates of 561.22 and 552.57, respectively.

Our neighbours in Carlow are among the lowest with an average of 479.15.

The significant differences in average tax rebates across counties in Ireland are indicative of underlying economic disparities. Dublin's position at the top is not surprising, given its status as the economic hub of the country. High-income levels and diverse employment opportunities in Dublin contribute to higher tax returns and, consequently, higher rebates, said Claire Murphy, Chartered Tax Advisor from Irish Tax Rebates.

However, no matter which county you live in, there could be a chance that you are missing out on hundreds of euros, especially due to missing medical expenses, rent tax credits, working from home and other tax credits.

As Budget 2025 is coming up on the 1st of October, people should be aware of the income tax reliefs and credits that will be available to them such as increased rate bands, another increase in the Rent Tax Credit and to be aware of the changes regarding the Gift/Inheritance threshold in favour of the taxpayer.
Home security and alarm companies have called for greater home security in Kilkenny, as recent CSO figures have highlighted an alarming rise in burglary rates across the county.

Over the past 12 months, burglaries have increased by 4 per cent in the combined Kilkenny and Carlow garda division compared to the previous year.

239 burglaries were reported across the division in the last 12 months, meaning ten more burlgaires were recorded from the previous year.

READ MORE - Uninsured driver told Kilkenny garda someone else was driving car

PhoneWatch, an Irish alarm and home security system provider, have highlighted the issue, pointing out that during the summer period nationwide, burglaries increased by 6 per cent in the same period with 9,806 burglaries occurring.

The CSO data outlines that 19 of the 28 garda divisions across the country have experienced an increase in burglaries within the last year. The combined Roscommon and Longford garda division enduring the highest rate of increase in the country at 45 per cent (235 burglaries), while the Dublin Eastern garda division cited the highest decrease in burglaries at -20 per cent (348 burglaries).

Eoin Dunne, PhoneWatch Managing Director advised; The increase in burglary incidents is a stark reminder of the importance of community awareness and individual action to safeguard homes and neighbourhoods. Although, it is reassuring to note that since pre-Covid times burglary and related offences fell from 16,410 in 2020 to 8,927 in 2021 which coincided with Public Health controls in place with Covid restrictions.

"As lockdown was lifted in 2022, the number of incidents rose to 9,257 and remained similar at 9,251 in 2023 before rising again to 9,806 incidents in the last 12 months. We would like to see this upward trend reversing within the next 12 months, so that the annual number of burglaries decreases, and we can be safer in our homes and know that are families are better protected.

PhoneWatch has urged homeowners across Kilkenny to always be vigilant and secure their homes with the most stringent methods. The following home security safety tips will effectively reduce the risk of burglary within your home.

Some tips from PhoneWatch to protect your home include getting a working monitored alarm, asking for assistance from neighbours, locking windows and doors and only posting holiday pictures on social media after the holiday.
Tributes have been paid to a 34 year-old Kilkenny mother who passed away suddenly at home.

Aislinn Nelson Comerford passed away on Monday, July 22 unexpectedly, at her home in Lakeview Drive, Lakeside, Kilkenny.

The beloved wife of Dara and darling mother of baby Liam, Aislinn will be dearly missed by her heartbroken family, parents Tom and Esther Comerford, sisters Tania, Audrey, Ruth and Christine, brothers Thomas and Matthew, as well as parents-in-law Gordon and Marlene Nelson, grandfather-in-law Pat Holohan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and her many friends.

Aislinn's funeral took place on Thursday, where family and friends gathered in the Church of the Holy Trinity, Dunmore to pay their final respects.

A friend led condolences online, saying: "You will never be forgotten, I cannot turn a corner in Kilkenny without thinking of what we may have gotten up to in our wilder days. A beautiful person inside and out, hoping you rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with your little Liam, Dara and all your family."

A cousin of Aislinn posted on Facebook about her tragic passing, adding that her "warm smile, warm personality, and big heart will be deeply, deeply missed by so many".

A former coworker from Bank of Ireland said Aislinn was "such an amazing lady, I had the privilege of working alongside her in my early days with BOI in Kilkenny. Her beautiful smile would light up a room, always guaranteed to make you laugh she was just an absolute gem."

READ NEXT - Heartbroken tributes as tragic Clodagh Phelan (11) remembered in Gowran and Kilkenny
The results of a new report confirm a very difficult year for income levels across farm systems in Ireland in 2023.



Dairy and Tillage farms in particular experienced steep reductions in income.

This was largely due to a sharp decline in milk and cereal prices, and lower production volumes, in a period of stubbornly high input prices, exasperated by the bad weather.



Drystock farms also experienced a notable decline in income in 2023.

All farm systems recorded their lowest average incomes in several years.



The decline in Dairy and Tillage farm incomes in 2023 follows on from a year of record incomes in 2022, illustrating yet again the highly volatile nature of farm income in both of these farm systems in Ireland.



Cattle and sheep farms saw the value of output decrease, and with production costs remaining high, incomes on drystock farms in 2023 were notably lower than in 2022.

Collectively this lower price and production volume had a substantial negative influence on the average farm income in Ireland.

The results are representative of almost 85,000 farms in Ireland.

Internationally there was a sharp downturn in dairy commodity prices in 2023, which in turn affected Irish farm milk prices.

Meanwhile, favourable production conditions for cereal crops at the global level led to a global harvest which put downward pressure on international and Irish grain prices.

In 2023, there were some challenging weather conditions in Ireland over the second half of the year, with high levels of rainfall having an adverse impact on tillage yields, grazing conditions and silage production.

Tillage yields were below normal and milk production fell, as cows were dried-off early in the face of low milk margins.

Across the key farm output categories in Ireland, milk and cereal prices performed worst in 2023.

Milk prices were down 28% in 2023 compared to 2022, while cereal prices decreased by 30% to 35%.

Finished cattle prices increased by 4% in 2023, by 7% for weanlings and 5% for store cattle. By contrast, lamb prices decreased by about 3% in 2023.

Dairy system production costs, which rose by over 30% to their highest level in 2022, remained at that record level in 2023.

While the dairy cow population continued to increase in 2023, milk output volume fell by 4%. It resulted in an average dairy farm income of just under 49,500 in 2023, a decrease of 69%, or in excess of 105,000, compared to the 2022 level.

The Sheep system experienced a 5% decrease in the value of farm output on average in 2023, reflecting a combination of lower lamb prices and a lower volume of output. Production costs on the average sheep farm in 2023 remained relatively unchanged, with higher feed expenditure offset by a slight decline in overhead costs.

The full Teagasc National Farm Survey 2023 is available at www.teagasc.ie/publications/2024/Teagasc-National-Farm-Survey-2023.php
Over 30 injured as migrant van overturns in Serbia

Over 30 injured as migrant van overturns in Serbia

A van carrying some 50 migrants overturned on Friday in southwestern Serbia, injuring more than 30, according to the country's state television.

Video footage on RTS showed an overturned van by the side of the road and police directing traffic.

No other details were immediately available and Serbia's police have not issued an official statement.

Serbia lies on the so-called Balkan land route of migration, where people smugglers often facilitate illegal border crossings for people seeking to reach Western Europe.

Migrants come to Serbia from Bulgaria or North Macedonia and then travel north and west toward Hungary or Croatia, often crammed in vans or cars.
Hanjiang River in south China sees fifth flood this year

Xinhua) 15:36, July 27, 2024

BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Hanjiang River in south China's Pearl River basin has flooded for the fifth time this year, the Ministry of Water Resources said on Saturday.

Due to heavy rainfall, the water level at the Sanhe Dam located on the river's mainstream reached 42.01 meters on Friday night, the ministry said.

The ministry closely monitored the flood situation, and managed pre-releases from three reservoirs along the river, totaling 220 million cubic meters, to prepare for flood interception.

The Second Songhua River in northeast China saw its first flood this year on Saturday as the water inflow into the Fengman Reservoir in its upper reaches hit 9,010 cubic meters per second.

The ministry has urged local authorities to ensure the safety of reservoirs, manage floods in small and medium-sized rivers, and prevent mountain torrents.

Torrential rains during the peak flood season, from late July to early August, have triggered flash flooding in many parts of China.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said "kindred" relations with China will be "firmly" carried forward as he visited a monument symbolizing bilateral ties, state media reported Saturday, amid suspected signs of strain between the traditionally friendly countries.

On Friday, Kim visited the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, which was erected to commemorate China's participation in the 1950-53 Korean War, and paid tribute to fallen Chinese soldiers during the war, a day ahead of the 71st anniversary of the armistice that ended the conflict, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"He expressed belief that the DPRK-China friendship established as the ties of kindred would be firmly carried forward and developed along with the immortal spirit of the martyrs," the KCNA said in an English-language dispatch.

DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The Korean War, which started with an invasion by North Korea, ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, on July 27, 1953. North Korea celebrates the armistice signing date as Victory Day, claiming it won what it calls a liberation war against U.S.-led aggression.

Kim's visit came as the North has appeared to be aligning closer to Russia and away from China, with the North's leader and Russian President Vladimir Putin signing a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement during their summit in Pyongyang last month.

Earlier this month, the Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the North's ruling party, did not carry any articles on the anniversary of the signing of the friendship treaty between North Korea and China as it had done so on the anniversary date in the past.

Separately, Kim also visited a cemetery in Pyongyang, Friday, for North Korean soldiers who died during the Korean War, along with elderly war veterans, according to the KCNA.

"It is the sacred mission and duty of our generation to reliably defend our ideology and social system, safeguarded by the victorious wartime generation at the cost of blood, and build a people's paradise," Kim was saying in another English-language KCNA report.

Kim has visited the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery every year around the time of the anniversary of the armistice signing.

The North's leader also visited the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Mount Taesong later that day, where forces who fought against Japan's 1910-45 rule of the Korean Peninsula under his late grandfather Kim Il-sung remain buried.

It marked the first time Kim visited the cemetery on the occasion of the armistice signing anniversary, in an apparent effort to emphasize their importance. (Yonhap)
Japan's former gold mine, associated with Korea's wartime forced labor, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Saturday, Korea's foreign ministry said, after Tokyo agreed to reflect the entire history of the location.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) reviewed and decided on the inscription of the mine  the world's largest producer of gold in the 17th century  on Sado Island during its meeting in New Delhi.

Both Korea and Japan are among the 21 member states of the rotating committee this year. While a two-thirds majority of the entirety of the UNESCO WHC's member states is required for a site to be listed, decisions are typically made by consensus.

Korea protested Tokyo's push to enlist the mine, arguing that Japan initially intended to omit the part of its history involving thousands of Koreans who were forced to toil there during World War II, when Korea was under Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.

It is estimated that over 2,000 Koreans were forcibly mobilized to work under harsh conditions at the Sado Mine.

Korea later agreed to the inscription of the mine on the condition that Japan faithfully carries out recommendations by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to the UNESCO WHC, and takes other measures, the ministry said in a release.

Earlier this month, ICOMOS recommended referring the nomination of the Sado Mine back to Japan, calling for a more comprehensive explanation of its entire history. In its original submission, Japan limited the mine's timeline to the Edo period (1603-1868), excluding the modern history during which war atrocities were committed.

"The government has engaged in serious negotiations with the Japanese government over the past few months based on the ICOMOS recommendations to reflect the 'entire history' and our position," the ministry said.

Some of the conditions include Japan developing a comprehensive interpretation and exhibition that reflect the entire history of the Sado Mine, including sincere memorials for all workers, especially Korean laborers.

The conditions also specifically state that Japan must "bear in mind" to faithfully carry out the recommendations and closely work with Korea in the future, the ministry said.

To demonstrate its commitment to these promises, Japan has already installed new exhibits at the Sado Mine site to commemorate the harsh working conditions and sufferings of Korean laborers, the ministry said.

Japan will also hold annual memorial services for the Sado Mine workers on Sado Island in July-August every year, the ministry said. The date and location for this year's memorial service are currently being coordinated.

"While there have been memorial services organized by Japanese civic groups in the past, the significance of the promised memorial service this time is that Japanese government officials will also participate," the ministry said.

Despite the decision, concerns remain about whether the Japanese government will keep its promise and how prominently the forced labor aspect will be featured in Japan's exhibits.

In 2015, Japan's Hashima Island was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At that time, Japan agreed to establish an information center on the island to commemorate the wartime forced labor victims on the island, but it later set up the information center at its government building in Tokyo. (Yonhap)
South Korea's top diplomat called for sending a "united message" against North Korea's nuclear development program at a foreign ministerial gathering Saturday led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the call during the ASEAN Plus Three foreign ministers' meeting in Vientiane, noting that North Korea is causing uncertainties on the Korean Peninsula and the region through its provocations and military cooperation with Russia.

"Member states need to send a stern and united message that North Korea's nuclear development will not be tolerated," Cho said during the ASEAN-led meeting that also involves South Korea, Japan and China.

Cho also said the three-way cooperation among Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing serves to promote cooperation among ASEAN Plus Three members, hailing the three countries' trilateral summit in Seoul in May, which marked the first such meeting in more than four years.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the ASEAN Plus Three as a channel to lead cooperation in Northeast Asia, noting opportunities for cooperation despite changes to the international situation and challenges to the future of Northeast Asia.

The ASEAN Plus Three, which was launched in 1997, consists of the 10 ASEAN members, as well as South Korea, Japan and China, and has served as a framework to promote regional cooperation. (Yonhap)
The military is conducting an investigation into a leak of personal information of agents assigned to an intelligence unit tasked with spying on North Korea, sources said Saturday.

The Korea Defense Intelligence Command discovered about a month earlier that classified information, including personal data of its agents stationed overseas, had been leaked, prompting an investigation by the Defense Counterintelligence Command.

The leaked information is said to have included agents on official cover working as diplomats, as well as undercover agents, with some agents reportedly returning home due to concerns over their identities being exposed.

Military authorities have discovered that many of the agents affected by the leak were tasked with operations related to North Korea, and officials have detected signs the leaked data was directed to the North.

Authorities are investigating a civilian official at the Korea Defense Intelligence Command over the leak after discovering that classified files wre on the official's personal laptop.

The authorities believe the laptop to be the source of the leak, but the official has reportedly claimed that the computer had been hacked.

This is not the first time the Korea Defense Intelligence Command has faced such a major data leak. In 2018, authorities discovered that an official at the command had been selling classified information overseas since 2013. (Yonhap)
Rep. Lee Jae-myung, former leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), won primaries in the southeastern cities of Busan and Ulsan for party leader Saturday, as he looks to secure a second term.

In June, Lee resigned to run for reelection as a current party rule stipulates the party chair must resign from his leadership position to be eligible as a candidate.

During Saturday's primary, Lee won 92.08 percent of combined ballots cast by registered party members in Busan, followed by former Interior Minister Kim Doo-gwan with 7.04 percent and another candidate, Kim Ji-soo, at 0.98 percent.

Ahead of the Busan primary, the DPK held a primary in the adjacent city of Ulsan, where Lee also earned 90.56 percent support.

So far, the DPK has held six primaries out of its 15-leg race across the country.

The party is scheduled to elect a new leader during a national convention, Aug. 18, based on the results of the primaries, a survey of the general public and online polls by party representatives.

Lee is widely expected to win his second term and is considered a leading candidate for the liberal party for the next presidential election in 2027, though he is at the heart of several scandals, including a land development scandal in Seongnam, south of Seoul. (Yonhap)
Seulgi has been criticized for showing a can of Coca-Cola in her latest vlog. The incident also ignited mixed reactions from fans, who called out and educated the idol regarding the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, netizens also pointed out idols' constant "showing" of brands nowadays.

On July 26, Seulgi uploaded her newest vlog on her YouTube channel, "Hi Seulgi." The video was titled, "I really can't resist delicious food. VLOG of conquering all the delicious restaurants in Kaohsiung." Seulgi expressed her love for food, and fans couldn't be happier with the idol's new content.

The video also included Seulgi enjoying beef noodle soup. However, during her meal, the idol was shown to be drinking Coca-Cola at the 13:48 mark.

The incident prompted fans and netizens to call the idol's attention and inform her of the brand's boycott of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, some recalled when idols were extra careful in showing brands in their video content or live broadcasts. Others expressed their disappointment and encouraged fans to inform Seulgi of the matter. .

In other news, Seulgi posted an apology on her official Instagram account, addressing an incident with her manager at the Incheon International Airport.

According to numerous posts online, Seulgi originally wore high heels but later swapped shoes with her manager at the Kaohsiung International Airport. The idol came under fire when netizens claimed that Seulgi had caused discomfort for the staff member.

"I apologize to my manager for the incident at the airport and also for causing disappointment to many. During that time, my feet developed blisters due to practicing, and since the heels I wore weren't that high, I thought that it'd be okay if I didn't prepare sneakers." "However, as I continued walking (with the heels), new wounds formed, and when I arrived in Kaohsiung, my manager noticed that it would be difficult for me to perform, which led to the suggestion to swap footwear."

Seulgi added:

"I apologize to those who were disappointed by my actions, as I couldn't think of any other way to solve the problem and that I have made the wrong choice. I'm sorry to my manager, who may have been upset." "I have personally apologized to my manager and I will do my best to be more careful in the future."

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

For more intriguing K-pop news and exciting updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Red Velvet Draws Mixed Reactions After Seulgi Replaced Irene as Center in THIS Photo

KpopStarz owns this article

Written by Israel Monte
Washington, Jul 27 (AP) In a fresh broadside against one of the world's most popular technology companies, the Justice Department late Friday accused TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on views on divisive social issues like gun control, abortion and religion.

Government lawyers wrote in documents filed to the federal appeals court in Washington that TikTok and its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance used an internal web-suite system called Lark to enable TikTok employees to speak directly with ByteDance engineers in China.

Also Read | US Presidential Elections 2024: Kamala Harris Narrows Gap With Donald Trump in Presidential Race, Shows New Media Poll.

TikTok employees used Lark to send sensitive data about U.S. users, information that has wound up being stored on Chinese servers and accessible to ByteDance employees in China, federal officials said.

One of Lark's internal search tools, the filing states, permits ByteDance and TikTok employees in the U.S. and China to gather information on users' content or expressions, including views on sensitive topics, such as abortion or religion. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported TikTok had tracked users who watched LGBTQ content through a dashboard the company said it had since deleted.

Also Read | China Blast: 5 Killed, 14 Injured in Explosion at Plant in Industrial Park of Yongcheng City in Henan.

The new court documents represent the government's first major defense in a consequential legal battle over the future of the popular social media platform, which is used by more than 170 million Americans. Under a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, the company could face a ban in a few months if it doesn't break ties with ByteDance.

The measure was passed with bipartisan support after lawmakers and administration officials expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over U.S. user data or sway public opinion towards Beijing's interests by manipulating the algorithm that populates users' feeds.

The Justice Department warned, in stark terms, of the potential for what it called covert content manipulation by the Chinese government, saying the algorithm could be designed to shape content that users receive.

By directing ByteDance or TikTok to covertly manipulate that algorithm, China could for example further its existing malign influence operations and amplify its efforts to undermine trust in our democracy and exacerbate social divisions, the brief states.

The concern, the Justice Department said, is more than theoretical, alleging that TikTok and ByteDance employees are known to engage in a practice called heating in which certain videos are promoted in order to receive a certain number of views. While this capability enables TikTok to curate popular content and disseminate it more widely, U.S. officials posit it can also be used for nefarious purposes.

Federal officials are asking the court to allow a classified version of its legal brief, which won't be accessible to the two companies.

Nothing in the redacted brief changes the fact that the Constitution is on our side," TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said in a statement.

The TikTok ban would silence 170 million Americans' voices, violating the 1st Amendment, Haurek said. "As we've said before, the government has never put forth proof of its claims, including when Congress passed this unconstitutional law. Today, once again, the government is taking this unprecedented step while hiding behind secret information. We remain confident we will prevail in court.

In the redacted version of the court documents, the Justice Department said another tool triggered the suppression of content based on the use of certain words. Certain policies of the tool applied to ByteDance users in China, where the company operates a similar app called Douyin that follows Beijing's strict censorship rules.

But Justice Department officials said other policies may have been applied to TikTok users outside of China. TikTok was investigating the existence of these policies and whether they had ever been used in the U.S. in, or around, 2022, officials said.

The government points to the Lark data transfers to explain why federal officials do not believe that Project Texas, TikTok's $1.5 billion mitigation plan to store U.S. user data on servers owned and maintained by the tech giant Oracle, is sufficient to guard against national security concerns.

In its legal challenge against the law, TikTok has heavily leaned on arguments that the potential ban violates the First Amendment because it bars the app from continued speech unless it attracts a new owner through a complex divestment process. It has also argued divestment would change the speech on the platform because a new social platform would lack the algorithm that has driven its success.

In its response, the Justice Department argued TikTok has not raised any valid free speech claims, saying the law addresses national security concerns without targeting protected speech, and argues that China and ByteDance, as foreign entities, aren't shielded by the First Amendment.

TikTok has also argued the U.S. law discriminates on viewpoints, citing statements from some lawmakers critical of what they viewed as an anti-Israel tilt on the platform during its war in Gaza.

Justice Department officials disputes that argument, saying the law at issue reflects their ongoing concern that China could weaponize technology against U.S. national security, a fear they say is made worse by demands that companies under Beijing's control turn over sensitive data to the government. They say TikTok, under its current operating structure, is required to be responsive to those demands.

Oral arguments in the case is scheduled for September. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
CLEANING A HAIR DRYER SCREEN

Dear Heloise: First, let me thank you for your years of hints. Ive used so many of them, but today I have a hint for you and your readers. My handheld hair dryer had a lot of lint stuck in the air intake screen, and it made me nervous to think it might cause a fire.

I tried to pick out the lint, but I finally ended up grabbing a wet cotton swab and running it across the air intake screen. It removed the lint without any hassle. -- C.F., in Florida

VACATION MEMORIES

Dear Heloise: Whenever I travel, I always buy two things: One is scented hand lotion or perfume, and the other is a kitchen dish towel with the name of our destination. Upon returning home, as I do the dishes, I can recall our wonderful trip. And if Im having a bad day, I use the perfume to recall those special times. -- J.M., via email

REMEMBER ME?

Dear Heloise: If you run into someone who you havent seen in a while, please do not say, Do you remember me? or You should know who I am. This especially goes for someone who has serious memory issues.

For my benefit and the other persons, I always reintroduce myself, often hoping that they will say their names. This helps alleviate any embarrassment. -- V.J., in West Virginia

PHARMACY FUDGES

Dear Heloise: My elderly neighbor asked me to look up a drug online that her doctor had prescribed for her. I looked it up and printed out all of the information, then took it to her. She mentioned that she was having a terrible time with the drug because she thought it might be causing itching on her scalp.

While I was there, I called her doctor and told them that I thought she might be allergic to the drug. After some conversation, we realized that the pharmacy had accidentally given her the wrong medication.

Pharmacies often get very busy, and mistakes can be made. So, my hint is this: If you have a son, a daughter or a very good friend you can take with you on your visit to the doctors, please do so. Question your doctor about your medication -- what its supposed to do, how long it takes to see improvement in your condition, and the pros and cons of the drug.

If you have a computer, look up the drug. Check the name on the label and whether or not the directions for its usage are the same as the ones your doctor mentioned during your visit. If the drug causes you any problems, call your doctor immediately. -- R.Y., in New Orleans

APPLYING SUNSCREEN

Dear Readers: When youre outdoors this summer, remember that sunscreen is your friend. Unless youre allergic to the product, please apply it before leaving the house. Protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun. -- Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Ginger is a 140-pound French Mastiff. This is basically the dog Hooch from the old Tom Hanks movie Turner & Hooch.

GingerHeloise

Readers, to see Ginger and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on Pet of the Week.

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. -- Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com

(c) 2024 by King Features Syndicate Inc.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: After 22 years together, my husband and I are finally getting legally married -- a bit tardy, as same-sex marriage was legalized years ago! Were neither young nor rolling in cash, so we have a very tight budget and need to keep the guest count on the low side.

I would like to include two or three of my co-workers with whom Im close, but Im concerned about other co-workers feeling slighted. How does one manage this kind of situation?

GENTLE READER: A wedding is not (or should not be) a networking event. Therefore, etiquette actively discourages inviting co-workers who are not legitimately friends outside of work.

If those who were not invited are bold enough to ask, you may simply tell them it was a small wedding. But Miss Manners suspects that at least one of them will be relieved at not having to spend Saturday evening pretending to be closer with work acquaintances than is the case.

***

(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
The Eagles offense is expected to be among the top units in the league this season, with an assortment of weapons at wide receiver and a new running back who is expected to be a three-down threat. None of their potential impact will matter if the offensive line is not able to slow down opposing defensive lines.

BUY EAGLES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER
A man stole from charity shop volunteers while they worked in a Portlaoise store.

Neculai Danila (28) of 5 Belvedere Place, Mountjoy Square, Dublin admitted to burglary at St Vincent de Paul shop, 1 Dublin Road, Portlaoise on June 27, 2023.

Garda John OKeefe told the court that in reply to the charge the defendant said: I say sorry for this. It was to buy food for myself.

Garda OKeefe said the man had entered the St Vincent de Paul shop on the Dublin Road at around 3.50pm on the date in question. He browsed in the shop before going into a restricted section, Garda OKeefe explained.

Once in the restricted section, the man took 180 in cash from a handbag belonging to one of the volunteers.

Judge Andrew Cody described it as a nasty crime to have committed against people who were trying to help.

If he had asked for it he would have got it, probably, said Judge Cody.

Garda OKeefe told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the defendant had three previous convictions.

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client was pleading guilty to the offence. He said the man was serving a sentence in Wheatfield Prison and had a release date of April 2026.

He acknowledged the mean deed carried out by his client was worse given who it had been perpetrated against.

Stealing from people who are doing such good work for people in his position, said Mr Meagher.

He said the man apologised and is doing well in custody and was an enhanced prisoner who was going to school and using the gym.

He accepts how mean an act it was, said Mr Meagher.

Judge Andrew Cody sentenced the man to two months in prison to begin on the expiry of the sentence he is serving. He said the sentence would have been six months had the man not entered a guilty plea.
A French national has today pleaded guilty to the dangerous driving causing the death of a 71-year old motorcyclist outside the Burren village of Ballyvaughan in north Clare last July.

At Ennis Circuit Court today, Olivier Le Bozec (42), with the assistance of an interpreter, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Jeremiah (Jerry) OConnor on the N67 leading out of Ballyvaughan on the morning of July 27 last.

Tomorrow, Saturday, is the first year anniversary of Mr OConnors death and his widow, Helga Himmelsbach was today in court for the arraignment hearing.

Solicitor for Mr Le Bozec, John Casey told the district court previously that his client, wife and child had arrived in Ireland just the day before the fatal collision to commence their holiday here.

Mr Le Bozec of Rue Georges Cadoudal, Locoal Mendon, France was driving his own French registered car when the collision occurred.

In court today, Michael Collins SC told the court that his client is a French national and was holidaying in Ireland with his wife and son when this tragic accident occurred.

Mr Collins said: He lives and works in France and has travelled here today and for the sentencing hearing he will require the services of an interpreter.

Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly SC (instructed by State Solicitor, Aisling Casey) suggested a sentencing date of November 8.

Judge Francis Comerford said that a case like this is one of the serious cases a court can deal with when there is a loss of life.

Judge Comerford said that the case would be the first case dealt with on November 8.

Mr Connolly said that Mr OConnors partner was in court for the hearing and said that a victim impact statement will be required for the sentencing hearing.

Judge Comerford remanded Mr Le Bozec on continuing bail to November 8 which allows him to return home to France pending the sentencing hearing.

Those convicted of dangerous driving causing death in the circuit court can face up to five years in prison.

Since her husbands death, Mr.OConnor's widow, Helga Himmelsbach has been campaigning for improved signage and safer roads in the Ballyvaughan region.

Ms Himmelsbach has said that she is hopeful Mr OConnors death will be the catalyst for critical traffic calming measures in the region.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has strongly criticised Israeli airstrikes which hit a school being used by displaced people in the centre of Gaza.

At least 30 people sheltering at a girls school in Deir Al-Balah were taken to Al Aqsa Hospital and pronounced dead, after a strike that Israels military said targeted a Hamas command and control centre used to store weapons and plan attacks.

strongly-worded statement In a, Mr Harris aid the attack "is a further demonstration of brutal, unconscionable violence".

He added: "Targeting an area populated with displaced families is inhumane and despicable. Israel continues to use disproportionate force and is engaging in a war that is having an unacceptable level of civilian death and injury, especially to children. I again call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access for aid into Gaza. The bloodshed and suffering need to end."

Gazas health ministry said at least 11 people had been killed in other strikes on Saturday.

Near the hospital, Associated Press journalists saw an ambulance driving along a dusty road as a few people ran in the opposite direction.

An injured man lay on a stretcher on the ground. A body covered with a blanket and a dead toddler were inside the ambulance.

Inside the school, classrooms were in ruins. People were searching for victims under the rubble and some were gathering remains of those who were killed.

"More than 2 million people in Gaza remain trapped in an endless nightmare of death and destruction on a staggering scale"@UNRWA Deputy Commissioner General De Meo tells the UN Security Council that people's lives in #Gaza are dominated by fear, hunger, disease and displacement pic.twitter.com/Eyj9gTTXFh  UNRWA (@UNRWA) July 26, 2024

Earlier, Israels military ordered the evacuation of a part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Younis on Saturday.

The evacuation order was in response to rocket fire that Israel said originated from the area.

The military said it planned an operation against Hamas militants in the city, including parts of Muwasi, the crowded tent camp in an area where Israel has told thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge throughout the war.

The planned strike comes a day before officials from the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel meet in Italy to discuss the ongoing hostage and ceasefire negotiations.

The makeshift tent camp where Palestinians displaced by the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are staying (Fatima Shbair/AP)

CIA director Bill Burns is expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, Mossad director David Barnea and Egyptian spy chief Abbas Kamel on Sunday, according to officials from the US and Egypt.

It is the second evacuation order issued in a week that has included striking part of the humanitarian zone, 20 square miles of tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, United Nations and humanitarian groups say.

Israel expanded the zone in May to take in people fleeing Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population at the time had crowded.

According to Israeli estimates, about 1.8 million Palestinians are sheltering there after being uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israels punishing air and ground campaign.

In November, the military said the area could still be struck and that it was not a safe zone, but it is a safer place than any other in Gaza.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said it was increasingly difficult to know how many people would be affected by the evacuation order because those sheltering under there were constantly being displaced.

Gaza: Unsanitary living conditions brought on by the war are posing serious health risks for millions, especially children.@WHO is sending more than a million polio vaccines to be administered in the coming weeks to help prevent an even greater crisis.https://t.co/zcRBefNvrv  United Nations (@UN) July 27, 2024

Referring to the orders as evacuation orders dont do any justice to what this means, said Juliette Touma, the agencys director of communications.

These are forced displacement orders. What happens is when people have these orders, they have very little time to move.

Further north, Palestinians mourned the deaths of seven killed by Israeli airstrikes overnight on Zawaida, in central Gaza.

Deir al-Balahs Al Aqsa hospital confirmed the count and Associated Press journalists saw the bodies.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 39,100 Palestinians, according to the territorys health ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count.

The UN estimated in February that some 17,000 children in the territory are now unaccompanied, and the number is likely to have grown since.

The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages.

About 115 are still in Gaza, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.
A County Dublin woman with 10 previous driving with no insurance convictions has been sentenced over a dangerous driving offence that she committed in North Kildare.

Melissa Joyce, with an address listed as 36 Kilshane Drive in Finglas, Dublin 11, County Dublin, was convicted for the offence at Naas District Court on Thursday, July 25.

The 34-year-old appeared via video-link as she was in custody at the time of the court session.

Gardai told Judge Desmond Zaidan that on July 18 last, Ms Joyce was seen driving dangerously in Blackhill, Kill.

Specifically, it was heard that Ms Joyce failed to stop at a garda checkpoint in the area, and proceeded to speed off at 120 kilometres per hour (kph) in a 60kph zone.

At the time, it was heard that she was disqualified from driving for a period of ten years.

In addition, it was heard that she had children in the car at the time of the incident, and that Ms Joyce had no insurance on her car at the time.

Gardai noted that she has 87 previous convictions, 10 of which are related to no insurance offences.

DEFENCE

Defending barrister Aisling Murphy told Judge Zaidan that 'a lot of issues came to light' at time for her client.

Ms Murphy said that the date in question coincided with the anniversary of a loved one's death, and that she had also recently lost a separate relative.

"She was not thinking straight at the time," she told the judge.

Ms Murphy also said that her client acknowledged that she was disqualified from driving at the time, and was 'apologetic for her actions.'

She further said that her client 'has a very supportive family.'

Ms Murphy concluded by asking Judge Zaidan to consider imposing a suspended custodial sentence on her client, adding that she received a six-month custodial sentence on July 24 last.

After consideration, the judge said that he would impose a five-month custodial sentence on Ms Joyce on the dangerous driving charge, and a further five months in custody for the no insurance offence (ten months in total).

He also imposed two six-year driving disqualifications, which are concurrent.

The judge also agreed to backdate the sentence to when Ms Joyce first entered into custody, and set appeal at 500.

Ms Joyce thanked Judge Zaidan following his verdict.
Irelands biggest art and sculpture event is set to arrive at Kildare's K Club. Art and Soul, featuring works by Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst, will be hosted by Gormleys at The K Clubs luxury hotel from August 11 to September 8, showcasing 8 million worth of works by the biggest names in international and Irish art.

The free event will include a major outdoor exhibition of over 90 large sculptures and installations set throughout the 550-acre grounds of the luxury estate. A key feature will be the unveiling of 12 new pieces by Martin Mooney, regarded as one of Irelands most accomplished fine art painters.

With over 300 works on display, Art and Soul will be the largest showcase of sculpture in Ireland to date, featuring international artists alongside leading Irish sculptors Patrick O'Reilly, Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt and Bob Quinn.

The hotels interior will be further embellished with a display of over 100 artworks by some of the worlds best-known artists, including Damien Hirst, Giacinto Bosco, Patrick Rubinstein, Banksy, Keith Haring, and Julian Opie.

Art and Soul gives art lovers a unique opportunity to view these incredible works of art in the beautiful surroundings of The K Club, said Oliver Gormley of Gormleys.

Adults and children will enjoy the event equally, and our previous events in Russborough, Co Wicklow, Castlemartyr resort in Cork and The Culloden Hotel in Belfast attracted over 10,000 visitors.

The K Club has long been linked to historys trailblazers so it feels very fitting that this historic hotel should now be host to such an incredible array of stunning works from some of the worlds most talented artists and sculptors, said Paul Heery, General Manager at The K Club.

Were honoured to provide the setting for this must-visit event and look forward to welcoming guests old and new, who want to celebrate this event.

During the event, there will be a programme of artists talks and daily guided tours. Art and Soul will be open to the public daily from 11am7pm. More information can be found on gormleys.ie and kclub.ie.
Update: 4.16pm, July 27, 2024  A suspect has since been arrested by gardai in relation to the incident.

A resident in Newbridge has issued a warning to others following a car theft incident.

According to the resident, who shared the alert via the Newbridge County Kildare Residents Community Forum on Facebook, they said that the incident took place at around 12.30am this morning (July 27, 2024) in the Kilbelin area of Newbridge.

Video camera footage of the alleged perpetrator was shared as part of the original post, in which they appear to be seen walking away from the resident's car.

The resident added: "If anyone recognises this young fella [sic] by his clothes / runners he is wearing in this [footage] please get on to me."

Photograph via Facebook.

In addition, the resident shared a photograph which appears to show items left behind by the alleged perpetrator: a water bottle, a vape pen, and a Bob Marley-themed lighter.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Newbridge Garda Station on 045 440 180.
Minister Boissonnault attends G20 Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting





FORTALEZA, Brazil , July 26, 2024 /CNW/ - On July 25 and 26, 2024, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, attended the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting in Fortaleza, Brazil to discuss common challenges on ensuring high-quality employment in a changing global economy.

Minister Boissonnault reaffirmed Canada's longstanding commitment to a worker-centric approach in a changing world, focused on making sure that people are at the forefront of all decisions in the face of technological and environmental changes. He also called on the G20 community to seize new opportunities and work through challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence, and the need to establish ethical and responsible conditions for its use that will protect workers' rights.

In meetings with his counterparts from the United States, Singapore, Brazil and the United Kingdom, the Minister highlighted the benefits of diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace and the essential need to expand access to quality education and invest in continuous skill development for the workforce of the future.

Minister Boissonnault also congratulated Alison McGovern, the new Minister of State for Employment for the United Kingdom, one of Canada's longstanding friends and allies.

Throughout the meeting, Minister Boissonnault emphasized Canada's leadership in advancing gender equality, promoting diversity and inclusion in Canada's labour force, and progressing on the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Canada, along with all G20 members, also reaffirmed its commitments toward achieving the Brisbane Target, which aims to reduce gender gaps in labour market participation by 25% by 2025 and to accelerate progress on gender equality.

Minister Boissonnault thanked Brazil for hosting this year's G20. Canada remains committed to the G20 and to working with its G20 partners to build a sustainable, fairer and more equitable future where no one is left behind.

Quotes

"As we create high-quality jobs today, we must ensure the workforce is ready to thrive in the economy of tomorrow. International forums like G20 give us the opportunity to share and learn from other countries. Our Government is committed to ensure Canadian workers lead the way in the global economy of the future."

? Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault

Quick facts

Budget 2024 proposed $105 million in 2024-25 to support the implementation of an employment strategy for persons with disabilities through the Opportunities Fund.

in 2024-25 to support the implementation of an employment strategy for persons with disabilities through the Opportunities Fund. Following the recommendations from the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force, Budget 2024 announced the government's intention to propose legislative amendments to modernize the Employment Equity Act, including by expanding designated equity groups.

In March 2023 , the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ranked Canada as the top donor by share of assistance supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls for 2022 through the Feminist International Assistance Policy.

, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ranked as the top donor by share of assistance supporting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls for 2022 through the Feminist International Assistance Policy. The OECD has also noted that in a rapidly changing workplace, the demand for lifelong learning?in both formal education and job-related training?continues to grow. Canada has the second-highest post-secondary attainment rate in the OECD, a testament to the priority its governments place on the value of high-quality education.

Associated links

Canada ratified International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190, the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (C190)

Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation

A Transformative Framework to Achieve and Sustain Employment Equity

Canada and the Sustainable Development Goals

Employment Equity Act

Pay Equity Act

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

26 july 2024 at 17:14

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SHAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues to Investigate the Merger and Upcoming Vote on August 27, 2024, of Doma Holdings, Inc. - DOMA





NEW YORK, July 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEW YORK, July 27, 2024 / GlobeNewswire/--

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Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

27 july 2024 at 12:15

News published onand distributed by:
A MAN who was described by gardai as being highly intoxicated in a public place, has been fined and wished well on his journey to recovery by a judge.

Martin Enright, who had an address in Loghill East, Knockaderry at the time of the offence, but whose current address is unknown, appeared before Newcastle West District Court.

The court heard that on July 18, 2023, gardai were called to an address and they encountered Mr Enright highly intoxicated attempting to walk into Newcastle West.

He was arrested and issued with a fixed penalty notice, which was not paid.

Later that year on November 2, gardai were again called to a Newcaslte West address and found Mr Enright in an intoxicated state and he told gardai to f*** off.

The court heard that the 34-year-old has 12 previous convictions, eight of which are for road traffic offences and three for public order offences, but that the public order offences date back some years to 2018.

Barrister for Mr Enright, Conn McMahon said: These offences arise out of a chaotic lifestyle arising out of drug and alcohol abuse.

Mr McMahon told the court his client completed a 30-day treatment programme in 2024 and that he spends three days a week going to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

READ MORE: Fundraising drive from the Limerick border across the Irish sea

He said his client is quite apologetic for his behaviour and that he is the father of a young child and wants to be more involved in that child's life.

Judge Nicola Jane Andrews took into account that Mr Enright had undergone and engaged with treatment and wished him the best on his journey.

Mr Enright was fined 100 and given one month to pay the fine.
A JUDGE has warned a woman who was driving while disqualified that she doesn't want to meet her again.

On May 4, 2024, Gina Daly of Kilmurry, Feenagh, was driving in Croom with no driving licence or insurance and had been disqualifed from driving at the time for a 2022 conviction.

The court heard that the mother-of-four has 31 previous convictions - 19 of which were for road traffic offences.

Judge Nicola Jane Andrews told Newcastle West District Court: She doesn't seem to completely grasp the concept of needing a licence or to be insured, to drive a vehicle.

Solicitor for Ms Daly, Michael O'Donnell told the court that the 26-year-old has four children ranging in age from one to nine.

Mr O'Donnell said that on the day in question, Ms Daly was going to get medicine for one of her children for bronchilitis.

READ MORE: Cutting-edge flight simulator unveiled for use of Limerick students

The judge commented that she seems to show such a disregard for the law and a driving disqualification that she struggled to see how she could stop her from driving.

She has a complete disdain for other drivers and is an absolute liability, Judge Andrews said.

Ms Daly was convicted and fined 500, with six months to pay, and given a six-month prison sentence suspended for 24 months, subject to Ms Daly not coming to court attention between now and December 19.

Ms Daly was also disqualified from driving for four years and remanded on bail to appear on December 19.
Multiple residents at Charlottesvilles only overnight homeless shelter have been quarantined in hotel rooms after a COVID outbreak.

This last week, we had four clients test positive for COVID, and we recently had one employee in our social services that tested positive, Mark Van Meter, executive director of the Charlottesville Salvation Army, told The Daily Progress Friday.

Three of those residents have temporarily been placed in hotels, an arrangement facilitated by the citys Department of Human Services. The Salvation Army is delivering food to the individuals daily while they are in isolation. The fourth resident opted to not remain in the shelter and opted not to take our services, Van Meter said.

When one person staying in the shelter began displaying symptoms, shelter staff had them tested and found they had contracted the virus. More testing found three others who were positive for COVID.

Its part of community living. You get one person with a cold, and they pass it along. One person with the flu, and they pass it along, Van Meter said.

If more individuals who use the shelter contract the virus, the organization may have to temporarily put more people into hotels. The citys Department of Human Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Daily Progress.

A larger outbreak could also mean the soup kitchen would have to transition from in-person meals to takeout only. Van Meter said the organization will not shut down services and will continue to provide food to the community.

So far it doesnt appear the Salvation Army will have to make any more changes. Residents are being tested daily, and staff members are being tested every other day.

Fortunately, the individuals who have tested positive were all in the same area of the shelter, and so we think theyve probably been able to isolate past that, and we have not seen any further display of COVID I would say in the last probably three days, Van Meter said. We believe weve caught it early enough just because we have not seen an increase. Were hoping we can get through the weekend and start seeing those numbers tick downward.

The quarantined will be welcomed back into the shelter once they test negative for COVID.

As the only year-round overnight shelter in the city, the organization is crucial for the Charlottesville homeless population. Last year, the Salvation Army provided a total of 15,000 nights of lodging and served more than 60,000 meals.

Even so, it is not enough to meet the areas demands. Currently, the shelter has 58 beds, and it regularly has to turn people away because it reaches capacity. The city has greenlighted development that would see the current Salvation Army building on Ridge Street torn down and replaced with an updated, larger facility that would double the number of beds and expand its meal capacity. But that will not be completed this year.

The organization is in the process of raising money for the project, which will cost an estimated $28 million. Once it has a third of the money in hand, the Salvation Army has said it will break ground on the project. The $28 million will cover the cost of construction, operation endowment, fixtures, furnishing and equipment.

Basically the $28 million allows us to cut the red ribbon and open up a new facility and make sure it is operational and funded, Van Meter said.

The Salvation Army expects to have an update on the project this fall.
KILFINANE is celebrating the beginnings of an Arts Council Creative Places Research and Development Award for the community.

The town is one of two recipients of this award, issued by the Arts Council in 2024, and the first in County Limerick.

Creative Places Kilfinane is led by Ballyhoura Development CLG, who, alongside a creative practitioner, will implement a participative community-led research and development project in the months ahead, encouraging open access to great art in our community, a new understanding and appreciation of the work of artists, and a deep understanding of the myriad of tangible benefits the arts bring to us all for connection, integration, participation and sense of place.

They hope to build on the work of the community organisations and events that already take place in the area, including Hearsay International Audio Festival, Kilfinane Community Council, Ballyhoura Comhaltas (CCE), the Old Chapel Rooms, the Kilfinane Traditional Skills and Arts and Crafts group, the Ballyhoura Bears and Ballyhoura Walking Festival and the newly established conversation club.

Padraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development said, "We are thrilled to receive this Creative Places Research and Development Award from Arts Council Ireland. Ballyhoura Development is committed to integrating socially engaged and collaborative arts practice across our strategic approach to community development".

READ MORE: Farmer left without running water for three days

Etain McCooey, Limerick city and county arts officer, proudly supports the award and Ballyhoura Development CLG in development of a plan for Kilfinane that can create a dynamic and vibrant sustainable artistic and creative community in the Ballyhoura region that both serves and is supported by all in the community

Ballyhoura Development thanked and acknowledged the community of Kilfinane and looks forward to working with the community and the Arts Council in the months to come.
Q1 results today: The board of directors of IDFC First Bank is meeting today to consider and approve unaudited standalone Q1 results 2024. The private lender has informed the Indian stock market exchanges about the IDFC First Bank's Q1 results 2024 date. According to stock market experts, IDFC First Bank is expected to report positive numbers as the private lender has registered impressive control in the cost of funding. They said the bank's focus on deposit granularity should ensure steady deposit growth.

IDFC First Bank Q1 results 2024 preview Taking a cue from the business update of IDFC First Bank, Avinash Gorakshkar, Head of Research at Profitmart Securities, said, "In Q1FY25 business update, IDFC First Bank has reported improvement in CASA, which means it has registered improvement in the cost of funding. This is a good sign as industry NIMs have come under pressure after weak Q1 results 2024 by Axis Bank and Canara Bank. The private lender is expected to meet the market estimates if it fails to beat the estimated numbers by Dalal Street enthusiasts."

Speaking on IDFC First Bank's Q1 results today, Manish Chowdhury, Head of Research at StoxBox, said, In FY24, IDFC Bank showcased impressive control over its cost of funds, achieving the lowest rise in this metric. We believe this trend will continue in FY25, indicating an improving funding profile for the bank. However, IDFC Bank will likely experience slight NIM compression in Q1FY25, with an expected impact of around 5-7 basis points. Given that the first quarter tends to be softer for the bank, asset quality stress is anticipated, potentially leading to moderate provisions growth and muted PAT growth for this quarter.

"On the positive side, the bank's focus on deposit granularity should ensure steady deposit growth. Nevertheless, the cost-to-income ratio is expected to remain elevated due to ongoing investments in technology. Overall, we anticipate a muted performance from IDFC Bank this quarter. Still, the long-term prospects remain positive as the bank continues to improve its lending profile and deposit base," the StoxBox expert said.

IDFC First Bank share price outlook Unveiling investment strategy regarding IDFC First Bank share price, Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager  Technical Research at Anand Rathi, said, On the weekly chart, IDFC First Bank has entered an oversold zone, indicating the potential for a rebound. The immediate support zone is identified between 68 and 70. A fresh buy signal is possible only if the stock moves above the 78 mark, with resistance expected in the 82 to 88 range. At the current juncture, traders should wait for a clear price reversal action before making any new investments.

The Anand Rathi expert said that once a reversal is confirmed, buying opportunities can be considered in IDFC First Bank shares with a stop loss set at 68, targeting a price of 82 soon.
(Bloomberg) -- Pressure is building on Guineas military leadership, which seized power almost three years ago to hold elections after the disappearance of two pro-democracy activists.

Civil society groups in the West African nation are mobilizing citizens for a three-day protest starting July 30 to demand the whereabouts of two members of the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution, a movement already dissolved by the junta, said Lancinet Keita, head of mobilization for an alliance of civil society organizations in Guinea.

The two men have been missing since July 9, and activists believe they were arrested and detained by security forces, Keita said in an interview on Saturday. The men mobilized people through social media to back their call for elections and to protest of high living costs as well as the juntas intimidation of the media.

We are going to protest against security conditions following the arrest by the security forces of Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah in Conakry on July 9, Keita said. If our colleagues were kidnapped in the middle of the capital, its because no one is safe.

The demonstrations will also denounce electricity cuts and the military governments closure of radio and TV stations, he said.

The developments come as the timeline agreed between the junta and regional bloc Economic Community of West African States to return the country to democracy comes to an end this year.

Mamadi Doumbouya, an army colonel, seized power in a military coup in September 2021, citing rampant corruption, disregard for human rights and economic mismanagement under former president Alpha Conde. In late 2022 Doumbouya and Ecowas reached a pact on a two-year transition period for the country to hold elections and return to civilian rule.

The government has no definite timetable for the polls, Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, a spokesman for the government said July 25.

We have objectives broken down into three sections, namely social, economic and political, he said. If they are reached the transition will end.

Complaint Filed

The wives of the missing activists are filing a complaint at a Paris court against Doumbouya over the disappearance of their husbands.

They are asking the prosecutor of the court to open preliminary investigations and for an express request to be made to the Guinean authorities to reveal where they detained the two men, a lawyer for the two women, Vincent Brengarth, said in an interview.

Even though the government has denied arresting the two activists, Brengarth insists that they were kidnapped by security forces.

Diallo didnt respond to telephone calls or a text message seeking comment on Saturday. Earlier this week he told the press that steps were underway by security forces and the justice system to find the men, adding that the complaint against Doumbouya is a serious accusation.

Guinea is the worlds top exporter of bauxite. The country also has the worlds largest untapped deposit of iron ore, which companies including Rio Tinto Plc say will begin shipping by 2026.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
India's markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), issued an order Friday barring fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya from accessing in the securities market for three years. The action follows findings that Mallya routed funds into the Indian securities market through complex transactions designed to mask his identity.

According to Anitha Anoop, chief general manager at Sebi, Mallya, former head of United Breweries and majority shareholder of United Spirits Ltd (USL), orchestrated a scheme to indirectly trade shares of his own companies. The transactions were layered through bank accounts at UBS AG London, utilizing the Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) route.

Such acts are not only fraudulent and deceptive but are a threat to the integrity of the securities market, as per the Sebi order.

This isn't Mallya's first sanction; Sebi had previously barred him from accessing the securities market for three years, starting 1 June 2018, for manipulating activities and improper transactions in the shares of USL.

In Fridays order, Sebi emphasized that Mallya had been involved in manipulative and fraudulent activities and was engaging in unfair trade practices, which constituted a violation of securities laws. This led the regulator to extend his market ban for another three years.

The regulator had initiated an investigation suo motu based on information from the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The probe revealed that Mallya used Matterhorn Ventures, a registered sub-account of an FIIMatterhorn Advisory Singapore Pte Ltdto indirectly trade in the shares of his group companies, Herbertsons and USL, in India. The funds were routed through various beneficiary accounts with UBS and then funneled into the Indian securities market.

More here | As Sebi comes down hard on speculative trading, investors turn to other options

The Sebi order highlighted that Mallya was the ultimate beneficial owner of multiple accounts, including Bayside, Suncoast, and Birchwood. These entities transferred a total of $6.15 million to Venture New Holding Ltd, which Mallya also owned. The funds were immediately used to purchase shares of Herbertsons. After Herbertsons merged with USL, Matterhorn Ventures received 633,333 shares of USL in exchange for 950,000 shares of Herbertsons, at a 2:3 exchange ratio, in 2006.

Sebi's Anoop noted that Mallya's abuse of the FII regulations framework was harmful to investors.
At last, it seemed time for a manufacturing take-off. Having struggled to compete with Chinas industrial might, other emerging markets stood ready to benefit as their rivals labour costs surged and rising tensions between it and the West pushed firms to look for new factory locations. Last year foreign direct investment into China fell to a 30-year low.

But China has started to fight back. To reverse an economic slowdown and cement its control over global supply chains, its leaders have launched an investment spree in high-tech goods, such as batteries, electric vehicles and other green devices. Weak domestic demand for traditional products, such as cars, chemicals and steel, mean they are also flooding global markets. The average price of Chinese manufactured exports fell by nearly 10% from 2022 to 2023. Chinas export volumes have surged to near-record levels.

View Full Image (The Economist)

On a recent visit to Beijing, Janet Yellen, Americas treasury secretary, said that the West would not accept a flood of cheap goods. A few weeks later, on May 14th, the Biden administration unleashed a wave of tariffs covering everything from solar cells to syringes. Electric vehicles were hit with a 100% levy. China has other options for its exports, howevernamely emerging markets that value friendly relations with it.

As a result, emerging-market policymakers are worried. The biggest threat of Chinese overcapacity is to developing countries," says Jorge Guajardo, Mexicos former ambassador to China. In his country, which is proud of its car industry, the market share of Chinese-made vehicles has grown from next to nothing in 2016 to a fifth. Emerging economies are thus introducing import restrictions on Chinese goods, while accelerating a push for free trade elsewhere. Their success depends on the sustainability of Chinas approach, as well as the deftness of their own.

Start with the free-trade side of things. Countries with manufacturing ambitions are desperate for access to big markets, where leaders are themselves keen to reduce reliance on China. In February Chile signed a trade deal with the EU. Mercosur, a customs union including Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, has penned an agreement with Singapore and is eyeing pacts with Japan and South Korea. Having failed to complete a deal in the seven years to 2021, India has since signed four.

This emerging-market attempt to lower trade barriers with the West is happening at the same time as they are being raised with China. Officials see this as necessary to protect domestic manufacturers until Chinas subsidy wave subsides. In the [late 2000s], Mexican companies would ask for protections and the government would tell themwell, you have to learn to compete," says Mr Guajardo. That is no longer the case." Mexico raised tariffs on 544 products in April. It has slapped an 80% levy on certain steel imports.

Yet some Chinese goods are so cheap they have the lowest prices even with sky-high tariffs. Moreover, some products sneak past levies because they are packaged in third countries. That is why non-tariff barriers and import bans are also proliferating. India has launched anti-dumping probes into a variety of products, including unframed glass mirrors and fasteners, which it says will protect its small and medium-sized businesses. It has also filed the most anti-dumping cases of any country in the world. China is retaliating. Sumant Sinha, boss of ReNew, an Indian green-tech firm, says it is even quietly blocking Indias access to solar equipment.

Unfortunately for emerging markets, China is now at the technological frontier of manufacturing, providing another reason to avoid antagonising its leaders. In March Cap SA, Chiles largest steel producer, decided to wind down its mills, blaming Chinese import competition. On April 24th the Chilean government imposed temporary anti-dumping tariffs of 25-34%, prompting Cap to suspend its decision. But Cap says the tariffs would need to stay in place for longer to keep its factories open, something to which the government is reluctant to commit. Even in India, where relations with China are frosty, plenty of officials recognise that Chinese investment is crucial for manufacturing.

A better alternative to flat-out protectionism may be to copy Chinas strategy of coaxing firms to invest locally. Thailand has been aggressively courting Chinese battery firms through an incentive scheme, and two big cell manufacturers are expected to begin production this year. BYD, a Chinese electric-vehicle maker, is building factories in Brazil and Hungary. Foreign direct investment into China may have plummeted, but Chinese investment into other countries is at an eight-year high.

Can this cocktail of strategies work? One factor is how long Chinas export surge lasts. It cannot be sustained," reckons the boss of a big manufacturer with plants in China and India. He adds that the production costs for his Indian plants have recently become competitive with his Chinese ones, meaning a slow shift in production is inevitable. Others are more concerned. I dont know if China can do this for ever. But theyve been doing this for the last 25 years," says Maximo Vedoya, boss of Ternium, Mexicos largest steel producer.

Even if China were to reorient its economy, emerging markets would be wise not to place too much hope in manufacturing growth. Western countries may welcome more of their exports, but only up to a point. The West is in the midst of its own subsidy spree to revive domestic manufacturing. And American tariffs on Chinese goods are limited to just a few categories that count for $18bn in current imports; in other areas, Chinese competition will remain robust. The manufacturing take-off may have to wait a while longer.

 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 : When India scrapped the controversial e-commerce levy earlier this week it made sure to reopen another avenue that will allow it to impose a tax on global online marketplaces and digital operators.

Services offered by e-commerce and digital companies that dont have a physical presence in India can be taxed under other provisions of Indias Income Tax Act, said Ravi Agarwal, chairperson of the Central Board of Direct Taxes.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the budget for 2024-25 on Tuesday, announced the removal of the equalisation levy of 2% imposed on income earned in India by offshore e-commerce platforms, effective 1 August.

She also proposed to remove an exemption provided under the Income Tax Act that was meant to avoid double taxation of the same earnings under two different provisions. This exemption now will be applicable only from 1 April 2020 to 1 August 2024, effectively enabling the tax authority to tax the income earned by offshore e-commerce platforms in India in future.

On the one hand, we have actually removed (the 2% levy), but at the same time, since we reserve the right to actually tax, we have removed that exemption of Section 10 (50) that was otherwise being provided," Agarwal told Mint. So, depending on circumstances and the nature of transactions, these are subject to tax since the exemption under Section 10 (50) is being removed."

Also read | Income Tax Act revamp: Govt to set up panel to make law simpler for taxpayers

The decision to drop the equalisation levy should not be construed as the Indian governments position in global negotiations for a tax anti-avoidance deal.

India and countries such as France, Austria and the UK are to withdraw their unilaterally implemented digital economy taxes once a proposed global framework provides for a fairer tax system covering tech companies that cater to markets like India without a physical presence there. However, the finer points are still to be agreed upon.

When we introduced this (2% tax) in 2020, it was an internal, domestic call. Its removal is also an internal decision. We need not associate it with any other developments that are happening," Agarwal said.

A compromise pact

Indias decision in 2020 to expand the scope of the equalization levy to include global e-commerce companies had sparked a tiff between New Delhi and Washington and resulted in several tax disputes.

In 2021, India signed a compromise pact to stave off retaliatory tariffs of up to 25% by the US on a slew of Indian products. In 2021-22, India had collected about 3,900 crore from the equalisation levy.

That figure includes proceeds of a 6% levy on online advertisements hosted by offshore e-commerce entities, which has not been discontinued.

Amit Singhania, managing partner at Areete Law Offices, explained that the removal of the equalisation levy on goods and services transacted through e-commerce platforms should not be considered as exempt transactions.

They can be taxed under business connection or permanent establishment, if the prescribed conditions are satisfied. The tax rate for business connection/permanent establishment is 35% on profit attributable to said activity," said Singhania.

Permanent establishment is a concept in tax treaties meant to ensure that profits of a non-resident entity attributable to its local economic activity are taxed locally.

Global tax talks

Agarwal also said intergovernmental discussions to check tax base erosion are ongoing as part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Developments (OECD) efforts.

A key element (Pillar 1) of these discussions refers to taxation of digital economy firms, and another (Pillar 2) to ways of checking unhealthy competition among countries to keep corporate tax rate low for attracting investments.

Until Pillar 1 is implemented, these payments shall be characterized as royalties or fees for technical services, said Amit Maheshwari, tax partner at AKM Global, a tax and consulting firm.

Also read | Our foreign trade policy bets on e-commerce for an export jump

Withholding of tax will be done on the basis of Indias tax laws or the countrys double tax treaty with the US, whichever is more beneficial to the US companies, he added.

Till the time those discussions are happening, it would not be appropriate to comment on that and also as to what would be the approach," Agarwal said about the global tax deal under discussions. We have put across our points. As and when those documents or declarations come, we would take a call."
(Bloomberg) -- US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen traveled Saturday to the mouth of the Amazon River, pitching the idea that fighting climate change would bolster economic growth in the region and across the globe.

The shift required to lower carbon emissions is the single greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century, Yellen said in a speech in Belem, Brazil, after a meeting with finance ministers from the Amazon region.

The investment that demands  an annual $3 trillion through 2050, Yellen said  can be leveraged to support pathways to sustainable and inclusive growth, including for countries that have historically received less investment.

The event was organized by the Inter-American Development Bank as part of its Amazonia Forever initiative that seeks to support carbon reduction, wildlife protection and biodiversity while protecting jobs and economic activity across eight South American countries.

The initiative is also part of a shift pushed by Yellen at global development banks to take on multicountry projects. The World Bank and its regional counterparts have traditionally concentrated on single-country development efforts.

Earlier Saturday, Yellen announced the launch of the Amazon Region Initiative Against Illicit Finance, a program aimed a disrupting the financing of criminal activity that causes environmental or wildlife damage in the region.

The Amazon region has seen an alarming degree of deforestation from agricultural expansion and logging, threatening its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

Belem, known as the gateway to the Amazon, is scheduled to host the United Nations annual conference on climate in 2025, known as COP30.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
ICAI CA Foundation Result 2024: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is likely to declare the result of the Chartered Accountants (CA) Foundation exam 2024 on Monday, July 29. Candidates who appeared for the CA Foundation exam 2024 can check their results by visiting the official website of ICAI at icai.nic.in once the scorecards are made public.

Taking to microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Dhiraj KhandelwalCentral Council Member (CCM), Chairman CMI& B, Chairman, MSME & Startup committee of ICAIsaid, The results of CA Foundation Examination and Information Systems Audit [ISA] Assessment Test held in the month of June 2024 /July 2024 are likely to be declared on Monday, the 29th July 2024.

The official website mentions that the results will be declared late evening.

To access their results, candidates need to submit their login credentials, such as registration number, roll number, and captcha code.

ICAI CA Foundation Result 2024: How to check the scorecard Go to icaiexam.icai.org, caresults.icai.org or icai.nic.in

Click on the CA Foundation Result 2024 link available on the homepage

A new window will open; enter your login credentials: Roll Number, Registration Number and Captcha Code

Click on the Submit" button

A new page will open, and the result will be displayed on the screen

Download the scorecard, and take a printout for future reference This year, the ICAI CA Foundation exam was held on June 20, 22, 24, and 26.

It is important to note that the ICAI recently announced the results of the CA Inter and final exam 2024. Shivam Mishra of Delhi topped the AIR list of CA final results with 83.33% marks, followed by Varsha Arora with 480 marks. Kiran Manral and Ghilman Saalim Ansari shared the third rank.
Struggling telecom operator Vodafone Idea has decided to make payments for its spectrum purchases made in June in instalments. The company, which has to pay 3,510 crore, confirmed the plan in response to a query from Mint, but declined to share how much it will pay in the first year.

Vodafone Idea can pay in 10 equal instalments of 350 crore each with an interest of 8.65% for a 20-year licence. Analysts at Motilal Oswal Financial Securities Ltd had said in their report soon after last month's auctions that an annual instalment payment plan can increase its debt by 1.4% to 2.3 trillion. At 350 crore, the annual instalment will be 2.7% of Vodafone Idea's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, the brokerage had said.

141.4 units of airwaves Vodafone Idea, along with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, had bought 141.4 units of airwaves for 11,340.78 crore last month.

Bharti Airtel was the biggest spectrum buyer, purchasing 97 MHz for 6,857 crore, data from the DoT showed, while Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio bought 30 Mhz spectrum worth 3,510.4 crore and 14.4 MHz worth 973.62 crore, respectively.

Also Read: Vodafone Idea is offering 130GB free data to 4G and 5G users. Heres how you can avail the benefits Vodafone Idea had bought airwaves in 900 MHz spectrum in UP West and West Bengal circles, adding to its holding in seven circles of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, UP East and Kolkata, aimed at enhancing experience of its 4G customers.

In circles of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu (excluding Chennai), Punjab and large parts of Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh (East), 4G on sub-GHz 900 band will be offered for the first time which will result in better coverage and experience, Vodafone Idea had said after the auctions.

The company has also acquired 1800 MHz spectrum in Madhya Pradesh and 2500 MHz spectrum in Bihar, which will help in increasing the network capacity quickly.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) extended their buying streak to July after turning net buyers last month as stability returned to Indian markets. FPIs had halted their buying streak with the onset of the new fiscal 2024-25 (FY25). Volatility over Lok Sabha elections, outperformance in Chinese markets, and other global cues had earlier weighed on the sentiments of foreign investors.

FPIs invested 33,688 crore worth of Indian equities, and the net investment stood at 49,204 crore as of July 27, taking into account debt, hybrid, debt-VRR, and equities, according to the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) data. The total investment in debt markets stood at 19,223 crore in July.

Also Read: Dividend Stocks: Cipla, Maruti Suzuki India, Vedanta, among others, to trade ex-dividend next week; Full list here

FPI investment in equity through 26th July stands at 33,688 crore. During the same period FPI investment in debt stands at 19,222 crore. For 2024 through 26th July FPI investment in equity stands at 36,888 crore and the investment in debt stands at 87,846 crore,'' said Dr. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services.

What's fueling FPI inflows in India? Market analysts believe the investor fraternity is now back in action to look at India as a preferred jurisdiction as compared to other markets. They also highlight that FPIs in India will continue to grow under stable government regime, conducive environment backed by inflation control, fiscal prudence and far-sighted vision for India to a make a global hub for capital markets.

A significant trend in the FPI and DII investment in equity is that during the last 30 months each time FPIs turned sustained sellers DIIs were sustained buyers and consequently, in this bull market the FPIs lost this tug of war since recently they have been buying the same shares at higher prices which they sold earlier at lower prices,'' said Geojit's Dr. V K Vijayakumar.

The massive flow of money into the domestic mutual funds and the new found clout of the retail investors have strengthened the domestic investors over their foreign counterparts. Since India is one of the best performing markets in the world, the FIIs cannot afford to sell continuously in India even though valuations are getting stretched,'' he added.

Milind Muchhala, Executive Director, Julius Baer India believes that India remains an attractive investment destination amid a healthy economic and earnings growth momentum, and FPIs cannot afford to ignore the markets for too long.

In the event of a global risk-on environment, triggered by increasing expectations of rate cuts, it could lead to increasing flows to EM equities, with India expected to emerge as one of the bigger beneficiaries of the flows,'' said Muchhala.

FPI activity in Indian markets FPIs snapped their two-month selling streak and turned net buyers in June, infusing 26,565 crore in Indina equities and 14,955 crore in debt market. The selling reversed after stability returned to market as election jitters faded away.

In May 2024, FPIs offloaded 25,586 crore worth of Indian equities, and the debt inflows stood at 8,761 crore. Uncertainty over the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, high US bond yields, high Indian market valuations, and the outperformance of Chinese stocks weighed on sentiments.

FPIs offloaded 8,671 crore in Indian equities in April and 10,949 crore in debt markets over high US bond yields. However, they pumped 35,098 crore in Indian equities during March 2024 - the highest inflows recorded in the first three months of 2024. FPI outflow declined in February 2024 until they were net buyers by the end of the month, despite high US bond yields.

The inflow into Indian equities stood at 1,539 crore in February 2024 and the debt market investment rose to 22,419 crore during the month on top of the 19,836 crore bought in January. The inclusion of government bonds to JPMorgan and Bloomberg debt indices had triggered foreign fund inflows into debt markets.

FPIs turned massive sellers in January 2024, snapping their buying streak. Investments saw a sharp uptick in December 2023 after they reversed their three-month selling streak in November 2023. However, inflow intensified in December 2023 after the US Federal Reserve signalled the end of its tightening cycle and raised expectations of rate cuts. This led to a crash in US bond yields and triggered foreign fund inflows into emerging markets like India.

For the entire calendar year 2023, FPIs bought 1.71 lakh crore in Indian equities and the total inflow stands at 2.37 lakh crore taking into account debt, hybrid, debt-VRR, and equities, according to NSDL data. FPIs' net investment in Indian debt market stood at 68,663 crore during 2023.
Parisian scenes in Delhi Alliance Francaise de Delhi is showcasing an exhibition of over 90 original worksdrawings, etchings, watercolours and oilsby Henri Landier. Titled Douce France, the show brings the 90-year-old French artists works for the first time to India, and includes some of his recent paintings.  Landier continues to be a prolific and dynamic figure in the art world, transitioning from darkness to light through his portrayals of Parisian streets and French landscapes and seascapes, states the exhibition note. Works such as Julien and his Violin in the Paris Sky and Pierrot the Rose introduce the viewer to the artists friends and muses

Alliance Francaise de Delhi, Lodi Estate, New Delhi, till 19 August, 11am-6pm.

QTP'S 'Every Brilliant Thing'

Last curtain call Every Brilliant Thing, a play about mental health, opened at Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai, in March 2019. Directed by Quasar Thakore-Padamsee and performed by Vivek Madan, the solo act was an adaptation of playwright Duncan Macmillans original, and took the audience back to a time when the protagonista seven-year-old boywas desperately trying to cheer up his depressed mother. Since then, the play has been staged over 120 times in 17 cities, and is now returning to Mumbai for its last ever shows.

Agatsu Foundation, Bandra, on 27-28 July, 6.30pm; Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum on 3 August, 5.30pm; and Harkat Studios, Versova, on 4 August, 12pm and 6pm.

Malini Awasthi, an artiste of the Banaras gharana

A musical fiesta The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and HSBC India bank are presenting a three-day festival, celebrating the compositions of some of the leading Indian composers. Umakant Gundecha and Anant Gundecha, for example, will perform compositions by Tansen, Baiju and their guru, Swami Haridas, and Sanjeev Abhyankar, a vocalist trained under the legendary Jasraj of the Mewati gharana, will present an evening of Khayal, haveli sangeet and Sanskrit pad. Malini Awasthi, an artiste of the Banaras gharana, will present compositions by poets such as Bharatendu, Ramprasad Mishra, Sajile and Chhabile, in the Kashika dialect.

Between 2-4 August, at 6:30pm. National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point. For tickets and other details, visit www.ncpamumbai.com

An iconic play Directed by Rajesh Tiwari, Taj Mahal ka Tender, a 2-hour satirical play, explores the possibility of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan being alive today and dealing with the modern bureaucracy to get the Taj Mahal constructed.

The play will be staged on 28 July ay 4pm/7pm. Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurugram. For details, visit in.bookmy.show.com'

'Videograms of a Revolution', Harun Farocki & Andrei Ujica, 1992

Celebrating a seminal fimmaker The Goethe-Institut is commemorating the 10th death anniversary of filmmaker-critic Harun Farocki, known as a seminal figure in post-war cinema. He would have turned 80 this year. Curated by Vinayak Bhat, the founder of Bangalore Film Forum, the retrospective, Redefining the Image, includes a selection of 14 films, including Inextinguishable Fire and Videograms Of A Revolution, as well as Deciphering Farocki, a conversation between city-based film critics Basav Biradar and Srikanth Srinivasan. Farocki, who shot over 90 film essays, documentaries, shorts and feature films, largely explored themes of capitalism, modern labour and war in his work.
The Bengaluru police arrested Abhishek, the prime suspect in the murder of a 24-year-old woman, Kriti Kumari, at a paying guest accommodation in the city on July 23. Abhishek was arrested in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal. He had fled to Bhopal after allegedly killing Kumari.

According to reports, Abhishek was the boyfriend of Kriti Kumari's roommate. He had recently quit his job at a private firm in Bengaluru. The Times of India reported that Abhishek and Kumari's roommate were having a strained relationship.

It is suspected that Abhishek believed Kumari had influenced his girlfriend to distance herself from him. NDTV reported that Abhishek and his girlfriend, who was Kumari's roommate, frequently argued about his unemployment. It added that Kriti would sometimes get involved, and end up making the situation worse

Kirti had reportedly suggested that her roommate should distance herself from Abhishek. Eventually, Kriti and her friends started to avoid him.

A few days ago, Abhishek created a ruckus at the PG hostel, following which Kriti Kumari helped her friend shift to a new PG hostel. By then, both stopped taking his calls. This probably enraged him and prompted him to kill Kriti.

According to police, Abhishek had sneaked into the PG accommodation and killed Kriti Kumari from Bihar.

Kriti Kumari was working in a private firm in the city, police told PTI. "Kriti Kumari hailed from Bihar. She was working in a private company in the City. The incident might have happened yesterday at about 11 pm, a police officer said earlier.

Chilling murder caught on camera A video of the chilling incident went viral on Friday. The viral clip showed the man walking into the corridor of the paying guest accommodation, holding a polythene bag. He then knocks on the door and, later, drags a woman out.

The victim resists the attack but is soon overpowered by the murderer, who slits her throat and runs away. He was also seen stabbing the women repeatedly. Upon hearing the loud noise, other women in the building rush to the spot, but could not save her.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not attend the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on July 27, officials said. The 9th governing council meeting of the government think tank held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) is a key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ally in Bihar and at the Centre Bihar was, instead, represented at the meeting by deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, news agency PTI said quoting officials.

The cause for Kumar's absence from the crucial meeting could not be known immediately, the agency report said. "This is not the first time that the CM is not attending the Nitish Aayog meeting. The CM did not attend the meeting earlier as well, and Bihar was represented by the then deputy CM. This time also both the Dy CMs went to attend the meeting," JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar told PTI.

"Besides, there are four Union ministers from Bihar who are members of the Aayog and they will be present in the meeting. There is nothing to say on this," he added.

The 9th governing council meeting of the Aayog discussed the 'Vikshit Bharat@2047' document with an aim to make India a developed nation.

The council, Niti Aayog's apex body, includes all chief ministers of states, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is its chairman.

All opposition INDIA bloc chief ministers, except Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), have, however, boycotted the meeting as a mark of protest against Budget 2024, which they alleged was anti-federal in spirit and extremely discriminatory towards non-NDA states.

Banerjee, however, walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting and accused of unfair treatment and discrimination. Banerjee claimed that her microphone was deliberately turned off while she was speaking and that she was prevented her from completing her speech.
A woman lost 3 crore while her phone was on flight mode. Her close friend was arrested in connection with the matter. "Her close friend siphoned off 6 bitcoins (BTC) from her crypto mobile wallet with the help of two associates," the police were quoted by the Indian Express as saying.

One of the accused is a resident of Uttam Nagar in Delhi. Her two associates committed fraud from the complainants crypto account by using multiple tumblers to avoid the money trail of coins. A tumbler is mainly used to mix identifiable cryptocurrency with others to hide its source.

Police said initially investigation revealed that bitcoins were transferred to six different wallets. They were quoted by the Indian Express as saying that on July 4, the accused woman accompanied her friend to the airport.

"On the way, she took the complainants phone on the pretext of using the map for navigation and transferred the whole balance of six bitcoins from her wallet to multiple other wallets while mixing using a tumble," she reportedly said.

Also Read | Crypto Exchange Head Gets No More Jail Time in $700 Million Scam

As per the report, the accused converted some crypto to cash using different accounts after transferring the whole amount.

The victim, who is a digital marketer, filed a complaint after she found that the BTCs from her crypto wallet were missing on July 4.

Police arrested the accused on July 19. They recovered cash worth 1.25 crore, 2.32 BTC, 96000 USDT and three mobile phones were from the three accused, police said.

Also Read | Crypto platform WazirX offers $23 million bounty to recover stolen assets

Police registered a case against the accused and her aides under sections 303(2) for theft, 323 for concealment of property, 61(2) for criminal conspiracy, 3(5) for joint criminal liability and 317(2) for stolen property of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Section 66 of the IT Act.

On July 21, Delhi polic arrested seven people, including a contractual bank employee, for allegedly cheating a man of 91 lakh on the pretext of higher returns in stocks and crypto trading.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Hemant Tiwari of the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police said that a man filed a complaint of being cheated of 91 lakh on the pretext of receiving higher returns in stocks and crypto trading.
The 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on Saturday took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, however, controversy erupted as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out alleging her mic was stopped after five minutes.

During his address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Viksit Bharat @2047 is the ambition of every Indian and states can play an active role to achieve this aim as they are directly connected with the people.

Here are 10 key developments related to NITI Aayog meet 1) To draw blueprint of making India a developed nation by 2047, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council.

2) INDIA bloc parties ruled states boycotted the meeting, except West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

3) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, an ally of BJP-led NDA, too skipped the meeting. Bihar was represented by deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha at the meeting.

4) The meeting was attended by 26 CMs and Lt Governors of UTs. Chief Ministers of 10 states and UTs did not attend the governing council meeting

5) Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the states to take advantage of technological and geo-political changes to make India a developed nation by 2047. He also asked the states to make policies which are conducive for attracting international investments.

6) Chief Minister/Lt. Governors gave various suggestions for the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and also discussed steps being taken in their States. Some of the key suggestions and best practices highlighted were in the field of agriculture, education and skill development, entrepreneurship, drinking water, reducing compliances, governance, digitalisation, women empowerment, cyber security, etc. Several States also shared their endeavours to create a State Vision for 2047.

7) Mamata Banerjee claimed that she was unfairly stopped midway in her speech, despite being the sole representative of the opposition. However, PIB fact-checked her and rejected her claim and said Banerjee's speaking time was over. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that she should speak the truth.

8) Congress slams The Congress said the treatment meted out to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the meeting was "unacceptable".

Since it was established ten years ago, NITI Aayog has been an attached office of the PMO and has functioned as a drumbeater for the non-biological PM. It has not advanced the cause of cooperative federalism in any manner. Its functioning has been blatantly partisan, and it is anything but professional and independent. It muzzles all divergent and dissenting viewpoints, which are the very essence of an open democracy. Its meetings are a farce to be reckoned with. Its treatment of the West Bengal CM today, although typical of the NITI Aayog, is unacceptable, said Jairam Ramesh in a post on X.

9) CMs who remained absent Chief ministers of the INDIA bloc, Stalin (DMK), Kerala's Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI-M), Punjab's Bhagwant Mann (Aam Aadmi Party), Congress's Siddaramaiah (Karnataka), Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh), Revanth Reddy (Telangana), and Jharkhand's Hemant Soren (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), skipped the NITI Aayog meeting.

10) What Prime Minister said  This decade is of changes, technological & geo-political, and also of opportunities.

 India should grab these opportunities and make our policies conducive for international investments.

Our people are full of enthusiasm and confidence. We can fulfil our dreams of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 with combined effort of all States. Viksit States will make Viksit Bharat.

 Reforms like NEP, schemes like Mudra, PM Vishwakarma, PM Svanidhi, reforms in criminal justice system etc. should be utilised for bringing about transformational change in Indian society and economy.

 India is a youthful country. It is a huge attraction for the entire world because of its workforce.

 We should aim to make our youth a skilled and employable workforce. Emphasis on skill, research, innovation and job based knowledge is necessary for making Viksit Bharat.
An Army personnel was killed and four others, including a captain, were injured as the Indian Army on Saturday foiled an attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in Kamakari sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, military sources told PTI.

A Pakistani intruder was also killed in the exchange of fire, they added.

The BAT generally comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army and terrorists.

"Action by Border Action Team has been foiled by alert Indian Army troops on Saturday morning in Kamakari sector," one of the sources said.

One Pakistani intruder has been killed, he added.

Two intruders managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid the intense gunfight that lasted for hours, the sources said.

They said the group of three intruders hurled a grenade and opened fire on a forward post near the Kumkadi post in the Trehgam sector of the north Kashmir district.

The troops retaliated, leading to a gunfight with the attackers, resulting in five soldiers being injured, with one later succumbing to his injuries. The injured Army personnel, including a captain, were evacuated to a base hospital.

The condition of one of the injured soldiers was reported to be critical, sources told PTI.
India's state-run companies scouting the globe for long-term energy supplies are waking up to the power of joint negotiation.

Public sector oil refiners will increasingly team up to negotiate oil and gas supplies from abroad, two people aware of the plans said, in a departure from the existing practice of negotiating separately. The joint negotiations are expected to improve their bargaining power, and ensure that they don't compete against each other for the same contracts and drive up prices.

The requirement for supplies should be looked at as that for the Indian market as a whole. Prices, discounts and other preferential terms are expected to be the same for all the public sector companies; only the quantum would differ. The government is encouraging this trend of holding joint negotiations by the Indian companies," said one of the two people mentioned above, both of whom spoke on condition of anonymity.

For long-term supplies

The energy companies would sign separate contracts with the supplier, but the terms of the deals are expected to be same.

Queries mailed to Indian Oil Corp. Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd, GAIL and the petroleum ministry remained unanswered till press time.

Also read | As Russian discounts fall, Indian refiners join hands to negotiate better terms

Also read | Fear of sanctions keeps SBI off Russian oil deals

Also read | Crude import costs down 35%, creates room to cut fuel prices

There has already been a step in this direction: On 5 July, Mint reported that Indian Oil Corp. Ltd (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) are jointly negotiating with Brazil's Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) for long-term crude oil supplies. Going ahead, such negotiations will be the norm.

Prashant Vasisht, senior vice-president and co-group head of corporate ratings, ICRA Ltd said: India is a large consumer of oil and gas and has a major say in the market. If Indian companies come together for long-term contracts, it would add more heft to the talks. So, far this has not been a common practice and everybody has been scouting for term contracts individually. Whenever these companies come together, they would have much more bargaining power in negotiating a deal."

Better deals on credit

He further said that in the case of oil, companies may be able to get better deals on credit and discounts as in the case of Russian oil, and in the case of liquefied natural gas (LNG), they may be able to sweeten the pricing formula.

In May, Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri had told reporters that domestic oil marketing companies should come together to negotiate long-term contracts.

On 19 May, Mint reported that with discounts on Russian crude oil dwindling, India has assembled state-owned and private oil refiners to jointly negotiate for higher discounts and better terms with Russian suppliers, including Russias largest oil company Rosneft PJSC.

India is the third largest importer of oil and gas and imports about 85% of its energy requirement. In FY24, it imported 233.1 million metric tonne (mmt) of crude oil, compared to 232.7 mmt in the previous fiscal (FY23)

India's LNG imports in FY24 were 31,795 million metric standard cubic metre (mmscm), 17.5% higher than 26,304 mmscm in the previous fiscal.
A body of 20-year-old woman, with multiple injury marks and stab wounds, was found in bushes near railway station in Navi Mumbai's Uran.

The girl was brutally stabbed to death, allegedly by her boyfriend, reported NTDV quoting police.

The deceased has been identified as Yashashree Shinde a resident of Uran.

Also Read | Mumbai teen who went viral for dangerous stunt aboard local train loses arm, leg

Shinde who was reported missing, used to travel to work in Belapur.

Police had received a call at around 2 am that a girl's body was found in the bushes near the Uran railway station, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Navi Mumbai) Vivek Pansare.

Our initial investigation suggests the woman was murdered after a love affair went wrong, report quoted officials as saying.

The girl's boyfriend, who is is the primary suspect, is also missing.

Police said that five teams have been formed to trace the accused and a case of murder has been registered.

On Friday, Mumbai police solved the murder of history-sheeter Guru Waghmare who was killed at a spa.

The killers were nabbed with the help of tattooed with names of 22 persons on his body who could potentially harm him. The name of spa owner Santosh Sherekar, one of those arrested, was among these 22 persons, said a police official.

Waghmare (48), who claimed to be a Right to Information activist but had several criminal cases registered against him, was killed at Soft Touch Spa in central Mumbai's Worli in the early hours of Wednesday. During the autopsy, it was found that he had inscribed the names of his potential enemies on his thighs, the official said.

Sherekar, owner of the spa, had allegedly given `supari' or contract for killing Waghmare as he was fed up with Waghmare's extortion threats, PTI reported quoting police.
Navi Mumbai building collapse: A three-storey building in Navi Mumbai's Shahbaz village has collapsed, trapping several residents inside, ANI reported on July 27.

The police, fire brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are at the scene to conduct rescue operations, it added. Shahbaz village is in Belapur area of Navi Mumbai, as per a PTI report.

Rescue Underway Speaking to ANI, Kailas Shinde, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner said that the building collapsed around 5 am today.

"It is a G+3 building. Two people have been rescued and two are likely trapped. NDRF team is here, rescue operation is underway," Shinde added.

Number of People Trapped Unclear An NDRF official told PTI that one person is feared trapped under the rubble, adding that efforts are on to safely bring out another one, who is feared trapped under the debris.

Meanwhile, Navi Mumbai Deputy Fire Officer Purushottam Jadhav told ANI that two people have been rescued and two are likely to be trapped. "We received a call about a building collapse at 4.50 am. 2 people have been rescued. Two people are likely to be trapped and rescue operation is underway to rescue them," he said.

Similar Incident Last Saturday amid heavy rains Last Saturday, on July 20, the balcony of Rubina Manzil building in Mumbai's Grant Road collapsed at 11 am, killing one and injuring 13 others.

Continous and heavy rainfall in the state has led to traffic snarls and disruption in local train services in India's financial capital, ANI report noted.

This is likely to continue with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Madhya Maharashtra till July 28.

Several regions in Maharashtra are currently facing continuous heavy rainfall, leading to severe waterlogging and extensive traffic snarls in many cities, including Mumbai.
The NITI Aayog CEO issued a statement on Saturday after Mamata Banerjee walked out of a meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The West Bengal Chief Minister had claimed that she was unfairly stopped midway through her speech. The Trinamool Congress leader had been the sole politician from the Opposition INDIA bloc to attend the meet.

According to the statement shared by CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, Banerjee was allocated an early timeslot following a request  bypassing the trend of each state going alphabetically. The top official said that the Chief Minister had left early because she had to catch a flight to Calcutta.

We actually adjusted and the Defence Minister actually called her in just before Gujarat. So she made her statement. Every chief minister is allotted seven minutes and there's just a clock on top of the screen which tells you the time that is remaining. So it goes from seven to six to five to four to three. At the end of that, it shows zero. Zero. Nothing else. Nothing else has happened other than that...Then she said look, I would have liked to speak for more time, but I'll not speak anymore. That was it. There was nothing more. We all heard, the NITI Aayog CEO told the media.

Meanwhile the Press Information Bureau issued a fact-check rejecting Banerjee's claims as misleading. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman added that it was "unfortunate" that Banerjee claimed her mic had been switched off.

The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it, PIB Factcheck said in an X post.

CM Mamata Banerjee attended the Niti Aayog meeting. We all heard her. Every CM was given the allotted time, and that was displayed on the screen, which was present before every table. We could see that two tables have a screen before us. She said in the media that her mic was turned off. That is completely false. Every CM was given their due time to speak, Sitharaman added in conversation with ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will likely visit Ukraine on August 23, according to a report in India Today. PM Modi will meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during the visit.

This would be the Prime Minister's first visit to Ukraine since its war with Russia. It comes days after PM Modi visited Russia and met President Vladimir Putin during a two-day visit to Moscow on July 8-9, 2024. PM Modi was invited by Putin for the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Also Read | Ukraine reaches preliminary deal with bondholder group on $20-billion debt restructure

Zelenskyy had sharply reacted to PM Modi's Russia visit and meeting with Putin. In a post on X Zelenskyy referred to Russia's attack on that day, that killed at least 37 people, including three children, after a missile strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv.

In Ukraine today, 37 people were killed, three of whom were children, and 170 were injured, including 13 children, as a result of Russia's brutal missile strike. A Russian missile struck the largest children's hospital in Ukraine, targeting young cancer patients. Many were buried under the rubble, Zelenskyy said in the post

Prime Minister Modi was conferred with Russia's highest civilian honour, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle award by Putin for exceptional services in promoting bilateral ties between the two countries. Putin said the award is a 'testimony to Russia's sincere gratitude' for Modi's significant contribution to strengthening ties between the two nations.

You have always actively advocated broader contacts with our country. When you were the CM of Gujarat, you came up with initiatives to twinning your state with the Russian region, Putin said.

Also Read | Yellen says G7 can reach deal on $50 bln Ukraine loan by October

PM Modi had last met Zelenskyy in June on the sidelines of the ongoing G-7 summit in Italy's Apulia region. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine. PM Modi said then that he had a productive meeting with Zelenskyy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held deliberations with chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of BJP-ruled states over a host of issues.

The "mukhyamantri parishad" organised by the BJP at regular intervals is aimed at reviewing key schemes in states, following the best governance practices and the delivery of central government welfare initiatives.

Besides Modi, Union ministers Amit Shah and J P Nadda, who is also the party president, chief ministers Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Bhajanlal Sharma (Rajasthan) and Mohan Charan Majhi (Odisha) were among the leaders who attended the first day of the two-day meeting here.

Chief ministers of Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Manipur and Chhattisgarh were also part of the deliberations.

The leaders at times also take stock of the political situation.

The meeting comes in the wake of the presentation of the Union budget, with the opposition targeting the government for ignoring other states at the expense of Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

It is also the first meeting following the Lok Sabha polls in which the BJP's performance was underwhelming as the party lost its majority in the Lok Sabha.

Also Read | Bihar CM Nitish Kumar skips NITI Aayog meeting chaired by PM Modi

Party leaders, though, added that governance issues were at the centre of the discussions at the meeting.

The last such meeting was held in February.

Earlier in the day, Modi chaired a meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council to draw blueprint of making India a developed nation by 2047 on Saturday but the meet courted controversy when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of it in a huff alleging her mike was switched off.

The meeting was boycotted by states ruled by INDIA bloc parties except West Bengal. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, an ally of BJP-led NDA, too skipped the meeting.
In yet another shocking incident, a girl fell from the roof of a house in Delhi's Aman Vihar area in Rohini after she was slapped by a builder during a heated argument over property.

The incident, which was caught on camera, has gone viral on social media platforms. It occurred at Karan Vihar in Kirari Suleman Nagar on Thursday at 4pm.

Police authorities have filed a case against the accused builder at the Aman Vihar police station.

In a video, the accused builder, who is identified as Munish alias Monu, can be heard saying nothing could happen to him.

When a girl quips, the builder was heard saying that she will fall (far away) if he throws her from there. However, as the argument escalates, the builder slaps her, and she falls from the roof.

NDTV reported that the builder is still on the run, adding that officials said that multiple teams have been formed to find and arrest him.

"Preliminary investigation has revealed that there was a dispute between the parties over the issue of property," PTI quoted a police officer as saying.

Based on her statement, a case under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint) and 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered against the accused.

Meanwhile, in another incident in Navi Mumbai, a boyfriend allegedly stabbed to death a 20-year-old woman. Her body was found in bushes near a railway station in Uran on Saturday with multiple injury marks and stab wounds.

The victim, Kriti Kumari, who hailed from Kaimur district in Bihar did her MBA from Electronic City here and was working for a private company in the sales-marketing field. Her brother also works in Bengaluru.
In today's top news, the ICICI Bank, Dr Reddy's Laboratories and the IDFC bank announce their net profit for the first quarter of the current financial year (QIFY25); West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee triggers row by alleging that she was allowed to speak for just 5 five minutes while other chief ministers spoke for 15-20 minutes.

1. ICICI Bank Q1 Results Private sector lender ICICI Bank on Saturday reported a 14.6% year-on-year increase in its net profit for the first quarter of the current financial year (QIFY25), bolstered by higher treasury and other income. For the three months through June, the bank's net profit was at 11,059 crore, up from 9,648 crore in the same period last year. India's second largest lender by market cap reported a rise of 7.3% in NII to 19,553 crore in the April-June quarter.

2. Dr Reddy's Laboratories Q1 Results Dr Reddy's Laboratories announced its April-June quarter results for fiscal 2024-25 (Q1FY25) on Saturday, July 27. It reported a drop of 0.8 percent in net profit at 1.392 crore, compared to 1,335 crore in the corresponding period last year. The pharma major's revenue from operations in the first quarter of current fiscal rose 14 per cent to 7,672.7 crore, compared to 6,738.4 crore in the year-ago period.

3. Mamata Banerjee Niti Aayog row West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she walkout from the NITI Aayog meeting, alleging that her mic was put off and she was allowed peak for only 5 minutes when other chief ministers shared their views for 20 minutes. The NITI Aayog meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I was allowed to speak only for five minutes. People before me spoke for 10-20 minutes," Banerjee told reporters after she stormed out of the NITI Aayog meeting. "I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak. This is insulting...," Banerjee said as she walked out mid way from the meeting.

The BJP calling it "drama". A PIB fact check today debunked Banerjee's allegations stating that "only the clock showed that her speaking time was over." The NITI Aayog CEO also issued a clarification following the row.

4. Paris Olympic 2024 After India's underwhelming start on Day 1 in Paris Olympics 2024 as shooters were eliminated in the 10m air rifle mixed team qualification stage as well as 10m air pistol men's qualification, Manu Bhaker was at the top of her game as she entered the 10m women's air pistol final.

In Rowing, India's lone rower Balraj Panwar moved to the repechages after finishing fourth. Meanwhile, Chinese divers Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen bagged the first Olympic gold.

5. IDFC First Bank Q1 Results IDFC First Bank said its June quarter standalone net profit fell 11 percent year-on-year (YoY) to 680.7 crore. The private lender said in a stock exchange filing that its net interest income (NII) during the June quarter rose 25.4 percent to 4,695 crore, while interest income jumped 28% to 8,789 crore.

During the quarter, Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) recorded a drop of 1.9%, while, the net NPA rose by 1 bps to 0.59% YOY. The company reported a 25.5% increase in pre-provisioning operating profit to 1,882 crore as against 1,500 crore in the year-ago period.

6. Multibagger IPO The SME IPO was launched at a fixed price of 90 apiece and one lot comprised 1600 shares. The minimum amount required for a bidder to apply for the SME IPO was 1,44,000 (  90 x 1600). If an allottee had remained invested in this SME stock till date, its shareholding in the stock would have surged to 16,000 after 1:10 stock split in 2022.
In Budget 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's announcement of tax proposals led to significant selling in the Indian stock market. The finance minister hiked the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) rate on equity and index trades.

She increased the Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) Tax from 10% to 12.50% and raised the Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG) Tax from 15% to 20%. It is considered one of the top blows for Dalal Street.

Also Read | Confused whether capital gains tax will be short term or long term? Guide here

There have been discussions about the tax changes and jokes on social media about them. Now, one post on Reddit gives advice on how to avoid capital gains taxes.

The post humorously suggests avoiding capital gains taxes by buying stock at a higher price and selling it at a lower price, which results in a loss rather than a gain. While this avoids taxes, it also means losing money, making it ironic financial advice.

Not many know this, adds the financial adviser. Take a look at the Reddit post here:

'Not many know this,' says the Reddit 'financial adviser'

One way to avoid income tax is to not earn, replied one user while another posted, Riyal ID se aao Nimmi Thai (Ms Nirmala, please post with your read ID).

There is another way, NEVER SELL, posted one user while another suggested, Just bomb the tax department.

Chilla Chilla ke bata de sabko (Dont expose the plan to everyone out there), posted one user.

Raghav Chadha on taxes Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha earlier Budget 2024 proposals on tax hikes.
National Parents' Day is celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of July across the US. The occasion was created in 1994 after US President Bill Clinton signed a Congressional Resolution into law for "recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children. Meanwhile the United Nations has proclaimed June 1 as the Global Day of Parents.
(Bloomberg) -- Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will paint a dire picture of the UKs public finances in a speech on Monday that will find her wedged between opposition parties and critics from within her own.

Reeves will detail to the House of Commons a country that is broke and broken, with crises or chaos in housing, health, water, education, defense, transport and migration, according to a government statement. She will blame the previous Conservative government and populist politics.

The speech comes less than a month after the newly elected Labour government took power, and Reeves will be under pressure not only to set the right tone for the next five years, but to keep opponents at bay.

The new finance chief will detail everything from challenges for farming and homebuilding to waiting times for medical procedures and children persistently not attending school. But at issue is how Labour will fix the crises Reeves is poised to say she inherited.

During their campaign, Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer repeatedly promised they had no plans to raise taxes beyond a select few. Already their opponents are saying they will backtrack.

While Labour commands a huge majority in parliament, Reeves and Starmer are under pressure from left-wing members of the party to spend more on public services, funded by increased taxes on the wealthy. On Tuesday, Starmer clashed with seven members of Parliament who voted for an amendment calling for more generous welfare payments for parents. Starmer responded by kicking them out of the party for six months.

Reeves will also commission a forecast by the Office for Budget Responsibility and confirm timings of the next budget and a multi-year spending review.

Labour is right to point out how dire its inheritance on public services is, the Institute for Government think tank said in a report published on July 22. The hard truth for Labour is that sticking to the status quo means most services are likely to be performing worse at the next election in 2028/29 than at the last election in 2019.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting and alleged unfair treatment and political discrimination. The NITI Aayog meeting which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held in Delhi.

Banerjee who attended the meeting walked out of the meeting and alleged that her microphone was deliberately turned off while she was speaking, preventing her from completing her speech. She also added that Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu was given 20 minutes while Chief Ministers of Assam, Goa, and Chhattisgarh spoke for 10-12 minutes.

While speaking to reporters, the West Bengal CM said, "...I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am there from the opposition and you are stopping me from speaking...This is not only the insult of Bengal but also of all regional parties..."

She added, Chandrababu Naidu was given 20 minutes to speak, CMs of Assam, Goa, Chhattisgarh spoke for 10-12 minutes. I was stopped from speaking after just five minutes. This is unfair. From the opposition side, only I am representing here, and attending this meeting because of the greater interest that cooperative federalism should be strengthened. Even Budget also... this is political biased Budget. I said why are you discriminating against other states. NITI Aayog has no financial powers, how will it work? Give it financial powers or bring back Planning Commission.

Meanwhile, PTI quoted government sources saying it is incorrect to say that Banerjee's microphone was switched off and asserted that the clock showed that her speaking time was over.

They further added that alphabetically, her turn would have come after lunch but she was accommodated as the seventh speaker on an official request from the West Bengal government as she had to return to Kolkata early.

"I have not seen what has happened in the (NITI Aayog) meeting. I can only say this so-called INDI alliance is not at all an alliance because Mamata did not give a single seat to Congress in West Bengal. They are not able to digest the mandate of the people, they are crying foul," said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

Meanwhile, All opposition INDIA bloc chief ministers, except Mamata Banerjee, had boycotted the meeting as a mark of protest against Budget 2024, which they alleged was anti-federal in spirit and extremely discriminatory towards non-NDA states.
Donald Trumps running mate J D Vance has defended a controversial childless cat ladies' comment he made against Democrats, including Kamala Harris in 2021.

Defending his remark, which has surfaced amid the US Presidential elections, Vance said that it's not a criticism of people who don't have children.

Appearing on the Megyn Kelly Show, Vance added that the remarks were about criticising the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-child.

Also Read | Donald Trump claims only he can prevent Third World War

I know the media wants to attack me and wants me to back down on this, Megyn, but the simple point that I made is that having children, becoming a father, becoming a mother, I really do think it changes your perspective in a pretty profound way. It's not a criticism of people who don't have children, said Vance while he appeared on a popular US news show.

Vance further added, I explicitly said in my remarks, despite the fact the media has lied about this, that this is not about criticizing people who, for various reasons, didn't have kids. This is about criticizing the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-child.

Vance is facing criticism from not only Democrats, but also some members of his own party.

Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has also criticised JD Vance over his alleged controversial remark.

Taking to Instagram, she wrote, "All I can say is... Mr. Vance, I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children of her own one day."

Meanwhile, since announcing her run for president, the 59-year-old Harris has narrowed the lead Trump, 78, had built against Biden in polls following the presidents disastrous debate performance in late June.

Now, Vance, 39, will have to face off with whoever Harris picks as her running mate.

In an acknowledgment of the way race and gender are factoring into the 2024 election, Harris is mostly considering male and white candidates for the post, reported Bloomberg.

In recent days, Vance has largely focused on targeting Harris, especially over the Democrats handling of migration at the southern US border.
BATH, Maine  With an Irish flag overhead and bagpipes playing, three sisters of an Irish-born recipient of the Navy Cross christened a warship bearing his name on Saturday  and secured a promise that the ship will visit Ireland.

The future USS Patrick Gallagher is a guided missile destroyer that is under construction at Bath Iron Works that bears the name of the Irish citizen and U.S. Marine who fell on a grenade to save his comrades in Vietnam. Gallagher survived the grenade attack for which he was lauded for his heroism. But he didn't survive his tour of duty in Vietnam.

Pauline Gallagher, one of the sisters, told a crowd at the shipyard that the destroyer bearing her brother's name helps put to rest her mother's fear that memories of her son would be forgotten.

Patrick has not been forgotten. He lives forever young in our hearts and minds, and this ship will outlive all of us, she said, before invoking the ship's motto, which comes from the family: Life is for living. Be brave and be bold.

Joined by sisters Rosemarie Gallagher and Teresa Gallagher Keegan, they smashed bottles of sparkling wine on the ship's hull. A Navy band broke into Anchors' Aweigh as streams appeared in the air overhead.

The Irish influence was at the event hard to miss. An Irish flag joined the Stars and Stripes over the audience. A Navy band played the Irish anthem, and bagpipes performed My Gallant Hero." A large contingent of Gallagher's family and friends traveled from Ireland. The keynote speaker was Sean Fleming, Ireland's minister of state at the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Lance Cpl. Patrick Bob Gallagher was an Irish citizen, from County Mayo, who moved to America to start a new life and enlisted in the Marines while living on Long Island, New York. He survived falling on a grenade to save his comrades in July 1966  it didnt explode until he tossed it into a nearby river  only to be killed on patrol in March 1967, days before he was to return home.

Teresa Gallagher Keegan described her brother as a humble man who tried to hide his service in Vietnam, until he was awarded the Navy Cross, making it impossible. She said Gallagher's hometown had been preparing to celebrate his return. Ironically the plane that carried my brothers coffin home was the plane that would have brought him home to a heros welcome, she said.

Gallagher was among more than 30 Irish citizens who lost their lives in Vietnam, said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, one of the speakers, who described the event a day a day of solemn remembrance as well as a day of celebration.

A brother, in addition to the sisters, attended the ceremony in which Pauline Gallagher secured a promise from Rear Adm. Thomas Anderson that the ship would sail to Ireland after it is commissioned.

The 510-foot guided-missile destroyer was in dry dock as work continues to prepare the ship for delivery to the Navy. Displacing 9,200 tons, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is built to simultaneously wage war against submarines, surface warships, aircraft and missiles. The newest versions are being equipped for ballistic missile defense.
At least 30 Palestinians were killed, while several were injured when an Israeli air strike hit a school in Deir al Balah in central Gaza on Saturday. The Israeli military claimed that it had struck a Hamas command centre embedded in the Khadija school.

The reports, quoting the Gaza health ministry and the Hamas-run government media, said over 100 others were injured in the Israeli air strike.

The Israeli military has said it had targeted a "Hamas command and control centre inside the Khadija school compound in central Gaza".

Also Read | Paris Olympics 2024: IOC apologises to South Korea after opening ceremony gaffe

The Hamas used the compound to develop and store large quantities of weapons and as a hiding place to plan attacks on Israeli troops and civilians, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing the Israeli military.

People were seen searching for victims under the rubble and some were gathering remains of those who were killed.

Hamas condemned the strike. "The heinous massacre committed by the fascist occupation army in Sayyida Khadija School in Deir al-Balah, which houses thousands of displaced people, by targeting the schoolyard and a field medical point with three bombs dropped by its warplanes, which resulted in the martyrdom of dozens of displaced people, patients and wounded, most of them children and women; is a brutal crime that confirms the detachment of this terrorist enemy from all human values, and its continued defiance of all laws of war that stipulate the protection of civilians" the Jerusalem Post quoted Hamas.

Earlier today, the Israeli army ordered the civilians to evacuate a part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of the planned strike. The civilians were asked to relocate to a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi. The evacuation order was in response to rocket fire that Israel said originated from the area.

The Israeli army said its calls to evacuate the area were communicated to the population via several mediums to mitigate danger to civilians.

Earlier today, Palestinian officials said that at least 14 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks since dawn in Khan Younis.
BAMAKO, Mali  A coalition of armed groups in Malis predominantly Tuareg north claimed Saturday that it killed dozens of government soldiers and Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group in a battle near the border with Algeria.

On social media, amateur videos showed the lifeless bodies of several white men and Malian soldiers scattered on the ground alongside destroyed vehicles.

The rebel claim came after the Malian army issued a statement Friday night saying two soldiers had been killed and 10 wounded in a rebel attack that also disabled two armored vehicles and two pickup trucks. The army claimed its troops killed approximately 20 rebels and destroyed several vehicles.

Neither side's account could be independently confirmed.

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesman for the pro-independence CSP-DPA coalition, said in a statement that a two-day battle raged on the outskirts of Tinzawaten village and the rebels "routed the entire column of Malian army and Russian mercenaries.

Ramadane said that the enemy suffered huge losses in terms of lives and equipment, including dozens of dead and wounded. He also said some Malian soldiers and mercenaries from Wagner groups surrendered to the Tuareg fighters.

If true, it would be the biggest blow inflicted on Wagner mercenaries by Tuareg rebels in Mali.

Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a think tank in Morocco, said the battle was a message to the government that things are not going to be as easy and as simple when it comes to recapturing and controlling northern regions.

Simultaneously, this setback might lead unfortunately to further atrocities against civilians" by the government and Wagner, Lyammouri said.
Donald Trump said he would fire the Securities and Exchange Commission chair and pick crypto-friendly regulators if he returns to the White House in a bid to court virtual currency enthusiasts and harness the industrys growing influence in the political arena.

This afternoon, Im laying out my plan to ensure that the United States will be the crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the world and well get it done, Trump said at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville on Saturday.

Trump said he would fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, whose term is not up until 2026. If he wins the presidency, Trump would have significant sway over the top regulators for the burgeoning industry.

We will have regulations, but from now on, the rules will be written by people who love your industry, not hate your industry, Trump said.

He also pledged to form a crypto industry presidential advisory council, create a stablecoin framework, and called for a scale-back in enforcement.

Tone Shift

The remarks are the latest demonstration of how the former president has embraced the technology and sought to position himself as an advocate for crypto interests.

Trump voiced skepticism about cryptocurrencies in office, claiming he was not a fan and that their values were based on thin air, but in his 2024 presidential campaign hes reversed course, increasingly highlighting Bitcoin on the trail and actively wooing the crypto sector.

That shift reflects the industrys increased prominence on the US political scene as executives push to get candidates with policies supportive of digital assets elected to office through ever bigger donations, in part through the Fairshake super political action committee, as well as Trumps desire to reach out to new voters in his third run for the presidency.

Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, who attended the Nashville conference, said she plans to draft a bill requiring the government to build a stockpile of up to 1 million Bitcoin over five years. The bill would require the government to hold the cryptocurrency for 20 years, and during those two decades it could only be used to reduce the national debt.

The goal is to recognize the fact that Bitcoin is a durable asset, she said on the sidelines of the conference. Its digital gold and its a hard asset that can back the US dollar and provide assurance around the world that the US dollar remains worthy of being a world currency.

Bitcoin, which rose as much as 2.9% earlier on Saturday prior to Trumps speech, was little changed near $68,000 by the end of the speech.

Political Power

Crypto industry donors have poured more money into the 2024 election than in all prior cycles combined, according to OpenSecrets.

Trumps own economic agenda, which promises to reduce tax rates and slash government regulation, has found a receptive audience among Wall Street and business interests eager for an alternative to the policies of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee.

The crypto industry has bristled at what it sees as heavy-handed regulation under Biden, following the collapse of the FTX exchange and other scandals. Trump has pledged to promote Bitcoin mining in the US, protect self-custody of cryptocurrencies and prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central-bank digital currency that would compete with the industry.

Trumps appearance at the conference comes during a frenetic stretch of the 2024 race that saw a failed assassination attempt against the Republican former president and on Sunday Bidens announcement that he would not longer seek reelection. The Democratic incumbent endorsed Harris, 59, who is nearly two decades younger than Trump and threatens to undercut the inroads he has made with young voters and people of color.

Trump has discussed cryptocurrency policy with Tesla Inc. chief executive officer Elon Musk, according to a person familiar with the talks. Hes also hosted crypto-mining executives at his Mar-a-Lago resort and vowed to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, who is serving a life sentence after he was convicted of running the Silk Road marketplace, where customers used virtual currencies to buy illegal drugs and hacker tools.

Most significantly, Trumps campaign said in May that it would begin accepting donations in digital assets. Since then, it has raised $4 million from a mix of digital tokens, according to a campaign aide, who detailed the amount on condition of anonymity.

Among Trumps prominent contributors have been billionaire twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who run Winklevoss Capital Management and are large investors in Bitcoin. Both said they donated the equivalent of $1 million of the cryptocurrency to a pro-Trump group  an amount which exceeded the maximum allowed. The amount over the limit was refunded to the brothers.

Trump was slated to meet with crypto industry donors on Saturday at a fundraiser where seats went for up to $844,600. Guests are expected to include the Republican nominees running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who has also taken an interest in cryptocurrency and positioned himself as a supporter of the sector.

With assistance from Bill Allison.
The US, Japan and South Korea are set to sign a deal on joint military training and information sharing at a rare meeting in Tokyo, looking to lock in gains in security cooperation before America elects its next president in November.

South Korea will send its defense minister to Japan on the first official visit to the country in 15 years. Talks start Sunday and will include top diplomats and military officials from the three nations. The discussions are aimed at taking advantage of an alignment in views among the US and its two major Asian allies on how to counter threats posed by North Korea and China.

The talks will include the first minister-level discussions between Tokyo and Washington about extended deterrence, officials say. That refers to the long-standing US commitment to use all of its military power to defend Japan including the potential use of nuclear weapons.

The US delegation is led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. A document on extended deterrence is expected to be produced from the talks, and could include potential scenarios that would necessitate the US intervening to protect Japan, according to the Yomiuri newspaper.

Among other expected agreements is a pact that would formalize plans for regular military training among the three, which have included drills to shoot down missiles and hunt for submarines. They are also looking to enhance senior-level security consultations and build on an agreement to share real-time data on North Koreas missile launches.

A priority would be to establish a system to more effectively, promptly and coherently respond to North Koreas nuclear and missile threats among South Korea, the US and Japan, and to make that irreversible, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik said in an interview with Bloomberg News last month.

Closer military ties between North Korea and Russia amid Moscows war in Ukraine have given fresh momentum to security cooperation among the US and its two allies. It has also spurred warming ties between South Korea and Japan, who are trying to put aside long-running diplomatic disputes.

The military rise of China, North Korean missile development and Russias belligerence have created one of the most challenging security environments in East Asia in recent decades.

Cooperation among the US and its two powerful allies has reached some of their strongest levels, after facing troubles during Donald Trumps presidency. He caused friction with Tokyo and Seoul by demanding hefty spending increases for hosting US troops.

Trump also scaled back or halted major joint training drills while he held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim modernized his missile arsenal, advanced his new nuclear warheads and increased his stockpile of fissile material during Trumps tenure.

On Monday, Japan will host a meeting of the foreign ministers of the so-called Quad group that includes Australia, India and the US and is seen as a way to counter Beijings assertiveness in the region. China has lambasted the Quad as a mechanism to contain its global rise.

With assistance from Soo-Hyang Choi.
By David Lawder

BELEM, Brazil, July 27 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Saturday that the global transition to a low-carbon economy requires $3 trillion in new capital each year through 2050, far above current annual financing, but that filling the gap is the biggest economic opportunity of the 21st century.

Yellen said in Belem, Brazil's Amazon gateway city, that reaching net-zero emissions goals remained a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration and this would require leadership far beyond U.S. borders.

"Neglecting to address climate change and the loss of nature and biodiversity is not just bad environmental policy. It is bad economic policy," Yellen said in a speech after attending a G20 finance leaders meeting on Thursday and Friday in Rio de Janeiro.

Wealthy economies provided and mobilized a record $116 billion for climate finance for developing countries in 2022, 40% of which came from multilateral development banks (MDBs). Yellen said the banks, including the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) were setting new targets.

The financing need is "the single-greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century" and can be leveraged to support sustainable and more inclusive growth, including for investment-starved countries, she said.

While in Belem, Yellen met with finance ministers from Amazon basin countries and IDB President Ilan Goldfajn. She reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the bank's Amazonia Forever platform, which provides a holistic approach to sustainable development in the region through financing, project preparation and collaboration.

"We are hopeful that this program will incentivize greater private-sector investment in the region that supports nature," she added.

Yellen called on MDBs nearly two years ago to expand their missions and lending capacity to include fighting climate change. She said this was "now in their DNA," but massive private investment was needed, and the Treasury, Brazil's finance ministry and other stakeholders were working to boost engagement with the private sector.

She said the banks should also catalyze new business models to mobilize investments that support nature and biodiversity while strengthening economies and advancing climate transitions.
No management guru has held as much sway in the boardrooms of Indian companies as the late Coimbatore Krishnarao Prahalad. As the Paul and Ruth McCracken Distinguished University Professor of Corporate Strategy at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Prahalad was twice ranked the world's most influential business thinker by "Thinkers 50."

Through the 1990s, following the significant economic liberalization in India in 1991, opportunities abounded across various sectors. Indian businesses eagerly pursued these prospects, often overlooking essential factors like competence and capability. Companies traditionally focused on electronics ventured into power plant construction, while real estate firms explored telecommunications. Amid this rush, Prahalad's voice stood out, cautioning against unrelated diversifications. In workshops, closed-door sessions, and one-on-one meetings, he advised companies to consider their core competencies and focus on their strengths.

Prahalad believed that, although India had few global brands at the time, this was not a liability. Instead, he argued that India's genius was unique and different from the rest of the world

While some heeded his counsel, others couldn't resist the lure of the next big thing, influenced by the era's success stories like GE, a diversified American conglomerate, with businesses ranging from aircraft engines to financial services. Prahalad often cited examples like Sony's expertise in miniaturization or Philips in optical media to illustrate his points.

Read this | From failed steel to soul: Vinay Rais dubious reset and redemption

During a period when Apple was struggling after Steve Jobs' departure and John Sculley's leadership setbacks, Prahalad still regarded the company as a visionary force. He believed that Apple's recovery, which would indeed occur a few years later, would be driven by its core strength: user-friendliness. As he explained in a Business Today magazine interview, You can unwrap an Apple Macintosh and be operational in a few minutes, whereas you need a few hours to fix a VCR."

It was part of Prahalad's ground-breaking theory on the core competencies of an organization, which first appeared in the Harvard Business Review in June 1990, in collaboration with Gary Hamel. They described core competencies as a bundle of skills and technologies that represent collective learning across individual skill sets and organizational units.

Despite his rockstar-like status in India, where CEOs flocked to his annual events (one year, 30 of the top Indian CEOs skipped their annual pilgrimage to Davos to attend his talk), Prahalad's advice wasn't widely heeded. Many emerging business groups pursued unrelated diversifications. The consequences of these choices became apparent throughout the 2000s, and well before his untimely death in 2010, it was clear that the struggles of groups like Videocon, Unitech, Lanco, GVK, and Essar were linked to these unfocused expansions.

More here | The curious case of Pawan Sachdeva: The shoe magnate who took on Gautam Adani

Another of Prahalads significant contributions, developed alongside Stuart Hart, was the concept of the "Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid." This idea has deeply influenced India's consumer economy. In their original 2002 paper for Strategy+Business, they insightfully wrote, The real source of market promise is not the wealthy few in the developing world, or even the emerging middle-income consumers. It is the billions of aspiring poor who are joining the market economy for the first time." The unlocking of this market potential led to the remarkable success of companies like Reliance Jio in the telecom sector.

But CKP, as he was popularly known, was more than just a renowned management thinker. He was a passionate advocate for the idea of India. The Prahalad family made annual trips from their base in Michigan to India, allowing the children to choose a different destination each year. During these visits, he would highlight the country's architectural landmarks, asking, "Do you think the people who built these thought of themselves as second class?" Prahalad believed that, although India had few global brands at the time, this was not a liability. Instead, he argued that India's genius was unique and different from the rest of the world.

Also read | When royalty met Rolls-Royce: Indian maharajas' love affair with luxury

His father, a district judge, instilled in him a deep love for learning. This passion guided him to study and teach at the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, and later pursue a PhD at Harvard Business School. His doctoral thesis, Resource Allocation in a Global Economy, marked the start of an illustrious career in academia and management writing. However, it was his two ground-breaking conceptscore competence and the bottom of the pyramidthat earned him the nickname The Man Who Sees Tomorrow."
Former US President, and US presidential candidate Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. According to reports, Trump claimed that the current global conflicts could lead into a Third World War, if he loses the 2024 presidential race.

On Thursday, US presidential candidate Kamala Harris had also met with Netanyahu, urging for a cease-fire in Gaza. US President Joe Biden had also met with the Israeli Prime Minister, for the same issue.

Is Kamala Harris worse? While meeting Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump took a dig at his rival Kamala Harris, claiming that she is worse, when it comes to matters on Middle East, reported the Fox News.

Trump said that only if he wins the upcoming US elections, that the current gloal cnflicts would be prevented, which could otherwise lead to a Third World War. The US Elections are scheduled for November 5.

We'll see how it goes. But if it all works out, if we win, it'll be very simple. It's all going to work out. And very quickly. If we don't, you're going to end up with major wars in the Middle East. And maybe a third World War, Trump said, adding, You are closer to a third World War right now than at any time since the Second World War. We've never been so close because we have incompetent people running the country.

Also Read | BitGo CEO Belshe to Host Fundraiser for Trump Headlined by Vance

Kamala Harris had also met Netanyahu. In her comments after the meeting, she had said that she will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah, per the outlet.

However, according to a report by Axios, the likely Democratic nominee's condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza had reportedly upset Benjamin Netanyahu.

Also Read | Barack and Michelle Obama Endorse Kamala Harris For US Presidential Bid

An Israeli official told the Axios, that the Israeli prime minister was agitated by Harris's mention of the civilian deaths in Gaza. Netanyahu had been irked by the dire humanitarian situation, that Harris had mentioned.
Large white sheets were draped over the facades of two mosques and a mazar on Friday along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttarakhand's Haridwar, to prevent trouble.

However, by evening, the sheets were taken down following objections from various parties. The sheets had been placed on bamboo scaffoldings in front of the structures, located in the Jwalapur area, PTI reported.

Also Read: Supreme Court continues interim stay on Kanwar Yatra nameplate order

The maulana of the mosque and the caretakers of the mazar stated that they were unaware of any administrative orders regarding the coverings and claimed that such a measure had not been taken during the yatra before.

Though the Haridwar senior superintendent of police and district magistrate were not available for comment, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj told reporters that it was done to maintain peace. Any such thing is done only to prevent trouble, he said.

It is not such a big thing. We also cover buildings when they are under construction, he said.

The sheets of cloth were removed by the district administration by the evening following objections, including by locals and politicians.

We received orders from the railway police post to remove the curtains. That is why we have come to remove these, said Danish Ali, appointed as a special police officer (SPO) by the administration for the yatra's management.

Haridwar Superintendent of Police (City) Swatantra Kumar, however, told The Indian Express that there was no order to do so  either from the district administration or the police.

We have also talked to the party concerned and removed the covers. We have talked to the locals, too. Barricades were being installed on the yatra route, and there must have been some mistake in that, leading to the covers. It was not intentional, said Kumar.

Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi said he has never seen such a thing in his life.

"We Muslims always welcome Shiv bhakts (devotees) for the kanwar fair and arrange refreshments for them at various places. This has been an example of harmony between Hindus and Muslims in Haridwar, and there has never been a tradition of curtains," he said.

Qureshi mentioned that before the Kanwar Mela began, the administration had convened a meeting where representatives from both Hindu and Muslim communities were appointed as Special Police Officers (SPOs).

Shakeel Ahmad, a caretaker of one of the mazars, stated that they were not consulted about the decision to cover the religious structures. He noted that Kanwariyas traditionally rest under the shade of trees outside mosques and mazars, and this was the first time such a measure had been implemented.

Congress leader and former district panchayat president Rao Afaque Ali expressed surprise at the administration's decision to cover the mosques and mazars.

It has never happened earlier. Some kanwariyas also go to mosques to pay obeisance. India is a country where everyone takes care of every religion and caste. Today mosques are being covered, what will happen if temples are covered in this manner tomorrow? he asked.

Uttarakhand Congress vice president Suryakant Dhasmana claimed that this was a contempt of the Supreme Court.

The order to put curtains on mosques and mazars on the kanwar yatra route in Haridwar district, whoever has issued it, goes against the Supreme Court which has put a stay on an order which asked hotel and restaurant owners and fruit vendors on the route to display their names, caste and religious identity, Dhasmana said.

Attacking the ruling BJP in the state, he said it has not learnt from its electoral defeats in Badrinath, Manglaur, Chitrakoot and Prayagraj.

The message it has missed is that the entire country is one. BJP's divisive and discriminatory politics has been rejected. But the party is not learning, Dhasmana said.
Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar attacked Amit Shah on July 27, saying it was strange that a person who had been banished from Gujarat by the Supreme Court was leading the Union Home Ministry. Pawar's comments come days after Shah called him the ringleader of corruption in politics.

"A few days ago, Home Minister Amit Shah attacked me and said a few things. He said that Sharad Pawar is the commander of all the corrupt people in the country. Strangely, the man who is the country's Home Minister today is such a person who misused the law of Gujarat, and for this, the Supreme Court banished him from Gujarat," Pawar, the veteran leader from Maharashtra said, speaking in Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.

Also Read | Maharashtra News: Sharad Pawar meets CM Eknath Shinde

Amit Shah was extended from the state for two years in 2010 in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. He was later acquitted in the case in 2014.

Pawar's attack comes days after Amit Shah mounted a scathing attack on him in his home district, Pune by calling him the 'sargana' (ringleader) of the corrupt people in the country. "The opposition is accusing us of corruption but the biggest ringleader of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar. If any politician in any government in the country has institutionalised corruption, it is Sharad Pawar, and I have absolutely no confusion about it," Amit Shah said while addressing the BJP conclave in Pune on July 21.

Shah hit out at the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Sharad Pawar over the alleged milk powder import circular that is making the rounds in the state. He accused the MVA of "spreading lies" and announced that not even 1 gram of milk powder will be imported in the next five years.

"BJP got 240 seats, NDA got 300 seats and the entire INDIA bloc did not even get 240 seats. Even if we combine the seats won by Congress in the past 3 elections, even then they can not breach the 240-seat mark. In this election also, the people of India gave Modi ji their stamp of approval. BJP stood victorious for the third consecutive time," said Shah.
New Chinese migratory bird sanctuaries added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Xinhua) 09:41, July 27, 2024

Migratory birds fly over the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 12, 2023. Five nominated sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China successfully passed the review process Friday to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The decision was made during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Five nominated sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China successfully passed the review process Friday to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The decision was made during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

According to UNESCO, the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II) is a serial extension of the property of the same name that is already listed on the World Heritage List. The newly-admitted five sites are part of Phase II, while Phase I sanctuaries were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2019.

As part of the world's largest intertidal wetland system, this area within the Yellow Sea Ecoregion provides vital habitats for birds migrating along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, which stretches across approximately 25 countries from the Arctic to Southeast Asia and Australasia.

The wetlands serve a unique ecological function as indispensable stopover sites for millions of waterbirds, said UNESCO.

A flock of birds fly over a wetland at the mouth of the Yalujiang River in Dandong, northeast China's Liaoning Province, April 18, 2023. Five nominated sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China successfully passed the review process Friday to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The decision was made during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Photo by Liu Haidong/Xinhua)

A night heron and a great bittern are released into the wild at Nandagang wetland in Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, April 7, 2024. Five nominated sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China successfully passed the review process Friday to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The decision was made during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Photo by Fu Xinchun/Xinhua)

Falcated ducks fly over the Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve in Shanghai, east China, Feb. 6, 2024. Five nominated sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China successfully passed the review process Friday to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The decision was made during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Photo by Yuan Xiao/Xinhua)

Egrets are seen on Shedao Island or Snake Island off the coast of Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 10, 2019. Five nominated sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China successfully passed the review process Friday to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The decision was made during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Photo by Wang Xiaoping/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
It's unfortunate that the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has claimed that her mic was switched off, which is not true, and it is unfortunate because we're happy that she participated in this meeting. She put forth her case, spoke for West Bengal and, as she said, spoke for all the opposition. But even as she was doing it and we were hearing, as per the procedure. If she's reminded that her time is over, even with the mic on, she could have requested that she will continue speaking like some other Chief Ministers did. But she chose to use it as an excuse so that she can get out of the meeting, Sitharaman told ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the NITI Aayog's 9th Governing Council meeting on Saturday and said that every state should play an active role in achieving the aim of Viksit Bharat 2047.

In a post on X, NITI Aayog said, Viksit Bharat @ 2047 is ambition of every Indian. States can play an active role to achieve this aim as they are directly connected with the people: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 9th Governing Council Meeting of #NITIAayog. The Governing Council Meeting is being attended by Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors.

The meeting focuses on making India a developed nation by 2047. It aims to foster participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and state governments, enhancing the quality of life for both rural and urban populations by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of government interventions.

PM Modi's statement comes after several chief ministers of Congress-ruled statesKarnataka's Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh's Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Telangana's Revanth Reddyboycotted the NITI Aayog meeting, citing perceived bias against their states in the Union Budget.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra also backed the opposition parties' stance, accusing the Centre of neglecting states in the Budget.

The council, NITI Aayog's apex body, includes all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers. Prime Minister Modi is its chairman.

The meeting also addresses the recommendations from the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in December of the previous year.

Moreover, during this conference, five key themes were highlighted: drinking water (focusing on access, quantity, and quality), electricity (emphasizing quality, efficiency, and reliability), health (concentrating on accessibility, affordability, and care quality), schooling (addressing access and quality), and land and property (covering accessibility, digitization, registration, and mutation).

A vision document is being created to guide India towards becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, marking the 100th anniversary of its independence.

In 2023, NITI Aayog was tasked with merging ten sectoral thematic visions into a unified vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.

This vision includes various aspects of development, such as economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 9th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog on 27 July. The meeting will concentrate on strategies and initiatives to make India a developed nation by 2047.

What are the key agenda? Key agenda items include discussing the Approach Paper for the Vision Document on "Viksit Bharat @2047" and the role of states in achieving this goal. Additionally, the council will review recommendations from the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries held in December, which covered themes such as:

Drinking Water: Access, quantity, and quality

Electricity: Quality, efficiency, and reliability

Health: Accessibility, affordability, and quality of care

Schooling: Access and Quality

Land and Property: Accessibility, digitization, registration, and mutation.

The meeting will also revisit discussions from special sessions on cybersecurity, the aspirational districts and blocks program, the role of states, and the use of AI in governance.

Who are the attendees? Several chief ministers are set to attend the NITI Aayog meeting, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. Other attendees include Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

Who all are boycotting the meet? Several chief ministers of Congress-ruled statesKarnataka's Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh's Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Telangana's Revanth Reddyhave announced they will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting, citing perceived bias against their states in the Union Budget.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and the Aam Aadmi Party-led governments in Punjab and Delhi also chose to

Speaking on the boycott, Stalin said, The budget presented by the Union Finance Minister seems like a vengeful act against the states and people who boycotted the BJP. She has prepared a budget to take revenge against those who voted for the INDIA bloc. The union BJP govt is disregarding Tamil Nadu continuously.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who plans to attend despite the boycott by many INDIA bloc leaders, has criticized the Modi government's NITI Aayog and called for the reinstatement of the Planning Commission.

Talking to reporters at the Kolkata airport before leaving for Delhi, Banerjee said she would join the meeting and use the opportunity to register her protest against a "discriminatory budget" and the "conspiracy to divide West Bengal and other opposition-ruled states".

I will stay at the meeting for a while. If I get an opportunity to deliver my speech at the meeting and register my protest against the discrimination and political bias against the opposition-ruled states in the budget besides the conspiracy that is being hatched to divide West Bengal and its neighbouring states, I will do so. Else, I will walk out of the meeting, the chief minister said.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra has backed the opposition parties' stance, accusing the Centre of neglecting states in the Budget.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MP Mahua Maji has stated that her party will make a decision regarding the NITI Aayog meeting based on what is best for the state. The JMM is a member of the INDIA bloc.

A vision document is being developed to guide India towards becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047, marking the 100th year of its independence.

In 2023, NITI Aayog was assigned the responsibility of integrating ten sectoral thematic visions into a unified vision for "Viksit Bharat @2047." This comprehensive vision aims to address multiple dimensions of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.
A Boston restaurant owner suspected of shooting a gun outside an Italian bakery in the North End in 2023 changed his plea to guilty while in court on Friday, according to media reports.

In Suffolk Superior Court, Monicas Trattoria owner Patrick Mendoza pleaded guilty to charges of assault and battery attempt with a firearm, armed assault to murder, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, illegal possession of ammunition and carrying a firearm without a license, NBC 10 Boston reported.

He was sentenced to two and a half years in the South Bay House of Corrections, but he will be released in eight months due to 10 months already spent in jail, WCVB-TV reported. Were he to violate his terms of probation, he would serve the full time of his prison sentence.

Mendoza was arrested on Friday, July 21, 2023, in connection with the shooting outside Modern Pastry, located at 257 Hanover Street, around 11:10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Boston police said.

A man standing outside Modern Pastry at the time said Mendoza rode by him on a bicycle, yelled obscenities at him, pulled out a gun and fired two times in his direction, The Boston Globe reported citing a police report.

No one was injured in the shooting, but one of Moderns windows was damaged by the gunfire, the Globe added.

Last month, Mendoza was arrested on a warrant after police said he cut off an electronic monitoring device he had been ordered to wear in connection with the 2023 shooting. He told police that he took the device off because he was tired and sick of it, according to an arrest report obtained by MassLive.

While he was being booked, Mendoza told officers he was definitely going to kill somebody, according to the report. He had been going through it and exhibiting erratic behavior, and he was extremely stressed about the criminal case pending against him, the report read.
BOSTON  Rehabbing Red Sox relievers Chris Martin and Justin Slaten are getting closer to returning from the injured list. Both have begun throwing with positive results.

Criag Breslow, Red Sox chief baseball officer, said the duo has taken steps.
BOSTON  Aaron Judge believes Ted Williams hit Fenway Parks legendary red seat, but he doesnt think anyone else will.

Even though the Yankees lost the game after blowing a late three-run lead to the Red Sox, the assembled media in front of the Yankee slugger wanted to ask him about his home run.

It was too good not to.

Judge has hit a lot of home runs and many of them have gone a long way, but this one went 470-feet to a part of Fenway Park thats almost impossible to hit a ball to. It sailed just over the TV camera perch in deep centerfield and just under the left-most of the parks three video boards. He crushed it.

The spot where Aaron Judge's 470-foot home run landed.Matt Vautour

I try not to watch them. I had to check the replay to see where it went, Judge said. I was just happy it gave us three runs.

Yankee manager Aaron Boone couldnt tell where it landed.

I just know when he squared it up it was as clean as you can hit a baseball, Boone said. I didnt know where it went, but he pured it.

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It was the third longest home run in Fenway Park since Statcast began recording official distances in 2015. Miguel Sano hit one 485 feet in 2021 and Vlad Guerrero Jr. hit another 471 feet earlier this year.

The big boy is who he is. Hes amazing, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. I havent seen a guy hit a ball there since 07 when Manny (Ramirez) used to lift up there.

But the recognized longest home run ever in Fenway Park is Ted Williams 502-foot shot to right field on June 9, 1946. As far as Judge hit the ball, Williams home run went 32 feet farther en route to Seat 21 in Row 37 of section 42.

Many Red Sox players since then, especially lefthanded power hitters have questioned the accuracy of the almost 80-year-old measurement. Mo Vaughn was skeptical. David Ortiz didnt believe it. Earlier this year Triston Casas crushed a ball 429-feet in April and couldnt believe how much further the Red Seat still was from it.

Thats a long home run, but still at least a two-putt from Williams legendary clout.

Thats my best ball for sure, Casas said. I had one hit harder, exit velo-wise, last year. But that Ted Williams seat is starting to feel more and more like a myth.

Alex Cora was diplomatic after hearing Casas comments.

It was probably a very windy day when he hit it, Cora said. I dont know the conditions that day. But its a long ways.

What does Judge think?

Yeah thats impossible, he said.

Was Williams hit an exaggeration? A myth?

Not a myth. I think he definitely did it, Judge said shaking his head. But thats a tough one.

Follow MassLive sports columnist Matt Vautour on Twitter at @MattVautour424.
SOUTHWICK  The towns attorney has found that Select Board member Jason Perron didnt violate any conflict-of-interest laws when he called for a School Committee member to resign in February.

I do not believe Mr. Perron comments or emails resulted in a violation of the conflict of interest laws, Town Attorney Benjamin Coyle wrote in an email to board member Diane Gale, who requested the inquiry, on June 28.

Perron had asked for the resignation of a Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School Committee member whose child was allegedly involved in a racist incident at Southwick Regional School. Critics had noted that Perron made his statement using his official town email, and that his wife was a candidate running for School Committee at the time.
THE US Navys newest ship has been officially christened in honour of a Mayo man who was born to be a Marine.

Hundreds gathered at Bath Iron Works shipyard in Maine, US, today (Saturday, July 27) to witness the christening of the USS Patrick Gallagher, a destroyer named after Patrick Bob Gallagher, a Ballyhaunis native who was killed while serving in the US Marine Corps at the age of 23.

The ceremony heard tributes from senior US military officers and the Gallagher family to Lance Corporal Patrick Bob Gallagher, who was described as a a true Marine who exemplifies the highest ideals of both America and Ireland.

Born in 1944, Patrick Gallagher attended national school in Granlahan NS and Ballyhaunis Vocational School before emigrating to the United States in 1962.

He initially stayed with his aunt, May, and began working in real estate before enlisting in the US Marine Corps.

He was deployed to Vietnam, where he was awarded the Navy Cross for kicking away an enemy grenade and jumping on another during an ambush. The grenade detonated after he tossed it a safe distance away, sparing the lives of his fellow troops.

On March 13, 1967, just days before his tour of Vietnam was to finish, Lance Cpl Gallagher was killed along with several other Marines during a patrol for which he had volunteered.

His story later appeared in the Irish Times, which inspired Martin Durkan and Marius Donnelly to petition the US Navy to have a ship named after him to honour his legacy.

Following support from US Senator Chuck Schumer among others, US Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer, confirmed in March 2018 that the new DDG-127 would be named the USS Patrick Gallagher in his honour.

Members of the Gallagher family, serving members of the US Navy and veterans were among the large crowd who gathered to witness Patricks sisters perform the christening of the ship named in his honour.

Addressing the ceremony, Patricks sister, Teresa, described her brother as a kind, loving, fun-loving person that I looked up to

She told the gathering that it was very clear that Bob was born to be a marine and was extremely proud of his adopted country.

When I think of Bob, I dont think of the war hero that we are celebrating here today, although I am very, very proud of my brother. I think of my older brother as a kind, loving, fun-loving person that I looked up to, said Teresa.

I think of all the things he could have done, the person he would have been today. I think of all he has missed out and how much the world has missed him.

The USS Patrick Gallagher in Maine Iron Works shipyard

While living in the US, Patrick regularly wrote home to Ireland inquiring about his family, but initially kept his military service from them.

In March 1966, he returned home to visit his native Mayo for three weeks before returning to the US and travelling directly to Vietnam. It was the last time he would ever see his family.

I often think how it must feel for him to travel two and a half hours from Ballyhaunis to Shannon knowing where he was going and what he was facing and that he may never see his beloved Mayo again, added Teresa.

Assistant Commandant Of The Marine Corps, General Christopher Mahoney, described Lance Cpl Gallagher as a true Marine.

They say that a ship protects its crew. Pat Gallagher was a protector. Pat Gallaghers spirit will be in this ship. His spirit will protect the crew, his spirit will live on in each day, in every sailor that sails in her, said General Mahoney

Maine Senator Susan Collins described the occasion as a day of solemn remembrance and a day of celebration.

Senator Collins said the DDG-127 was being christened with the name of a hero who exemplifies the highest ideals of both America and Ireland: Lance Corporal Patrick - also known as Bob - Gallagher, the pride of the United States Marine Corps and a son of County Mayo.

Wherever the Patrick Galalgher sails, the spirit of this valiant marine, this true hero will go with her, said Senator Collins.

Minister Sean Fleming TD, who attended on behalf of the Irish government, thanked the family of Lance Cpl Gallagher and all those who had campaigned to have the new ship named in his honour.

Minister Fleming described Lance Cpl Gallagher as an extraordinary Irish American who exemplified the values of the Irish diaspora .

He also noted the contribution of the Irish diaspora to the US Navy, including Wexford native Commodore John Barry, who was instrumental in the founding of the US Navy during the American Revolution.

With 16 percent of Maine residents identifying as having Irish heritage, the emigration wave still resonates in Ireland today. It is, perhaps, therefore, fitting that we honour a young man from Mayo in the west of Ireland with this christening today, added Minister Fleming.

The Gallagher family motto, Be brave and be bold, has been etched into a keel plate on the ship.

Pauline Gallagher, another sister of Lance Cpl Gallagher, said she hoped that the USS Patrick Gallagher would one day visit Ireland.

On that day we will gather on that western shore, with all those people who have kept Patricks memory alive, and when we see this fine vessel on the horizon, a loud cheer will be heard as the Patrick Gallagher will be coming home, she said.

Mo Ghile Mear (My Gallant Hero) was performed on the bagpipes before Rosemarie, Teresa and Pauline formally christened the USS Patrick Gallagher.
A man who raped a 13-year-old girl while on bail for the defilement of another teenager has been jailed for seven years.

The man (22) admitted raping the 13-year-old girl and falsely imprisoning her 16-year-old friend after he drove the teenage girls to buy weed in Co. Tipperary on June 22 last year.

He drove them to a dark and secluded area and raped the younger girl while the other girl was locked in his car.

The Central Criminal Court heard that he was aged 21 and on bail for charges of defilement at the time he carried out the rape and false imprisonment.

In a victim impact statement read out to the court during an earlier hearing, the younger girl described the offence as the worst thing she had ever gone through and her worst nightmare.

It was the worst thing I could have ever been through... It all has affected my mental health I lost a lot of friends as a result of this incident. I dont understand why, she said.

I just wish it would all go away, she added.

The court heard the man has been in custody since his arrest and had no recorded convictions at the time of this offending.

However, he was on bail for the defilement of a child under 15 only nine days prior and has now been sentenced in relation to that matter.

Passing sentence, Ms Justice Karen OConnor said it was of massive concern to the court that he had pleaded guilty to defilement charges just days before committing these offences.

Detective Garda James Kingston told the court a brief outline had been given to Gardai by the complainants in July last year.

The two girls were looking for a lift, and the man said he would take them to collect weed.

He took them to a carpark to pick up the cannabis, and on their return, he pulled the 13-year-old girl out of the car by force, pinching the older girl who was trying to help her friend remain in the car.

He then locked the older girl in the car and walked away with the younger girl, and forced his penis into her mouth.

He returned to the car some 15 minutes later and drove the girls to where they were staying.

The court heard the man knew her age as he was friends with her cousin. Justice OConnor said the huge age disparity between he and the 13-year-old was an aggravating factor in the offence, along with the fact that he had driven the girls to obtain drugs.

The court also heard he sent the younger victim a photo of himself on Snapchat prior to the offence and asked her to send back a photo of herself, which the judge said suggested an element of grooming.

Gardai obtained Snapchat data and were able to piece together times and routes travelled as well as CCTV from the carpark he drove them to.

The man was arrested for the rape and false imprisonment of the girls on July 25, 2023, and was detained and interviewed.

The court heard the defendant made an early plea towards the end of the second Garda interview and made full and frank admissions, in which he said he apologised to the girls.

He apologised to both girls and told gardai, I deserve this, and I accept my punishment, the court heard.

The court heard he made admissions and told Gardai he had a psychological issue that needs to be addressed.

I deserve to be severely punished, he added.

The court was told he has been in custody since July 26, 2023, and never applied for bail. It also heard he has been consistently employed since leaving school.

The court heard the fact that he had driven off the main road to a secluded, remote location before lifting the younger girl forcefully out of the car suggested it was premeditated.

The court heard that the impact on the younger girls mental health and on her family was a further aggravating factor in the case.

Justice OConnor said the early guilty plea spared the victims the stress and trauma of going through a criminal trial.

A psychological report placed him at high risk of recidivism and reoffending and noted that he was very immature for his age.

The report said he has suffered from depression, suicidal ideation and mental health problems and has many of the features of ADHD, including impulsivity.

A probation report said he requires a high level of therapeutic intervention.

Justice OConnor said he had an impressive work history and a close relationship with his mother, who has significant health issues and requires several surgeries. He has never met his father, the court heard.

He has a poor academic record and struggled in school but is using his time in prison constructively, the court heard.

Justice OConnor said these offences represent both a repetition and an escalation of his previous sexual offending but accepted that he has shown some level of remorse.

She set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced this by a third, leaving a sentence of seven years and four months.

The judge suspended the final four months of the sentence and ordered that credit is to be given to him for the year he has already spent in custody in this matter.

The court heard that his previous sentence of five years with two suspended has now been activated and must be served prior to this sentence taking effect.

This means that he must serve approximately two years in prison before beginning his seven-year jail term.

Justice OConnor further ordered he remain abstinent from alcohol and illicit drugs, attend mental health services and engage with all treatment programmes and offence-focused work as directed by probation services, Tusla and An Garda Siochana.

She directed he undergo supervision by probation services for three years on his release and go on the Sex Offenders Register.
by Danielle Oster , July 26, 2024

The Association of National Advertisers has released an Ethics Code of Marketing Best Practices in an effort to provide a comprehensive ethics framework and resource guide that outlines best practices for marketers.

Unveiled last week, the Ethics Code of Marketing Best Practices" incorporates and expands existing ANA and AIMM (Alliance For Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing) guidelines and research, with recommendations for best practices to ensure consumers are kept informed and protected.

This includes the ANA's first guidelines around the ethical uses of AI in marketing, as well as best practices that address privacy, diversity and inclusion, and advertising to children.

The ANA has always encouraged its members to set industry best practices and adopt self-regulatory standards to protect consumers, but historically, those principles and practices were spread across a range of sources and programs. The ANA Ethics Code of Marketing Best Practices consolidates and expands those disparate standards and programs into a single comprehensive framework for the industry, ANA Senior Vice President, Center for Ethical Marketing Senny Boone told Marketing Daily.

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The Code reinforces the organizations' mandate to be a force for good" in the industry, Boone added.

Legislative changes and technological innovation have brought a sense of urgency to outlining standards for ethical marketing in their respective areas.

With the widespread adoption of new state privacy laws and regulations, we felt it was important for ANA to provide a unified source for privacy standards to protect consumers. The Ethics Code also includes new standards around emerging areas like the use of generative AI in advertising, Boone said.

Among the ANAs guidelines around the ethical use of AI is transparency in the use of technology in marketing campaigns, as well as addressing best practices for mitigating certain risks associated with AI. "If AI is trained on flawed data and assumptions, it will lead to flawed outcomes, including potential errors and bias in how individuals and groups are presented in advertising, Boone explained.

We have offered steps in the Code to help minimize these and other AI-related risks in marketing, fundraising, and advertising, Boone added.

The release of the Code -- which includes a section devoted to Diversity And Inclusion Best Practices And Principles-- comes in the wake of companies including John Deere and Tractor Supply recently abandoning diversity and inclusivity commitments, in response to anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-DEI efforts led by far-right media personalities and conservative lobbying groups.

AIMM co-founder Carlos Santiago told Marketing Daily that the group has consistently found that diversity in marketing is not just ethical  it's a key driver of business growth.

Santiago pointed to data that demonstrates both consumer expectations and tangible benefits of inclusive marketing, including AIMMs findings that ads that score high in cultural relevance are connected to a nearly threefold (2.9x) lift in purchase intent, 3.8x improvement in brand perception, and 5.4x boost in brand trust for ads with high cultural relevance scores.

Santiago also cited a recent AIMM research report, which found that 60% of companies reported business growth resulting from increased multicultural marketing spending, and 43% reported such growth from greater diversity in their marketing teams.

The ANA said the ethics Code will be used for both consumer inquiries and the Center for Ethical Marketing's industry self-regulation practices by December 1, as well as in informing training materials produced by the Center for Ethical Marketing promoted to ANA members.

ANA members are invited to offer suggestions or make inquiries with regard to the final document by December 1.

In the coming months, the ANA will promote adoption of the new guidelines through educational training modules for members, roundtable discussion, committee meetings, and the publication of white papers on the topic.

The release of the document is the culmination of a process that began over a year ago. Designed by industry leaders in combination with ANA membership input, the ethical principles were shared in a draft version with ANA members for input before publication.

The biggest challenge was ensuring the document could function as a comprehensive ethics code while remaining applicable to common industry practices, Boone said. It needed to reflect the industry's advances tempered with transparency and accountability for our consumer audiences.

The ANA emphasizes that the guidelines will be a living document reviewed regularly by its recently formed Marketing Ethics Code Steering Committee, with the goal of keeping guidelines effective and up to date.

The advertising industry is going through a period of rapid change, and it's important that our standards and best practices keep pace with those changes," Boone said, adding that the committee will "review and update specific areas of the Code based on any changes in technology, policy, or law.
Did You Know?

Ayushman Bharat mission has allocated Rs. 64,180 crore to fortify India's healthcare infrastructure! #healthcare #india

Ayushman Bharat mission has allocated Rs. 64,180 crore to fortify India's healthcare infrastructure! #healthcare #india

Fortifying India's Healthcare Infrastructure

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Ayushman Mela



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A Rapid Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Ayushman Mela - (https://ayushmanbhav.mohfw.gov.in/ayushman-mela)

The Indian government has credited the Ayushman Bharat mission with playing a pivotal role in bridging critical healthcare gaps during the COVID-19 pandemic Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that the Centre implemented several strategic initiatives to bolster the healthcare infrastructure and manage the surging demand during the pandemic.A cornerstone of these efforts was the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) (), launched in October 2021 with a substantial allocation of Rs. 64,180 crore. This five-year mission aimed to fortify public health infrastructure at all levels - primary, secondary, and tertiary care - across urban and rural India.By developing healthcare capacities and establishing a robust response system, PM-ABHIM sought to equip the nation to effectively combat not just the current pandemic but also future health crises.The mission encompassed a wide range of activities, including the construction of Ayushman Arogya Kendras (AAMs) in both rural and urban areas, strengthening block public health units, establishing integrated district public health laboratories, and creating critical care hospital blocks.Furthermore, the government emphasized surveillance, health emergency response, and research to enhance preparedness for future pandemics. The 'One Health' approach, which focuses on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, was also prioritized to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.To address the immediate challenges posed by COVID-19 , the government approved the India Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP) in April 2020 with a budget of Rs. 15,000 crore. This package aimed to bolster the healthcare system's preparedness and prevention capabilities. A subsequent allocation of Rs. 8473.73 crore was released to states and Union Territories to support their efforts.Recognizing the ongoing need for strengthened healthcare infrastructure, the government extended the ECRP in July 2021 with an additional allocation of Rs. 23,123 crore. This phase focused on providing support to central hospitals, agencies, and states to further enhance their capacities.By investing significantly in healthcare infrastructure and implementing comprehensive strategies, the Indian government demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens and building a resilient healthcare system for the future.Source-Medindia
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Haryana Civil Medical Services Association



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In Haryana, #doctors demand a specialist cadre, career progression parity with central government doctors, no direct Senior Medical Officers recruitment, and reduced #postgraduate course bonds.

Unfulfilled Assurances Lead to Total Shutdown of Health Services

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Haryana Civil Medical Services Association - (https://www.hcmsassociation.in/)

The Haryana Civil Medical Services (HCMS) Association () announced a shutdown of health services in government hospitals to protest the unfulfilled demands of doctors, despite the governments plea to consider the impact on patients.Four HCMS Association doctors, including President Dr. Rajesh Khyalia, have started an indefinite hunger strike in front of the Health Services director generals office in Panchkula."Over the past several months, we have been given repeated assurances regarding our various demands, but they remain unfulfilled. So, we have decided to observe a total shutdown of health services, including OPD, emergency, Post-Mortem , etc., from tomorrow," Khyalia said."On July 18, we were assured by the additional chief secretary, health, that a notification would be issued before July 24 regarding two demandsassured career progression and the bond issuebut nothing has happened," he added. "We had informed the government a month ago that we would be compelled to shut down all services from July 25 if our demands were not met."Responding to the governments invitation, Khyalia said, "We will attend the meeting, but if there is no outcome, our strike will continue indefinitely." In a letter to the HCMS Association, which represents government doctors in Haryana, Health Minister Kamal Gupta urged 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 assure you that these concerns are being taken very seriously," he said."Recently, I held a productive meeting with the chief minister and other higher officers to discuss these matters extensively. We recognize the importance of your demands and are actively working towards a resolution 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."On July 15, the government doctors had observed a two-hour strike to press their demands, which affected outpatient department (OPD) services in government healthcare institutions across the state.According to the HCMS Association, doctors have to submit two bonds of 1 crore each for admission to postgraduate courses, which is considered excessively high and should be reduced considerably.Regarding the direct recruitment of Senior Medical Officers (SMOs), the association argues it would hinder the growth of hundreds of medical officers awaiting promotion to the post after completing 20 years of service.Source-Medindia
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Dengue Situation in India



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#Dengue cases in #India are rising. Health officials urge accurate reporting and audits. Stay vigilant, follow safety measures, and report symptoms immediately. #mosquitodisease 

Dengue: Facts and Figures

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Dengue Situation in India - (https://ncvbdc.mohfw.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=431&lid=3715)

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao instructed district officials to ensure accurate reporting and auditing of dengue -related deaths. During a video conference with Zilla Panchayat CEOs and district health officers at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong focus on dengue cases statewide ().He observed that while districts like Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru, and Mandya are experiencing a decline in cases, areas such as Hassan, Bengaluru, Dharwad, Tumakuru, and Davanagere are seeing an increase, which raises concern. "Patients need to be monitored for 14 days until their recovery, and we must ensure the treatment of severely affected individuals. Our primary goal is to prevent any deaths due to dengue," Rao stated. Dengue fever is a significant public health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In 2023, there were over 289,000 reported cases of dengue in India, illustrating the scale of the epidemic. The disease, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has seen a troubling rise, with nearly 300,000 cases occurring annually in recent years.Data from the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control indicates that as of April 2024, there were 19,447 reported cases, leading to 19 deaths. The high incidence of dengue places a substantial burden on healthcare systems, requiring vigilant monitoring and rapid response to manage outbreaks effectively.Alongside the deputy directors of the health department, Health Commissioner D. Randeep, and National Health Mission MD Dr. Naveen Bhat, Rao will visit 10 to 15 districts with high case numbers.He also highlighted the role of IIScs ARTPARK and its PRISM-H application in mapping dengue hotspots and aiding efforts to reduce larvae in Udupi and Bagalkote, with plans to expand this approach to other districts.District officials are urged to intensify door-to-door activities and implement successful strategies from better-performing districts rather than relying solely on written plans. Rao noted that while efforts have been made, the intensity must not decrease, particularly as ongoing floods may have temporarily diverted attention from dengue control measures.In Bengaluru, where 37 dengue hotspots are identified and 50% of active cases are reported, Rao has directed the principal secretary, health commissioner, and BBMP Special Commissioner for Health to convene another meeting.He also called for the use of paid volunteers, nursing students, NCC cadets, and NGOs to support the efforts, and mentioned that ongoing rains and consistent fogging could help reduce dengue, malaria , and chikungunya cases in the city.Source-Medindia
The Paris 2024 Olympics began with a glittering opening ceremony on Friday. Over the years many athletes life stories have inspired us to never lose hope. Their rise to the top has taught us that anything can be achieved with hard work and determination.

Over the years, many movies have been made on the life of Olympic athletes, highlighting their struggles and triumphs. One such movie is Aamir Khans Dangal.

Image 1 Aamir Khan Productions

The movie is based on the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat, father of Indian women wrestlers Geeta and Babita. Aamir Khan portrayed Mahavir Phogats role to perfection, which played a key role in the movies historic success.

Aamir Khans character is a hard taskmaster who trains her daughters to become world-class wrestlers and fulfil his dream of winning a gold medal for the country.

One of the reasons why Dangal became Indias highest grossing movie ever was that people could relate to the characters in the movie, not just in India but overseas as well. For the unversed, Dangal was a bigger hit in China than in India.

19. Dangal (2016) - Inspired by the true story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters' incredible journey to success in the wrestling world. (Apple Tv) pic.twitter.com/h9oqVV9ByN  Movies with Milan  (@MilanBarsopia) August 9, 2023

Taiwans Olympic legend Chen Shih-hsin was among many people who felt that the movie portrayed their life on the silver screen. The legendary Taekwondo player, the first Taiwanese athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, felt that Aamirs Khans character had uncanny resemblance with her own father.

Just like Aamir Khan was tougher on his daughters, Chen Shih-hsins father was equally strict with her, when it came to training.

When I watched Dangal with Chinese subtitles a few years ago, I noticed an uncanny resemblance between the wrestlers father and my own. My father was a hard taskmaster, much like the father portrayed in the film. I feel he was even tougher on me, Chen Shih-hsin told NDTV.

the dangal from fat to fit was real  pic.twitter.com/OseTi6WAWa  Aamir Khan Productions (@AKPPL_Official) June 2, 2024

Yes, you could call me a chip off the old block when it comes to inheriting my father's grit and toughness, similar to the characters in Dangal, she added.

I felt like a rebel, much like the girl in the Bollywood movie who rebelled after joining the national team. But unlike her outspoken defiance, I simply left, she shared.

Chen Shih-hsin won a historic gold medal in the womens 49-kg category in taekwondo at the 2004 Athens Olympics. She retired from the sport at a fairly young age of 25.

She now runs a Taekwondo school in the rural township of Xinfeng, teaching around 100 children.
The Mets have been in contact with the Giants regarding Michael Conforto, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post (X link). The Posts Jon Heyman wrote last night that the Mets were looking into the outfield market and preferred to add a left-handed hitter.

There arent many obvious options on that front. The Marlins are likely to deal center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., but a trade with the Mets could be complicated by the division factor. The Nationals probably wouldnt have any qualms about dealing impending free agent Jesse Winker within the NL East. Beyond that duo, the Giants might have the top pair of trade candidates among lefty-hitting outfielders in Conforto and Mike Yastrzemski.

Of course, the Mets are plenty familiar with Conforto. A former 10th overall pick, he hit .255/.356/.468 through parts of seven seasons with the team. Conforto represented the Mets in the 2017 All-Star Game and was one of the better hitters in the league between 2017-20. His production dipped in his 21 platform season. The Mets allowed him to walk in free agency after he declined a qualifying offer. Conforto injured his shoulder while working out that offseason. He underwent surgery and missed the entire 2022 campaign. He landed in San Francisco on a two-year, $36MM free agent pact the next winter.

Conforto hasnt recaptured his peak offensive form coming back from the injury. He has been an unexceptional hitter over his season and a half in the Bay Area. He turned in a .239/.334/.384 slash through 470 plate appearances a year ago. Its a similar story in 2024. Conforto carries a .226/.298/.415 batting line through 80 contests. His 9% walk rate is his lowest in any full season of his career. Hes striking out at a customary 24.1% clip.

The 31-year-old has had a slight rebound in his hard contact rate and power production. Hes slugging above .400 for the first time in four years and has 10 homers across 299 plate appearances  the equivalent of a half-season of action. That uptick in power has come with a career-low OBP, however. Confortos overall offense is again almost exactly league average, as measured by wRC+. Thats on par with what he produced in his final season in Queens and his first year in San Francisco.

Conforto is playing this year on an $18MM salary, nearly $6.3MM of which is still to be paid out. Its not likely that other teams would take the full freight. Not only has Confortos overall production been middling, he has been in a funk of late. He carried a .280/.331/.490 slash into June but owns a .165/.261/.331 line over his most recent 145 plate appearances.

The Giants may need to kick in money and accept a minimal prospect return if theyre going to move him in the next few days. The Mets are paying a 110% fee on any salary they take. Absorbing all of Confortos remaining money would cost them upwards of $13MM including luxury taxes. Thats probably not appealing even to an organization that has leveraged its financial might to take on a couple struggling relievers, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek, this month.

San Francisco has dropped six of its last 10 and fallen six games below .500. Theyre 5.5 games back of the Padres for the last Wild Card spot with five additional teams to pass in the standings. Their mediocre play coming out of the All-Star Break seems to have them positioned as sellers.
The Rockies are selecting reliever John Curtiss onto the MLB roster and designating left-hander Ty Blach for assignment, tweets Thomas Harding of MLB.com. Colorado will recall righty Jake Bird to take the bullpen spot vacated by the Nick Mears trade and bring up Tanner Gordon as the 27th man for todays doubleheader against San Francisco.

Blach, 33, has pitched in parts of seven MLB seasons and spent each of the past three years with the Rockies. Hes split time between the bullpen and the rotation in a swing role ever since the club selected him to the roster back in April but has struggled badly in the role with a 6.36 ERA and a 5.72 FIP in 63 2/3 innings of work. While Blach has walked just 5.4% of batters, hes struck opponents out at a paltry 11.5% clip and has struggled badly to keep the ball in the park with nearly two homers allowed per nine innings this year. Those numbers are worse than even his prior difficult seasons with Colorado, where he posted a combined 5.66 ERA with a 4.99 FIP in 122 1/3 innings of work between the 2022 and 23 campaigns.

While the lefty was once a solid swingman for the Giants early in his career, posting a 4.36 ERA and 4.14 FIP in 299 1/3 innings of work from his debut in 2016 to the end of the 2018 season, hes struggled to keep a role in the big leagues since then with a cumulative 6.81 ERA in 51 appearances from 2019 onwards. Assuming the Rockies dont work out a trade involving Blach prior to the upcoming deadline on Tuesday, theyll attempt to pass him through waivers at some point in the next seven days. Should he go unclaimed, theyll have the opportunity to outright him to Triple-A, though he could reject that assignment in favor of free agency should he so choose.

Joining the 40-man roster in Blachs place is Curtiss, who already appeared in a Rockies uniform for the first time earlier this year. The righty appeared in a game between Colorado and Philadelphia back in May but struggled badly in the appearance, allowing two runs on three hits while recording just one out. Prior to that earlier stint on Colorados 40-man roster, Curtiss was a journeyman reliever who had previously pitched for the Twins, Angels, Rays, Marlins, Brewers, and Mets across parts of six seasons in the majors. Hes mostly posted solid results in that time with a 3.81 ERA and 3.98 FIP in 106 1/3 innings of work entering the 2024 season.

Most of that success came in Florida, as he posted an excellent 1.80 ERA in 25 innings with the AL champion Rays during the shortened 2020 season before heading to Miami in 2021 and delivering a 2.48 ERA in 40 frames for the club that year. Hes struggled since leaving the south, however, with eight runs (six earned) allowed during a 4 1/3 inning stint with Milwaukee late in the 2021 campaign and a 4.58 ERA in 15 appearances for the Mets last year before his rough outing with the Rockies back in May. Going forward, Curtiss seems likely to be used in middle relief alongside Bird, Peter Lambert, and Justin Lawrence for the Rockies.
DETROIT, MI  No one was injured during a road rage shooting Friday afternoon on I-75 in Detroit.

The incident was reported around 3:15 p.m. Friday, July 26, on I-75 near Outer Drive by a person whose vehicle was struck by a bullet, according to Michigan State Police.
KALKASKA COUNTY, MI  A Northern Michigan man was killed after he was ejected from a vehicle in a crash with a semi-truck on Thursday, July 25.

Police responded to the fatal crash at 11:52 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of U.S. 131 and Twin Lake Road in Kalkaska County, according to a news release from the Kalkaska County Sheriffs Office.

The 32-year-old man, who was declared dead at the scene of the crash, was identified by police as Timothy Earl Alberts of Kalkaska.

Alberts was the passenger in a pick-up truck that was traveling west on Twin Lake Road, police said.

Police said the driver of the pick-up, a 28-year-old from Elmira, reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign at the U.S. 131 intersection. The pick-up was struck by a semi-truck that was traveling south on U.S. 131.

Alberts was ejected from the vehicle in the collision, police said. The driver of the pick-up was transported to Munson hospital in Traverse City to be treated for injuries from the crash.

The driver of the semi was treated on the scene and released, police said.

Police believe alcohol was a factor in the crash, according to the release. The crash remains under investigation by the Kalkaska County Sheriffs Office.

Kalkaska sheriffs deputies were assisted at the scene of the crash by the Kalkaska Department of Public Safety, Kalkaska Fire Department, Coldsprings Fire Department, Bear Lake Fire, and Frederic and Kalkaska EMS.
BAY CITY, MI  The Saginaw Rivers winds swept tenderizing smells of barbecue from Bay Citys Veterans Memorial Park into the surrounding area and across the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Friday, July 26.

The smell could be traced back to one source: the third-annual Labadie Rib Fest.

Labadie Rib Fest is a festival devoted to the craft of barbecue, where festivalgoers who desire barbecue can satisfy their appetites.

There were cuts of pork and beef, with some stands offering barbecue chicken as well. Food offerings went beyond meats with options like blooming onions, ice cream and more available for purchase.

The festival, once known as Labadie Pig Gig, offers family fun from Thursday, July 25, through Sunday, July 28.

With two days left of the festival, attendees can experience a wide range of barbecue ribs from across the country, including:

Cowboys BBQ Co & Ribs (Weatherford, Texas)

Fatt Matts BBQ (Munger)

Johnsons BBQ (Chesapeake, Virginia)

Blazin Bronco BBQ (Port St. Lucie, Florida)

That Guys BBQ (Bay City)

Big Bubba Lous BBQ (Claymont, Delaware)

Bad Wolf BBQ (Freeland)

Jims Smokin Que (Homestead, Pennsylvania)

Bones BBQ (Flint)

Beyond the mouth-watering meats found at the festival, attendees can stop by the petting zoo to visit the animals brought by Mackinaw Pony Company.

Kaylyn Inda, from Bay City, pets a donkey wearing a hat, Friday, July 26, 2024 at Veterans Memorial Park in Bay City, MI. (Nico Mendoza | MLive.com)

When asked about her favorite part of the festival so far, Bay City native, Kaylyn Inda, said, definitely the liveliness of it. I have never heard of it before, but seeing that there is such a big community is pretty cool.

Those who have an interest in shopping can stop by the many vendors selling handmade crafts, food and other items.

Live music from various local and national artists will be offered each night.

More information regarding the schedule and tickets can be found on the Rib Fest website.
KALAMAZOO, MI  A pair of Republicans are seeking to unseat Democratic incumbent Julie Rogers in Michigans 41st House district.

Republicans Terry Haines and Nicole Sabel will face off in the Tuesday, Aug. 6 primary for the right to challenge Rogers in the Nov. 5 general election. Rogers is running for her third term.

The 41st district includes a portion of the city of Kalamazoo, as well as parts of Kalamazoo Township and the city of Portage.

Haines has run for the seat before, having also ran in 2022. He defeated Benjamin Stanley in the Republican primary in 2022, before losing to Rogers in the general election with Rogers taking 77% of the votes.

Haines has a bachelors degree from Central Michigan University, and told the League of Women Voters in a survey response he has 35 years of involvement in politics.

Now retired, he worked in an office, in the security field and in education, he said. Three times, he made his company at least another million dollars, he said, adding that he can do the same for Michigan. His website is cteterryhaines.com.

Sabel also made a foray into the political battlefield in 2022. After running unopposed in a Republican primarily race in 2022, she lost the general election for Kalamazoo County Commissioner in District 3, losing to Democrat Monteze Morales, with Morales taking 74% of the votes.

Sabel is a small business owner who attended the University of Portland. She also has experience working in commercial and residential real estate. Sabels website is www.VoteSabel.com

MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters and Vote411 to produce this voter guide. All responses were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters or MLive, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. View the full vote411.org voter guide here.

Here are the questions and unedited answers from the two Republican candidates:

GENERAL BIO QUESTION: Why are you running for the Michigan State Legislature?

Haines: I will push to bring our country closer to a Constitutional Balanced Amendment. This can only happen at a state level through the Convention of States.

I will bring our gas prices permanently down and shield Michigan from OPEC and bad federal energy policies. I will fight to make the Republican Party have bottom-up leadership development as well as respecting their top-down leadership. For five years I extensively studied the subject of creative problem solving. I will encourage churches to become good neighbors and good citizens politically.

Sabel: With over 25 years of experience in small business, political advocacy and community volunteerism, I understand the issues threatening our democracy, livelihoods, safety and security. Passionate and skilled, I will fight for your rights in District 41.

As an Executive Committee Member of the Kalamazoo GOP, I serve the Republican Party with pride and diligence. I have more than theories and rhetoric. My values, morals and love of the freedoms of my country motivate me to serve. I am unafraid to stand up for peoples rights and freedoms. As a California native, but the past 20 in MI, I have witnessed first-hand the corrosion of liberal policies.

EDUCATION: What should Michigan do to provide an equitable, quality public education for all while addressing the current teacher shortage?

Haines: Education should be decided by the local community, not the state or the federal government. Critical Race Theory is itself racist against white people. Bring back shop class to high school. Many good jobs require trade school and not a college education. We must support the 1776 Project. I will champion the rights of home schoolers. Our universities must be made safe for Jews.

Sabel: Michigan needs a revamp its entire educational system. I have a proposal that will teach the basics through 5th grade. From there, it will focus more on each students natural abilities and inclinations. Honing those skills and improving the knowledge necessary for fields that require those skills so that when they reach the last year of high school, that year would be an apprenticeship year. Those students whose aptitudes and abilities show they would benefit from further formalized education would be encouraged to go to college while the majority of students would graduate with job skills ready to enter the workforce unencumbered by debt.

ENVIRONMENT: What do you see as the states role, if any, in mitigating the impact of climate change?

Haines: Pollution must be punished. We can lower gas prices and shelter Michigan from OPEC and bad federal energy policies by following the advice of Robert Zubrin in his book Energy Victory. I believe we have the technology for safe nuclear energy now. Climate Change is junk science. You can buy a scientist as easily as you can buy a politician.

Sabel: Improving energy resources by investing in nuclear and research into fusion energy. Preserving buildings, rehabbing, and repurposing would make an impact as the greenest building is the one already built. Ensure invasive species are mitigated at all levels as having native plants will keep the climate of the area stable, while invasive species wreak havoc and leave wastelands behind. Encouraging small family farms and smaller commercial farming would disperse the runoff rather than have it concentrated as it is with CAFOs. Encouraging Conservation Clubs as historically hunting has benefited the wildlife population.

RESIDENT RETENTION: What actions/proposals, if any, do you support to retain residents in our state?

Haines: Lower taxes. Medical freedom. Do not require that people adhere to governmental mandated sexual philosophies. Voter integrity.

Sabel: Removal of all taxes except for sales tax on goods; food and utilities would be except from sales, as would services. Sales tax would increase to approximately 23%, but no other State tax would be imposed upon the Citizens of Michigan. This would allow more money to stay in the pockets of the people and they would only be paying a tax if they chose to enter into the Marketplace. No payroll tax, no income tax, no property tax, etc. It would require an entire reworking of the budget, but that is what the job of elected officials is supposed to be. We are to be civil servants and to work for our constituents.

Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org. MLives coverage on this years races and election issues around the state can be found at this link.
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI  Two Republican are facing off in the Aug. 6 primary election for the chance to represent the Muskegon County District 2 Commissioner seat.

Republicans Malinda Pego and Josef Brett Herman will be on the ballot. The candidate with the most votes will face Democrat Andy ORiley in the November election.

Currently, the seat is held by Zach Lahring, a Republican, who is not seeking reelection. Lahring is running for a different position, Muskegon County Water Resources Commissioner, and will face his Democrat challenger in November.

Commissioners are elected for four-year terms.

District 2 is comprised of Holton Township, Cedar Creek Township, Egelston Township, Moorland Township Casnovia Township/Village of Casnovia, and Ravenna Township/Village of Ravenna.

Heres background information submitted by the candidates running for District 2 Muskegon County Commissioner:

Pego describes herself as a wife, mother, believer and patriot. She is a former Muskegon County Commissioner (elected in 2020, serving one, two-year term), current Holton Township Clerk & Michigan Republican Party co-chair.

I stand to uphold our Constitution, our inalienable rights and defend the idea of limited government, Pego wrote. I am a fiscal & social conservative who works to bring transparency & accountability to Muskegon County.

According to her campaign website, Pego initiated four resolutions that were adopted while she was on the county commission: Muskegon County No Vaccine Passport/No Mask Mandate Resolution; Muskegon County Resolution to Promote General Welfare; Open Up Muskegon Freedom Resolution; and the Anti-Critical Race Theory Resolution.

Herman did not submit any candidate information.

According to his campaign website, Herman was born and raised in Muskegon County and describes himself as fiscally conservative, pro-family, pro-life and pro-gun.

MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan Education Fund this year to provide voters with a Vote411 election guide. Candidates filled out general information about their campaigns and answered a list of questions from the League of Women Voters.

All responses in the voter guide were submitted directly by the candidate and have not been edited by the League of Women Voters or MLive, except for necessary cuts if a reply exceeded character limitations. Spelling and grammar were not corrected. Publication of candidate statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and should NOT be considered as an endorsement. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties.

Information on other state, county and local primary races can be found at Vote411.org.

Heres how the two Republican candidates in this race responded to the Vote411 candidate questionnaire. You can also find ORileys responses to the same questions on Vote411.

What are your top three priorities for Muskegon County if you serve as county commissioner?

Malinda Pego: Transparency, Accountability, Fiscal conservancy, voting that aligns with our Constitution, a limited government & saving taxpayers dollars!

Josef Herman: 1. Gather input from my constituents. 2. Work with the other Commissioners. 3. Help move Muskegon County forward.

How will you seek citizen input into decisions that affect Commission Districts, and how will you keep your Muskegon County constituents informed about their county business?

Malinda Pego: As an elected official Ive always made myself available and accessible to constituents within and outside of my district. I answer emails & phone calls regularly and meet with people to address and discuss their concerns.

Josef Herman: Attend Township meetings.

How would you rate the effectiveness of the Muskegon County Commission in the past two years?

Malinda Pego: There is always room for improvement.

Josef Herman: Moderate.

Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter.
Chanel West Coast is well known for her years on MTVs hit show Ridiculousness, but shes starring in her own series now. Watch a new episode of The West Coast Hustle on Thursday, July 25, at 9 p.m. ET on MTV.

You can stream the new series for free with trials from Philo, Fubo and Paramount+. The episode will also be available on Sling.

About the show:

This new docuseries stars Chanel West Coast, a recording artist and new mother. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how she juggles her different roles in life with her boyfriend Dom by her side.

In tonights episode, Work Trip, Dont Trip, Chanel and Dom head to Miami for a performance and a photoshoot for their swimwear line Coasty Swim, but they face challenges along the way. Ghost gives Chanel and Dom an update about baby Bryson.

Watch The West Coast Hustle tonight, July 25, at 9/8c on MTV.

Where to watch MTV:
Strongly support  It will improve public transit and pedestrian safety

Somewhat support  It will benefit public transit, but I'm concerned about traffic or business impacts

Neutral  I see both pros and cons, but dont have strong feelings either way

Somewhat oppose  I think it will cause traffic problems and harm local businesses

Strongly oppose  It is a bad idea and will hurt both motorists and businesses

Vote

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A view of the vessels anchored in the eastern anchorage area, seen behind the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort in Singapore, July 26, 2022. Photo by Reuters

A Chinese tourist was fined S$12,000 (US$9,000) for operating a drone illegally to take aerial shots of Marina Bay in Singapore, violating the island nation's law.

Zhong Zhensheng, 68, pleaded guilty to three offenses under Singapore's Air Navigation Act at a court on Thursday, The Straits Times reported.

He and his wife arrived in Singapore as tourists on June 25.

Later that day, Zhong arrived at Marina Barrage to fly his drone because he wanted to take aerial photographs of Marina Bay, home to many skyscrapers, luxury hotels and giant shopping malls.

According to police, he took 38 photos on two flights with the drone, with the flights reaching a maximum altitude of 148m above mean sea level.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore detected his drone and reported the incident to the police.

Marina Barrage was listed as a protected area under Singapores Air Navigation Act, meaning anyone operating a drone in the area for recreational purposes above 60m above sea level is required to obtain a permit.

Under the current regulations, operating drones without a permit within designated areas, such as within a five-kilometer radius of airports or air force bases, restricted zones, or protected areas, or exceeding 200 feet above sea level, is illegal.

Those breaking the law could face fines of up to S$50,000 (US$37,200), a maximum two-year jail term, or both.

Zhong told the court he did not see any signs in the Marina Barrage area which prohibited drone flying so he thought the area was safe to operate the drone there, Dimsum Daily news site reported.
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PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea  Barrick Gold Corp. reported that despite the operational challenges presented by the tragic Mulitaka landslide on May 24, the Porgera Mine has met or exceeded its targets since gold mining resumed in December.

Barricks president and chief executive officer, Mark Bristow, who was in the country to review New Porgera Ltd.s second-quarter results, said keeping Porgera open in the wake of the landslide allowed for a swift response by the mine to the collective recovery effort while sustaining the mines contribution to the provincial and national economies.

Reacting rapidly to the disaster, our teams put into operation an air bridge and a temporary pipe across the slip to be able to supply fuel and essential goods not only to the mine but to local businesses serving the tens of thousands of residents of the Porgera valley, he said in a July 25 update.

The cooperation of the Mulitaka community is essential to keeping these lifelines open until the permanent bypass road can be completed, he said, expressing his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of victims of the landslide and reaffirming NPLs commitment to impacted communities.

Porgera employees have been on the ground in Mulitaka daily and are embedded at the Enga Provincial Governments disaster relief center in Wabag to assist with all aspects of the rehabilitation effort. These include the delivery of essential goods and fuel while contributing geotechnical expertise to assist with ground stabilization and the design of the new bypass road, Bristow said.

Barrick, which operates Nevada Gold Mines and mines worldwide, and joint venture partner Zijin of China also jointly contributed $1 million towards relief efforts, approximately half of which has already been spent.

The death toll from the landslide has been difficult to determine, but The Associated Press reported in June that the International Organization for Migration on May 26 estimated the death toll at more than 670 people.

Toronto-based Barrick reported that during his visit, Bristow met with Prime Minister James Marape, Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka to exchange views on the Mulitaka recovery, the New Porgera Community Development Agreement, or CDA, negotiations, and other issues of common interest.

The company stated that they agreed the CDA must be consistent with the New Porgera project agreements and ensure that fair and equitable benefits reach all eligible landowners and the wider Porgeran community, as well as provincial and national stakeholders.

NPL stands ready to pay benefits directly to landowner households, without going through middlemen, once the CDA is executed. The mine would make additional infrastructure contributions to the project footprint area through effective use of the tax credit scheme in collaboration with local and provincial authorities, Bristow said

NPL currently employs 2,500 people, of whom 57% are from Porgera and Enga, 40% from the rest of Papua New Guinea, and 3% are expatriates.

The first gold after the mine restarted was poured in January. Electricity from the Hides power plant in Hela Province was restored in April and a throughput performance test agreed to with Papua New Guinea was achieved in June, four months ahead of schedule, Barrick said.

Bristow singled out the lack of law and order as the greatest threat to the continued operation and profitability of the mine, requiring the active support of all stakeholders to ensure that Porgera could continue to deliver benefits in line with its potential as a Tier One asset.

Porgera went on care and maintenance in April 2020 while negotiations began for a new ownership structure. The equity in the Porgera gold mine is now shared 51% by Papua New Guinea stakeholders, including local landowners and the Enga provincial government, and 49% by Barrick Niugini, the joint venture between Barrick and Zijin, according to an earlier Barrick announcement.
Vietnamese lobster - Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

The two remainders are still in the process of re-submitting verification regarding lobster cultivation activities, said Director General of Capture Fisheries Tb. Haeru Rahayu.

Previously, Tempo magazine reported that the five companies were Aquagreen Trading Company Limited, Phu Gia Long Trading Joint Stock Company, Ichika Joint Stock Company, The Global Trading Company Limited, and New World Seafood Trading Import Export Aquaculture Company Limited.

They formed five limited liability companies in Indonesia, namely PT Mutagreen Aquaculture International, PT Ratuworld Aquaculture International, PT Gajaya Aquaculture International, PT Idovin Aquaculture International, and PT Idichi Aquaculture International.

Of the five companies, only three have obtained permits for overseas cultivation and export. The three companies are Mutagreen Aquaculture International, Ratuworld Aquaculture International, and Gajaya Aquaculture International.

Furthermore, Haeru did not explain how much lobster quota would be cultivated by the permitted companies. However, he explained that determining the clear lobster seed quota must refer to the Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Number 28 of 2024.

Vietnamese firms seek to further exploit Chinese Southwest market

The China-South Asia (CSA) Expo and the 28th Kunming Import and Export Fair in Kunming city, Yunnan province of China has provided a good chance for Vietnamese firms to seek partners and promote exports to the 350 million-strong market of Chinas Southwest region, reported Vietnam News Agency.

Visitors at a booth introducing Vietnamese products (Photo: VNA)

This year, Vietnam has sent 61 businesses and provincial units to the event, spanning from July 23-28, to organise 124 booths introducing diverse products, especially farm produce.

Pham Thi Thu Hien, Director of the Quang Ninh Seafood Trading and Production Co. Ltd, said that this is the first time Quang Ninh has sent a delegation to the event, aiming to seek trade partners and explore the demands of Yunnan to provide more local aquatic products to this market.

After COVID-19 pandemic, Yunnans demands for Vietnamese products have broaden from wooden furniture and handicrafts to farm produce, processed food and footwear. Meanwhile, Vietnamese firms have paid increasing attention to this potential market.

Ha Duc Binh, Director of the Industrial Expansion and Trade Promotion Centre under the Department of Industry and Trade of Lao Cai province, said that as part of the cooperation programme between Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade and the administration of Yunnan, every year, businesses of Lao Cai and Vietnam have received support from the ministry to participate in the CSA Expo and the Kunming Import and Export Fair.

This is a good opportunity for Vietnamese firms to introduce their products, especially fruits and endemic agricultural products, to the market and bring Vietnamese agricultural products closer to Chinese consumers.

According to Binh, currently, the connection between Vietnam's border localities and China is becoming increasingly smooth, creating favourable conditions for Vietnam's export products to reach the Southwest China market.

An upturn has been seen in Vietnams export revenue to China in recent years, which is expected to expand at least 15% this year.

Vietnamese spend nearly 150 trillion VND on online shopping

Tiktok Shop and Shopee register growth rates of 150.54% and 65.96%t in revenue in the first six months of this year. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese consumers spent 143.9 trillion VND (5.68 billion USD) buying 1.53 million items on five e-commerce platforms in the first half of this year, representing a rise of 54.91% and 65.55% over the same period last year, respectively, Vietnam News Agency quoted report of market analysis firm Metric.

The figures demonstrate the robust e-commerce market of Vietnam as well as ability of sellers to take advantage of online shopping trends, the report said.

However, Metric pointed out that the growth mainly came from TikTok Shop and Shopee.

Only Tiktok Shop and Shopee registered positive growth rates of 150.54% and 65.96% in revenue in the period.

Meanwhile, Lazada, Tiki and Sendo saw negative growth in both revenue and sale volumes. The report pointed out that Lazadas revenue fell by 43.81% and Tiki by 48.55%.

Metric said that both Shopee and Tiktok Shop successfully took advantage of livestream shopping trend, while notably, the number of shop malls increased by 12.29% in the period.

The top 10 brands with the highest e-commerce revenue included only one Vietnamese brand  Vinamilk - raising a need for domestic brands to develop business strategies to compete in the domestic e-commerce market.

Metric predicted that the demand for school supplies with prices of below 50,000 VND per item will increase in August and early September as a new school year begins.

HCM City launches free walking tour

The free walking tour officially starts from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day, from July 22.

Tourists joining the walking tour checked in at the City Post Office . (Photo: Vnexpress)

The Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour serves domestic and foreign tourists through famous attractions such as: Nguyen Hue Walking Street; the City Peoples Committee headquarters, Ho Chi Minh City Symphony - Music and Dance Theater, City Post Office; and the Reunification Palace relic. The tour ends with a free lunch with many delicious specialties at Ben Thanh Market.

Earlier, the southern city also had free walking tours organized by Vietravel on weekends from Friday to Sunday. These tours depart at 04:00 p.m. and last 2-3 hours. It departs at the City Post Office or War Remnants Museum. Tourists and tour guides walk to attractions and listen to instructions in English.

Friday and Saturday tours follow the City Post Office route, Notre Dame Cathedral, Dong Khoi Street to City Theater, City People's Committee and Ben Thanh Market.

Sunday tour starts from War Remnants Museum to Reunification Hall, City Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Indian pagoda, underground food court at 23/9 Park and Bui Vien street.

The City Department of Tourism evaluates that the new walking tour program contributes to enriching inner-city tourism products. Visitors to the city named after Uncle Ho can participate in inner city tours by walking, by river, or by double-decker bus.

Vietnam maintains its position as Singapores fifth partner in seafood export

Statistics for the first six months of the year show that, Vietnams seafood exports maintained its position as Singapores 5th largest partner, a position held for two consecutive quarters. This demonstrates the important role of Vietnamese seafood in this market.

Seafood processing workers at an enterprise. (Photo: thesaigontimes.vn)

Vietnam News Agency reported that in the first half of 2024, export turnover of Vietnamese seafood to the Singaporean market increased by 0.81%, accounting for 9.46% of the market share. The group seeing a strong increase in export turnover is the fresh fish group with 25.42%. Meanwhile, some items had a sharp decrease in export value compared to the same period last year such as iced fresh fish (26.93%) frozen fish (39.42%) and aquatic products (23.08%).

The Vietnams Commercial Counselor in Singapore said that in order to sustainably increase market share, improve the ranking as well as the value of Vietnams seafood exports to Singapore, Vietnamese export enterprises need to continue to increase the quality of seafood products.

Businesses should also participate in activities connected with Singapores seafood associations and enterprises, to create conditions for Vietnamese goods to appear in this market.

Statistics from the Singapore Business Administration for the first half of 2024 show that Singapore imported seafood from about 100 countries and territories. Its import turnover was about 546.14 million SGD, down 3.42% from the same period in 2023.

Among the 15 biggest seafood exporting countries to Singapore, Malaysia topped the list, followed by Norway, Indonesia and China. This is the first time Vietnam has maintained 5th position for two consecutive quarters./.
A high-level delegation from Belarus led by Siarhei Khamenka, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic (upper house) of the National Assembly of Belarus, pays last respect to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. (Photo: VNA)

Among them were high-level delegations from Belarus led by Siarhei Khamenka, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic (upper house) of the National Assembly of Belarus; from Malaysia led by Deputy Prime Minister Yab DatoSri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof; from the Philippines led by Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr; from Thailand led by Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office and the PMs Special Envoy Jakkapong Sangmanee; and from the Communist Party of Britain led by a representative of its leadership Kyril Whittaker.



In the condolence book, Deputy Chairman Siarhei Khamenka, on behalf of the Belarusian President and people, expressed his deep condolences over the passing of a true patriot of Vietnam and a sincere friend of the Belarusian people. Thailand will always remember him, he added.



Malaysian Deputy PM Fadillah Yusof wrote that the late Party chief was a truly dedicated leader who tirelessly served his country. Vietnam has lost a steadfast and committed leader who made great contributions. May his legacy inspire future generations, he wrote, affirming that the Party leader made invaluable efforts to significantly strengthen the Vietnam-Malaysia strategic partnership, contributing to regional peace and prosperity.



Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr wrote that the Philippines shares the profound grief and great loss felt by the Vietnamese people over the passing of an outstanding leader, diplomat, teacher, intellectual, and most cherished son of Vietnam ''.



May his exemplary life and contributions to Vietnam and the world noble life and immense contributions to Vietnam and the world be remembered by generations to come, and may his love for peace and integrity long burn and inspire the hearts and minds of our fellow ASEAN brothers.

The high-level delegation from Thailand pays tribute to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (Photo: VNA)

Special Envoy of Thai PM Jakkapong Sangmanee, meanwhile, wrote that the late Part chiefs leadership and dedication significantly contributed to Vietnam's stable and prosperous development.



He was a great friend of Thailand, playing a crucial role in fostering a stable and strong relationship between the two countries. His visit to Thailand in 2013 marked a significant chapter, elevating the bilateral diplomatic relations to a strategic partnership. The people of Thailand will always remember the Vietnamese Party General Secretary.



Whittaker jotted down his farewell to "a revolutionary comrade of the highest calibre, leader of the Vietnamese people and light of the revolutionary movement."/.
Governor of Constantine Abdelkhalek Sayoda (second from left) receives the Vietnamese delegation. (Photo: VNA)

Meeting Governor of Constantine Abdelkhalek Sayoda, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh highlighted the promising spheres for bilateral cooperation, including pharmaceuticals, tourism, agriculture, construction, labour and freshwater aquaculture, as encouraged by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.



Sayoda praised Vietnam's economic and trade achievements. He noted that both nations are at similar developmental stages and emphasised the need for enhanced economic and trade collaboration to bring Vietnam and Algeria closer together.



Expressing his desire to establish a twinned relationship with a suitable Vietnamese locality, he welcomed all forms of cooperation and encouraged people-to-people exchanges. The governor also urged Vietnamese firms to join cultural, art, and tourism events in Constantine to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, lifestyle and people.



President of the Constantine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Souici Larbi underlined Algeria's interest in financial cooperation with Vietnam, saying that that both Constantine and Algeria are ready to welcome Vietnamese government leaders or officials from ministries to the country to sign cooperation agreements in this field.



Larbi pointed out the interest of Constantine enterprises in industrial machinery, noting that local companies are ready to diversify their partnerships if Vietnamese firms can meet the required technical standards.



Representatives of Constantine firms also expressed interest in collaborating in personnel training for restaurants and hotels, higher education, agriculture, and business incubation via fostering partnerships between universities in Constantine and those in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Da Nang cities of Vietnam.



In Bordj Bou Arreridj, the Vietnamese delegation was briefed on the province's investment incentives under Algeria's updated Investment Law 2022 by President of its Chamber of Commerce and Industry Belouahri Radjeh.



Vietnamese firms accompanying the delegation explored potential cooperation with local companies in pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery and equipment, construction, and labour export.



During the trip, the delegation also introduced several halal-certified products from Vietnamese companies, inviting local friends to taste these products./.
CAL Fire graphic on equipment use and fires View Photo

Calaveras County, CA  The past two days have produced equipment-caused vegetation fires in Calaveras County, and fire officials caution the public not to use them, especially with the sizzling temperatures.

Calaveras Consolidated Fire (CCF) battled both blazes in the Valley Springs area. One today was reported at 1:23 p.m. at Highway 26 at Warren Road, near Shelton Road. Once on scene, fire crews quickly stopped the forward progress, and the flames were contained under an acre.

The property owner confirmed that he was using a riding mower on the vegetation and started the fire, relayed CCF officials.

The other blaze was ignited yesterday (Thursday, 97/25) on Carol Lane and Quail Oaks Drive. Fire investigators determined a grinder sparked the blaze. The suspect was issued a CAL Fire citation, arrested, booked for multiple code violations, and released.

These two fires are another reminder to everyone that choices have consequences.

CCF advises, This is another reminder to please stop using riding mowers, grinders, and welders around vegetation during the summer months. The state is currently under a siege of wildfires. The vegetation is tinder dry, and any spark WILL START A FIRE!

Additionally, as reported here, the French Fire in the Midpines area of Mariposa County that ignited on July 4th was blamed on improper lawn mower use on dried grass. CAL Fire offers these tips for vehicle and equipment use in a fire-safe manner.
Insurance Commissioner Ricard Lara speaks in Sonora View Photo

Sacramento, CA  Praise from California Governor Gavin Newsom for recent changes to the states Fair Access for Insurance Requirements (FAIR) insurance plan, stating that they will help stabilize the insurance market.

Californias all-of-the-above strategy is addressing this decades-old crisis to get people the reliable and affordable insurance they need. Strengthening the states FAIR Plan has been a key priority, and these upgrades will help stabilize the entire market while providing more stability for those who already depend on it, stated Newsom.

However, a consumer group called the changes in an agreement between the FAIR plan and insurance commissioner a bailout that will lead homeowners to pay for losses under the new agreement. State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara counters that the changes to the FAIR plan are part of his sustainable insurance strategy and calls it the biggest reform to the insurance market since a 1988 voter-approved proposition.

Modernizing the FAIR plan is a crucial step in our strategy to stabilize Californias insurance market, Lara said in a statement. Its critical for Californians to understand that a growing FAIR plan contributes to our insurance crisis.

The changes increase the current limit of $20 million in commercial property insurance per location to $20 million per structure, with a cap of $100 million for a location. This is beneficial for homeowners, condo associations, farms, builders, and other businesses with multiple buildings in the same spot. The second big change could lead to higher bills for ratepayers.

Currently, if the FAIR plans funds are depleted due to a massive event like a wildfire, the plan can place an assessment on insurance companies, who would then have to pay the FAIR plan. Under the agreement revealed Friday, insurance companies could recoup those fees if specific criteria are met. If the FAIR plan levies up to $1 billion in assessments on insurers in a calendar year, they can ask the insurance commissioner for approval to place temporary fees on their policyholders and recoup up to 50% of their assessment. If the assessment levied by the FAIR plan is over $1 billion, insurance companies can recoup 100%.

Newsom has long been pushing for insurance reform, with Laras sustainable insurance strategy including requiring insurance companies to submit all their materials when making a rate-making application.
Kuleba changes tune, now says Ukraine willing and ready to sit down with Russia

Ukraine appears to be singing a different tune, claiming that it is "willing and ready" to sit down with Russia, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

On July 24, Kuleba told top Chinese diplomats in Beijing that Kyiv is "willing and ready for dialogue and negotiations with Russia." According to Breitbart News, the Ukrainian official's remarks contrast with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal to sit down with Moscow.

Kuleba was in the Chinese capital for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other senior leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on both the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and trade relations between Kyiv and Beijing. Despite being Russia's closest geopolitical ally, China is Ukraine's largest trade partner.

"I held detailed and thorough negotiations with my Chinese counterpart Wang about the path to peace. I emphasized that Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, not just an illusion of peace, and I appreciate that this position was reciprocated," Kuleba wrote on social media. He added that he and Wang "agreed that all forces must work together to find common ground on the path to restoring true peace per the principles of the United Nations Charter."

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) meanwhile shared with reporters that Kuleba offered support for China's "reunification" efforts with Taiwan and that he celebrated the commercial ties between Ukraine and the CCP.

"Foreign Minister Wang noted that China and Ukraine are friends to each other," said MFA spokeswoman Mao Ning. "Ukraine is one of the first countries to support and participate in [Belt and Road Initiative] cooperation. In recent years, China has remained Ukraine's largest trading partner and the largest exporter of agricultural products."

"Ukraine is willing and ready to have dialogue and negotiation with Russia, [according to Kuleba]. And of course, negotiations should be rational, substantive and aimed at achieving just and lasting peace." (Related: Kuleba: Russia will eventually have to be involved in peace talks with Ukraine.)

Biden's withdrawal forced Ukraine to talk with Russia, Global Times claims

The Ukrainian state news outlet Ukrinform reproduced Kuleba's "willing and ready" remark, apparently confirming its accuracy. However, Chinese state-run tabloid Global Times claimed that Ukraine's about-face stemmed from U.S. President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race.

"Following Biden's withdrawal,  it's widely believed that Washington's stance on the Ukraine crisis may change," the CCP mouthpiece wrote. It cited a "scholar" who suggested that former President Donald Trump's promise to immediately resolve the Russia-Ukraine war worries Kyiv, prompting the latter to consider peace talks with Russia.

Zelensky himself has denied concerns about Trump's potential return to the White House. He told Bloomberg News in an interview this month: "If Trump becomes president, we will work. I am not afraid of that."

Trump and Zelensky spoke for the first time in years, shortly before Biden dropped out of the race on July 21. The comedian-turned-president expressed gratitude toward the real estate mogul for the conversation, hinting at a future in-person meeting.

"Ukraine will always be grateful to the U.S. for its help in strengthening our ability to resist Russian terror. Russian attacks on our cities and villages continue every day," Zelensky said in a statement posted on social media. "We agreed  to discuss at a personal meeting what steps can make peace fair and truly lasting."

According to Breitbart News, Biden's policies toward the Russia-Ukraine war have been highly favorable to Kyiv, offering expansive financial and military aid with seemingly no end in sight. This led Trump to question the policy, even joking that Zelensky is "maybe the greatest salesman of any politician that's ever lived." According to the former U.S. president, this is because "every time he comes to our country, he walks away with $60 billion."

Head over to WWIII.news for more stories about the Russia-Ukraine war and efforts to resolve it.

Watch this clip from InfoWars about Russian President Vladimir Putin believing that Trump is sincere about ending the war in Ukraine.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Xi to Zelensky: China will work to mediate PEACE.

Zelensky: Russia SHOULD ATTEND the next Ukraine peace summit.

Trump: COMPROMISE with Russia could have helped Ukraine avoid war.

Putin reportedly willing to end war with Ukraine, sit down for PEACE TALKS.

Putin ready to end conflict with Ukraine if Russia gets to keep territories it currently controls.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

Brighteon.com
LA sheriff urged attorney general to prosecute reporter for leaking list of bad cops

More corruption is rising to the surface in the City of Angels after it was revealed that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department a number of years back leaked a list of problem deputies toreporter Maya Lau, only to then turn around and investigate her for it.

The LA Times reported this week that the then-LA County Sheriff's Department  there has since been a change in sheriffs  "urged the state attorney general to prosecute" Lau, this after a seven-year investigation that began back in 2017 at the order of then-Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

McDonnell's team launched a probe for answers as to who leaked the list, which contained about 300 names, to Lau. That probe quickly lost steam but was resurrected in 2018 after Alex Villanueva's office took over the case, this according to a recently unearthed 300-page investigative file.

Lau was classified by the sheriff's department as a criminal suspect for allegedly receiving "stolen property," aka the bad cop list. Diana Teran, the department's constitutional policing advisor, was later identified as the leaker even though she was the one who reported it in the first place. Teran vehemently denies any involvement.

(Related: Earlier this year, we warned our readers that organized migrant gangs are targeting luxury homes in LA, Phoenix and other U.S. cities.)

New LA sheriff says cops don't "monitor journalists;" they "respect the freedom of the press"

A few years pass and 2021 arrives, bringing with it a transfer of the case to Attorney General Rob Bonta. Bonta's office declined to prosecute Lau back in May, citing "insufficient evidence."

"I'm glad this investigation is over, and it's an outrage that the sheriff's department would criminally investigate me as a reporter for doing my job," Lau commented back in 2021 after the case was dropped.

"It's the kind of action that's aimed at intimidating journalists from digging into government agencies."

The department issued a comment about the case more recently stating that under the leadership of Sheriff Luna, anyway, "we do not monitor journalists and we respect the freedom of the press."

As a journalist, added David Snyder, executive director of the First Amendment Coalition, Lau is immune from the type of attempted prosecution that LA's old sheriff allegedly tried to execute against Lau.

"You're not authorized to break into a file cabinet to get records," Snyder said. "You're not authorized to hack computers, but receiving information that somebody else obtained unlawfully is not a crime. Publishing that information is protected under the First Amendment."

The leaked records in question date all the way back to 2014 when Teran worked at the Office of Independent Review. At that time, she was compiling a Brady List of officers with a history of disciplinary problems, relying on information from both the district attorney's office and sheriff's department databases.

In late 2014, Teran stopped adding new names to the list because she believed the sheriff's department had started to maintain its own list. One year later, Teran joined the sheriff's department as a constitutional policing advisor, after which she came to the realization that Lau and other reporters were inquiring about deputies on the Brady List.

Teran was suddenly concerned, based on these developments, that her list had been leaked. After accessing public records requests, Teran learned that there were striking similarities between her list and the reporters' list.

AG Rob Bonta's office then received the case in 2021, only to drop it rather promptly.

"A criminal with a badge is still a criminal," one commenter noted about the critical importance of rooting out bad cops from law enforcement.

More related news about problems with government can be found at Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

LATimes.com

NaturalNews.com
Microplastics linked to higher risk of heart attack, stroke and early death

Doctors have warned of potentially life-threatening effects of plastic pollution after finding a substantially elevated risk of stroke, heart attack and early death in people whose blood vessels were contaminated with microplastics.

Researchers in Naples examined fatty plaques removed from the blood vessels of patients with arterial disease and found that more than half had deposits contaminated with tiny particles of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). (Related: Microplastics pick up pollution, making them even more toxic to humans.)

Those whose plaques contained microplastics were nearly five times more likely to suffer a stroke, heart attack or death from any cause over the following 34 months, compared with those whose plaques were free from plastic contamination.

"Our data will dramatically impact cardiovascular health if confirmed because we are defenseless against plastic pollution," said Dr. Raffaele Marfella, first author of the study. "The only defense we have available today is prevention by reducing plastic production."

A new study published in eBioMedicine has also uncovered a troubling link between microplastics in blood clots and serious health issues, including strokes and heart attacks.

Researchers examined blood clots from patients who had experienced strokes, deep vein thrombosis or heart attacks. Using advanced spectrometry techniques, they found that 80 percent of the analyzed blood clots contained microplastics. Results of the study also suggest a correlation between higher concentrations of microplastics and an increased risk of thrombotic events and more severe health outcomes.

Microplastics consisting of polymers with surprisingly diverse physical characteristics were found in varying concentrations within the thrombi of veins and arteries. A small amount of microplastics within thrombi might not be problematic, but their accumulation is linked to ischemic strokes.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming around 700,000 lives a year, based on the most recent statistics. Research also shows that a common condition can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke  often without any clear symptoms.

Microplastics are everywhere

Plastic doesn't decompose in the way food and paper do. Instead, it breaks down into tiny pieces that enter into our systems and become what's known as microplastic.

Microplastics aren't just a problem for human bodies. These tiny particles have been found in marine animals, and consequently pose risks to humans who consume seafood.

They also accumulate in agricultural soils, potentially affecting crop growth and soil health. The use of plastic mulch in farming and the application of sewage sludge as fertilizer are just some of the ways microplastics contaminate agricultural soils.

Microplastics can also be inhaled, and in high concentrations these can cause breathing problems and respiratory issues.

Scientists are now calling for more comprehensive studies to better understand the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure. Policymakers are developing effective strategies to reduce pollution, with several countries banning single-use plastics and implementing stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal.

Visit Microplastics.news for more stories like this.

Microplastics are now being found in testicles, according to Dr. Mark Richards. Watch this video.

This video is from My podcast dropped 2320 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related:

Microplastics alter the shape of human lung cells, warn scientists.

Microplastics in the Atlantic Ocean could amount to more than 200 million tons, according to recent projections.

Microplastics are EVERYWHERE: Yes, even in your gut and the food you eat, warn scientists.

Microplastics have reached farmland; experts say recycled wastewater and garbage are to blame.

Microplastics are invading our farm lands, and researchers say the problem is even bigger than they first believed.

Sources include:

RTTNews.com

Naturalhealth365.com

Brighteon.com
Latest NASA experiment suggests signs of life could be found on Saturn and Jupiters icy moons

A new experiment has led scientists to believe that it is possible to find surviving signs of life on the icy ocean moons of Enceladus and Europa

Enceladus, one of Saturn's 146 known moons, and Europa, one of Jupiter's 95 moons and among its four large Galilean moons, are believed to accommodate enormous liquid water oceans under their frozen surfaces. Scientists have long speculated that they could discover observable trace molecules surviving in these frozen soups.

If this is the case, then scientists believe they can find "biosignatures" of life on these moons, or complex organic molecules that make up the building blocks of life as people know them, such as amino acids and nucleic acids.

Recent research is providing scientists with hope that at least some of the biosignatures of life could survive if they are preserved in the icy shells of the moons.

These molecules could be resting close to the surface  possibly close enough for future robotic landers to dig them free. And in Enceladus, scientists believe diggers might not even be needed, since the biosignature molecules on that moon could be surviving in shallower ice than on Europa.

"Based on our experiments, the 'safe' sampling depth for amino acids on Europa is almost eight inches at high latitudes of the trailing hemisphere, the hemisphere opposite to the direction of Europa's motion around Jupiter, in the area where the surface hasn't been disturbed much by meteorite impacts," research leader Alexander Pavlov of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, said in a recent statement.

The team's research paper was published on July 18 in the journal Astrobiology. The researchers noted that "subsurface sampling is not required for the detection of amino acids on Enceladus  these molecules will survive radiolysis, breakdown by radiation, at any location on the Enceladus surface less than a tenth of an inch (under a few millimeters) from the surface."

Plumes that erupt through the icy shell of Enceladus could also mean orbiting robotic missions will be able to take these biosignature molecules from around the Saturnian moon without the need to visit the surface.

Frigid temperatures, lack of atmosphere diminish hopes of finding life on Europa and Enceladus

Although Europa and Enceladus are repeatedly mentioned as two of the most possible worlds to hold life somewhere in the solar system, this life is very unlikely to dwell at the surface of these moons. (Related: NASA scientists quietly announce that Enceladus, a Saturn moon, can support life.)

That is because not only are they nearly atmosphere-less and frigid, but they are also walloped by energetic particles and radiation from the sun and cosmic rays from powerful events such as supernovas outside the solar system.

Moreover, both Europa and Enceladus are thought to have liquid water oceans below their thick surfaces, which are like icy shells. Those oceans would be therefore protected from such particles and warmed by geothermal heat produced by the gravitational pull these moons' parent planets and their sibling moons apply on them.

This would mean that life could live on them provided that these subsurface oceans have the correct chemistry and a source of energy. To examine this, Pavlov and his colleagues analyzed amino acids as they underwent radiolysis.

Although amino acids can be made by both living things and non-biological processes, finding them on Europa or Enceladus would be a possible sign of life simply because they are important to life on Earth as an essential element of protein building.

Amino acids could be attained from the deep oceans of these moons thanks to geyser activity, or by the stirring motion of the icy outer shells themselves.

To assess the survival of amino acids on these worlds, the team mixed samples of amino acids with ice chilled to around negative 321 Fahrenheit in sealed, airless vials and bombarded them with gamma-rays, a kind of high-energy light, at different doses.

Since the oceans might hold microscopic life, they also examined the survival of amino acids in dead bacteria in ice. Finally, they tried samples of amino acids in ice mixed with silicate dust to study the probable mixing of material from meteorites or the interior with surface ice.

The experiments presented pivotal data to determine the rates at which amino acids break down, known as radiolysis constants.

With these, the team employed the age of the ice surface and the radiation environment at Europa and Enceladus to compute the drilling depth and locations where 10 percent of the amino acids would survive radiolytic destruction.

Although experiments to examine the survival of amino acids in ice have been made before, this is the first to use lower radiation doses that don't completely break apart the amino acids, since just changing or degrading them is enough to make it impossible to determine if they are probable signs of life.

This is also the first experiment using Europa/Enceladus conditions to examine the survival of these compounds in microorganisms and the first to test the survival of amino acids blended with dust. The team discovered that amino acids degraded quicker when mixed with dust but slower when coming from microorganisms.

Follow Space.news for more news about signs of life in outer space.

Watch the video below about the research showing the possibility of life on Jupiter.

This video is from the CleanTV channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NASA scientist is "absolutely certain" there is ALIEN LIFE in the universe.

Jupiter's Europa may have pockets of water that could support alien life  study.

Search for origin of life intensifies as NASA probes alien oceans on moons in the outer solar system.

Life on the ice: Extraterrestrial life on ice worlds could look like Hawaiian underwater creatures.

Space probe records Saturn "singing" to its weirdest moon.

Sources include:

Space.com

Science.NASA.gov

Brighteon.com
Newsweek descends deeper into the gutter of vile propaganda

A lot of people assume that Democrats heavily influence the media. But that is not just an understatement but an inaccurate statement. To be influenced, the media and Democrats would have to be separate organizations. Also, the Democrats would have to employ their powers of persuasion to influence the media.

(Article by Rajan Laad republished from AmericanThinker.com)

In reality, the media is the propaganda arm of the Democrats. There is no difference between the utterances of the press and the Democrats. If you want to know what the Democrat leadership is thinking, just follow in the mainstream media.

The late great Rush Limbaugh often played a montage of utterances from media pundits about any given event. Not only did the 'experts' have identical opinions, they also used identical keywords.

Words such as 'insurrection' or 'collusion' didn't become the de facto term for describing the events of January 6th or the Trump-Russia hoax by accident. These terms were provided by adept wordsmiths in the Democrat party, and the media lapdogs followed the diktat faithfully. They repeated the terms until even those against whom the hoax was perpetrated accepted the premise and used them while defending themselves.

We must therefore think of the media as a department within the Democrat party.

So what's the PR wing for the Democrats up to now?

The Democrat 'elites' had decided that despite 15 million primary votes from regular Democrats, Biden had to go. So they ordered a debate earlier than usual. The fairness shown by debate anchors was an act of sabotage against Biden. Expect the Democrat PR agents masquerading as anchors to have their fangs out against Trump during the second debate.

Following the debate, their command was 'destroy Biden,' which all media outlets followed. Some may erroneously think the media was doing its job and presenting facts, but they were merely following diktats.

Now that Biden has quit the race, he is a selfless patriot who placed the country before himself. Months ago, Biden was supposed to be sharp.

Clearly, these media slaves don't care how ridiculous they appear -- they blindly follow orders.

With the nation's foremost word salad chef as the nominee, the latest diktat is to destroy Trump. They couldn't attack Trump immediately after the assassination attempt, they would appear inhuman. Despite what they think, they had to feign 'lowering the temperature' and improving the quality of discourse.

But now they realize that the assassination attempt had an impact. It proves that the danger against Trump's life is real, and the Democrat media and their hateful and dehumanizing discourse led to it. MSNBC canceling the broadcast of Morning Joe the Monday after the assassination attempt is proof and acknowledgment.

Many have linked this to the myriad of baseless witch-hunts being prosecuted by Democrat judges. This is not to suggest that the media or the judges had any links to the assassin, but that he was brainwashed or influenced by them.

The assassination attempt humanized Trump in minds beyond his core base. Most fair-minded people will be alarmed and concerned. They will think, 'If this can happen to him for challenging the establishment, what chance do we have?"

Finally, it revealed that Trump is fearless. His display of courage and his tough talk are not an act but reflect his true nature. Few humans would have risen moments after a bullet almost took their life to urge his supporters to fight back against tyranny. The photograph of the moment has made the incident iconic.

This needs to be undone now that the word salad chef has to be promoted.

So what do the Democrats do?

They ordered the media to diminish the death threat and even imply that it was a hoax.

Following orders from the PR wing, is the formerly respectable news outlet Newsweek. An article in the magazine quotes FBI Director Christopher Wray's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee where he said it is not yet certain if Trump's injury was caused by a bullet or shrapnel.

How did the Newsweek article cover this?

Their tweet promoting the article is captioned 'Donald Trump might not have been shot after all.' Their article headline states 'Donald Trump May Not Have Been Hit By Bullet, FBI Director Says'.

They are hoping that people don't read the article and make up their minds just by reading the text of the tweet or the headline. They are wishing that people would assume that the shooting was a hoax or even staged by Trump so that it would benefit him politically. Many left-wing conspiracy theorists had claimed this moments after the incident.

It must be understood that this isn't a mistake. An article goes through multiple reviews from editors before it is published, even if the writer erred, someone on the editorial team should have rectified the error. The same applies to social media. The fact that this disgraceful material was published proves it was purposeful.

This is a vile and disgraceful piece of propaganda.

Members of the media often boast about being proponents of DEI. What the media needs is the most important variety of diversity -- diversity of thought.

In this situation, if Newsweek had a Trump supporter on their editorial or review board, this headline or tweet would never have been published. But the propagandists within these echo chambers abhor the discord of opposing views. All they want is the chimes of total concurrence. Their goal isn't about quality but how they can outdo each other generating content that will benefit the Democrat and malign Trump.

Most organizations have developed a subscriber base who tune in to consume their daily dose of hate. In time, the hate isn't enough to get them inebriated, so the content sinks deeper into the dungeons of hate.

It is quite likely that there will be a backlash and that Newsweek will be forced to apologize, change their headline and delete the tweet. But the tweet and headline will be allowed to remain long enough to spread.

A casual news consumer reads it and believes it. He tells a few other casual news-consuming colleagues or friends 'I just read Trump wasn't shot at Butler.'

"Was it a hoax?" asked one.

"Seems so" claims another.

This is 'mission accomplished' for the propagandists.

This proves the Democrats and their PR agents masquerading as journalists have no qualms about descending to the lowest level. We know they have no ethics, values, or morals, but this is downright evil.

So what can you do as consumers?

Let's assume your child attends a university in another state and you want to be aware of her well-being and whereabouts. Whom will you trust to provide you with facts, a well-wisher or an ill-wisher?

The answer is obvious.

The media is an ill-wisher that is doing all it can to destroy you and what you care for. It is wise to completely abandon consuming their propaganda. It is better to be uninformed than misinformed.

If you do consume what they are peddling, it is wise to assume that what is being claimed is false until proven true.

In a Democracy, the media has a function to act as watchdog on behalf of the citizens.

Alas, they have become lapdogs who crawl when asked to bend, prostrate when asked to crawl, and leap with elation when the proverbial biscuit is tossed in their direction.

Read more at: AmericanThinker.com
Secret Service deliberately denied Trump extra protection since leaving office  is this why he was so easily shot in the ear?

The chief spokesperson of the United States Secret Service has confirmed that the agency repeatedly denied Republican frontrunner and former President Donald Trump additional protection since he left office, which appears to have played a role in Trump's attempted assassination.

The New York Times ran a report about the Secret Service's mistreatment of Trump, who was reportedly shot in the ear at a campaign stop in Butler, Penn., on July 13, ever since he left office in early 2021.

According to Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi, his agency turned down several requests by Trump's people for additional federal security assets. Unlike other presidents, Trump has apparently been given very little security protection since leaving office.

Guglielmi argues that these denied requests have nothing to do with what happened in Butler, the implication being that the Secret Service did not do anything wrong in its detail of Trump's Butler rally.

An unnamed Trump campaign staffer also complained to the Times that there were allegedly an insufficient number of metal detectors and specially trained dogs at Trump's campaign rallies, this being a longstanding problem ever since Trump left office.

Secret Service agents are tasked with protecting both the incumbent president and vice president along with former presidents, officials in the line of succession, and major presidential and vice-presidential candidates and their immediate families.

(Related: Joe Biden's Department of Justice [DOJ] is planning to drop its prosecutions of Trump following the assassination attempt in Butler.)

Cheatle says Secret Service agents weren't placed on rooftop because it was "sloped"

Guglielmi said that Secret Service is limited in its capacity to provide resources and is sometimes forced to utilize "state or local partners to provide specialized functions."

"There's an untrue assertion that a member of the former president's team requested additional resources and that those were rebuffed," Guglielmi added.

Some Republicans are calling on Secret Service director Kim Cheatle to step down from her post following the incident in Butler, which they say would not have happened had Secret Service been doing its job properly.

The GOP-run House Oversight Committee issued a subpoena compelling Cheatle to testify on Capitol Hill. Cheatle already told ABC News concerning the absence of Secret Service snipers on the rooftop where Crooks took his position that "we wouldn't want to put somebody up on a sloped roof," which is why she instead had her team secure the building "from inside."

Republican lawmakers and security experts are not buying what Cheatle is saying about all this. They want an investigation and answers, which is where things are headed next.

"The first letters of Secret Service make a peculiar acronym," one commenter wrote, referring to the SS of Nazi Germany. "There was once another sinister agency with the same acronym. The Soviet Union put them out of commission."

"Why did the Secret Service NOT utilize local, county, and state law enforcement to cover areas?" asked another about why Secret Service did not even attend the joint security meeting that was held the morning of the rally. "Why was there NOT a common channel of communication?"

Others wrote that the "SS" and the CIA "want Trump dead," just like they do Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

"The Secret Service looks foolish and sloppy," said another.

"It's obvious that the CIA and other government agencies have been involved in the assassinations of JFK, RFK, MLK, Malcolm X, the latest attempt on Trump, and any other people deemed as threats to the deep state," wrote someone else about how bad this all looks.

To keep up with the latest Trump news, visit Trump.news.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
Utah attorney catches FBI deception in OKC bomb records case

Last month, the Justice Department asked a judge to pause a lawsuit seeking records about the FBIs involvement with the Oklahoma City bombing. But in doing so, the DOJ and the FBI made statements so misleading they merit sanctions, according to the plaintiff in that case, Utah attorney Jesse Trentadue

(Article by Ken Silva republished from HeadlineUSA.com)

The deception spotted by Trentadue stems from a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit he filed against the FBI in February, seeking records about Roger Edwin Moore, who was a CIA asset, an FBI informant and a business associate to OKC bomber Tim McVeigh; as well as for records about the Aryan Republican Army, a neo-Nazi bank-robbery gang also involved in the attack.

Trentadue filed the lawsuit after waiting nine years for the FBI to process his FOIA request for those records. Despite that long wait, the FBI then asked a federal judge for another nearly 12 years to release the records he seeks.

Then, last month the bureau represented to a federal judge that many of the records Trentadue wants are already on the FBIs website. But according to Trentadue, thats a lie.

The FBI tried to tell Jesse Trentadue the stuff he was requesting was "all on our website" - so we looked at what was on the website. Turns out, they were lying. Imagine my shock. pic.twitter.com/n3KaUdSAKT  Richard ? (@okc_facts) July 23, 2024

That statement is so misleading as to merit sanctions. The BOMBROB records posted by the FBI, for example, consist of just 5,514 pages, not the 36,795 pages of responsive documents that the Bureau claims to possess, Trentadue said in a Tuesday court filing, responding to the FBIs request to pause his lawsuit. BOMBROB was FBIs investigation of the ARA.

More importantly, of these 5,514 pages, only 51 pages reference McVeigh. Similarly, the FBIs website contains just 229 pages of records on Roger Edwin Moore, not the 31,129 pages of responsive records that the Bureau claims to have located, and none of these records involve Moores participation in Operation Punchout, Trentadue added, referencing the FBI operation in which Moore served as an informant.

Trentadue also took issue with the FBI telling the judge that he agreed to receive records at a rate of 500 pages per month, which would mean it would take about 12 years to receive them all. Trentadue explained that he initially was OK with receiving 500 records per month on a rolling basis nearly a decade agoas opposed to waiting for the FBI to gather all the records and send them in one batch.

Plaintiff agreed to receiving the document sin 500-page increments on a CD as they were processed, whereby he would not have to wait until all of the records were processed before receiving them, he explained in his Tuesday filing. Plaintiff NEVER agreed to the FBI processing the documents at the rate of only 500-pages per month.

For Trentadue, dealing with DOJ/FBI deception is nothing new. For instance, in a separate lawsuit seeking surveillance footage of the OKC bombing, a federal judge is investigating allegations that the FBI tampered with one of his witnesses. Trentadue referenced that ongoing scandal in his Tuesday response to the FBI.

It can fairly be said that the only difference between the FBI and Russian KGB is that the KGB never claimed to be a legitimate law enforcement agency. It can also be fairly said that in cases such as this involving an overarching specter of government malfeasance, the FBI has been and will be anything but honest and candid with the court, he said.

Trentadue wants the presiding judge to order the FBI to give him records at the rate of 5,500 pages per month.

In his Tuesday filing, he noted that the 30th anniversary of the OKC bombing is this April. He argued that theres immense public interest in that case, and attached two articles written by this reporter as evidence of that. To Trentadues point, Headline USAs article about his initial lawsuit in February is currently the third-most viewed story on this site in 2024.

Jesse Trentadue attached 2 of my articles as court exhibits in his ongoing FOIA lawsuit against the FBI. The articles are evidence that there's immense public interest in the Oklahoma City bombing -- meaning the FBI must release the records he seeks ASAP! pic.twitter.com/NdDBQOtpF2  Ken Silva (@JD_Cashless) July 24, 2024

The court should deny the FBIs motion to stay and commence with the BOMBROB request because of the upcoming anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing  The court should also order the FBI to process the records at the rate of 5,500 pages per month with interim month-end releases of the documents processed during each month, which will result in Plaintiff receiving all of the records in about 13 months instead of 11-plus years, he said.

Its not clear when the judge might decide on the matter.

Read more at: HeadlineUSA.com
FBI Director Wray reveals Trump shooter apparently researched JFK assassination

Thomas Michael Crooks researched the assassination of the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy (JFK) before his failed attempt at eliminating former President Donald Trump, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray.

The FBI director made this revelation on July 24, when he testified before the House Judiciary Committee (HJC). According to the bureau's analysis of Crooks' computer, he began researching the JFK assassination on July 6. It was also on the same day he registered to attend the Trump rally at Butler, Pennsylvania.

"He did a Google search for  quote  'how far away was [Lee Harvey] Oswald from Kennedy.' That's a search that's obviously significant in terms of his state of mind," Wray said. He added that Crooks, 20, had become "very focused on [former] President Trump and his rally" at the time.

Oswald gunned down JFK in November 1963 while the latter was on a motorcade in Dallas. While Oswald was captured by law enforcement, he was unable to testify before a court as he was shot and killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby.

"Wray's testimony shed little light on Crooks' motivation," Russia Today (RT) mentioned. The FBI head insisted that the shooter wasn't in contact with any accomplices or co-conspirators and did not speculate about his political leanings.

"It is, quite frankly, a dangerous time to be a prominent public official," Wray continued, noting that the would-be assassin did "a lot of searches of public figures in general" before becoming fixated on the real estate mogul.

The FBI director didn't comment on how many Secret Service snipers were present at the rally, or whether allegations that the service had pulled some staff from Trump's security detail before the event. However, Wray also disclosed that Crooks visited the campaign rally site on three occasions  and was even flying a drone around the area just two hours before Trump took to the stage.

Rep. Jordan acknowledges Americans' skepticism toward the FBI

Wray continued that law enforcement officers didn't spot Crooks on the roof with his AR-15-style rifle until "seconds" before he opened fire. However, several attendees of the campaign rally already spotted the shooter and urged authorities to act. Their calls fell on deaf ears, allowing Crooks to eventually fire at Trump. (Related: Trump shooter spotted with a RANGEFINDER ahead of assassination attempt  but no one stopped him.)

Congressional Republicans later took note of this disregard, noting that the Secret Service paid no mind to an armed Crooks crawling around the roof of a nearby building before opening fire. They also blasted the service for failing to secure the rooftop vantage point despite it being around 150 meters (492 feet) from where Trump stood.

A day before Wray testified, former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle told the House Oversight Committee on July 22 that she took responsibility for the "most significant operational failure at the Secret Service in decades." Pressure prompted Cheatle to step down from her position on July 23.

The FBI director also noted that Crooks' weapon at the time had a collapsible stock, "which could explain why it might have been less easy for people to observe." But he acknowledged that the timeline of events could change as the investigators' understanding of facts evolves, commenting: "It's all happening in seconds."

"I have been saying for some time now that we are living in an elevated-threat environment. And tragically, the  assassination attempt [on Trump] is another example, particularly heinous."

HJC Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) welcomed Wray's willingness to share details about the FBI investigation into the assassination attempt. However, he cited skepticism toward the bureau that exists among some Republicans. According to Jordan, these GOP members are angry about the arrest of Trump supporters during the Jan. 6 false-flag riot  who were goaded into violence by FBI plants such as Ray Epps.

"I'm sure you understand that a significant portion of the country has a healthy skepticism regarding the FBI's ability to conduct a fair, honest, open and transparent investigation," Jordan told Wray.

Visit FBICorruption.news for similar stories.

Listen to the Health Ranger Mike Adams discussing a bizarre claim by Wray about eight unspent rounds being found on the roof where Thomas Matthew Crooks positioned himself.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Individual who visited Thomas Crooks' home and workplace also visited Washington, D.C., building near FBI office in June 2023, newly acquired cell phone data shows.

Trump's would-be assassin reportedly flew a drone over the fairgrounds before the speech and could have dropped explosives on Trump.

Trump shot, survives ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT in Pennsylvania; shooter, one rally attendee killed, others wounded.

House Speaker Johnson opens probe into Trump assassination attempt and Secret Service lapses.

The Trump assassination attempt exposes the establishment's deceitfulness.

Sources include:

RT.com

Britannica.com

ABC.net.au

Brighteon.com
Norway closes embassy in Uganda

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orway has officially closed its embassy in Uganda, marking the end of 19 years of diplomatic presence in the east African country.

The embassy posted on its official handle on X, formerly Twitter, Friday, saying that the country's flag had been formerly lowered.

"It is with mixed emotions as we lower the Norwegian flag for the last time. The Embassy is now closed, but Norway remains engaged in Uganda," the embassy posted. The lowered flag was handed to Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda Kristin Hermansen.

According to the embassy, the flag was raised in Uganda in 2005.

At an earlier function, Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs Odongo Jeje Abubakher emphasised the "strength and tangible results of the Uganda-Norway relationship over the years, expressing Uganda's deep appreciation for this partnership", Xinhua news agency reported.

"He acknowledged Norway's sovereign decision to close its embassy in Kampala while welcoming the assurance that bilateral relations will persist and flourish," an embassy statement posted on X said.

Norway shut down five missions in 2022. The closure of its embassy in Uganda, which was also overseeing Rwanda and Burundi, was first announced last October, signalling that several changes were underway in the country's diplomatic presence abroad.

Norway supports a variety of projects in Uganda, including education, health, agriculture, and assistance to refugees.

 Norway closes embassy in Uganda

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South Korea calls for sending 'united message' against North Korea nukes at ASEAN-led gathering

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outh Korea's top diplomat called for sending a "united message" against North Korea's nuclear development program at a foreign ministerial gathering led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the call during the ASEAN Plus Three foreign ministers' meeting in Vientiane, noting that North Korea is causing uncertainties on the Korean Peninsula and the region through its provocations and military cooperation with Russia, Yonhap news agency reported.

"Member states need to send a stern and united message that North Korea's nuclear development will not be tolerated," Cho said during the ASEAN-led meeting that also involves South Korea, Japan and China.

Cho also said that the three-way cooperation among Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing serves to promote cooperation among ASEAN Plus Three members, hailing the three countries' trilateral summit in Seoul in May, which marked the first such meeting in more than four years.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described ASEAN Plus Three as a channel to lead cooperation in Northeast Asia, noting opportunities for cooperation despite changes to the international situation and challenges to the future of Northeast Asia.

ASEAN Plus Three, which launched in 1997, consists of the 10 ASEAN members, as well as South Korea, Japan and China, and has served as a framework to promote regional cooperation.

 South Korea calls for sending 'united message' against North Korea nukes at ASEAN-led gathering

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EAM Jaishankar calls for 'effective' code of conduct for South China Sea

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he Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are crucial for peace, stability, prosperity, and development of the Indo-Pacific Region, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) foreign ministerial meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Saturday.

He stressed that a "substantive and effective" code of conduct should be in place that is "consistent with international law and should not prejudice legitimate rights and interest of nations not party to the discussions".

"The EAS process completes two decades next year and India will contribute towards a stronger EAS process," he said in a post on X, mentioning the statements he conveyed at the meeting.

He said the Act East Policy, announced at that 9th EAS, has completed a decade, and India will continue to "uphold ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy."

The EAM emphasised that India remains a steadfast supporter of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and values its convergence with the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

Additionally, he stressed that the country encourages more EAS members to join the IPOI.

He said India has consistently contributed towards the EAS Plan of Action, citing the summit conference on Maritime Security and Cooperation held in Mumbai on July 4-5.

Jaishankar also mentioned the realisation of the Nalanda University resolution, highlighting it as an "important commitment" to the EAS.

Calling for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza, the EAM said, "India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping."

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He also said that India "stands ready to contribute" in any manner possible.

Underlining the significance of EAS in bringing together nations at a time when "differences are sharp and interests are diverse", the EAM said, "India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process."

 EAM Jaishankar calls for 'effective' code of conduct for South China Sea

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Russia 'concerned' over US-South Korea joint nuclear planning

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ussia is concerned about a recently announced guideline between the United States and South Korea on joint nuclear planning, the media reported on Saturday, citing Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"Another worrying aspect is that the United States has recently concluded an agreement with South Korea on joint nuclear planning," Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported quoting Lavrov.

Russia has not yet received an explanation regarding the guideline, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lavrov added, "We have no doubt that it causes additional anxiety."

US and South Korean leaders authorised the guideline on July 11, which "provides guidance to Alliance policy and military authorities in maintaining and strengthening a credible and effective nuclear deterrence policy and posture," according to the White House.

 Russia 'concerned' over US-South Korea joint nuclear planning

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Champaign police have arrested Randy C. Copeland, 19, of Chicago, and Travon Gibson, 19, of Hammond, Indiana, for allegedly holding up a convenience store in the 1200 block of North Mattis Avenue in the early morning hours on Tuesday.
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Looking for something fun and new to do that will allow you to be outside, get some exercise and learn history? Check out the Illinois Distributed Museum.
Ive seen almost every part of our college from the faculty side, from the academic program side, really thinking carefully about our learners and how best to provide access to education, Brooke Elliott says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a glitch in its bird flu test hasn't harmed the agency's outbreak response. But it has ignited scrutiny of its go-it-alone approach in testing for emerging pathogens.

The agency has quietly worked since April to resolve a nagging issue with the test it developed, even as the virus swept through dairy farms and chicken houses across the country and infected at least 13 farmworkers this year.

At a congressional hearing July 23, Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) asked about the issue. "Boy, that rings of 2020," he said, referring to when the nation was caught off guard by the covid-19 pandemic, in part because of dysfunctional tests made by the CDC. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, responded that the agency rapidly developed a workaround that makes its bird flu test reliable.

"The tests are 100% usable," he later told KFF Health News, adding that the FDA studied the tests and came to the same conclusion. The imperfect tests, which have a faulty element that sometimes requires testing a sample again, will be replaced soon. He added, "We have made sure that we're offering a high-quality product."

Still, some researchers were unnerved by the news coming four months after the government declared a worrisome bird flu outbreak among cattle. The CDC's test is the only one available for clinical use. Some researchers say its flaws, though manageable, underscore the risk of relying on a single entity for testing.

The problem came to light in April as the agency prepared to distribute its test to about 100 public health labs around the country. CDC officials detected the issue through a quality control system put in place after the covid test catastrophe of 2020.

Daskalakis said the CDC's original test design was fine, but a flaw emerged when a company contracted by the agency manufactured the tests in bulk. In these tests, one of two components that recognize proteins called H5 in the H5N1 bird flu virus was unreliable, eliminating an important safeguard. By targeting the same protein twice, tests have a built-in backup in case one part fails.

The agency developed a fix to ensure a reliable result: If only one of the two parts detected H5, the test was considered inconclusive and would be run again. With the FDA's blessing, the CDC distributed the tests  with workaround instructions  to public health labs.

Kelly Wroblewski, director of infectious diseases at the Association of Public Health Laboratories, said the results of the tests have not been ambiguous, and there is no need to discard the tests.

Still, the agency has asked a different manufacturer to remake the faulty component so that 1.2 million improved tests will be available soon, Daskalakis said. Some of the updated tests are already in stock at the CDC, but the FDA hasn't yet signed off on their use. Daskalakis declined to name the manufacturers.

Meanwhile, the outbreak has grown. Farmworkers continue to lack information about the virus and gear to protect them from it. Rural clinics may miss cases if they don't catch a person's connection to a farm and notify health officials rather than their usual diagnostic testing laboratories.

Those clinical labs remain unauthorized to test for the bird flu. Several of those labs have spent months working through analyses and red tape so that they can run the CDC's tests. As part of the licensing process, the CDC alerted them to the workaround with the current test, too.

But outside select circles, the news was largely overlooked. "I'm totally surprised by this," Alex Greninger, assistant director of the University of Washington Clinical Virology Laboratory, told KFF Health News this week. Greninger's lab is developing its own test and has been trying to obtain CDC test kits to evaluate.

"It's not a red alarm," he said, but he's worried that as the CDC and the FDA spend months developing and evaluating an updated test, the only one available relies on a single component. If the genetic code underlying that fragment of the H5 protein mutates, the test could give false results.

It's not uncommon for academic and commercial diagnostic labs to make mistakes and catch them during quality control checks, as the CDC did. Still, this isn't the agency's first mishap. In 2016, well before the covid debacle, CDC officials for months directed public health labs to use a Zika test that failed about a third of the time.

The CDC caught and worked to remediate the situation far more quickly and effectively in this case. Nonetheless, the mishap raises concern. Michael Mina, chief science officer of the telemedicine company eMed.com, said diagnostic companies may be better suited to the task.

"It's a reminder that CDC is not a robust manufacturer of tests" and lacks the resources that industry can marshal for their production, Mina said. "We do not ask CDC to make vaccines and pharmaceuticals, and we do not ask the Pentagon to manufacture missiles."

The CDC has licensed its updated test design to at least seven clinical diagnostic labs. Such labs are the foundation of testing in the U.S. But none have FDA clearance to use them.

Diagnostic labs are developing their own tests, too. But that has been slow-going. One reason is the lack of guaranteed sales. Another is regulatory uncertainty. Recent FDA guidance could make it harder for nongovernmental laboratories to issue new tests in the early phase of pandemics, said Susan Van Meter, president of the American Clinical Laboratory Association, in a July 1 letter to the FDA.

Transparency is also critical, scientists said. Benjamin Pinsky, medical director of the clinical virology laboratory at Stanford University, said as a public agency the CDC should make its protocol  its recipe for making the test  easily accessible online.

The World Health Organization does so for its bird flu tests, and with that information in hand, Pinsky's lab has developed an H5 bird flu test suited to the strain circulating this year in the U.S. The lab published its approach this month but doesn't have FDA authorization for its broad use.

The CDC's test recipe is available in a published patent, Daskalakis said.

"We have made sure that tests are out there, and that they work," he added.

As the CDC came under fire at the July 23 congressional hearing, Daniel Jernigan, director of the CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, noted that testing is just one tool. The agency needs money for another promising area  looking for the virus in wastewater. Its current program uses supplemental funds, he said: "It is not in the current budget and will go away without additional funding."
Scientist Dr. Aparna Bhaduri, assistant professor of medicine and biological chemistry, and neurosurgeon Dr. Kunal Patel, assistant professor of neurosurgery, both part of the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, have received the 2024 Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award from the McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience, which supports innovative research by U.S. scientists who are studying neurological and psychiatric diseases.

The award, $300,000 over the next three years, supports their efforts in gaining a deeper understanding of the microenvironment's role in shaping human glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer that is fast growing and difficult to treat.

One of the critical challenges in treating this cancer is the limited understanding of how it develops and spreads. Traditional mouse models and studies of tumors removed from the brain provide limited insights into the tumor's growth dynamics within the brain. To help combat this issue, the team will employ novel techniques to create organoid systems from stem cell lines that closely resemble the human brain environment. These organoids will then be implanted with tumor samples collected by Patel from surgical patients.

Bhaduri and her lab will use these models to explore the lineage relationships of the glioblastoma cell types and their evolution as the tumor progresses. By examining the roles of different cells within the core, periphery, and various parts of the tumor, the team hopes to reveal critical insights into the tumor's development and its interaction with its environment.
The National Education Association, the nation's largest union, is threatening to cut off health insurance to about 300 Washington, D.C.-based workers on Aug. 1 in an effort to end a bitter contract dispute.

It's a tactic some private employers have used as leverage against unionized workers that has drawn scrutiny from congressional Democrats and is prohibited for state employers in California. Experts on labor law say they've never seen a union make the move against its own workers.

"This is like a man-bites-dog situation where the union is now in a position as the employer," said Paul Clark, a professor of labor and employment relations at Penn State University. "It's not a good look for a union."

NEA workers with pressing health needs are worried but say they won't fold. Joye Mercer Barksdale, a writer on the NEA's government relations team, said she needs coverage for a medical procedure to address atrial fibrillation, a cardiac disorder. "This is insane for the NEA to use our health benefits as a bargaining chip," she said.

But Barksdale said the threat isn't enough to force her to agree to an unacceptable contract. "I am not ready to give in," she said.

The NEA Staff Organization, the union representing workers at the NEA's headquarters, launched a strike on July 5 in Philadelphia, during the union's annual delegate assembly. It was its second walkout this summer as the two parties negotiate a new contract, navigating sticking points such as wages and remote work.

In response, the NEA ended the conference early. President Joe Biden was supposed to speak at the event but withdrew, refusing to cross the picket line. The NEA on July 24 endorsed Kamala Harris for president.

On July 8, the day after the conference had been scheduled to end, the NEA locked out workers. In a letter the day before, the NEA informed its unionized workers that they would not be paid, effective immediately, and their health benefits would expire at the end of July unless a new deal were reached.

"NEA cannot allow NEASO to act again in a way that will bring such lasting harm to our members and our organization," Kim Anderson, the NEA's executive director, wrote in the letter, obtained by KFF Health News. "We are, and have always been, committed both to our union values and to the importance of conducting ourselves as a model employer."

Democrats in Congress, including Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, introduced legislation last year to protect striking workers from losing their health benefits, after several large companies, including General Motors, John Deere, RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), and the maker of Kellogg's cereals, threatened to or did cut off coverage during labor disputes.

"Workers shouldn't have to choose between their family's health and a fair contract, Brown said in a statement to KFF Health News.

The legislation was endorsed by large labor unions including the Service Employees International Union and United Steelworkers, according to a press release from Brown's office. The NEA wasn't among them.

"This tactic is immoral, and it should be illegal," United Steelworkers' president at the time, Thomas Conway, said in the release.

Officials at the NEA, which represents teachers and other administrators, declined an interview request. In a statement, the organization's president, Becky Pringle, said "we are making every effort to reach an agreement as quickly as possible" with its staff union.

"As union leaders who have been on strike, we recognize the significance and impact of these important decisions on a personal and family level. We truly value our employees and look forward to continued collaboration with NEASO to develop a new contract that benefits us all," she said.

Kate Hilts, a digital strategist who works for the NEA, said she fears losing her coverage will leave her unable to afford treatment for a rare autoimmune disease that attacks her kidneys. Her next treatment was slated for August.

"I wake up every day and can't believe this is happening," she said. "You would expect this from an employer that is antiworker or has a terrible labor record, but I am totally flabbergasted that a labor union would do this that bills itself as pro-worker, pro-family, pro-education, and pro-children."

The NEA staff union has filed multiple charges with the National Labor Relations Board this year, including allegations that the NEA withheld holiday overtime pay and failed to provide information on the outsourcing of millions of dollars in bargaining unit work.

California is one of the only states that protect striking workers from losing health coverage. The state legislature passed a law in 2021 that blocks the tactic from being used against public employees and another law in 2022 that allows any striking workers who lose their insurance to immediately get heavily discounted coverage through the state's Affordable Care Act marketplace.

If they remain locked out, the NEA workers would be eligible for coverage under COBRA, a federal program that allows people who are fired or laid off to maintain their employer-sponsored insurance for 18 months.

But the coverage can be a financial hardship, as individuals often must pay the entire cost of their insurance premiums, plus a 2% administrative fee.

Another option for workers would be coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, though that also could be costly. And it may be unclear how soon that coverage would begin or whether insurers would cover their existing doctors.

"I'm hoping the NEA will be so ashamed of what they are doing that, at the very least, they will not take away our health benefits," Barksdale said.
More and more studies show that men face risks of cancer from BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations that are most often associated with breast and ovarian cancers in women.

According to a July 25 JAMA Oncology review article by experts at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and the University of Washington, newly developed national screening guidelines offer hope for identifying the cancer risk of BRCA mutations in men through genetic testing and tailored cancer screening.

Not enough men are getting genetic testing to see if they carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variant that increases their cancer risk. And the men who know they are carriers get tested for their daughters, but don't always know why it's important for their own health. Heather Cheng, MD, PhD, Study Lead Author and Director, Fred Hutch Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic

The article reviews the most recent screening and treatment guidelines for men carrying an inherited damaging variant in two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. The review includes updated recommendations for males with a family history of cancer and other risk factors that could help them, and their doctors understand cancer risks.

Men account for 50% of BRCA1/2 carriers and have an increased risk for prostate and other cancers; however current rate of testing for men is only one-tenth of the rate for women. The review refers to "males" as individuals assigned the male sex at birth and cites a study recommending that transgender women and gender neutral and gender fluid carriers of the BRCA1/2 mutations undergo individualized cancer screening based on sex-specific organs.

Because genes are inherited from generation to generation, there is a fifty percent chance that a male carrier of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation shares this mutated gene with their biological offspring. The earlier people are aware of the possibility of carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, the more their medical care can be personalized and tailored to their specific situation: a hallmark of the promise of personalized medicine.

Despite the increased cancer risk for BRCA1 or BRCA2-carrying males, national guidelines on genetic testing and cancer screening have been slower to emerge for males, and national guidelines are now beginning to include more specific measures for males.

With less public awareness of the risk for males carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, physicians and other health care professionals may not always be aware of the most up-to-date screening recommendations, which may exist in different places.

Cheng, who treats prostate cancer patients at the South Lake Union clinic at Fred Hutch, noted that programs such as the Fred Hutch Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic, the GastrointestinaI Cancer Prevention Program and the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Prevention Clinic collaborate to provide comprehensive resources for both patients with cancer and their family members who may also carry increased inherited cancer risk.

"We have multiple programs centered around cancer genetics and prevention that help patients and their families," Cheng said. "I get to meet the brothers and sons of my patients, some before they have cancer, in order to talk about screening for prostate cancer. And that's really gratifying. It's important for folks out there to know that we have these resources because sometimes they don't know where to go for state-of-the art cancer early detection, prevention and treatment."

National guidelines for males who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation are available at BRCA Research and Cure Alliance and Basser Center for BRCA.

Men should become more proactive about discussing their families' cancer history with their physician to ensure that they are given access to genetic testing where needed.

Taken together, these actions should help more men understand their lifetime cancer risk, which can lead to earlier cancer detection and better outcomes.

"These are recent guideline changes," Cheng stressed. "I personally hope that as more people, including males are screened, we can advance progress and research faster, find the people most impacted and work together to reduce the burden of BRCA1 and BRCA2-related cancers."

Fred Hutch cancer physician and researcher Daniel Lin, MD, contributed to the paper, along with University of Washington professors Mary-Claire King, PhD, and Colin Pritchard, MD, PhD, in tandem with a team of experts from other institutions.

This work was funded by the National Cancer Institute and US Department of Defense.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe neurological disease for which there is presently no cure, although current therapies can alleviate symptoms. In the search for better treatment options, scientists at DZNE and the Dresden University of Technology are now drawing attention to previously unnoticed abnormalities in embryonic development. They base their argument on studies of so-called organoids: Laboratory-grown tissue cultures that can reconstruct disease processes. Their findings are published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.

In SMA, neurons in the spinal cord degenerate, leading to paralysis and muscle wasting. The disease usually manifests in childhood and affects an estimated 1,500 individuals in Germany. Defects in a specific gene are considered to trigger SMA. These mutations result in a deficiency of the so-called SMN protein (Survival of Motor Neuron protein), which is critical for neurons involved in motor control. For a few years, medical treatments have been available to address protein deficiency by means of gene therapy. Intervention can begin within a few days after birth. However, while this approach can alleviate disease symptoms, experience to date indicates that it provides no cure.

A so far unknown prelude

Now, scientists in Dresden, Germany, are suggesting broadening the perspective in the search for better therapies.

The current perception of SMA focuses on the disease after birth, when the basic framework of the nervous system is mostly formed. This view ignores that phenomena relevant to the disease could occur much before, when the nervous system is still developing. In fact, our studies suggest that SMA is associated with anomalies in the embryonic development not known until now. We therefore believe that there is a hitherto unrecognised prelude to this disease, and that interventions are needed that go beyond existing therapies. Dr. Natalia Rodriguez-Muela, Research Group Leader, DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Tiny pieces of tissue

For their studies, Rodriguez-Muela and colleagues created "organoids" that recapitulate key features of both spinal cord and muscle tissue. These complex, albeit tiny samples of artificially generated tissue, each of them about the size of a grain of rice, were grown from human induced pluripotent stem cells. These had in turn been obtained by reprogramming the skin cells of individuals affected by SMA. "It is the first time that organoids of this complexity have been generated for studying SMA", Rodriguez-Muela says. "Although these are model systems that have certain limitations, they come quite close to the real situation, because they comprise a diversity of cell types and tissue structures that occur in the human body." As the organoids matured over time, the scientists were able to study various developmental stages. "The earliest phase we can emulate with our organoid model corresponds to that of a human embryo a few weeks old. However, we only replicate the spinal cord and muscle tissue. Starting from the early developmental phase, we can go up to the situation after birth, in particular as it is observed in patients with SMA", Rodriguez-Muela explains.

Cellular aberrations

When the scientists compared organoids with SMA pathology with healthy specimens, they found significant differences: Specifically, stem cells in SMA organoids tended to develop prematurely into spinal cord neurons. In addition, there was a distortion in the cell population, i.e., less neurons than normal, which also were highly vulnerable, and more muscle cells derived from the stem cells. Rodriguez-Muela and coworkers observed similar effects in mouse embryos with SMA-like pathology, supporting the findings in organoids. These tissue cultures also yielded another important result. "When we corrected the genetic defect associated with SMA, we still observed developmental abnormalities, although to a lesser extent", says Rodriguez-Muela. "This suggests that restoring the gene, as current therapies kind of do, is most likely not enough to completely amend SMA pathology. This is in line with clinical experience to date. Thus, I believe, we need to address the developmental abnormalities, if we want to improve treatment for SMA."

Spotlight on regulation

Rodriguez-Muela suspects that the cause for the observed developmental defects could lie in impaired gene regulation. "It may not only be a question of whether the gene producing the SMN protein is defective or not. Perhaps it is also relevant if the deficiency of this protein impacts other genes critical for the embryo's early development. There could be a regulatory effect. The fact is that we still don't know, but it is a plausible possibility", she says. "I believe that this idea should be explored further. In the long term, this may lead to improved therapies that combine existing approaches with drugs targeting gene regulation. That is, they would have to act on what is called "epigenetics". In order to minimize the developmental abnormalities, such treatment would most likely need to be applied in early pregnancy. If prenatal testing indicates SMA, this could be a therapeutic option."
Low-income communities are up to 42% less likely to obtain stroke center certification.

Hospitals in poor communities are significantly less likely to obtain certification for stroke services, which makes them unable to provide urgent, lifesaving treatment, UC San Francisco researchers are reporting in a 14-year study of the nation's hospitals.



By contrast, hospitals located in economically mixed or affluent communities were more likely to become stroke certified. Such specialized services are associated with better stroke care and patient outcomes. The findings demonstrate significant disparities across the United States in access to critical neurologic treatment, the researchers said.



The study appeared July 25 in JAMA Network Open.



"Some hospitals do not have the necessary resources to treat patients experiencing certain types of strokes," said lead investigator Renee Y. Hsia, MD, a UCSF professor of emergency medicine and vice chair for Health Services Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Our findings can help inform the adoption of broad-based social and policy interventions at the local, state and federal levels to promote equal opportunity and access to important community resources." Renee Y. Hsia, Professor, Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California - San Francisco

Socioeconomic disadvantage

Stroke center certification, which was introduced in 2004 to improve the quality and coordination of acute stroke care, is granted to acute care hospitals that demonstrate the ability to provide specialized stroke services.



Researchers looked at 5,055 acute, non-federal hospitals from 2009 to 2022. They found that 6% of hospitals were located in the most affluent communities, 11% in relatively advantaged communities, 39% in mixed, 36% in relatively disadvantaged and 7% in the most disadvantaged. Hospital ownership varied: 57% of hospitals were not-for-profit, 17% were for-profit and 22% were government-owned.



After adjusting for population size and hospital capacity, researchers found that hospitals near socioeconomically disadvantaged communities were 20 to 42% less likely to obtain stroke center certification compared with hospitals near communities of average socioeconomic status.



"Hospitals with stroke centers that serve patients with a high proportion of commercial insurance and Medicare tend to be revenue centers, meaning they bring in money for the hospitals," said Hsia, who is also with the UCSF Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies. "Whereas stroke centers in areas with a 'poor' patient payer mix  those with uninsured or Medicaid-insured patients with low reimbursement rates  will operate with much lower or often negative profit margins for those services.



"Providing support for hospitals in disadvantaged communities to obtain stroke center certification may help reduce disparities in stroke care," she said.
In the matter of routing of funds to the Indian securities market using overseas bank accounts with UBS AG, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya from the securities markets for three years. The markets regulator also restrained him from associating with any listed firm during the period.

The Indian government has been attempting to extradite Mallya from the United Kingdom to face fraud charges related to his now-defunct company Kingfisher Airlines. Mallya has been living in the United Kingdom since March 2016.

An investigation conducted by Sebi covering January 2006 to March 2008 found that Mallya used Matterhorn Ventures, a Foreign Institutional Investor (FII), to secretly trade shares of his group companies  Herbertsons Ltd and United Spirits Ltd (USL)  by routing funds through various overseas accounts.

Former liquor barron routed money through various accounts with UBS AG to the Indian securities market using Matterhorn Ventures. He used different overseas entities to hide his true identity, the probe found.

Matterhorn Ventures was wrongly listed as a non-promoter public shareholder in Herbertsons even though its 9.98 per cent shareholding belonged to the promoter category, the order noted.

In her 37-page order, Sebi Chief General Manager Anitha Anoop said the noticee (Mallya) in the instant case, has devised a scheme to indirectly trade in the shares of his own group companies through layered transactions/fund flow using his overseas related companies through FII route in order to keep his identity masked and trade in the Indian securities market in defiance of the regulatory norms.

Such acts of Mallya are not only fraudulent and deceptive but are a threat to the integrity of the securities market, Anoop added.

The noticee indeed had misrepresented the truth and concealed a material fact known to him that the shareholding shown in the name of Matterhorn actually belonged to the promoter category as the same was totally funded by the noticee thereby, violating the provisions of the PFUTP (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices) Regulations, the regulator noted.

Consequently, Sebi has barred Mallya from accessing the securities market and further prohibited from buying, selling or otherwise dealing in securities, directly or indirectly, or being associated with the securities market in any manner, for a period of three years.

Also, he has been restrained from associating himself with any listed company or proposed to be listed company, in any capacity, directly or indirectly, for a period of three years.

The order came after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) investigated Mallya, who was the Chairman of the UB Group and controlling shareholder of USL, based on a tip from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Earlier in June 2018, Sebi banned Mallya from the securities market for three years(from June 1, 2018, to May 31, 2021) due to manipulative activities, including fund diversion and improper transactions in USL shares. Also, it barred him from holding a director or key managerial position in any listed company for five years.

Further, Mallyas appeal against this order was dismissed.

(With PTI Inputs)
Petrol, Diesel Prices Today On July 27, 2024: Oil marketing companies (OMCs) announce fuel prices 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 27:

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.
final resultThe Bihar State Education Board (BSEB) is all set to announce the final results for the Bihar Secondary Teacher Eligibility Test (STET) 2024 soon. Students who appeared for the examination can check and download the results from the official website at bsebstet.com. The board is expected to issue the final result for Paper 1 and Paper 2 on August 10. An official confirmation from BSEB is still awaited.

How to check the Bihar STET 2024 final result?

Step 1: Head to the official website at bsebstet.com.

Step 2: On the homepage, look for the Bihar STET 2024 Result link and click on it.

Step 3: Enter your login credentials and click on submit.

Step 4: Your Bihar STET 2024 result will appear on the screen.

Step 5: Download and take a printout of the result for future reference.

Aspirants must carefully check the below-mentioned details on their mark sheets:

Candidates Name Roll Number Gender Date of Birth (DOB) Category Subject-wise marks obtained Total marks obtained Qualifying status (Pass/Fail) Overall percentage Important instructions STET Certificate issue date

This year, the Bihar STET exam was conducted from May 18 to May 29 for Paper 1, while Paper 2 was held from July 11 to July 20.

BSEB administered Paper 1 for candidates applying for Secondary level teachers (Class 9-10), while Paper 2 was for Higher Secondary Teachers (Class 11-12). A total of 3.59 lakh candidates appeared in the examination.

Passing Criteria:

To pass the Bihar STET 2024 exam, candidates belonging to the General category must score a minimum of 50 percent marks. Aspirants from SC/ST/PWD categories and women need to score at least 40 percent marks.

The second phase of the Bihar STET 2024 exam is likely to be held in September.

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) administers the Bihar Secondary Teachers Eligibility Test (STET) to determine candidates eligibility for secondary level teachers (Class 910) and higher secondary level teachers (Class 1112).

Candidates are advised to keep an eye on the boards official site for any announcements.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will wrap up the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) July 2024 answer key challenge window tonight, July 27. In addition to the preliminary answer key and scanned pictures of the OMR answer sheets, the CTET objection window has also been made accessible at ctet.nic.in, the official website. The CTET 2024 was administered in two shifts on July 7 and the answer key was made available on July 24.

The CTET final answer key and results will be announced when the subject experts have reviewed all of the challenges. The board will thereafter submit all qualified applicants CTET mark sheets in digital format to the DigiLocker account. The CTET eligibility certificate is legally recognised under the IT Act.

To dispute questions or answers on the CTET answer key 2024, applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 1,000 per question. There is a provision for the candidates to challenge the answer keys through the link available on the website https://ctet.nic.in/ from 24/07/2024 to 27/07/2024 (upto 11:59 PM), the governing body announced.

If the challenge is approved by the Board, which means that subject experts find an error in the answer key, a policy decision will be made and the objection fee will be reimbursed, according to the CTET website.

CTET 2024 Answer Key: How To Submit Objections

Step 1: Visit the official website, ctet.nic.in.

Step 2: On the webpage, click the link to the CTET 2024 answer keys.

Step 3: Sign in using your credentials.

Step 4: A screen displaying your CTET 2024 answer key will appear.

Step 5: To challenge the solution key, click the provided link.

Step 6: Choose which answer you want to challenge.

Step 7: Provide any corroborating documentation.

Step 8: Submit your CTET 2024 Answer Key challenges and keep a copy for future reference.

The CTET 2024 consisted of two papers: paper 1 for applicants who have applied to teach in Classes 15, and Paper 2 for individuals who wish to teach in Classes 68. A candidate who achieves at least 60 percent or more on the CTET is regarded to have passed the TET.

The CTET paper 1 has five sections: child development and pedagogy, language 1, language 2, mathematics, and environmental studies. Each part contains 30 questions with 30 marks, for a total of 150 questions and 150 marks. In the case of paper 2, the last two portions were mathematics and science (for instructors applying for these subjects) or social studies (for any other teacher); both sections had 60 questions for 60 marks.
Max Verstappen, facing a 10-place grid penalty for taking a new engine, topped the times for Red Bull ahead of Ferraris Charles Leclerc in a qualifying session run in mixed wet-and-dry conditions at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday.

Leclerc will start Sundays race from pole position as he did in 2023 with Sergio Perez alongside him in the second Red Bull, the Mexican having ended a nightmare run of qualifying failures amid reports that his future with the team is at risk.

Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton qualified fourth for Mercedes and will share the second row of the grid with McLarens Lando Norris, who qualified fifth ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri and George Russell in the second Mercedes.

Carlos Sainz was eighth in the second Ferrari in front of compatriot and two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, Esteban Ocon of Alpine and Alex Albon of Williams  who will be 10th on the grid ahead of Verstappen.

It was a nice qualifying and luckily the weather was ok, said Verstappen, referring to earlier heavy rain that turned final practice into a washout. It was raining a little bit, but we could do a decent session.

I know I have to start 10 places back so this was the best I could do today and well go from there. I dont know quick we are going to be, but I hope we can be in the mix.

Verstappen will be bidding to win the Belgian race for the fourth consecutive year, having won previously after taking grid penalties, but his car this year lacks the same clear superiority. Last year, he won from sixth. This year he starts 11th.

Its exactly the same as last year and, for me, its good as I didnt expect that. We had tricky conditions and the rain helped us a bit and its good to be back at the front of the grid, said Leclerc.

In steady but light rain, Norris led a train of cars from the pitlane for Q1, followed by both Haas cars and his McLaren team-mate Piastri, who was forced to drop to fourth by an exit by Kevin Magnussen that he described as dangerous.

Racing in the rain

A heavy shower was forecast by McLaren and this accelerated all 20 drivers to join the fray in pursuit of an early banker lap before the conditions deteriorated. All were on intermediates as Norris clocked 1:58.894 before being beaten by Piastri, in 1:57.411.

Verstappen then took over on top in 1:56.003 with Piastri threatening and taking second before rising to take command with five minutes to go in 1:55.549, before the Dutchman regained the ascendancy.

He clocked 1:54.938 to go six-tenths clear of Piastri while Norris struggled to match him and Russell fought to survive, rising from 17th to third in the final seconds of Q1.

Taking advantage of a problem for Verstappen, who was involved in a blocking incident with Zhou Guanyus Sauber, Piastri took top spot again in 1:54.835 ahead of Pierre Gasly.

The early departures were taken by the two Haas men, Nico Hulkenberg and Magnussen, RBs Yuki Tsunoda, who will start from the back of the grid after taking a penalty for new power unit parts, Logan Sargeant of Williams and Zhou.

Q2 began in similar fashion, with rain forecast and all 15 runners on track, Alex Albon setting the early pace for Williams before Norris took over in 1:54.459 and then Verstappen, in 1:53.857. All were on inters again.

With five minutes to go, Russell and Leclerc, with fresh tyres, were both in the drop-zone as the rain intensified. Russell reacted by leaping to fourth followed by Leclerc, taking third, and Hamilton up fifth.

Late faster laps from Perez, Ocon and Gasly pushed the Mercedes pair to go second and third while the under-pressure Perez survived by 0.003 seconds. Albon, Pierre Gasly of Alpine, Daniel Ricciardo of RB, Saubers Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll, whose Aston Martin team had rebuilt his car after his crash in FP3, missed the cut.

Hamilton was first out for Q3 and posted a lap in 1:54.011 as a marker.

On their first runs, only the two Red Bulls beat him, Verstappen going top in 1:53.159, leaving it all down to the final laps to decide the final grid order.

Catch Paris Olympics 2024 Day 1 LIVE Updates Here. 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.
Two people were injured on Saturday after a three-storey building collapsed in Navi Mumbai, prompting a rescue operation by local authorities.

The incident occurred in Shahad-Belapur Village around 5 a.m., leading to a large-scale rescue operation involving teams from the Fire Brigade and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

#WATCH | Maharashtra: A three-storey building collapsed in Navi Mumbais Shahbaz village; several people are feared trapped.Police, fire brigade and NDRF present at the spot. Rescue operations are underway. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/RL4bDeBRi0  ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

All individuals initially trapped in the debris have been rescued, except for two who are still believed to be trapped. The search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency personnel working to locate and assist any remaining victims.

The building collapsed around 5 am. It is a G+3 building. Two people have been rescued and two are likely trapped. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is here and rescue operation is underway, said Kailas Shinde, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner.

Purushottam Jadhav, Navi Mumbai Deputy Fire Officer said, We received a call about a building collapse at 4.50 am. 2 people have been rescued. Two people are likely to be trapped and a rescue operation is underway to rescue them.

The collapsed structure was located in the densely populated area of Belapur. Emergency services are on site and have confirmed that two individuals have been rescued alive and taken to the hospital for treatment. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

(With agency inputs)
India on Saturday called for de-escalation and restraint in war-torn Gaza while maintaining the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted Indias stand on the two major conflicts while addressing the 14th East Asia Summits Foreign Ministers Meeting here in the capital of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic as part of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Jaishankar spoke about two of the worlds current most raging conflicts: the one between Israel-Palestine leading to trouble for Gaza and the other between Ukraine and Russia after speaking on the East Asia Summit (EAS) process, a decade of Indias Act East Policy and the importance of open maritime communication for peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region.

Call for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza. India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping, Jaishankar posted on X after his address.

India on July 15 contributed USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) to support the agencys core programmes and services. This was the first instalment of a total of USD 5 million that India donates annually.

On multiple platforms, India has supported a two-state solution for Gaza and called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza on a humanitarian basis. On the conflict in Ukraine, the External Affairs Minister maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged (with) President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible, he said in the post further.

In June, Modi met Zelenskyy on the margins of the G7 summit in Italy. He later met President Putin in Moscow during his official visit. #EAS is crucial in bringing us together at a time when differences are sharp and interests are diverse. India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process, Jaishankar concluded.

India has not yet condemned Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has consistently pitched for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. However, during his talks with Putin on July 9, Prime Minister Modi told President Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed amid bombs and bullets.
Bengaluru police on Saturday arrested the prime suspect in the murder case of a 24-year-old woman in her PG accommodation in a posh area in the city. He was arrested from Madhya Pradeshs Bhopal. The accused, identified as Abhishek, is believed to have fled to Bhopal after killing Kriti Kumari, who resided in a PG accommodation in the Koramangala area. He was sent to 10 days of police custody.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said the accused was being brought to Bengaluru on a transit remand. Responding to a question about the possible motive behind the gruesome murder, the official said,  We dont know it yet. He has to be brought here and then we have to take his police custody and a thorough investigation and interrogation has to be conducted only then further details can be shared.

Kriti Kumari was brutally murdered late Tuesday night at her PG accommodation in Bengaluru. Kumari, who worked at a private company in the city, had recently moved into the VR Layout PG in Koramangala.

Days after the 24-year-old woman from Bihar was brutally killed inside her PG in Bengaluru, police managed to access the CCTV footage from the day of the heinous crime. As per the CCTV clip, the accused can be seen entering the PG, he then knocked on the door and slit her throat even as the victim screamed for help. The crime was committed between 11:10 pm and 11:30 pm. The footage also shows the accused escaping from the crime spot.

Police sources have revealed that three special teams were formed to track down the accused. They were meticulously examining the victims mobile phone records, including call details, and scrutinizing CCTV footage from the PG premises.

Preliminary inquiries also suggest a possible romantic angle to the crime. The accused is believed to be the boyfriend of the victim, Kriti Kumaris former roommate.
The Bombay High Court on Friday rejected pleas for default bail or bail on technical grounds filed by five accused, including advocate Surendra Gadling, in the Elgar Parishad Maoist links case.

A division bench of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Shyam Chandak rejected the applications filed by Gadling, Shoma Sen, Mahesh Raut, Sudhir Dhawade and Rona Wilson.

The detailed order is awaited.

Gadling originally filed an application for default bail in 2018 in the sessions court when the Pune police were investigating the case.

The application termed the 90-day extension granted by the sessions court to the police for filing a chargesheet as illegal, and hence, the accused were entitled to bail under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

In his petition before the high court, Gadling claimed the special court did not consider the fact that the Pune court had no jurisdiction to extend the time for completion of the investigation.

Sixteen persons were arrested in the case, including Jesuit priest Stan Swamy, who died at a private hospital while in judicial custody.

The case relates to alleged inflammatory speeches delivered at the Elgar Parishad conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which the police claimed triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial in Pune district.

The Pune police also claimed Maoists backed the conclave. The probe was later transferred to the NIA.
Police in Maharashtras Navi Mumbai are on the lookout for an autorickshaw driver for allegedly sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in his vehicle when the minor was returning home, an official said on Saturday.

The incident occurred on July 23, he said.

The victim, a Class 9 student residing at Mulund in Mumbai, visited Kalwa to attend his swimming classes. While returning home alone around 9.45 pm in an autorickshaw, its driver stopped the vehicle near the Vitava petrol pump and sexually abused him, sub-inspector Rajendra Chitte of Rabale police station said.

His act left the boy shocked and he later told his parents about it. After that, they all approached the police and lodged a complaint against the driver, he said.

A case under the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered and efforts to arrest the driver were on, the official said.
The Uttar Pradesh Police busted a remote rigging racket during the CSIR-NET examination following a raid at the Subharti University in Meerut district, arresting three Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employees. Mobile phones seized from the trio reportedly carried the names and IP addresses of 11 aspirants while two laptops recovered showed Any Desk remote access to the exam centre. While the CSIR-NET exam is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA), TCS is the technology facilitator for it.

On getting a tip-off about rigging in the CSIR-NET exam, the raid was carried out at Meeruts Subharti University on Friday. Our investigation revealed that the server of the computer lab where the exam was being held was breached. During the search, the team recovered one extra computer, which was connected with the examination lab, using Local Area Network (LAN), said Amitabh Yash, UP STF chief and ADG Law and Order, UP Police.

Yash added that two laptops in the server room had Any Desk remote access. We have arrested three TCS employees and have recovered mobile phones from their possession. While scanning the recovered mobile phones, the team found the names of 11 aspirants along with the IP addresses.

It is suspected that the aspirants shared access to their systems with a solver sitting outside the exam centre via Any Desk, a remote desktop software that allows users to access and control devices from anywhere, as if they were using the device locally.

The TCS employees arrested are Arun Sharma and Mohammed Usman, while the third person arrested has not been named yet. Police said the devices recovered from them are being scanned to know identity others involved in the racket.

Subharti University distanced itself from the alleged rigging, stating that it had rented out the lab to TCS. We have given the lab on rent to TCS, which was conducting the exam. The entire responsibility for conducting the exam lies with TCS and hence the university has nothing to do with the rigging, said Additional Registrar Syed Zafar Hussain.

In another statement, the university said it came to know about the alleged rigging at 11am on Friday when the UP STF raided the lab. Subharti University has no connection with the examination. The online examination center has been given on rent to TCS. The test consists of the agencys servers and their employees. Our university has already been closed following the ongoing Kanwar Yatra in the region and hence none of our staff was present on the premises, the statement said.

The university administration said TCS had conducted a mock test the day before and had formatted all the systems and installed their own software after which the lab was locked.

The CSIR-NET exam was held on Friday in two batches. The first batch was from 9am to 12 noon during which the STF team conducted the raid at the university and seized the server. Sources said the second batch was held between 3pm to 6pm using a different server, which the STF had ordered from TCS.

NTA Director-General Pradeep Kharola is learnt to have reached the exam centre along with a team on Friday afternoon upon receiving information of the alleged rigging. There was no response when News18 reached out to his office for comment.

This is the second time that the CSIR-NET, conducted to determine eligibility for junior research fellowship and for post of assistant professor in colleges for science subjects, was scheduled this year after the previous one was cancelled following reports of paper leaks. The exam is conducted by the NTA and was scheduled for July 25 and July 27 across cities.
Preliminary inquiries into the brutal murder of a 24-year-old woman in Bengalurus PG suggest a romantic angle involving the victims former roommate. The prime suspect, Abhishek has been arrested by the police and is believed to be the victim, Kriti Kumaris former roommates boyfriend.

According to an NDTV report, the accused, Abhishek, and his girlfriend, the roommate Kriti, argued frequently about his unemployment. Sometimes, Kriti got involved in their fights which made things worse. After a while, Kriti allegedly suggested her roommate to distance herself from Abhishek.

The relationship soured, therefore, Kriti and her friends started avoiding Abhishek. Some time ago, Abhishek came to the PG and created a commotion following which Kriti helped her roommate shift to a new PG, and both stopped taking his calls. This is believed to have enraged the accused leading him to murder Kriti.

Abhishek was arrested from Madhya Pradeshs Bhopal, where he allegedly fled after committing the gruesome crime.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda said the accused was being brought to Bengaluru on a transit remand. Responding to a question about the possible motive behind the gruesome murder, the official said,  We dont know it yet. He has to be brought here and then we have to take his police custody and a thorough investigation and interrogation has to be conducted only then further details can be shared.

Days after the 24-year-old woman from Bihar was brutally killed inside her PG in Bengaluru, police managed to access the CCTV footage from the day of the heinous crime. As per the CCTV clip, the accused can be seen entering the PG, he then knocked on the door and slit her throat even as the victim screamed for help. The crime was committed between 11:10 pm and 11:30 pm. The footage also shows the accused escaping from the crime spot
A prank carried out by some boys in the name of friendship has left a young man fighting for his life in a critical condition at the hospital. This incident occurred in Ainavolu village of Hanamkonda district, Telangana. A young man from the village had gone to a mechanics shed to get his tractors repaired. Upon hearing that their friend was there, two other friends joined him at the shed. They were all chatting and laughing together. During their conversation, the two friends used a pneumatic hydraulic machine to force air into the young mans rectum. This caused the young man to fall seriously ill as the air entered his colon. His friends immediately rushed him to a hospital. Reports indicate that the young man is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Warangal.

It is said that medical expenses have already exceeded Rs 1 lakh, and the young man will need to stay in the hospital for several more days as he recovers. Elders advise that such pranks, done in the name of friendship, should never be taken lightly, as they can have severe and life-threatening consequences.

In a similar incident, a night of fun and pranks amid colleagues turned tragic after a woman fell off the third floor of a building in Mumbai. She was socialising with her friends that night.

The victim has been identified as Nagina Devi Manjiram and the tragic mishap was captured by CCTV cameras as she fell from the building, leading to an immediate police response. The accident took place at the Globe State Building in Dombivali, which is 30 km from Mumbai, reports stated.

According to the initial investigation, the accident occurred on Thursday. The footage shows how one of her friends, who was there at the site of the accident, also narrowly escaped the same fate but was saved by the prompt reaction of the bystanders who pulled her out.

The Manpada Police have filed an accidental death report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman lambasted West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over her allegations of latters mic being switched off during the ongoing NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi. She said that its unfortunate that a chief minister is framing a false narrative. She urged that Banerjee should speak the truth behind this rather than again build a narrative based on falsehood.

CM Mamata Banerjee attended the NITI Aayog meeting. We all heard her. Every CM was given the allotted time and that was displayed on the screen which was present before every tableShe said in the media that her mic was put off. That is completely false. Every CM was given their due time to speakIts unfortunate that the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee has claimed that her mic was switched off which is not trueShe should speak the truth behind this rather than again build a narrative based on falsehood, news agency ANI quoted Sitharaman as saying.

#WATCH | On West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees allegations, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, CM Mamata Banerjee attended the Niti Aayog meeting. We all heard her. Every CM was given the allotted time and that was displayed on the screen which was present before pic.twitter.com/IxnO4NXj8l ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

Her remarks came after Banerjee alleged that her that her microphone was deliberately switched off when she started speaking about the allocation of funds for the state. She then walked out of the ongoing meeting.

I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am there from the opposition and you are stopping me from speakingThis is not only the insult of Bengal but also of all regional parties she alleged.

#WATCH | Delhi: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am pic.twitter.com/53U8vuPDpZ ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

Banerjee further said that she was the only opposition voice at the meeting but claimed she was still not given proper time while other speakers before her spoke for 10-15 mins, including Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu who she said spoke for around 20 minutes.

I dont have any problem with them giving special attention to some states. I asked why were they discriminating against other states. This should be reviwed. I am speaking for all the states. I said that we are the ones who work while they only give directions, she said.

The chief minister said that the move is an insult to all the regional parties, and she walked out of the ongoing meeting. She further said that she will never attend any NITI Aayog meeting in future.

However, the government in a statement said it is a misleading claim by the CM that her microphone was switched off. Claim that microphone of West Bengal CM was switched off during the meeting correct. The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it. Alphabetically, her turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of West Bengal government as she had to return early, the PIB said in a post on X.

It is being claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal was switched off during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog#PIBFactCheck This claim is #Misleading  The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it pic.twitter.com/P4N3oSOhBk  PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 27, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired the ninth governing council meeting of the public policy think-tank to discuss making India a developed nation by 2047 on agenda.

In the meeting, the prime minister said that Viksit Bharat is ambition of every Indian. States can play an active role to achieve this aim as they are directly connected with the people.

This decade is of changes, technological & geo-political, and also of opportunities. India should grab these opportunities and make our policies conducive for international investments. This is the stepping stone for progress to make India a developed nation, the Aayog posted on X citing the prime minister.

This decade is of changes, technological & geo-political, and also of opportunities. India should grab these opportunities and make our policies conducive for international investments. This is the stepping stone for progress to make India a developed nation: Prime Minister NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) July 27, 2024

Union minister and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi also condemned Banerjees act. I have not seen what has happened in the (NITI Aayog) meeting. I can only say this so-called INDI alliance is not at all an alliance because Mamata did not give a single seat to Congress in West Bengal. They are not able to digest the mandate of the people, they are crying foul, he said to ANI.

Opposition reacts:

Meanwhile, the opposition leaders slammed the Narendra Modi-led Centre on Banerjees allegations.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin condemned the act and questioned that is it a way to treat an elected chief minister in a meeting.

Is this #CooperativeFederalism? Is this the way to treat a Chief Minister? The Union BJP government must understand that opposition parties are an integral part of our democracy and should not be treated as enemies to be silenced. Cooperative Federalism requires dialogue and respect for all voices, he said in a post on X.

Is this #CooperativeFederalism?Is this the way to treat a Chief Minister? The Union BJP government must understand that opposition parties are an integral part of our democracy and should not be treated as enemies to be silenced. Cooperative Federalism requires dialogue and https://t.co/Y6TKmLUElG  M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 27, 2024

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury hit out at Mamata Banerjee and said that the latter went to the meeting just for a show. He said that everyone in the opposition requested her not to attend the meeting but she gave clear signal that she will do drama.

Several opposition-ruled states chief ministers, including Tamil Nadus MK Stalin, Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, decided to give it a miss as a mark of protest against the Union budget which, they alleged, was anti-federal in spirit and extremely discriminatory towards their states.

Defying the opposition alliances stand, Banerjee had decided to attend the meeting. She said that she would join the meeting and use the opportunity to register her protest against a discriminatory budget and the conspiracy to divide West Bengal and other opposition-ruled states.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the ongoing NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi, accusing that her microphone was deliberately switched off when she started speaking about the allocation of funds for the state.

I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am there from the opposition and you are stopping me from speakingThis is not only the insult of Bengal but also of all regional parties she alleged.

#WATCH | Delhi: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am pic.twitter.com/53U8vuPDpZ ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

Banerjee said she was the only opposition voice at the meeting but claims she was still not given proper time while other speakers before her spoke for 10-15 mins, including Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu who she said spoke for around 20 minutes.

I dont have any problem with them giving special attention to some states. I asked why were they discriminating against other states. This should be reviwed. I am speaking for all the states. I said that we are the ones who work while they only give directions, she said.

The chief minister said that the move is an insult to all the regional parties, and she walked out of the ongoing meeting. She further said that she will never attend any NITI Aayog meeting in future.

Banerjee further said, I was the only one from the Opposition ruled states who had gone there. They should have given me 30 minutesAt the beginning of the meeting, Rajnath Singh said that everyone should present their views in 5-7 minutes but I was not even given 7 minutes to speak. Their people were given 20 minutes, they got special packages and privileges but others got 0 minutes. I did the right thing by boycotting the meeting. I will not let them insult Bengal. I stand strongly with the Opposition parties running the government in other states.

#WATCH | On NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, I said you (central government) should not discriminate against state governments. I wanted to speak but I was allowed to speak only for 5 minutes. People before me spoke for 10-20 minutes. I was pic.twitter.com/nOgNQ9jnRd ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

Meanwhile, the government in a statement said it is a misleading claim by the CM that her microphone was switched off. Claim that microphone of West Bengal CM was switched off during the meeting correct. The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it. Alphabetically, her turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of West Bengal government as she had to return early, the PIB said in a post on X.

Maybe she wanted the allotted time of all opposition CMs, claiming she as the only opposition face present at the meeting. The same is not possible. NITI Aayog meeting has a format. The meeting has a specific agenda, the government sources said.

It is being claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal was switched off during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog#PIBFactCheck This claim is #Misleading  The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it pic.twitter.com/P4N3oSOhBk  PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 27, 2024

The BJP also reacted to Banerjees action and said that some people from opposition have made NITI Aayog a platform to boycott. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said Banerjee was in competition with the Congress to politicise every platform through the politics of opposing everything. Banerjee had earlier said she will leave the meeting if she was not allowed to put across her point of view there.

Union minister Pralhad Joshi also condemned Banerjees act. I have not seen what has happened in the (NITI Aayog) meeting. I can only say this so-called INDI alliance is not at all an alliance because Mamata did not give a single seat to Congress in West Bengal. They are not able to digest the mandate of the people, they are crying foul, he said to ANI.

According to the sources, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) would protest inside and outside the Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon session over the insult of the state and its chief minister.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accused Bengal CM Banerjee of spreading falsehood. Taking to her official X account, she said, We all heard Hon. CM @MamataOfficial. She spoke her full time. The screen in front of our tables kept showing the time. A few other CMs spoke beyond their allotted time. On their own request, extra time was allowed without any fuss. Mikes were not switched off, not for anybody, particularly, not for CM, WB. Mamata ji has chosen to spread falsehood.

I was happy she attended. Was happier when she said she is speaking for Bengal and in fact for the entire opposition. I may agree or disagree with what she had to say. But now with her saying baseless things outside, I can only conclude that she is making an effort to keep I.N.D.I alliance happy, she added.

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar strongly condemned Bengal CMs walkout and called it pre-planned. Taking to X, he said, So the walkout by CM @MamataOfficial was pre-planned. Its sad that a CM, who could have spoken for the people of Bengal, chose drama over substance in Delhi. This shows she is not serious about the needs of Bengal and is only interested in theatrics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chairing the ninth governing council meeting of NITI Aayog on Saturday, to discuss making India a developed nation by 2047 on agenda.

Several opposition-ruled states chief ministers, including Tamil Nadus MK Stalin, Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, decided to give it a miss as a mark of protest against the Union budget which, they alleged, was anti-federal in spirit and extremely discriminatory towards their states.

Defying the opposition alliances stand, Banerjee had decided to attend the meeting. She said that she would join the meeting and use the opportunity to register her protest against a discriminatory budget and the conspiracy to divide West Bengal and other opposition-ruled states.

The attitude of their ministers and BJP leaders is such that they want to divide Bengal. Along with economic blockade, they want to impose a geographical blockade. Different leaders are giving different statements to divide Jharkhand, Bihar, and Bengal. We condemn this. We want to record our voice and I will be there to do so, Banerjee had said.

Before the meeting started, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren also did not turn up for the meeting, leaving only Banerjee as the opposition voice at the meeting.

She had also called out the scrapping of public policy think-tank brought by the Modi government and restoring the Planning Commission. Since the NITI Aayog has been planned, I have not seen a single work being done because they dont have any power. Earlier, there was a Planning Commission. As a chief minister at that time I saw there was a system. I will raise my voice that stop this NITI Aayog. They do not have any financial power. They cannot do anything, only hold meeting once a year to show their face. Please bring back the Planning Commission again, Banerjee said, she said.

The council with prime minister as the chairperson, comprises of all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers.

(With inputs from Aman Sharma)
Amid the ongoing nameplate row around the Kanwar Yatra, another controversy was sparked after large white cloths were draped over the facades of two mosques and a Mazar in Uttarakhands Haridwar.

The cloth was draped in mosques located along the Kanwar Yatra route on Friday to prevent trouble. However, the clothes were taken down by evening amid widespread criticism.

The cloths were installed on bamboo scaffolding in front of the religious sites in the Jwalapur area.

Calling it an unprecedented move, several local religious leaders, including the mosques maulana and the Mazars caretakers, told PTI that they did not receive any official orders about covering the structures.

Shakeel Ahmad, a caretaker at the Mazar, said no one consulted them about the coverings and mentioned that Kanwariyas often rest under the shade of religious sites.

While Haridwars senior police officials and the district magistrate were unavailable for comment, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj explained that the coverings were intended to maintain peace.

Its just a precaution to avoid any potential issues, he said, comparing it to covering buildings under construction.

Local authorities removed the clothes in response to objections from community members and politicians. Danish Ali, a special police officer assigned for the yatra, said they were instructed by the railway police post to take down the coverings.

The move soon turned into a political controversy with Congress leader and former minister Naeem Qureshi expressing shock noting that Muslims in Haridwar have always welcomed Kanwar devotees and this was the first time such measures were taken.

He further emphasised that there has always been harmony between Hindus and Muslims during the auspicious Kanwar yatra.

Former district panchayat president Rao Afaque Ali also criticised the decision, questioning if similar actions might be taken against temples in the future.

Uttarakhand Congress vice president Suryakant Dhasmana later condemned the action as contempt of the Supreme Court, pointing out that the court had stayed an earlier order requiring businesses along the route to display their caste and religious identity.

The leader also accused the ruling BJP of failing to learn from past electoral defeats and of pursuing divisive politics, which he said has been rejected by voters.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, accusing that her microphone was deliberately switched off when she started speaking about the allocation of funds for the state.

I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am there from the opposition and you are stopping me from speakingThis is not only the insult of Bengal but also of all regional parties she alleged.

Spreading Falsehood: Finance Minister Sitharaman Slams Banerjee

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accused Bengal CM Banerjee of spreading falsehood. Taking to her official X account, she said, We all heard Hon. CM @MamataOfficial. She spoke her full time. The screen in front of our tables kept showing the time. A few other CMs spoke beyond their allotted time. On their own request, extra time was allowed without any fuss. Mikes were not switched off, not for anybody, particularly, not for CM, WB. Mamata ji has chosen to spread falsehood.

I was happy she attended. Was happier when she said she is speaking for Bengal and in fact for the entire opposition. I may agree or disagree with what she had to say. But now with her saying baseless things outside, I can only conclude that she is making an effort to keep I.N.D.I alliance happy, she added.

What Eyewitnesses Told News18

Eye witnesses (CMs) who were present in the meeting, told Network 18 that once Banerjees time of seven minutes was over, there was a small bell, which rang after which she caught up jiffy and just left.

They further said that she did not even wait for anybody, including Rajnath Singh, who was asking chief ministers to even give her a minute or two extra.

In fact, a couple of other chief ministers who had exceeded that time asked for an extension and they were given so by Rajnath Singh, they added.

Many NDA ruled chief ministers felt that this was a pre-meditated move by Mamata Banerjee to create a controversy.

BJP Leaders Slam Bengal CMs Move

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar strongly condemned Bengal CMs walkout and called it pre-planned. Taking to X, he said, So the walkout by CM @MamataOfficial was pre-planned. Its sad that a CM, who could have spoken for the people of Bengal, chose drama over substance in Delhi. This shows she is not serious about the needs of Bengal and is only interested in theatrics.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also took to X and said, In the NITI Aayog meeting, I spoke for exactly 7 minutes and 30 seconds, exceeding the allotted time of 7 minutes.

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday played down West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees allegation that her mike was turned off when she was speaking at the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi, stating that it was not a national issue. Puri, while speaking at a press conference in Ahmedabad on the Union Budget, organised by the Gujarat BJP said, I was not inside, and dont know how much time was given (for her to speak).

But it is also said in Parliament that the mike has been turned off. It so happens that the mike is turned on when speaking. I do not know much about it. I have no idea how long she spoke. But I am certain that this is not a national issue, whether you spoke for 15 minutes or 18 minutes, he added.

Opposition Supports Bengal CM

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stood by Mamata Banerjees move and said that the treatment of the West Bengal CM today at the meeting was unacceptable. He said, It (NITI Aayog meeting) muzzles all divergent and dissenting viewpoints, which are the very essence of an open democracy. Its meetings are a farce to be reckoned with. Its treatment of the West Bengal CM today, although typical of the NITI Aayog, is unacceptable.

Since it was established ten years ago, NITI Aayog has been an attached office of the PMO and has functioned as a drumbeater for the non-biological PM.It has not advanced the cause of cooperative federalism in any manner. Its functioning has been blatantly partisan, and it is  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 27, 2024

PM Modi Chairs NITI Aayog Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the ninth governing council meeting of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) on Saturday, to discuss making India a developed nation by 2047 on agenda.

In the meeting, the prime minister said that Viksit Bharat is ambition of every Indian. States can play an active role to achieve this aim as they are directly connected with the people.

Viksit Bharat @ 2047 is ambition of every Indian. States can play an active role to achieve this aim as they are directly connected with the people: Prime Minister @narendramodi at the 9th Governing Council Meeting of #NITIAayog. The Governing Council Meeting is being attended by NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) July 27, 2024

The meeting also focussed on the recommendations of the third National Conference of chief secretaries, which was held in December last year.

The council with prime minister as the chairperson, comprises of all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers.

However, several opposition-ruled states chief ministers, including Tamil Nadus MK Stalin, Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, have decided to give it a miss as a mark of protest against the Union budget which, they alleged, was anti-federal in spirit and extremely discriminatory towards their states.

However, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, decided to carve a niche away from the opposition alliance with her decision to attend the NITI Aayog meeting. But she walked out of the ongoing meeting accusing that her microphone was deliberately switched off when she started speaking about the allocation of funds for the state.

Following are the top updates:

 Several INDIA bloc chief ministers, includes Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin of the DMK, Kerala Chief Minister and CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party and all three Congress chief ministers  Karnatakas Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradeshs Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telanganas Revanth Reddy, have decided to boycott the meeting after they slammed the Centre for its biased budget to accommodate allies JD(U) and TDP.

 On boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, Stalin said, The budget presented by the Finance Minister seems like a vengeful act against the states and people who boycotted the BJP. She has prepared a budget to take revenge against those who voted for the INDIA bloc. The union BJP govt is disregarding Tamil Nadu continuously.

 However, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, decided to carve a niche away from the opposition alliance with her decision to attend the NITI Aayog meeting.

 Banerjee said that she would join the meeting and use the opportunity to register her protest against a discriminatory budget and the conspiracy to divide West Bengal and other opposition-ruled states.

 According to TMC, the Centre owes Bengal Rs 1,76,000 crore and the state is struggling to pay Awas Yojana and MGNREGA dues. Party insiders believe the Aayog meeting will be the right platform for the chief minister to raise the issue.

 The attitude of their ministers and BJP leaders is such that they want to divide Bengal. Along with economic blockade, they want to impose a geographical blockade. Different leaders are giving different statements to divide Jharkhand, Bihar, and Bengal. We condemn this. We want to record our voice and I will be there to do so, Banerjee said.

 Mamata Banerjee also slammed the public policy think-tank brought by the Modi government and demanded the scrapping of the Aayog and restoring the Planning Commission. Since the NITI Aayog has been planned, I have not seen a single work being done because they dont have any power. Earlier, there was a Planning Commission. As a chief minister at that time I saw there was a system. I will raise my voice that stop this NITI Aayog. They do not have any financial power. They cannot do anything, only hold meeting once a year to show their face. Please bring back the Planning Commission again, Banerjee said, she said.

 Additionally, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren also stood by the alliances decision to boycott the meeting. The suspense prevailed over his participation in the meeting. He cited states neglect in the Union Budget as a major reason. The state owes Rs 1 lakh 36 thousand crore from the central government.

 However, the BJP slammed the opposition parties for boycotting the key meeting. Party leader CR Kesavan hit out at the opposition and said that they are betraying the very spirit of cooperative federalism, wrecking the well-being and harming the interest of the respective states and people by trying to use them as political pawns. The obstructive opposition, with its shameful boycott, is indulging in dangerous, divisive federalism. This is not just irresponsible or untenable, the oppositions behaviour is undemocratic. The fundamental difference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the crooked Congress and the INDI alliance is this. For the prime minister, desh comes first comes first. But for the INDI alliance, hatred comes first. This is very unfortunate. he said.

 On Congress and opposition CMs boycotting NITI Aayog meeting, Union MoS L Murugan said, MK Stalin always gives false hope to the people of Tamil Nadu. He is always confused and he wants to create a political drama in the name of NEETMK Stalin is boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, and this is a total failure of democracy.

 Chief ministers from the BJP-ruled states are set to attend the meeting. However, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, an NDA ally, has not confirmed his attendance yet.

(With inputs from agencies)
In the five-year period between 2019 and 2023, almost two people were killed in man-elephant conflict, with the highest number of deaths reported last year, official data analysed by News18 shows. Meanwhile, one person died per week in India in the tiger-human conflict between the 2019 and 2023 period.

The numbers from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change show that 2,853 humans have been killed since 2019 in conflict with elephants. At least 628 were killed in the calendar year 2023 alone  accounting for almost two deaths per day. The lowest was in 2020 when 471 lives were claimed in elephant-human conflict  more than one per day.

A total of 349 humans were killed in tiger attacks across the country between 2019 and 2023. Calendar year 2022 saw the highest number of these deaths at 110, the data shows.

Among the states, Odisha (624), Jharkhand (474) and West Bengal (436) have reported the highest human deaths in conflict with elephants between the 2019-23 period. These states were accountable for almost half of the deaths in the elephant-human conflict during the said period.

On the other hand, with 200 human deaths in tiger attacks between 2019-2023, Maharashtra tops the chart in casualties in the conflict with the big cat. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh (59); Madhya Pradesh (27) and Karnataka (14). These states account for 300 deaths collectively out of the 349 deaths in tiger-human conflicts.

Death of animals in the conflict

A total of 519 elephants were killed by human actions and interventions between 2018-19 and 2022-23, the ministry data shows. Electrocution, with 376 deaths, has been the biggest contributor in elephant deaths.

On the other hand, 628 tigers have died across the country since 2019. The breakdown of the tiger deaths due to human interventions was not available. As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), 2023 saw the highest number of tiger deaths in India at 178.

Human-wildlife conflict

The major reasons, according to the ministry, for the human-wildlife conflict were degradation and fragmentation of the habitat, depletion of natural prey base, resource use in the wildlife habitat by human beings for various reasons like grazing, fuel wood, grass removal and exploitation of wild fruits.

Also, increase in population of wild animals due to sustained protection efforts also results in these conflicts apart from change in crop patterns, presence of stray dogs and cattle in forest fringe areas.

A number of steps were taken by the Union government to provide financial assistance to states and Union Territories under the Development of Wildlife Habitats and Project Tiger and Elephant for management of wildlife and its habitat in the country.

Various other centrally sponsored schemes being implemented by the ministry contribute to the improvement in the natural habitat of elephants by augmenting water sources, planting of fodder trees, and regeneration of bamboo. Such schemes include Development of Wildlife Habitat and Project Tiger.

The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act 2016 and the rules made under that also provide for use of the fund for development of wildlife habitats, including for elephants, and establishment of animal rescue centres, which also contribute to reduction in human elephant conflict.
In the latest development to the row of Mamata Banerjee walking out of the NITI Aayog meeting on Saturday, Chief Executive Officer of the government agency, B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, dismissed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees claim that her microphone was switched off while speaking at the meeting.

Subrahmanyam clarified that every Chief Minister was given a designated speaking time, which was displayed on screens at their tables. He further said that the time allotted to the Bengal CM had ended.

While addressing a press conference after the NITI Aayog meeting, the CEO of NITI Aayog said that Banerjee was requested to speak early before lunch and it was accepted.

He said, The Chief Minister of West Bengal requested to be given a turn before lunchtime. Im just putting facts on the ground, no interpretations. It was a clear request from their side because normally we would have gone alphabetically, starting with Andhra Pradesh, then Arunachal Pradesh. We adjusted, and the Defence Minister called her in just before Gujarat. So, she made her statement.

Every Chief Minister is allotted seven minutes, and theres a clock on top of the screen that shows the remaining time. It goes from seven to six to five to four to three. At the end, it shows zero. Nothing else happened. Then she said she would have liked to speak for more time but chose not to. That was it. We all heard her points respectfully, and they will be reflected in the minutes. The Chief Secretary continued to attend the meeting even after she left to catch a flight to Calcutta, Subrahmanyam added.

The CEO also pointed out that as many as 10 states and UTs did not participate in the ninth Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog on Saturday which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting was attended by 26 participants including Chief Ministers and Lt Governors of UTs, he said while briefing the media.

The absentees were Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Puducherry, he said adding It is their loss if they did not participate. Regarding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who walked out of the meeting, Subrahmanyam said her request to speak before lunch was accepted although her turn would have come in the afternoon going in the alphabetical order of the states.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, accusing that her microphone was deliberately switched off when she started speaking about the allocation of funds for the state.

I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am there from the opposition and you are stopping me from speakingThis is not only the insult of Bengal but also of all regional parties she alleged.

(with agency inputs)
A soldier and a terrorist were killed after an encounter broke out between the Army and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara region Saturday morning.

The exchange of fire took place on a forward post in Kamkari, Macchal Sector in Kupwara near the Line of Control (LoC), the Army said. According to the defence officials, five army personnel including a Major rank officer suffered were injured and one terrorist was killed. However, one soldier succumbed to his injuries soon after.

In a post on X, Indian Armys Chinar Corps issued a statement saluting the sacrifice of the braveheart.

Their valour lives on, inspiring countless souls, even as they rest in eternal peace. All Ranks of the #ChinarCorps salute the supreme #sacrifice of #Braveheart Rfn Mohit Rathour who laid down his life in the line of duty, today in the Kupwara Sector, on the Line of Control. #ChinarWarriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolence and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family, it said.

Their valour lives on, inspiring countless souls, even as they rest in eternal peace.All Ranks of the #ChinarCorps salute the supreme #sacrifice of #Braveheart Rfn Mohit Rathour who laid down his life in the line of duty, today in the Kupwara Sector, on the Line of Control. pic.twitter.com/uGrmIMsxbV  Chinar Corps  Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) July 27, 2024

The officials said that this was a Border Action Team (BAT) action. In the morning hours, a BAT team with 2-3 armed personnel attacked an Indian army bunker in the area. The intruders took advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along the LoC.

Two intruders managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid the intense gunfight that lasted for hours, the army said. Identification and affiliation of this Pakistani National is being ascertained, it added.

However, all the five injured army personnel have been shifted to the hospital, while some have been airlifted for medical treatment.

The BAT generally comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army and terrorists.

Earlier on Wednesday, another encounter took place between the Army and terrorists in Kupwara in which a soldier and a terrorist were killed. The Army launched a joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kowut, Kupwara. The terrorists launched the attack on the troops on Wednesday. In the firefight, a soldier was injured and one terrorist was killed. However, the soldier succumbed to his injuries soon after.

Earlier on Tuesday, another in infiltration attempt by terrorists was foiled by the Army in Battal sector, in which a soldier was injured in the exchange of fire, and later succumbed to injuries.
A 16-year-old class 11 student was found dead in the dormitory of a private school in Delhi. The boy allegedly died by suicide due to some study-related concerns, the police said.

The boys body was discovered by the police early on Friday. The preliminary probe suggests that the student, identified as Kunal Rai, a resident of Delhis Nagloi area, was reportedly distressed over friends leaving for another school.

Rai, who wanted to pursue science as his stream was upset as his friends shifted to another school and got to study science while his school did not offer science as a stream to the students.

Police revealed that the student had been advised by his father to remain at the school and continue with his studies in the arts stream but the boy felt isolated and disheartened, allegedly acting on his feelings of loneliness and frustration.

His father had counselled him to continue in the school in the arts stream. The boy was feeling lonely and was upset. On July 25, around 6 am, he committed suicide by hanging himself from an iron bar of a ceiling with a piece of cloth torn out from a bed sheet, the police officer said.

Distressed by the fact, Kunal took his own life by hanging from an iron bar in the ceiling using a piece of cloth from a bed sheet. A visible ligature mark was found on his neck, indicating the cause of death.

Following a postmortem examination, the body was returned to the family. No evidence of foul play has been detected.

Authorities have launched an inquest under section 194 of the BNSS to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday ordered a Muslim girl to be sent to Nari Niketan in Lucknow, despite her request to be with her Hindu live-in partner/husband.

Noting the uncertainty about the girls exact age and her mothers claim that her minor daughter had been forcibly taken by the Hindu man, the court found it appropriate to send the girl to Nari Niketan to prevent any potential issues. The HC also ordered a radiological examination to determine her age.

The girls mother had filed a habeas corpus petition, alleging that her daughter had been kidnapped by the Hindu man and was in his illegal custody. During the hearing on Tuesday, the mother claimed she had attempted to file a case against the man and had filed an application before the Commissioner of Police, Lucknow, on July 15, but no action had been taken. In response, the court had ordered the Commissioner of Police to appear in person on Wednesday.

The Commissioner appeared with the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) and apologised for the laxity on the part of the SHO. He also assured the court that he would personally monitor such cases and direct all SHOs in Lucknow to be more vigilant.

Further, the SHO of Jankipuram police station told the court he had been vigilant and had tried to mediate between the parties. He submitted that in the investigation, he had found that the Muslim girl and the Hindu man were in a relationship and had married, though the validity of the marriage agreement was unverified.

He also apprised the court that despite the girls request to go with her partner, he had not allowed her as her age was unclear.

Furthermore, the girls mother contended before the court that the alleged marriage agreement, dated January 16, 2024, stated her daughters birth date as January 1, 2000, which was impossible as her own marriage took place in 2002. She accused the Hindu man of forging her daughters date of birth.

Justice Shamim Ahmed concluded that since the girl and the man were not legally husband and wife, and there was no evidence validating their marriage agreement, it was improper to send the girl with the man.

(Such relationships) are not acceptable in the society and we are not living in a western country, where this type of relationship is very popular and common among the citizens, We live in country, where people believe in culture and traditions, which is the crown of our country and we are proud of it, therefore, we have to respect the traditions and culture of our country (sic), said the judge.

Consequently, the HC sent the girl to Nari Niketan and directed the SHO of Jankipuram police station to take appropriate action against the Hindu man for forging documents.

The case will be heard next on August 16, with the court ordering the Superintendent of Nari Niketan to present the girl in person.
In recent years, the culinary landscape in India has experienced a remarkable transformation. Diners are expanding their palates, embracing international flavors while cherishing their rich culinary heritage. This dynamic shift is vividly reflected in the menus of restaurants and catering businesses, where fusion cuisines and innovative dishes are taking center stage.

A Vibrant Shift in Culinary Preferences

Anup Agarwal, Co-Founder, CaterNinja, has keenly observed this trend. Nowadays, from local favorites to global delights, I have witnessed a vibrant shift among Indian diners regarding their culinary preferences. For food businesses, it has become imperative to be passionate about curating experiences that blend international flavors with Indian culinary heritage, catering to the diverse palates of customers, he notes.

Whether its a corporate luncheon, a house party, a wedding, or a festive celebration, the emphasis is on delivering exceptional gastronomic experiences that transcend borders. Agarwal emphasizes, As every dish or fusion cuisine tells a story of craftsmanship and authenticity, brands are embracing innovation to cherish and keep traditional recipes alive.

Fusion Cuisines: Crafting Memorable Dining Journeys

The fusion of Indo-global cuisines, often crafted with locally sourced ingredients, resonates with modern Indias cosmopolitan spirit. CaterNinja and similar ventures are dedicated to not just serving meals but creating memorable dining journeys, whether at home or in the office. Each bite should be a testament to the dedication to quality and creativity, says Agarwal.

This approach has led to a diverse array of culinary offerings, from Italian-infused entrees to Thai-inspired appetizers. Businesses need to embark on a flavorful expedition that celebrates the best of both worlds, where global influences meet local preferences, ensuring every event is a gastronomic delight, Agarwal adds.

The Art of Flavor Pairing

Chef Saurabh Sharan, Guppy delves deeper into the art of flavor pairing. At Guppy, we believe that the art of flavor pairing is what distinguishes a good chef from a great one. Cooking includes experimenting and a lot more of expressing, he says. Guppy strives to create a harmonious blend of international flavors and traditional Japanese tastes, offering a truly satisfying dining experience for their discerning patrons.

To cater to the growing trend of fusion cuisine, Guppy has meticulously curated a menu that showcases a blend of traditional Japanese flavors and innovative international influences. For example, we have introduced items like shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, and kadaknath chicken, which not only add visual appeal but also introduce new layers of flavor to our traditional Japanese dishes, Sharan explains.

Dynamic and Responsive Menus

Incorporating trending international cuisines and ingredients ensures that Guppys menu remains dynamic and responsive to evolving customer preferences. We have also incorporated trending international cuisines and ingredients, ensuring that our menu remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving preferences of our customers, says Sharan.

This dedication to innovation and quality is key to meeting the expectations of Indian consumers who seek variety and novelty in their dining experiences. The blending of global influences with local preferences creates a unique and delightful culinary journey that continues to captivate and satisfy diners across India.

In conclusion, the embrace of international flavors by Indian diners marks a significant evolution in the countrys culinary scene. With passionate chefs and visionary entrepreneurs at the helm, the future of Indian dining promises to be an exciting fusion of tradition and innovation, offering gastronomic delights that cater to the diverse and ever-evolving tastes of modern India.
After the massive success of Guns and Gulaabs Netflix teams up once again with celebrated creator duo Raj & DK to bolster their creative partnership for its first action-fantasy series, Rakt Bramhand  The Bloody Kingdom. For this ambitious project, Raj & DK partner with director Rahi Anil Barve and long-time collaborator Sita R Menon, under their production company, D2R Films.

The series promises a gripping, edgy narrative set against the backdrop of a fantastical kingdom with bloody action and spectacular visuals. Filming for the series commences soon. Stay tuned for the official cast announcement.

Have a look at the official announcement:

Speaking of their exciting collaboration with Netflix, Raj & DK share, This is uncharted territory which makes it all the more thrilling for us! Our goal is to develop a fictional world that is both original and reminiscent of the fantastical tales we have heard in our childhood. We are having an amazing time working with the very talented Rahi and our uber versatile partner Sita to bring this unique vision to life. Working with Netflix has been excellent and we have their enthusiastic support to back the unconventional vision for Rakt Bramhand!

Monika Shergill, Vice-President Content Netflix India said, After the outstanding success of the genre bending Guns & Gulaabs, were thrilled to team up with the masterful duo of Raj & DK for another defining series. Rakt Bramhand  The Bloody Kingdom will be Netflix Indias first ever mega action-fantasy series and is set to redefine the genre by combining grand-scale action with a thrilling storyline. With creative geniuses like Raj & DK, and the highly talented Rahi Anil Barve leading the project, we are eager to bring this epic adventure to life and entertain audiences everywhere.

Witness the spectacular fusion of action and fantasy with Netflixs latest venture with Raj & DK.
Janhvi Kapoor is gearing up for her next release  Ulajh. The espionage thriller, set to hit the theatres on August 2, will see the actress performing some high-octane stunts. Veteran stunt director Nick Powell was roped in to choreograph these action scenes. In a video shared by the makers on Instagram, the stunt director talked about training Janhvi for her action sequences.

Janhvi is so feminine and making her do an action sequence and trying to make her look as someone who is punching people, hurting them, of course, because she is afraid and does not intend to hurt them deliberately was difficult, Nick said in the video.

Nick Powell is known for his work in acclaimed international films like The Bourne Identity, Gladiator, and Tom Cruise starrer The Last Samurai.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Junglee Pictures (@jungleepictures)

The gripping trailer of Ulajh, offering cinephiles to enjoy a glimpse of the film, was released earlier this month. The National Award Winner Sudhanshu Sarias directorial revolves around the high-stakes world of Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and diplomats. It features Janhvi Kapoor as Suhana Bhatia, a young diplomat who navigates the complexities of her job while being entangled in a treacherous personal conspiracy during a crucial assignment at the Indian Embassy in London.

Produced under the banner of Junglee Pictures, the film also stars Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, Rajesh Tailang and Meiyang Chang in key roles. Parveez Shaikh and Sudhanshu Saria have written the film.

In a media interaction, Janhvi Kapoor shared her thoughts on the intense preparation for the film. She opined, IFS officer training is more focused on diplomacy, maintaining international relations, and strategic thinking using words. Through Ulajh, I gained insight into the skill sets required to be an IFS officer. For my character Suhana in Ulajh, we kept this authenticity intact. While I didnt undergo combat training, Nick Powell ensured that the essential action training went more in the zone and authentic for an IFS.
The greatly anticipated film Dharmaveer 2, starring Prasad Oak and Pravin Tarde, is eagerly awaited by the public. Now, it has been reported that the films release has been rescheduled. The Marathi and Hindi versions of the movie Dharmaveer  2 were slated for release on August 9. It has been delayed because of intense rains in Maharashtra. Pravin Tarde, the films director, explained the reasons behind it in a social media post. The flood-like situation in the state has led the makers to postpone the films release. Its new release date is still unknown.

Actor Pravin Vitthal Tarde recently posted a movie poster on Instagram with the caption, In view of the flood situation in the state, we are postponing the movie exhibition date We will inform the exhibition date soon. He also write in another post: Mangesh Desai, you grew up as a producer but today you also grew up as a human being. How can I release the movie when Maharashtra is in tears due to rain-flood situation. I respect your sentiment.

The post got a lot of reaction from fans and followers. Lots of people reacted emotionally after seeing the post. One person commented, We will wait for the new date brother. Another fan commented, Best decision looking forward to new date. Another user commented, Everyone is in a very bad situation, feeling very proud of you to say that the decision you took was right.

For the previous few days, movie enthusiasts have been eagerly waiting for Dharamveer 2. Salman Khan released the trailer a few days ago. The movies music, teaser, and trailer are receiving positive reviews from every fan and follower. Mangesh Desai produced the film, which was directed and written by Pravin Tarde. Prasad Oak will reprise his role as Dharmaveer Anand Dighe, while Kshitish Date will portray Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister.
Actor Sai Dharam Tej extended his financial support to one of the senior actresses, Pavala Shyamala, who has faced challenging times. The actor has provided financial assistance through the Film Journalist Association.

He made the promise earlier to aid those in need within the industry. This act of Sai Durga Tej is a testament to his integrity and unwavering commitment to helping the less fortunate. The financial assistance amounting to one lakh rupees was handed over to the actress.

Pavala Shyamala was overwhelmed by the support she had received and expressed her gratitude through tears. She also spoke to Sai Durga Tej on a video call. The actor also assured her of continued support and promised that he and the entire industry would be there for her.

The actress also recalled the financial support she received from actor Chiranjeevi.

The actor condemned YouTuber Praneeth Hanumantu, who made inappropriate remarks about child sexual abuse. Taking to X, he wrote, This is beyond gruesome, disgusting and scary. Monsters like these go unnoticed on the very much utilised social platform doing child abuse in the disguise of so-called Fun & Dank. Child Safety is the need of the hour. He also urged authorities and officials to take necessary action to curb horrific acts like this in the future.

This is beyond gruesome, disgusting and scary.Monsters like these go unnoticed on the very much utilised social platform doing child abuse in the disguise of so-called Fun & Dank.Child Safety is the need of the hour  I sincerely request Hon'ble Chief Minister of Telangana https://t.co/05GdKW1F0s  Sai Dharam Tej (@IamSaiDharamTej) July 7, 2024

The actor made his debut in the industry with the film Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham in 2014. The film emerged as a huge box-office success. He later worked in several films like Chitralahari, Jawaan, Prati Roju Pandage, and Solo Brathuke So Better, among others.

He made a heroic comeback with the film Virupaksha. Released in the first half of 2023, the film was a box-office success. The actor was last seen in Samuthirakanis Bro, which also starred Pawan Kalyan. Tej will be next seen in Gaanja Shankar, directed by Sampath Nandi. The film will feature Sai Dharam Tej and Pooja Hegde in lead roles.
In a big development in the Salman Khan house firing case, it has now been reported that a special court in Mumbai has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnois brother, Anmol Bishnoi. Besides this, another warrant has also been issued against a person named Rohit Godera, who is an alleged member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Anmol and Rohit have been absconding ever since the Mumbai police named them in the charge-sheet related to the case earlier this month. Considering the same, special judge for Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) cases, B D Shelke issued a standing non-bailable warrant against Anmol and Godera.

This comes a day after it was reported that jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnois brother Anmol Bishnoi had given a nine-minute long motivational speech to shooters before they opened fire at the Bollywood superstars residence.

Reportedly, the chargesheet filed by the Mumbai polices crime branch mentioned that Anmol Bishnoi had told the two shooters  Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal that they should do the work well because it will script history. Do this work well. After the work is completed, you guys will script history, he told the shooters, according to the 1,735-page chargesheet, accessed by NDTV.

Do not be afraid at all while doing this work. Doing this work means bringing a change in the society, Anmol Bishnoi added. While the speech was given by an audio message, the shooters were asked to fire shots in such a manner that it scares Salman Khan. They were also asked not to wear helmets and smoke cigarettes to appear fearless.

In April this year, gunshots were fired outside Khans Galaxy Apartments in Mumbais Bandra area. Later, it was reported that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is alleged to be behind the attack as the gangsters brother, Anmol Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the shooting incident via a Facebook post.

Just a couple of days back, it was reported that Salman Khan also opened up about the alleged threats he and his family members have been getting from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang over the years while recording his statement to the anti-extortion cell of the Mumbai Crime Branch.

I heard a cracker-like sound. Then, at around 4.55 am, the police bodyguard said that two people on a bike had fired from a weapon at the Galaxy Apartments first-floor balcony. There had been attempts to hurt me and my family prior to this as well. I have learnt that Lawrence Bishnoi has taken responsibility for the attack from social media. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who have carried out the firing on my balcony, he said.

Earlier also, Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members in an interview talked about killing me and my relatives. So, I believe that Lawrence Bishnoi, with the help of his gang members carried out the firing incident when my family members were sleeping inside and planning to kill me and my family members so they carried out the attack, the actor added.

After the shocking incident, Salman Khans security was upgraded.
Siddhant Chaturvedi has revealed that he almost backed out of Gehraiyaan because of the intimate scenes with Deepika Padukone. The Gully Boy actor recently shared in an interview that he panicked while shooting a steamy scene, making the situation so tense that his dad and producer Karan Johar had to step in.

In a chat with Filmfare, Siddhant said, I remember my dad spoke to me. He was like, Listen, in India, 99% of the people will do anything to have this opportunity. They wont even think about it for a second. What are you even thinking? Please be a man, be professional, this is your job.

Siddhant Chaturvedis dad told him that if he wants to be a good actor, he should go ahead and do it. When Siddhant said he didnt know what to do, his dad said, It doesnt matter. You are the one who will define things. Go do it if you want to be a good actor. You will never be anything special unless you dont redefine things, Siddhant added. Siddhants father then reminded the actor of the big opportunity that hed been given. Siddhant, its Dharma, its Deepika Padukone, its Shakun Batra, and you have got to do this, his dad said.

The actor said his shy personality was a problem. I have never made the first move ever in my life, he said. Karan Johar stepped in and asked what the issue was. Siddhant recalled, Karan called me, and he was like, Whats the problem? And I told him everything. He was like, Dude, you are a professional, and just behave like one. This is your job.

Siddhants relatives had quite the reaction to the film. Many of them only cared about the steamy scenes. He said, All my relatives lost it. They were like, We thought he has become an actor, but now hes overdoing it, he is living our dreams.
Major trade supply chains stand disrupted by ongoing conflicts around the world. The economies of developing states, in particular, have been hit hard with unabated increases in the cost of basic commodities and the associated cost of living. Turmoil and uncertainty best describe todays situation as the world transitions from a unipolar to a multipolar order.

As we navigate this evolving world order, the term strategic autonomy resonates even more strongly. This concept involves a state adopting a neutral or intentionally ambiguous stance within the global order, transacting in global trade solely in the best interest of its own constituents. Yet, even this approach is proving tenuous, especially for smaller developing economies facing the threat of economic sanctions imposed by larger powers.

The ASEAN Development Outlook reports that ASEAN, a regional grouping of 10 Southeast Asian nations, boasts a combined GDP of $3.6 trillion, effectively making it the fifth-largest economy in the world. This economic powerhouse is projected to become the fourth-largest by 2030. ASEAN offers a wealth of raw commodities and a vast talent pool of nearly 700 million people. Geographically strategic, its member states straddle two of the worlds most significant trade routes: the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.

To the east lies the South China Sea, a 3-million-square-kilometre body of water bordered by several ASEAN states, China, and Taiwan. This vital shipping route, carrying trillions of dollars in cargo, serves as a gateway to the Indian Ocean. Moreover, the South China Sea is rich in oil and gas deposits and boasts thriving marine life, providing a crucial food source for the burgeoning East Asian population. China undeniably dominates the Asia-Pacific economic sphere through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the worlds largest trading bloc. Established in 2022 as an economic alternative to the US-led Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), RCEP encompasses 15 Asia-Pacific countries. China is ASEANs largest trading partner by far, with over $447.3 billion in two-way trade.

And on the western front, several ASEAN states border the Indian Ocean. This body of water stretches from Africas east coast to Australias western coast and is home to 33 nations and over 36 per cent of the total global population, totalling 2.9 billion people. Annual trade across this region stands at over $6.17 trillion (in 2020, and this figure could well be over $7 trillion in 2023  Carnegie Endowment for International Peace), with over 80 per cent of the worlds maritime oil and close to 10 billion metric tons of cargo ranging from food and precious metals to manufactured goods. The Indian Ocean region is also critical for the global movement of liquid energy, with about 65 per cent of the worlds oil reserves belonging to ten of the Indian Oceans littoral states. Unmistakably, this region handles close to half of the global trade, which amounts to around $14 trillion.

While ASEAN is located on the cusp of these two colossal trade routes, it also forms a central part of the Asian economic community. Although not currently a formal economic trading bloc, the Asian GDP stands at $42.7 trillion (according to the International Monetary Fund), which represents a significant trade opportunity that should not be underestimated.

Furthermore, Malaysia and Thailands individual expressions of interest in joining the rapidly expanding BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) add another layer of trade possibilities. BRICS, originally formed as an alternative economic alliance in 2006 and further formalised in 2010 with the entry of South Africa, recently announced the participation of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The potential collaboration or formal entry of ASEAN as a comprehensive economic bloc into this fast-expanding grouping would certainly enhance trade and security opportunities.

While Malaysia continues to be a close trading partner with the US and European Union, it must also maintain its strategic trade relationship with China, given that a significant portion of Malaysias base commodities, such as food products and other essential goods, are primarily sourced from there. As a result, Malaysia faces a trade deficit of over $22.8 billion with China.

However, Malaysia is uniquely positioned on both the Indian Oceanic route and the South China Sea. The country clearly needs a balanced foreign and trade policy that leverages other strategic neighbours. For instance, India, with its geographic proximity to Malaysia, is a prime partner that could be further leveraged. The existing trade balance of $4.77 billion in Malaysias favour highlights this potential. As the second-largest food-producing country, India offers Malaysia added opportunities for food security and other technological advancements.

Furthermore, in this current geopolitical and geo-economic environment, India and China are in the midst of redefining their trade and security relationship. As asserted by the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, It is not easy to cut the Indian economy off from that of the Chinese economy. There needs to be more clarity to Indias relationship with China as it remains an important trading partner for India.

This may offer Malaysia an interesting opportunity to help bridge this partnership. Malaysia holds unique geopolitical significance for both India and China as major economies. It has civilisational linkages to both countries that date back many centuries, in addition to current people-to-people relationships among its diaspora with ancestral ties to these nations. In addition, it has a one-of-a-kind strategic positioning, both on the Straits of Malacca, which is the entry point to the Indian Ocean Trade Route, and directly on the South China Sea. Furthermore, Malaysia also forms part of the trans-Asia rail network.

As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia has a unique opportunity to strengthen trade and supply chain security within the region. Moreover, Malaysia could adopt a more strategic role in fostering partnerships between ASEAN and emerging economic blocs like BRICS, contributing to a more balanced and secure trading environment in the Indo-Pacific.

The question is: while acknowledging and reasserting its strategic geopolitical positioning, could Malaysia become the fulcrum that helps craft an ASEAN-India-China relationship, reaching greater heights in 2025 and beyond?

The author is Senior Correspondent on Foreign Policy and Politics, Malaysia Gazette. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
On the morning of April 28, 2024, the peaceful routine of Kathmandu was violently disrupted by a tragic aviation disaster involving a Saurya Airlines aircraft. The plane, en route to Pokhara, crashed shortly after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), tragically killing all 18 passengers and crew, except for the captain. This devastating event stands as one of the gravest tragedies in the history of Nepalese aviation, casting a sombre shadow over the nation.

The incident not only plunged countless families into profound grief but also sparked urgent and critical discussions regarding the current state of aviation safety standards and practices within the region. It has highlighted the pressing need for stringent regulatory oversight and improvements to prevent such catastrophes in the future, ensuring that the skies remain safe for all travellers.

Engine Failure followed by Aerodynamic Stall

In my assessment, the tragic crash of the Saurya Airlines flight was likely caused by an engine failure shortly after takeoff, which subsequently led to an aerodynamic stall. Engine failures are critical emergencies that require immediate and precise responses from the flight crew. Upon losing engine power, the aircraft would have experienced a significant loss of thrust, severely compromising its ability to maintain the necessary airspeed for stable flight. In such scenarios, if the pilot fails to manage the aircrafts speed and attitude effectively, the plane can enter an aerodynamic stall, where the wings lose their lift capabilities. In this case, the pilot did valiantly attempt to recover; however, due to the low altitude, he was unable to successfully recover from the aerodynamic stall.

An aerodynamic stall during takeoff is particularly perilous due to the low altitude, which offers minimal time and space for recovery. The combination of an engine failure and the resultant stall would have created a dire situation, leaving the pilot with very limited options. Despite their best efforts, the rapid loss of control and the proximity to the ground likely made it impossible to regain stable flight.

This tragic sequence of events underscores the critical importance of rigorous engine maintenance, thorough pilot training, and the implementation of advanced safety protocols to handle such emergencies effectively, aiming to prevent future occurrences of similar disasters.

Appalling Aviation Safety in Nepal

The aviation sector in Nepal has long been shadowed by significant safety concerns. The countrys challenging topography, characterised by its rugged mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather patterns, inherently increases the risks associated with flying. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), the primary gateway to the majestic Himalayas, has faced challenges related to infrastructure and compliance with safety standards. These issues have consistently jeopardised the safety and reliability of air travel in the region.

The tragic crash of the Saurya Airlines flight serves as a stark and painful reminder of the many past aviation disasters that have plagued Nepal. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2018 when a US-Bangla Airlines flight crashed while attempting to land at TIA, resulting in the loss of 51 lives. This was not an isolated incident. Similar tragedies over the years have highlighted persistent systemic issues within Nepals aviation framework.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has repeatedly raised alarms about the countrys regulatory oversight, maintenance protocols, and the adequacy of pilot training programs. These concerns highlight a deep-seated need for comprehensive reforms to address and mitigate the risks associated with flying in Nepal, ensuring that such devastating accidents become a thing of the past.

Badly Needed Aviation Sector Reforms in Nepal

Following the Saurya Airlines crash, there have been intensified demands for comprehensive reforms within Nepals aviation sector. Aviation experts, industry stakeholders, and the families of the victims are calling for immediate and effective measures to enhance safety protocols and prevent future tragedies. These calls underscore the need for systemic changes to address the ongoing safety challenges in the aviation industry.

Splitting of Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation in Nepal needs restructuring to establish a dedicated Ministry of Civil Aviation. This separation is essential to avoid conflicting decisions that arise when a single minister oversees both tourism and civil aviation. A specialised Ministry of Civil Aviation would allow for a focused approach to address critical issues such as aviation safety, infrastructure development, and regulatory oversight. It would facilitate the creation of clear, aviation-centric policies and ensure that the unique needs and challenges of the aviation sector are addressed without the influence of tourism and cultural priorities. This strategic move is crucial for enhancing the operational efficiency and safety standards of Nepals aviation industry.

Enhancing Pilot Training and Certification Standards

One of the primary areas of focus is the improvement of pilot training and certification standards. It is essential that pilots receive the highest level of training and are adequately equipped to handle emergency situations. This requires the adoption of international best practices and the establishment of collaborations with global aviation authorities to enhance training programmes. The integration of advanced flight simulators and recurrent training modules is crucial to better prepare pilots for real-world emergencies and complex flight scenarios, ensuring a higher standard of operational readiness.

Rigorous Aircraft Maintenance Protocols

Ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft through regular and rigorous maintenance checks is another critical area requiring attention. This necessitates stringent regulatory oversight and significant investment in state-of-the-art maintenance facilities, as well as the specialised training of maintenance personnel. Implementing predictive maintenance technologies, alongside strict adherence to maintenance schedules, can greatly reduce the risk of mechanical failures. A robust maintenance regime is vital for maintaining the operational integrity and safety of the aircraft fleet.

Upgrading Airport Infrastructure

Enhancing airport infrastructure is also imperative for improving aviation safety. Tribhuvan International Airport, despite being the busiest in Nepal, requires substantial modernisation. This includes a comprehensive upgrade of runway conditions, improvements to navigation and communication systems, and enhancements to emergency response capabilities. These infrastructure improvements are essential steps toward elevating the overall safety standards of the airport, contributing to safer and more reliable air travel within the region.

Conclusion

The tragic Saurya Airlines crash has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within Nepals aviation sector. Enhancing pilot training and certification standards, implementing rigorous aircraft maintenance protocols, and upgrading airport infrastructure are essential steps toward improving aviation safety. Additionally, establishing a separate Ministry of Civil Aviation will ensure focused and effective governance, free from the conflicting interests present in the current structure. These measures are crucial to preventing future tragedies, restoring public confidence, and ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel in Nepal.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and alleged that West Bengal is in an anarchic condition. In the letter, he sought her intervention to restore law and order in the state.

President of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, Chowdhury was referring to poll-related violence and alleged attacks on party workers during this years general elections.

In the two-page letter, Chowdhury said, I wish to seek your kind intervention in restoring civility and law and order in public life in West Bengal. For me, at a personal level, it is not only disturbing but also deeply anguishing to see the anarchic condition in the state owing to the ruthless approach of the ruling party on the workers, sympathisers, and supporters of the opposition.

He further alleged, As a result, many innocent persons have lost their lives, and have been jailed or taken into custody.

There are also several cases of people not affiliated to the ruling party and inclined favourably to the opposition parties in the state have lost their jobs or means of livelihood because of the strongarm tactics of ruling dispensation in the state, Chowdhury said.

He also referred to the Sandeshkali incident and clashes in Murshidabad district before the Lok Sabha elections and stated that these were done in order to polarise the voters.

While the Opposition party members and workers of all hues suffered immensely before the Lok Sabha Polls due to the terror unleashed by the ruling party in West Bengal, what is of immediate and very deep concern, and that requires immediate attention is the continued post-poll violence and intimidation of the Opposition workers by the ruling party in West Bengal, he added.

The Congress leader from Bengal also mentioned the killing of a party worker in Jalpaiguri last week and alleged that there is absolutely no space for the opposition in the state.

Considering the facts of the situation prevalent in West Bengal, I would sincerely plead with you, as the Head of the Nation, to ensure justice to the people. Earnestly look ahead to your kind intervention in restoring order in West Bengal, he added.

BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to X and pointed out Adhir Ranjan Chowdhurys letter to President Droupadi Murmu which he said, exposes TMC as anti Sanvidhan.

INDI says it is for save Sanvidhan But Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury writes to President Droupadi Murmu & exposes TMC as anti Sanvidhan Says There's Undeclared Emergency in Bengal & anarchy in Bengal due to TMC No fundamental rights to citizens Terror on opposition workers- pic.twitter.com/wiSJAv3i1b  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) July 27, 2024

He also questioned Rahul Gandhi asking if he will speak up for Sanvidhan in Bengal or will he dump his own Adhir Ranjan ?

(with PTI inputs)
Maharashtras women and child development minister Aditi Tatkare has dismissed news reports claiming that the recently announced Ladki Bahin scheme, which will provide financial help of Rs 1,500 to eligible women in the state, is facing opposition from the finance department. The reports also suggested that the objections had exposed cracks within the Mahayuti alliance just before the state assembly polls.

Rubbishing the reports, Tatkare said on social media: As the minister of the department, I would like to responsibly state that no objections were raised by the Finance Department headed by Hon. Ajit Dada Pawar after the scheme was announced. The state government led by Hon. Chief Minister Eknathji Shinde, DCM Devendra Fadnavis ji, and DCM Ajit Dada Pawar initiated this scheme after completing all procedures, keeping in mind the perspective of womens empowerment. The state government has also provisioned the required funds for the execution of the scheme. However, such baseless news can create confusion amongst the beneficiaries.

She further wrote, As responsible media outlets, you are requested not to publish confusing news without verifying the same with the concerned department. If you need any information, I, as the minister of the department, am always ready to provide it. The Hon. CM Eknathji Shinde, Hon. DCM Devendra Fadnavis ji, and Hon. DCM Ajit Dada Pawar, along with the state government, will ensure that this scheme is a success and beneficial in empowering the women of Maharashtra.

The scheme has been initiated by the state government on the lines of the Ladli Behan initiative floated by the Madhya Pradesh government under Shivraj Singh Chouhan. In the recently held additional interim budget, deputy chief minister and finance minister Ajit Pawar announced provision of Rs 1,500 financial help to eligible women in the state. The scheme is being seen as a game-changer and has given hope to Mahayuti to perform well in the upcoming state assembly polls, especially after the debacle in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.

More than one crore women in the state have filed applications under the scheme in just one months time, with five lakh women filling up applications daily. Sources said the maximum applications have been received from Pune district, followed by Thane and Ahmednagar. Further, sources within the department said 60 per cent of the applications were filed by married women. The list of eligible beneficiaries will be displayed publicly once the scrutiny process is completed.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has convened a meeting of chief ministers and their deputies from all NDA-ruled states on the side-lines of the Niti Aayog meeting in the national capital over the weekend.

This will be the first meeting that will be attended by Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh in over a year since ethnic violence broke out in the north-eastern state in May last year. In fact, this will be the first time that Singh will come face-to-face with Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the clashes erupted.

The chief ministers meeting will be held at the party headquarters in Delhi in the second half of Saturday and is expected to go on till late evening. The meeting will further continue on Sunday morning till lunchtime.

A lot of discussions are expected to take place, which also includes the report card of various states. The discussions revolve around the progress of the Union government schemes and their impact, a source aware of the developments told Network18.

It is also expected in the meeting that the BJP will focus on the state polls that are in the offing in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Haryana.

It may be discussed how to keep the focus on development and last-mile delivery in these poll-bound states. The party is aware that in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the performance has not been very impressive in states like Maharashtra and Haryana. Further strategy can also be discussed during this meeting, a source added.

The concept of a chief ministers conclave was conceived after PM Modi assumed power in the Centre. At present, this vertical is led by former Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Sahastrabuddhe, while Union minister Bhupender Yadav is a special invite for the meeting. Senior ministers in the government like Home Minister Amit Shah and Union minister and BJP national president JP Nadda, along with general secretary organisation BL Santhosh, are expected to attend the two-day meeting.

Apart from having their own chief ministers and governments in states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, etc, the BJP has deputy chief ministers with NDA governments in Bihar, Nagaland too.
JABRAYIL, Azerbaijan, July 27. Azerbaijan is carrying out great work for the improvement of Karabakh, said Charles Veley, who is leading a delegation from the Most Traveled People (MTP) travel club, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

I have been conducting tours of Karabakh for three years now and have returned here many times. Karabakh, in general, is amazing. We've gone all the way from Shusha to Aghdam and around Zangilan, and now we're at the Khudafarin Bridge in Jabrayil. The roads here are getting better and better. Azerbaijan is doing a great job in improving Karabakh, he emphasized.

To note, over 360 international travelers from almost 50 countries have visited Karabakh and East Zangezur 10 times in large groups during the last 4 years.

A group of international travelers made another trip to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur on July 2527, organized by the travel club MTP (Most Traveled People), one of the four largest networks of travelers around the world. This is the 11th MTP trip in a row. The group is led by Charles Veley, who is the founder and head of the MTP club. His name is in the top 10 in the international ranking of world travelers. Previously, Veley has traveled to the liberated territories four times, in three of which he led MTP lineups.
Workers of the Shiv Sena (UBT) blocked a road in Akola in Maharashtra on Saturday morning after a poster wishing its chief Uddhav Thackeray on his birthday was found torn, a police official said.

The poster was put up at the main post office square, the City Kotwali police station official said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) workers blocked the main road in the area in protest. Some of them were detained and traffic was normalised soon, he said.
Remember that catchy tune Aaj Blue Hai Paani, Paani? Well, its taken a dramatic twist for Delhiites, particularly in the Peeragarhi neighbourhood. Reports have emerged that residents are now experiencing the literal meaning of this phrase, with their taps flowing with bright blue water! Yes, you read that rightan actual, vibrant shade of blue, and its been going on for nearly 15 days. Imagine the shock when turning on the tap only to see water that looks like its been mixed with a bucket of neon paint!

Naturally, the internet is awash with pictures and videos of this bizarre phenomenon, sending shockwaves and, of course, a flood of memes through social media.

The Blue water i want. Blue water i get. pic.twitter.com/AToV3nCMRw Prashant Singh (@LibranLifter) July 26, 2024

After taking a bath : pic.twitter.com/qxCltUXt2s Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) July 26, 2024

Me in the shower pic.twitter.com/9tgoBaFRPO Timmy (@SkiiMaskTimmy) July 26, 2024

Aaj blue hai pani pani pani. pic.twitter.com/bWETrZlDDv With Love, Bihar (@withLoveBihar) July 26, 2024

On a more serious note, villagers are pointing fingers at nearby chemical and denim factories, accusing them of dumping industrial waste improperly. According to them, this is whats turning their water supply into a blue mystery. The situation has reached a point where not only is the water undrinkable, but its also allegedly causing health problems. Villagers are reportedly forced to buy water cans, as their tap water is now a no-go zone.

Factories and dyeing units are dumping their toxic waste carelessly. Our water supply has been irregular and dirty for months. Now, the water is visibly polluted, turning blue, said Vinod Shaukeen, the village head, according to Indian Express. Weve informed the authorities, but no action has been taken. The problem doesnt stop at the tapsblue water is flooding the streets, and around 45 houses are visibly affected, while others are facing health issues even if their water isnt blue.

Also Read: Heatwave Or Supply Malfunction? The Truth Behind Delhis Boiling Water Tank Video

Delhi Panchayat Collective head Than Singh Yadav has also weighed in, expressing frustration at the lack of action. The polluted water is a health hazard. If nothing is done, we will call a meeting of all three villages in Nangloi to discuss further action. The administration is treating rural residents like second-class citizens, which is unacceptable, Yadav stated.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) claimed that they were unaware of the situation. They noted that while they receive many complaints about polluted water, it often takes time to address issues due to the complexity. We have a helpline that forwards issues to junior engineers for resolution, which can take time depending on the complexity. We will address this issue promptly, the report cited a DJB official.
Bengaluru is infamous for its traffic woes, with many finding that getting from point A to point B often takes much longer than expected. Recently, a social media post highlighted just how severe the issue can be, showing that travelling by foot might sometimes be faster than driving in the city. X user Ayush Singh shared a screenshot of Google Maps comparing travel times for a route from Brigade Metropolis to KR Puram Railway Station which has a distance of 6 kilometres.

The screenshot reveals the driving route between the two locations would take approximately 44 minutes whereas walking would take around 42 minutes. This revelation comes as no surprise to locals. With Bengalurus status as Indias IT capital attracting a constant influx of professionals, the citys infrastructure struggles to keep pace with the growing population. As a result, traffic congestion has become a persistent issue, making even shorter trips a time-consuming endeavour.

Sharing the screenshot, Singh wrote, This happens only in Bangalore.

See the post here:

This happens only in Bangalore pic.twitter.com/MQlCP7DsU7 Ayush Singh (@imabhinashS) July 25, 2024

Since being shared online, the post has ignited a lively debate among social media users. Many voiced their dissatisfaction with Bengalurus traffic, while others shared different perspectives.

One user noted, Same story across many metro cities in the world, while another added, Mumbai and Delhi also same situation during peak.

Same story across many metro cities in the world. NIRAV (@nirav_josh) July 25, 2024

Mumbai and Delhi also same situation during peak. Abhilash Velaan  (@iabhilashv) July 25, 2024

Expressing frustration over the citys infrastructure, a person commented, tbh i dont mind walking for an hour but the footpaths(if its present) are so terrible that id rather be stuck in a traffic jam.

tbh i dont mind walking for an hour but the footpaths(if its present) are so terrible that i'd rather be stuck in a traffic jam https://t.co/zW8B8NF8Xn dan (@missgumsum) July 26, 2024

There was also a sarcastic take on the situation. One user quipped, Bangalore encourages walking a lot but people are not ready to take that step, but Bengaluru will wait for you to walk. Lets walk. Listen to Bengaluru.

Bangalore encourages walking a lot but people are not ready to take that step, but Bengaluru will wait for you to walk. Let's walk . Listen to Bengaluru. https://t.co/jGhEMUljHA Plastic Heartan( ) (@sathish_kural) July 25, 2024

Another added, #Bengaluru force you for healthy fit lifestyle  your trademill at the gym not required.

#Bengaluru force you for healthy fit life style  your trademill at the gym not required. https://t.co/fc8mUp0G11 xRAJ (@xhrishiraj) July 26, 2024

On a more constructive note, some users pointed to the metro as a solution. Look between them to see why the metro is the most important infrastructure for the city, one user stated, noting the metro route takes only 13 minutes between the two destinations.

Look between them to see why metro is the most important infrastructure for the city https://t.co/tFHqVWBpgs Vks (@VikHasya) July 26, 2024

Another chimed in with, You have an option to go in metro. Just 2 stops away. Dont complain!

You have an option to go in metro. Just 2 stops away. Don't complain! Navaneeth (@NavaneethHar) July 26, 2024

My buddy and I would check maps before getting on the office shuttle; half the times wed end up walking back home gappe marte (while gossiping) hue as it was faster, someone else shared.

My buddy and I would check maps before getting on the office shuttle; half the times we'd end up walking back home gappe marte hue as it was faster  https://t.co/D16uRP0Slr '24 Bonnie & Clyde (@phantomkaghuusa) July 26, 2024

A user criticised, yet they want to focus all their energy on kannada vs other languages. its like roof is leaky in rainy season but all discussion is about wall paint colour.

yet they want to focus all their energy on kannada vs other languages. it's like roof is leaky in rainy season but all discussion is about wall paint colour Pulkit Saraf (@Pulkit_Saraf) July 25, 2024

The post has accumulated over 6 lakh views so far.
Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the Maharani of the former princely state of Baroda, is currently under fire on social media for saying that royal families struggled to run their households after the abolition of the privy purse. She appeared on Ranveer Allahbadias podcast and said that royal families secretly sold heirlooms like gold utensils and thrones to sustain.

Her remarks failed to inspire much sympathy as many argued that royal families already had enough inherited wealth, most of which was earned out of exploitative feudal ways. People also argued that abolishing the privy purse after almost 25 years since independence was right.

Before independence, there were a number of royal families in India. After the British left, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel persuaded the princely states to join India. In exchange, the government offered the royals and their successors a privy purse, which was a specified annual sum of money given to them.

However, in 1971, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to stop the privy purse money because giving royal families extra money was against the constitutional principle of equality and the privy purse amount burdened the young nation that was already struggling with poverty. Against this context, many trolled the Radhikaraje Gaekwad for alluding to financial distress over privy purse abolition.

Are we supposed to feel sorry or something? pic.twitter.com/qlIobzd06p O   (@chippdnailss) July 26, 2024

Commenting on her remarks, an X user wrote, Somehow people overlook the fact that the independence movement did not just kick out the British, it was an epic revolution that established a democratic republic and kicked out these lazy, greedy, parasitic maharajas and nawabs forever.

Somehow people overlook the fact that the independence movement did not just kick out the British it was an epic revolution that established a democratic republic and kicked out these lazy, greedy, parasitic maharajas and nawabs forever. https://t.co/Eg6un6lXFH Traveling Salesman (@def__init__e@mstdn.social) (@def__init__e) July 26, 2024

Someone sarcastically wrote, It became so difficult to run our palaces without free taxpayer money that we had to sell the gold we originally bought by taxing our peasants to death.

It became so difficult to run our palaces without free taxpayer money that we had to sell the gold we originally bought by taxing our peasants to death https://t.co/EPiFSpHgOZ Sarayu Pani (@sarayupani) July 26, 2024

Another person wrote, As someone who worked in a school where her kids went, I have to say how the rules were bent to accommodate the kids and the Gaekwads. Please dont give me this sob story, I have seen the privilege this family has in Baroda, even now!

As someone who worked in a school where her kids went, I have to say how the rules were bent to accommodate the kids and the Gaekwads. Please don't give me this sob story, I have seen the privilege this family has in Baroda, even now! Puhleasee!#OffWithTheirHeads https://t.co/1k3zCvbEPv Megha Sheth (@megzie0925) July 27, 2024

Radhikaraje Gaekwads royal family of Baroda lives in Laxmi Vilas Palace, the worlds largest private residence and is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. The palace is open to visitors for a ticket price. It is estimated that the royal family has assets worth over Rs 20,000 crore.
It is believed that the best love stories are not affected by superficial factors like race and nationality. Recently, a budding rapper shared one such love story of his Japanese mother and Odia father and how they together run a hotel in Puri, Odisha. Samir Rishu Mohanty, known by his stage name Rapper Big Deal, shared in an Instagram video that his mother first visited Puri when she was a college student and was travelling around the world. After graduating, she decided to settle in Puri and focus on finishing her book.

When she returned to Puri, she wanted to get a source of income to support her book writing. Her plan was to build a hotel catered to Japanese tourists, as back then, Puri was a popular destination among Japanese. However, his mother could not buy land for her hotel because she was a foreign national. She eventually met her husband and together they built a hotel and named it Love and Life. The hotel still stands tall in Puri.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rapper Big Deal (@rapperbigdeal)

This video got over 66,000 likes. The rapper captioned this video, Mummy Bapa. Ive shared this with so many people and now this belongs to the world.

An Instagram user commented on it, Agra has Taj Mahal, Puri has Love and Life. Mom sounds like a very ambitious and determined person. Proud of you ma!

Another person wrote, Bro, you are representing two great countries because of your parents.

Someone else commented, Believe me! This literally sounds like a story straight outta the Ghibli studios anime. I am staying single if this is not happening to me!

A person also recalled staying at this hotel and wrote, What?? Love and Life is the first hotel in Puri we went to as kids. I still have pictures standing in front of that hotel when I was a kid.

Samir Rishu Mohanty has 1.7 lakh Instagram followers. He has a thriving rapping career. Samir first shot to fame by participating in a MTV India show titled MTV Sync, where he collaborated with rapper Blaaze and created a track called Microphone.

In 2015, he sang Bach Ke Bakshy for the film Detective Byomkesh Bakshy. In 2017, he released his crowd-funded EP One Kid With A Dream. His raps in Odia have earned him a loyal fanbase across the state.
A Nebraska teenager has been charged with causing a train derailment to capture the event on camera and upload it on YouTube. BNSF Railway conducted an investigation and found that on April 21, the youngster tampered with a railroad switch, causing two trains and five loaded BNSF cars to deviate off the rails close to Bennet. Following the months-long inquiry, the teenager, whose name hasnt been made public since he is a minor, was hit with charges on Wednesday.

Prosecutors have already filed a move to have the case moved to adult court, according to NBC News. The 17-year-old was charged with two felonies of criminal mischief in Lancaster County Juvenile Court.

The trains did not topple over, but one of them struck an empty coal car, causing damage worth over $350,000, according to court records.

A BNSF Railway investigator was informed by the trains conductor that a misplaced switch caused the train to deviate onto an industrial track instead of the intended path. The reports stated the incident occurred because he tried to trigger an emergency stop but couldnt manage to do it before the switchs placement.

Based on the fact that a switch was misaligned and its lock was missing when investigators arrived to examine the track, NTV News and KLKN-TV reported that they were inclined to conclude that the track had been tampered with.

The teenager reported the event to the police. He identified himself as a railway enthusiast who took videos of trains to share on social media. When investigators arrived on the site, he questioned them about the derailment. According to the reports, he also stated that he had videotaped the entire event.

KOLN-TV reported that an investigator observed that although the youngster denied trespassing, he was aware of the switchs placement and use.

After obtaining surveillance footage three days later, authorities discovered that the teen was driving a beige 1996 Buick Park Avenue when it pulled up next to the switch. After that, he reappeared on camera, got back in his car, and drove off, according to NTV News.

NTV News and KLKN-TV reported that just prior to the train crash, footage showed him parking his car and putting up his video recording apparatus close to the crossing.

KLKN-TV reported that investigators mentioned in the affidavit that they intended to check the 17-year-olds mobile phone and recording device for any evidence that would connect him to the crime.

A BNSF representative told PEOPLE that an arrest had been made, but they could not speak further at this time since the investigation was still underway.

Pat Condon, the county attorney for Lancaster, informed KOLN-TV that the teenager had not been arrested at the moment. According to the publication, his next court hearing is still pending.
A performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has sparked backlash, particularly from the Christian community after the show featured drag queens posing behind a table reminiscent of Leonardo da Vincis depiction of the Last Supper, where Jesus dined with his apostles.

One performer wore a large silver headdress resembling a halo, while another was painted blue and adorned with flowers, appearing to symbolise a dish being served at the meal. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly critical and full of rage, with many users calling the performance an insult to Catholics.

Blasphemy of the Last Supper

The 2024 Paris Olympics has gone full Woke dystopian. The opening ceremony was filled with transgend*r mockery of the Last Supper, the Golden Calf idol, and even the Pale Horse from the Book of Revelation. The Olympics has made it clear that Christian viewers arent welcome, Texas-based journalist Kyle Becker wrote on his social media handle on X.

The 2024 Paris Olympics has gone full Woke dystopian.The opening ceremony was filled with transgend*r mockery of the Last Supper, the Golden Calf idol, and even the Pale Horse from the Book of Revelation. The Olympics has made it clear that Christian viewers arent welcome. pic.twitter.com/LgawyE6YRX  Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) July 26, 2024

This is blasphemy of the Last Supper, the First Catholic Mass, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, sacrilegiously depicted here in a blue Baphomet Dress.I am calling on government and religious leaders worldwide to denounce this attack on the Catholic Faith. Who will stand with us? pic.twitter.com/dAXKZueVnn  Joseph D. McBride, Esq. (@McBrideLawNYC) July 26, 2024

AN ABOMINATION

Prominent US figures and political commentators condemned the act, arguing it disrespected Christianity and sent a message of exclusion to the 2.4 billion Christians worldwide. US radio host Clint Russell stated, Opening your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples with men in drag is unacceptable. The transnational Left have contempt for Western civilization, said Tom Fitton, the president of US-based NGO Judicial Watch.

This is crazy. Opening your event by replacing Jesus and the disciples at the The Last Supper with men in drag. There are 2.4 billion Christians on earth and apparently the Olympics wanted to declare loudly to all of them, right out of the gateNOT WELCOME pic.twitter.com/T88AmXbqXL Clint Russell (@LibertyLockPod) July 26, 2024

AN ABOMINATIONThe opening ceremony of the Olympics mocked Jesus by recreating The Last Supper with drag queens, a gay Smurf, and a few children sprinkled in there just for fun. Clearly overt pagan, satanic symbolism. And they call us conspiracy theorists. pic.twitter.com/ZDHERLl9od  VINCENT OSHANA (@VincentOshana) July 26, 2024

Paris Olympics defence

In their defence, Paris Olympic organisers claimed the show aimed to humorously underline the absurdity of violence among humans. However, the backlash continued, with some commentators expressing concerns about the broader implications of mocking religious traditions in a public forum like the Olympics. The ceremony also included other controversial moments, such as a depiction of a headless Marie Antoinette and a scene suggesting a sexual encounter at Frances national library, FOX News reported.

To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation. #notinmynameA tous les chretiens du monde pic.twitter.com/GusP2TR63u  Marion Marechal (@MarionMarechal) July 26, 2024

Conservative French politician and European parliament member Marion Marechal, warned international viewers that this polarising display does not entirely represent French people. To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation. #notinmyname, she wrote.
Prince Harry is planning a solo trip to the UK this summer, potentially to mend strained ties with his family, including Britains King Charles. This visit could be a well-thought-out move to address tensions within the royal family, according to sources close to the Duke of Sussex.

Harry is very anxious to go home and see his dad, a source told British tabloid Closer. Hes convinced that if he spends a longer period of time there, hell have a better chance of reconnecting with his family. The trip is also seen as an opportunity for Harry to catch up with old friends ahead of his 40th birthday in September.

While Harry prepares for his UK visit, his wife Meghan Markle is unlikely to join him, according to British media reports. The Duchess of Sussex has not returned to the UK since 2022 and is expected to remain in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Harry in the past expressed concerns about the media scrutiny his family faces in the UK.

Meghan is reportedly focused on her own projects, including the launch of her lifestyle brand and a new cooking show. A source noted that she respects Harrys need to return to the UK for practical and emotional reasons but does not want to accompany him due to her busy schedule. Theres too much on her plate right now, the source said.

Harrys last visit to the UK was brief and coincided with King Charless cancer diagnosis. During that trip, he missed an opportunity to meet with his father, which was attributed to scheduling conflicts on both sides. The Dukes relationship with the royal family has been fraught with tension, especially following the couples candid revelations in their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and subsequent projects that criticized the monarchy.

As Harry prepares for this potential visit, insiders speculate that it could serve as a crucial moment for reconciliation. England is important to Harry. He needs to prove hes not turning his back on his country and family, a source was quoted as saying by Closer. However, the separation may test their marriage, as both Harry and Meghan navigate their individual commitments while maintaining their relationship.
Joe Bidens swift endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election has been seen by some within his camp as a defiant message to its party leaders, including ex-US President Barack Obama, who reportedly pressured him to drop out of the race.

Obama reportedly told Biden to allow delegates at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago to decide on a new candidate, the New York Post reported, citing sources close to the Biden family. However, Biden chose to endorse Harris immediately after announcing his withdrawal, which one source described as Joes big fk you to Obama and others who wanted him to step aside.

If Im out, then I am

Joe said, If Im out, then I am endorsing her,' the source told NYP, suggesting that Biden saw this as a way to assert some control over his ouster. A well-placed Democratic Party source corroborated this sentiment, saying that Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senator Chuck Schumer had wanted to hold a mini primary at the convention, which Obama believed Harris would not win. Multiple sources also claimed that Obama had preferred Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as the partys nominee.

Bidens endorsement of Harris was seen by one Democratic Party source as Joe truly knifing Obama and Pelosi in the back for making him stand down. Biden plans to take an active role in Harriss campaign, which a Washington insider believes will benefit the Vice President. The relationship between Biden and Obama has been marked by simmering tensions since 2015, when the former president convinced Biden not to run for the presidency in 2016, allowing Hillary Clinton to make a bid for the Oval Office, according to reports.

READ MORE: We Have Got Your Back: Barack And Michelle Obama Endorse Kamala Harris For US President

READ MORE: Why Obama Didnt Rush To Endorse Kamala Harris After Biden Quit US Presidential Race

Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama officially endorsed Harris on Friday, after NBC reported that the former president waited to avoid overshadowing Bidens televised address to the nation on Wednesday. However, a source close to the Biden family claimed that Obama has little faith in Harriss abilities, citing her performance as border czar and her stance on healthcare for migrants.

The endorsement saga comes amid a backdrop of growing concerns within the Democratic Party about Bidens ability to defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump in the general election. Bidens performance in a recent debate against Trump was widely criticized, with some Democrats even threatening to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him from office, according to a source close to the Biden family.
US presidential candidate Donald Trump accused election rival Kamala Harris of being an anti-Semite who plans to allow the murder of newborn babies, in a speech meant to rally religious supporters Friday that quickly went off the rails.

The vice president, who is married to a Jewish man, has gained ground on Trump in polling since she replaced Joe Biden on the top of the Democratic ticket just days ago. Former Republican president Trump dedicated much of his address at a religious convention in southern Florida to assailing Harriss record as a senator and as Bidens number two, but many of his attacks were smears untethered to reality.

Explaining why 59-year-old Harris had skipped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyaus speech to the US Congress on Wednesday to instead honor a prior commitment, Trump accused her, baselessly, of anti-Semitism. She doesnt like Jewish people. She doesnt like Israel. Thats the way it is, and thats the way its always going to be. Shes not going to change, he said.

The remark  coupled with his claim that Harris is totally against the Jewish people in North Carolina on Wednesday  marked an escalation in Trumps incendiary rhetoric, days after his campaign said an attempt on his life had given him a focus on unity.

By contrast, Kamala Harris stabbed Israel in the back in its hour of need.Two days ago, she refused to attend the speech in Congress of the Prime Minister of Israel. Together with Joe Biden, she gave billions of dollars to Iran and Hamas to fund their campaigns of terror. pic.twitter.com/0BibtgNTJJ  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) July 27, 2024

The hour-long Friday speech, hosted by hard-right Turning Point Action, raised legitimate questions over Harriss previous statements on policing, immigration and the environment that placed her to the left of current Biden administration policy. But it was marked by hyperbole and falsehood.

 Execute the baby 

Trump  a convicted felon who is fighting multiple further indictments  suggested baselessly that the Justice Department and FBI were rounding up Christians and anti-abortion activists and throwing them in jail for their religious beliefs.

He also called Bidens decision to exit the election campaign a coup by Democrats and said America was a laughing stock. But he saved his darkest vitriol for Harris, calling her a bum and a failed vice president who had rejected federal judges for being Catholic and would appoint hardcore Marxists to the Supreme Court.

He also accused her falsely of wanting to force doctors to give chemical castration drugs to children and suggested she might cheat to win in November. If Kamala Harris has her way, they will have a federal law for abortion, to rip the baby out of the womb in the eighth, ninth month and even after birth  execute the baby after birth, he claimed, in perhaps his most egregious calumny.

78-year-old Trump, now the oldest major-party nominee in history, is scrambling to reorient an election against someone two decades his junior, having expected to face an 81-year-old incumbent Biden beset by concerns over infirmity. Just last week, the former reality TV star was in cruise control as he accepted a heros welcome  and the official presidential nomination  at the Republican convention in Milwaukee.

 Crowning glory 

His crowning glory came a week after a gunman nearly killed him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania  an extraordinary incident that Trump vowed Friday to commemorate with a big and beautiful new rally in the town, although he did not give a date.

Seeking to become the first female president in US history, Harris is tasked with rapidly assembling a campaign against an opponent who has been in near permanent reelection mode since he became president in 2016. Trumps predecessor Barack Obama pledged support for Harris earlier Friday, as polls showed her closing the gap that Trump had built over Biden to make the race a statistical tie.

A top California prosecutor and senator before being elected the countrys first female and first Black and South Asian vice president, Harris has highlighted Trumps criminal conviction and what she said Thursday is a Republican attack on hard-fought freedoms in US society.

Democrats leapt on a Trump campaign announcement late Thursday that cast into doubt whether he will debate Harris. It shows that hes afraid, Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a major Harris campaign advocate, told MSNBC. It shows that he knows that if the two of them are on a stage together, its not going to end well for him.
FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 27. As previously reported, international travelers visited the Fuzuli district after Jabrayil district, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the guests, who arrived in Kend Horadiz village of the Fuzuli region liberated from occupation, were familiarized with the demining operations being carried out in the territory and were informed in detail that the Armenian army contaminated the territory with mines and unexploded ammunition during the occupation. An operation is also envisaged to clear mines discovered in the area under the supervision of international travelers.

09:49

JABRAYIL, Azerbaijan, July 27. The trip of travelers to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation led by the founder of the American MTP (Most Traveled People) Club, Charles Veley, one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, continues, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the next place visited by international travelers from 13 countries in the liberated territories from the occupation was the historic bridge of Khudafarin, located in the territory of Jabrayil district.

Then the travelers will visit the Fuzuli district and observe the process of clearing mines and unexploded ordnance found there.

To note, over 360 international travelers from almost 50 countries have visited Karabakh and East Zangezur 10 times in large groups during the last 4 years.

A group of international travelers made another trip to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur on July 2527, organized by the travel club MTP (Most Traveled People), one of the four largest networks of travelers around the world. This is the 11th MTP trip in a row. The group is led by Charles Veley, who is the founder and head of the MTP club. His name is in the top 10 in the international ranking of world travelers. Previously, Veley has traveled to the liberated territories four times, in three of which he led MTP lineups.
Former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are in a tight race in Michigan, according to a new poll from the key Upper Midwest battleground state ahead of the November election.

Harris leading Trump by a mere 0.3 percentage points. Harris has 41.6% support compared to Trumps 41.3%, a margin that falls within the polls 4-point margin of error, according to the Detroit News-WDIV-TV live-dial poll, conducted from July 22 to 24.

The poll follows US President Joe Bidens withdrawal from the presidential race and highlights a tight contest in Michigan, a state that will be key in the upcoming election, the New York Post reported. The poll underlines the impact of third-party candidates in the race. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running under the Natural Law Party, garners 9.7% support in Michigan.

Kennedys presence could influence the outcome, especially if his support diminishes as the election nears. Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver receives 0.7%, Green Partys Jill Stein gets 0.5%, and 0.3% support other candidates. Additionally, 5.6% of voters are still undecided. The poll suggests that Bidens exit has reinvigorated Democratic voters, with 46.4% of voters under 30, 38.5% of Black voters, and 36.6% of self-identified strong Democrats expressing increased enthusiasm for Harris compared to Biden.

A notable gender gap is evident in the poll. Trump leads among men with 50.3% support, while Harris trails with 35.3%. In contrast, Harris leads among women with 47.4% support compared to Trumps 33% and Kennedys 11.2%. The poll indicates challenges for Trumps outreach to minority voters. No African American respondents reported supporting Trump, whereas 82.1% back Harris and 11.5% support Kennedy.

The path to victory for either Trump or Harris will likely require addressing Kennedys influence among independents. This poll marks the second instance this week of a close race in Michigan. An Emerson College survey also shows that Harris and Trump are tied at 44% when considering the expanded presidential field.
Donald Trump was hit by an assassins bullet or a fragment of one, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed on Friday, putting to rest questions about the nature of the former US presidents wounds from a campaign rally earlier this month.

What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle, the FBI said in a statement. Republican candidates right ear was covered in blood on July 13 after he was injured during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

The FBI deemed the assault an assassination bit and later FBI chief Christopher Wray told US lawmakers on Wednesday that there was some doubt as to whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear. After the new statement from the FBI the Republican posted on his Truth Social platform: I assume thats the best apology that well get from Director Wray, but it is fully accepted!

I assume thats the best apology that well get from Director Wray, but it is fully accepted!@realDonaldTrump Donald Trump Truth Social 05:03 PM EST 07/26/24 pic.twitter.com/LQyQeZZewe Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) July 26, 2024

No shrapnel or glass flying

In a subsequent post, Trump said, Perhaps FBI Director Christopher Wray will notice there is no shrapnel or glass flying through the ear, only a bloodstained bullet. Its all so damaging to the Great People that work in the FBI. As The New York Times reported, other bullets came very close.

He added, Nobody ever called, even out of curiosity, from the Federal Bureau of Insurrection. Earlier Friday, he posted a letter from his former White House doctor saying the wound was almost certainly due to a bullet. There is absolutely no evidence that it was anything other than a bullet, wrote Ronny Jackson, now a Republican congressman from Texas, on Truth Social.

Two rally attendees were seriously wounded in the attack, and a 50-year-old Pennsylvania firefighter was shot dead, according to officials. The gunman was killed by a US Secret Service sniper. Since the shooting, Trump has made the attack a key part of his campaign pitch, telling a crowd in Michigan that he took a bullet for democracy.

At the Republican National Convention where he was anointed the partys nominee for president, Trump said he had God on my side as he described the attack. And at Trump rallies, many of the former presidents supporters have taken to wearing bandages on their right ears, a reference to the attack.

On Thursday, Trump had also denied Wrays comments and accused him of political partisanship. It was, unfortunately, a bullet that hit my ear, and hit it hard. There was no glass, there was no shrapnel, he said. A New York Times investigation published Friday said a detailed analysis of bullet trajectories, footage, photos and audio strongly suggests Mr Trump was grazed by the first of eight bullets fired by the gunman.

(With agency inputs)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held a meeting with his Laotian counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith during which they witnessed the exchange of MoUs on 10 Quick Impact Projects for Laos and cooperation in sharing successful digital solutions.

Jaishankar is in the capital of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic to participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). A good meeting with DPM and FM Saleumxay Kommasith of Lao PDR. Thanked him for the warm hospitality, Jaishankar posted on X.

A good meeting with DPM and FM Saleumxay Kommasith of Lao PDR. Thanked him for the warm hospitality.Witnessed exchange of MoUs on 10 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for Laos under Mekong Ganga Cooperation and cooperation in sharing successful Digital Solutions. Launched a pic.twitter.com/XB02tPpJ80  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 27, 2024

Witnessed exchange of MoUs on 10 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for Laos under Mekong Ganga Cooperation and cooperation in sharing successful Digital Solutions, he said. The Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) is an initiative by six countries  India and five ASEAN countries, namely, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam for cooperation in tourism, culture, education, as well as transport and communications.

The four foundational areas of cooperation under MGC include tourism, culture, education, and transport and communication. It has further expanded to include new areas like health and traditional medicine, agriculture and allied sectors, small and medium enterprises, water resources management, science and technology, skill development, and capacity building. The two leaders also launched a special stamp set celebrating the shared cultural treasures of Ramayana and Buddhism.
The sea lines of communication passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, as he called for the substantive and effective code of conduct to secure them.

Addressing the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Laoss capital Vientiane, Jaishankar said the EAS process completed two decades next year and India will contribute towards a stronger EAS process. He said India will continue to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy.

Spoke at the 14th East Asia Summit #EAS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane. Conveyed that: EAS process completes two decades next year & India will contribute towards stronger EAS process.  Act East Policy, announced at 9th EAS, completes a decade. India will pic.twitter.com/s0bevHJZoA  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 27, 2024

Talking about maritime security, Jaishankar said: the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific region. The Code of Conduct should be substantive and effective, consistent with international law and should not prejudice legitimate rights and interest of nations not party to discussions, he said.

Jaishankars comments hold significance as his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi is also in Vientiane to attend the summit. 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.

At the meeting, Jaishankar also called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza. India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping, Jaishankar said.

On the conflict in Ukraine, he said India maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve it. PM @narendramodi recently engaged President (Vladimir) Putin and President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible, he said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Kyiv in August, marking his first trip to Ukraine since Russias all-out war began in February 2022. The visit, anticipated to occur next month around Ukraines Independence Day, is still being finalised, news agency PTI reported, citing diplomatic sources.

Modis trip, which is yet to be confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs, follows an invitation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, extended earlier this year during a phone call. If Modi travels to Poland, it would be the first by an Indian PM minister to that country in more than four decades.

India and Ukraine are looking at Modis visit to Kyiv in the later half of August, the sources said, adding that there is no finality on the trip yet as massive preparations would be required in terms of logistics and related issues. The prime ministers two-nation visit might begin around August 23-24, the sources said.

The reports of Modis visit come amid a series of high-level exchanges between India and Ukraine. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, along with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Yermak, recently held telephone discussions.

Jaishankar reported that the talks aimed at further developing our bilateral relationship. In June, Modi met with Zelenskyy at the G7 summit in Italy, where they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Prime Minister reiterated Indias commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. This meeting marked their second in-person encounter since the war began, the first being at last years G7 summit in Japan.

Earlier this month, Modi held talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow during a significant visit that reaffirmed India-Russia strategic ties. During Modis visit to Russia, which coincided with a missile strike on a childrens hospital in the Ukrainian capital that killed dozens, Modi told Putin that the death of innocent children was painful and terrifying.

(With agency inputs)
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who steered the cash-strapped island nation to a semblance of stability from bankruptcy in 2022, on Saturday declared his candidacy to contest the presidential election on September 21.

On Friday, the island nations election commission announced that presidential polls would be held on September 21, ending the months-long speculation over the key contest.

Addressing a rally on Saturday in the southern town of Galle the 75-year-old leader said: My coming today to this town is significant, I declare that I will contest the presidential election having already paid my deposit to do so.

There was some speculation that he may not vie for the presidency given the weak standing of his United National Party (UNP). In 2020 the UNP suffered a serious split leading to the creation of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the current main opposition party.

I am looking for everyones support having performed the difficult task I undertook two years ago, Wickremesinghe, also the countrys finance minister, said referring to the unprecedented economic turmoil in the island nation that led to the ouster of the powerful Rajapaksa family from power in 2022.

Wickremesinghe stepped in to become prime minister in May 2022 when the country suffered its economic crisis where tens of thousands got into the streets demanding the resignation of the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Rajapaksa relented after three months of public protest to flee the country and resign.

Wickremesinghe was then appointed president through parliament with support coming from Rajapaksas SLPP.

Wickremesinghe, having undertaken the task of rebuilding with the support of the International Monetary Fund bailout has revived the economy turning it positive from negative growth in 2022.

However, his hard economic reforms to complement the IMF facility have made him unpopular.

There is no other way than what we do with the IMF reform programme so everyone must support it to prevent another bankruptcy, Wickremesinghe said.

Wickremesinghe is hopeful that as an unattached independent candidate, he would garner cross-party support, including the Rajapaksa familys Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLLP).

The SLPP has suffered splits already with a few supporting Wickremesinghe while another section has aligned with the opposition SJB.

The SLPP is expected to announce soon whether they will back Wickremesinghe.
The running mate of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has defended his 2021 remarks about Kamala Harris after the childless cat ladies comment grabbed headlines in the US, with dozens of Democrats coming out against it.

JD Vances response came after an old interview of his resurfaced on social media, just days after President Joe Biden endorsed Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. During an appearance on a popular US news show, Vance said that his remarks were intended as sarcasm and aimed at criticising the rival partys stance on family issues, not individuals without kids.

.@JDVance: I know the media wants to attack me and wants me to back down on this, Megyn, but the simple point that I made is that having children, becoming a father, becoming a mother, I really do think it changes your perspective in a pretty profound way.Its not a criticism pic.twitter.com/x1ZaLvxiAp  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) July 26, 2024

On The Megyn Kelly Show, Vance on Friday argued that the Democratic Party has become increasingly anti-family and anti-child. He reiterated that his comments were not meant to disparage those who cannot have children for various reasons, but rather to highlight what he sees as a lack of commitment to family values among Democrats.

JD Vance says women who havent given birth are childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and shouldnt be in politics because they dont have a direct stake in America pic.twitter.com/Djw5CNKXcJ Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) July 25, 2024

READ MORE: Who Is Ella Emhoff? Kamala Harris 25-Year-Old Stepdaughter Defends Her Momala

Kerstin Emhoff, the mother of Harriss stepchildren, defended the Vice President, stating that Harris has been a loving co-parent and criticising Vances comments as baseless.

READ MORE: Friends Star Jennifer Aniston Slams JD Vance After Clip Of Him Criticising Kamala Harris For Being Childless Emerges

Vances comments have drawn accusations of sexism, with critics, including actress Jennifer Aniston, condemning his language as inappropriate for someone in a potential leadership position. Supporters of Harris have also rallied around her, pointing out that no US president has ever given birth, as all have been men.
FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 27. Travelers from 13 countries, led by Charles Veley, founder of the American club MTP (Most Traveled People), one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, observed the process of mine clearance in Fuzuli district, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to information, the travelers, who arrived in the Fuzuli district, familiarized themselves with the demining works carried out by ANAMA in the territory of Kend Khoradiz village, which was liberated from occupation. Afterward, the guests observed the operation on the neutralization of mines found in the area by the explosion.

The specialists informed for reference that mine detection operations are carried out in the area in three ways: mechanically, manually, and with the help of trained dogs.

The trip of international travelers to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur concluded here.

12:20

As previously reported, international travelers visited the Fuzuli district after Jabrayil district, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the guests, who arrived in Kend Horadiz village of the Fuzuli region liberated from occupation, were familiarized with the demining operations being carried out in the territory and were informed in detail that the Armenian army contaminated the territory with mines and unexploded ammunition during the occupation. An operation is also envisaged to clear mines discovered in the area under the supervision of international travelers.

09:49

JABRAYIL, Azerbaijan, July 27. The trip of travelers to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation led by the founder of the American MTP (Most Traveled People) Club, Charles Veley, one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, continues, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the next place visited by international travelers from 13 countries in the liberated territories from the occupation was the historic bridge of Khudafarin, located in the territory of Jabrayil district.

Then the travelers will visit the Fuzuli district and observe the process of clearing mines and unexploded ordnance found there.

To note, over 360 international travelers from almost 50 countries have visited Karabakh and East Zangezur 10 times in large groups during the last 4 years.

A group of international travelers made another trip to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur on July 2527, organized by the travel club MTP (Most Traveled People), one of the four largest networks of travelers around the world. This is the 11th MTP trip in a row. The group is led by Charles Veley, who is the founder and head of the MTP club. His name is in the top 10 in the international ranking of world travelers. Previously, Veley has traveled to the liberated territories four times, in three of which he led MTP lineups.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel

.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump on Friday for the first time since the former president left office. Their session at Trump's home in Florida followed Netanyahu's address to Congress and talks with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris the day before. Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, said afterward that she had pressed Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and reach an agreement on hostages held by Hamas, saying "it is time to get this deal done." On Friday, Trump criticized Harris' remarks as "disrespectful to Israel," CNN reports.
The share of US voters who say the nation is ready to elect a woman as president has declined since 2015, a new poll showseven if a female candidate is as qualified for the job as her male opponents. About half of respondents agree that Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are equally qualified to be president, YouGov poll found. But while 54% of registered voters say their countrymen are ready to elect a woman, 30% say the nation at large is not. The supportive share is a 9-point decline from a similar poll conducted in 2015, a month after Hillary Clinton declared her candidacy, the Hill reports.
Israeli airstrikes hit a school being used by displaced Palestinians in central Gaza on Saturday, killing at least 30 people, as the country's negotiators prepared to meet international mediators to discuss a proposed ceasefire. At least one small child was among the dead taken from the girls school in Deir al-Balah to Al-Aqsa Hospital. Israel's military said it targeted a Hamas command center used "as a hiding place to direct and plan numerous attacks against IDF troops" and "developed and stored large quantities of weapons." Civil defense workers in Gaza said thousands had been sheltering in the school, which also contained a medical site. Journalists from the AP saw a dead toddler in an ambulance and bodies covered with blankets. Inside the school, shattered walls gaped and classrooms were in ruins.

People searched for victims in rubble strewn with pillows and other signs of shelter. Gaza's Health Ministry said at least 12 people were killed in other strikes on Saturday. Officials from the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel are scheduled to meet in Italy on Sunday to discuss ongoing ceasefire negotiations. US officials on Friday said Israel and Hamas agree on the basic framework of the three-phase deal under consideration. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his speech earlier this week to the US Congress vowed to press ahead with the war until Israel achieves "total victory." After the Israeli strike on the school, Palestinian officials condemned the speech.

A rep for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said in a statement that Netanyahu's reception from supporters in the US constituted a "green light" to continue Israel's offensive. "Every time the occupation bombs a school that shelters displaced persons, we see only some condemnations and denunciations that will not force the occupation to stop its bloody aggression," he said. Meanwhile, Israel's military ordered the evacuation of part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Yunis on Saturday. The order was in response to rocket fire that Israel said came from the area. The military said it planned an operation against Hamas militants in the city, including parts of Muwasi, the crowded tent camp in an area where Israel has told thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge. More here.

(More Israel-Hamas war stories.)
Fishermen watched and authorities fired shots into the air as Russian warships again sailed into the Port of Havana on Saturdaythe second such deployment in two months. The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces described the arrival of the patrol ship Neustrahimiy, training vessel Smolniy, and support vessels from the Baltic Fleet as routine, Reuters reports. Acknowledging that the command tracks all vessels approaching North America, a US Northern Command spokesperson said, "Russia's deployments in the Atlantic pose no direct threat or concern to the United States."

Cuban defense officials called the Russian arrival a display of "friendship and collaboration," per the AP. And the ships were welcomed enthusiastically, with Cubans, some of whom brought their children, strolling the port avenue to get a better look at the vessels. Authorities announced that people would be allowed to board the training ship on Sunday and Monday. Neither nation offered more of an explanation for the deployment. Leaders of Cuba and Russia are collaborating more now than at any point since the fall of the Soviet Union, per Reuters, with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel making multiple trips to Moscow.

Russia has also sent goods, including oil, and tourists to Cuba, which is dealing with shortages and an economic crisis it blames largely on US sanctions. A retiree watching the flotilla dock said she remembers the Soviet Union being the only nation to help Cuba during the missile crisis with the US in 1962. "We are very grateful," said Ana Garces, 78. "Why should we not receive it with open arms? This is friendship." (More Cuba stories.)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Engineer Ahmed Sami Al Tajer, Assistant Undersecretary for Roads at the Ministry of Works, has announced the commencement of a key infrastructure project designed to enhance Bahrains road network.

The project involves constructing a new road connecting Al Hunainiya Street and Al Muaskar Street in the Southern Governorate.

The initiative, part of the government programs objectives for 2023-2026, is designed to improve traffic flow and support the Kingdoms development goals.

The new road will feature two lanes in each direction, spanning 3.4 kilometers.

It will connect Al Hunainiya Street in the north to Al Muaskar Street in the south, facilitating smoother traffic transitions between these major routes.

Scope

The scope of the project includes creating intersections, installing sidewalks, and establishing a rainwater drainage network.

Improvements will also be made to street lighting, traffic safety measures, and infrastructure for treated water to support afforestation and irrigation efforts.

The road is expected to alleviate congestion in the Al Hunainiya area, East Riffa, and nearby regions. It will benefit residents of the Al Hunainiya housing project and several local service institutions.

The Tender Board has awarded the project to Al-Dur Excavation and Construction Company
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com



The Kingdom of Bahrain's ePassport has been honoured with the 2024 Red Dot Award for Design, with the ceremony to be held in Berlin on 1 November 2024. This distinction is regarded as one of the foremost accolades in global design competitions, representing esteemed international recognition of quality standards in design.

On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence at the Interior Ministry, expressed pride in this high-level recognition.

He affirmed that it is an international honour for the Kingdom of Bahrain during the prosperous reign of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He acknowledged the prudent directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the development of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs services, and appreciated the continuous support of His Excellency General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, which has contributed to these achievements and global awards.

He affirmed that this triumph is a global achievement reflecting the excellence of Bahrain's ePassport in terms of design aesthetics and security features, employing the latest technologies in identity documents. It also illustrates Bahrain's dedication to providing superior services.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. A total of 6,516,567 ballot papers will be printed in connection with the extraordinary parliamentary election, the deputy chairperson of the CEC, Rovzat Gasimov, said at today's meeting of the Central Election Commission, Trend reports.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the dissolution of the Azerbaijani Parliament of the sixth convocation and the appointment of an extraordinary election to the Azerbaijani Parliament.

The snap election is scheduled for September 1, 2024.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sameer Nass, announced the Chambers plan to hold a celebratory event in December to mark the 85th anniversary of its establishment, coinciding with Bahrains Silver Jubilee celebrations commemorating the 25th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifas accession to the throne.

Nass stated that the celebration of the Chambers founding anniversary is a tribute to the fathers and ancestors who charted the course for the economic life and built the foundation for its prosperity and development, ensuring that it remains a strong voice defending and supporting the rights and interests of the business community.

He noted that 85 years stand as a testament to the Chambers rich history, which has set a unique model among Arab and regional chambers in establishing the pillars of the national economy and serving the commercial sector, representing its diverse activities and sectors.

Nass added that the Chamber has been a mirror of Bahrains economic landscape throughout its history, serving as a key driver for the development of institutions and companies.

It has worked hand in hand with the esteemed government to find solutions to the challenges and crises facing the world from time to time, without impacting the local market and citizens.

He emphasized that the Chamber has become an integral part of the national economic system, drawing on the successes inspired by Bahrains strategic commercial position, which was behind the early emergence of the Bahraini business community in the modern history of the Gulf region.

The Chamber continues to defend its principles and values, with its successive boards of directors throughout its history.

Nass explained that the Chamber is the principal representative of the private sector, which bears the greater responsibility in development, and it is the gateway for foreign investment, as it has formal relations and bilateral agreements with all Arab, Islamic, and international chambers of commerce.

It also chairs joint business councils between Bahrain and more than 60 countries worldwide, and it receives all foreign ambassadors and trade representations.

He noted that the Chambers unwavering drive to fulfill its mission and duties is fueled by the unlimited support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalife and the patronage and attention of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, towards the private sector and enhancing its role in various sectors, contributing to the achievement of the comprehensive development journeys objectives.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. The election campaign has not yet started; the media should take this into account, chairperson of the CEC Mazahir Panahov said at a meeting of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The CEC chairman noted that registered candidates should also take this into account.

In case of violation in this sphere, the CEC may conduct proceedings and even cancel the candidacy of a registered nominee, he added.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the dissolution of the Azerbaijani Parliament of the sixth convocation and the appointment of an extraordinary election to the Azerbaijani Parliament.

The snap election is scheduled for September 1, 2024.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Two people were killed and seven others injured in a fiery head-on collision Friday night on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township, local police said Saturday.

Four vehicles were ultimately involved in the crash, and police reported a good Samaritan trying to assist victims was also injured.

A car traveling westbound crossed into the eastbound lanes and hit another vehicle, forcing it backwards into a third vehicle traveling eastbound, Egg Harbor Township police said. The crash occurred at 8:18 p.m. near the Oh St. Joseph Hotel in the West Atlantic City section.

The vehicle that crossed into oncoming traffic began to catch fire, and multiple witnesses and passing motorists rushed to rescue people from the car.

The car traveling behind the initial vehicle that was hit ended up in a marsh on the side of the road, officials said. The driver of that car was killed in the crash and later identified by police as Escarlin Suriel, 21, of Atlantic City.

An occupant of the car that crossed into the eastbound lanes, Gabriella Constrantino, 22, of Pleasantville, was also killed in the crash, police said.

Two children, a boy and a girl, who were also riding in that vehicle were all listed in critical condition as of Saturday morning. The boy was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City while the girl was flown to Cooper Hospital in Camden, officials said.

Also treated for serious injuries were a 25-year-old from Pleasantville and a 27-year-old man from Atlantic City.

Two others were treated for minor injuries, police said, and a male who tried to rescue people from the burning vehicle was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries as well, according to police. His condition was not available Saturday morning.

Traffic along the Black Horse Pike, a major artery between Atlantic City and Philadelphia was detoured for over seven hours Friday night while police investigated the crash.

The incident is remains under investigation by the Egg Harbor Township Police Traffic Safety Unit in conjunction with the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. A total of 454 people nominated for MPs in Azerbaijan represent 25 parties, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov said at the CEC meeting in Baku today, Trend reports.

According to him, 1,255 people were nominated in all 125 constituencies.

Of these, 1,092 people received signature sheets, and 87 candidates for MPs have been registered so far," he added.

On June 28, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the dissolution of the Azerbaijani Parliament of the sixth convocation and the appointment of an extraordinary election to the Azerbaijani Parliament.

The snap election is scheduled for September 1, 2024.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Three former employees of Seton Hall Law School have pleaded guilty to a $1.3 million scheme to defraud the university, authorities said. The trio admitted to a wide-ranging scam that included asking vendors to pay them directly, purchasing hundreds of thousands dollars worth of gift cards and forming a shell company to bill the university for services never rendered, U.S. District Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Friday.

Teresina DeAlmeida, 59, of Warren and Rose Martins, 44, of East Hanover pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy in Newark federal court Friday. Silvia Cardoso, 61, of Warren, pleaded guilty to the same charge on Thursday, Sellinger said.

Through an elaborate, years-long embezzlement scheme, these defendants violated their obligation to the students and exploited their role at this institution of higher learning to line their own pockets, Sellinger said in a statement. Through forgery, fraudulent invoices, unauthorized transactions and phony shell companies, they stole money intended to benefit the school and its student body and abused their positions.

Officials said that between 2009 and July 2022, the three women worked together to misappropriate more than $1.3 million at a graduate school in Essex County. Federal officials did not name the university Friday, but Seton Hall officials confirmed the incident took place at the universitys law school.

This matter relates to financial irregularities first uncovered by Seton Hall during a regular internal review, A Seton Hall University spokesperson said. We immediately conducted a more intensive review utilizing a third-party auditor and notified the appropriate higher education and government entities. This process led to our implementation of additional financial safeguards and controls to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.

We are grateful to the government agencies involved in the investigation for their diligence. We also appreciate the patience and cooperation of everyone at Seton Hall who has worked to implement these enhanced fiscal policies, never wavering in our shared focus of advancing Seton Halls exceptional educational mission.

DeAlmeida, a former Assistant Dean, was responsible for financial functions within the department and Martins was her assistant, officials said. Cardoso is DeAlmeidas sister and worked as part of the support staff in the graduate school, authorities said.

Beginning in 2009, authorities said DeAlmeida instructed a vendor to pay Martins and Cardoso as though they were employees even though they did not perform any duties. DeAlmeida then had the vendor submit false invoices to the school over the course of four years to reimburse the vendor for sums paid to Martins and Cardoso, prosecutors alleged.

Between 2010 and 2022, prosecutors said DeAlmeida ordered graduate school vendors to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gift cards for the three women to use, and then had the vendor submit false invoices to the university as goods and services that were never provided.

Authorities said during the same 12-year period, the trio used DeAlmeidas school-issued credit card to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars in prepaid debit cards and more gift cards from the school store, purchases that prosecutors said DeAlmeida fraudulently approved while Martins and Cardoso forged signatures of other employees for internal approvals.

In 2015, Martins opened a shell company called CMS Content Management Specialist, LLC, and fraudulently billed the school for $208,000 of services never provided, officials said. DeAlmeida approved the expenses, according to authorities.

Prosecutors also said the women used the school-issued credit card to purchase over $70,000 in personal goods that were shipped directly to their homes, including smart watches, bed linens and womens shoes. Authorities said DeAlmeida and Martins altered receipts before submitting them to the university for payment.

Silvia Cardoso deeply regrets her involvement in this misconduct, her attorney Henry Klingeman told NJ Advance Media Friday. Silvia faithfully devoted decades of her career to the law school. She hopes that the judge will weigh that against her acceptance of gift cards and other valuables to which she was not entitled.

Cardoso is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 26 while DeAlmeida and Martins sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, respectively.

Ms. Martins is deeply sorry for her actions and is doing everything she can to make amends, Martins attorney, Timothy Donohue, told NJ Advance Media.

An attorney for DeAlmeida declined to comment.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X.
New Jersey State Police are investigating an early morning crash on I-280 in Hudson County Saturday that left one person dead, authorities said.

Kaylee Mendez, 22, of Newark was thrown from the vehicle and died, officials with the New Jersey State Police said.

Troopers responded to a report of a crash along I-280 in Harrison at 1:24 a.m. Saturday morning, authorities said.

According to police, a preliminary investigation determined the car was traveling east on I-280 when it veered off the road to the right and hit a guardrail, ejecting Mendez.

Authorities did not release any other details about the incident, but said the crash remains under investigation.

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Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X
A former Union City police officer has been charged with criminal sexual contact and harassment in an incident at a Guttenberg flower shop earlier this week.

Ytalo Savinovich, 52, of Cliffside Park, was arrested Friday by Cliffside Park police and turned over to the Guttenberg Police Department, which has filed arrest warrants after identifying him as the assailant, Guttenberg Lt. Aleksandar Ramadanovic said.

Id like to thank my detectives and the Cliffside Park Police Department for their outstanding work in investigating and apprehending this defendant, Deputy Chief Frank Pelaez said. To our residents, rest assured that our officers and the officers of our neighboring jurisdictions are always working toward fostering safer communities for you all.
A Jersey Shore towns ban on teen-only events has sparked a heated legal battle in federal court after the new rules threatened to end a bars popular weekly summer parties on Long Beach Island.

The owner of the Marlin Restaurant & Bar in Beach Haven filed a lawsuit against the borough in June after the town enacted the ban on teen nights. Local officials argued the events led to unruly behavior from teenagers and the need for an increased police presence in the town.
The former chief financial officer of a Morris County-based national law firm who admitted earlier this year to embezzling over $1.5 million from the business was sentenced Friday to five years in state prison, officials said.

John Dunlea, 61, of Westfield, was also ordered to pay more than $1.5 million to McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, the firm where he was previously employed, and to pay over $20,000 to the state as restitution, according to a release from the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office.

Dunlea admitted that between January 2017 and December 2022, he paid himself unauthorized compensation in the amount of $1,182,965, and misled the firm into paying his personal credit card charges for international and domestic flights, hotels, and restaurant outings for himself and his family, totaling $355,256, the office said.

According to court filings in that case, Dunlea had been responsible for managing and overseeing the administration of the law firms wage and salary payment process, including bonuses. But instead of processing his own year-end bonus in amounts approved by the committee, that lawsuit charged that Dunlea had systematically, surreptitiously, and dishonestly paid himself more than was authorized.

He also admitted not paying $22,568 in income tax to the state for the tax years 2018 through 2022, for income he got from from the credit card scheme, authorities said.

The defendant admitted to giving himself a staggering, unauthorized, and illegal seven-figure pay raise, and treating himself and his family, at his employers expense, to travel, hotels, and meals, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. Todays sentence demonstrates the Division of Criminal Justices firm commitment to holding individuals accountable who exploit positions of trust to commit financial fraud.

Dunlea pleaded guilty on May 8 to two counts of second-degree theft by deception and five counts of third-degree failure to pay taxes, according to the release.

He was fired by the firm in 2023 after they discovered the misappropriated funds and filed a civil suit against him. The status of that suit was unclear Friday.

As I said during the hearing; and I believe the Court agreed, the underlying conduct was an absolute aberration in Mr. Dunleas life, Dunleas attorney Ricardo Solano, Jr. told NJ Advance Media. He is a good man who made a bad decision. He has accepted responsibility and now is looking forward to rebuilding his life both personally and professionally. Thankfully he has the support of his wife, his children; and many friends.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
BOSTON  Giancarlo Stanton wont be back from the Yankees injured list this weekend in Boston, but his return from a left hamstring strain is imminent.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expects the designated hitter to be activated from the IL on Monday, making the slugger available for the Yankees series opener against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
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FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 27. Azerbaijan is quickly rebuilding Karabakh, German traveler Joachim von Loeben from the Most Traveled People (MTP) tourist club told Trend.

He pointed out that it was his first visit to Azerbaijan and that he is very impressed by the country.

According to von Loeben, he and other members of the delegation visited the northern part of the country, specifically the Guba district, and then traveled to Karabakh, which is very impressive and interesting to visit, especially due to the rapid reconstruction efforts taking place there.

"We first visited Shusha. I enjoyed the city. Today, we saw the Khudafarin Bridge in Jabrayil, on the border with Iran. It's an interesting and beautiful structure. We are very happy to have seen all of this," he said.

The traveler from Germany pointed out that the delegation is visiting a demining camp.

He expressed hope that the international community will provide the necessary support for demining the liberated territories.

To note, over 360 international travelers from almost 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times in large groups during the last 4 years.

A group of international travelers made another trip to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur on July 2527, organized by the travel club MTP (Most Traveled People), one of the four largest networks of travelers around the world. This is the 11th MTP trip in a row. The group is led by Charles Veley, who is the founder and head of the MTP club. His name is in the top 10 in the international ranking of world travelers. Previously, Veley has traveled to the liberated territories four times, in three of which he led MTP lineups.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 39F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 39F. Winds light and variable.
FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 27. Travelers from 13 countries, led by Charles Veley, founder of the American club MTP (Most Traveled People), one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, observed the process of mine clearance in Fuzuli district, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to information, the travelers, who arrived in the Fuzuli district, familiarized themselves with the demining works carried out by ANAMA in the territory of Kend Khoradiz village, which was liberated from occupation. Afterward, the guests observed the operation on the neutralization of mines found in the area by the explosion.

The specialists informed for reference that mine detection operations are carried out in the area in three ways: mechanically, manually, and with the help of trained dogs.

The trip of international travelers to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur concluded here.

12:20

As previously reported, international travelers visited the Fuzuli district after Jabrayil district, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the guests, who arrived in Kend Horadiz village of the Fuzuli region liberated from occupation, were familiarized with the demining operations being carried out in the territory and were informed in detail that the Armenian army contaminated the territory with mines and unexploded ammunition during the occupation. An operation is also envisaged to clear mines discovered in the area under the supervision of international travelers.

09:49

JABRAYIL, Azerbaijan, July 27. The trip of travelers to the territories of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation led by the founder of the American MTP (Most Traveled People) Club, Charles Veley, one of the four largest travel clubs in the world, continues, Trend's Karabakh bureau reports.

According to the information, the next place visited by international travelers from 13 countries in the liberated territories from the occupation was the historic bridge of Khudafarin, located in the territory of Jabrayil district.

Then the travelers will visit the Fuzuli district and observe the process of clearing mines and unexploded ordnance found there.

To note, over 360 international travelers from almost 50 countries have visited Karabakh and East Zangezur 10 times in large groups during the last 4 years.

A group of international travelers made another trip to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur on July 2527, organized by the travel club MTP (Most Traveled People), one of the four largest networks of travelers around the world. This is the 11th MTP trip in a row. The group is led by Charles Veley, who is the founder and head of the MTP club. His name is in the top 10 in the international ranking of world travelers. Previously, Veley has traveled to the liberated territories four times, in three of which he led MTP lineups.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. The State Committee for Refugees and IDPs of Azerbaijan has organized for the first time an info tour to the territory of Kalbajar district for a creative group of sculptors and artists, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, it was noted that the participants of the info tour were provided with detailed information about the reconstruction and construction works carried out in the district under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, as well as measures in connection with the preparation of the local population to return to their native lands.

The art masters were allowed to get acquainted with the nature of Kalbajar on the spot and see mesmerizing landscapes visually. They also witnessed the traces of the atrocities committed by the Armenians in these territories, observed the destroyed and plundered lands, and engaged in conversations with the residents who had recently moved to the district for economic purposes. The masters of the brush also took the opportunity to capture nature landscapes on canvas on the spot and make photo and video recordings.

During the trip, members of the creative group visited the city of Kalbajar, the ancient Albanian temple of Khudaveng, and the Sarsang reservoir. They noted that the trip was productive and useful.

To note, within the framework of the implementation of point 3.1.2 of Action Plan I of the State Program "Great Return," the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs organizes info tours to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur with the participation of groups of people of different creative professions.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Gail Lumet Buckley, who rather than follow her mother, Lena Horne, into show business, wrote two multigenerational books about their ambitious Black middle-class family, died on July 18 at her home in Santa Monica, Calif. She was 86.

Her daughter Jenny Lumet, a screenwriter and film and television producer, said the cause was heart failure.

Mrs. Buckley was inspired to chronicle her family history in the early 1980s, when her mother asked her to store an old trunk in her basement. It had belonged to Ms. Hornes father, Edwin Jr., known as Teddy, and contained hundreds of artifacts that had belonged to relatives dating back six generations, to Sinai Reynolds, who had been born into slavery around 1777 and who in 1859 bought her freedom and that of members of her family.

There were photographs, letters, bills, notes, Mrs. Buckley told The New York Times in a joint interview with her mother in 1986, as well as speakeasy tickets, gambling receipts, college diplomas.
Vivian Jenna Wilson, the transgender daughter of Elon Musk, said this week that her father had been uncaring and behaved in a cruel manner toward her as a child over her being queer and feminine.

In an exclusive interview with NBC News on Thursday, Ms. Wilson, 20, called Mr. Musk cold, very quick to anger and narcissistic. She described him as an absent father who, according to NBC, would harass her for exhibiting feminine traits and pressure her to appear more masculine, including by pushing her to deepen her voice as early as elementary school.

Ms. Wilsons interview came in response to remarks Mr. Musk made earlier this week about her transgender identity.

In an interview on Monday with the Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson that was streamed live on X, Mr. Musk used Ms. Wilsons birth name, which is known as deadnaming, and said that she was dead, killed by the woke mind virus. Mr. Musk also said that he had been tricked into authorizing gender-affirming care for her. He later doubled down on his claims about Ms. Wilson on X, saying that she was born gay and slightly autistic but that she was not a girl.
The F.B.I. said on Friday that Donald J. Trump had been struck by a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, providing the most definitive explanation to date about what injured the former presidents ear during an assassination attempt this month.

Ambiguity about Mr. Trumps injury turned into a political firestorm as the former president and his political allies attacked the F.B.I. director, Christopher A. Wray, for comments he made on Wednesday before Congress.

With respect to former President Trump, theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear, Mr. Wray told the House Judiciary Committee.

Mr. Wrays comments incensed Mr. Trump because they seemed to cast doubt on the former presidents version of what happened at a July 13 campaign rally in Butler, Pa., when a gunman opened fire, killing one and injuring two others. The shooter, Thomas Crooks, 20, was killed by a Secret Service sniper.
After meeting with Israels prime minister this week, Vice President Kamala Harris said she will not be silent. She was referring to her concerns about Palestinian suffering in the Gaza war, but in a way it was a larger declaration of independence.

For nearly four years, she has been the quiet understudy, relegated to the role of the supportive deputy while President Biden made pronouncements. Now she has suddenly been thrust to the fore as the new presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, and neither silence nor agreeable head nods are sufficient any more.

The challenge for her over the next 100 days will be to find her own voice without overtly breaking with Mr. Biden, a delicate political high-wire act without a reliable net. Every statement she makes, every sentence she utters, will be scrutinized to determine whether it is consistent with the president she serves. Yet even as she wants to demonstrate loyalty to Mr. Biden, she also hopes to show the public who she is.

She is fortunate in that she and Mr. Biden do not diverge all that much, according to people who have worked with them. While friction between presidents and their vice presidents is common, there have been few notable instances where Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris have been reported to be at odds. So for her, it may not be as difficult to suppress contrary instincts in the truncated election campaign she faces as it has been for other vice presidents eager to differentiate themselves.
Former President Donald J. Trump sharpened his attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday, accusing her of wanting to impose left-wing values on the nation, painting her as overly liberal on immigration and abortion and calling her a bum in a speech to a gathering of religious conservatives.

Speaking at the Believers Summit, a faith-focused conference hosted by the conservative advocacy group Turning Point Action in West Palm Beach, Fla., Mr. Trump invoked the specter of San Francisco  a liberal city long used as shorthand by conservatives eager to denigrate Democrats  as he argued that Ms. Harris would, if elected, impose far-left values on the country.

Kamala Harris will appoint hundreds of extreme far left judges to forcibly impose crazy San Francisco liberal values on Americans nationwide, Mr. Trump told the crowd.

Making his second campaign speech since Ms. Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee this week, Mr. Trumps barbs seemed more focused than earlier in the week, when he unleashed a flurry of wide-ranging attacks.
If Alanis Morissettes albums were children, Jagged Little Pill would be the spoiled one  universally beloved, lavishly celebrated, extravagantly fed. She has a soft spot for her second born, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, which was reissued with new material last month for its 25th anniversary. (She plays from the album on her current tour, which has dates through September.)

Morissette was only 25 when Supposed came out, in 1999, but Jagged had made her a battle-hardened veteran of the It Girl industrial complex. She had hoped success would bring communion with other stars of popular and alternative music; instead, she found herself isolated and creatively drained.

I felt like I was at odds with the credo of the 90s, she said. I thought there would be more intimacy and vulnerability and kumbaya, but it was all about aloofness and ennui and I am not aloof.

Inspiration came from the unconditional love of her friends back home in Toronto, and a monthlong trip to India, the grounding influence of which can be heard on the albums breakout single, Thank You. My songs can be an invitation to three emotions American culture generally doesnt allow: fear, anger and sadness, she said. I get excited to embody those things onstage, and to have people watch me and feel it in themselves.
Three members of the award-winning gospel band the Nelons and four other people on board were killed in a plane crash in rural Wyoming on Friday, according to the authorities and representatives for the band.

The plane, an 11-seat Pilatus, crashed at approximately 1 p.m. local time in a remote area north of Gillette in Campbell County, Wyo., the county government said on Facebook.

The three band members, Jason Clark; his wife, Kelly Nelon Clark; and their daughter Amber Kistler were traveling to perform on a cruise that was set to depart on Saturday from Seattle and sail to Alaska, according to a statement from Gaither Management Group, which the band recorded for.

Ms. Kistlers husband, Nathan, was also killed, as well as the bands assistant, Melodi Hodges; the pilot, Larry Haynie; and his wife, Melissa.
Dear readers,

It would be a lie to say that I know very much about the Netherlands. My memories of a few chaotic days there in college are what you might call Amsterdam Generic: the scratchy bedsheets at a bare-bones hostel; the greasy scent of hashish and pommes frites; a terrifying encounter with a belligerent swan  so pretty, so mean  on an otherwise bucolic bicycle ride.

But as an ugly American Im still charmed and confounded by this small, neat country, with its social liberties and odd dichotomies, its reputation for directness and discipline. It feels like an outsiders job to marvel, as one character does in Ian McEwans 1998 novel Amsterdam, at the modest Van Gogh bridges, the understated street furniture, the intelligent, unstuffy-looking Dutch on their bikes with their levelheaded children sitting behind. Even the shopkeepers looked like professors, the street sweepers like jazz musicians. There was never a city more rationally ordered.

Rationality is a bit of a theme in the two novels featured this week  the tug between what is sensible, expected and nominally correct, and what the messy human heart actually wants.

One more quick Amsterdam story before we dive in: Years ago on an obligatory stroll through the citys red-light district, I passed a woman sitting in a brothel window, naked except for a pair of eyeglasses and a book in her lap. It must have been a good one; the whole street was lit up like a Mardi Gras jukebox, but she never looked up.

Leah
Most historical romance is solidly grounded in what Ill call textbook history, where many narratives have been shaped by victors, politics and cultural currents. But this is the tyranny of convenience. At its most vital, historical romance also resurrects ephemeral yet utterly timeless truths: the sensations of the body beneath the clothing, the agonizing decision to burn letters brimming with illicit love.

These kinds of secrets are what Isabel Luna is searching for in ISABEL AND THE ROGUE (Berkley, 352 pp., paperback, $19), the second in Liana De la Rosas series about a trio of Mexican sisters in early-Victorian London. The books are slantwise Regencies, reinterpreting London through the lens of the French invasion of Mexico and the womens attempts to garner support for the ousted Mexican president.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. The number of weapons and ammunition found by police officers in the territories liberated from occupation from July 19 through July 26 has been disclosed, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Interior Ministry.

Meanwhile, it was noted that 24 automatic weapons, one machine gun, 9 rifles, 28 grenades, 29 fuses, 441 shells, 5 bayonet knives, 93 cartridge magazines, 3118 cartridges of different calibers, and other ammunition were found in Khankendi, one machine gun, 50 grenades, 7 explosives, 3 shells and 320 cartridges of different calibers were found in Shusha.

In Khojaly district, 8 automatic rifles, 3 rifles, 64 shells, 121 grenades, 11 cartridge clips, 2 fuses, 30 homemade explosive devices, 20 capsule detonators, 3 checkers, 57 powder grenades, one mine detector, 1,040 rounds of various calibers were found and seized, and in Kalbajar, one automatic weapon, 3 cartridge clips and 59 rounds of ammunition were found and seized.
In his presidential campaign, Donald Trump has doubled down on bashing migrants crossing the southern border. They are criminals who are poisoning the blood of our country, he says. The Republican National Convention was full of talk of surging migrant crime, even though such a rise does not exist.

The number of Americans who think the immigration level is too high has sharply risen since the last presidential contest in 2020, and as Americans move to the right on the issue, Trump plans to go much further than President Bidens executive order in June, which closes the border when crossings surge. Trump has said he would build vast holding facilities  detention camps  to lock people up as their cases progress; end birthright citizenship, even though the Constitution protects it; and bring back a version of the travel ban from his first term, which barred visitors from several mostly Muslim countries. Another Trump promise, mass deportations, hasnt been tried since the 1950s; now, polls show majority support for it, including among Latinos.

But there is one anti-immigration proposal on the right that Trump doesnt talk about publicly. Its a spin on self-deportation. The term  for provoking immigrants to leave of their own volition  has gone out of fashion but the idea continues to lurk. This time, instead of directly pressuring undocumented adults to flee, some immigration opponents are threatening access to school for their children. Its a nuclear option  requiring the reversal of a Supreme Court ruling that has been a linchpin of educational rights for four decades  that some of Trumps allies on the right are quietly building support for.

In February, the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing Washington think tank thats become central to mapping out policy objectives for the next Republican administration, recommended requiring public schools to collect data on immigration status when students enroll. Heritage also said schools should charge tuition for children who are undocumented or who have a parent who lacks legal status.
On July 6, Sonya Massey called 911 to report an intruder. After Sean Grayson, a sheriffs deputy, and another officer found no intruder outside of her home in Sangamon County, Ill., they knocked on her door. The situation escalated after Ms. Massey went to turn off her stove. Within seconds Mr. Grayson drew his gun and shot her in the head.

The death of George Floyd in 2020 drew public outrage and calls for a wide variety of police reforms. There is still a lot we dont know about the Massey situation, including if she was experiencing mental distress. But the killing of Ms. Massey is a cold reminder of how little has changed in the years since.

Its true that there have been piecemeal reforms at the state and local level. But at the federal level, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was unable to get past partisan gridlock in the Senate  and, in any case, many experts agree that the act would not do enough to reduce rates of police violence in the United States.

Amid a stalled federal legislative agenda, arguably the most significant development since 2020 is what appears to be a newfound willingness to prosecute officers who use unjustifiable deadly force. Between 2016 and 2019, only 43 police officers were charged with murder or manslaughter related to an on-duty shooting. From 2020 to 2023, more than 70 officers were charged. And yet, more than 1,100 people were shot and killed by police officers last year  the highest one-year number on record.
Josh Bailey, a 26-year-old day trader in Austin, Texas, was scrolling through a cryptocurrency group chat last month when he encountered an investment opportunity: a digital currency created in honor of a dog named Billy.

The dog was cute, he thought, but more important, its name evoked something every crypto trader covets  billionaire status. I started hearing people say Billy to a billy, Mr. Bailey said. Kind of has that ring to it.

Mr. Bailey bought about $900 of $BILLY on Pump.fun, a leading vendor for memecoins, volatile cryptocurrencies based on the fluctuating popularity of internet memes. When he sold his $BILLY holdings a few days later, he made a profit of more than $100,000.

The recent revival of the crypto market has fueled a surge in memecoins, one of the industrys frothiest, most scam-ridden segments. In the first six months of the year, nearly 1.7 million new coins entered circulation, compared with 264,000 over the same period in 2023, according to Dune Analytics, a crypto data tracker. Many of the tokens have names like Bread (yes, the meme is a loaf of bread) or Baby Trump (the former president in a diaper). One of the most popular memecoins is based on Pepe the Frog, an alt-right mascot that is sometimes used as a hate symbol.
A former California public school official who embezzled more than $16 million from a school district and used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle was sentenced to nearly six years in prison this week, according to the Justice Department.

A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Jorge Armando Contreras, 53, who worked for the Magnolia School District in Orange County, to 70 months and ordered him to pay $16,694,942 in restitution. Mr. Contreras, of Yorba Linda, Calif., had pleaded guilty in March to one count of embezzlement, theft and intentional misapplication of funds from an organization receiving federal funds, the U.S. attorneys office said.

Martin Estrada, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said in a statement that instead of using his job at a public school district to help socioeconomically disadvantaged children, Mr. Contreras had embezzled millions of dollars in a scheme that fraudulently created for him a life of opulence.

He used the money to buy a range of luxurious products like Louis Vuitton bags and $2,000 tequila bottles, according to the Justice Department. About $7.7 million in personal and real property traced to the scheme have been seized, officials said.
Senator Martin Heinrich, a two-term Democrat from New Mexico, was not on anyones watch list of incumbents facing serious re-election trouble given the reliable partisan tilt of his state, which has not voted for a Republican for Senate since 2002 or a Republican presidential candidate since 2004.

But in the weeks after President Biden turned in a disastrous debate performance against Donald J. Trump last month, Mr. Heinrich was among the Democrats privately panicking. Polls showed New Mexico slipping into an expanding universe of potentially winnable states for the former president  foretelling an electoral disaster for Mr. Biden and trouble in the senators own re-election race.

So Mr. Bidens decision last weekend to exit the race took a weight off the shoulders of Mr. Heinrich and other Democratic incumbents, who now describe a sense of hope and momentum overtaking the doom and gloom that had permeated their party since late June.

It just feels like a completely different world than a week ago, said Mr. Heinrich, who is facing a challenge from Nella Domenici, the daughter of the states last Republican senator, Pete Domenici, a popular figure and household name in New Mexico. Across the board  engagement, social media, anecdotal  everything feels different. I feel better about the broad momentum.
As Californias biggest fire of the year raced toward his neighborhood and the police ordered residents to evacuate, Justin Freese decided he was going nowhere.

Instead, he calmly unfurled his 300 feet of fire hose, readied his generators and surveyed the fires progress. Mr. Freese, who owns a shop specializing in car exhaust systems, calculated that he had enough fuel and food to last him about a year  and enough water, nearly 10,000 gallons, to defend his two-story, wood-shingled home in Forest Ranch from the onslaught of fire that leveled a neighbors home on Thursday.

I live up here  Ive gotta be prepared, Mr. Freese, 40, said Friday, as he paced his property set amid the conifer forests a 20-minute drive outside the city of Chico.

Through the trees, the sky looked angry. A tower of wildfire smoke  streaked orange, red and black  soared into the sky as the Park fire tore through the valley below. By Saturday morning, it had consumed more than 300,000 acres of land, making it the largest active fire in the country, and it was still zero percent contained.
Vice President Kamala Harris warned a crowd of supporters on Saturday that former President Donald J. Trump held the advantage in their contest for the White House given the short window until Election Day.

We got a fight ahead of us, and we are the underdogs in this race, OK? Ms. Harris said in Pittsfield, Mass., at her first fund-raiser since President Biden dropped his re-election bid six days ago. Level set, were the underdogs in this race. But this is a people-powered campaign, and we have momentum.

Polls have shown the vice president catching up to Mr. Trump  welcome news for Democrats after Mr. Biden had fallen significantly behind. The Harris campaign has also shown new strength in fund-raising and in the number of new volunteers, with the election roughly three months away.

Since announcing her candidacy for the Democratic nomination and receiving Mr. Bidens endorsement, Ms. Harris has deployed a sharpened message against Mr. Trump. On Saturday, she suggested he would restrict Americans most fundamental rights, including reproductive freedoms, and called him a bully.
Hey Sofes, heres an excerpt from my book, Mr. Vance wrote to his friend, Sofia Nelson. I send this to you not just to brag, but because Im sure if you read it youll notice reference to an extremely progressive lesbian.

I recognize now that this may not accurately reflect how you think of yourself, and for that I am really sorry, he wrote. I hope youre not offended, but if you are, Im sorry! Love you, JD.
A man in Las Vegas has been charged with threatening to assault and kill federal officials, judges and state employees across several states, according to a federal indictment, including at least two people involved in the prosecution of former President Donald J. Trump.

The man, Spencer Gear, 32, was charged with 10 counts of threatening a federal official and 12 counts of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure. Mr. Gear was taken into federal custody on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to the charges in the U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.

In a detention order signed on Thursday, Magistrate Judge Brenda Weksler cited a recording of a telephone message on June 3, which was directed at a judge and a district attorney referred to in the indictment as A.B. and J.M., the initials of Alvin Bragg, the lead prosecutor, and Juan Merchan, the presiding judge in Mr. Trumps hush-money trial in New York.

Judge Weksler said the language in the message was of great concern to the court.

The message was left on the Monday after a jury found Mr. Trump guilty of all 34 charges in an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 election through a payment to silence a porn actress who said the two had sex.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken pressed his Chinese counterpart Saturday on areas of sharp disagreement between the two nations, including Chinas support of Russias military industrial sector, the State Department said in a statement.

Mr. Blinken met with the Chinese official, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of an annual international conference of Southeast Asian nations in the Laotian capital of Vientiane. Also in attendance was Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, who at one group session blamed the United States for provoking Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a senior State Department official told reporters traveling with Mr. Blinken.

In their meeting, Mr. Wang listened to Mr. Blinkens criticisms, but said that China has not sent weapons to Russia, said the State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly describe diplomatic talks. Mr. Blinken was starting his most ambitious tour of Asia, flying to six countries in a week.

President Biden and his aides have recently accused China of helping Russia rebuild its defense industrial sector, mainly through the export to Russia by Chinese companies of machine tools and microelectronics that have helped the Russian army persist in its war in Ukraine.
PARIS, France, July 27. Judo competitions at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics started today, Trend reports.

According to the information, the first day of the competition will determine the winners in two weight categories.

Men will fight in the weight category of 60 kg, and women will fight at 48 kg. Two judokas of the Azerbaijani national team will also take to the tatami. The meetings started at 12:00 Baku time.

Balabey Agayev will start his performance at the Olympics in the 1/8 finals. He will meet the winner of the match Simon Zulu (Zambia) - Won Jin Kim (South Korea).

Leyla Aliyeva started her fight in the 1/16 finals. She was defeated in a duel with Khalimajon Kurbonova (Uzbekistan).

To note, Azerbaijan's judo team is represented by nine athletes at the Olympics.
South Korea was investigating a leak from its top military intelligence command that local news media said had caused a large amount of sensitive information, including personal data on the commands agents abroad, to end up in North Korea, its military said Saturday.

The military said in a brief statement that it planned to deal sternly with those responsible for the leak. But it declined to confirm the local media reports, pending its investigation of the Korea Defense Intelligence Command, where the leak took place.

The command, a secretive arm of the South Korean military, specializes in gathering intelligence on North Korea, a heavily militarized country that often threatens its southern neighbor with nuclear weapons.

Its highly unusual for the South Korean authorities to publicly acknowledge a leak from the command, which is one of South Koreas top two spy agencies, along with the National Intelligence Service.
Like most vice presidents, Kamala Harris was not given much runway on foreign policy. President Biden prided himself on his international expertise and relished his rapport with global leaders. But in the role she did fill, Ms. Harris made an impression.

In more than 30 interviews with officials on four continents, including foreign heads of state, senior diplomats and activists who have personally interacted with her, a consistent picture emerges. Ms. Harris can be many things at once: warm but steely on occasion; authoritative but personable.

She has represented the United States frequently during trips to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, and has met with more than 150 world leaders. And she has attended three Munich Security Conferences  an annual staple for top-level foreign policy officials to meet and set the Western defense agenda. In recent months, she has also become more directly involved in discussions with global leaders on the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

At home, she has struck a stronger tone on the plight of Palestinians than Mr. Biden, while sticking with his general stance on Israels right to defend itself. In what amounted to her debut on the world stage as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee this past week, Ms. Harris declared after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel in Washington that she would not be silent about the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
After Daria fled from her Russian-occupied village to western Ukraine, she spent weeks restlessly wandering the streets. Whenever she grew tired of walking, she would sit on park benches and tell anyone who would listen  even perfect strangers  what the Russian soldiers did to her.

I wanted to tell everyone, but there was no one to talk to, recalled Daria, a 32-year-old illustrator. I could not confide in my family members, and I did not know anyone in town. I had to somehow deal with it on my own.

Daria said she was raped twice by a Russian soldier in March 2022 in Havronshchyna  a small village about 30 miles from Kyiv, Ukraines capital  where a range of alleged war crimes, including sexual violence, have been documented by Ukrainian authorities and international media.

For two years after the assault, Daria said, she wrestled with shame. She could not tell her father what happened, and she struggled to be intimate with her partner. She said in an interview that she was ready to tell her story, to erase the stigma of sexual assault and help herself and other victims heal.
Hundreds of former Democratic foreign policy leaders this week backed Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House, vouching for their partys presumptive nominee despite her limited experience in matters of diplomacy.

Her rapid trajectory to the top of the ticket just days after President Biden announced he would exit the race comes at a time of increased global tension, leaving voters to wonder where she stands on critical foreign policy issues, including military support for Israel and Ukraine, the migrant crisis, and threats from an emergent China.

Ms. Harris has played a narrow role in the Biden administrations shaping of foreign policy, even in the areas where she is involved, most notably in the administrations approach to illegal migration along the southern border. Nevertheless, the campaign of former President Donald J. Trump has sought to tie her to the influx in migrants, while simultaneously painting her as inexperienced.

Here is what we know about her key foreign policy positions.

The War in Gaza

Ms. Harris has largely been in lock step with Mr. Biden regarding U.S. support for Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza. She has reaffirmed the administrations position that Israel has a right to defend itself, but she has struck a sharper tone about the suffering of people in Gaza.
Less than three years ago, Wassif Frahat spent $3 million to open a lavish, two-story restaurant, the Ali Baba. With an impressive, pillared entryway, polished stone floors, glittering chandeliers and colorful frescoes on the high ceilings, the restaurant was his commitment to a better future.

The Ali Baba, in Jenin, is just a few minutes drive from the Jalameh checkpoint, which in normal times allows Israeli Arab citizens entry to the West Bank. The atmosphere is Palestinian, and the shops, restaurants and services are significantly cheaper than in Israel. The crossing also allows Palestinians with valid entry permits to go to jobs in Israel.

But after Hamas invaded Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, the checkpoint was closed. Israel withheld most tax revenue from the authorities in the West Bank, in an effort to weaken them and clamp down more broadly on Palestinians. The economy in the territorys north collapsed, and the better future that Mr. Frahat expected now seems further away than ever.

The war that followed the invasion is devastating Gaza, but it is also impoverishing the West Bank, which has become a kind of second front in Israels battle against Palestinian militancy.
The New York Times News Quiz, July 26, 2024

Did you follow the news this week? Take our quiz to see how well you stack up with other Times readers.
Offaly sisters Dawn, Davinia and Cleo Knight from Portarlington, well known for their passion for fashion, dazzled the crowds at the prestigious Irish Oaks Weekend at The Curragh.

The glamourous girls were contestants in the Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Awards which was judged by Brian Dowling and Dancing with the Stars Judge Arthur Gourounlian. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Choe, Davinia and Dawn Knight. Photo: Lorraine O'Sullivan

Brian and Arthur brought a wealth of expertise and discerning taste to the judging panel. With their keen eye for fashion and impeccable sense of style, they identified the epitome of dazzling elegance amongst the many stylish festival attendees.

They chose Maksuda Akhter from Malahide as the most stylish person wearing a dress purchased in St. Vincent DePaul and a head piece by Fiona Rafter. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Award most Stylish person as Maksuda Akhter



Arthur Gourounlian expressed his excitement about the day, saying, "This was such a fun and stylish event to judge. We loved seeing the creativity and sophistication showcased by the attendees and those turning the Curragh blue this year.

Brian Dowling added, "The Barberstown Castle Sapphire Style Award was the highlight of The Irish Oaks Weekend. We loved meeting all attendees and seeing how they showcased their individual flair. Congratulations to Maksuda who is a worthy winner.
FUZULI, Azerbaijan, July 27. Development gains momentum in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, US traveler Vijayalakshmi Parthasarthy told reporters during a visit to the Fuzuli district, Trend reports.

"The last few days have been truly wonderful. I have never been to Azerbaijan before. It's beautiful here, and the people are very friendly. I definitely plan to stay here longer. I would like to see more places in this large country. People who have already visited these areas say that many new buildings and facilities have been constructed," she said.

The traveler pointed out that the landmine issue in the liberated territories is very serious.

"It would be good if the international community came together to find a solution to this problem," she added.

To note, over 360 international travelers from almost 50 countries have visited Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur 10 times in large groups during the last 4 years.

A group of international travelers made another trip to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur on July 2527, organized by the travel club MTP (Most Traveled People), one of the four largest networks of travelers around the world. This is the 11th MTP trip in a row. The group is led by Charles Veley, who is the founder and head of the MTP club. His name is in the top 10 in the international ranking of world travelers. Previously, Veley has traveled to the liberated territories four times, in three of which he led MTP lineups.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. Another environmental summer camp themed Lets protect leopards! was organized within the framework of the Protection of Caucasus leopards program initiated by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Founder of IDEA Public Association Leyla Aliyeva in Azerbaijans Lankaran district, Trend reports.

The camp, co-organized by IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) Public Association, Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the Azerbaijan Representation of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Children-Youth Development Center of the Ministry of Education and Science as part of the " Green World Solidarity Year", brought together a total of 30 schoolchildren from Lankaran, Masalli and Astara districts.

The main goal of the summer camp is to educate the younger generation about the environment, to nurture a love for nature, inform schoolchildren living near the habitat of the Caucasian leopard with this rare species and promote its conservation.

The children also took part in various small environmental studies, excursions and competitions.

There are currently about 15 Caucasian leopards inhabiting the area of the Hirkan National Park in Azerbaijan.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan highly appreciates the decision by the international credit rating agency Fitch Ratings, dated July 26, to raise Azerbaijan's long-term foreign currency rating to BBB-, which is an investment grade, Trend reports, citing the ministry.

The return of Azerbaijan's sovereign rating to investment level after eight years, with a "stable" outlook, is undoubtedly a testament to the macroeconomic and monetary policies, institutional reforms, improved investment environment, and reduced public debt achieved by the government of Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. These multifaceted reforms have been instrumental in enhancing Azerbaijan's standing in the international arena.

"In previous assessments, the Ministry of Finance criticized international rating agencies for their reluctance to assign a higher rating to our country. It is gratifying that, for the first time, Fitch Ratings has objectively and adequately reflected the real economic situation and investor sentiment regarding Azerbaijan's credit risk, leading to the upgrade of our international credit rating to investment level.

We hope that other international credit rating agencies will adopt a similar stance and recognize Azerbaijans credit rating as investment grade," the ministry stated.

You can read the Fitch Ratings report here.


Kamala Harris

(Image by Gage Skidmore from flickr) Details DMCA





By Bob Gaydos

Much as the politicians and those whose job it is to write about them think there is nothing else worth writing and reading about in the world, they're wrong. But they can dominate the news coverage through sheer persistence and repetition, as witness the recent non-stop "reporting" on how Joe Biden was slipping mentally as well as physically and was too old to serve another term as president and needed to step aside as a presidential candidate for someone -- anyone -- younger.

Donald Trump, nearly as old, clearly slipping and never close to Biden in terms of intellect and knowledge of how stuff actually works (never mind moral compass) pretty much got a pass through all this because the media had already decided what the storyline was.

Well, Biden flipped the story on them when they were napping on a Sunday afternoon. He apparently caught Republicans napping, too, because all they had been talking about for weeks and had highlighted at their crowning of Trump at their nominating convention was beating "Old Joe".

No mo. Joe's out, Kamala's in it to win it and much of the media is now busy trying to come up with a storyline on why the vice president just can't beat Trump.

Hotshot political writer talking to a colleague working at a desk close by: 'Harris? Really? I mean she's too... well, she's not... well, you know, she doesn't... and isn't she too... well, yes, as you say, Democrats are acting weird and rallying behind her. Like, all of them, even the lefties. Wow! How'd they do that? And they seem excited. And she's getting lots of positive social media reaction outside of the MAGA sites. And she's raising a ton of money already. A lot! Of course, she is smarter and much younger than Trump. Then there's the abortion issue that Trump bragged about... but Republicans are now trying to hide that. And there's the women's vote, the black vote, the black women's vote, the young people's vote. Heck, the Asian-American vote... You know, despite what our polls say, Trump might actually have a problem beating her because, well, you know how he talks about women and Harris won't put up with it. After all, she's a former prosecutor and he's a convicted felon and a sexual offender and she's sent a lot of them to prison. She also went after phony, for-profit colleges, like the one Trump ran. And, really, he did take all those documents. And he does lie constantly and isn't too bright and rambles a lot. Plus, she keeps talking about preserving democracy the way Biden did and a lot of people like that and Trump has called us "fake news" in the past. A lot. Remember? And now Republicans are whining that Biden tricked them? No fair! That he should be forced to run because he said he was? Are they kidding? How would that work? Or that he should now step down as president? But he never said he couldn't do the job and no one else did, just that he's too old for four more years. Which you could also say about Trump, right? You ever see him walking down a ramp? Scary. And Trump's been talking about sharks and electric boats and abandoning NATO and Ukraine and having the Justice Department go after his "enemies", which doesn't sound good. And that J.D. Vance he picked to run as his vice president? He once called Trump "America's Hitler"! Now he's acting like Trump's new Rudy Giuliani. He's changed his name three times. Forget George Santos. Is there a bigger phony around? Maybe we should recheck Vance's "hillbilly" story.

'I mean, Biden has done a good job and he's a proud man with a long record of service who has suffered a lot of personal loss in his life and it takes a lot of humility, especially because people think you're too old, to step aside, to pass the torch to "a younger generation", as he said. To finish the job. To preserve democracy, as he also said. After all, Harris can run on his record because it's their record, right? And it's a good one. Economy? Foreign policy? All good. He even worked out a bill -- bipartisan -- to address the Mexican border issue, but Republicans killed it because Trump told them to. He didn't want Biden to have it as a campaign issue. How cheesy, right? And Trump's got nothing real to offer but revenge. That and tax breaks for rich people. I mean, did Mexico ever build that wall? Did we ever see his ear? And he's already attacking Harris personally. Calling her crazy. Mispronouncing her name. Petty. So, whaddya think? At this point, it looks like Republicans are really stuck with Trump, right? I mean, he's got all his MAGAs, but that's not enough to get elected without cheating and the guy is really old and showing signs of slipping, isn't he? I mean, he never really was all there, anyway, right? And Old Joe really set Kamala up great, like overnight, didn't he? Slick. She's got a lot of positive energy going. Money rolling in. And she is the VP. Hmmm. Hey, thanks for listening.

'Hey, boss! I think I've got a new angle on a storyline for Kamala.'

rjgaydos@gmail.com
We shall not rest until the genocide stops: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." Archbishop Desmond Tutu

"In times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."- Gerorge Orwell

Everyday we hear horror stories from the Gaza strip (concentration camp). 70% of residential buildings are now destroyed, friends of ours that have been forced to move 7, 8 or 9 times to places that are then bombed again. Children burned or mutilated. Tens of thousands of women and children murdered with Western Support. The situation here in the occupied West Bank has been horrible before 7 October but the level of horror amplified ten fold since. This increase in rate of home demolitions, land confiscation, killing of Palestinians, military and settler pogroms against our people, closing off of 12 ghettos/concentration camps created to store the unwanted indigenous people. All Palestinians are targets whether they miraculously remained in Palestine or are in exile diaspora. The Zionist movement is taking desperate measures to liquidate even the hope of liberation. Even the delusional hope of a two state "solution" is obliterated with laws and with increased colonial settlements: There are two times more colonial settlers per square kilometer here in the West Bank than inside the Green Line.

MUST LISTEN and MUST DISSEMINATE widely: this is the most powerful and revealing speech about Germany and why it (and the US) help genocide from our highly articulate friend Ali Abunimah.

The World Court has just cleared the fog hiding western support for Israels crimes.

The Elders call for bold action by world leaders to end Israels unlawful occupation.

NBC reports on the medicide (destruction of medical services) in Gaza

"Most of my family came from Poland and many of my relatives were killed in the death camps during the Holocaust. When I walk in what was left from the Warsaw Ghetto I cant stop thinking about the people of Gaza who are not only locked in an open air prison but are also being bombarded by fighter jets, attack helicopters and drones, flown by people whom I used to serve with. I am also thinking about the delegations of young Israelis that are coming to see the history of our people but also are subjected to militaristic and nationalistic brainwashing on a daily basis ". Yonatan Shapira (this was ten years ago and now it is far worse)

"Individuals have international duties which transcend the national obligations of obedience, therefore [individual citizens] have the duty to violate domestic laws to prevent crimes against peace and humanity from occurring." Nuremberg War Crime Tribunal, 1950

We are not numbers: some stories from Gaza strip written by Gaza people (for many their writings here was their last before they got killed)

We talked before about the US complicity in genocide by funding, arming, and shielding the apartheid Israeli regime committing tis genocide. People do not talk much though about the European Union support of the genocide. Here are some links.

Another world heritage site recognized for Palestine: Monastery of St. Hilarion/Tell Umm Aner

Gaza, the Democrats, and How to Fix Our Wretched Politics and Hammer and Hope magazine:

"Action is the antidote to despair." Joan Baez

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing." Edmund Burke

"I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand" Chinese Proverb

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Oliver Wendell Holmes

Stay Human and keep Palestine alive

Mazin Qumsiyeh

A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home

Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History

Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine

facebook pages Personal Institute

French
Oregons public defense agency has released a 90-day crisis plan to address a backlog of criminal defendants without attorneys that also calls for longer-term fixes costing more than $100 million in additional state funding.

The emergency plan would eliminate the number of people held in jail without a public defender by next March and eliminate defendants who remain out of custody without a lawyer by March 2026, according to the Oregon Public Defense Commission.
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A Portland man was sentenced to life in prison Friday for stabbing Colin Smith to death in a Southeast Portland bar last year.

Rahnique Jackson, 26, was convicted Monday of murder in the second degree, unlawful use of a weapon and bias crime  the legal term for a hate crime  in the July 2, 2023, killing.
WARSAW, Poland Is the 19th century Champagne on the bottom of the Baltic Sea still fit for a toast?

A team of Polish divers has discovered the wreckage of an old sailing ship loaded to the brim with luxury goods including porcelain items and about 100 bottles of Champagne and mineral water about 190 feet deep off the Swedish coast.

They believe the precious goods could have been on the way to the royal table in Stockholm or the Russian tsars residence in St. Petersburg when the ship sank sometime in the second half of the 19th century, according to the leader of the team, Tomasz Stachura.

A diver from the Polish Baltictech team inspects wreckage of a 19th century sailing ship that the team discovered July 11, 2024, on the Baltic seabed near the Swedish isle of Oland.AP

The private Baltictech group of divers, which searches for shipwrecks on the Baltic seabed, made the discovery on July 11 while checking spots of interest about 23 miles (20 nautical miles) south of the isle of Oland. They were ready to call it a day, but two divers, Marek Cacaj and Pawel Truszynski, decided to make a quick dive and emerged two hours later with the news of the wreckage and its valuable cargo.

I have been diving for 40 years, and it often happens that we find a bottle or two in a wreck, but to discover so much cargo, its a first for me, Stachura told The Associated Press this week.

The brand of mineral water, Selters, believed at the time to have medical properties, was imprinted on the stoneware bottles. The Champagne brand is still to be determined, but the letter R could be seen on one cork, Stachura said.

He said he believes the contents are still in good condition.

At this depth, the wreckage is perfectly preserved, the temperature is constant, there are no currents and its dark, Stachura said. That preserves the wreckage in a wonderful way.

He said Champagne and Selters experts have already contacted Baltictech and are interested in doing laboratory tests on the contents of the bottles. But it is Swedish authorities who will decide the next steps in exploring the wreck, Stachura said.

Divers from Baltictech previously discovered the wreck of the SS Karlsruhe, the last ship to leave Koenigsberg in 1945 as part of the evacuation of German civilians in World War II.

A diver from the Polish Baltictech team inspects wreckage of a 19th century sailing ship that the team discovered July 11, 2024, on the Baltic seabed about 37 kilometers (20 nautical miles) south of the Swedish isle of Oland.AP

 By MONIKA SCISLOWSKA, Associated Press
Thousands of firefighters battling a wildfire in northern California received some help from the weather Saturday morning, just hours after the blaze exploded in size, sending massive, swirling plumes skyward and scorching an area about the size of Los Angeles. The blaze was one of several tearing through the western United States and Canada, fueled by wind and heat.

Cooler temperatures and an increase in humidity on Saturday could help slow the Park fire, the largest blaze so far this year in California, after its intensity and dramatic spread led fire officials to make unwelcome comparisons to the monstrous Camp fire. That fire burned out of control in nearby Paradise in 2018, killing 85 people and torching 11,000 homes.

Weather conditions are easing up, but that may or may not have an impact on the fires, said Marc Chenard, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland.

Temperatures are expected to be cooler than average through the middle of next week, but that doesnt mean that fires that are existing will go away, he said.

More than 130 structures have been destroyed so far, and thousands more are threatened as evacuations were ordered in four California counties: Butte, Plumas, Tehama and Shasta.

The fire stood at 480 square miles on Friday night and was moving north and east after igniting Wednesday when authorities said a man pushed a burning car into a gully in Chico and then calmly blended in with others fleeing the scene.

Its going to be another dynamic day, Cal Fire incident commander Billy See said at a briefing Saturday.

He noted that the blaze had been advancing 8 square miles per hour since its inception. But there was cautious optimism as weather conditions slowed the fires advance in some areas, and firefighters were able to plan and deploy additional personnel.

Today weve got almost three times the personnel we had yesterday morning, he said. We still dont have enough.

He advised his crews to be aggressive, safe and take advantage of what likely are the best conditions they will experience in coming days.

Communities elsewhere in the U.S. West and Canada also were under siege Saturday from fast-moving flames.

More than 110 active fires covering 2,800 square miles were burning in the U.S. on Friday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Some were caused by the weather, with climate change increasing the frequency of lightning strikes as the region endures record heat and bone-dry conditions.

Firefighters work along I-84 between Baker City and Ontario, Oregon, on Friday, July 26, 2024. More than 30 large wildfires are now burning throughout Oregon, and four of them  The Falls, Durkee, Cow Valley and Lone Rock fires  now qualify as megafires, according to data reported by the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. Dave Killen / The Oregonian

The Durkee and Cow Valley blazes in eastern Oregon have burned about 660 square miles. The Durkee fire was listed at just 27% contained Saturday and lies between the Cow Valley fire to the southwest and Badland complex of fires to the northeast, according to the government website InciWeb. Fire officials warned weather conditions were conducive to growth of the Durkee fire.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek late Friday expressed condolences to the family of a pilot of a single-engine air tanker that had gone down in forested terrain while fighting the Falls fire near the town of Seneca and the Malheur National Forest.

Firefighters in the field look out for one another. When harm falls on one, it is felt by all, Kotek said, and she thanked those involved in search efforts and those fighting fires around the state. I have your back, and I will continue to deploy every available resource to aid you.

In eastern Washington state, crews late Friday stopped the forward progress of a fire near the community of Tyler that had destroyed three homes and five outbuildings, the Washington Department of Natural Resources said Saturday. The South Columbia Basin fire burned timber and grasses, and crews planned Saturday to continue work on containment lines along the fire perimeter.

In Chico, California, Carli Parker is one of hundreds who fled their homes as the Park fire pushed close. Parker decided to leave her Forest Ranch residence with her family when the fire began burning across the street. She had previously been forced out of two homes by fire, and she said she has little hope that her residence would remain unscathed.

I felt like I was in danger because the police had come to our house because we had signed up for early evacuation warnings, and they were running to their vehicle after telling us that we need to self-evacuate and they wouldnt come back, said Parker, a mother of five.

Ronnie Dean Stout, 42, of Chico, was arrested early Thursday in connection with the blaze and held without bail pending a Monday arraignment, officials said. There was no reply to an email to the district attorney asking whether the suspect had legal representation or someone who could comment on his behalf.

Amanda Brown, who lives in the same community where Stout was arrested, said she was stunned that someone would set a fire in a region where the memories of the devastation in Paradise are still fresh.

That anyone could deliberately put our community through that again is incredibly cruel. I dont understand it, said the 61-year-old Brown, whos about a mile from the fire but had not been ordered to evacuate.

Elsewhere, fire crews were making progress on another complex of fires burning in the Plumas National Forest near the California-Nevada line, said Forest Service spokesperson Adrienne Freeman. Traffic was backed up for miles near the border on a portion of the main highway linking Los Angeles and Las Vegas, as crews continued Saturday to battle a fire that started a day before when a truck carrying lithium-ion batteries crashed and turned onto its side.

Evacuee Sherry Alpers fled with her 12 small dogs and made the decision to stay in her car outside a Red Cross shelter in Chico after learning that animals would not be allowed inside. She ruled out traveling to another shelter after learning the dogs would be kept in cages.

Alpers said she doesnt know whether the fire spared her home or not, but she said that as long as her dogs are safe, she doesnt care about the material things. Im kind of worried, but not that much, she said. If its gone, its gone.

The most damage so far has been to the Canadian Rockies Jasper National Park, where a fast-moving wildfire forced 25,000 people to flee and devastated the parks namesake town, a World Heritage site. Authorities there said cool and wet weather was helping crews battle the wildfires. This comes after Parks Canada said 358 of the 1,113 structures in the town of Jasper had been destroyed.

In Idaho, lightning strikes sparked fast-moving wildfires and the evacuation of multiple communities. The fires were burning on about 31 square miles Friday afternoon. Juliaetta, about 27 miles southeast of the University of Idahos campus in Moscow, was evacuated Thursday just ahead of roaring fires, as were several other communities.

The National Interagency Fire Center said more than 27,000 fires have burned more than 5,800 square miles in the U.S. this year, and in Canada, more than 8,000 square miles have burned in more than 3,700 fires so far, according to its National Wildland Fire Situation Report issued Wednesday.

 By REBECCA BOONE, JOHN ANTCZAK and DAVID SHARP, Associated Press

Associated Press writers Holly Ramer, Sarah Brumfield, Claire Rush, Terry Chea, Scott Sonner, Martha Bellisle and Amy Hanson contributed to this report.
Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Herbert Krapa, has affirmed the government's commitment to reducing emissions and fulfilling its international obligations under the Paris Agreement.



To achieve this goal, Mr. Krapa highlighted that interventions in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and transport are being implemented.



Speaking at the opening of a Water-Energy-Food (WEFP) Nexus Program Knowledge Sharing Seminar in Accra, he emphasized the government's collaboration with local and international stakeholders to meet the 10 percent renewable energy target.



The WEFP project aims to develop 100 hectares of mechanized and irrigated farmland, producing over 1,200 tons of quality rice seeds annually. This initiative will provide clean, sustainable energy to power irrigation systems in Dawhenya, ensuring farmers have reliable access to water year-round.



The project, to be executed over the next five years, is a partnership between the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Korea Programme for International Cooperation in Agriculture (KOPIA) Ghana Centre.



Mr. Krapa described WEFP as a significant step towards improving Ghanas productive use of energy, increasing agricultural output, ensuring sustainable water management, and supporting the Governments "Planting for Food and Jobs" program.



He stated that by investing in renewable energy infrastructure, the project could drive innovation, economic growth, job creation, and climate resilience in vulnerable communities.



Additionally, the Minister announced that the government had lifted the moratorium on distributed renewable energy and launched the net-metered renewable energy programme, signalling a commitment to further integrating renewable energy into the country's power supply.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/peacefmonline.com









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World leaders, innovators, academia, development agencies, farmers organizations, and the private sector from across Africa and beyond will convene in Rwanda to participate in the annual Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) from September 2 to 6, 2024.



This years summit themed "Innovate, Accelerate, and Scale: Delivering Food Systems Transformation in a Digital and Climate Era," will spotlight innovations and technologies, policies and delivery mechanisms, best practices, business models and investments to accelerate food systems transformation in Africa with youth and women at the helm.



"Innovate" focuses on harnessing technologies, innovative policies, and business models to revolutionize agricultural practices and food production systems. "Accelerate" emphasizes the urgency of collective action to expedite sustainable food system transformations through technological advancements and innovative solutions. "Scale" highlights the need to expand proven models, initiatives, and investments to achieve widespread impact and ensure food security for millions.



These pillars together provide a comprehensive framework for driving meaningful change in Africa's food systems.



Leaders at this years convening will also examine the urgent need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and meet the Malabo Declaration's commitments by 2025.



The event will be graced by H.E. President Paul Kagame, along with several current and former presidents, ministers, and key players from government and the private sector. Their presence in the forum showcases the high-level commitment to addressing the critical issues facing Africa's food systems.



Amath Pathe Sene, Managing Director of the AFS Forum, emphasized the importance of this year's theme;



Innovating, accelerating, and scaling are not just words, they are the pillars upon which the future of African food systems will be built. We are committed to leveraging the best of science, policy, and technology to drive this transformation. This years summit provides an unparalleled platform for stakeholders to come together, share insights, and forge partnerships that will lead to tangible actions. It is through such collective efforts that we can address the pressing challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and economic inclusivity.



Our goal is to create an environment where innovative ideas can flourish, leading to sustainable solutions that benefit all, especially our youth and women. he added.



Rwanda Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente who officially launched the forum in March2024 called for the transformation of agriculture to make it a powerful engine of the economy.



"To transform the agriculture sector into a powerful engine for economic development, our country is embracing innovation and making evidence-based-policy decisions. In this context, the Government has focused on de-risking the sector to ensure that it becomes more profitable and attractive for the youth and private sector actors," said Dr. Ngirente.



The summit will feature a rich program, including plenary sessions, thematic forums, side events, and leadership exchanges. It provides a unique, forward-looking platform for actionable dialogue and peer-learning as stakeholders address the urgent need for innovative solutions to transform food systems in Africa.



In "Policy and Agenda Setting," discussions will focus on highlighting progress towards transforming food systems while renewing political, policy, and investment commitments.



The "Investment Facilitation & Finance" sessions will promote innovative financing models designed to unlock investments from both the public and private sectors.



Knowledge sharing sessions will be dedicated to disseminating the latest research, data, and technological advancements in the field and "Technological Advancements" will showcase digital technologies and scalable solutions aimed at addressing both global and local food challenges.



Participants are invited to register for the AFSF 2024 through the official website: https://agrf-inperson.com/?v=



The summit will provide a platform to engage with African leaders, discover emerging trends, access the latest technologies and solutions, and build strategic partnerships.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Vivian Jenna Wilson, the transgender child of Elon Musk, called her father cruel, cold, narcissistic, and an absentee parent, in an interview with NBC News.



Vivian recently transitioned from male to female and changed her surname to drop her billionaire father's name.



She has now spoken publicly for the first time days after her father made a series of claims about her, including that she was dead and killed after transitioning, which ignited his vow to destroy the woke mind virus.



Musk also claimed that he was tricked into authorizing treatment for her transition when she was 16 and that he lacked any understanding of what was going on at the time.



Wilson said: I think he was under the assumption that I wasnt going to say anything and I would just let this go unchallenged. Which Im not going to do, because if youre going to lie about me, like, blatantly to an audience of millions, Im not just gonna let that slide.



Wilson told NBC that Musk hadnt been tricked and that he not only understood what was happening but that he was well informed about her decision.



When she was 16, Wilson said that she had wanted to start treatment for severe gender dysphoria for months, but needed consent from both Musk and her mother, Musks first wife, Justine Musk.



After divorcing in 2008, they shared joint custody of Wilson and her twin brother.



Wilson said her mother was supportive but Musk wasnt and required them to meet in person to discuss the treatment.



He read the medical forms she provided at least twice, Wilson told NBC, adding that he was not by any means tricked. He knew the full side effects.



While speaking with conservative commentator Jordan Peterson on Monday, Musk claimed it was never explained to him that puberty blockers were actually just sterilization drugs.



Puberty blockers on their own do not affect fertility.



They save lives. Lets not get that twisted, Wilson said of the treatments she used, including puberty blockers and later hormone-replacement therapy. They definitely allowed me to thrive.



Wilson also described her experiences growing up with Musk, who was already working on SpaceX and Tesla before she was even 10 years old.



She said Musk was rarely present in her life.



She added that he was only present maybe, 10% of the time and that when he was, Musk was quick to berate her and wasnt supportive.



He was cold, she said. Hes very quick to anger. He is uncaring and narcissistic.



When she was a child, Musk would harass her for presenting feminine traits and push her to be more masculine, such as by making her voice deeper.



We went on this road trip that I didnt know was actually just an advertisement for one of the cars  I dont remember which one  and he was constantly yelling at me viciously because my voice was too high, she said. It was cruel.



On social media, Musk said he knew she was gay from a young age because at the age of four Wilson loved musical theatre and picked out jackets for Musk to wear that she called fabulous.



Wilson wrote in a social media thread that she most certainly did not do what Musk said, adding that he resorted to reducing her to a happy little stereotype because Musk wasnt there to know her as a child.



Wilson wrote: Im legally recognized as a woman in the state of California and I dont concern myself with the opinions of those who are below me. Obviously, Elon cant say the same because, in a ketamine-fueled haze, hes desperate for attention and validation from an army of degenerate red-pilled incels and pick-men who are quick to give it to him.



Wilson made it clear to NBC that she hasnt spoken to Musk in about four years and that she refuses to be defined by him.



In 2022, she applied for a name change and a new birth certificate, saying in court documents that she no longer wants to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form.









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The world has at least 58 million US dollar millionaires, accounting for 1.5 percent of the global adult population, according to the 2024 UBS Global Wealth Report (PDF), which sampled 56 markets that account for 92 percent of global wealth.



The United States has the highest number of millionaires, with some 21.95 million individuals having wealth in seven figures or more. China comes at a distant second with some 6.01 million millionaires, followed by the United Kingdom (3.06 million), France (2.87 million) and Japan (2.83 million).



UBS defines wealth as the value of financial assets and real assets minus debts held by a household.



Global wealth, in dollar terms, grew by 4.2 percent in 2023 after a decline of 3 percent in 2022, according to UBS.



If you think of millionaires or the wealthy in general, theres kind of an indigenous, core of millionaires that has a strong attachment to the country. Then there is a more mobile element that globally [is able to] fairly easily switch domiciles, Samuel Adams, an economist at UBS, told Al Jazeera.



By 2028, the UK is expected to lose the most millionaires  nearly one in six of its millionaires will lose that status. The Netherlands is another country set to lose 4 percent of its millionaires by 2028.



The point here with the Netherlands and the UK that were making is that both of these countries already have a lot of millionaires  they have a growing core. But then you have a very mobile [element] working around that. And it might be that, in the global competition for wealth, they could see some outflows of the more mobile element of the wealthy.



Which doesnt necessarily mean the economy isnt working. Theres still wealth being created in those countries. Its just that the people who are mobile might consider all the places that they want to domicile to.



How is wealth divided globally?



Almost half of the worlds wealth, 47.5 percent or $213 trillion, is held by just 1.5 percent of the global adult population, according to the Global Wealth Report. These are households that hold more than $1m.



In contrast, those with a wealth of less than $10,000 hold just 0.5 percent ($2.4 trillion) of global wealth, but make up 39.5 percent of the worlds adults.



Households with a wealth of between $10,000 and $100,000, representing 42.7 percent of adults, account for 12.6 percent of global wealth or $56.2 trillion.



The fastest-growing millionaires (2000-23)



In terms of wealth per adult, the worlds population has made substantial progress since the beginning of the millennium. The percentage of adults whose wealth exceeds $1m tripled from 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent.



Since 2000, Qatar saw the greatest increase in the number of millionaires, which rose from 46 to 26,163. China saw the second largest increase, from 39,000 to 6,013,282 millionaires, followed by Kazakhstan (918 to 44,307).



I think its important to appreciate that in general, wealth grows kind of proportionate to economic growth, as well as kind of vaguely to asset price growth, Adams said.



Emerging market economies such as China, especially if we think back to the 2000s, which was in a very different stage, Russia equally, tend to see more wealth growth in general, and then it also helps if you have a certain concentration in a sector, for example, that sees particular growth. So commodity exporters  thinking of Russia, but also some Middle Eastern countries  tend to see very fast accumulation of wealth, particularly in the top 10 percent of the wealth bracket, which supports millionaire growth.



UBS said over that the 15 years that it has published its report, the Asia Pacific region has posted the biggest growth in wealth, up almost 177 percent, followed by the Americas at nearly 146 percent, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) was up just 44 percent.



The highest share of millionaires



The US hosts 38 percent of the worlds millionaires, Western Europe 28 percent and China 10 percent.



By country, in percentage terms, Switzerland has the highest share of millionaires, with 12 in every 100 people having a wealth of more than $1m. This is followed by Hong Kong, where eight in every 100 people are millionaires, Australia (seven in 100), the Netherlands (seven in 100) and the US (six in 100).







Source: aljazeera.com









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A Muslim Cleric, Imam Ibrahim Mutala has advised Ghanaians to remain united before, during and after the forthcoming December 7, 2024, general elections.



Delivering a sermon on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Masjid Salaam at Ridge, he cautioned Ghanaians, especially political office seekers to refrain from hate speech and communicate their ideas to the masses, preaching peace.



Politicians and political commentators should communicate to transform lives and make Ghana progressive after the 2024 elections. They should be measured in their utterances, avoid character assassination and personal vendetta.



Imam Ibrahim Mutala further advised the youth of Muslim-dominated communities to resist pressures or attempts by some political figures to use them to cause mayhem as witnessed in the past.



He said the Muslim youth should reasonably serve as peace ambassadors, underscoring the need for Muslim Clerics to intensify their prayers for peaceful general elections.







Source: Abdul Karim Naatogmah - Contributor









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The Chiefs and people of the three traditional areas in the Sissala West District of the Upper West District showered praise on Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for promptly fulfilling a promise to provide a Pickup vehicle to the only Senior High School in the district.



The NPP flagbearer pledged to provide the vehicle to the Hilla Limann Senior High School in response to a request by the late Paramount Chief of Gwollu, Kuri-Biktie Limann IV. Dr Bawumia pledged when he led a Government delegation to the late Gwollu overlord's funeral at Gwollu.



Less than a month after the pledge Dr Bawumia, on Thursday 25th July, 2024 handed over the keys to a brand new Nissan Navarra 44 Pickup to the authorities of the school at the Gwollu Palace, Gwollu.



Reading a speech on behalf of his fellow Paramount Chiefs of Zini, Gwollu and Pulima, Kuoru Osman Deiwia Nankpa III, Paramount Chief of Pulima expressed surprise at the speed with which Dr Bawumia had fulfilled his pledge.



"Your recent pledge to grant the request of our late father and colleague, late Kuoru Kuri Buktie Limann to get a bus and a Pickup for the Dr Hilla Limann Senior High School are testament of your government's and personal commitment to groom quality human resource for the benefit of our country.



"So let me be fulsome on behalf of the Chiefs and people of our land, in showing our profound gratitude for such meaningful interventions. I have gathered from very reliable sources that what you told us at this same grounds, barely a fortnight ago about making the Pickup available, is most likely to come to fruition today.



"I ask on behalf of our people, 'What kind of a politician is this?'. You promised and you delivered. We are deeply touched and express the same here with elation" Kuoru Deiwia Nankpa stated.

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A political communication analyst, Dr. Margaret Coomson, says the NDC's deliberate attempt to label the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has failed to make an impact because the NDC has consistently been proven wrong in "everything" it has accused Dr. Bawumia of lying about.



In an extensive piece analyzing the "orchestrated political labelling," Dr. Coomson recalled an investigative work by a research group, the African Academy for Open-Source Investigations (AAOSI), in conjunction with Joy FM, which published an expose on how elements within the NDC plotted to label Bawumia a liar to limit his growing popularity in the political space.



However, Dr. Coomson analyzed that the NDC has not been able to effectively carry through its "negative plot" of branding Dr. Bawumia a liar in the eyes of "discerning Ghanaians."



Branding the NDC's effort as a "lazy and ineffective political communication approach," Dr. Coomson said the NDC's "sustained, but weak attempts" at calling Bawumia a liar "only excite the ears of the orchestrators and some base of the NDC" and have made no impact on tarnishing Bawumia because his image and popularity continue to soar.



Dr. Coomson concluded the analysis by providing 23 issues the NDC said Dr. Bawumia was lying about, but the Vice President turned out to be on the side of the truth, as he was vindicated in the end.



Below is the full analysis by Dr. Margaret Coomson



Why attempts by NDC to label Dr. Bawumia a liar have failed



By Dr. Margaret Coomson (Political Analyst)



In June last year, multiple publications released findings from research by the African Academy for Open-Source Investigations (AAOSI) in collaboration with Joy FM, which uncovered how the Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, and hirelings affiliated with the NDC, planned and orchestrated organized tweets aimed at discrediting Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



The research, which was part of AAOSI's efforts to combat misinformation and strengthen democracy in Africa, delved into the origin of the deliberate labelling of Vice President Bawumia as a liar with a "#Bawuliar" hashtag created by the NDC to drive fake trends on Twitter.



The joint investigative work discovered that it was a coordinated plan by the NDC, led by its Communications Director, Sammy Gyamfi, through his Twitter handle @sammygyamfi2017, which the report said had metamorphosed to @SammyGyamfi.



Interestingly, the investigative work further revealed that the negative description of Bawumia as a liar was deliberately deployed by the NDC to paint Bawumia black and discredit him due to his growing threat to the NDC.



"During the investigation, we observed almost every comment the Vice President made about the economy was met with a spike in #Bawuliar tweets. This investigation looks into whether the trend of #Bawuliar is organic or an attempt orchestrated by political opponents to cast a slur on the credibility of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia," the report said while exposing Sammy Gyamfi's orchestration.



"We identified Twitter user @sammygyamfi2017 as the second most influential account with respect to the #Bawuliar trend. @sammygyamfi2017, per our checks, used to be the username of the Twitter account of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi. Currently, the accounts username is @SammyGyamfi_. This is supported by the archived tweets on Wayback Machine, from when the accounts username used to be @sammygyamfi2017.



@SammyGyamfi has tweeted #Bawuliar 11 times. The top three #Bawuliar tweets were by @SammyGyamfi. The most popular #Bawuliar tweet was @SammyGyamfis reaction to Dr. Bawumias claim that Ghanaians could use the Ghana card as a travel document in lieu of a passport. The 12th February 2022 tweet described Dr. Bawumia as being allergic to the truth, with lies being embedded in his DNA. The tweet garnered 171 retweets and 727 likes.



"Our investigation revealed that @sammygyamfi2017 and @SammyGyamfi are both usernames that belong to the same Twitter account belonging to the communications director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi. Thus, the username of the account was changed from @sammygyamfi2017 to @SammyGyamfi. This was confirmed by archived versions of tweets by the account from when its username used to be @sammygyamfi2017," the findings disclosed.



Clearly, the detailed research findings of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigations (AAOSI) expose the NDC and how ineffective their strategy has been.



The NDC, for over 5 years now, has tried everything possible to paint Bawumia as a liar to Ghanaians, yet Bawumia continues to endear himself and his popularity is rather on the ascendency.



In political communication, negative labeling is supposed to have a negative effect on the person being targeted, but in the case of the NDC and their labeling of Bawumia as a liar, it is obvious Bawumia is unaffected.



The more the likes of former President John Mahama's spokesperson, Joyce Moctari, spend time on their social media accounts calling Bawumia a liar, the cleaner and more popular he emerges.



In my own research and analysis, I have been asking myself how serious the NDC is in political communication when they call Bawumia a liar and they are unable to provide examples.



How do you label someone a liar when he has been vindicated in all the things you said he was lying about?



At the last count, I listed over 23 known issues which the NDC said Bawumia was lying about, but which the general public knew Bawumia was rather on the side of the truth, because the truth was obvious.



Below are some topical issues which the NDC said Bawumia was lying about, but time later exonerated him, thus exposing the NDC:



1. Dr. Bawumia said the Ghanacard could be used to travel from abroad into Ghana. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



2. Dr. Bawumia said that he would introduce mobile money interoperability between bank accounts and momo accounts. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



3. Dr. Bawumia said that through mobile money interoperability, every adult Ghanaian will be able to have a bank account. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



4. Dr. Bawumia said Ghana was the first country in Africa to have mobile interoperability between momo and bank accounts. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



5. Dr. Bawumia said he was going to introduce a Digital Address System to Ghana. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



6. Dr. Bawumia said he was going to introduce the Zipline Drones to deliver medicines. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



7. Dr. Bawumia said he was going to introduce an E-Pharmacy platform for all pharmacies in Ghana. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



8. Dr. Bawumia said the government will network and digitalize medical records of patients in all teaching, regional, and district hospitals. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



9. Dr. Bawumia said the government will issue tablets to all senior high school students. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



10. Dr. Bawumia said the government will restore teacher and nursing trainee allowances. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



11. Dr. Bawumia said the NPP will introduce Free Senior High School education. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



12. Dr. Bawumia said the NPP will introduce Agenda 111. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



13. Dr. Bawumia said the government will build hostels for Kayayei. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



14. Dr. Bawumia said the government will introduce a rental assistance scheme to help people rent without having to pay one or two years in advance. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



15. Dr. Bawumia said the government will introduce a Zongo Development Fund. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



16. Dr. Bawumia said the government would introduce a Gold for Oil policy. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



17. Dr. Bawumia said newborn babies would be issued Ghanacard numbers and birth certificates at birth. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



18. Dr. Bawumia said Ghanaians will be able to buy electricity on their mobile phones. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



19. Dr. Bawumia said Ghanaians will be able to enroll for and renew their national health insurance on their mobile phones. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



20. Dr. Bawumia said Ghanaians will be able to check the insurance status of any vehicle instantaneously on a mobile phone. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



21. Dr. Bawumia said the NPP will create over one million jobs. The NDC said he was lying, but he has been proven right!



22. Dr. Bawumia said the government will introduce an exchange program for Okada riders to provide them with vehicles. The NDC said he was lying, but it is on course to happen soon! He will be proven right.



23. Dr. Bawumia says the government will introduce an individualized credit scoring system for Ghana. The NDC said he was lying, but yet again, he will be proven right!



CONCLUSION



From the above, it is obvious the NDC's deliberate communication objective to brand Bawumia a liar has failed to achieve its objectives because the accusation of "lies" cannot be substantiated.



Branding Bawumia a liar and calling him Bawuliar may sound interesting, like music to the ears of only the NDC and those who orchestrated it. Its impact, however, can only excite a section of the NDC, who continue to push such weak labeling.

Source: Ghanaweb









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Its an unlikely friendship but rapper Ice Spice now says she considers Taylor Swift to be her closest celebrity friend.

In a new interview for Rolling Stone, the star recalled how she felt when  while in her first apartment in New Jersey with her producer Riot  her manager called to tell her that Swift wanted to collaborate on a remix to Karma, a song from Swifts album Midnights.

He usually texts, but he called, and hes like, You ready for this one? And Im thinking its going to be some bad news or something, the Princess Diana rapper recounted to Rolling Stone. Hes like, Taylor Swift has a record for you to get on from her album. Im playing it cool on the phone. Im like, Oh, thats cool. Super cool. And then I hang up the phone, and Im hysterically crying. Im in my walk-in closet, and Im like, Bro, this is not real life. Riot definitely filmed it. Thatll probably be in a documentary one day.

When the two worked together on the bonus track, many thought it was Swifts attempt to drum up some talk since the rappers career was just taking off.

Which is so rude to me, [because] why would she not want to be my friend? Ice Spice said. Taylor [expletive] with me. Shes so funny. I think our personalities mesh really well.

As their friendship continued to blossom, it also continued to be scrutinized by others.

After Swift was romantically linked to The 1975 frontman Matty Healy in May 2023, Healy came under fire on social media for comments he made about Ice Spice. During a February 2023 interview on The Adam Friedland Show, there was a joke made about the rapper, saying she sounded like an Inuit Spice Girl and a chubby Chinese lady.

While Healy didnt make the comments himself, he laughed and engaged with the host while the two mocked accents of people of Chinese and native descent.

A few months later, Healy apologized to Ice Spice during a concert in Auckland, New Zealand, but then later told The New Yorker that the whole thing doesnt actually matter.

Reflecting on that experience, the rapper admitted that she didnt know about it until a month after or something like that.

He apologized multiple times, but I didnt realize how big of a deal it was to other people. I feel like people just wanted something to be mad about, I guess. I wasnt angry or sad or anything. I was just kind of confused. I never really cared about that, she added.
WILLIAMSPORT  The Lycoming County president judge made it clear a homicide case defendant was not to know her charges at her preliminary arraignment or for 30 days afterwards.

Judge Nancy L. Butts in a June 25 order requiring the sealing of all arrest documents for Johniece Francine Legare wrote:
In his speech before Congress, Israaeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that protesters against his regimes action in Gaza are being funded by Iran and that these protesters are useful idiots. What about Israelis criticisms of his regime, his unpopularity in Israel, and calls for him to resign?

Or what about Israelis callling for him to negotiate a ceasefire and get the hostages back?

What is particularly offensive about his speech was that he has no right to criticize Americans right to protest, which protected by the first amendment. Its the same right Israelis have.
By Henry Savage, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS)

When lanternflies were discovered in Berks County in 2014, panic set in among the country and regions top scientists. They feared the insect would devastate Pennsylvanias robust farming, lumber, and grape industries. A 2019 study projected annual costs of damage could reach $324 million and result in the loss of 2,800 jobs across agricultural industries.

Researchers from Pennsylvania State Universitys College of Agricultural Sciences used an economic assessment software program to estimate potential damage and said in the worst-case scenario the damage could climb to half a billion dollars annually.

According to Brian Walsh, a Penn State lanternfly researcher, these concerns stemmed from the fact that the lanternfly had zero natural predators in the U.S., their affinity for fruit and timber trees could jeopardize billions of dollars in economic activity, and they could easily spread by hitching a ride on cargo and vehicles.

I mean, look, it made it to Pennsylvania from China in one shot, Walsh said. Lanternflies invaded the U.S. attached to a stone shipment sent to a local landscaping company.

The concern was enough to turn people in Pa. into a unified band of bug stompers. But did it work?

Ten years later, we have a clearer picture of what the lanternflies have wrought. And so far, its not as bad as we feared.

The reality is that some of those assumptions have not played out as predicted. Far and away, lanternflies are not the fire and brimstone, doom and gloom situation that they were originally feared to be, Walsh said. Except for grapes  its been worse than expected for grapes.

Mounds of spotted lanternflies. (Penn State Extension, file)Penn State Extension

That doesnt mean there arent real risks  or that things could have been much worse if we hadnt taken action, Walsh said. As scientists continue to study the pest as it spreads through the U.S., much is still unknown.

Heres what we do know.

Does the spotted lanternfly have natural predators?

A major concern when lanternflies landed in Berks County was that they had no natural predators to control them. Ten years later, scientists have found that lanternflies do have predators like birds, spiders, and praying mantids, so-called generalist predators, that snack on a wide range of insects.

U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA) scientists are studying the possibility of bringing in parasitoid wasps, native to China, that lay eggs inside lanternfly egg masses and nymphs, eventually killing the insects, Walsh said. But these observations take years because one miscalculation can lead to devastating effects on beneficial native species.

First off, lanternflies are difficult to keep alive in the lab, theyre not easy to colonize, dont thrive well in captivity, and must be wild-caught, which limits when you can research, Walsh said. Now they have to introduce the wasps to lanternflies and other native insects to see if they stay on target or go after other natives.

Identifying and possibly introducing a predator as a natural control is part of the equation, Walsh said, but lanternfly management most likely wont come from a single predator.

How destructive are spotted lanternflies?

Early fears of lanternflies destroying crops werent unwarranted. However, research has shown that lanternflies arent as destructive as initially thought.

While extremely disruptive to the wine and grape industry, the spotted lanternfly is not as damaging to hardwood trees used for timber as previously thought, according to 2023 research from Penn States Entomology Department. This is a major win for the forest products industry, which rakes in $39 billion per year for the state.

Penn State researchers simulated lanternfly feeding habits on a variety of hardwoods, such as red and silver maple, river birch, weeping willow, and the invasive tree of heaven, to observe how the trees recover over time. In the worst-case scenario, scientists allowed lanternflies to feast on tree samplings for four consecutive years. In nature, lanternflies typically only feed for one to two years before hopping to the next target.

Tree growth was significantly reduced after lanternfly feeding, sometimes by half, which could be a fatal blow if other outside stressors harm the tree. However, even in the doomsday scenario of continuous feeding, all hardwoods recovered despite suffering damage.

Spotted lanternflies, left, create these mud-like egg masses, right. (Penn State Extension, file)

While long-term damage to trees is not fully understood, we dont see many trees dying outright from spotted lanternfly, Walsh said.

On the other hand, nature doesnt afford grapes the same recovery as hardwoods. Grape growers and vineyards, which account for $1.8 billion of Pennsylvanias yearly economic activity, are especially vulnerable because lanternfly feeding can kill grapevines entirely.

The vineyards that were first hit where nobody knew what to do yet had such bad swarms that they actually did kill the vines, said Carley Razzi, president of Penns Woods Winery in Chadds Ford. We were fortunate enough to not have any plants die outright from lanternflies.

According to Penn State researchers, the heaviest hit vineyards lost up to 90% of their grapevines.

Penns Woods lead winemaker and vineyard manager, Davide Creato, said due to the slim margins of the wine industry, between dying grapevines and the investment costs to protect vineyards  lanternflies have been a devastating blow for some.

I think for every acre, and we have 40 acres of vineyard, we sprayed about $7 to $17 worth of pesticide, and thats not including the costs of the labor, the equipment, and the rest of the expenses that come with it, Creato said, who during the worst of the lanternfly invasion invested $10,000 in a high-end insecticide air cannon that could spray inside the vineyard and around its perimeter.

In 2022, the owner of Lehigh-based Stony Run Winery outside of Allentown told CNBC that at one point, lanternflies destroyed 15% of the winerys crops, translating to a loss of more than a half-million dollars. Even when crops dont die, the costs of insecticides, reduced crop yield, and safely transporting and inspecting goods can add up.

Grape growers cant just immediately replace a grapevine either. Creato said it takes up to three years for grapevines to bear fruit and five to seven years to be ready for wine.

Stomping the bugs didnt stop the spread of the lanternfly  the insects have spread to 17 states, threatening more than 70 host plants, including fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and, most devastatingly, grapevines.

But stomping the bugs wasnt in vain.

Its a complex bug that still has lots of secrets that were slowly working out, Walsh said. Everyday citizens reporting back information and doing the lanternfly stomp as they went about their daily travels absolutely had a positive effect in slowing the spread.
Gov. Josh Shapiro took a break on Thursday from traveling around the state ducking questions about the veepstakes and promoting legislative accomplishments, to participate in a Democracy Summer Camp bearing his name.

The low-profile, invitation-only camp designed for digital content creators and held at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, is drawing fire from a Republican critic who questions the Democratic administrations use of taxpayer dollars for an event to promote the election process in these hyper-partisan times.

There should be a huge level of transparency around this, said House Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman Seth Grove, R-York County. This is how misinformation begins.

Dr. Zeke Tayler, a Main Line anesthesiologist and camp attendee, posted on X that 50 content creators from across the country were invited to the camp.

There[s] going to be speakers about how to promote the election this November, talk about how we can combat misinformation, Tayler said in a video. An attempt on Friday to reach Tayler via his social media account was unsuccessful.

Among those in attendance were Isaiah Martin, a Democrat who launched but soon abandoned a bid for a Texas congressional seat, and Gena Shingle, founder of Connecting Rainbows that assists the LGBTQ+ community with family building resources.

Shapiro spoke to the group, saying he was aware that others had spoken to the campers about democracy, about freedom, about opportunity and about your role in it.

He added: I think its cool I get to spend the day at summer camp.

Pennsylvanias Secretary of State Al Schmidt was among those who participated, said department spokesman Matt Heckel. He referred other questions to the governors office.

Shapiro spokesman Manuel Bonder described the event as nonpartisan trainings and information sessions hosted by the Shapiro administration to help present accurate information about Pennsylvanias election process and engage creators and influencers who are communicating with millions of Pennsylvanians daily.

He said the majority of attendees at the day-long camp were from Pennsylvania although he didnt immediately respond to a question about how the administration selected those invited to attend. He also said the cost was not yet known.

A call and email to the spokesperson for the Franklin Institute drew no response on Friday.

Grove, R-York County, who took notice of a social media post about the camp, was skeptical about the camps purpose and the viewpoints that its speakers presented. He brought up the administrations position that failing to write a date or writing the wrong date on a ballot doesnt disqualify it from being counted that is contrary to state law and court rulings.

You got a Democrat administration who is angling to be high ranking in the Democratic Party looking to be VP, asking national content creators to come to Pennsylvania and they give them what they think should be misinformation, disinformation and honest discussions about elections, Grove said.

He called on the administration to be transparent about the camps agenda and presenters; who the participants were and how they were picked; and what it cost and where the money was coming from in the budget to pay them, among other details.

This is how misinformation begins. Its stuff like this, he said. The failure of government to be transparent in its election actions leads to misinformation and mistrust in the election process.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy.
By Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News (TNS)

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. insisted on Friday hes still competing in the 2024 presidential race after an influential Trump surrogate suggested he was dropping out to support the Republican candidate.

Im in it to win it, Kennedy Jr. wrote on X after Students for Trump founder Ryan Fournier posted  and then deleted  a comment the same platform.

I lead in popularity and independents are now the largest voting bloc, Kennedy Jr. added. Momentum is shifting in my favor as I close in on ballot access in all 50 states.

A leaked phone call between Trump, 78, and Kennedy, Jr., 70  recorded some time after an assassination attempt on Trump at a July 13 rally  indicated the GOP nominee wanted the Independent to team up with him to defeat the Democratic candidate, who at the time, was President Joe Biden.

Biden removed himself from the race on Sunday and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him.

I look forward to challenging President Trump and the DNC nominee at the next debate, Kennedy Jr. concluded in his Friday post.

The Trump campaign appeared energized after its leader survived the assassination attempt and was lavished with praise days later at the raucous Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Trump held a lead over Biden earlier this month, but the latest polling shows the Democratic ticket got a shot in the arm when Harris, 59, replaced the 81-year-old president as the presumptive nominee. Harris and Trump are essentially now neck and neck.

Meanwhile, Kennedy Jr. is polling in the single digits, but his sway among Independent voters could help tip the race to a major party candidate should he decide to drop out.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. The issues of efficiency and decarbonization in the heat supply sector and the promotion of renewable energy sources were discussed at the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) with a delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Trend reports via AERA.

The meeting was attended by AERA deputy chairman Rovshan Ismayilov, ADB senior energy specialist Nana Gurgenidze, ADB heat supply specialist Sakari Oksanen, and other experts. Implementation of pilot projects with ADB assistance and tariff regulation in the power sector were discussed, the information notes.

The parties noted the importance of increasing efficiency and decarbonization in the heat supply sector and the development of renewables.

The sides also discussed the agenda of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), to be held in Baku in November.

Meanwhile, 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.
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 27. Kazakhstan and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) have discussed prospects for further development of investment and economic cooperation, Trend reports.

Discussions were held between the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia Madiyar Menilbekov and the CEO of SFD Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad.

The parties also considered developing Islamic finance and implementing joint infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan.

Menilbekov informed the interlocutor about the key directions of Kazakhstan's comprehensive internal political and socio-economic modernization.

The ambassador also invited Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Nurlan Baibazarov, the head of the SFD to participate in the round table of the Arab Coordination Group, which will be held in early September 2024 in Astana.

The Saudi Fund for Development is one of the largest financial institutions in Saudi Arabia, through whose finances a number of important infrastructure projects were implemented in Kazakhstan, including the construction of the Astana-Karaganda highway.
I became a defender of political attack ads as a reporter. South Carolina candidates had just started spending ridiculous amounts of special-interest money on elections, and one of my jobs was to write fact check articles on their TV ads and campaign mailings. Not all of them, of course  there wasnt enough ink for that  but the ones that were inaccurate or misleading.

I systematically dismantled the campaign messages, going through line by line detailing the misleading and sometimes untrue claims about votes and actions the other guy took, and providing the missing context.

Yes, I wrote, the average homeowner does pay higher taxes in Charleston than in Columbia, but that's because Charleston homes are so much more expensive; Charleston's tax rate is actually lower. Yes, this candidate did accept campaign contributions from this lobbying organization; but it was perfectly legal, and the candidate complaining took even bigger donations from these other lobbying groups.

Some candidates got upset because I didnt write about all the negative ads or, more precisely, the ones that targeted them. That's because theres a huge difference, I found myself telling them over and over, between an attack ad thats untrue and one thats true.

As an editorial writer, I graduated from defender to fan: Not only is there nothing wrong with candidates giving me the goods on their opponent, I wrote more than once; its their job. Voters dont have time to find out everything about the candidates. Candidates are going to tell us all the good stuff about themselves; somebody else needs to tell us the bad stuff. They just need to be honest about it.

Its a subtle but crucial distinction that too many journalists  and candidates, and voters  seemed to miss. And still do.

An assassination attempt

After a gunman tried to assassinate Donald Trump, leaders in both political parties called for cooling down our overheated rhetoric. I have no idea what Joe Biden or Donald Trump had in mind with their calls for unity. Were they referring to the incendiary superlatives and demonization by their allies and themselves, or only those by the other party? Whatever the intention, we quickly heard the pundits proclaiming that obviously no one meant it because the two parties were still criticizing each other.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 27. Kazakhstan is ready to supply more than 1 million tons of wheat to Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC 'ProdCorporation' (the national food company of Kazakhstan), Asylkhan Juvashev said, Trend reports.

Historically, Kazakhstan has shipped more than 1 million tons of grain to Azerbaijan. We are currently working on mechanisms to return the former positions to become competitive again in the Azerbaijani market with Kazakh wheat, Juvashev said.

According to him, a well-built and successfully functioning system of storage and marketing of grain allows for effective delivery to Azerbaijan.

In particular, the Baku grain terminal, located in the port of Hovsan, has a production capacity for transshipment of grain of about 600,000 tons per year, and the mill complex is capable of processing up to 50,000 tons of products annually. The terminal operates around the clock and is equipped with an automated process control system, which guarantees high-quality services, Juvashev said.

To note, the volume of trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan from January through May 2024 amounted to $234 million, which is 4 percent less than in the same period of 2023 ($243.7 million).

Meanwhile, exports to Azerbaijan dominated the trade turnover with $213.8 million, or 3.2 percent more than from January through May 2023 ($207.2 million).

Furthermore, imports from Azerbaijan fell by 45 percent to $20.1 million over the period. This indicator amounted to $36.5 million from January through May 2023.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2024 / Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV:FWTC) (the "Company" or "FWTC") is pleased to announce that it has filed its condensed consolidated audited financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis for the twelve months ended March 31, 2024. Copies of these financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis can be found on the Company's issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca . All financial information in this news release is reported in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.Fiscal Year End Financial HighlightsRevenue was $71,056 for the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to $39,726, an increase of $31,330 or 79% over the prior period in 2023.Total expenses were $2,258,690 for the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to $2,421,598 or a decrease of $162,908 or 7% lower over the same period in 2023.Net loss and comprehensive loss were $2,196,513 for the year ended March 31, 2024, compared to a loss of $2,286,526, a reduction of $90,013 or 4% lower for the same period in 2023.Basic and diluted loss per share were $0.02 and $0.02 for the same period in 2023.Operating Highlights and Recent Corporate DevelopmentsThe mobile demonstration unit was substantially completed. The unit allows 3-4 month, large volume trials at customer locations.The Company completed a non-brokered private placement of 9,240,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit for gross proceeds of $462,000. Each unit consisted of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant.The Company was contracted by CleanTech Lithium PLC to provide advisory services for the support and development of their Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) processes in Chile.FWTC licensed specific intellectual property from FUJIFILM Corporation in order to solidify protection of its water treatment technology platform.FWTC announced a non-binding letter of intent that outlines the terms of a proposed business relationship with Mead & Hunt, a leading architecture and engineering firm based in the United States. Mead & Hunt provides extensive supply chain connections, engineering design experience, capabilities to fabricate the needed treatment equipment, as well as an established customer pipeline.On May 14, 2024 the Company announced the execution of a letter of intent in respect of a proposed business combination with Fraser Mackenzie Accelerator Corp., a capital pool company listed on the TSX-V, along with concurrent financings.On May 24, 2024, the Company announced that it closed the issuance of $225,000 of debentures.On July 11, 2024 the Company announced that it has initiated new projects via direct customer contacts in the food and beverage space to enable more efficient wastewater handling in the production of food and beverage products with globally positioned multinational manufacturers. FWTC has entered into early planning stages for a pilot or early commercial trials after being selected for evaluation by two unique clients.On July 22, 2024, the Company announced the execution of the definitive agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") for the proposed transaction between FWTC and Fraser Mackenzie Accelerator Corp.Management Commentary Forward Water's CEO and President, C. Howie Honeyman "During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 we continued to build key client and customer relationships leading to further commercial advances. For instance, our progress with Clean Tech Lithium's brine processing has led to a pre-commercial field trial. Not only is this trial expected to affirm the commercial readiness of our water treatment process, but key data sets are expected to be generated and allow us to illustrate how the Company's technology can be successfully applied to a wide array of other sectors. We have also had successful inroads made in the food and beverage sector that we look to develop in the near future".Summary of Financial ResultsIncome StatementBalance SheetStatement of Cash FlowsAbout Forward Water Technologies Corp. Forward Water Technologies Corp. is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. The Company was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. The Company's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. The Company's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors. In addition, the Company has initiated early stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams.For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com Contact InformationFor more information or interview requests, please contact: C. Howie Honeyman - Chief Executive Officer howie.honeyman@forwardwater.com 416-451-8155Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws including statements regarding expansion and uptake of the Company's technology and the ability for the Company to achieve its growth strategy and business plan. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, the ability to scale the technology and the adoption of the technology by potential customers.Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; unanticipated operating events; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / July 27, 2024 / Four Oregon residents filed a lawsuit today in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon against Providence St. Joseph Health, Providence Health & Services, Providence Health & Services - Oregon, Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, and Oregon Anesthesiology Group. The lawsuit alleges that, during their time as patients, the plaintiffs were subject to both actual and potential hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV") exposure at Providence medical centers. The plaintiffs further allege that they must now undergo medical treatment for their injuries and will have to live with severe emotional and mental anguish due to the negligence of Providence and Oregon Anesthesiology Group. The lawsuit was filed by the law firms Girard Sharp LLP and Sauder Schelkopf LLC.In July 2024, health officials and Providence reported that an anesthesiologist employed by Oregon Anesthesiology Group may not have followed infection control practices while treating Providence patients from 2017 to 2023, potentially exposing 2,400 Providence patients to serious diseases including hepatitis B and C and HIV.Thus far, neither Providence nor Oregon Anesthesiology Group have publicly stated if the necessary procedures and controls were in place to prevent this type of incident.You can find a copy of the lawsuithere.About Girard Sharp Girard Sharp is distinguished as a Tier 1 law firm for plaintiffs' mass tort and class action litigation by Best Lawyers and has appeared on its list of "Best Law Firms" for more than a decade. Girard Sharp also has been named by the National Law Journal to its "Plaintiffs' Hot List," a selection of top U.S. plaintiffs' firms recognized for wins in high-profile cases. Read about some of our results. We have substantial experience in lawsuits concerning sensitive issues and in guiding affected individuals through the litigation process with discretion. From holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for marketing birth-control pills that caused life-threatening blood clots, to obtaining over $14 million in restitution on behalf of fertility patients whose frozen eggs and embryos were compromised, we have a well-established track record of successfully taking on some of the world's largest corporations and institutions.About Sauder Schelkopf Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of their clients and class members. In 2024 Best Law Firms recognized Sauder Schelkopf LLC as a Best Law Firm for Mass Tort and Class Action Litigation. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer's 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year - Class Action Category, an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. The National Law Journal named our firm the 2024 Products Liability Practice Group of the Year. Our attorneys have been named by The American Lawyer to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers as "truly agents of change." The Legal Intelligencer named our attorneys in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazerslist recognizing 31 lawyers who "have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change." The Legal highlighted the firm's innovative work on advocacy as class counsel in large institutional sex abuse cover-ups, women's, and children's rights.CONTACT: Adam PolkGirard Sharp LLP(866) 981-4800 contact@ girardsharp.comapolk@girardsharp.comwww.girardsharp.com Joseph SauderSauder Schelkopf LLC(888) 711-9975 info@ sstriallawyers.comjgs@sstriallawyers.comwww.sauderschelkopf.com SOURCE: Girard Sharp LLP
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RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / July 27, 2024 / The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP( www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been against UiPath, Inc. ("UiPath") (NYSE: PATH). The action charges UiPath 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 UiPath's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, UiPath's investors have suffered significant losses. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 19, 2024.If you suffered UiPath losses, you may CLICK HERE or go to: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/uipath-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=path&mktm=r CANNOT VIEW THIS VIDEO? PLEASE CLICK HERE. YOU CAN ALSO COPY AND PASTE THIS LINK IN YOUR BROWSER: https://youtu.be/07ApsNwzYdc 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 MISCONDUCTOn May 29, 2024, UiPath issued a press release announcing the resignation of Robert Enslin as the company's CEO, effective June 1, 2024, and the reappointment of Daniel Dines as CEO. On that same day, UiPath issued a separate press release announcing disappointing first quarter 2025 financial results and a significant cut in its revenue guidance for fiscal year 2025. Specifically, UiPath lowered its fiscal year 2025 revenue guidance by approximately 10%, or $150 million, from a range of $1.555 billion to $1.560 billion, to a range of $1.405 billion to $1.410 billion. Discussing UiPath's results and guidance on a conference call that same day, UiPath's officers acknowledged that the company's failed turnaround strategy was a factor, stating that "the investments we have made to reaccelerate growth have fallen short of our expectations, made us less agile in responding to customer needs and created short-term pressure on operating margins, all of which we are committed to rectifying." Following this news, UiPath's stock price fell $6.23 per share, or over 34%, to close at $12.07 per share on May 30, 2024.WHAT CAN I DO?UiPath investors may, no later than August 19, 2024, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPor other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPencourages UiPath investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against UiPath, Steiner v. UiPath, Inc., et al.,Case No. 24-cv-04702, is filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/uipath-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=path&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, LLPprosecutes 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, LLPplease visit www.ktmc.com CONTACT:Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLPJonathan Naji, Esq.(484) 270-1453280 King of Prussia RoadRadnor, PA 19087 info@ ktmc.com May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, July 27. A suspect involved in planning a terrorist attack in one of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries has been detained in Kyrgyzstan as part of an underground group, Trend reports.

According to the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan, a Kyrgyz citizen who is a member of an international terrorist organization has been arrested and placed in custody.

The committee reports that the suspect coordinated activities through hidden accounts on the Telegram messaging app.

As part of the ongoing criminal investigation, the committee is working with partner intelligence agencies to investigate other members of the terrorist group. Details on the planned attack location, the name of the terrorist organization, and the identity of the detained individual have not been disclosed.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / July 26, 2024 / Pickspace, an innovative provider of customizable, cloud-based property management software, is currently exploring merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities with several major players in the Proptech sector.Recognized for its leadership in automating property management operations, accounting, payments, and tenant communication, Pickspace has established itself as a key player in the industry. The company's unique value proposition, combined with its robust monetization capabilities and exceptional product, technology, and operations teams, positions it as an attractive prospect for strategic partners and competitors alike.As Pickspace opens its doors to potential M&A discussions, it stands ready to leverage its strengths to create significant value in the Proptech field. This move marks a strategic step forward in the company's mission to revolutionize property management through innovative technology.Why Pickspace was CreatedThe founder of Pickspace noticed a recurring hassle for property management companies dealing with a mix of spreadsheets and different software and no easy or automated way to get things done. All the available solutions appeared messy and inefficient."Pickspace decided to shake things up and create a white-label, all-in-one property management software platform that not only works efficiently, but also looks and feels great. Our mission? We are streamlining and simplifying property management operations across various property types, including commercial, residential, coworking spaces, and mixed-use properties, consolidating different tools into one sleek, unified solution," shares CEO Maor Cohen.Pickspace's platform offers a comprehensive suite of features, from leasing to full tenant life cycle management, including contract e-signing, move-in/move-out processes, invoicing, and accounting. This includes full accounts receivable and payable management, customizable financial reports (P&L, rent roll), auto-batching and reconciliation, vendor management, payment processing, and online rent collection with ACH and credit cards in the US, Canada, Israel, and Europe.Additionally, the Pickspace platform automates tenant communication through email, chat, SMS, maintenance requests and work orders, as well as community building with feed, event management, amenities booking systems, package handling, and more. "We have automated and simplified property management operations," asserts Cohen. Pickspace is currently exploring potential merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities with major property management software companies. This strategic consideration aims to combine Pickspace's unique offerings with a larger competitor or partner, providing property managers with an all-encompassing solution. Cohen adds, "Our platform boasts features that set us apart, such as Monetization Potential and Unique Value Propositions via our different modules," including:Payment Facilitator: Ability to monetize payments from day one, offering substantial financial benefits. Rent collection via ACH, credit cards, checks and efficiently managing disputes, chargebacks, and refunds.Comprehensive Accounting System: Full accounting capabilities with detailed reports, receivable and payable management.Internal Listing Management: Real time tour and rental inventory management that includes integrations to other MLS.Maintenance Requests and Listings: Efficient handling of maintenance requests integrated into the vendor management module.Strong focus on building an intuitive and seamless UX/UI, ensuring ease of use and high engagement.All that is wrapped into a unique offering to white-label system, along with a movie app for property management companies, allowing them to build communities in residential areas, manage coworking spaces, and support commercial real estate."By merging with a larger entity, we aim to further enhance our platform's capabilities and offer a more comprehensive solution to property managers using AI tools and automation." About Pickspace and the TeamThe Origins of PickspaceBorn from a simple yet powerful idea, Pickspace began as Pickspaceplus.com , a platform where users could pick and book spaces with ease. This innovative concept quickly evolved into a robust B2B SaaS solution for managing coworking spaces. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a strategic pivot. Today, Pickspace caters to a wide range of real estate types, including residential, commercial, coworking spaces, retail, and shopping centers.A Visionary and Leadership TeamAt the heart of Pickspace is the founder Maor Cohen, whose unique blend of expertise in law, product management, marketing, and real estate management set the foundation for the company. Cohen identified the inefficiencies in property management and sought to address them with a comprehensive, cloud-based solution. His vision garnered significant recognition and investment following his appearance on Shark Tank Israel in 2018, where Pickspace was successfully funded.Joining him is CTO Nadi Hassan, a tech wizard with over a decade of experience in building tech products and managing property management systems. Nadi oversees Pickspace's product development, QA, DevOps, and Payment Facilitator licensing, enhancing the platform's accounting, reporting, and technological capabilities.Leading the customer success and onboarding team is Deena Elemam. With more than 10 years of experience in e-commerce, retail, insurance, and real estate, Deena excels at managing client issues, collecting feedback, and ensuring smooth onboarding. Driving high client retention and satisfaction. With its strong leadership and innovative approach, Pickspace is set to revolutionize property management, making it more efficient, streamlined, and user-friendly for property managers around the world.Contact Information Company: PickspacePhone Number: 1(347) 343-2020Email Address: maor@ pickspace.com Address: 106 west 32nd St. New York, NYWebsite: pickspace.com SOURCE: Pickspace
Nigerians were first introduced to rapper Sauce Kid, now called Sinzu, in 2005 when he released his first single, Omoge, featuring the legendary Mike Okri.

He enjoyed a steady rise in the Nigerian music industry, was recognised as the man behind Samboribobo or Yebariba tunes, and even secured a collaboration with Davido on the track Carolina.

Regrettably, his career took a sharp downturn after he was incarcerated in the Ada County Jail, United States, in 2017 for grand theft fraud and stealing $15,388. This two-year jail term significantly disrupted his music career.

Law enforcement agents caught up with him about two years before he was jailed as he wanted to board a flight at Boise Airport in Idaho.

According to the Idaho Statesman, Sauce Kid was initially charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts each of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and possessing 15 or more fraudulent bank cards.

He was released in April 2018 and has kept a low profile for six years.

He has, however, narrated his ordeal in the US federal prison in an interview with Cool FM, describing it as terrible.

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He talked about prison, his prison mugshot and how Davido helped him secure Odumodublvck to feature on his impending album.

New lease of life

The rapper also added that he had turned a new leaf and was determined to never go back there again.

I was accused of something called identity theft, and I was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. That was a lot of time to get my head together and reflect. I came out, and that is behind. It was a terrible experience for me. I learnt from it because, in every negative situation, you should be able to take a positive out of it; otherwise, its a waste of time. I learnt how never to go back there; it was not fun over there. I was making music but didnt put it out or go to the studio for a year and a half. Davido signed me on his label based on history, but lets not talk about it. It didnt involve money.

Asked about how he felt when his mugshots went viral on the internet, Sinzu said he did not see it because a blog released it 10 months into his prison sentence, adding that his mum informed him during a phone call.

Known for his unique style that blends Nigerian slang with Western flows, Sinzu also spoke about Dear Afrobeats his first music release in three years and first album in five years.

The eleven-track album features collaborations with MI, Odumodublvck, MOJO AF, Dremo, Czure, and Rahdo.

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Oil driller Oando Plc has refuted the claims that it holds shares in an oil storage and blending facility based in Malta and plays a role in bringing substandard petroleum products into the country.

The energy company, listed in Lagos and Johannesburg, also debunked allegations that its principals are board members of a company called Raz Hansir Oil Terminal Limited.

We wish to refute such claims and attest that neither Oando PLC nor its Executives have ever held shares, investments, or interests in the fictitious Maltese company, Oando said in a statement issued on Friday, signed by Company Secretary Ayotola Jagun.

As part of a comprehensive investigation into the basis of the false claims, we conducted a search of the Malta Business Registry, the official repository for all registered entities past and current within the country. Our search yielded no results for a company bearing that name, it added.

Oando noted that no revelation of the existence of a company of that name came from its due diligence efforts.

Africas richest person Aliko Dangote this week accused officials of state-owned oil & gas company NNPC Limited, traders and oil terminals in the country of running a blending plant somewhere off Malta.

His allegation has drawn reactions from Mele Kyari, the managing director of NNPCL, who disclosed on Monday he does not own any other business apart from a small local agriculture venture.

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He also added he has no knowledge of any personnel of NNPCL owning or operating a blending plant in Malta or elsewhere.

A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world does not influence NNPCs business operations and strategic actions, Mr Kyari said in an X (formerly Twitter) post on Tuesday.

Dangote Refinery had in June stated that international oil companies were sabotaging supply of domestic crude oil to the plant, adding that fuel traders were bringing diesel with a high sulphur content into the country, while regulators look away.

Oando said the allegations of interests in the Maltese firm were made with the malevolent objective of misinforming the public and its stakeholders.

It further noted that, on account of its status as a listed company, it is obliged to disclose any corporate actions including those pertaining to the acquisition of stakes in other companies in accordance with Nigerias corporate governance laws.

Oando announced last month it participated in a US$3.3 billion structured crude oil-backed forward-sale finance facility sponsored by NNPCL, where it contributed $550 million through its oil trading arm.

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The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has said that he, alongside other members of Ekiti State caucus in the National Assembly, would join hands with other progressive-minded people to support the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for another term in office.

He said his decision was based on the governors excellent performance and exemplary leadership quality.

Speaking on Friday at Igede-Ekiti during an inspection of some of his constituency projects across Ekiti Central Senatorial district, Mr Bamidele said National Assembly members from the state would soon publicly declare their support for Mr Oyebanjis second term in office.

The senator who was accompanied on the project inspection and inauguration by the governor, noted that Mr Oyebanjis transformative leadership and people-oriented policies and programmes have brought a lot of significant development to the state and its people.

He affirmed that the governors ability to unify every political tendency in the state and mobilise the people for development has brought a huge and significant growth to the state.

He explained that the governor has continued to collaborate with members of the National Assembly and got them actively involved in his development agenda.

Mr Bamidele said he is able to carry out a lot of constituency projects across the six local governments that make up his Central Senatorial district because the governor has created and sustained an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in the state that is devoid of hostility and mutual suspicion.

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I want to use this opportunity to thank our Governor. I say this everywhere I go to. If you elected somebody to represent you in Abuja and he comes back home to do something, it is because they allowed him to come back home. If they dont allow us, we will just remain in Abuja and we will not pass our boundary.

But we have a governor today who will sit down with us and say this is what our people need, if you want to do your constituency project, please, work on this list. I know that market development was part of what the Governor discussed with us, transformer was part of it, solar street light was part of it, and by the grace of God, every member of the National Assembly would pick from the list given to us by the governor because if we do not do what the people want at where they want it, it will be useless.

Your Excellency, we are proud of you and I know that by the grace of God, like everyone is saying, anybody that thinks there is a vacancy in 2026 is only deceiving himself. I am begging you, dont let anybody deceive our people. You sent nine of us to Abuja, three senators and six House of Representative members and at the appropriate time, the nine of us will do our advert, jointly signed, endorsing Governor Oyebanji as our consensus candidate in all the dailies, the senator stated.

Speaking further, Mr Bamidele, who promised to rebuild the Igede-Ekiti market to Iyin Ekiti standard, said all the market, solar power, roads and hospital projects would be replicated across the six local government areas in the district.

Mr Oyebanji, in his response, hailed the commitment of the senate leader and his colleagues in the National Assembly to Ekiti development.

He noted that their exemplary performance underscored the importance of electing people of proven integrity and capacity as representatives in government.

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Youth groups and professional associations in Kwara State on Friday dissociated themselves from the proposed national protest and demonstration, declaring that the protest will not solve any problem.

The groups, led by Alli Yusuf, spoke with journalists in Ilorin after meeting with state government officials on the national protest called for 1 August.

Mr Yusuf said although things are not easy economically in the country and across the universe, the situation could be salvaged with engagements and dialogues.

We have expressed our grievances to the Kwara State Government on issues and challenges bothering the youth constituency and other segments of the society in Kwara and Nigeria as a whole. We just had a meeting with various groups. Since the government has promised to progressively address some of our grievances, we are saying no protest in Kwara State, he told reporters in Ilorin shortly after meeting some government officials.

Present at the briefing were representatives of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), the National Association of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (NARTEAN), the National Association of Students Union (NASU); Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN); Okada Rider Association of Nigeria (ORAN); and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MAN); among others.

Top government officials who had earlier met with the groups include the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ndanusa Usman; the General Manager of Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), Abdulwasiu Tejidini; and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth Development, Abdulrazaq Alabere, among others.

Mr Yusuf said Nigerians face many challenges, especially economic hardship, but warned that violence or protest could not be the solution.

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It is obvious that Nigerians are facing a lot of hardship presently which Kwarans are not excluded from. We agree with the fact that things are not easy, but we believe that you dont attack violence with violence. There are ways of settling issues rather than violence or protest.

Therefore, all the groups and associations present here today now agree that we will embark on consultation and dialogue with the state government rather than going for protest. We have agreed that we will not go on protest. We have had a meeting with government officials and our meeting continues.

I want to pledge that the name of Kwara State will not be changed from being a state of harmony and a peaceful state, and the peace will continue to reign. In protest, a lot of issues happen, and it is the youth that suffer the consequences most. Some lives have been lost to protests, while properties have also been lost because people will hijack protests, the youth leader added.

The representative of NANS, Zone C, Adebayo Alasa, assured that student bodies in the zone would not be part of any protest.

We have expressed our grievances to the government and we are very optimistic that the states (under their zone) will address all the challenges. We want to assert clearly that we dissociate ourselves from joining any protest in the nation, Mr Alisa said.

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As the commencement date for the planned #EndBadGovernance protest draws closer, leaders at various levels have kept appealing to Nigerians, especially youths, to shelve the strike and embrace dialogue as a better means of conveying their demands.

The latest calls came from the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and a member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, Fatoba Olusola.

In Ondo State, Mr Aiyedatiwa cautioned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) against participating in the planned nationwide protest.

Speaking at a peace meeting held in Akure with a former chairman, leaders and members of the union, he noted that the nationwide protest would be violent and was targeted at President Bola Tinubus administration.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, said a peaceful protest was not a bad action, but noted that planned protest was targeted at destroying lives and properties, citing the recent Kenyan experience and EndSARS protest as examples.

Mr Aiyedatiwa appealed to the NURTW members to shun the protest in the interest of the state and her people.

During the EndSARS protest, a lot of properties were destroyed in this nation. Look at what is happening in Kenya too; it is devastating. That is why we are engaging the members of the NURTW that we dont want that here, he said.

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The peace meeting was attended by three former chairpersons of NURTW namely, Solomon Adejayan, Oladutele Obayoriade and Jacob Idajo.

The current chairman of the union, Ademola Odudu, said the leadership of the union had addressed all members not to join the protest because it could lead to breakdown of law and order.

He added that members were not troublemakers or thugs, but very responsible people. Whoever is caught among the members of the NURTW participating in the planned protest will be sanctioned accordingly, he said.

Similarly, a Member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1, Fatoba Olusola, has also advised youths to shun the planned protests against bad governance.

He said they should rather support the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tackle corrupt leaders allegedly stealing the countrys wealth.

He stressed that the youth should redirect their energies to fighting those who have stolen the commonwealth by joining the current fight by the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to get them to account for their loot.

Mr Olusola, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values, made the appeal during an interactive session with journalists in Ado Ekiti.

He acknowledged that the citizens were going through a tough time, but said it was just a passing phase.

He urged those planning to protest to listen to the voice of reason and appeals by various leaders, and embrace dialogue, noting that Mr Tinubu meant well for the country.

I want to use this medium to appeal to all our youths to shun the protest in the interest of peace and progress of the country. I acknowledge that one of the major problems facing the country is corruption, and all hands must be on the deck to fight the monster.

I implore our youths to rather form a pressure group, which will join hands with the EFCC and ICPC to make sure whoever is alleged to have embezzled public funds is made to face the consequences, he said.

The lawmaker expressed the belief that youths could also form pressure groups that will pile pressure on the judiciary to ensure that there is no miscarriage of justice while prosecuting corrupt politicians.

The President is working round the clock to fix the mess he inherited from the previous administrations. He needs understanding, not protest. Protest cannot fix the challenges; it can only aggravate the problems facing the country, he concluded.

Reasons for the protest

The planned demonstration is drawing inspiration from recent happenings in Kenya and had gained following in the social media under the hashtags #EndBadGovernance, #TinubuMustGo, #Revolution2024, and the likes.

The State Security Services (SSS) has, however, said the long term objective of the planned nationwide protest against the prevailing economic realities in Nigeria is to achieve a regime change especially at the centre.

The nations secret service also said it had confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the country.

Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the Service, Peter Afunanya, made the revelation in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Afunanya stated that the Service had identified politics as the reason behind the protest.

According to him, the security agency had also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot.

Nevertheless organisers of the protest insist the hardship on the country warrants a response from the suffering masses to force the government to act responsibly in providing the needed leadership to free the people from the current predicament.

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The Nigerian government has secured the conviction of 125 Boko Haram suspects of terrorism offences, including terrorism financing.

The Federal High Court handed down the conviction in a mass trial held at the military detention facility in Kanji, Niger State.

The trial, conducted over two days, saw defendants face charges ranging from financing terrorism to committing crimes under the International Criminal Court (ICC) statutes.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, announced the convictions on Friday through a statement released by his spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele.

Mr Fagbemi stated that 85 individuals were convicted of financing terrorism, 22 for ICC-related crimes, and the remaining defendants for various terrorism offences.

He said the trials, part of the Giwa Project Kanji Phase Five, were conducted by five Federal High Court judges.

The judges were Binta Nyakoh Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu, and Mobolaji Olajuwon.

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All 125 defendants were found guilty of the charges brought against them, Mr Fagbemi stated.

The AGF noted that the trial was coordinated with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, led the prosecution, while Abdulfatai Bakre led the defence team from the Legal Aid Council,

Observers

Representatives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) attended the trial to monitor compliance of the proceedings with legal requirements and standards.

The statement said 400 individuals who had completed their sentences have been transferred to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalisation, and reintegration into society.

The Head of Strategic Communication for the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC-ONSA), Abu Michael, stated on Wednesday that the ongoing trials align with the international criminal justice system.

He said that at least 300 suspects are on trial, represented by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

In pursuance of its commitment to promoting social justice by entrenching a transparent administrative system, the Federal Government has resumed mass trials of individuals allegedly involved in terrorism and other heinous crimes against the Nigerian State, Mr Michael said.

The trials involve multiple stakeholders, including prosecutors from the Federal Ministry of Justices Complex Case Group (CCG) and defence counsel from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria.

Mr Michael noted that 800 cases had been reviewed, with charges prepared for thorough prosecution.

Previous convictions

Between 2017 and 2018, previous trials resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges, and five acquittals. Efforts to deradicalise and reintegrate non-culpable suspects into society are ongoing.

In May 2021, PREMIUM TIMES reported on special terrorism prosecution courts where the government intends to try Boko Haram suspects.

The Federal High Court, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, deployed designated judges to various detention facilities across the country to expedite the trials of terrorism suspects detained in Kanji, Niger State.

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The Group Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Moreen Tamuno, has described the state of public mass transit in Abuja as epileptic, noting that the government owns only 84 buses, many of which are non-functional.

Ms Tamuno disclosed this on Friday while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on the FCT to provide lawmakers with an overview of the companys activities.

AICL is an investment company owned by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and serves as the flagship investment and holding company for the FCT.

She stated that the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited (AUMTCO) has only 84 buses for the entire territory, but only a few are operational.

Ms Tamuno also informed the lawmakers that there had been plans to sell off the buses during the previous administration; however, the plan has been shelved in favour of repairing them.

The Abuja AUMTCO has been somewhat epileptic, really. Because as we speak, I think they have only about 84 buses, and most of the buses are not working, she said.

Ms Tamuno informed the lawmakers that there would be a turnaround of the transportation company due to the managerial style of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who, according to her, allows for better coordination of the entities under the AICL.

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Before I arrived, apart from the two regimes of el-Rufai and Moddibo, the rest of the regimes saw Abuja Property dealing directly with the minister. So, we did not have control over what Abuja Property does, but with the new ministers arrival, he has streamlined the system so that all these entities will have a direct reporting line, she said.

Absence of urban mass transit in Abuja

The absence of a functional public urban transportation system in the capital city has posed a significant challenge for residents, many of whom must rely on private transport providers. The authorities have struggled to maintain the existing buses, many of which are currently grounded across the territory.

The recent increase in transportation costs due to the removal of the petroleum subsidy has further exacerbated the situation for commuters in the city.

Last year, the government, after removing the fuel subsidy, promised to roll out gas-powered buses; however, this pledge has not been fulfilled.

Although the government recently recommissioned the metro train system, the railway network remains very limited.

Why our ownership of Abuja Continental Hotel declined

Speaking on the portfolio of the AICL, Ms Tamuno informed the lawmakers that the company owns only three per cent of the Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotels, a decline from the seven per cent it previously owned.

She said the share declined because the hotel went public, therefore, the shares of AICL declined. She added AICL is in talks with the hotel to increase its shares to gain a seat on the companys board.

Ms Tamuno also informed the lawmakers that the company owns only 10 per cent of the popular Wuse Market, with shop owners holding the remaining 90 per cent of the market.

Speaking further on the companys portfolio, she said the company is committed to paying dividends into the governments coffers due to some of the measures taken.

In response to the presentation, the Chairman of the Committee, Aliyu Betara, commended the company and the administration for actions taken to reposition the city.

He urged the administrators to be proactive in removing anyone unwilling to support the growth of the FCT.

I advise you to remove anyone you are not ready to work with so that you can work well. The committee is ready to support you and the FCT in general, Mr Betara said.

Some lawmakers also applauded the citys administrators for the visible improvements in the city.

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The Dangote Group has disproved a media report, which claimed that its oil refining arm, Dangote Refinery, is reselling crude sourced from the United States and Nigeria, where the 650,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) is based.

Reuters reported Friday it spoke to four trade sources, who disclosed that the Lagos-based refinery is offering the crude to buyers following technical constraints at the plant.

The news outlet also stated that an unnamed Dangote executive refuted the market news that the refinery is facing operational challenges from a defective crude distillation unit (CDU).

In its response to a query from PREMIUM TIMES Friday night, Dangote Industries Limited remarked that the Reuters report is misleading and should be disregarded.

This is outright falsehood as we are not authorised to sell any crude we buy from Nigeria! Also, our CDU is working and in perfect condition, said Anthony Chiejina, the groups chief spokesperson.

We advise that you ignore these false narratives being peddled by those bent on the importation of dirty fuels into the country, he added.

Reuters named Nigerian oil grades  Forcados and Escravos  among those Dangote Refinery wants buyers for. The US West Texas Intermediate Midland crude is also included, the news outlet said, citing a source.

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Limited supplies from trade partners like the state oil company NNPC Limited, from which the refinery has had only five cargoes delivered since the start of operations in January, compared to the fifteen it anticipated, has made it turn to places like the US and Brazil to obtain the feedstock it needs to keep running.

It is turning to smaller African producers like Libya and Angola to bail it out from supply troubles at home.

ALSO READ: Nigerian lawmakers demand suspension of petroleum regulatory boss over comments on Dangote refinery

The mega plant aims to end Nigerias reliance on fuel imports and export the rest of its output to foreign markets.

It plans to buck up production to 550,000 bpd or 85 per cent of its nameplate capacity this year.

When it begins operating at full capacity, the refinery will be the biggest in both Africa and Europe. This will generate $26 billion in revenue yearly, according to a company document seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 27. The demand for road transportation exports in Uzbekistan grew by 29 percent in the second quarter of 2024, Trend reports.

According to the ATI Cargo Transportation Exchange, the number of requests for export freight transportation to Russia increased by 28 percent during this period. At the same time, export freight transportation to Kazakhstan grew by 13 percent and Belarus by 6 percent.

In addition, the number of applications for delivery of foreign cargoes to Uzbekistan decreased by 17 percent in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

The applications for delivery of foreign cargoes to Uzbekistan from Russia decreased by 19 percent.

Meanwhile, road freight transportation in Uzbekistan amounted to 3.3 million tons from January through March 2024. This figure has increased by 10 percent compared to the same period last year (3 million tons in JanuaryMarch 2023).

The volume of export cargo increased to 960,000 million tons from January through March 2024, while the imports of cargo totaled 1.8 million tons during this period.
The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged Nigerians to seek change through democratic means rather than protests.

Mr Kwankwaso said this in a statement he signed and made available to journalists on Saturday in Kano.

He said effective and lasting change can only be achieved through the power of the ballot.

He said, It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria.

We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007.

However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens.

Mr Kwankwaso called on Nigerian leaders to address Nigerians challenges by ensuring good governance and adherence to the rule of law.

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Acknowledging the ongoing calls for protests, Mr Kwankwaso recognised the collective frustration and yearning for a better Nigeria but cautioned against the potential consequences of such actions.

He urged Nigerians to consider the power of their votes as the most effective tool for change.

In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.

As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.

However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation through the power of your ballot.

He cautioned that protest, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalates into violence, leading to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread chaos.

The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.

I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation.

Let us put our country first and work together to build the Nigeria we all aspire to see, Mr Kwankwaso said.

(NAN)

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Residents of Precious Seeds Community in Oworonshoki area of Lagos have accused the Oworonshoki traditional ruler, Oba Babatunde Saliu, of mobilising thugs to chase them out of their homes and issuing them eviction notice over land matters.

But the monarch has denied the allegation, saying the residents affected by the eviction notice are those illegally occupying the land around the communitys shrine and that they do not have the required documents to lay claim to the land.

The affected residents have, therefore, written to the Lagos State Police Command, seeking protection from those they described as land grabbers.

This is as they have planned to hold a media briefing within the community on Saturday (today) as part of activities to sensitise the public against what they described as the persistent attack on them by alleged aggressors.

Petition

A letter addressed to the office of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and copied the Ogudu Area Command Office and the Office of the Oworonshoki Divisional Police Station, is titled: Urgent Appeal for Intervention Against Forceful Evacuation and Demolition Threats by Oworonshoki Indigenes under the Directives of Oba Babatunde Saliu (The Oloworo of Oworonshoki Kingdom).

The letter, which was signed on behalf of the community by the Secretary, Wale Ogunnusi, noted that similar threats and violence, had led to the death of a member of the community identified as Samsondeen Ali, in November 2023.

The letter listed certain individuals to be responsible for the threats, and also provided their contact information for the police to investigate the matter and ensure lives and property are protected.

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The letter reads in part: On Friday, 19th of July, the same group of Oworonshoki indigenes returned to our community, issuing further threats of forceful eviction and demolition, claiming if we do not leave before 1st of August, they would wage war against us.

They claimed they would utilise the Nigeria Police and the local community security group, Madanwo, to enforce our evacuation.

They warned us to vacate before their scheduled Ota festival, threatening to burn down our buildings if we did not comply.

The community insisted that they have resided and occupied the same land for more than 30 years, even as they produced receipts they claimed they were issued by different families when they bought their different parcels of land many years ago.

We have resided in the Precious Seed community for over three decades, holding legal ownership and valid receipts for our land. These threats appear to be a deceptive and forceful attempt by Oba Saliu Babatunde to seize our land under the pretense of organising a festival, the letter added.

Copies of receipts sent to PREMIUM TIMES indicates that the parcels of land were sold to the residents by Rufai Owoseni family and another identified as Fowotade family.

For instance, one of the receipts obtained by PREMIUM TIMES shows that Masane Ajayi in August 2000 bought a plot of land at Ebute Ferry Jetty Oworonshoki (40 ft by 40 ft) for the sum of N10,000.

Similarly, another receipt shows that Josuwe Agbadogbe bought a 50 by 50 lane in April 2014 from the Fowotade family for N80,000. The parcel of land was however not specified.

Monarch reacts

In a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES reporter, Oba Babatunde denied the allegation, insisting that those who were asked to vacate the land were occupying the location of the communitys shrine.

He said the affected residents do not have the required documents to lay claim to the land.

So the Ota shrine has been illegally occupied by a few individuals, not many.

I think about two or three people like they told me. So I told them if they are having the festival, people cannot see what they are doing there because it is a shrine. So anyone who is around the shrine should leave or those who have illegally built around the shrine should leave that place. They built shanties around the shrine.

And those who are lying claims should bring proof of how they became owners of that land and who sold the lands to them. They are all illegal occupiers. There are about three plank houses there, he said.

The monarch said he was informed by the indigenes and chiefs that the houses built around the shrine are plank houses.

The traditional ruler, described as false, claims that the police and a local security outfit would be used to evict the dwellers from the community.

He said the Ota festival would hold on 3 August and will run for three days.

Oworonshoki group speaks

Menawhile, PREMIUM TIMES reached out to one of the indigenes of Oworonshoki community accused of issuing the threats- Idris Apesinola, who confirmed that he was one of those who met with the residents to vacate the location.

He said: We asked them to leave our Igbo Oro (Shrine). They built houses in the Igbo oro. We told them that, pending the time that we will do the festival, they should leave the place for us. And after nine days then we gave them three months to leave that line (finally).

The land does not belong to them. They are only deceiving themselves.

Meanwhile, a member of the Fowotade family, Jimoh Fowotade, who was also listed among the alleged aggressors, denied involvement in the matter.

Im not part of them, Mr Fowotade said.

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President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the late Ifeanyi Ubah, a senator, who died on Saturday.

Mr Ubah, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died in a London hospital after a brief illness.

The deceased was a renowned businessman and politician. He was the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

In a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday, President Tinubu commiserated with the friends and colleagues of the late senator, the National Assembly, and the government and people of Anambra State over the sad loss.

The president prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker, as well as for strength and comfort to his family.

Senate mourns

The Senate has also expressed sadness over the death of the Anambra senator.

Until his death, Mr Ubah was the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream

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Spokesperson of the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, in a statement to announce death of the lawmaker, commiserated with the Anambra State Government and families of the deceased lawmaker over the incident.

Mr Adaramodu described the deceased senator as an exemplary leader, a committed public servant and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents.

Senator Ubah was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents. His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large, he said.

The Senate spokesperson noted that the deceased lawmaker contributed positively to Nigerias energy sector through his business, Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited.

He also said the foundation established by the deceased senator has impacted positively in the lives of the less privileged.

Prior to his illustrious career in public service, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. As the founder and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he made substantial contributions to Nigerias energy sector, fostering economic growth and creating numerous job opportunities. Through the Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, his philanthropic endeavours provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged, profoundly impacting countless lives, Mr Adaramodu said.

Beacon of Hope

The Senate spokesperson said Mr Ubah demonstrated unwavering dedication to the development of his constituency and the entire country throughout his time in the upper chamber.

He specifically described the deceased senator as a beacon of hope, champion of economic empowerment, and supporter of legislative reforms.

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Ubah demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole. He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.

In expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, remarked, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation. His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

The Nigeria Senate extends our deepest sympathies to Senator Ubahs family, friends, and constituents. We also offer our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Anambra State. We pray that they find strength and solace in the legacy of service and dedication he leaves behind. His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to our nations progress will continue to inspire us all. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

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The choice before us is whether we want to pursue peace and progress or risk a crisis that could further destabilise our nation. This is a decision that must be made wisely, with the best interests of all Nigerians in mind Despite the current difficulties, as Nigerian citizens we should give our elected leaders the benefit of the doubt and more time to fulfill their promises. After all, another election season is around the corner, and we can make choices on the leadership we need through democratic means.

It is obvious that Nigeria stands on the brink of another significant protest as citizens prepare to voice their concerns over various issues, from the safety and protection of their lives and property, to access to food and other needs for the people.

The proposed national protest against the Tinubu government raises valid concerns that must be addressed constructively. While it is true that President Tinubus administration is still in its infancy, the measures taken thus far, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange unification, have had significant impacts on the lives of Nigerians.

It is undeniable that these decisions have had hurtful consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society. However, the government has argued that these actions are necessary to fight corruption and revive the economy, which has been weighed down by a massive debt burden.

While the right to protest is fundamental in a democratic society, it is crucial to manage such activities to prevent violence and protect critical national assets.

The consequences of the #EndSARS protests, which led to the loss of lives, destruction of private and public properties without the achievement of any tangible results, makes it necessary to think of better strategies to express discontent beyond those promoted by faceless leaders.

Historically, protests have played significant roles in political change, sometimes leading to the downfall of nations or leaders. Examples include the Arab Spring uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen, where mass protests contributed to political instability and regime changes.

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Other instances include the fall of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc in Europe, due to widespread demonstrations and civil unrest. Each case is unique and influenced by specific political, economic, and social factors within the respective countries at the time.

Meanwhile, over the years, Nigeria has witnessed numerous protests, ranging from demands for better governance to calls for economic reforms. The dangers associated with demonstrations in Nigeria cannot be overlooked. As citizens grapple with hardships, it is imperative to understand these risks and explore why patience, trust, and support for leadership might be more prudent approaches.

One notable protest in Nigerias history is the Ali Must Go protest of 1978, sparked by an increase in the cost of meal tickets for university students. The National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS), led by Segun Okeowo, organised protests that resulted in a tragic confrontation with the police, leading to the deaths of at least nine students.

Similarly, the 1989 Anti-SAP riots by NUNS were a response to the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which included austerity measures such as subsidy removals and currency devaluation. The governments severe response to these protests led to numerous deaths and injuries.

Another significant protest was the June 12, 1993, demonstration, following the annulment of the presidential election believed to have been won by Moshood Abiola. The annulment by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangidas military regime intensified political instability in the country and strained its economy.

Similarly, the January 2012 Occupy Nigeria protest against the removal of fuel subsidies highlighted public discontent with government policies, causing significant economic disruption, while drawing international attention.

More recently, the #EndSARS protest in October 2020, fueled by anger at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for its brutality, corruption and impunity, also faced severe repercussions, including property damage and the loss of lives. These protests underscore the growing discontent among Nigerian citizens.

While it is essential for citizens to express their grievances, it is equally important to acknowledge the efforts of the Nigerian military and other security agencies to managing protest situations and ensuring that they do not spiral into chaos. These agencies often face great personal risk, while maintaining order and protecting critical national assets.

The value of these critical national assets to national security cannot be overstated. Any damage or disruption to them can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from daily life to the overall stability of the nation. For instance, a compromised telecommunications network can disrupt communication channels essential for coordinating emergency responses, while damage to power plants can lead to widespread outages, crippling industries and essential services.

Nevertheless, the citizens constitutional right to peaceful protest must be respected. The proposed protest is a legitimate exercise of this right, and the government should ensure that it is facilitated in a manner that maintains public order and safety.

The choice before us is whether we want to pursue peace and progress or risk a crisis that could further destabilise our nation. This is a decision that must be made wisely, with the best interests of all Nigerians in mind.

Despite the current difficulties, as Nigerian citizens we should give our elected leaders the benefit of the doubt and more time to fulfill their promises. After all, another election season is around the corner, and we can make choices on the leadership we need through democratic means.

Kabir Fagge Ali wrote from Abuja via faggekabir29@gmail.com

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What seems to emerge from of all of this is that Dangotes capacity to finance his operations has shrunken drastically. The situation is made more difficult by the fact that the Federal Government, its biggest backer, is itself facing a serious cash crunch and so cannot rescue him A few options are available to Dangote but the most viable of them is that he should consider divesting some of his shares in the refinery. It may seem a difficult option but it is the best for him, given the present circumstances.

In the last one month, easily one of the most discussed issues in Nigeria is the allegation by the Dangote Refinery accusing the International Oil Companies (IOCs) of frustrating its operations by refusing to sell crude to it.

In a statement released in July, which was later followed up by Mr Aliko Dangote himself, the company said the IOCs preferred to sell their crude to Asian countries or to ask them to buy from their foreign subsidiaries, instead of giving them priority as directed by Nigerias upstream regulatory body, the National Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The company said this development would significantly affect the price of its products because the trading arms offer cargoes at $2 to $4 per barrel, above the NUPRC official price.

When we entered the market to purchase our crude requirement for August, the international trading arms told us that they had entered their Nigerian cargoes into a Pertamina (the Indonesia National Oil Company) tender, and we had to wait for the tender to conclude to see what is still available, the company said recently in a statement.

In addition to the allegation against the IOCs, Dangote and his group have also accused oil marketers of shady business practices, such as the importation of adulterated diesel.

Naturally, some Nigerians have, in a fit of patriotic fervour, lined up behind the Dangote Refinery, accusing both the Nigerian government and the NNPC Limited, which, like Dangote, is a business entity operating in the same market, of throwing a business owned by a Nigerian under the bus.

The picture has been painted of a government not supportive of indigenous investment in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

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But is this really the case? Is the Federal Government throwing Dangote to the sharks? Is it out to destroy his business as is being alleged by some Nigerians? The truth is, the allegations do not square up with the reality on the ground but are largely driven by sentiments.

Before addressing the real issues, let me first of all make a point which discerning Nigerians will admit to be the truth and nothing but the truth. And this is the fact that there is no Nigerian businessman, living or dead, who has been as mollycoddled or pampered by successive Nigerian governments, as Mr Aliko Dangote.

Practically every Federal Government, since 1999, regardless of party affiliation, has bent over backward to give the Kano born businessman great advantage over his competitors in the businesses he runs, from the food, confectionery or cement business. He has been given waiver after waiver to the effect that he has literally wiped out competition in these businesses to create what many consider to be a virtual monopoly. Businesses like Ibeto Cement and Lafarge are some of the businesses whose market share shrunk as a result of the huge advantages conferred on Dangote by the government. In fact, many Nigerias aver that but for government patronage and support, he would be nowhere near the billionaire status that he enjoys today.

To address Dangotes allegations directly: the first issue to be established is that the oil and gas sector, like every other sector of the Nigerian economy, has its nuances or peculiarities. Furthermore, before Dangote Refinery came on board, oil marketing had been in existence, with a combined investment portfolio of over N3 trillion in the downstream petroleum sector.

The arrival on the scene of the refinery was welcomed by the marketers, who saw it as a Nigerian project and they were ready to work with him for the mutual benefit of Nigerians and their businesses.

Early last month, the marketers met with Dangote and raised concerns about his business model, which was designed to sell fuels directly through the gantry and cut off depots. He acknowledged their worry and assured them that gantry sales commenced due to urgent needs to evacuate stock in order not to stall the continuous refining process.

The gantry can load enough to meet daily national consumption (his actual aim and intent), except that roads will be damaged and it cannot be the same as loading from Lagos, Oghara, Koko, Port Harcourt, Ifie-Kporo, Mboh, Calabar and other locations where depots are located.

At the meeting, marketers also mentioned the price disparity between local marketers and foreign traders who get Dangote Refinerys products cheaper by at least $50/metric tonne than what is offered to local companies and Dangote promised that these would be addressed to the mutual benefit of all and he urged marketers to just come forward with orders. Alas, Dangote Refinery reneged on this and continued as it had been selling.

Since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 allows imports under certain conditions, marketers proceeded to call his refinerys bluff and import cheaper diesel. Dangote tried to block this through the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the agency overseeing midstream and downstream operations in the oil and gas sector (NMDPRA), but both were purportedly reported to President Bola Tinubu, who was said to have directed a reversal of the regulators blockade.

This did not go down well with Dangote and it showed when suddenly NMDPRA suddenly gave notice to marketers to stop all diesel imports on 1st June 2024 and directed them to source the product locally, which the marketers resisted! The NMDPRA had used the afri5 sulphur specification as the excuse.

Meanwhile, an ECOWAS Heads of Governments directive on afri5 is to become effective on 31st December and not 1 June.

Dangote looking for a way to extract a pound of flesh is said to have accused the NMDPRA of licensing marketers to import dirty fuels  that is diesel with a sulphur content above 50 parts per million! This was not true because as of February, marketers had started importing 50ppm diesel.

Marketers responded to Dangotes allegations and stated the facts above in addition to the fact that Dangote was in fact producing diesel with high sulphur. That response to their false allegations shocked the Dangote team including the revelation of the sulphur in their product.

Aside Dangotes tiff with marketers, he has also recently taken a shot at NNPCL, accusing some of its officials of importing adulterated fuel. His grouse with the NNPCL is not difficult to fathom. As someone used to being protected by government, Dangote probably went into the crude refinery business expecting to be wholly granted huge concessions by government, as had been the case with all his other businesses in the last two decades. It is not clear what promises or guarantees the Muhammadu Buhari administration gave to him, but one thing is clear, however  that he was provided with all the support he could need, as made evident by Mr Godwin Emefiele, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor during President Buharis commissioning of the uncompleted refinery.

Emefiele told the world that a refinery, which was still being constructed and had thus yet to refine one litre of petrol, had paid back 70 per cent of the loan it took from banks for the project!

For a refinery boasting a 650,000 barrels per day refining capacity, expecting the company to hand over all its crude to him was certainly an uninteresting joke. Surely, Dangote knows that Nigerias crude production currently stands at about 1.25 million barrels per day. With the 60/40 per cent Joint Venture (JV) Agreement with the IOCs and the various Production Sharing Agreements (PSCs), Nigeria, normally, should be getting around 750,000 barrels per day as in equity crude lifting.

But that is far from the reality. The reality is that the Buhari administration executed about seven forward sale agreements, that is the government borrowed money and used Nigerian crude for several years as repayment. The Tinubu administration itself secured a $3.3 billion loan from Afrexim Bank at 11.58 per cent interest, which is to be repaid with 90,000 barrels of crude per day. Theres a report that the NNPC is taking another $2 billion loan and is pledging 30,000 to 50,000 barrels of crude oil of Nigerias equity towards its repayment.

This is in addition to another 90,000 barrels per day mentioned above. The implication is that the Federal Government would have executed in one year two forward sale agreements with crude oil commitments of 140,000 barrels per day.

When these deductions are taken away, Nigerias actual share of daily produced crude comes to around $200,000 barrels per day, which the government sells for $80 per barrel to earn about $16 million.

These are very clear and straightforward issues, which any diligent seeker of truth will uncover. One of the things they will discover, for instance, is that when Dangote recently imported WTI crude from the United States, he incurred four weeks of demurrage because he couldnt pay for the crude oil. Here in Nigeria, even the IOCS he is gaslighting have bent over backward again and again to attend to his request but perhaps either out of a refusal to acknowledge how the system works, he is crying wolf.

The truth is that IOCS have what is known in the industry as Special Purchase Agreements (SPAs) with international buyers sometimes spanning ten to 20 years, with in-built penalties for default. Despite this obvious challenge, one of the IOCS had to incorporate another trading company in London, costing it millions of dollars, just to sell crude to Dangote.

Dangotes ship arrived at one of the IOCs export terminals, loaded crude, but once again, could not provide an LOC since 29th June. The vessel is currently attracting demurrage. Dangote is said to be asking for an additional $6/barrel discount and wants to pay in naira. The reality is that no one will sell crude oil to him in naira because oil blocks are awarded in dollars, signature bonus are paid in dollars, seismic survey and aeromagnetic survey with gravity data are acquired in dollars, interpretation of the data is 80 per cent in dollars, oil wells are drilled in dollars, production facilities are constructed in dollars and so on.

What seems to emerge from of all of this is that Dangotes capacity to finance his operations has shrunken drastically. The situation is made more difficult by the fact that the Federal Government, its biggest backer, is itself facing a serious cash crunch and so cannot rescue him.

A few options are available to Dangote but the most viable of them is that he should consider divesting some of his shares in the refinery. It may seem a difficult option but it is the best for him, given the present circumstances.

There are business entities who toed a similar path when confronted with some of the challenges seemingly facing Dangote. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi government sold Aramco, the national oil company to the public when it faced difficulties.

Even Microsoft founder, Bill Gates sold off majority of his stake in the company, which has left him with a mere five per cent interest in the business. Gates took that route after facing anti-trade court cases following Microsofts monopolistic nature, which had caused the collapse of several IT companies.

Dangote should do the needful by selling shares to Nigerians as it is obvious, given the intricate nature of business in the oil and gas sector, particularly the huge capital outlay required to keep a business going, that he cannot pull it off alone.

Soji Adekunmbi is an Abuja based public policy analyst.

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The way forward is for government to completely de-privatise the power sector. Let the state, and the private sector, within and outside Nigeria, invest their finances and resources in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Let all be subjected to the same rules, regulations and laws. It is only then that the past crises and current disaster of electricity will become part of Nigerias story-story.

The clear underperformance of the defunct National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA) led Nigerians to derisively play on its acronym. It was variously said to be Never Enough Power Available; Never Expect Power Always; and No Electric Power at All.

When it changed its name to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Nigerians said the abbreviation stood for: Problem Has Changed Name; Power Holding Confused Nigerians; and Power Hoarding Company of Nigeria. When it became a public liability company, (PLC) Nigerians said the PHCN was advising Nigerians to Please Light Candle.

However, privatisation in 2013 simply worsened the power situation. It became the greatest disaster that has befallen Nigeria since the end of the civil war. The Obasanjo administration reportedly spent N3.52 trillion ($16 billion) on electricity. The YarAdua administration expended another N1.183 trillion. The Jonathan administration, N1.187 trillion; and the Buhari administration, N1.5 trillion. The Tinubu administration is following in their steps.

In 2018, the World Bank (WB), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), invested $1.6 billion; while the French Development Agency committed $170 million to the sector. The WB gave another $486 million; JICA, $238 million; and AfDB, $710 million plus 25 million, for the improvement of electricity transmission. Also, the European Union and JICA respectively gave a grant of 25 million and $34 million to the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Despite these, as at 2019, some 90 million Nigerians lacked access to electricity. This situation has worsened with the 330.8 per cent increase in electricity tariff. Operations are carried out in hospitals using flashlights, lamps and candles. The Premium Times report of 19 October, 2019 said there are children who have never seen electricity since birth. Many Nigerians have long been disconnected from electricity because they rejected excessive estimated billings or refused to pay for darkness.

Many businesses have been crippled, with the manufacturing sector finding it difficult to survive or compete internationally. Several tertiary institutions and government establishments ration electricity, while some do not even have the funds to pay for power supply. Some African countries derisively refer to us as the Generator Republic of Nigeria.

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In the 2020 book, The Light in the Tunnel May be an Oncoming Train: A Study of the Privatisation of Electricity Power Sector in Nigeria, co-authored by Owei Lakemfa and I, we foresaw the disaster that is privatisation.

Apart from appointing manifestly incompetent managers, governments began killing NEPA from 1980 to 2000 by repeatedly underfunding it. This made it impossible for the company to undertake major overhaul of plants, build new power stations, and provide electricity infrastructure like transformers. When in 1988, senior NEPA staff went on strike to protest this underfunding, the Babangida regime sentenced eleven of them to life imprisonment.

We noted that the defunct NEPA/PHCN, at least, connected all power stations and substations by a transmission network to the national grid. It rolled out a 11,000-kilometre transmission line throughout the country. It installed and distributed electricity infrastructure like transformers, poles and cables, in many urban and rural areas, to ensure the even distribution of electricity.

We noted that government hospitals and universities were given preferential treatment in electricity supply.

Apart from appointing manifestly incompetent managers, governments began killing NEPA from 1980 to 2000 by repeatedly underfunding it. This made it impossible for the company to undertake major overhaul of plants, build new power stations, and provide electricity infrastructure like transformers. When in 1988, senior NEPA staff went on strike to protest this underfunding, the Babangida regime sentenced eleven of them to life imprisonment.

While being critical of NEPAs underperformance, we knew privatisation was a far worse disaster. We knew the privatisation of NEPA was simply large-scale primitive accumulation; the legalised seizure or robbery of the collective property and resources of Nigerians.

In the book funded by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation, we posited that privatisation is a weapon of the West used in the underdeveloped countries, in alliance with local elites, to reverse the gains of the independence struggles, and subvert their efforts to collectively own and control their economies and polities.

We insisted that state monopoly should, under no circumstances, be replaced by private monopoly capitalism. We agreed that monopoly of any kind can be injurious to society. But, like Adam Smith, we submitted that where the interests of the private sector will disastrously affect the masses of people, the state should, in the interest of equity, fair-play, justice, and development, rule in the favour of the majority.

We disagreed with those who justified the privatisation of electricity on the grounds that the West did it. We argued that, unlike the West, Nigeria is an underdeveloped, semi-industrialised and poverty-stricken country, with huge armies of unemployed and underemployed youths. That, whereas the West has a relatively independent judiciary capable of calling the ruling elites to order, the opposite is the case in Nigeria.

In the first place, it was morally, politically and constitutionally wrong for government to seize state enterprises, fund them, and then hand them over to few individuals who, in turn, would be crudely exploiting Nigerians in the name of privatisation. Worst still are the acts of giving bailouts to the privatised electricity companies and collecting foreign loans to fund them.

We further argued that, while the West has strong regulatory institutions, capable of checking the excessive greed of the private sector for profits, the reverse is the case in Nigeria. In fact, Nigerian regulatory bodies are known for rationalising and defending the interests of private businesses, rather than those of society, on the grounds of not scaring away foreign investment or sending a bad signal to the international community.

We maintained that the provision of affordable and stable electricity is a human right, which will enable Nigerians to defend democracy and develop the country. We stated that: Electricity is to (modern) society what blood is to human beings; that it is the life wire of modernism, the oxygen of industrialisation, and the propelling force for development. Electricity, we argued, fires businesses; lights up houses, offices, schools, hospitals, and the environment; charges our cell phones, computers, etc.; and blends our foodstuffs.

We pointed out that it powers infrastructure like telecommunications, airports, seaports and buildings. Also, that, amongst other things, it simplifies work processes by reducing the energy and hours required in the production of goods and services.

So fundamental is electricity that Vladimir IIyich Lenin, the philosopher who led the 1917 Bolshevik Socialist Revolution in Russia, redefined communism as: Soviet (workers) power plus the electrification of the whole country. His logic was that electricity will provide a link between town and country, will put an end to the division between town and country, will make it possible to raise the level of culture in the countryside and overcome, even in the most remotest corners of the land, backwardness, ignorance, poverty, disease and barbarism.

In the first place, it was morally, politically and constitutionally wrong for government to seize state enterprises, fund them, and then hand them over to few individuals who, in turn, would be crudely exploiting Nigerians in the name of privatisation. Worst still are the acts of giving bailouts to the privatised electricity companies and collecting foreign loans to fund them.

The way forward is for government to completely de-privatise the power sector. Let the state, and the private sector, within and outside Nigeria, invest their finances and resources in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. Let all be subjected to the same rules, regulations and laws. It is only then that the past crises and current disaster of electricity will become part of Nigerias story-story.

Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf worked as deputy director, Cabinet Affairs Office, The Presidency, and retired as General Manager (Administration), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet). Email: aaramatuyusuf@yahoo.com

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Humanity needs to move forward by eradicating colonialism. If the quite complex decolonisation process in Apartheid South Africa could be negotiated, so can the processes in other colonies. As the president of SIRA, I welcome lovers of freedom to the Abuja 2024 Conference.

Expression of shock and incredulity were the reactions from a number of persons and organisations across the world who were invited to the International Conference for the Eradication of Colonialism. The general question that followed was: Are there still colonies in the world? Indeed, there are 61 territories and peoples who list themselves as colonies or what the United Nations (UN) classifies as Non-Self Governing Territories.

However, the UN officially recognises only 17 such territories. These are American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, French Polynesia, Gibraltar, Guam, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands and Western Sahara. The 17th territory is called Falkland Islands by Britain and, Malvinas by Argentina.

The world body said these are territories whose people have not yet attained a full measure of self-government. It also states that since its 1945 establishment, more than 80 former colonies comprising some 750 million people have gained independence, increasing its original 51 member-states to 193. So its desire is to extricate more peoples from colonialism.

The UN does not list Puerto Rico, a territory with a 2021 population of 3.264 million people, as a Non-Self Governing Territory. It however made public the 20 June, 2022 decision of its 29-member UN Special Committee on Decolonisation. The UN body stated that it reaffirmed the inalienable right of the people of Puerto Rico to self-determination and independence and calling again upon the United States to assume its responsibility to promote a process to those ends. It also stated that it supports a process enabling the Puerto Rican people to take decisions in a sovereign manner, to address their urgent economic and social needs, including unemployment, marginalisation, insolvency and poverty and urged the United States Government to complete the return of all lands occupied by its military forces in the territory to the people of Puerto Rico.

The ever growing challenges in the world, including endless wars, dictatorship, ideological contestations, hunger, insecurity and climate change, have combined to relegate the issue of continued colonialism to the background. This has been so much that many have actually forgotten that there are still colonies and peoples who want to be free.

But the colonised have not forgotten. The countries administering them have not. Also, the UN, which has a new 2030 deadline to rid the earth of this human scourge, has not. However, the challenge of the UN is that after 64 years of fighting colonialism, it seems to have become battle-weary. Its deadlines are becoming mere dates on the calendar, and increasingly the colonised feel abandoned and forgotten. Equally, the powerful countries that run these territories do not seem to be in a hurry to change their circumstances.

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SIRA stated that representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories have been invited to state their case, while countries administering and superintending these territories, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Morocco and Indonesia, have been invited to make statements at the conference. Also, representatives of social organisations, human rights groups, peace and development movements have been invited.

However, the issue will not go away and the territories continually erupt like active volcanoes. The latest eruption was on 13 May when mass protests and violent confrontations broke out in New Caledonia, which is administered by France. Located in the Pacific, officially ten persons were killed, more than 300 injured and over 1,520 arrested. France declared a state of emergency in the colony, blocked the social media and poured in its military. But the unrest went on for about ten weeks. In those weeks, damages worth over 1 billion were incurred. Nine hundred businesses, 200 houses, 600 vehicles and 85 per cent of the grocery network, were destroyed.

In order to help remake the world and end colonialism, the African think tank, the Society for International Relations Awareness (SIRA) has decided to hold an International Conference to Eradicate Colonialism. The Conference, holding in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, from 12-13 August at the Top Rank Hotel, Utako, aims to bring all actors together, work out modalities that can assist the UN in its quest to finish the task of decolonising the earth and, make the world a liveable place for all humans, irrespective of size, colour, belief or might.

SIRA said the conference, with the theme, The Forgotten Peoples: International Conference to Decolonize the World, is also in furtherance of the UN General Assemblys Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) of 14th December, 1960). This Declaration acknowledges that all peoples have an inalienable right to complete freedom, the exercise of their sovereignty and the integrity of their national territory. It also solemnly proclaims the necessity of bringing to a speedy and unconditional end colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.

SIRA stated that representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories have been invited to state their case, while countries administering and superintending these territories, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Morocco and Indonesia, have been invited to make statements at the conference. Also, representatives of social organisations, human rights groups, peace and development movements have been invited.

The Conference Chair is Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former UNESCO president, ex-Nigeria Foreign Affairs minister, last chair of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid and, erstwhile UN Special Envoy on Cyprus, Zimbabwe and Myanmar.

The Opening Address is to be delivered by Oscar Lopez Riveria, leader of the Puerto Rico Independence Movement, who spent 38 years in prison.

Speakers include Ambassador Alfredo Miranda of Mexico in Nigeria; Senator Shehu Sani; and Dr Olushola John Magbadelo, the lead director, Centre for African and Asian Studies, who will speak on The Imminent Dangers of Re-colonisation of Post-Colonial African States. Dr Tamuno Clinton Jaja is to examine the Trial and Deportation of King Jaja of Opobo by colonial Britain.

The Keynote Address is to be delivered by Ambassador Oubi Bachir, representative of the POLISARIO Liberation Movement in Switzerland and to the UN and International Organisations in Geneva. He is also the former dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria.

Speakers include Ambassador Alfredo Miranda of Mexico in Nigeria; Senator Shehu Sani; and Dr Olushola John Magbadelo, the lead director, Centre for African and Asian Studies, who will speak on The Imminent Dangers of Re-colonisation of Post-Colonial African States. Dr Tamuno Clinton Jaja is to examine the Trial and Deportation of King Jaja of Opobo by colonial Britain.

International human rights lawyer and former president of the West Africa Bar Association, Mr Femi Falana, will be speaking on the legal implications of continued colonialism in the world.

SIRA states that its objectives are to build consensus around a Programme of Action: Apart from making declarations, how far and how well has the UN itself been undertaking its assignment to ensure that the territories reach the stage of full independence? What concrete steps would the administering powers be required to take to ensure that these territories become fully and truly independent? What must the rest of the international community do to ensure and assist the attainment of full independence for these non-self-governing territories?

Humanity needs to move forward by eradicating colonialism. If the quite complex decolonisation process in Apartheid South Africa could be negotiated, so can the processes in other colonies. As the president of SIRA, I welcome lovers of freedom to the Abuja 2024 Conference.

Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author.

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The Jigawa State Government is collaborating with with Alfurqan Quranic Foundation, a Saudi Arabia-based Islamic organisation, in an effort to enhance the Tsangaya (Almajiri) Quranic education system for better results.

This was made known when a delegation from the Foundation, led by its chairman, Sheikh Abdalla Ibn Nasir Al-Utaibiy, paid a courtesy call to Governor Umar Namadi on Friday at the Government House in Dutse.

The governors spokesperson, Hamisu Mohammad Gumel, announced the development in a statement to reporters on Friday.

He said Sheikh Al-Utaibiy expressed gratitude for Governor Namadi administrations efforts to advance Quranic education in Jigawa State, emphasising that the Alfurqan Quranic Foundation, with its headquarters in Taif, Saudi Arabia, has dedicated itself to supporting Quranic recitation and memorization for over 50 years.

The visit, according to Sheikh Al-Utaibiy, aimed to establish a collaborative relationship with the Jigawa State government to improve methods of teaching the Quran through the employment of modern techniques to facilitate quick comprehension and memorization, emphasizing the Foundations expertise in teaching methods that aid the deaf and young children in memorizing the Quran.

Governor Namadi expressed his gratitude for the visit and the relationship being established. I want to express our deep appreciation for this visit and your efforts to support us in enhancing Quranic education. Your presence here signifies a crucial step in our shared mission.

He particularly thanked the Foundation for the kind treatment of Jigawa States delegation during their visit to Taif last year.

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We are immensely grateful for the kindness and hospitality shown to our delegation during their visit to Taif last year. Such generosity strengthens our bonds and paves the way for fruitful cooperation, he said.

The governor then emphasized the significance of the Holy Quran in the lives of Jigawa States people. Given that about 99% of our population is Muslims, teaching and spreading the teachings of the Holy Quran is of paramount importance, as it is through this sacred book that our people find guidance and strength.

Reflecting on his administrations goals, Governor Namadi spoke about the governments commitment to prioritizing Quranic education, saying, We made a promise to our people to prioritize the teaching of the Holy Quran, and today, we stand firm in our commitment to fulfill that promise.

We have a proud tradition of organizing Quranic recitation competitions and sponsoring the winners for further studies. This tradition was interrupted for a while, but I am pleased to announce its resumption. We will continue to support our students in their Quranic studies.

Governor Namadi buttressed the important reforms to the Tsangaya system, aiming to integrate both Islamic and Western education, along with crafts and skills training.

We are implementing reforms to our Tsangaya system, ensuring that it incorporates both Islamic and Western education as well as providing training in crafts and skills to prepare our students for a well-rounded future.

He mentioned the establishment of three mega-Tsangaya schools, one in each of the three senatorial districts, as part of his administrations notable achievements.

Weve established three mega Tsangaya schools, each designed to graduate students as Quranic scholars and entrepreneurs. This initiative is a testament to our dedication to comprehensive education.

We are committed to providing accommodation for our students and involving them in self-sustenance farming schemes. This approach ensures they learn practical skills while pursuing their studies.

And to ensure the continuity of these programmes, Governor Namadi said his administration has appointed three advisers on Tsangaya education, one from each senatorial district, to oversee and ensure the continuity of the governments educational reforms.

Governor Namadi also revealed the plan to create a special agency, the Tsangaya Board, to regulate and upgrade traditional Quranic education methods.

We are establishing the Tsangaya Board, a special agency dedicated to regulating and upgrading our traditional methods of studying the Quran. This initiative will transform and modernize our approach to Quranic education, he said.

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The House of Representatives said that it would ensure that federal universities were removed from the Band A electricity tariff plan to lessen the huge electricity bill.

Chairman of the House Committee on University Education, Abubakar Fulata, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja after the committees oversight of the federal universities in the North-east.

Some of the federal universities visited, according to him, include Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, and Federal University Kashare, Gombe State.

In April, the federal government announced a hike in the electricity tariff, affecting customers on Band A category, who represent 17 per cent of the customers who consume 40 per cent of the electricity output.

The policy allowed DISCOs to raise electricity prices to 225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from 68, in return for gPuaranteeing 20 hours of electricity supply per day.

The government explained that the decision to implement the tariff increase was to improve liquidity in the downstream power sector, as it had become difficult to sustain the subsidy in the sector.

Recently, students of the universities of Benin and Ibadan protested the inadequate supply of power in their institutions.

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Mr Fulata said that efforts were being made to remove universities and other tertiary institutions from the Band A group of electricity users.

He said the lawmakers were determined to remove obstacles to the smooth running of the schools.

He expressed optimism that the government would listen to them and removed universities from the Band A Plan of electricity users, like they did to IPPIS.

The lawmaker said that most universities were finding it difficult to pay electricity bills due to hike in the tariff.

Mr Fulata also tasked the management of the two universities with trying as much as possible to comply with relevant laws, particularly the Appropriation Act.

A member of the committee, Victor Ogene, drew the attention of the management of ATBU to some irreconcilable figures in relation to the income and expenditure of the school between 2021 and 2023.

He said that it was inappropriate for a government institution to spend more than its income on a revenue-generating facility like guest house.

Will it be appropriate to get less than N800,000 from the school guest house and spend over N5 million to maintain it? Mr Ogene queried.

Another member, Adamu Gamawa, said extra-budgetary spending was not allowed as it is unconstitutional.

For instance, you cannot budget N10 million and spend N15 million. That is why there is room for a supplementary budget, Mr Gamawa said.

Vice -Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Sani Kunya, a professor, commended the committee and sought the lawmakers support to address challenges facing the institution.

In the same vein, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Kashare, Gombe State, Usman Pate, hailed the lawmakers for visiting the school.

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A Nigerian Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, is dead.

Mr Ubah, who represented Anambra South District, died in London on Saturday, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

The senator, 52, is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He recently defected to the APC from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and then declared interest in contesting the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.

A top official of the APC in Anambra State, who asked not to be named, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday.

The official, who hails from the same community as Mr Ubah, said the senator slumped in London on Friday and went into a coma.

This morning, they confirmed to us that he has died, he said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The APC chieftain said the deceased had not been healthy, saying his health deteriorated because he had been busy with preparation for his governorship campaign.

He has not been taking his health seriously because of his consultations for his interest in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, he stated.

We are waiting for an official announcement from his family.

The Nigerian Senate has also confirmed the death of the Senator through a statement by its spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, on Saturday.

Mr Ubahs death occurred barely 48 hours after President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was confirmed dead on Thursday.

Ifeanyi Ubah at a glance

Mr Ubah hailed from Otolo, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He is a member of the APC.

The senator won re-election in 2023 under YPP before he defected to the APC.

In late January this year, he announced his interest in contesting the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State.

In September 2022, gunmen attacked Mr Ubah in Enugwu-Ukwu on his way to Nnewi in Anambra State.

Although the senator survived the attack, at least five persons, including two police operatives, were killed.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. The Turkish armed forces conducted an air operation against terrorists in northern Iraq, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense said, Trend reports.

According to the information, during the operation in the Kara, Qandil and Asos regions, 25 terrorist objects were destroyed and a large number of terrorists were neutralized.

It is reported that during the operation, which mainly used Turkish-made weapons and equipment, all preventive measures were taken to prevent damage to civilians, bases belonging to friendly countries, cultural and historical monuments, as well as the environment
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Adegoke Fayoade, has advised residents of the state against attacking protesters.

Mr Fayoade gave the advice while addressing traditional rulers and community leaders in Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and Lagos Island local government areas during a town hall meeting on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there have been reports of a planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians over hardship in the country.

The protest is planned to begin from Aug. 1 and end on Aug. 10.

Mr Fayoade said that although police and other security agencies had met and declared that there should not be any protest in Lagos State, the residents should not attack any group or groups that might come out to protest.

The commissioner of police said that attacking them would mean taking laws into ones hands.

If there must be protest, it must be peaceful. We want to know those who want to protest so that we can make arrangements for their security.

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 your right to protest legitimately as long as it does not affect the rights of others.

Any group planning a violent protest should rethink. Such a group will meet police and other security agencies. We dont want a repeat of the #EndSARS.

The duty of residents is to give the police timely information about any group planning a violent protest, it is not for them to attack them, he said.

The traditional ruler of Ijora/Apapa, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, appealed to his subjects not to join in the planned protest.

All the traditional rulers and community leaders said that there should not be any protest in Lagos State.

They commended the Commander of Area J Police Command, Yemisi Ojo, for efforts in tackling crime in the area.

They also praised the commissioner of police for neutralising nine kidnappers in the Mushin area of Lagos recently.

They urged the police boss to check activities of land grabbers in their areas.

(NAN)

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Equipped with cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits, the Daikin Seattle Experience Center reflects the company's commitment to offer energy efficient HVAC products to help with electrification and decarbonization efforts in the Pacific Northwest

WALLER, Texas, July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (Daikin), a leading HVAC manufacturer, and Thermal Supply, Inc. (Thermal Supply), a Daikin group company based in the Pacific Northwest, recently opened a state-of-the-art Daikin Seattle Experience Center in Tukwila, Wash. (1230 Andover Park East Tukwila, Wash. 98188). The center is the culmination of Daikin's commitment to the Pacific Northwest to offer energy efficient HVAC products that help with the electrification and decarbonization efforts of the PNW.

Daikin Seattle Experience Center

"The Daikin Seattle Experience Center has been designed with one clear mission: to educate and empower Pacific Northwest consumers about the critical importance of decarbonization and electrification using heat pump and inverter technology," said Marc Bellanger, Vice President of Marketing Communications, Daikin. "The need to reduce our carbon footprint and embrace cleaner energy solutions has never been more urgent."

The center is equipped with cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits that will provide a hands-on learning experience for all ages. From understanding the basics of heat pump technology to exploring inverter solutions, every aspect of this center has been meticulously crafted to engage, inform, and inspire.

"The Daikin Seattle Experience Center is not just a building; it is a beacon of innovation, education, and progress in HVAC," said JR de la Cruz, President, Thermal Supply.

Reflecting Daikin and Thermal Supply's commitment to the community, a new scholarship program for area high school students who aspire to attend technical schools is being developed. The scholarship program will provide financial assistance to qualifying students eager to pursue careers in the technical and vocational fields.

To learn more about the Daikin Seattle Experience Center, visit https://www.daikinseattle.com/.

About Daikin

Daikin Industries, Ltd. (DIL) is a Fortune 1,000 company with more than 98,162 employees worldwide and a leading indoor comfort solutions provider. Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (DNA) is a subsidiary of DIL, providing Daikin, Goodman, Amana and Quietflex brand products. DNA and its affiliates manufacture heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial and industrial use and are sold via independent HVAC contractors. DNA engineering and manufacturing is located at Daikin Texas Technology Park near Houston, TX. For additional information, visit www.daikincomfort.com.

Amana is a registered trademark of Maytag Corporation or its related companies and is used under license. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Daikin
DALLAS, July 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yadot Group, a global advertising services company, today announced that Josh Burris, retail veteran with 25+ years of experience leading high-growth organizations, has been appointed to the company's board of directors as acting Chairman starting on October 1, 2024.

Founder of The Yadot Group, Kyle Borgman, will be stepping down as the acting Chairman to prioritize a new role as the Global Chief Executive Officer to focus efforts on domestic and international emerging market expansion efforts.

Joshua Burris speaking at an event being held at the prestigious Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, PA.

Kyle Borgman commented, "I'm delighted to welcome Josh Burris as the Chairman of our board. My priority is to make the best decisions on behalf of all our stakeholders, considering his stature and experience as an effective executive over the past decades, Josh is an obvious fit for this role. His abilities are tremendously relevant to our M&A focused growth strategy as well as many of our international initiatives already underway.

Josh most recently served as CEO of Rue21, CEO and President of GNC from 2019 through 2023, successfully navigating through the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to joining GNC, he served as the President of AM Retail Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of G-III Apparel Group which operated retail stores under brands such as Wilsons Leather, G.H. Bass, Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein Performance, and DKNY. Josh has extensive international experience helping Abercrombie & Fitch oversee flagship store openings across London, Milan, Paris, and Tokyo, to name a few.

"I am honored and thrilled to be joining Kyle and this impressive team as Chairman. Their creativity, quality of production, and laser focus to be the most effective advertising services group in the world is on point," said Josh Burris. "I see so much potential for growth."

For more information about The Yadot Group and its companies, please visit www.YadotGroup.com.

SOURCE The Yadot Group
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 27. US President Joe Biden and King Abdullah II of Jordan discussed by phone multilateral efforts to reach a new ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the White House press service said, Trend reports.

According to the information, the President briefed King Abdullah on ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages, as well as preparations for the delivery of humanitarian aid [to the Palestinians] during the ceasefire.

The leaders then discussed the situation in the West Bank and President Biden's call for reform and efforts to strengthen the viability of the Palestinian National Authority by ensuring it is funded to work for the Palestinian people, the White House said.
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Sanaa, July 27 : The US-British naval coalition has launched three air strikes on Houthi-held Yemeni airport in the port city of Hodeidah, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The television did not provide further details.

Local residents said on social media that the strikes hit Houthi targets.

These airstrikes occurred shortly after four other strikes carried out by coalition forces targeted the Yemeni island of Kamaran in the Red Sea, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Houthi television.

There was no immediate comment from the coalition.

The armed Houthi group seized much of northern Yemen in late 2014, forcing the internationally recognised Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa.

Since November last year, the Houthi group has been targeting ships linked to Israel with ballistic missiles and drones, to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In response, the US-British coalition in the area has since been targeting Houthi military sites to deter the group, which only led to an escalation of Houthi attacks.
Amman, July 27 : King Abdullah II of Jordan and US President Joe Biden discussed efforts to achieve an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis in the region.

During the phone call on Friday, King Abdullah underlined the need to end the war on Gaza immediately and ensure the flow of sufficient aid through all crossings while guaranteeing its delivery to civilians across the Strip without delay or hindrance, according to a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court, reports Xinhua news agency.

On the situation in the West Bank, the King called for ending all unilateral measures and extremist settler attacks against the Palestinians, as well as violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

He also stressed the role of the United States in helping achieve just and lasting peace in the region on the basis of the two-state solution.

For his part, Biden commended Jordan's efforts to bolster the humanitarian response in Gaza and stressed the US support for Jordan as a key partner in efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.
New Delhi, July 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Saturday, extended their greetings to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on the occasion of their 86th Raising Day, and hailed their service to the nation.

"On the occasion of their Raising Day, my greetings to all CRPF personnel. Their unwavering dedication and relentless service to the nation are truly commendable," the Prime Minister said in a post on X.

"They have always stood for the highest standards of courage and commitment. Their role in keeping our nation safe is also paramount," he added.

Shah also took to his X handle and wished the force on its Raising Day.

"Greetings to CRPF personnel and their family members on their Raising Day. Since its inception, the CRPF has taken national security as its mission. The brave soldiers of the force have exerted all their might to accomplish this goal without ever caring for their lives and have emerged victorious every time. I bow to the martyrs of the CRPF who laid down their lives in the line of duty," he wrote.

The CRPF is a force under the Central government for internal security, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was originally constituted as the Crown Representative's Police on June 27, 1939. It is one of the oldest Central Para-military forces.

The force is celebrating its 86th Raising Day, honouring the significant contributions and unwavering dedication of the force in safeguarding the country.
Srinagar, July 27 : One Pakistani terrorist was killed and two Indian Army soldiers were injured during an encounter between militants and security forces in Trehgam sector in North Kashmir's Kupwara District, officials said on Saturday.

"There has been an exchange of fire with unidentified personnel on a forward post in Kamkari, Macchal Sector on the Line of Control. One Pakistani person has been killed while two of our soldiers have suffered injuries and have been evacuated," the Army said in a statement.

Reinforcements have been brought to the area.

"Some terrorist movement was noticed by the soldiers on the LoC after which firing exchanges started between the terrorists and the armymen. The operation is still going on in the area and further details are awaited", sources said.

Terrorists aided by Pakistan Army have been making fresh infiltration attempts in J&K in recent days.

On July 18, two terrorists were killed when the Army foiled an infiltration bid on the LoC in Keran sector of Kupwara District.

On July 24, in Battal sector of Krishna Ghati area of Poonch District, one terrorist and an Army soldier were killed when another infiltration bid was foiled by the forces on the LoC.

It is yet to be ascertained whether Saturday's firing exchanges were due to an infiltration bid or some other attempt by terrorists operating from across the LoC.

These infiltration bids are being seen in the backdrop of serious ambush attacks carried out by the militants in the hilly districts of Jammu division in the last two months.

As reports of a hardcore group of 40-50 foreign mercenaries operating in these hilly and mountainous areas of Jammu division get credence, the enemies of peace and tranquility in J&K sitting across the border in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir are trying to up the ante by pushing in more ultras into the UT.

It is in response to this revised strategy adopted by the handlers of terrorism that the Indian Army has deployed over 4,000 of its highly-trained Para-Commandos and those trained in mountain warfare in Poonch, Doda, Rajouri, Kathua, Reasi, Ramban and Udhampur districts of Jammu division to eradicate terrorism from these otherwise peaceful areas.

--IANS

zi-sq/rad
New Delhi, July 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to Kyiv in August, his first visit since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24, 2022, sources said.

July saw high-level exchanges between the two nations with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Ukraine counterpart Dmytro Kuleba and NSA Ajit Doval and his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Yermak holding telephonic talks.

EAM Jaishankar, on his social media platform X, had shared that he spoke about furthering the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

PM Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in June on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy.

On June 4, when PM Modi recorded the third straight victory in the general elections, Zelensky congratulated him and invited him to visit the war-ravaged country.

In a telephone conversation with Zelensky in March, PM Modi discussed ways to strengthen India-Ukraine partnership.

While reiterating the nation's people-centric approach, PM Modi had assured Zelensky that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution.

PM Modi, during his two-day Moscow visit earlier this month, stressed, "There is no solution on the battlefield. Dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward."

The Prime Minister said India has always called for respecting the United Nations Charter, including territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Bengaluru, July 27 : Karnataka Police have nabbed the killer in the sensational murder case of a 24-year-old reported from Bengaluru in a PG hostel in the upscale Koramangala locality.

The special teams, which had launched a hunt for him, have arrested the accused identified as Abhishek from Madhya Pradesh, sources confirmed on Saturday.

Abhishek, who had stabbed the deceased Kriti Kumari to death with a knife on the night of July 23, had fled to Madhya Pradesh and was hiding there and he had switched off his mobile phone.

The deceased Kriti Kumari, a native of Bihar, was working at a private company. The preliminary probe has revealed that the murderer is Abhishek, a native of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

Abhishek was in a relationship with Kriti Kumarias friend and colleague. Abhishekas girlfriend hailed from Maharashtra.

Abhishek used to visit the PG hostel and often travelled to Bengaluru from Bhopal to date his girlfriend. The relationship soured between them, and the victimas friend avoided him. After this, Abhishek came to the PG hostel and created a ruckus. Kriti Kumari had helped her friend shift to a new PG hostel, and both stopped taking his calls.

Enraged by this, Abhishek came to the PG hostel where Kriti was staying on Tuesday night and committed the crime.

The horrifying CCTV footage of the brutal murder of the woman emerged on Friday raising concerns in the IT city about the safety of lakhs of women.
Mumbai, July 27 : Filmmaker duo Raj & DK are gearing up to bring their first action-fantasy series, 'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom', which they describe as 'uncharted territory', making it all the more thrilling for them.

The makers took to social media and shared the announcement, dropping an intriguing poster featuring a massive bejeweled throne with blood spots.

The post was captioned: "We've got BIGGGGG news that'll stir your blood! We're pumped to announce our first ever action-fantasy series... now filming."

The series promises a gripping, edgy narrative set against the backdrop of a fantastical kingdom, complete with bloody action and spectacular visuals.

For this project, Raj & DK have partnered with director Rahi Anil Barve and long-time collaborator Sita R. Menon, under their production company, D2R Films.

In a statement, Raj & DK said: "This is uncharted territory, which makes it all the more thrilling for us. Our goal is to develop a fictional world that is both original and reminiscent of the fantastical tales we have heard in our childhood."

"We are having an amazing time working with the very talented Rahi and our uber versatile partner Sita to bring this unique vision to life. Working with Netflix has been excellent, and we have their enthusiastic support to back the unconventional vision for Rakt Bramhand," they added.

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, added: "After the outstanding success of the genre-bending 'Guns & Gulaabs', we're thrilled to team up with the masterful duo of Raj & DK for another defining series. 'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom' will be Netflix Indiaas first-ever mega action-fantasy series and is set to redefine the genre by combining grand-scale action with a thrilling storyline."

The announcement of the official cast will be made soon by the makers.

'Rakt Bramhand - The Bloody Kingdom' will be streaming on Netflix soon.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, July 27 : The makers have released the highly anticipated trailer for the second season of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power', showcasing unseen glimpses of the legendary Rings, magical creatures, upcoming battles, and the Dark Lord Sauron's growing evil influence across Middle-earth.

Mumbai, July 27 (IANS) The makers have released the highly anticipated trailer for the second season of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power', showcasing unseen glimpses of the legendary Rings, magical creatures, upcoming battles, and the Dark Lord Sauronas growing evil influence across Middle-earth.

The three-minute and 40-second action-packed video revolves around the long-feared reemergence of the legendary villain Sauron, heralding the return of darkness and evil to Middle-earth after many years of hard-fought peace among all its realms.

The trailer also highlights the creation of more of the titular Rings of Power, forged with the aid of Sauronas powers of deception and manipulation.

Sharing the trailer, the makers wrote: "Beware the promise of gifts. The Rings of Power returns August 29 on Amazon Prime Video."

In the new season, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without an army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will.

The show is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay.

The cast includes Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Robert Aramayo, Maxim Baldry, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz CArdova, Charles Edwards, Trystan Gravelle, Sam Hazeldine, Ema Horvath, Tyroe Muhafidin, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Megan Richards, Charlie Vickers, Benjamin Walker, and Daniel Weyman.

'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 2 will premiere on Prime Video on August 29.
Bengaluru, July 27 : Social activist TJ Abraham on Saturday accused Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's office of gathering information on him.

TJ Abraham alleged that this was being done to tarnish his image as he had submitted a petition against the CM in connection with the irregularities in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot seeking consent for prosecution.

"Let CM Siddaramaiah also know that such efforts will not scare me. In fact, it emboldens me to move with more vigour," he stated.

Abraham, President of the Anti-Graft/Corruption and Environmental Forum claimed, "It has come to my knowledge that the Chief Minister's Office through the Intelligence department is trying to collect details of a fine imposed on me by the Supreme Court of India.

"The Intelligence department officials have also been making queries with several media houses and representatives, to gather details. The aim is understandable, to tarnish my image, because I am pursuing the MUDA case against the CM's family relentlessly."

"I would like to convey to the Chief Minister through the media, that there was a fine of Rs 25 lakh slapped against me by the Supreme Court in July 2017 over a Public Interest Litigation, which was filed against CM Siddaramaiah's decision overruling reports and decisions of officers, regarding the construction of a mini Vidhana Soudha, in Kalaburagi District. The matter was widely published in the media all over the country," Abraham said.

"Ponnanna the Legal Advisor of the Chief Minister is well aware of the issue and he has used it effectively to his advantage, before the Karnataka High Court, too," he stated.

"Let the Chief Minister also note that I had in-person argued before the Supreme Court and got the fine slashed, which was not reported. The Intelligence department sleuths are free to come to my residence and seek any clarification, regarding anything and any issue that they would like to know, which shall be provided to them, without any hesitation," Abraham stated.
Start locally - act globally! This year, Global Startup Awards (GSA) - an independent international startup competition represented in more than 60 countries worldwide - is launching in Ukraine for the first time. Aimed at fostering innovation, GSA has been "building bridges" between all ecosystem players for over 6 years: startups, corporations, venture funds, investors, NGOs, incubators, and accelerators.

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The competition structure is divided into 3 stages: national, regional, and global. This year, the national round is launching in Ukraine for the first time as part of the new EuroAsian Startup Awards (EASAwards) region. The national partner and organizer of the competition in Ukraine is Major Key, the strategic partner is 1991 Civic Tech Center, and the media partner is Obozrevatel.

"Ukraine is renowned for its immense potential in innovation and currently ranks 4th globally in the number of certified IT specialists. It is crucial for our promising startups to receive ample media coverage and exposure at industry events, enabling them to develop more effectively and attract essential investments," comments Maryna Marynkevych, director of Major Key and the national partner of EASAwards in Ukraine.

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"We are thrilled to include this exceptional region with its immense innovation potential in the competition. It's high time for the global community to recognize its talents and opportunities. We are committed to helping promising startups gain visibility and achieve international success," comments Attila Sandor, founder and CEO of EuroAsian Startup Awards.

Any startup operating in Ukraine for up to 5 years and utilizing technology/software in their products/services can participate in the competition. The submission deadline is July 21, 2019. According to the competition rules, participants are primarily recommended and invited to register by ambassadors. However, anyone, including the nominees themselves, can send an invitation to the competition via the EuroAsian Startup Awards link.

Participants can apply in multiple categories simultaneously from the 19 available on the official EASAwards website. These include personal categories such as "Founder of the Year," "Best Female Role," and "Investor of the Year." In each category, the top 5 finalists are selected, and the winners are determined through a combined method of jury and public voting (equivalent to one jury vote).

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The award ceremony will take place in September at one of the competition partner locations. A robust networking event is planned, featuring local and international investors and startup community stakeholders. On the day of the award, an acceleration program will be conducted for the winners, involving leading experts in investment, marketing, management, and legal issues. By the end of 2019, the finalists of the national round will participate in the regional (EASAwards) and global (GSA) rounds.

Detailed information about the competition can be found on the EASAwards and Major Key websites, as well as on the Telegram channel.

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Global Startup Awards and EuroAsian Startup Awards

GSA is the world's largest independent startup competition, with a mission to discover, recognize, and connect future digital age developers from around the globe. The competition spans 7 regions: Northern Europe, Central Europe, Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, South Asia, and Southern Europe. EuroAsian Startup Awards is a new GSA region launching in 2019, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Turkey, and Ukraine.

Major Key

Major Key (MK) is the national partner of EuroAsian Startup Awards in Ukraine, an international company specializing in marketing services for global corporations, local brands, and well-known personalities. Over the past 3 years, MK has actively collaborated with startups, helping them attract investments, gain recognition, and win awards such as Horizon 2020, ERC grant, CESAwards, FutureNow, Webaward 2018, New Europe 100, JCI CYI, and Vodafone Idea of the Year.

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1991 Civic Tech Center

1991 Civic Tech Center is a hub for developing the civic tech ecosystem in Ukraine and the CEE region, providing quick access to accelerators, communities, and events in the heart of Kyiv.
New Delhi, July 27 : In a bid to boost cyber security for the critical power infrastructure, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) and National Power Training Institute (NPTI), on Saturday, announced a collaboration towards enhancing the research and training capabilities.

The partnership aims to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for establishing an OT (operations technology) and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition system) cyber security lab at NPTI.

These systems are differentiated from the IT systems of power systems operations organisations, such as power distribution utilities or power generation and transmission companies, and the cyber security of these systems is the key.

"With our extensive expertise in cyber security research, this collaboration strengthens our mission to contribute to the nation's technological advancements to prevent any further cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure," said Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur.

The cyber security lab will be state-of-the-art and have the most common components used in OT systems at various Indian utilities.

"The lab will be more extensive than what is already present at the C3iHub. It will be a great asset for the power system operators in India to train their workforce in OT and SCADA security," said Professor Sandeep Shukla, Project Director, C3iHub, IIT Kanpur.

The partnership marks a pivotal milestone towards fortifying the cyber security infrastructure of India's power grid.

"NPTI is committed to equipping our workforce with the latest technological know-how. The DPR will lay the groundwork for a facility that will provide hands-on training and support the integration of modern technologies in the power sector," said Dr Tripta Thakur, Director General, NPTI.
New Delhi/Kolkata, July 27 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Saturday, walked out of the Niti Aayog meeting and claimed that she did so in protest as her microphone was switched off in the middle of her speech.

"I was not allowed to even speak for five minutes. I was insulted as my microphone was switched off after I had spoken just for about five minutes," the Chief Minister told media persons after coming out of the meeting.

Mamata Banerjee was the only chief minister from any non-BJP-ruled state to attend the meeting on Saturday which is being chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Friday, before leaving for New Delhi, she said at Kolkata airport that her counterpart from Jharkhand Hemant Soren would be attending the Niti Aayog meeting but the latter did not turn up on Saturday.

Speaking to the media persons, she also alleged that she was not allowed to speak for more than five minutes when chief ministers of certain states were allowed to speak even for 20 minutes. "So I walked out of the meeting protesting against such favouritism," Mamata Banerjee said.

Claiming that she was the sole representative from the Opposition bloc at the meeting, Mamata Banerjee said that she intended to say something on certain issues. "But my microphone was switched off before I could say that. In future, I will not be attending any meeting of Niti Aayog," she said.

In fact, the possibility of her walking out of the meeting was hinted at by her on Friday only before leaving Kolkata, when she said that she would try to highlight the twin issues of West Bengal being financially deprived and the reported attempts to divide the state.

"All the opposition-ruled states have been deprived in the last budget proposals. I cannot accept such favouritism. So I will be raising my voice on behalf of all at the meeting. All sorts of financial and geographical conspiracies are going on to divide the state. Messages are being spread to divide Bengal. The division of Bengal means the division of the country. We cannot accept this. In such a situation, I will be there at the meeting for some time. If I am allowed to get my voice recorded, I will do that. Otherwise, I will walk out in protest," the Chief Minister had said.
Seoul, July 27 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said "kindred" relations with China will be "firmly" carried forward as he visited a monument symbolising bilateral ties, state media reported on Saturday, amid suspected signs of strain between the traditionally friendly countries.

On Friday, Kim visited the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, which was erected to commemorate China's participation in the 1950-53 Korean War, and paid tribute to fallen Chinese soldiers during the war, a day ahead of the 71st anniversary of the armistice that ended the conflict, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"He expressed the belief that the North Korea-China friendship established as the ties of kindred would be firmly carried forward and developed along with the immortal spirit of the martyrs," the KCNA said in an English-language dispatch.

The Korean War, which started with an invasion by North Korea, ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, on July 27, 1953. North Korea celebrates the armistice signing date as Victory Day, claiming it won what it calls a liberation war against US-led aggression, Yonhap news agency reported.

Kim's visit came as the North has appeared to be aligning closer to Russia and away from China, with the North's leader and Russian President Vladimir Putin signing a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement during their summit in Pyongyang last month.

Earlier this month, the Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the North's ruling party, did not carry any articles on the anniversary of the signing of the friendship treaty between North Korea and China as it had done so on the anniversary date in the past.

Separately, Kim also visited a cemetery of North Korean soldiers who died during the Korean War in Pyongyang on Friday, along with elderly war veterans, according to the KCNA.

"It is the sacred mission and duty of our generation to reliably defend our ideology and social system, safeguarded by the victorious wartime generation at the cost of blood, and build a people's paradise," Kim was saying in another English-language KCNA report.

Kim has visited the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery every year around the time of the anniversary of the armistice signing.

The North's leader also visited the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Mt. Taesong later that day, where forces who fought against Japan's 1910-45 rule of the Korean Peninsula under his late grandfather Kim Il-sung remain buried.

It marked the first time Kim visited the cemetery on the occasion of the armistice signing anniversary in an apparent effort to emphasise their importance.
Seoul, July 27 : Japan's former gold mine, associated with Korea's wartime forced labour, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Saturday, South Korea's foreign ministry said, after Tokyo agreed to reflect the entire history of the location.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) reviewed and decided on the inscription of the mine -- the world's largest producer of gold in the 17th century -- on Sado Island during its meeting in New Delhi, Yonhap news agency reported.

Both South Korea and Japan are among the 21 member states of the rotating committee this year. While a two-thirds majority of the entirety of the UNESCO WHC's member states is required for a site to be listed, decisions are typically made by consensus.

South Korea protested Tokyo's push to enlist the mine, arguing that Japan initially intended to omit the part of its history involving thousands of Koreans who were forced to toil there during World War II when Korea was under Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.

It is estimated that over 2,000 Koreans were forcibly mobilised to work under harsh conditions at the Sado mine.

South Korea later agreed to the inscription of the mine on the condition that Japan faithfully carries out recommendations by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to the UNESCO WHC, and takes other measures, the ministry said in a release.

Earlier this month, ICOMOS recommended referring the nomination of the Sado mine back to Japan, calling for a more comprehensive explanation of its entire history. In its original submission, Japan limited the mine's timeline to the Edo period (1603-1868), excluding the modern history during which war atrocities were committed.

"The government has engaged in serious negotiations with the Japanese government over the past few months based on the ICOMOS recommendations to reflect the 'entire history' and our position," the ministry said.

Some of the conditions include Japan developing a comprehensive interpretation and exhibition that reflects the entire history of the Sado mine, including sincere memorials for all workers, especially Korean labourers.

The conditions also specifically state that Japan must "bear in mind" to faithfully carry out the recommendations and closely work with South Korea in the future, the ministry said.

To demonstrate its commitment to these promises, Japan has already installed new exhibits at the Sado mine site to commemorate the harsh working conditions and sufferings of Korean labourers, the ministry said.

Japan will also hold annual memorial services for the Sado mine workers on Sado Island during July-August every year, the ministry said. The date and location for this year's memorial service are currently being coordinated.

"While there have been memorial services organised by Japanese civic groups in the past, the significance of the promised memorial service this time is that Japanese government officials will also participate," the ministry said.

Despite the decision, concerns remain about whether the Japanese government will keep its promise and how prominently the forced labour aspect will be featured in Japan's exhibits.

In 2015, Japan's Hashima Island was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At that time, Japan agreed to establish an information centre on the island to commemorate the wartime forced labour victims on the island, but it later set up the information centre at its government building in Tokyo.
Seoul : Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (R) speaks during a meeting on pending state affairs at the government complex in Seoul on Dec. 22, 2022.. Image Source: IANS

Seoul, July 27 : South Korea will not tolerate any provocations from North Korea, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on Saturday, as the country marked the 71st anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War.

Han made the remark during a ceremony in Seoul commemorating the sacrifices made by UN forces that supported South Korea during the three-year conflict, which began with North Korean aggression and ended without a peace treaty, Yonhap news agency reported.

"Through overwhelming strength and solidarity with friendly countries, (we) will not tolerate any provocations from North Korea," he said, noting the North continues to undertake provocations, such as flying trash-carrying balloons and launching ballistic missiles.

Han said South Korea plans to strengthen its security posture through trilateral cooperation with the United States and Japan, adding that it is also making efforts for stability in Northeast Asia through three-way cooperation with Japan and China.

He also said the door for dialogue with the North remains open if Pyongyang stops its nuclear development and military threats.

Tensions between the two Koreas have recently heightened as the North has repeatedly sent balloons carrying trash across the border, prompting the South to blare anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts on the border through its loudspeakers.
Ankara, July 27 : Turkish forces launched airstrikes in a cross-border operation in northern Iraq, destroying 25 targets of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the country's defence ministry said on Saturday.

The ministry said in a statement that the airstrikes were aimed at thwarting attacks against Turkish security forces and ensuring the country's border security, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Friday, it added that the targets, including caves, shelters, bunkers, depots and other facilities, were used by the PKK in the Gara, Qandil and Asos regions of northern Iraq.

According to the statement, a significant number of militants were "neutralised" in this operation.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralise" in their statements to imply the alleged "terrorists" have either surrendered, been killed, or been captured.

The Turkish security forces often conduct cross-border operations in northern Iraq, a region holding hideouts and bases of PKK militants, from where they carry out attacks against Turkey.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades.
Thiruvananthapuram, July 27 : A battle royale is in the offing in Kerala with State Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal raising a banter against former Chief Secretary and present Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -- K.M. Abraham.

According to sources, Balagopal has approached his party saying itas high time that Abrahamas wings are clipped, even when he knows that it would be rubbing Vijayan, the wrong way.

Flamboyant in nature and the final word in all financial matters, Abraham has been having a free run starting from the first Pinarayi Vijayan government in 2016 and was known for his closeness with economist-turned-two-time CPI-M Finance Minister Thomas Isaac.

Abrahamas stock rose hugely when as a full-time SEBI member during 2008-11, his efforts saw the Sahara India Pariwar being tied up in knots and the Supreme Court upheld his judgment against the then high-flying Sahara Group.

After his retirement as Chief Secretary, he was handpicked by Vijayan and after his elevation as the CMas chief principal secretary, he was given the cabinet rank too.

Balagopal has been facing the flak ever since he replaced Isaac, who was not given the green signal to contest a record straight fifth time as legislator, soon after Vijayan won a second successive term in 2021.

Balagopal was handpicked by Vijayan as the Finance Minister when he had no previous experience in governance. He had only represented a full term in the Upper House starting in 2010.

While Isaac and Abraham gelled well, the duo was largely instrumental in reshaping the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the principal funding arm of the Kerala government.

During Isaacas term as Minister (2016-21), the duo successfully dealt with both Congress-led UDF and BJP slamming KIIFB and the way it was run.

The present grouse of Balagopal is following the Lok Sabha debacle suffered by Vijayan, when it was able to win just one seat of the 20 Lok Sabha seats. There was a massive outburst in the manner Balagopal handled the state finances as compared to his predecessor Isaac and that comparison hurt him badly.

Incidentally at the CPI-M party stock-taking meeting of the Lok Sabha debacle, Balagopal even offered to quit taking the moral responsibility, but the party leadership asked him to cool down.

Now with Balagopal expressing his ire against Abraham to the party bosses, all eyes are on if Abraham will be reined in as the party is giving Balagopal a clean chit.
Jammu, July 27 : Security forces launched a massive search operation on Saturday in J&K's Reasi district after the movement of two suspected terrorists in the area was reported.

An official said that the search operation was launched in Badoa village of Pouni Tehsil in district Reasi.

"Locals have seen two suspects moving in the forest area along the village. Jammu & Kashmir Police and CRPF have launched the joint operation," an official said.

In the last two months, scores of security personnel, terrorists and civilians have been killed during encounters with the terrorists in the Jammu division.

Reportedly, a group of hardcore 40-50 foreign terrorists are operating in the hilly, mountainous districts of the Jammu division.

They have carried out ambush attacks against the army and other security forces in Kathua, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban districts of the Jammu division.

The Army has deployed over 4,000 highly trained soldiers including elite Para Commandos and those trained in mountain warfare in all these districts to combat the terrorists.

--IANS

sq/dan
Jaipur, July 27 : Gold, copper, and lithium reserves found in Rajasthan are set to boost the revenue and employment opportunities in the state, Mines Secretary Anandhi said on Saturday.

"There is a clear mandate from the government that we have to boost revenues and generate employment from this segment, Now there are clear directions to double and triple the revenue in the next five years to use it in the development of the state. Our team is busy achieving these goals and is making this segment more active," she said speaking exclusively to IANS.

"The department is witnessing hectic activity and our team has finished the auctions in seven months which were equal in number to the auctions conducted in the last seven years in the state," she told IANS.

Anandhi said that not many people are aware that mining is the largest non tax revenue earning sector for the state government.

"Mining is the largest non tax revenue earning sector for the state govt. While it directly employs 3 to 5 lakh people, it employs 20-25 lakh people indirectly. So this number will definitely be going up in the next few years as there is a rising scope and significance in the sector.

"The minerals which are strategic and critical in importance and which were imported from other nations are now slowly being found in Rajasthan", she added.

Accepting that the mines segment in Rajasthan is bustling with activity, she said that exploration has also started for coal bed methane and underground coal gasification which are significant sources of energy in countries like America, Canada and Australia.

She informed that Rajasthan is the richest state which has over 87 minerals and there is a major demand for certain minerals. The state government is taking inspiration from other states in using technology.

"There is a major demand for limestone, iron ore as well as gold. Now, as we are catering to the demand, there is a good response in auctions," she added.

Anandhi explained that "We are taking inspiration from other states like MP, UP, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and others. These are states which are experimenting with technology. For example Gujarat experimented with geofencing with good results, she stated.

Speaking about lithium, she said that there are some minerals like lithium which are strategic minerals. A good reserve has been found in Rajasthan. However, as strategic minerals are looked after by the Central government I am unable to speak much on it, she added.

After Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, Rajasthan has become the fourth state to yield gold.

An initial assessment of 113.52 million tons of gold ore has been done in an area of 940.26 hectares in Banswara.

The amount of gold is estimated to be 222.39 tons.

Gold mining in Banswara district is likely to generate opportunities for direct and indirect employment along with new investments in several industries including electronics, petroleum, petrochemicals, batteries, air bags etc, said Anandhi.

Besides Banswara, gold deposits have been located in Salumbar in Rajasthan, Anandhi added.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : , July 27 (IANS) In a pre-election jolt to the ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, a senior leader from Parbhani, Abdullah Babajani Khan Durrani, MLC, crossed over to the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), led by Sharad Pawar, here on Saturday.

Babajani, as he is commonly known, functioned as the NCP's Parbhani district president and was welcomed to the NCP (SP) fold by Sharad Pawar and other senior leaders.

Political circles were agog with speculation over Babajani's moves amid backdoor talks with the NCP (SP) and finally, he cleared the air on Saturday on his decision.

Sharad Pawar said that many people who joined (Ajit Pawar) felt they had gone astray and were in touch with the NCP (SP), but reiterated that "the final decision on taking them will be decided by the party leadership".

NCP (SP) circles hinted that Babajani, an ex-MLA and two-time MLC who was always keen to contest the assembly elections, may be considered for a party ticket from Parbhani for the state polls to be held in October.

However, Babajani, who was overlooked for an MLC ticket, denied that he had made any demands from the NCP (SP) or was given any assurance by the party, and claimed that his move was purely on grounds of political ideology.

"The Muslim minority community is under stress They are disenchanted with the parties in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Under such circumstances, it is awkward to continue with such a party (NCP) any longer, hence I am joining the NCP (SP)," declared Babajani.

Senior NCP (SP) leaders like state President Jayant Patil, national general secretary Jitendra Awhad, Rohit R. Pawar and others have stated in the recent past that around 18-20 legislators from the ruling MahaYuti ally NCP will join NCP (SP), but the NCP leaders have scoffed such suggestions.
On the morning of Saturday, July 27, a funeral ceremony for former mayor Oleksandr Tsebrii, who was killed in Donetsk region while performing a combat mission, began in Uman, Cherkasy Oblast. The defender died on July 24.

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Local Telegram channels showed footage of the gathering of people. Not only his relatives and friends, but also many local residents, officials, and mayors of other cities gathered to see the soldier and former city mayor to his last journey.

Oleksandr Tsebrii, who led Uman from 2015 to 2020, joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces in February 2022, after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

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Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klytschko, who also honored the memory of his former colleague, noted that Tsebriy commanded a machine gun platoon of the 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces.

"Eternal memory to Oleksandr! My sincere condolences to the family and friends... Thank you for your defense! Glory to Ukrainian Heroes who defend our country at the cost of their health and lives!" Klytschko wrote on Telegram.

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The hero is now 50 years old. In March of this year, the President of Ukraine awarded Tsebrii the Order for Courage, III class.

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As previously reported by OBOZ.UA:

 Defending Ukraine in the Zaporizhzhia sector, soldier Valeriy Malynovskyi from Shepetivka, Khmelnytskyi region, was killed. He was 48 years old and served as an assault platoon rifleman with the 128th Brigade.

 A defender Yuriy Babiychuk from Netishyn, Khmelnytsky region, also died in the war. The soldier of the 33rd Brigade had been missing for almost a year.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
New Delhi, July 27 : The Press Information Bureau (PIB), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Ministry, refuted the 'microphone switched off' claims of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the NITI Aayog meeting in the capital and termed it 'misleading'.

"It is claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal was switched off during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog. This is not correct. The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it," PIB said in a fact-check.

It also said that the Bengal Chief Minister was rather given 'preferential treatment' and was allowed to speak 'out of turn' else her turn would have come after lunch.

"Alphabetically, her turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early," PIB said further in its fact-check.

Earlier, Mamata Banerjee walked out of the NITI Aayog, alleging insult. She claimed that the Chief Ministers of other states like Andhra, and Chhattisgarh were given enough time to speak but her remarks were 'cut short' after just five minutes.

"This is insulting. I will not attend any further meetings," said the TMC chief speaking to reporters after leaving the NITI Aayog meeting, mid-way.

Notably, she was the only chief minister from Opposition-ruled states to attend the NITI Aayog meet.

West Bengal Chief Minister said that she participated in the NITI Aayog meeting to strengthen the spirit of co-operative federalism but the government's 'partisan' approach only worsened the matter.

She along with other INDIA bloc allies has already accused the latter of favouring allies-run states and giving unfair treatment to Opposition-ruled states in the Union Budget.

Meanwhile, the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the West Bengal Chief Minister's allegations are "completely false".

"She attended the Niti Aayog meeting. We all heard her. Every Chief Minister was given the allotted time and that was displayed on the screen which was present before every table," the Finance Minister said.

"She said in the media that her mic was put off. That is completely false. Every Chief Minister was given their due time to speak. It is unfortunate that the Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee has claimed that her mic was switched off which is not true. She should speak the truth behind this rather than again build a narrative based on falsehood," the Finance Minister added.

The BJP also reacted to Mamata's 'microphone muted' charge and accused the latter of attempting to build a narrative, based on falsehood.

BJP Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said that Mamata Banerjee was competing with the Congress in crying foul over any issue and also politicising every platform.

Notably, the West Bengal Chief Minister had earlier told scribes that she would leave the meeting if she would not be allowed to put across her point of view.
Gurugram, July 27 : A cyber crime team of the Gurugram Police have arrested three persons including a bank official for allegedly cheating people on the pretext of earning money daily, police said.

Police said on March 23 they received a complaint in which the complainant claimed that on May 11 last year, a girl Ishika Reddy contacted him on the Telegram app and introduced herself as an employee of Traveloka Advertising Agency, which provides voting services to hotels appointed in the Traveloka platform.

The girl told him about a job to earn daily and also sent him a code and link on Telegram and asked him to click on the link and deposit money. During this time she also added him to a Telegram group.

When the girl asked him to deposit the money, he deposited the money. After that, when he was asked to deposit more money, he deposited the money several times, but when he wanted to withdraw the money, he could not withdraw it.

However, he soon realised that he was being cheated and the complainant reported the matter to the police.

During the probe, police nabbed the culprits on Friday from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. They were identified as Jitender Patel, Ashish Jain and Utsav Chaturvedi.

Police found that the accused Ashish Jain runs a shop, along with his other partner Jitender Patel.

Jain also met Utsav, who was working as an Assistant Manager at ICICI Bank at that time. Ashish Jain with the help of Utsav opened Jitender Patel's bank account in the name of his firm.

Thereafter, Jain and Utsav sold that bank account to another person for Rs 25,000. Some part of the amount defrauded in the above case was transferred to the bank account of Jitender Patel, police said.

"It was also found that the accused Utsav Chaturvedi was working as an Assistant Manager in ICICI Bank, Indore at that time and left the ICICI Bank job in December 2023. From December 2023 to June 2024, he worked in another bank in Indore but soon left it too," Priyanshu Diwan, ACP (cybercrime) said.

Following their arrest, an official said, that a total of 17 bank employees have been arrested by Gurugram Police in different cyber fraud cases in the last four months.
Manila, July 27 : At least 23 people were injured after a liquified petroleum gas tank exploded inside a commercial building in Albay province, southeast of Manila, before noon on Saturday, police said.

The Legazpi City police reported in a social media post that the blast occurred during a religious blessing ceremony for a newly opened food stall inside the mall. It added that "several" people were injured.

However, according to a police officer who anonymously spoke to Xinhua news agency, the number of injured reached 23.

A local radio station in the province said that a 71-year-old priest officiating the blessing ceremony was among the injured.

The injured people were taken to a local hospital for treatment, police and the provincial media said.
New Delhi, July 27 : The Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are crucial for peace, stability, prosperity, and development of the Indo-Pacific Region, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) foreign ministerial meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Saturday.

He stressed that a "substantive and effective" code of conduct should be in place that is "consistent with international law and should not prejudice legitimate rights and interest of nations not party to the discussions".

"The EAS process completes two decades next year and India will contribute towards a stronger EAS process," he said in a post on X, mentioning the statements he conveyed at the meeting.

He said the Act East Policy, announced at that 9th EAS, has completed a decade, and India will continue to "uphold ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy."

The EAM emphasised that India remains a steadfast supporter of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and values its convergence with the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

Additionally, he stressed that the country encourages more EAS members to join the IPOI.

He said India has consistently contributed towards the EAS Plan of Action, citing the summit conference on Maritime Security and Cooperation held in Mumbai on July 4-5.

Jaishankar also mentioned the realisation of the Nalanda University resolution, highlighting it as an "important commitment" to the EAS.

Calling for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza, the EAM said, "India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping."

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He also said that India "stands ready to contribute" in any manner possible.

Underlining the significance of EAS in bringing together nations at a time when "differences are sharp and interests are diverse", the EAM said, "India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process."
Mumbai, July 27 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday strongly rebutted media reports about the finance department's opposition to the flagship Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, claiming that they were fabricated, politically motivated, inconsistent and factually incorrect.

In a post on X, Pawar has appealed to the media to stop giving such baseless news.

"'Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin' scheme has been introduced in the supplementary budget of the state for the year 2024-25. The scheme was announced in the state budget only after the approval of finance and planning and all relevant departments and the state cabinet," said Pawar, who is also the state's Finance and Planning Minister.

He further stated that the entire amount of Rs 35,000 crore required for the scheme in the current financial year has been provided in this year's budget itself.

"So where is the question about money to come from for the implementation of the scheme?" he asked and clarified that the money has been budgeted. He argued that it is quite possible for a financially prosperous state like Maharashtra to spend such an amount.

Pawar in his budget speech had said that the state government's annual outgo towards the scheme will be Rs 46,000 crore.

"The state government is ready to spend this amount for the financial independence, self-reliance, nutrition and all-round empowerment of mothers-sisters-daughters in the state and also to increase their honour, dignity and self-esteem. There is no reason and cannot be any opposition to the scheme state," said Pawar.

He also appealed to everyone to make efforts to involve more and more sisters for the success of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana while expressing confidence that no one in the state will believe media reports.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Women and Child Welfare Aditi Tatkare also strongly denied media reports that the finance department had taken strong objections against the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana.

"As the minister of the department, I would like to responsibly state that no objections were raised by the Finance Department headed by Ajit Pawar after the scheme was announced. The state government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis & Dy CM Ajit Pawar has initiated this scheme after completing all procedures, keeping in mind the perspective of women's empowerment. The state government has also provisioned the required funds for the execution of the scheme. However, such baseless news can create confusion amongst the beneficiaries."

She further said, "As responsible media outlets, you are requested not to publish confusing news without verifying the same with the concerned department. If you need any information, I, as the minister of the department, am always ready to provide it."

CM Eknath Shinde, Dy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Dy CM Ajit Pawar along with the state government will ensure that this scheme is a success and beneficial in empowering the women of Maharashtra."
Mumbai, July 27 : Director duo Shiboprosad Mukherjee and Nandita Roy, who predominantly work in Bengali cinema, have marked 25 years of their collaborative journey.

The partnership began in television in 1999 and transitioned to feature films with their Bengali debut, 'Icche', which was released in 2011.

Reflecting on their journey, Shiboprosad told IANS: "Twenty-five years ago, Nandita and I embarked on a journey of working together. We began as screenplay writers, crafting scripts for Director Niteish Roy. Our first script was 'Alik Sukh', which we later directed ourselves. Following that, we wrote 'Icche'. Throughout this 25-year journey, Nandita Di has been both my partner and my guru."

He added that in the films where he acted, she was his director. Being senior to him, her experiences have been invaluable in many situations.

Talking about their debut film, Shiboprosad said: " 'Icche' holds a special place in our hearts as it marked our debut. We have poured our hearts into every project with passion and conviction. Our aim has always been to provide a platform for others to showcase their talents. As audience preferences have evolved over time, we have also adapted to meet these changing tastes."

This year, they have 'Bohurupi' lined up for release, which Shiboprosad describes as one of their most challenging projects to date.

Nandita Roy shared her thoughts with IANS, saying, "Our journey together began nearly more than two decades ago, and it has been nothing short of extraordinary. From pioneering ETV Bangla to establishing Windows Production in 2002, Shiboprosad and I have shared a vision of creating meaningful and impactful cinema."

She also mentioned their significant milestone in Hindi cinema with' Shastry Vs Shastry'.

"Additionally, our foray into Hindi cinema with 'Shastry Vs Shastry', an official remake of our Bengali film 'Posto', has been a significant milestone. The film was also honoured with a special screening at the Rajya Sabha on March 23, 2024, at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament Library Building," she added.

The duo has directed 15 films together. Their latest ventures, 'Bohurupi' and 'Aamar Boss', are set to release during Durga Puja and Christmas 2024, respectively.

On Saturday, they unveiled the motion poster for 'Bohurupi', featuring Shiboprosad as Bikram with footwear hung around his neck, showcasing events from a different timeline.
Moscow, July 27 : Russia is concerned about a recently announced guideline between the United States and South Korea on joint nuclear planning, the media reported on Saturday, citing Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"Another worrying aspect is that the United States has recently concluded an agreement with South Korea on joint nuclear planning," Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported quoting Lavrov.

Russia has not yet received an explanation regarding the guideline, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lavrov added, "We have no doubt that it causes additional anxiety."

US and South Korean leaders authorised the guideline on July 11, which "provides guidance to Alliance policy and military authorities in maintaining and strengthening a credible and effective nuclear deterrence policy and posture," according to the White House.
New Delhi, July 27 : Government-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Saturday reported a 159 per cent surge in its net profit to Rs 3,252 crore for the April-June quarter of 2024.25 compared to the corresponding figure of Rs 1,255 crore in the same quarter of 2023-24.

The public sector bank's net interest income (NII) during the quarter rose by 10.23 per cent to Rs 10,476 crore from Rs 9,504 crore in the same period last year, according to a filing with the stock exchanges.

PNB also recorded an improvement in its asset quality with gross non-performing assets (NPA) declining to 4.98 per cent of total loans as on June 30, 2024 from 7.73 per cent as in June 2023.

As part of its strategy to improve profitability, PNB has been focusing on expanding retail, agriculture, MSME (RAM) portfolio, extending good corporate loans, controlling slippages and improving recovery, a senior official said.

The Delhi-headquartered bank also has plans to add another 150 branches to its network of 10,136 branches across the country. PNB also has plans of opening an office in Dubai during the current financial year.

Currently, the bank has overseas operations in the UK, Bhutan and Nepal. The bank also has a branch in IFSC GIFT City Gandhinagar as the bank is focusing on improving its foreign exchange income.

PNB had also signed an MoU with Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) for a collaboration in the field of lending in the Renewable Energy sector.

With this step, both institutions will lend to those companies who are engaged in promoting green energy solutions in the country which would also enable India to achieve its global commitments to fight climate change.
Mumbai, July 27 : Actor Amit Bhardwaj will soon be seen essaying the role of Mewa, the father of the titular character, Bheema, in the upcoming television show 'Bheema'.

The actor describes his character as a humble and innocent man who works as a labourer at the village head Kailasha Bua's house.

Mewa is empathetic and always ready to lend a helping hand, but his weakness lies in his inability to speak up against injustice.

Talking about the show, Amit said: "I am thrilled to join the cast of 'Bheema' and play the role of Mewa, Bheema's father. It is always an actor's ambition to be a part of meaningful and entertaining shows, and I am honoured to be a part of it. Playing Mewa offers me a wonderful opportunity to explore new dimensions in my acting journey and strengthen my connection with the television audience."

Set in the 1980s, the show portrays the life of a young girl named Bheema from an underprivileged background, highlighting her struggles for equal rights. It's a story of love, strength, and the unyielding bond between a mother and her daughter.

Amit added: "The entire team's combined professionalism, creativity, and commitment will make this show incredibly successful. Every day is enjoyable because of the positive and cooperative environment on set. I can't wait for the audience to watch the show and see Bheema's storyline unfold."

'Bheema' is set to premiere on August 6 on &TV.
Bengaluru, July 27 : Karnataka Police on Saturday said that they have arrested the killer in the murder case of a 24-year-old woman from Madhya Pradesh.

DCP (South East) Sara Fathima identified the accused as Abhishek, who was arrested from Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh.

"The accused has been produced before the court and we have sought police custody to conclude the further investigation," DCP Sara Fathima stated.

The DCP said that the victim had finished her MBA and was working for a company in the sales marketing team.

"Her brother was staying in Bengaluru and worked at the ITPL tech park," the DCP said.

The preliminary probe has revealed that the murderer is Abhishek, a native of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. The deceased Kriti Kumari, a native of Kesar Nagar in Bihar, was working at a private company.

Abhishek stabbed the deceased Kriti Kumari to death with a knife on the night of July 23, had fled to Madhya Pradesh and was hiding there. He had switched off his mobile phone.

Abhishek was in a relationship with Kriti Kumari's friend and colleague. Abhishek's girlfriend hails from Maharashtra.

Abhishek used to visit the PG hostel and often travelled to Bengaluru from Bhopal to date his girlfriend. The relationship soured between them after the victim's friend avoided him.

Abhishek came to the PG hostel and created a ruckus. Kriti Kumari had helped her friend shift to a new PG hostel, and both stopped taking his calls.

Enraged by this, Abhishek came to the PG hostel where Kriti was staying on Tuesday night and committed the crime.

The horrifying CCTV footage of the brutal murder of the woman emerged on Friday raising concerns in the IT city about the safety of lakhs of women.

--IANS

mka/dan
On the night of July 27, Russia again attacked Ukraine with a guided missile and 4 Shahed-type kamikaze drones. The enemy also launched other types of drones.

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Air defense forces shot down all enemy air targets during the air battle. This was reported by the Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykola Oleshchuk.

According to him, on the night of July 27, 2024, the enemy attacked Ukraine with an X-59/X-69 guided missile from the airspace of the temporarily occupied part of Zaporizhzhia region and four Shahed strike UAVs from the Russian city of Primorsko-Akhtarsk.

"All targets were shot down by the Ukrainian Defense Forces in Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Kharkiv and Kyiv regions," noted Oleshchuk.

In addition, from the beginning of yesterday until the publication of the report at 09:37, air defense forces destroyed eight more air targets in the southern and northeastern directions: 4 Supercam reconnaissance UAVs, 1 Forpost strike and reconnaissance UAV, 1 UAV (type to be determined), and 2 Lancet drones.

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Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : , July 27 (IANS) The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ally Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar has expressed reservations to the MahaYuti government's new scheme 'Ladki Bahin' intended to benefit the poor women of the state, here on Saturday.

"It is shocking that when that state is already burdened under a debt of Rs 7.8 lakh-crore, the MahaYuti has decided to spend Rs 46,000 crore on the 'Ladki Bahin' schemea how advisable will this be? Is the MahaYuti alliance doing the work of pushing Maharashtra into more debts for its own political interests?" wondered Sharad Pawar.

Interacting with the mediapersons on a wide variety of issues, the NCP (SP) supremo pointed out that the state's coffers are empty and the 'Ladki Bahin' is just intended to sway the people to the ruling (MahaYuti) side ahead of the elections.

He said that even the ordinary people have started questioning how such schemes could be of a 'temporary nature' and sought to know "why this decision was not taken earlier" by the MahaYuti regime.

Sharad Pawar claimed that in the beginning, the people may end up getting one or two instalments of the promised money under 'Ladki Bahin' before the elections are announced and later there could be uncertainties over it.

Earlier, in Mumbai, state NCP (SP) President Jayant Patil questioned "why there was no 'Ladki Bahin' or 'Ladka Bhau' before the Lok Sabha polls in which the MahaYuti allies got a drubbing in the state's 48 LS seats?"

Patil also rubbished the ruling alliance's attempts to corner the Opposition parties by accusing them of creating a 'fake narrative' over the scheme, and said that "once we (MVA) come to power, we shall make it systematic and more beneficial", citing the INDIA bloc's LS guarantees.

Prior to this, the MVA allies Congress' state President Nana F. Patole, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut and other senior leaders of the three-party alliance have also raised multiple doubts over the efficacy of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme hurriedly announced with an eye on the October Assembly elections.
Rewari, July 27 : Former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Saturday said the party would keep raising the demand for Ahir Regiment on every platform as the demand reflects the sentiment of the entire country.

"A proposal will also be sent to the Centre for raising Ahir Regiment after the Congress government is formed in Haryana. Ahir Regiment is not just the demand of South Haryana but the entire country," he said.

Accompanying senior party leaders, Hooda, who addressed the party workers' conference here to thank them for their efforts during the Lok Sabha elections, said that South Haryana had received many gifts like Rewari-Rohtak railway line and the national highway 71 during the Congress government.

"The Congress had taken steps to make South Haryana a hub of education by establishing institutions like Central University in Mahendragarh, Indira Gandhi University in Mirpur and Sainik School," he added.

"During our government, the Defence University was also approved here, but as soon as the BJP came to power, it shelved its project. Along with this, this government also destroyed the expansion of the education sector and infrastructure. The BJP has cheated the entire Haryana, including Ahirwal by taking votes," the Congress leader said.

"This is the reason why Haryana, which was the number one state in the country in per capita income, per capita investment, employment, sportspersons and welfare schemes till 2014, has been made number one by the BJP in unemployment, crime, drug addiction and misery," Hooda further said.
Bengaluru, July 27 : The Karnataka court on Saturday remanded the accused for 10-day police custody in connection with the sensational murder case of a young woman from Bihar in Bengaluru's PG hostel.

The Koramangala police produced the accused before the 41st Additional City Metropolitan Magistrate Court (ACMM) after nabbing him from Madhya Pradesh.

Earlier, DCP (South East) Sara Fathima said that the accused Abhishek was arrested from Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh.

"The accused has been produced before the court and we have sought police custody to conclude the further investigation," DCP Sara Fathima stated.

The DCP said that the victim had finished her MBA and was working for a company in the sales marketing team.

"Her brother was staying in Bengaluru and worked at the ITPL tech park," the DCP said.

The preliminary probe has revealed that the murderer is Abhishek, a native of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. The deceased Kriti Kumari, a native of Kesar Nagar in Bihar, was working at a private company.

Abhishek stabbed the deceased Kriti Kumari to death with a knife on the night of July 23, had fled to Madhya Pradesh and was hiding there. He had switched off his mobile phone.

Abhishek was in a relationship with Kriti Kumari's friend and colleague. Abhishek's girlfriend hails from Maharashtra.

Abhishek used to visit the PG hostel and often travelled to Bengaluru from Bhopal to date his girlfriend. The relationship soured between them after the victim's friend avoided him.

Abhishek came to the PG hostel and created a ruckus. Kriti Kumari had helped her friend shift to a new PG hostel, and both stopped taking his calls.

Enraged by this, Abhishek came to the PG hostel where Kriti was staying on Tuesday night and committed the crime.

The horrifying CCTV footage of the brutal murder of the woman emerged on Friday raising concerns in the IT city about the safety of lakhs of women.
Kabul, July 27 : Afghanistan exported and imported commercial goods valued at $5.24 billion from January to June 2024, said the country's Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Afghanistan shipped exported products worth nearly 700 million to various countries, with 58 million value of exports going to Central Asian countries within the first six months of 2024, the ministry's spokesman Akundzada Abdul Salam Jawad told local media outlet TOLOnews, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Afghan products were mostly exported to Pakistan, India and Iran, and the major sources of imports included Iran, Pakistan and China, the country's National Statistics and Information Authority reported in July.

Fresh and dry fruits including pistachio, pine nut, fig, pomegranate, grape, raisin, melon and watermelon are the most popular products for export in Afghanistan.
Mumbai, July 27 : Actress Surbhi Chandna is currently shooting in Surat, Gujarat for her new project and the diva has shared a peek into the yummy local cuisines that she is bingeing upon.

Surbhi, who has 6.1 million followers on Instagram, took to the Stories section and shared some behind-the-scenes videos from the set of her new undisclosed project.

The first video gives an overall view of the set and it is captioned: "Girlie on set."

The second snippet is of the Gujarati food items that are laid down on the table. The cuisines include jalebi, ganthiya, khandvi, fafda, patra, dhokla, and locho.

It is captioned as: "When in Surat."

The last snap is a selfie of Surbhi, in which she is donning a red saree. She has opted for a smokey eye look, nude brown lips, and a perfectly contoured face. Her hair is tied in a neat bun and is sporting a mangalsutra.

The photo has a caption: "Let's shoot."

Surbhi tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend Karan Sharma on March 2 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The couple have been together for over 13 years.

On the professional front, she marked her TV debut in 2009 with a cameo in the longest-running sitcom 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah'. After a gap of four years, she played Suzanne in the show 'Ek Nanad Ki Khushiyon Ki Chaabia Meri Bhabhi'.

She then essayed the role of Haya in 'Qubool Hai'. Surbhi has been a part of shows like 'Ishqbaaaz', 'Dil Boley Oberoi', 'Sanjivani', and 'Naagin 5'.

She last featured in the show 'Sherdil Shergill'.
Bengaluru, July 27 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said that the government is planning to construct a 250-meter sky deck in Bengaluru to promote tourism and the opposition has agreed to it.

"This 250-meter-high sky deck requires 25 acres of land. We had considered land near Kommaghatta and Bangalore University. However, the opposition MLAs felt that using 25 acres of land near Bangalore University, given the city's growth, would be a waste and could create inconvenience for the students. Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka and other MLAs have agreed to locate it near the NICE road," the Deputy Chief Minister said after meeting with the opposition MLAs.

He said that initially, the proposal was to construct this in front of Kanteerava Stadium but due to traffic congestion issues and objections from HAL the plan was dropped.

"The estimated cost of this project is Rs 400 to Rs 500 crores, and we have estimated that a minimum of 25 acres of land is required to provide parking facilities," said Shivakumar who also holds the Bengaluru Urban Development Ministry.

He said that this land is with the NICE Company, adding that according to a Supreme Court order, the NICE Company has to return 200 acres of land to the government.

"The LoP gave us this information and we will discuss this matter with the NICE Company. Ten locations were considered for this project, but the Air Force and the Ministry of Aviation said that such a project could not be undertaken within a 20-kilometre radius. Thus, the decision was made to proceed near the NICE road," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He said that the decision was taken after considering all factors, adding that placing it near the NICE road will provide tourists with a free route to Mysore and Kodagu.

"Additionally, since there is a possibility of widening the NICE road, the LoP suggested this as a suitable location and his suggestion is valid. When the Peripheral Ring Road is constructed, it will provide connectivity from all parts. These suggestions will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He said that a metro connection from Kengeri to Electronic City is also being planned.

"Although this would be financially burdensome. We will evaluate where it is financially feasible," he said.

He said that the construction of a tunnel road was discussed in the meeting and it was decided to initially build an 18.5 km tunnel road from the Esteem Mall to the Silk Board.

"Some land will need to be acquired for this construction. These issues were presented to the MLAs and they have agreed to this project. A route from east to west Bengaluru has been prepared which will be undertaken in future phases," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He said that the metro routes within BBMP limits will be constructed as double-decker flyovers, adding that both the corporation and the metro departments will bear the costs.

"Along with the tunnel road, 17-18 locations have been identified and currently, a 100 km signal-free corridor flyover is also being planned, which will cost approximately Rs 12,000 crores. Preparations are being made to call for tenders for this," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He said that for waste disposal, four locations within a 15-20 km radius of Bengaluru's outskirts have been identified, saying that if there is government land, it will be used otherwise the commissioner will purchase private land which will be done according to the Central Environmental Department's regulations.

"The Cauvery 5th Stage water supply project is in its experimental phase. It was planned to be inaugurated on August 15 but the officials have requested five more days, so water will be supplied by August 20," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He said that the Brand Bengaluru project was also discussed during the meeting.

"Regarding the Greater Bengaluru bill, all party MLAs have requested the formation of a legislative committee, so it has been decided to form the committee," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He said that the opposition leaders would promptly provide the names of their party MLAs, and the committee would be formed accordingly.
Navi Mumbai, July 27 : Three persons from Uttar Pradesh were killed while around 52 others had a narrow escape after a ground-plus three-storey building crashed at Belapur town in Navi Mumbai early on Saturday morning.

The tragedy occurred at around 4.30 a.m. when the residents were sleeping in their homes in the 10-year-old Indira Nivas building in Shahbazgaon, said senior inspector Satish Kadam from the NRI Sagari police station.

Later in the afternoon, the rescue teams dug out the bodies of the three youths hailing from Uttar Pradeshas Jaunpur and Pratapgad districts, he added.

The deceased have been identified as Mohammed Meraj Altaf Hussain (30) from Karanpur in Pratapgad, and two from Lohinda village in Jaunpur district, Shafiq A.R. Ansari (29) and Miraj Saif Ansari (24), said Kadam.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the rescue teams were engaged in making efforts to evacuate at least two persons who were still trapped under the debris, while the survivors were housed at a shelter of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).

Minutes before the collapse, the residents were rudely awakened by tremors, rumbling sounds, and rattling of household articles, said one of the survivors.

Anticipating a potential disaster, most residents rushed out of their homes and shortly afterward, the entire structure with 13 houses and three shops collapsed.

Many of the survivors said they lost everything in the disaster at the height of the monsoon.

Police teams, fire brigade, SDRF, and NDRF are still engaged in clearing the rubble and searching for any others who may be buried under the debris.

After nearly four hours of effort, two of the survivors -- Lalauddin N. Pathan (23) and Ruksar L. Pathan (19) -- were dug out of the rubble in an injured condition and rushed to a nearby hospital.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who was in New Delhi on Saturday, called up the NMMC Commissioner and the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, asking them to take stringent action against the culprits responsible for the huge mishap.

The CM also asked them to take full care of the survivors who are housed in a shelter, including their lodging and boarding and other needs, even as intermittent rains lashed Navi Mumbai and its surroundings.
Gurugram, July 27 : Days after the arrest of noted criminal Rakesh alias Kala Khairmpuria, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Haryana Police has also arrested his close aide Rohit who was arrested from Bengaluru airport on Saturday.

Rohit was involved in providing arms and shelter to Khairmpuria gang members when the gang members had allegedly opened fire at a Mahindra Show in Hisar district demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crores and threatened the victims with dire consequences.

Soon after the incident Rohit fled abroad and was living with Khairmpuria.

The STF has already arrested Khairmpuria who had been evading law enforcement agencies since he jumped parole in 2020, an official said.

Throughout this period, the accused continued to orchestrate criminal activities initially from within India and after fleeing abroad from countries such as UAE, Armenia and Thailand.

Rohit fled the country along with Rakesh in early 2023. Rakesh operated his criminal gang from abroad, forging alliances with local gangs and orchestrating violent acts.

Rakeshas affiliations extended to notorious criminal groups such as the Himanshu Bhau Gang and Neeraj Faridpuria Gang, contributing to a crime syndicate responsible for several high-profile crimes including targeted killings and extortion, said an STF officer.

To nab Rohit the STF carried out a thorough investigation to locate him. During the investigation, STF teams were able to establish his identity. After strenuous efforts, he was zeroed in a foreign country.

The STF immediately coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and also got the relevant Interpol references and notices issued against him.

The MHA promptly took cognizance of the matter and coordinated with the various agencies both in India and abroad.

The required legal documents about establishing his identity and criminal record were shared with concerned law enforcement agencies through MHA.

This collaborative effort led to the deportation of Rohit and he was then arrested by the STF teams from Bengaluru airport and brought to the city.
New Delhi, July 27 : The G20 Labour and Employment Ministers (LEMM) said on Saturday that they have approved a declaration that emphasises that creating formal jobs and promoting decent work are the most effective social tools for achieving a fairer and more equitable income distribution.

Led by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, the Indian delegation along with Brazil and South Africa approved the 'Labour and Employment Ministerial Declarationa after a two-day meeting in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Karandlaje informed that India has generated over 80 million employment opportunities from 2017-18 to 2021-22, averaging over 20 million jobs per year, while the youth unemployment rate has dropped from 17.8 per cent in 2017-18 to 10 per cent in 2022-23, with increased youth participation in the labour force.

She also said that Indiaas 'One Nation, One Ration Card' initiative allows migrant workers to access entitled food grains nationwide.

In addition, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, the world's largest government-funded healthcare programme, covers over 550 million citizens, "demonstrating our dedication to health security", she added.

The delegation of ministers made interventions on key focus areas -- like creation of quality jobs and the promotion of decent work, to ensure social inclusion and eliminate poverty and hunger, gender equality, and the promotion of diversity in the world of work.

Karandlaje said India has made significant strides in promoting gender equality in the workplace through robust legislative measures.

The country has leveraged digital platforms through the aDigital India Missiona to open up new avenues for entrepreneurship and employment.

Karandlaje met Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of International Labour Organization (ILO), on the sidelines of the meeting.

She also met Miyazaki Masahisa, Japanese State Minister for Health, Labour and Welfare. The two leaders discussed areas of mutual interest, including the need to further enhance the mobility of semi-skilled and skilled workers from India to Japan.

Karandlaje stressed the need for skilling and reskilling to ensure just and fair transition to greener alternatives, outlining Indiaas achievement in leveraging technology as a means of improving everyoneas quality of life.
New Delhi, July 27 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the state has emerged as a state with 'unlimited potential' in recent years.

Addressing the ninth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog held at the Cultural Center of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, UP CM said: "Seven years ago, the state was classified as a BIMARU state and seen as an obstacle to national development. Today, Uttar Pradesh has shed this BIMARU label and has emerged as a state with unlimited potential."

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's achievements, he added that the state, contributing 9.2 per cent to the national GDP, has established itself as the growth engine of the country and is now the second-largest economy in India. Over the past seven years, significant progress has been made in doubling the per capita income.

"Viksit Bharat' embodies the Prime Minister's vision of a self-reliant, prosperous, capable, competent, inclusive, and technologically advanced India. Our mission is to turn this vision into reality. Uttar Pradesh is swiftly advancing towards becoming the 'growth engine of India," he said.

The Chief Minister stated that due to strong law and order, ease of doing business, investment-friendly policies, and good governance, Uttar Pradesh has become the 'dream destination' for investment in the country today.

Enumerating the achievements of Uttar Pradesh phase-wise across MSME, women's safety, infrastructure development, PM Gati Shakti, health, and nutrition, Chief Minister Yogi said: "To contribute to the Prime Minister's resolve to make the country a 5 trillion dollar economy, a target has been set to make the state's economy 1 trillion dollars. For this, planned efforts are being made by classifying all the departments into 10 sectors."

The Chief Minister said that according to the SDG India Index 2023-24 report, Uttar Pradesh has been recognised in the Front Runner category. Additionally, 351 best practices from the state that contribute to the goal of 'Developed India' are now uploaded on the 'NITI for States Portal' of NITI Aayog.

Yogi Adityanath also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh in January 2025, noting that this holy occasion occurs once every 12 years. He stated, "The state government is committed to ensuring a clean, safe, and well-organized Maha Kumbh-2025. All preparations are nearing completion."

The Chief Minister said that the 'Rule of Law' is the pre-condition of good governance, pointing out that the state's commitment to law and order has played a crucial role in achieving good governance.

"Today, Uttar Pradesh boasts of a robust law and order system, which has positively shifted perceptions about the state both nationally and internationally. This improvement is attributed to a zero-tolerance policy towards crime," he remarked.

He said that Uttar Pradesh Police is the largest civil police force in the country and the world. The state government is consistently modernising the police force with new technology and equipment.

"Cyber Crime Police Station has been set up in every district to effectively combat cyber crimes. Additionally, a Cyber Help Desk is now operational at every police station", he stated.

The Chief Minister said that Over 56 lakh poor and homeless families have been given pucca houses. Various programs, including Swachh Bharat Mission, Mission Shakti, School Chalo Abhiyan, Operation Kayakalp, Massive Tree Plantation Public Campaign, and Matribhoomi Yojana, are being implemented based on extensive public participation.
European Union High Representative for Diplomacy Josep Borrell addressed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with a proposal that China should stop supporting Russian aggression against Ukraine. Instead of supporting Russia's military machine, Beijing should use its influence on Russia to stop the "existential war."

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According to the EU's diplomatic service, Borrell and Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos. During the meeting, the parties discussed EU-China relations.

The EU considers Russia's war against Ukraine an existential threat to Europe. That is why Borrell expressed his concern over China's exports to Russia of "a large number of dual-use goods and items that support Russia in building up its military machine," the EU diplomatic service said.

In this regard, Borrell asked China to use its influence on Russia to help end the war and support the peace process in Ukraine.

The two sides also discussed another EU problem in the EU's relations with China, namely the impact of economic policies and subsidies on production that cause distortions in the EU market.

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"China must also address the root causes of our unbalanced trade relations by rebalancing its economy," Borrell said.

As a reminder, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the good results of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba's visit to China. Beijing will not supply weapons to Russia. In addition, China recognizes the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

As reported, in March of this year, China's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui visited Ukraine as part of a "diplomatic tour" and met with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities.

He and members of the Chinese delegation were shown the wreckage of a downed North Korean missile and told how Russia uses components from third countries to produce weapons.

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Guwahati, July 27 : Two prominent student bodies of the northeast -- All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) -- have condemned the act of a pressure group trying to disrupt the plying of tourist vehicles from Assam to neighbouring Meghalaya.

In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the student organisations said, "The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) are perturbed to witness that tourist carrying vehicles from Assam, both of private and commercial registration, are being stopped at several places in Meghalaya and denied entry to the state."

"Under the aegis of North East Students' Organization (NESO), the AASU and the KSU have discussed the issue with utter seriousness. While discussing the same, the KSU states that the organisation is not aware of any such incident of stopping vehicles from Assam and it firmly does not conform to any such initiative," the statement added.

The AASU and KSU leaders said that the vehicles ferrying tourists from Assam should come to Meghalaya without any worry. However, it is pertinent for both the Assam and Meghalaya governments to hold a dialogue on the issue and solve it permanently.

Meanwhile, at least 10 members of the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) which had stopped tourist vehicles from Assam from entering different tourist places in Meghalaya were arrested, the police said on Saturday.

The HNYF activists tried to prevent the tourists of Assam from visiting Sohra and Dawki, two attractive destinations in Meghalaya, on Friday.

The police said that the security arrangements have been beefed up around Sohra and Dawki so that there is no disruption in tourist activities.

The state is looking to introduce the Inner Line Permit, according to HNYF.

President of the HNYF Sadon Blah stated that the organization has demanded this kind of action to compel the government to enact a law limiting the flow of visitors' cars entering the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong expressed regret for the incidents and said, "It was very unfortunate. Tourists come to Meghalaya to enjoy the scenic beauty. The law will follow its own course, and we won't let such things occur again."

Numerous Meghalaya tourism bodies have denounced the HNYF for its decision to bar visitors from Sohra and Dawki.
Guwahati, July 27 : Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Saturday that within the next year earlier telecom connectivity would be extended to 100 per cent of villages in the country.

The Union Minister said that special funds of Rs 26,500 crore have been sanctioned by the Cabinet for the expansion of telecommunication network in all villages and he has himself been monitoring the progress of work on a weekly basis.

He said that the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is committed to 100 per cent saturation. "We have identified around 24,000 odd villages in the country that still need saturation in terms of telecom communications. Out of 24,000 villages, 13,000-14,000 villages have already been covered," the DoNER and Communications Minister told the media in Guwahati.

A special scheme to extend telecommunication networks in all villages has already been rolled out and funds were sanctioned for the purpose, he said.

He said that despite terrain-related problems, areas in the northeastern states are among these villages, and strategies are being worked out to reach these places and telecommunications would be extended there.

Provisions of the new telecom Act enable setting up required infrastructure and mixed technologies, like V-SAT and satellite, are being utilised with the "target of cent per cent saturation within 12 months, he said.
Guwahati, July 27 : Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is to make the northeast region the growth engine of the country.

The DoNER Minister said that the Prime Minister termed the region as 'Purvodaya' and this region would be the gateway of India's progress and prosperity. "This vision has been on track for the last 10 years in terms of the huge outlay increase for the northeast."

"For over 65 years, the northeastern region was not cared for and treated as an orphan. After Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, the Centre has started giving special emphasis to the region," the Union Minister told the media in Guwahati.

He said that Rs 11,000 crore has been allocated in the Central Budget 2024-25 for flood management in Sikkim and Assam.

The Minister said that while presenting the Budget in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that more than 100 branches of India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) would be set up in the northeastern region.

The decision once again amplifies the Prime Minister's vision of developing India's northeast region, he said.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, who also holds the Ministry of Communications, said that during the Congress regime, Rs 1,775 crore was the budget for the DoNER ministry and now, it has increased to Rs 6,000 crore.

He said that during the Congress government at the Centre between 2004 and 2014, Rs 64,000 crore was given to Assam as tax devolution with Rs 6,500 per year.

"In 2014-2024, during the ten years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, increasing the tax devolution by four times, Rs 2.30 lakh crore was given to Assam. This year (2024-25) Rs 39,000 crore was given to the state as tax devolution," the Union Minister said.

He said that in addition to 15th Finance Commission allocation, Rs 13,000 crore was given to Assam in the last ten years as Capital Expenditure.

Claiming that major industrial projects would soon enter the region with the proper infrastructure in place, Jyotiraditya Scindia cited the example of the Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor unit to be set up by the Tata Group near Guwahati and termed it as a 'game changer' for the entire region.

"The Central Budget 2024-25 is a holistic budget, which would set a new era of development for the entire country," the DoNER Minister said.
Bhopal, July 27 : Madhya Pradesh Police band will perform during the second 'Sawari' of the Lord Mahakal on July 29.

MP Police said that the band of 350 police personnel will give a musical performance during the procession and will also perform during the 'arti' (prayer) on the bank of river Shipra.

In the Sawari, the Mahakal's idol is decorated as 'king' and he takes a round of the city of Ujjain. The first 'Sawari' was carried out on July 22 (on the first day of the month Shravan) which witnessed the participation of a large number of devotees who had arrived from different parts of the country.

In the month of Shravan, Lord Mahakal's 'Sawari' is carried in the city on different occasions, giving a festival-like atmosphere in Ujjain. The process of 'Sawari' will continue till September 2.

Meanwhile, the police band is also preparing for its performance on the occasion of Independence Day. For this purpose, around 330 policemen have been trained as members of the police band. They will perform in different districts on Independence Day.

Madhya Pradesh Police also sent 19 employees of the state to the country's best band training school, BSF Bengaluru, for a 6-month advanced course.

"The trainees completed training in musical instrument playing, drill with musical instruments, theory class, etc. In this advanced course, trainees were given complete and detailed information about reading music notation, writing music notation, and playing musical instruments," an official said.
Kolkata, July 27 : The opposition parties in West Bengal on Saturday ridiculed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for staging a walkout from the 9th Governing Council meeting of the NIT Aayog in the national capital.

Banerjee on Saturday walked out of the NITI Aayog meeting claiming that her microphone was switched off in the middle of her speech.

"I was not allowed to speak even for five minutes. I was insulted as my microphone was switched off," the Chief Minister told mediapersons after coming out of the meeting.

Later, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) under the Information and Broadcasting Ministry refuted the 'microphone switched off' claim, terming it 'misleading'.

"It is claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal, was switched off during the 9th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog. This is not correct. The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it," PIB said in a fact-check.

Commenting on the matter, Bengal BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya said, "It was not clear in the first place why she went (to Delhi) to attend the meeting. Was it to express her views or to create a drama to show her political relevance?"

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate in the Calcutta High Court, Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, called the entire development a fallout of a scripted drama by the Chief Minister.

"First, she attended the meeting at a time when all the Chief Ministers from the opposition bloc boycotted the same. She did this to send a subtle message to the BJP. However, at the same time, she has to maintain her anti-BJP facade for her political compulsions at the state level. The result was the Chief Minister walking out of the meeting," Bhattacharya said.

Veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called the entire episode a strategically scripted drama.

"This is nothing new for Mamata Banerjee. She is known for such scripted theatrics," he said.

The opposition parties are also questioning the Chief Minister's 'contradictory' statements.

She had claimed before mediapersons in Delhi that her microphone was switched off in the middle of her speech. However, on her return to Kolkata, she said the buzzer was pressed signalling her to stop when she was five minutes into her speech, while some ruling party Chief Ministers were allowed to speak for much longer durations.
New Delhi, July 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday encouraged the states to provide an investor-friendly environment, as he directed the NITI Aayog to prepare an 'Investment-friendly Charter' of parameters which would include policies, programmes, and processes to be put in place for attracting investments.

New Delhi, July 27 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday encouraged the states to provide an investor-friendly environment, as he directed the NITI Aayog to prepare an aInvestment-friendly Chartera of parameters which would include policies, programmes, and processes to be put in place for attracting investments.

The states may be monitored on the achievements in these parameters to promote healthy competition among them for attracting investments, said the Prime Minister while chairing the 9th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog in the national capital on Saturday.

PM Modi also underscored the importance of law and order, good governance, and infrastructure as vital for attracting investments, rather than just incentives.

The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors representing 20 states and six Union Territories.

The Prime Minister also directed the NITI Aayog to study the suggestions of the states and UTs made during the meeting, encouraging the states to initiate Demographic Management Plans to address the issues of population aging in the future.

PM Modi asked the states to take up capacity building of government officials at all levels and encouraged them to collaborate with the Capacity Building Commission for the same.

The Prime Minister also emphasised cooperation and collective efforts of all states and the Centre to work together to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Indian economy, which was ranked 10th largest in the world in 2014, has risen to become the fifth largest economy.

The Prime Minister also encouraged the creation of River Grids at the state level for the effective utilisation of water resources, as he suggested that we must target 'Zero Poverty' as a priority for Viksit Bharat.
New Delhi, July 27 : Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday sent a shoe stitching machine to the cobbler he had met the previous day in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

"Yesterday, our leader Rahul Gandhi met cobbler Ram Chait in Sultanpur (UP) and learned about the details of his work. To support him, Rahul Gandhi has sent a shoe-stitching machine, which will ease his work. This gesture exemplifies Rahul Gandhi's dedication as a leader for the people, truly a leader for everyone," Congress wrote on X.

The cobbler Chait Ram received a phone call in the morning notifying him that Rahul Gandhi had sent a shoe-stitching machine for him.

In the afternoon, members of Rahul Gandhi's team arrived at the cobbler's workshop in a police jeep to deliver the machine.

Overjoyed, Chait Ram sent two pairs of shoes to Rahul Gandhi as a gesture of thanks, according to media reports. Additionally, some experts from the team provided Chait Ram with a briefing on how to operate the machine.

On Friday, Rahul Gandhi engaged with the cobbler in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, as part of his visit related to a defamation case. The Congress MP, who was there for legal proceedings, took the opportunity to learn about the cobbler's trade and skills.

Ram Chait, has been making footwear for over 40 years from his makeshift shop. A video of their interaction circulated online, earning praise from netizens for Gandhi's thoughtful gesture.

This visit follows another similar event on May 15, when Gandhi visited a barber shop in Raebareli for a haircut and beard trim, inquiring about the latest haircut trends.

Last September, Gandhi made headlines for his unannounced visit to the Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in New Delhi, where he donned a coolie uniform and carried luggage on his head.
New Delhi/Agartala, July 27 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Saturday that the state government earlier launched 'LAKSHYA-2047' and for this purpose, several transformative steps were taken to enhance connectivity by making the state the gateway to the northeastern region.

Speaking at the 9th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog in the national capital on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that through the Prime Minister's 'HIRA Plus Model' for Tripura's development, various programmes are being introduced, including enhancement of capital expenditure to bring about Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, e-office introduction up to the gram panchayat level, and the opening of Beneficiary Management System (BMS) to facilitate Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for state-run welfare schemes

He also said the deliberations and decisions at the NITI Aayog meeting would go a long way to strengthen cooperative federalism in the country.

At the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Saha informed the Governing Council regarding the various measures taken up by the state government for the development of Tripura.

He also said that the Tripura government has established the Good Governance Department and SIT (State Institution for Transformation) as per the mandate of the NITI Aayog.

Speaking about the industry and investment sector, Saha said, "We are focusing on reducing the dependency of the workforce on agriculture by 50 per cent, increasing trade and commerce through Bangladesh and other states of India to up to Rs 1 lakh crore, and enhancing tourism's contribution to GSDP up to 15 per cent by 2047."

The Chief Minister also said that in the fields of infrastructure, communication, and logistics, the state government's vision is to achieve 80 per cent agricultural land area under irrigation and provide four-lane road connectivity to all important destinations.

"In the fields of environment, forest, and climate change, we would like to increase the value of forest produce by five times, improve the composition of very dense forests to 40 per cent, resulting in an increase of GSDP by up to 25 per cent, 2.5 times increase in water bodies in forest areas and enhancing the Agar wood economy to Rs 10,000 crore," Saha said.

He also informed that the state government has taken several steps for women's empowerment, such as 33 per cent reservation for women in state government Jobs, collateral-free loans for women-run startups, reduction in stamp duty for property registration, and no tuition fee for girl students in government degree colleges.

Over 4.71 lakh rural women have been mobilised into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and there are presently 83,424 'Lakhpati Didis' in the rural areas of the state, he said.
New Delhi, July 27 : Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Saturday accused the members of the ruling party of using unparliamentary language against the opposition leaders, thus downgrading the standards of the Parliament.

He has also written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and sought his intervention in this matter.

In the letter, Gogoi, the Congress MP from Assam's Jorhat, said, "I am writing to you to express my deep concern about the deteriorating standards of Parliamentary conduct in the Lok Sabha as evidenced by several instances during the ongoing Monsoon Session. Often it is the ministers of the government who make unparliamentary, objectionable, and threatening remarks against the members of the opposition parties."

The Congress leader also cited some examples in his letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker.

He said on July 26, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh used threatening language against former Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupender Singh Hooda, who is not a member of the House.

"On July 25, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu used unparliamentary language while referring to Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and Rajya Sabha Member Sonia Gandhi," Gogoi claimed, adding that on the same day, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey used outright communal language during his interventions in the House.

"It is disappointing to note that the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (Kiren Rijiju) has not been able to restrain his colleagues when these incidents took place, despite being present in the House. Ensuring the smooth functioning of the House is a collective responsibility, but it is important that the government takes a proactive and collaborative approach," he added.

The Congress MP also alleged that the government has consistently overlooked procedures, conventions, and the decorum of the Parliament, leaving no room for the Opposition's voice.

"Each member of the House holds equal responsibility for representing the voice of their constituents. Difference of opinion should not result in disrespect," he said.

"As the custodian of the House, we expect you to uphold the code of conduct and ensure that no member - from whether treasury or opposition benched - is allowed to breach the norms of the Parliament. I seek your immediate intervention in the matter and hope that you will take prompt action against those making these deplorable statements against Members of Parliament," Gogoi said in the letter to Speaker Om Birla.
Bengaluru, July 28 : An incident involving a wife filing a complaint against her husband, alleging a bid for religious conversion and threats to her life, came to light in Karnataka's Hubballi on Saturday.

The incident was reported in Dharwad city. The police have registered an FIR in connection with the matter.

According to the police, the woman married Mujahid Khan after falling in love with him in 2017. Both worked at the same company in Bengaluru.

Khan had married the woman, claiming he was unmarried. However, it was later learned that he was already married with four children. When the woman questioned him about it, he started torturing and threatening her.

He also began forcing her to convert to Islam. The woman eventually shifted to her grandmother's place in Kalaghatgi town.

The accused went to Kalaghatgi and threatened her, saying that no matter where she goes, he would track her down and stab her.

The woman eventually lodged a complaint against her husband, Mujahid Khan. The police are investigating the case.
The Finnish government suspects that the Russian vessel violated the country's territorial waters. The incident occurred in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland on July 26.

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An investigation is currently underway. This was reported by Reuters.

In a statement, the Finnish Ministry of Defense said that the Border Guard is investigating the incident and will provide additional information as it continues. The chief investigator of the Border Guard Service, Petter Stauffer, said that a ship of the Russian Navy's Baltic Fleet, which is intended for seabed exploration, crossed the sea border.

The Border Guard Service said that the incident took place in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland and lasted about seven minutes, after which the Russian vessel left the country, accompanied by a Border Guard ship.

"The Ministry of Defense, as the highest territorial supervisory authority, directs and coordinates the activities of territorial supervisory authorities on territorial supervision," the statement said.

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As a reminder, Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers and Chinese H-6s entered the Alaskan air defense identification zone on July 24. As a result, fighters from the United States and Canada had to accompany the aircraft. The Russian and Chinese bombers were joined by several F-16 and F-35 aircraft.

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Bengaluru, July 28 : Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy slammed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for skipping the NITI Aayog meeting held in the national capital on Saturday, saying that the conflict with the Centre and lack of trust is not good for the state.

Speaking to media persons after attending the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi, Kumaraswamy said, "Such a lack of trust will damage the federal system. This will bring difficulties to the state. If there was a genuine intention to do good for the state, the Chief Minister would have attended the meeting and presented his views."

The Union Minister held the Congress "directly" responsible for "this lack of trust".

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the NITI Aayog meeting to discuss the goal of 'Developed India'. He presented his vision at the meeting and in my opinion, all states, including Karnataka, should have participated in the meeting," Kumaraswamy said.

He said that the absence of CMs of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand in the meeting was "not a good development".

"It is not good from the perspective of development and the welfare of the people of these states. What do they achieve by this? If there was any injustice, it should have been discussed in the meeting. What is the point of speaking from the streets?" he said.
Congratulations to Sam Helmick, who was named by the ALA Council this week to the 2025-2026 ALA presidency, after Ray Pun was forced to step aside for health reasons. Publishers Weekly spoke to Helmick in April, and ran a short interview.

It was a big week in politics, with Kamala Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. And in an encouraging sign for freedom to read advocates, Harris has wasted no time going after book banners. The Advocate reports on her speech this week at the American Federation of Teachers national convention in Houston. "Harris spoke passionately about the recent surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in red states, particularly the 'dont say gay' laws that have proliferated across the country," the article noted. "Harris also condemned the wave of Republican-led book bans that have targeted educational materials dealing with LGBTQ+ issues and racial history. She called out the hypocrisy of those who seek to restrict academic freedom while claiming to champion free speech. 'While you teach students about our nations past, these extremists attack the freedom to learn and acknowledge our nations true and full history,' she said. 'We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books.'" The full speech is here.

CNN reports that the author of a book banned by a Florida school district is demanding its reinstatement. Alan Gratz, author of Ban This Book, which is about book banning, wrote a letter to the Indian River County school district that was read at a school board meeting. To remove these books is bad enough. To remove my book, because it dares to mention books you have already banned, is erasure of the highest order, he wrote in the letter, which was obtained by CNN.

WABE, the NPR affiliate in Atlanta, reports that some school districts in Georgia have canceled plans to teach the new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies to high schoolers. Their action follows Georgias decision to refuse state funding for the course. "There has been little public discussion in Georgia of the African American Studies course. But in 2022, Georgia lawmakers passed a ban on teaching divisive racial concepts in schools, the report notes.

Over at Book Riot, Kelly Jensen leads off her weekly censorship news roundup with a look at the attacks on AP courses. "Its not only the AP African American Studies course struggling under right-wing legislation. Others are as well, for reasons similar to those relating to the AP African American Studies course and for reasons of the changing targets of this current wave of censorship," Jensen writes.

 We want to ban assault weapons, and they want to ban books. 

Bridge Michigan reports that the Alpena County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday began the process of firing all members of its public library board. Commissioner Travis Konarzewski told the outlet that the action came because "the library board was not listening to the concerns of the public and refused to move sexually themed books to a different part of the library." Dillon Geshel, president of the Michigan Library Association, told reporters that the board "has been careful to follow a process and seek legal advice," and that the reason for the board's proposed removal "seems to be that the library board continues to carefully follow the law when weighing questions about the content of library materials."

Some good news from Michigan this week: the Lansing State Journal reports that after a public outcry the Lansing School District is backing off its plan to eliminate school librarians. "Concerns from parents, students and teachers have prompted the Lansing School District to consider keeping all 4 of their certified, full-time K-8 librarians," the report notes.

The Idaho Capitol Sun reports that a group of lawyers have sued to stop the enforcement of the state's controversial new law that enables students, parents, and legal guardians to fill out a written notice requesting a library move items harmful to children to an area with access restricted to adults. 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 reporters, alleging that the law "violates the First Amendment rights of private schools and libraries and 14th Amendment protections for the fundamental liberty interest of parents."

The Nevada Independent is reporting that Washoe County has canceled Drag Story Hour events at the countys libraries. "In a letter to library staff, the report states, county manager Eric Brown said the Workplace Violence Committee unanimously voted to recommend the events be discontinued over concerns for staff safety. 'Despite ongoing efforts by library staff and volunteers to enhance safety measures, including increased security presence and de-escalation training, the committee concluded that the risks posed to county employees have reached an unacceptable level,' Brown wrote."

And finally this week, NBC News has a chilling, in-depth report (and a video) on a two-year criminal investigation in Granbury, Texas, that targeted three school librarians for allegedly allowing children to access literature that the officer, Scott London, a chief deputy constable, had deemed obscene:

"In an extraordinary look into the ramifications of the right-wing backlash against books dealing with racism, gender, sex and sexuality, an 824-page investigative file obtained by NBC News and NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth shows how, for two years, London vigorously pursued felony charges against librarians in the Granbury Independent School District. London secured subpoenas, filed public records requests, received names of students whod checked out certain books and, after a year, wrote draft criminal complaints," the report notes. "London pushed for third-degree felony charges against three school librarians, which could have carried a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000."

The Week in Libraries is a weekly opinion and news column. News, tips, submissions, questions or comments are welcome, and can be submitted via email. Previous columns can be viewed here.




The benefits of large print books have been well documented, and not just for older readers or those with vision impairments. Research shows the format can increase reading confidence in classroom situations and spark developmental gains among young readers, including among those who are learning English.

When we started introducing librarians to youth large print, we were able to increase their title acquisition almost immediately, says Carrie Willis, lead marketing manager for Gales Thorndike Press, a major publisher of large print titles. The next question, she says, was, Do you have it in Spanish?

Indeed, school librarians and educators have found that large print can be a powerful tool for students learning English. Yet theres a glaring disparity in the marketplace: a quick search on Amazon yields more than 700,000 large print options in English, but only around 2,000 for Spanish-language readers, few of which are aimed at young readers.

Its a critical need Thorndike is seeking to address with its first-ever collection of youth large print books in Spanish. The program, which debuted this spring, has so far seen the release of 20 titles, with plans for eight more in the coming months, including books by bold-faced authors like Julia Alvarez, Meg Medina, Jason Reynolds, Erika L. Sanchez, and Ruta Sepetys.

Thorndike reps say the program is a response to the growing chorus of feedback from librarians and educators, who have long been asking for more resources to support bilingual students. They also cited a study by education advocacy group Project Tomorrow, which found that two-thirds of teachers polled said large print texts led to faster English acquisition by students who are non-native English speakers, with another 42% noticing improved decoding skills among English-language learners reading large print.

Librarians say the program also supports equitable access efforts in schools. Making youth large print titles available in Spanish demonstrates a commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and supporting diverse learning needs, said Donna Gray, library coordinator at the New York City School Library System, at the 2024 Public Library Association Conference in April, when the program was announced. By offering youth large print in Spanish, we create an inclusive environment that recognizes and celebrates linguistic diversity.


Cristina Jimenez was brought to the U.S. in 1998 as an undocumented teenager and just over a decade later was meeting with White House officials to help craft policies for immigrants in the same situation. Her leadership as cofounder of the immigrant advocacy network United We Dream earned her a 2017 MacArthur fellowship.

When she eventually sat down to write a book, it wasnt her policy expertise that she wanted to share, even though its what many publishers expected from her, she says. I wanted to engage with peoples hearts and emotions about who we are as a country, who we want to be, and who belongs.

With polls consistently showing immigration topping voter concerns and the topic about which they are most polarized, PW spoke with Jimenez and other immigrant authors of fiction and nonfiction about how their experience informs their work and cuts to the heart of what it means to be an American.

Paper chase

Like many immigrant narratives, Jimenezs was born of her familys determination to create opportunity for the next generation, leading them to Queens to escape a growing economic crisis in Ecuador.

My parents believed in opportunity and justice for all but I pretty quickly realized that because of our immigration status that was not going to be the case for people like us, says Jimenez, who arrived in the U.S. at age 13. As she explains in her forthcoming memoir, Dreaming of Home (St. Martins, Feb. 2025), even though she was an honors student, she was almost deprived of a college education because of her legal status.

The organization she cofounded would eventually be hailed for pushing the Obama administration to enact Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), providing a temporary reprieve from deportation for certain unauthorized immigrants who arrived as children. While she hopes her book inspires readers to believe in the potential for collective action, she highlights the centrality of another theme: finding home even when that place you consider home tells you it doesnt want you.

Komail Aijazuddin grapples with disappointment and a longing for acceptance in his forthcoming memoir, Manboobs (Abrams, Aug.), which PWs starred review called a stirring account of coming of age and coming out. As a closeted teenager in Lahore, Pakistan, Aijazuddin adored divas and Disney princesses and dreamed of going to North America, which he saw as a gay promised land.

Yet when he arrived in Montreal soon after 9/11, a period of rampant Islamophobia, he was quickly made to feel unwelcome. Eventually he made his way to the U.S., where he faced further challenges. Aijazuddin writes about coming to terms with his body and sexuality while confronting prejudice not only among immigration officials but also queer hipsters in Brooklyn who couldnt empathize with the racism he faced as an immigrant from Pakistan. I was a brown, Muslim male before anything else, he says.

After nearly 20 years in the U.S., three of them as a citizen, Aijazuddin says the notion of national identity still troubles him. One of the questions I wanted to pose with this book was, When does one go from an immigrant to an American? If you look and sound a certain way, such as I do, you may never be seen as an American.

Anne Anlin Cheng, an English professor at Princeton who was born in Taiwan, wrestles with the same question. Ive been here more than 50 years, Cheng says. I dont even dream in Chinese anymore. I dream in English, and yet I still feel like an immigrant.

In the essay collection Ordinary Disasters (Pantheon, Sept.), Cheng writes about undergoing cancer treatment during the pandemic amid the terrifying outbreak of hate crimes against Asians, a combination of circumstances that forced her to drop the academic veneer with which she often observed her adopted country and contend with her experience as a hyphenated American. She discusses her marriage to a white man and parenting biracial children, struggling to find her footing in both Chinese and American notions of femininity, and, after a spate of suicides among Princeton students, confronts the unacknowledged emotional toll faced by Asian American students pressured to succeed.

What I thought were all these skills I had were in fact an emotional job that Id been laboring under for years in order to assimilate, and it wore me down, Cheng says. This book was about realizing how profound this immigration experience has been.

Through the looking glass

Other writers address similar sentiments through fiction, among them Ismet Prcic, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1996, in the wake of the Yugoslavian Wars. He debuted with 2011s autofictional Shards; in the forthcoming Unspeakable Home (Avid Reader, Aug.), a middle-aged immigrant from Bosnia named Izzy Prcic writes confessional fan letters about the breakup of his marriage to comedian Bill Burr. Interspersed among the letters are short stories written by Izzy whose narrators represent different versions of his broken self. PWs review called the book a clever and moving work.

Prcic says he sees the two novels as part of a possible trilogy that explores his ongoing struggle to overcome the trauma that informs how he writes about the American experience. A lot of immigrant fiction likes to tell a certain story to Americans. Somebody came here from somewhere and they figured it out. I complicate the immigrant story by not writing success stories. I write about people who are broken.

Cherry Lou Sys debut novel, Love Cant Feed You (Dutton, Oct.), is also concerned with fracturingof family, of a sense of self. A Chinese Filipina teenager named Queenie moves with her brother and father to the U.S. to join her mother, who has been working as a nurse in Brooklyn. After years of dreaming about America, the family is disappointed by the cramped apartment filled with items snagged from sidewalk junk piles. Queenies parents fight constantly and pressure her to forget about school and get a job. Amid the dehumanizing grind, Queenie also discovers that her hybrid identity is still a source of scorn.

Like the novels protagonist, Sy is of mixed Chinese Filipina heritage and says that among her most confusing experiences when she moved to the U.S. was finding her identity flattened. In the U.S. she wasnt Chinese enough to be accepted by other Chinese immigrants; Americans saw her as part of a monolithic Asian group. Moving here, I had a huge cultural identity crisis, Sy says.

A desire to see her mixed identity represented in literature about Asian Americans is part of what led her to write the novel. There are a lot of Filipino writers, she notes, but not many have written explicitly about their Chinese heritage. There was nothing about what happens when youre othered already and then you move here, youre asked to check a box, and then asked to speak for this box.

Tara Isabel Zambrano, an electrical engineer in Dallas, moved with her husband from India to the U.S. in the mid-1990s for work. The stories in her second collection, Ruined a Little When We Are Born (Dzanc, Oct.), jump from communities in South Asia to the Indian diaspora in the U.S. South and often feature mothers straining against limits to their desires.

Zambrano hesitates to characterize her writing as representing any specific experience beyond what she invented on the page but acknowledges a common backdrop: the profound rupture caused by moving between one world and another. I had to relearn everything when we moved herehow to interact with my childrens teachers, the nuances of a conversation; everything was different, she says. A sort of longing to feel at home developed, and I think you see that manifested in different ways in my stories.

Nigerian American writer Sefi Atta, who divides her time between Lagos, London, and Meridian, Miss., avoided broaching the topic of immigration when she first began publishing more than 20 years ago, fearing she would lapse into cliche. As literary spaces have opened up for African authors, she says, shes become more comfortable with playing with tropes about immigration.

 Ive been here for more than 50 years.

I dont even dream in Chinese anymore.

I dream in English, and yet I still feel like an immigrant. 

In her forthcoming novel Good-for-Nothing Girl (Interlink, Nov.), a young woman agrees to travel to the U.S. to work as a relatives nanny in hopes of pursuing a college education, then finds herself trapped in a modern-day form of indentured servitude. She escapes and becomes a cause celebre but resents the way activists depict her as helpless, and resists offers to commodify her story.

While the novel connects to wider global issues, Atta, like other authors interviewed for this piece, hopes readers will appreciate her protagonists individual experience. Theres a certain expectation that our stories be in some way extraordinary or calamitous, she says. My character may have been through an extraordinary journey, but she wants to be seen not as a case study but as a real person.

Jasmina Kelemen, a writer in Houston, grew up Yugoslav Canadian and now calls herself an American.

Read more from our In-Focus: Immigrant Experiences feature

Childrens Books About Immigrant Experiences

New picture books, graphic novels, and YA fiction grapple with the short- and long-term effects of leaving home.

The Fine Print: PW Talks with Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, Janine Joseph, and Esther Lin

The anthology Here to Stay serves as a mission statement for members of the Undocupoets and other writers who are or have been undocumented.

6 New Works of Fiction and Nonfiction About Immigrant Experiences

Authors from across the globe document the joys and travails of diaspora communities.
Adults immigrate for myriad reasons, and often with gains for future generations in mind. But from a childs perspective, immediate losses dominate. All these choices are made for usas refugees, as immigrantsby our parents, by outside sources, says filmmaker Maham Khwaja, who immigrated to the U.S. from Pakistan with her family at age six. Imagination is all you really have as a kid, and thats what you use to help yourself understand the world, and also understand yourself.

To appreciate how different age groups make sense of the short- and long-term impacts of immigration, PW spoke with eight authors of forthcoming childrens books, several prompted by personal experiences.

Picture books and home

In Khwajas debut picture book, The Home We Make (Lee & Low, Oct.), illustrated by Daby Zainab Faidhi, a young narrator fleeing with her parents from a war zone draws on her imagination to establish a sense of security. Crossing a rubble-strewn landscape to reach the seashore, the family shelters under a dock, where the narrator has an idea: I find a stick and draw a house in the sand around Baba and Mama to keep them safe. Khwaja says she wrote that scene to emphasize that to have agency as a child, to understand your emotions and to self-soothe, is resilience. The moment was fiction, but its all rooted in these very pure, real feelings and events that occurred in real life.

Author-illustrator Anna Desnitskaya left Moscow for a weeklong vacation with her children in February 2022. When Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine the day that they were due to leave Cyprus, she realized they would not be going home again. A Star Shines Through (Eerdmans, Aug.) relates Desnitskayas experience through the eyes of a child who settles with their mother into a sparse apartment in a strange city. Memories of a star-shaped cardboard lamp, visible from afar in a window of their old home, sharpen the loss, until together they craft a new one.

Desnitskaya says she centered the lampa feature of her own hometo tell complex stories through the mundane, simplest things. She maintains that simplicity in her depiction of war, drawing an approaching, terrifying black cloud and thickening darkness. This visual representation of a feeling that she says has haunted me for the past few years renders the sense of foreboding appropriate for young readers.

Second and subsequent generations often look back to their immigrant forebears with appreciation burnished by distance. Like Clara, the protagonist of In the Groves (Penguin Workshop, Sept.), debut author-illustrator Andrea Cruz Floren grew up in the Midwest and looked forward to her visits with her Mexican American relatives in California. In the story, Clara wants to see the family orange groves shes heard so much about, and when shes told theyre no place for a visitor, she bristlesA visitor is a tourist, a stranger. Im familia!and sneaks in.

Striking the right narrative tone was tricky for the author: the groves are the result of hard immigrant labor, but they also represent optimism, she says: The book was a way to reclaim that were proud of who we are, what we went through, and what weve overcome.

Middle grade graphic novels and identity

An uncertain sense of self defines middle grade protagonists, and a dual-culture upbringing complicates the situation. When Ruth Chan was 13, her familys relocation from Toronto to Hong Kong upended her life. She revisits the experience in her graphic memoir debut, Uprooted (Roaring Brook, Sept.), which received a starred review from PW. In Canada, Ruth was always seen as Chinese, but in Hong Kong, reunited with family, shes not Chinese enough. As she navigates two cultures, Ruth faces an age-old struggle: bridging the divide.

Some things might never be understood by the other party, Chan says. To me, a sense of vulnerability, and an openness to difference and learning about those things, can bring connection. One thing Ive learned from making this bookstorytelling and sharing family history is so important in bringing family members together.

Graphic novelist Jose Pimienta likewise straddles two cultures: they have dual U.S.-Mexican citizenship and grew up in a border town. Politics that are usually seen as mundane play on a larger scale for us, they note, and this theme dominates Halfway to Somewhere (RH Graphic, Feb. 2025). Twelve-year-old Ave, their brother Ramon, and mother Jossall with birthright citizen-

shipmove to Lawrence, Kans., from Mexicali, Mexico, leaving behind their father and sister Cruz, who have Mexican passports.

The separation turns the political acutely personal, Pimienta says. Growing up and being exposed to the complexities of ethnicity, cultural identity, geopoliticsI dont think that thats easy for anybody, let alone a child.

YA and generational perspectives

Three stylistically different narratives covering past, present, and future illuminate the legacy of immigration. Google engineer and poet Freeman Ng grew up in the Bay Area and knew the history of San Franciscos Angel Island, where Chinese immigrants were detained under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, but he had never visited. When Ng came across poems written by those prisoners on the walls of their barracks, he says, that was what really inspired mepoetry as the vehicle to express states of being. His forthcoming novel-in-verse, Bridge Across the Sky (Atheneum, Aug.), opens in 1924 with a teenager immigrating with his father and grandfather. He calls himself Lee Yip Jing but admits its a paper story meant to fool the white authorities while the family is in detention.

Ng wants readers to understand that these strange foreign characters were just ordinary people who eventually became Americans and turned out to be valuable parts of American society, he says. Theyre here because we opened our doors to them. PWs starred review said that Ng examines the history of white imperialism and racism through lyrical and introspective verse, while conversational dialogue fosters intimacy and immediacy with contemporary readers.

National Book Award finalist Randy Ribays Everything We Never Had (Kokila, Aug.) examines masculinity and familial trauma via four generations of Filipino teens alternating perspectives, according to PWs starred review. Racism and resistance to parental pressure take root in 1929 California when 16-year-old Francisco Maghabol regrets immigrating to Watsonville. The resulting father-son conflicts culminate in the present day as Franciscos son Emil, now a grandfather, moves into the home of his son Chris and grandson Enzo at the start of the pandemic.

Ribay, who was born in the Philippines and raised in the Midwest, has noticed a recurring pattern in immigrant families from formerly colonized nations: The first generation tries to assimilate. The second pushes back against that, and later generations seek to reclaim their heritage. Parents try to do the best that they can for their child, and the child tries to do the same, but every generation grows up under different conditions. The world is always changing.

The one constant, says Gloria Munoz, poet laureate of St. Petersburg, Fla.: Immigrants have yet to be fully treated as worthy human beings in this country. At the same time, she notes, climate change is disproportionately impacting people of color. Her debut prose-and-verse novel for teens, This Is the Year (Holiday House, Jan. 2025), is set in a near future when the rich live inland, safe from the rising seas; the poor occupy the coast; and immigrating to space is the answer to global warming. Juli, a high school senior, applies to the New American Space Program hoping to work on the moon.

The glamor of space is a veneer, Munoz says. The program is intentionally set up to provide cheap labor, masked as an opportunity. Readers may be rooting for Juli, but theyll likely start to ask questions.

Munoz says she writes YA because young people have the capacity, prudence, and hope to enact change. Like other authors PW spoke with, she sees the conversation between reader and writer as one of empathy, and aims to reach any person, young or old, who is struggling with the state of our world and how to understand their place in it.

Linda Lowen is a writer, editor, and theater reviewer living in Syracuse, N.Y., and a Nisei, or second-generation Japanese American.
It is easy to forget how unpopular Abraham Lincoln was during his lifetime. In fact, he was hated by much of the countrynot only in the South, which seceded after his election in 1860, but also in the North. Shortly after Lincoln moved into the White House in 1861, a New Jersey editor wrote privately that Abe Lincolns election was received by us with disgust. An Ohioan added, the papers say, they are going to kill the new elected president. Lincoln received death threats in the mail, and some Democratic newspapers openly called for his assassination.

Northerners routinely mocked and criticized their president. After Lincoln visited an army camp, one semiliterate New Yorker wrote that old abe loked like a Shark more then like a man. An Iowan called his administration treacherous, imbecile and cowardly, while a Long Island woman said he was vain and weak, and low-bred. Some considered Lincoln a traitor and even contemplated his death. A barely literate Ohio soldier wrote home that he woddent vollenteer another hundred days to save [the Ohio governors] and old abe lincon Necks from the gallows.

Although Lincolns stated purpose for waging the war was to preserve the Union  and thus prove to the world that republican government could survive  many of Lincolns critics saw him as disregarding the Constitution. Writing from Canada, a Philadelphian told his father that the republican form of government in the United States is dead  and that we will never see another President. Alluding to Lincolns controversial civil liberties policies, this writer added, When a republican government rewards with a prison those who are politically opposed to it, and silences such newspapers as criticize its course or are opposed to it in principle, we may be sure that it is near its end.

Of course, Lincoln did not destroy democracy. To be sure, there were some unfortunate irregularities during some Civil War elections, but Lincoln never contemplated canceling or postponing the presidential election of 1864, even at the low points when he believed he would lose. (Dissatisfaction with Lincoln ran high during the summer of 1864 as Union armies were unable to capture Richmond and Atlanta.)

During the long, hot summer of 1864, many Union soldiers came out against Lincolns reelection. A New Jersey artillerist groused that Old Abe the Butcher was ruining our Country and waging war to fill his pockets. Only after prospects for Northern victory improved in September and October did this soldier, and many others like him, come to support Lincoln as the best hope for peace and reunion. I am very sorry I ever denounced him as I did because I now truly believe he is worthy to be our President, he wrote shortly before election day.

Lincolns assassination in April 1865 brought further transformation to the political atmosphere. Expressions of grief and personal loss were ubiquitous, even among many of Lincolns political opponents. The army is feeling very sad and gloomy in consequence of President Lincol[n]s death, wrote a surgeon from Vermont. We feel that we have lost a father and a friend and the country its head. The sadness is general throughout the whole army.

But not everyone was unified in mourning. A Democrat in Pennsylvania was not sure how I feel in regard to his assassination. She resented that Republicans said Lincoln has been murdered by the Democratic Party. And so, although she felt very sorry that such a wicked crime should be committed, she was irritated when we are slurred as entertaining the same feelings that the assassin did.

Some white Southerners and Northern Democrats openly celebrated Lincolns assassination. A woman in upstate New York was asked to leave a friends home when she exulted, It cant be true, it is too good to be true. And Union soldiers who rejoiced were set to working on the most public streets of Chattanooga with balls and chains attached to their ankles while wearing signs with the words Assassination Sympathizer printed in large letters so that every person that can read or spell may see for what they are working there for.

But in the end, most Americans recognized what a terrible loss their nation had suffered when Lincoln was shot. Even ex-Confederates realized that they had lost a statesman who was inclined toward mercy. In death, Lincoln came to be almost universally regarded as a great and good man. On April 15th, the day he died, a New Yorker wrote, He is a good man and I believe has done what he could for the good of his Country. A soldier from Pennsylvania noted that Lincoln had a great & good heart. And a veteran in Indiana observed, I tell you our country has lost a grate & good man one witch will nevver be forgotton.

Indeed, Lincolns assassination transformed the 16th president into a world-revered martyr who would never be forgotten. His leadership in the midst of difficulties almost unparalleled, wrote an Illinois surgeon, won the admiration of the world, and his death is mourned, not only by his countrymen, but by all peoples.
TLC / Reality TV World

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 07/26/2024



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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 Michael Eloshway has been found guilty of two child pornography counts.A jury found Michael, 42, guilty of receiving, distributing and possessing child pornography on July 24, Cleveland.com reported U.S. District Judge Patricia Gaughan read the verdict in court, and Michael will be facing up to 20 years in prison. At a minimum, he'll reportedly be sentenced to 17 years and five months behind bars.Mike's sentencing is scheduled on October 29, and in the meantime, he'll remain free on bond.After a three-day trial in a Cleveland federal court, jurors deliberated for nearly two hours to reach a verdict.Michael's mother reportedly broke down crying upon hearing the guilty verdict while Michael showed "little reaction."Michael's wife Aziza, who starred alongside the former IT specialist on 's first season in 2014, reportedly lowered her head upon learning the news. Aziza and Michael share a five-year-old daughter, Olivia Joan, together.Michael had rejected a plea deal last month offering a shorter sentencing range. If the deal had been accepted, Michael would be facing more like 12-15 years in prison.Mike was initially indicted on child pornography charges in June 2023, when police had accused him of "knowingly receiving and distributing... depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct" between February 2022 and March 2023, according to court documents obtained by In Touch Weekly.One of the images reportedly featured a girl under the age of 12.Prosecutors pointed out during Michael's trial that authorities had raided his home in 2023 and found 8,000 images of child pornography on his computer.Michael became a suspect in 2022 when FBI identified 65,000 images of child pornography had been downloaded to his IP address."He's addicted to pornography," Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Dangelo said during closing arguments, according to In Touch. "He knew [the tens of thousands of images] were there."Michael signed a confession, admitting he had downloaded pornography via BitTorrent and searched "teen porn" to find and download images of models 17 years and younger."His Internet search requests were generic," Mike's attorney Jay Milano wrote in a court filing on June 18."The contraband came as unindexed parts of 'torrents/floods' of data. The contraband was delivered among a small number [of] 'torrents/floods' over time. Those torrent/floods were but a small percentage of total searches over the same period. When discovered, he deleted them."Michael testified in his own defense and claimed he had only been interested in adult pornography. He alleged that he had stumbled across child pornography three times while using BitTorrent, only to immediate delete the offensive and graphic files."I can't describe how much I hated seeing those images," Michael reportedly said in his testimony, adding that agents allegedly pressured him into writing a confession."My only concern was being able to see my daughter again. It was a crazy day, my heart was still racing, and I was under investigation for something I never meant to do. But I was worried I would never see my daughter again."Mike was a 31-year-old from Cleveland, OH, and Aziza was a 21-year-old from Volgograd, Russia, when she arrived in America on a K-1 visa.The couple originally met on a language acquisition website that paired up people attempting to learn each other's language.A friendship blossomed into a romance once Aziza's application for a work visa was denied, and in Summer 2014, she came to America to live with Mike.Mike and Aziza then married and she took his last name.Aziza gave birth to the couple's first child, a baby girl, in January 2019."Guess who's here... Little Miss Olivia Joan 01.14.19." she captioned in an Instagram photo showing Mike holding the newborn at the time.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
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
Superheroes have a complicated job: endless work days, with hardly any breaks, in very high-risk contexts, and all without a salary. Of course, in return, luck has given them enormous power, while the gratitude of citizens  who they save time and time again  must also be a kind of compensation. The X-Men, however, dont even have that. On the contrary: humanity despises them.

Feared and hated by the world they have sworn to protect is the motto that has accompanied the mutants during their six decades of life. They were, simply, born different, and thats why typical people reject them. This will sound familiar to any member of a marginalized group. Their most important enemy is intolerance, summarizes Alejandro Martinez, the editor of Panini Comics, which publishes works by Marvel in Spain.

When Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created the X-Men, in September 1963, they may have been way ahead of the times. While theres more solidarity today, at the same time, new threats are  once again  putting up walls and creating ghettos. Progress has put the spotlight back on the X-Men. Of course, their recent resurgence also has to do with cinema, creative risks (or their absence), video games and nostalgia. In this moment, the mutants are savoring precisely what they never received in their original plots: the adoration of the masses.

Hordes of worshipers are expected to flood theaters for Deadpool & Wolverine, which opened in the U.S. on Friday, July 26. In addition to their standard missions, the two mutants  perhaps the most peculiar of the bunch  are also entrusted with the task of attempting to rescue the cinemas themselves and to demonstrate to Disney (which owns Marvel) that the X-Men still have a future on the big screen. Meanwhile, on the small screen, the X-Men have taken the world by storm, via the animated series X-Men 97, which streams on Disney+.

An image from the animated TV series 'X-Men '97.' Marvel Animation (Courtesy of Marvel Animation)

The film has also been accompanied by the umpteenth revolution in comics. After the groundbreaking Krakoan Age (2019-2024)  a series of X-Men storylines that received both acclaim and harsh criticism  a new era suggests a return to the basic essence of the franchise. From the Ashes is the name of the 2024 relaunch. And, while leaks of the Wolverine video game have exasperated Insomniac Games, this has only increased the expectations for the 2025 release.

For Reed Tucker  author of Slugfest: Inside the Epic, 50-year Battle between Marvel and DC (2017)  the X-Men act as a metaphor for discrimination, [which] plays a key role in almost all of their stories. Its always been Marvels most overtly political comic, Tucker affirms. Already back in 2022, journalist Kwame Opam, in an article for The New York Times, wrote about how a community of X-Men fans  notably young, self-identified queer people of color  is growing around podcasts and on social platforms, including Twitter, TikTok and Discord.

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, in an image from 'Deadpool & Wolverine' (2024).

The mutants have had other moments of glory and oblivion. This can happen to anyone who reaches retirement age. But the X-Men have no plans to retire. They were born in the same period as other Marvel legends, from Spider-Man to The Fantastic Four. At the Xavier Institute  a mansion in Westchester County, New York  Professor Charles Xavier worked with his five original students: Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Angel and Iceman. The clash between mutants and humans was an issue from the beginning, alongside an eternal debate that placed the founder of the X-Men in opposition to Magneto, who is both his friend and nemesis. Theyve long fought over the mutants either integrating into humanity  despite the hatred they receive  or subjugating it.

Poor sales, however, cornered the mutants. It was going so badly that, a few years after [the series was introduced], the original production was halted. There were only a few reprints. [The X-Men] didnt really have an impact on popular culture until the mid-1970s, Tucker clarifies. By then, more students had already arrived at Professor Xaviers institute. And they didnt just come from the United States: Wolverine came from Canada, Storm remembered his childhood in Kenya, Nightcrawler blurted out a few words in German and Colossus spoke Russian. Gambit hailed from the Cajun ethnic group, while Thunderbird  a descendant of the Apache  gave voice to the most unheard community in the Americas: the Indigenous people. At least, for a handful of issues, until he passed away.

An image from 'House of X and Powers of X' by Jonathan Hickman, Pepe Larraz and R. B. Silva.

A key addition to the fate of the characters emerged in the form of Chris Claremont. Not a mutant, but a screenwriter who elevated the X-Men, alongside artists such as Dave Cockrum or John Byrne. Their struggle isnt simply to defeat the bad guys; its to establish themselves as credible, honorable fellow citizens of the planet, the writer notes, in the appendix to Days of Future Past, one of his most famous storylines.

All my life, Ive seen people murdered for no other reason than the God they worship or the color of their skin or the presence of an extra gene in their DNA, is a line he had Magneto say in Mutant Genesis 2.0, another of his applauded works. Some of his other famous titles include The Dark Phoenix Saga, Excalibur, or God Love, Man Kills, among many others.

The concept of the novel was clear: each episode was almost self-contained, but in some ways, it was part of a larger story. It gave the feeling of reading something transcendent. And [Claremont] also took care of each character, editor Alejandro Martinez acknowledges.

Still, what probably mattered most to Marvel was income. After a rough start, X-Men became the companys most successful series. X-Men 1  from October 1991  achieved the Guinness World Record for the best-selling comic book ever, with eight million copies sold.

The Claremont stage also hooked  among many others  Salvador Larroca. Years later, the Spaniard would have the honor of drawing plots by the screenwriter who had influenced him so much. He ended up becoming one of the most revered illustrators in the history of the characters. Ive been to signing sessions where people come up to me and tell me that reading those comics changed their lives at the time. Maybe they associate you  as a creator  with that revitalization. Its very emotional, the artist says.

Promotional image of the video game 'Wolverine,' by Insomniac Games.

Another key artist involved in the X-Men, Pepe Larraz, highlights more superpowers associated with the mutant epic: What makes a work of art good is that it has multiple interpretations, depending on the moment. When youre a child, youre amazed that Wolverine has claws. As an adult, you understand persecution, family, conflict versus peace, discrimination Thats why the X-Men are so relevant. And I like that the characters  rather than being terribly bad  are, to a certain extent, understandable. Its one of the comics in which morality is questioned the most. Perhaps thats also why the X-Men have generated so many conversations and controversies.

In the comic E is for Extinction, Grant Morrison wrote about the massacre of 16 million mutants, while Frank Quietely drew it. And so many other plots have discussed genocides and social Darwinism, while fiercely criticizing Catholicism (but also celebrating the heroes who practice it). The comics draw parallels to Martin Luther King, apartheid in South Africa, the transgender identity, as well as the different positions within feminism. In the 2003 film X-Men 2, Icemans parents ask him a question  have you tried not being a mutant?  which evokes the uncomfortable conversations that so many LGBTQ+ children have faced at home. The character ultimately came out of the closet in 2015.

Ann Nocenti, a legendary screenwriter and editor who was also in charge of the X-Men comics for a time, once raised a critical point: why did the public in the Marvel Comics despise Cyclops and company, but applaud the exploits of superheroes like the Human Torch or Black Widow? How could they know that the former were mutants?

She decided that the focus going forward should be different. Their powers arrive during puberty, similar to the changes you go through in adolescence, whether theyre special, uncontrolled, or end up marginalizing you. Its all about the issue of identity, of not fitting in.

Sophie Turner, in an image from the film 'X-Men: Dark Phoenix,' directed by Simon Kinberg.

The recent Krakoan Age  written by Jonathan Hickman and drawn by Larraz  has been accused of turning the X-Men into supremacists, who lock themselves in their country and its privileges, all while blackmailing humanity. The Spaniard understands that attacks are the price for trying to innovate: Theres the illusion of change in Marvel. It seems like everything changes, but it never happens. In this case, it does. Precisely because of the daring and uncomfortable dilemmas, Connor Goldsmith  creator of CEREBRO, a podcast about the X-Men  applauds the recent stage in the saga.

Instead of a full-on revolution, the X-Men 97 animated series proposed a reform. The usual themes would be kept to recover old followers  from the sentinel robots that massacre mutants, to the fights between Cyclops and Wolverine  but they would be embraced by some more modern ideas and political approaches (too woke for some). According to those interviewed by EL PAIS, it was precisely the repetition  to the point of exhaustion  that ultimately sank earlier stages of the mutants.

Martinez recognizes that, at the end of the 1990s, the comics already had too many characters. About 130 have passed through the team at some point, which has also been joined by groups such as X-Force, or X-Factor. Many have had their own collection of solo comics. Wolverine or Xavier have died and returned, while Jean Gray has done so on more than one occasion. Theres no group [of superheroes] that has incorporated more people. After 30 or 40 years telling stories about a character, its difficult to do something that hasnt already been done. So, oftentimes, the screenwriter who takes on a series introduces new additions that allow them to give [the story] their own touch. And, from time to time, some have had to be killed off to reduce [the size of the team], Larroca reflects. Like Larraz, however, he points out that Marvel tries to play it as safe as possible. Nowadays, theres too much interference and too many people controlling things. Before, whatever was important was decided on in creative meetings.

A promotional image of 'X-Men: From the Ashes,' a 2024 relaunch of the X-Men line of comic books published by Marvel Comics

This explains why the X-Men films  after the success of the first ones in the early-2000s  multiplied to at least 15, between the main vein and the spin-offs. And it may explain why the latest installments  Apocalypse (2016) and Dark Phoenix (2019)  suffered critically and commercially. Corporate troubles have also worked against them: Marvel sold the rights to the characters to 20th Century Fox in 1994, hence they couldnt appear in the Avengers movies that swept the entire planet.

Despite the successful adaptation of Days of Future Past and having stars like Michael Fassbender, Patrick Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence, the saga was deflating. While the movie theaters, toy stores and amusement parks were filled with Thor, Captain Marvel or Groot, the mutants  and The Fantastic Four  were once again left on the sidelines. For Martinez, in the end, its all about cycles: We take it for granted that Iron Man is the most sought-after license behind Spider-Man. But when his first movie was released, he was a secondary Marvel character. There will be times when the X-Men are more or less fashionable, but theyll always be present. I think of Hamlet, or Romeo and Juliet, the high-quality works that are part of the canon will never be forgotten.

The cover of 'X-Men: Days of Future Past,' by Chris Claremont and John Byrne.

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As many as 10 states and UTs did not participate in the ninth governing council meeting of the Niti Aayog which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, its CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said on Saturday.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chief Ministers, Lt. Governors and special invitees representing 20 States and 6 Union Territories at the 9th governing council meeting of Niti Aayog, in New Delhi, July 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The meeting was attended by 26 participants including Chief Ministers and Lt Governors of UTs, he said while briefing the media.

The absentees were Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Puducherry, he said adding "It is their loss if they did not participate."

Regarding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who walked out of the meeting, Subrahmanyam said her request to speak before lunch was accepted although her turn would have come in the afternoon going in the alphabetical order of the states.

The NITI Aayog CEO further said that when her time was up, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh just tapped the mic and she stopped speaking and walked out.

Although officials of the West Bengal government continued to attend the meeting, he added.

About Bihar, he said Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could not attend the meeting as he was busy with the assembly session in the state.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the meeting, Niti Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery said that he wanted the states to compete for FDI so that investments could reach all the states, especially those that are less successful.

The meeting also discussed demographic management and the concept of zero poverty.

Subrahmanyam further said that the Prime Minister wants the states to spend more on districts so that they can become drivers of growth.

The prime minister also appreciated the idea of 'zero poverty' floated by some states and said that it should be targeted at the village level.

He has said villages can be declared 'zero poverty village' after assessment, Niti Aayog CEO added.

Subrahmanyam said the Aayog will finalise 'Vision India @2047' document in the next 45 days after receiving responses from chief ministers of the states.

"The good news is that over the last year, a lot of states have moved ahead in preparing vision documents. Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu have one," he said.

In the pipeline, the Niti Aayog CEO said, "We have Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam and a couple of other states lining up to make vision documents."

Subrahmanyam said the Prime Minister made it very clear why the Aspirational District Programme succeeds because it is clear, monitorable and has fixed targets.

A vision document is being prepared to help India become a developed economy of $30 trillion by 2047, the 100th year of its independence.

In 2023, Niti Aayog was entrusted with the task of consolidating the 10 sectoral thematic visions into a combined vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.

The vision encompasses various aspects of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance, among others.
The Sudarshan S-400 air defence missile system achieved a major success in a recent exercise where it 'shot down' 80 percent of the 'enemy' fighter aircraft package while forcing others to retreat, aborting their missions.

IMAGE: A view of the S-400 air defence missile systems. Photograph: Reuters

The exercise was carried out by the Indian Air Force in a theatre where the force has deployed one of its squadrons of the long-range air defence missile system, defence sources told ANI.

The exercise was conducted by the Indian Air Force to showcase full integration of air defence missile system into the force, they said.

During the exercise, real fighter aircraft were flying to test the capabilities of the S-400 weapon system, now called Sudarshan by the Indian Air Force after the mighty Sudarshan chakra of Lord Krishan.

The Sudarshan, 'locking on and targeting' in simulated action, could 'shoot down' 80 percent of the 'enemy' offensive package.

The other remaining aircraft aborted their mission which was to 'attack' their targets within Indian territory and were intercepted by the air defence system.

The Indian Air Force has now fully integrated the system, whose three squadrons have already been inducted and two more are expected to be supplied in 2026.

The Indian side has requested that Russia expedite the delivery of the systems. The Indian side, during a high-level visit to Russia, also requested the Russian side deliver the system.

India and Russia signed an over Rs 35,000 crore deal for five squadrons of S-400.

The Indian Air Force, which recently received the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, believes the S-400 will be a game changer for it.

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile System under Project Kusha.

The development came after the project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The Indian Air Force, which recently received the indigenous MR-SAM and Akash missile systems as well as the Israeli Spyder quick reaction surface-to-air missile systems, believes the S-400 will be a game changer for it.

The Indian Air Force has significantly improved its air defence capabilities in recent years.

Air defence systems have been deployed in a big way by the Chinese military across the Line of Actual Control, while India has also deployed its own systems in a big way there.
The Maldives has resumed using a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters gifted by India for medical evacuations after the two countries reached an understanding over the repatriation of Indian military personnel operating the three aviation platforms in the archipelagic nation, media reports said on Saturday.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Dubai on December 1, 2023. Photograph: Courtesy @narendramodi on X

President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has thanked India for enabling the resumption of medical evacuation services with civilian aviation personnel from India.

The Maldives National Defence Force told local media that the provision of medical evacuation through the Dornier flight and helicopters has resumed, this time with the civilian crew sent from India, news portal Edition.mv reported.

The two medical emergencies were carried out on Friday night, according to a post on X by the MNDF.

The Dornier aircraft and the helicopters were earlier operated by Indian military personnel and were stopped soon after President Muizzu took oath last November.

President Muizzu rode to power banking on the India Out' sentiment and had pushed for the repatriation of Indian military personnel from his country making a demand to this effect within hours of his swearing-in.

According to an agreement between India and Maldives in February this year, all Indian military personnel were to return in batches by May 10 and India kept its word. The military personnel were replaced by civilians as India did not take back the Dornier aircraft and the helicopters it had gifted to the Maldives some years ago.

News portal Adhadhu.com said Indians are stationed in Hanimaadhoo to operate the Dornier aircraft and in Laamu Kadhdhoo and Seenu Gan to operate the helicopters. A total of 76 Indians are based on the islands.

It further said that President Muizzu announced the restart of medical evacuations with the aircraft at the official function held at the youth centre last night to mark the 59th Independence Day.

A patient was transported to Male' on the India platform for the first time since military personnel were replaced by civilians. I thank the Indian government for this, Muizzu was quoted as saying by Sun.mv news portal.

The resumption of the Dornier aircraft operations came after the government faced criticism for not using the Dornier or the helicopters for medical emergencies, the news portal pointed out.

It also mentioned that the Indian military helicopters in Kadhdhoo and Addu were regularly flown before medical evacuations resumed with the Dornier aircraft. The government has not commented on it.

The civilian personnel were sent by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited  an Indian public sector aerospace and defence company in Bangalore, which manufactured the helicopter donated by the Indian government.

They will manage aviation platforms in Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo and Gan. Their contract expires in 2026, Sun.mv added.

The Maldives archipelago is to the south-west of the Indian peninsula with Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala being about 600-odd km away. For decades, Maldivians have been visiting Kerala and other south Indian states for medical emergencies and even regular treatments.

Meanwhile, some months ago, Maldives established the National Air Ambulance service, which is conducted with a repurposed Dash 8 flight and a seaplane.

Later on Saturday, during a ceremony to mark the 59th anniversary of Maldives' independence here at Male, the president spoke of Loan Restructuring and Debt Management', especially because of its financial bilateral relations with India and China.

The President acknowledged the significant contributions of China and India in assisting with the Maldives' debt repayment efforts. India has deferred a USD 50 million loan and provided food quotas for two more years.

China has given the green light to defer loans from the Exim Bank for various development projects for the next five years, with no interest payments during this period, Truth.mv reported.

Free trade talks with the UK are also underway, and there is renewed optimism for establishing a free trade agreement with India, it said quoting the president.
The Bengaluru police have arrested the prime suspect in the murder of a 24-year-old woman at a paying guest accommodation here recently, officials said on Saturday.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Abhishek was arrested in Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh where he fled after committing the murder of Kriti Kumari, they said.

Talking to reporters, Bengaluru police commissioner B Dayananda said the accused has been identified and picked up from Madhya Pradesh.

To a query about the motive behind the murder, he said, "We don't know yet. We have to take him into police custody and a thorough investigation and interrogation have to be conducted...only then further details can be shared."

Later, deputy commissioner of police (Southeast) Sarah Fathima said, "We have arrested the accused from Raisen district in Madhya Pradesh. We have brought him to Bengaluru on transit remand. We have already produced him before court and sought his custody to conclude the further investigation. Once we get his custody, we will thoroughly interrogate him and we will be able to know what was the motive behind this incident."

The victim who hailed from Kaimur district in Bihar did her MBA from Electronic City here and was working for a private company in the sales-marketing field. Her brother also works in Bengaluru, she said.

On Friday, the video of the chilling incident went viral.

According to the police, Abhishek had sneaked into the PG accommodation on July 23 and killed Kriti Kumari.

In the video, the man is seen walking into the corridor of the paying guest accommodation holding a polythene bag. He then knocks on the door and later, drags a woman out. The victim resists the attack, but is soon overpowered by the murderer, who slits her throat and runs away.

Upon hearing the noise, other women in the building rushed to the spot, but could not save her.

Kriti Kumari was working in a private firm in the city, they added.

According to the MP police, Abhishek has been studying in the Karnataka capital for the last four years.

"Abhishek Ghoshi was nabbed at around 4 am on Friday from Begamganj area in Raisen district (MP) and handed over to a team of the Karnataka police," Raisen superintendent of police Vikas Sahwal said.

"We have learnt that Ghoshi hails from Begamganj. He had been studying and living in Bengaluru for the last four years," he said.

Asked if the weapon used by Ghoshi had been recovered, Sahwal said he was not aware of it.

"Bengaluru police sought our help in arresting him. We nabbed him at Begamganj and handed him over to them," he said, adding that police have not found any criminal record on Ghoshi so far.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Ukrainian capital Kyiv next month to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy against the backdrop of renewed global efforts to sketch out a path to end Russia's war on Ukraine, multiple diplomatic sources said on Saturday.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Italy on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, in June, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy @PMOIndia on X

The proposed visit is being planned around the Ukrainian National Day of August 24 and the prime minister may also travel to Poland as part of a two-nation tour, they said.

If the visit takes place, then it would be the first trip by Modi to Ukraine and the first to Poland by an Indian prime minister in nearly 45 years.

The final rounds of discussions between Indian and Ukrainian officials on the trip came amid outrage in the Western world over Modi's recent visit to Moscow.

His proposed visit to Kyiv is being seen in some quarters as New Delhi's balancing act on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

There is no finality yet on the visit as massive preparations would be required in terms of logistics for the travel to a "warzone", the sources said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on July 19 and they discussed the visit of the prime minister, one of the sources said.

The focus of Modi's visit is expected to be to explore ways to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, said an expert on condition of anonymity.

The US and several of its allies were outraged over the timing of Modi's July 8 to 9 visit to Moscow as it coincided with the NATO summit in Washington. Some Western capitals were also learnt to be peeved over Modi choosing Russia for his first bilateral trip in his third term.

New Delhi on Thursday rejected Washington's concerns over the prime minister's visit to Moscow and asserted that all countries have the "freedom of choice" in a multipolar world and everyone should be mindful of such realities.

Modi's visit also coincided with a Russian missile striking a children's hospital in Kyiv and Zelenskyy cited it to criticise the Indian prime minister for visiting Moscow.

In his televised opening remarks at the summit, Modi said killing innocent children is heart-wrenching and very painful.

In his summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the prime minister 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.

Modi held talks with Zelenskyy last month on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy's Apulia.

In the meeting with Zelenskyy on June 14, Modi conveyed to the Ukranian president that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict and that the way to peace is through "dialogue and diplomacy".

Modi also told Zelenskyy that India believes in a "human-centric" approach to find a solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

In the meeting, the Ukranian president invited the prime minister to visit Kyiv.

India has been maintaining that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
For years, Venezuelans migration plans have been determined by electoral cycles. After 25 years of Chavismo, they have become part of daily conversation each time an election nears, as one will on July 28. You can hear such exchanges in the street, constantly, and theyre not just talk: various polls indicate that around a quarter of the Venezuelas population  between 18% and 22%  plan to leave the country this year. Of this group, the majority will base their decision on the result of Sundays election, saying they will emigrate if President Nicolas Maduro is elected for a third term.

At 55 years old, Maria Auxiliadora Fernandez says that she has thought about following her sister to Spain, where both have citizenship, if there is no change in government. Many people are thinking about leaving this time if there is no change, says the graphic designer, who has signed on to be an election monitor for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutias campaign. Although there may be an outcome on the 28th in which they say they won, that may change. There are many things that will be very difficult for Maduro if he does that, anything can happen. I wouldnt leave immediately, but I would start selling my things and get everything ready in order to go, she says.

Engilberth Jimenez thinks that even if the opposition wins, the situation wont improve enough in the short term. For this country to change, there needs to be a restructuring of everything that has been devalued. Were not talking about months, it will be at least a year, he says. He has decided to go to the United States, where some of his friends have already headed. The dangers of crossing the perilous Darien Gap seem like a necessary sacrifice in exchange for better opportunities. He is 26 years old, self-employed as a merchant and, on the phone from Barquisimeto in the central western region of the country, he says he can no longer postpone his life plans. Here, I can have a job and make money, but youre living day to day. You cant get the things you dream of quickly.

The waves of Venezuelan migrants who travel through the Darien Gap to get to the United States have not ceased, but they have slowed. In the first five months of 2024, 170,000 people traversed the jungle crossing between Colombia and Panama, the majority of them Venezuelans who have already passed through the regions other countries, where they were unable to establish themselves. That number is 2% higher than last years. The United States has made its entry requirements more stringent. Panama has also announced deportations and the fencing-off of trails and jungle paths under the new government of Jose Raul Mulino, who took office this month. The rainy season threatens access to other routes. When the numbers of Venezuelan migrants began to grow between 2014 and 2018, the worst years of the countrys economic crisis, nations like Chile, Peru and Ecuador implemented migrant and refugee policies in solidarity with the Venezuelans. Today, those countries require visas and have increased security at their borders. However, with more than seven million Venezuelans now living abroad  according to the World Bank, the countrys estimated remaining population in 2022 was 28.3 million  those who have stayed can count on more extensive networks in other nations, should they make the decision to emigrate.

Changes in movement

Since last year, certain shifts have taken place when it comes to the paths of the migrants. The Survey on Living Conditions for the Venezuelan, which was carried out by the Andres Bello Catholic University, reported that there are less Venezuelans living in Colombia and Peru and that there has been an increase in the numbers of those living in the United States and Spain. Chile now receives the third-highest number of Venezuelan migrants. The number of women who are emigrating to reunite with their families is on the rise, which could indicate a higher degree of stability for Venezuelan emigrants in different places. Migrants are also getting older: nearly half of them are between 30 and 49 years old.

Chavismo has frequently denied the existence of the migratory phenomenon, which has become an indicator of the Venezuelan governments poor management. For years, Venezuelan consulates have made it difficult for citizens to access their identifying documents and on July 28, of the estimated 3.5 million Venezuelans overseas who are eligible to vote in the election, only 69,000 will be able to do so, a number consisting of those who were able to sign up during the short, difficult-to-access periods in which electoral rolls were updated. Last month, Maduro announced the creation of a vice-ministry for Venezuelan migration affairs and, at his rallies, called for emigrants to return to the country. Opposition forces have also campaigned on the promise that, should they come to power, they will provide the correct conditions so that those who have left can come home.

The issue, of course, has figured largely in the negotiations taking place between Caracas and Washington D.C. At the end of last year, after signing the Barbados agreement, the petroleum licenses granted by the United States were accompanied by the resumption of migrant deportation flights from the country to Venezuela. The talks resulted in sanctions relief for Maduro and border pressure relief for Joe Biden.

Months later, the United States revoked those licenses after Maduros government decided to invalidate the presidential candidacy of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Venezuela refused to authorize the arrival of more deportation flights. The United States next presidential elections in November, which Republican Donald Trump is favored to win, could also have an impact on what happens regarding migratory policy and negotiations with the South American country.

For Venezuela, which has already lost 25% of its population, primarily among individuals of working age, higher emigration rates could be detrimental, warns Maria Gabriela Trompetero, lecturer and researcher of migration issues at Germanys Bielefeld University. The loss of workforce and demographics, together with the separation of families, is already having serious consequences for the country when it comes to economic, psychosocial and social cohesion issues. These problems would increase in the context of a new exodus driven by a Maduro victory. That would generate a series of complex and multifaceted problems, both for Venezuela and other countries of the region, she notes. For many Venezuelans, the decision of whether or not to leave their home country will also be on the table this Sunday.

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Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh have joined other Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states that have announced reservation or preference to ex-Agniveers for jobs in uniformed services like police, amid criticism of the short service military recruitment scheme by opposition parties which are calling for its scrapping.

IMAGE: he 3rd batch of Agniveer soldiers take oath during the passing out parade at Gaur Drill Ground, BRC, Danapur in Patna on June 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

States like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh had on Friday announced similar incentives.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said his government will provide reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment of jail and forest guards and the state police.

A statement from the Chief Minister's Office on Saturday said Sharma made the announcement for Agniveers on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26.

"The Rajasthan government has made a provision of reservation in state police, jail guard and forest guard recruitments for the Agniveers who protect the country's borders with a sense of dedication and patriotism," it said.

However, the percentage of the reservation in these services for Angiveers was not disclosed.

Retired Agniveers will be given preference during recruitment for the state's police, emergency and fire services, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced.

Khandu said this transformative initiative would enable the youngsters of Arunachal Pradesh to serve the country.

"The government of Arunachal Pradesh will facilitate training for local youths to prepare them for recruitment as Agniveers under the AGNIPATH scheme," the chief minister said in a post on X.

"Additionally, retired Agniveers from Arunachal Pradesh will be given preference in recruitment for the Arunachal Pradesh Police, AP Battalions, and Emergency and Fire Services," he added.

On Friday, the Odisha government announced a 10 per cent quota and five years of age relaxation for Agniveers in the state's uniformed services.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the Agniveers who return after serving the country will be given weightage in UP Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary.

However, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that the Agnipath scheme will be cancelled "as soon as we come to power".

While campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, Yadav repeatedly promised to scrap the scheme if the INDIA bloc, of which the Samajwadi Party is a constituent, formed the government at the centre.

In a post on X, Yadav said, "As soon as we come to power, the short-term 'Agniveer' military recruitment that compromises the security of the country and plays with the future of the soldiers will be cancelled within 24 hours."

"This is our demand on 'Agniveer'  The old recruitment (model) should be reinstated," he said in Hindi.

On Friday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo said Agniveers from the state would be given priority while recruiting police constables and forest and jail guards once they complete their service in the Indian Army.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said his government will give priority to Agniveers in the recruitment for armed police as well as the State Reserve Police Force.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said his government will provide quota to Agniveers in police and armed forces recruitment.

Agniveers will be granted a reservation in government jobs in Uttarakhand upon their return after serving in the armed forces, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Friday.

Last week, Haryana's BJP government had also announced a 10 percent reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment of constables, forest guards and jail wardens, along with quotas in other posts, months ahead of the assembly polls.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also said that in the recruitment for civil posts in Group B and Group C, the government has decided to grant Agniveers a relaxation of three years in the upper age limit. "However, for the first batch of Agniveers, this age relaxation will be five years," he added.

He said his government will provide Agniveers five per cent reservation in direct recruitments for civil posts in Group C and one per cent in Group B.

Saini also announced that if an Agniveer takes a loan of up to Rs 5 lakh to start a business, no interest will be charged on it.

The Centre introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022 for short-term induction of personnel in the Army, Navy and Air Force, with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services.

The scheme provides for recruiting Agniveers youngsters between the age group of 17-and-a-half and 21 for a block period of four years with a provision to retain 25 percent of them for another 15 years.

The Union ministry of home affairs had announced that 10 percent of vacancies for recruitment in the Central Armed Police Forces or the paramilitary forces would be reserved for ex-Agniveers.

PM Modi on Friday said the Agnipath scheme is an example of necessary reforms undertaken by the Army and accused the opposition of playing politics over the recruitment process.

"The aim of Agnipath is to make the forces young...The aim of Agnipath is to keep the armies continuously fit for war," he said and rubbished claims the Agnipath scheme was launched to save pension money.

The Congress and other parties have alleged that the Agnipath scheme is discriminatory to soldiers, has disrupted the recruitment process for armed forces and can compromise the country's security.
A soldier was killed and four others, including a captain, were injured as the Indian Army foiled an attack on Saturday by Pakistan's Border Action Team in the Kamakari sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, military sources said.

IMAGE: Security forces in Kupwara's Kamakri sector after attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team along LoC, in Jammu and Kashmir, July 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X

They said a Pakistani intruder was also killed in the exchange of fire, while two more managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir amid the intense gunfight that lasted for hours.

The BAT generally comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army and terrorists.

"Action by Border Action Team has been foiled by alert Indian Army troops on Saturday morning in Kamakari sector," one of the sources said.

Security in the Union territory has been tightened following a recent uptick in terror attacks there. In the Jammu region alone, attacks in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua and Doda districts have claimed 22 lives, including that of 11 security personnel and a village defence guard member, this year.

As part of its attempt to beef up security in Jammu, the government is sending two BSF battalions, comprising more than 2,000 personnel, from Odisha, according to sources.

The decision to "immediately" move the two units from the anti-Naxal operations grid was taken in the wake of the recent spate of terror attacks in the Jammu region, they told PTI.

In the attack on Saturday morning in Kupwara, a Srinagar-based defence spokesperson said, the intruders crossed the LoC taking advantage of the bad weather and poor visibility in the area and fired on a forward Army post from proximity.

According to the sources, the group of three intruders hurled a grenade and opened fire on a forward post near the Kumkadi post in the Trehgam sector of the north Kashmir district.

The troops retaliated, triggering a gunfight between the two sides, the sources said, adding that five soldiers were injured in the encounter and one of them later succumbed to injuries.

They said the injured Army personnel, including the captain, were evacuated to the Base Hospital in Srinagar.

In a statement, the defence spokesperson said the identification and affiliation of the slain Pakistani intruder was being ascertained.

One of the soldiers who suffered severe injuries in the gunfight is responding well to treatment and is stable at present, he added. The soldier who died was identified as rifleman Mohit Rathour.

The official said that in the past too, similar attempts by infiltrators, actively aided and abetted by the Pakistani Army, have exploited thick foliage and poor visibility conditions, but have always been successfully thwarted and disrupted.

The Indian Army is firm in its resolve and commitment to maintain the sanctity of the LoC and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistani side, he added.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday walked out of a Niti Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that she was unfairly stopped midway through her speech, a charge denied by the government asserting that her speaking time was over.

IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee speaks to media persons after walking out of Niti Aayog meeting, in New Delhi, July 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI on X

Banerjee, the only opposition leader to attend the meeting, alleged that her microphone was switched off after five minutes of her speech while other chief ministers, including from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Assam and Chhattisgarh, were allowed to speak for a longer duration.

"This is insulting. I will not attend any further meetings," the Trinamool Congress supremo told reporters in New Delhi after walking out of the governing council meeting of the central government's public policy think-tank.

Refuting Banerjee's claims, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that she spoke her full time and her mic was not switched off in between at the meeting.

"She (Mamata) spoke her full time. The screen in front of our tables kept showing the time. A few other CMs spoke beyond their allotted time. On their own request, extra time was allowed without any fuss. Mikes were not switched off, not for anybody, particularly, not for CM, WB," Sitharaman said in a post on X.

Banerjee's walkout triggered a war of words between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the BJP calling it a "drama" that was premeditated and aimed at grabbing headlines and the TMC hitting back, accusing the Centre of suppressing opposition voices and undermining cooperative federalism.

The Congress criticised the treatment meted out to Banerjee as "unacceptable," and alleged that the Niti Aayog has functioned as a "drumbeater" for the Prime Minister since its inception, 10 years ago.

The meeting was boycotted by Congress party CMs, as also by other opposition-ruled states barring West Bengal, over alleged discrimination against non-NDA-ruled states in the Union Budget.

Alleging that she was "humiliated" by not being given adequate time, Banerjee told reporters that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu "was given 20 minutes to speak, and the chief ministers of Assam, Goa, and Chhattisgarh spoke for 10-12 minutes and I was stopped from speaking after just five minutes."

"This is unfair. I am the only one from the opposition side. I attended this meeting because of the greater interest that cooperative federalism should be strengthened," she added.

Meanwhile, the Press Information Bureau, the government's nodal agency to disseminate information, issued a fact-check on Banerjee's claim and said it is "misleading" to say that her microphone was switched off.

"The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it."

"Alphabetically, CM, West Bengal turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early," the PIB Fact Check posted on x.

Banerjee also told reporters in the national capital that she had no problem with the Centre allocating more funds to some states but they cannot discriminate against West Bengal.

Banerjee emphasised that she attended the meeting to "strengthen cooperative federalism" and questioned the fairness of the budget allocation process, accusing the BJP-led Centre of political bias and discrimination against non-BJP states.

"The Planning Commission used to plan for the states. The Niti Aayog has no financial powers. How will it work? Give it financial powers or bring the Planning Commission back," she said.

She highlighted issues like halted funds for the MGNREGA and the Prime Minister Awas Yojana in West Bengal, arguing that the government should not discriminate between states based on political affiliations.

Soon after walking out of the Niti Aayog meeting, Banerjee left for Kolkata. After returning to Kolkata, Banerjee reiterated her concerns about the alleged discriminatory treatment meted out to West Bengal.

"Nobody (opposition bloc leaders) went as they boycotted [the meeting]. I thought I would go and speak for everyone. I spoke whatever I could in the 3-4 minutes - about Bengal's deprivation and the way all Opposition-ruled states were deprived in the Budget whereas, considerations were given to BJP-ruled states and their allies," she said.

Banerjee said she has no problem with other states receiving more funds, but it shouldn't be at the expense of others.

"It's unfair if some people have plenty while others are left to starve," she said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin expressed solidarity with Banerjee, criticizing the BJP government for its treatment of Opposition leaders.

"Is this Cooperative Federalism? Is this the way to treat a Chief Minister? The Union BJP government must understand that opposition parties are an integral part of our democracy and should not be treated as enemies to be silenced," he said in a post on X.

"Cooperative Federalism requires dialogue and respect for all voices," Stalin added.

Senior TMC leaders, including Industry Minister Shashi Panja and Chandrima Bhattacharya, accused the Centre of attempting to silence opposition voices and undermining cooperative federalism.

"Cooperative federalism takes a hit. This is an attempt to silence the opposition voice at the meeting. The Chief Minister of a non-BJP-ruled state had to walk out of the meeting as she was not allowed to speak. Awas Yojna funds and MGNREGA funds are due.

These are true and justified claims of Bengal, she said.

The BJP accused Banerjee of deliberate and premeditated action aimed at grabbing headlines.

"It is very easy to grab headlines in our country. First, tell I am the only 'Opposition CM' attending the Niti Aayog meeting. Come out & tell 'I boycotted since the mic was switched off'. Now whole day TVs will display the same. No work. No discussion. That's Didi to you," BJP general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh posted on X.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya described Banerjee's walkout as a "weak script" intended to gain political mileage.

BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya alleged that Banerjee's walkout from the meeting was premeditated and for the cameras.

Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the meeting was convened to discuss and deliberate on the country's development.

"The state governments should extend their full support... this type of politics should not happen," Meghwal added.

Meghwal's cabinet colleague Pralhad Joshi also hit out at Banerjee and the INDIA bloc, saying the West Bengal chief minister did not offer a single seat in the state to the alliance and everyone knows how she works and what respect she gives to the Congress there.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the treatment meted out to Banerjee was "unacceptable". However, his party colleague and West Bengal state Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury, a staunch opponent of TMC in Bengal, had a different view as he termed the entire incident scripted.

"In the first place, why did she go? Secondly, if she had gone and could not speak, she should have moved court or staged a sit-in. Walking out is not an option. The truth is she is wary of the rise of Rahul Gandhi and wanted to grab the headlines," he said.

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya questioned why Banerjee attended the meeting when chief ministers of other INDIA bloc parties chose to skip it.

"She was aware of the consequences. Her action suggests that she went to Delhi for some understanding with the BJP. People will see through the pretentiousness of the entire issue," he claimed.

Chief ministers of the INDIA bloc, including Stalin, Kerala's Pinarayi Vijayan (Communist Party of India-Marxist), Punjab's Bhagwant Mann (Aam Aadmi Party), Congress's Siddaramaiah (Karnataka), Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh), Revanth Reddy (Telangana), and Jharkhand's Hemant Soren (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), did not attend the Niti Aayog meeting.

Opposition parties have claimed that the recent Union Budget overlooked the needs of states ruled by them.

Prime Minister Modi chaired the Niti Aayog's ninth Governing Council meeting, focusing on making India a developed country by 2047.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has said that Donald Trump was hit by a bullet, or a fragment from one, fired by the would-be assassin at the former US president and Republican presidential nominee at his Pennsylvania rally earlier this month.

IMAGE: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is assisted by the Secret Service after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters

What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject's rifle, the bureau said in a brief statement on Friday.

Reacting to the FBI's statement, Trump told his supporters that he has accepted an apology from the FBI after its director informed lawmakers that the wound in his right ear following an assassination attempt might have come from a bullet.

They (FBI) apologised. We accept their apology, Trump told his cheering supporters on Friday at Turning Point USA's "The Believers Summit" in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump, 78, escaped an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on July 13 when he was shot at while addressing an election rally. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead by the Secret Service.

Did you see the FBI today apologise? They said, well, it might have been a bullet, but it might have been glass. Oh, really? Where did the glass come from? Or it might have been shrapnel. Where did the shrapnel come from? No, they then said it was a bullet, Trump said at the rally.

FBI Director Christopher Wray during a Congressional hearing earlier this week told lawmakers that they were still analysing evidence to determine what hit Trump: a bullet, shrapnel, glass or something else.

On Friday, the FBI in a statement confirmed that it was a bullet.

The FBI's confirmation that the former president was struck in the ear by a bullet marks its latest attempt to quell a political uproar. The new statement is the most direct yet from federal law enforcement about Trump's injury, though it changes little in practical terms, CNN reported.

Questions about Trump's wound have stoked political backlash, as the former president has said he took a bullet for democracy and attacked Wray on his social media platform over his testimony.

For his part, Trump has previously said that he was hit by an in-tact bullet, writing on his Truth Social platform that it was, unfortunately, a bullet that hit my ear, and hit it hard.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 27, 2024 - 22:12 | All, Travel/Tourism, Japan

UNESCO decided Saturday to add a gold and silver mine complex on Sado Island in Japan to its World Heritage list after a last-minute agreement from South Korea, which had opposed its listing, claiming the site is linked to wartime forced labor of Koreans.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee unanimously decided during a meeting in New Delhi to inscribe the mine complex after Tokyo vowed to provide explanations at the site about the harsh wartime labor involved, bringing the total number of Japan's World Heritage sites to 26.

Japan told the committee that it is committed to efforts "to sincerely remember all laborers, especially those from the Korean Peninsula, and to enhance explanations and exhibitions of the entire history of the mines."

The decision delighted people in Japan who had been worried after an advisory body for the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization suggested in June that the nomination for the site in Niigata Prefecture be referred back to Japan for additional details on its application.

"We would like to support local efforts to preserve the Sado gold mine site, which came to be recognized as a world treasure, and pass on its legacy to future generations," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a statement.

At a public viewing venue in the district hosting the Aikawa-Tsurushi Gold and Silver Mine, one of the site's assets, some 200 people celebrated the news.

"It is a great honor, and I am happy," said Toru Suzuki, the 62-year-old president of a tourism firm that manages mine shaft exhibitions.

"I hope more people from across the country and abroad will visit Niigata Prefecture, which is not widely known as a tourist destination," said Nanami Soma, 28, who works in Niigata, the prefectural capital.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it agreed to the listing based on the premise that Japan will provide a full explanation of the "whole history" of the mine complex at the site as urged by the UNESCO advisory body.

Japan has already exhibited data indicating that the rate of Korean workers who engaged in dangerous labor was high, and it plans to hold a memorial event to commemorate all laborers every year, according to Japanese officials.

The advisory body has encouraged Japan to display and explain the entire history of the mines. The Japanese government has particularly emphasized the Edo period (1603-1867), during which gold was produced on a large scale.

The Sado mine complex was regarded as one of the world's largest producers of gold in the 17th century and is known for its pre- and post-industrialization technology.

This year, both Japan and South Korea sit on the rotating committee, which consists of representatives from 21 state parties. Japan aimed for a unanimous vote to register the complex as a World Heritage site.

Japan's Council for Cultural Affairs selected it as a candidate in December 2021, aiming for UNESCO registration in 2023. However, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, likely in consideration of Japan-South Korea relations, initially remained vague on whether it would submit a nomination for the site.

Pressure from conservative lawmakers within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party regarding the government's stance prompted Kishida to announce the nomination in January 2022.

Related coverage:

South Korea says listing Japan's Sado mine as World Heritage site likely
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.
TUSNAD, Romania -- For Hungary's controversial national-conservative Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the annual jamboree in the Romanian region of Transylvania for supporters of his ruling Fidesz party is clearly a place where he feels at home.

Dressed casually in a blue-and white striped shirt, the cuffs rolled up to reveal an orange wristband, Orban had the appearance and tenor of a man holding forth at dinner in an all-inclusive hotel in Greece.

The five-day Balvanyosi Free Summer University and Student Camp in the spa town of Tusnad, which began on July 23 and is colloquially known as Tusvanyos, hosts concerts, cultural activities, and sporting events.

But the camp, which is held in a region with a large ethnic Hungarian population, is mostly famous for Orban's controversial speeches, which in previous years have been used to rally his base, communicate his political vision, and provoke and challenge his critics.

This year, surrounded by lush green forests in the shadows of the Eastern Carpathians, the Hungarian prime minister hit on many of his usual themes, criticizing the European Union and praising Donald Trump, the former U.S. president and Republican presidential nominee.

Trump, he said, was trying "to pull the American people back from a post-nationalist liberal state to a nation state" and said he was being penalized unfairly to prevent his electoral bid.

The warm words for the Republican nominee were unsurprising given that Orban had endorsed Trump at the Tusvanyos gathering eight years earlier, in the 2016 presidential race.

Orban, an icon for many conservative populists around the world, is one of Trump's strongest allies in Europe, with the two leaders seeing eye to eye on a variety of issues, including on immigration and the war in Ukraine.

Orban has criticized EU sanctions on Russia and opposed the blocs military aid to Ukraine. According to the Hungarian prime minister, the EU's position could change if Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November.



"Trump is at the gates. If Europe hasn't switched to a policy of peace by then, it will have to do so after Trump's victory," Orban said.

In his July 27 speech, Orban also condemned the levels of immigration to Central and Eastern Europe and repeated his claims that the West was in decline. He advocated for what he said were Christian ideals and denounced laws in various Western nations that supported or protected the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

Since coming into power in 2010, Orban's detractors have accused him of dismantling Hungary's democratic institutions, capturing the media, and manipulating the nation's electoral system. Due to claims of democratic backsliding, the misappropriation of EU funds, and a failure to protect the rights of minorities, the EU has withheld billions of euros in support from Budapest.

Ukraine 'Peace Mission'

Sitting at a table in front of a crowd, many of whom were wearing white and straw hats, Orban defended his recent self-described "peace mission" to end the war in Ukraine. The Hungarian leader suggested that the brutal losses on both sides of the conflict, which started after Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, highlighted the importance of external intervention for peace.

The Hungarian leader's trips to Beijing and Moscow have been widely criticized by EU leaders as well as the leaders of other member nations of the bloc.

Orban also compared the war in Ukraine to the "red pill" in The Matrix movie, a meme that has been popularized in recent years and embraced by alt-right and far-right groups.

In the 1999 film, the protagonist, Neo, is given the option of taking a red pill, which would enable him to see the world as it was, or a blue pill that would allow him to remain in blissful ignorance of a reality concealed by sinister forces.

Taking the "red pill" introduced "a vantage point and gives us a completely different perspective," Orban said, asserting that both Ukraine and Russia are driven by their own perceived truths and ambitions. "If it is up to the two parties, there will be no peace. It must be brought from outside," he emphasized.

'Illiberal State'

The gathering in Tusvanyos began after the anti-communist revolutions of 1989. At first, the camp was a venue for Romanian and Hungarian liberal elites to compare notes on the tricky business of democratic transition. But by 2010, the year Orban returned to power in Hungary, Romanians were no longer invited and the event turned into a "summer camp" for Fidesz.

"Tusnad is a place of memory for Orban: He has participated in every [camp] since...1990. For him, it is a place of symbolic importance, even on a personal level," historian Stefano Bottoni told RFE/RL's Romanian Service.

For Orban, Tusvanyos is not a place for diplomatic civility, but a place where he speaks more freely. In 2014, Orban proclaimed his intention to establish an "illiberal state" in Hungary, citing countries such as Russia and Turkey as examples. Then in 2022, Orban delivered a scathing diatribe against the acceptance of immigrants from other continents into Europe, in which he criticized the idea of "race mixing."

That speech was widely criticized across the EU with the late sociologist Zsuzsa Hegedus, Orban's own adviser, resigning after 20 years and accusing Orban of Nazism. The leaders of the seven main political groups in the European Parliament issued a joint condemnation of Orban's speech.

Right-wing forces have strengthened in Europe over the last decade. Populists have whipped up concerns about the economy, immigration, and widespread disillusion with political elites, leading far-right parties to gain ground in national assemblies and in the European Parliament.

France's far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, won the first round of France's parliamentary elections, before being defeated by a left-wing alliance in the second round. Italy is currently run by a hard-right coalition government that has capitalized on widespread Euroskeptic and anti-migrant sentiments.

Orban is facing a challenge of a different sort, perhaps the most serious in his 15 years of power. Peter Magyar, a 43-year-old former Fidesz insider who turned against his own party and formed a rival party called Tisza, received around 30 percent of the vote in the June European Parliament elections.

Magyar has revived a lackluster political landscape, with many previously apathetic young Hungarians responding to his energetic message of change and flocking to support him and his party.

But in Tusnad, among the Fidesz faithful, Orban was king. In the imagination of Hungarian nationalists, historian Bottoni explained, Transylvania is a mythical place. "It's a green and wild territory with archaic touches, where romantic nationalism can be expressed far from the capitals," he said.
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
Sirojiddin Toghaev is dependent on crutches, a wheelchair, or scooter to move around.

A resident of Uzbekistans southeastern Surkhondaryo region, he blames his health condition on being born in a consanguineous marriage.

My father married his cousin, the daughter of his fathers sister, he said. It was arranged by my grandfather. My elder sister, Oibahor, and I were born with birth defects because our parents were blood relatives.

The only healthy child in this consanguineous marriage is Firuza, who has been looking after her brother and sister since their parents died a few years ago. The siblings, all in their 30s, live in their parents house in the town of Denov.

Marriage between bloodline cousins is widespread in many parts of Uzbekistan, especially in the Toghaevs native Surkhondaryo and the neighboring Qashqadaryo region.

Uzbek authorities now want to end to the practice, blaming the phenomenon for genetic disorders among newborns.

The Committee for Family and Womens Affairs has published draft amendments to the countrys Family Code, proposing that the parliament put a ban on marriage between cousins, including both first and second cousins.

The amendments aim at preventing babies being born with disabilities, the document states.

Some international studies show that marriage between blood relatives raises the risk of babies being born with birth defects because when two closely related people reproduce, there is a higher likelihood that both parents carry the same genetic mutation.

According to official statistics in Uzbekistan, nearly 10 percent of the babies born with disabilities in 2023 in the country were children of consanguineous marriages.

Nearly one-third of the cases were recorded in Surkhondaryo, followed by Qashqadaryo, the two provinces that also have the highest number of cousin marriages. According to one report, about 60 percent of the 1,210 first-cousin marriages registered between July and December 2021 took place in those two regions.

A high number of babies born with disabilities last year was also reported in the Sirdaryo, Andijon, Samarkand, and Bukhara provinces.

In the first five months of this year, about 29 percent of the 6,660 children treated for various illnesses at the National Pediatric Center in Tashkent were born to cousin marriages, Uzbek media reported.

Some Parents Not Convinced

Calls to restrict or prohibit consanguineous marriages in Uzbekistan began in the early 2000s. But the tradition continues to be strong despite doctors and officials warnings about the potential health risks to babies.

In the eastern Namangan region, Sabohatkhon Alimova has been married to her first cousin -- the son of her maternal aunt -- for more than 40 years. Her own parents were also first cousins.

Alimova, who hails from neighboring Tajikistan, insists all four of her children were born healthy and normal. Two of them went on to marry relatives.

There is more trust and love among relatives [and] there are not many divorces in such marriages, Alimova said. When your daughter-in-law or son-in-law is your relative, you know that they will look after you when youre old and sick.

But Toghaev, who struggles with disabilities in his everyday life, believes it is the children that pay the price for their parents decision.

Recently, our provincial governor wrote on the Internet: Dont marry your relatives. Your children will suffer as a result, not you. He is right. People should think about it when they consider getting married, he said.

Toghaev and his sister Oibahor, who walks with a severe limp, say they try to survive and make the best of their difficult situations.

Oibahor works at a kiosk where locals receive remittances sent by their relatives working abroad.

Toghaev uses his special mobility scooter -- a gift from the provincial government -- to take his sister to and from work. The scooter, which resembles a small pickup truck, enables him to carry goods if needed.

He also raises four sheep and grows vegetables to generate income. He says he made $80 selling radishes last month.

But for most of the household chores they depend on Firuza, the only able-bodied sibling in the family.

We all face hardships. I do all the work in the house, Firuza said. My brother and sister have physical disabilities and I take care of them.
KYODO NEWS - Jul 27, 2024 - 10:43 | All, Japan

A clinical study of artificial red blood cells that can be stored for transfusions in times of emergency will begin in Japan by next March, according to Nara Medical University.

The university aims to put the artificial cells into practical use by around 2030, it said in early July, in what would likely be a world first.

The development of the blood cells, designed for use in remote areas and disasters, comes as a blood shortage is expected at medical facilities due to a declining number of donors amid the country's shrinking population.

While red blood cells obtained from donated blood can only be stored for less than a month at low temperatures, the artificial cells can be stored for two years at room temperature, researchers said.

As the artificial blood cells were made free of any blood type, they can be used without confirming a patient's blood type and administered during transportation by ambulance, they said.

With transfusions of 800 milliliters common in clinical environments, in the study 100 to 400 ml of the artificial blood cell solution will be administered to each of 16 healthy adults to be solicited from March.

If no side effects are confirmed with 400 ml of administration, the trial will shift to examine the treatment's efficacy and safety, the university said.

The artificial blood cells have been developed free of viruses and other sources of infection using donor blood that has been discarded after it expired.

Hiromi Sakai, professor of Nara Medical University, said the need for the artificial blood cells is "significant" as there is currently no safe substitute for red cells.

Related coverage:

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Agriculture News: "Less rain, increasing temperature" is a matter of concern for farmers

The best temperature for now should be around 30 degrees Celsius, says a farmer from Jalandhar.

Agriculture News: Farmers planting paddy in Jalandhar are worried as the temperature continues to rise and there has been very little rain so far, in July.

Sukhwinder Singh, a farmer from Puranpur village, said that due to the maximum temperature (around 35 degrees Celsius), the upper branches of the paddy have started drying up.

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"The best temperature for now should be around 30 degrees Celsius. It's been cloudy every day, but there has been very little rain. We have to use tubewells to irrigate our fields," the farmer said.

Farmers fear that if there is no rain for a long time, they will not get a good harvest. Kashmir Singh, a farmer of Jandiala village, said, "The tips of the paddy are withering. The growth of the paddy has stopped. We need to be very careful. Due to the high temperature, the risk of diseases in the crop is high."

Salvinder Singh of Jania village in Shahkot said that "Last year our crops were washed away in floods. Now the weather is completely dry. We depend on tubewells to irrigate our fields."
6 Punjabis arrested in Canada's Edmonton, Local police takes action in extortion case

Police said that the identified person was the main member of the criminal network.

Canada Crime News: In a major development, the Edmonton police in Canada have arrested 6 Punjabi youths in connection with extortion targeting the South Asian community. The police also issued an arrest warrant against 34-year-old Maninder Singh Dhaliwal, who is said to be the leader of the extortion criminal organization.

Edmonton police on Friday revealed major information about Project Gaslight in which an investigation was being held into incidents targeting business owners in Edmonton, allegedly at the direction of Punjab by a group of local suspects. So far, 40 incidents have been identified in this connection, including an arson attack on an apartment in Cavanagh in southwest Edmonton on Friday morning.

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Police Chief Dale McPhee said that extortion not only affects one person or people, but it creates an atmosphere of fear in the entire community. Now, the time has come to stop these incidents. The police will take strict action against such incidents, he said.

Police and RCMP conducted a search operation at six places in southeast Edmonton in which 6 people were arrested. Also, Canada-wide arrest warrants have been issued against Maninder Singh Dhaliwal, who is believed to be responsible for operating this scheme.

Police said that the identified person was the main member of the criminal network.

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According to information, a total of 54 charges have been registered against Dhaliwal and six others. These include charges such as extortion, arson, intentionally setting fire, vandalism, entering a private place, assault with a weapon and committing a crime for a criminal organization.

(For more news apart from Canada Crime News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
KYODO NEWS - Jul 28, 2024 - 00:06 | World, All

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the top Chinese diplomat, Wang Yi, sparred Saturday over Taiwan and the South China Sea during their talks on the sidelines of regional meetings in Laos while agreeing to maintain communication in the months ahead.

Blinken emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and raised concerns about Beijing's "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea, including at the Philippine-controlled Second Thomas Shoal, which is claimed by China, the State Department said.

Wang said Taiwan, a self-ruled democratic island that Beijing views as its own, will "never be a country" and that China will spare no effort to achieve "complete reunification," according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On the disputed shoal in the South China Sea, Wang urged the United States "not to stir up trouble" and undermine maritime stability, the ministry said.

Blinken said the United States will continue to take necessary actions to safeguard the interests and values of its allies and partners and affirmed Washington's support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes, consistent with international law, the department said.

Tensions had been escalating in the South China Sea due to collisions between Chinese and Philippine vessels, but on Friday, Wang and Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo agreed to work towards reducing conflicts in the area.

Blinken also reiterated the United States' 'serious concern' over China's support for Russia's industrial base and warned that Washington would continue to take appropriate actions if China does not address the issue, the department said.

Washington claims Beijing has been supporting Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine by providing dual-use items such as semiconductors, but China has denied the allegation.

The two top diplomats last met in April during Blinken's visit to China. They both attended gatherings related to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the Laotian capital.

Related coverage:

Japan, China top diplomats agree to deepen dialogue to solve disputes

China's Wang complains about Japan lawmakers' visits to Taiwan

Antony Blinken to make clear U.S. priority on Asia intact in upcoming trip
Mrs. Buica, a documentary by Eugene Buica

Mrs. Buica, directed by Eugene Buica, premiered in Romanian cinemas at the end of last year

Mrs. Buica, a documentary by Eugene Buica

Romania International, 27.07.2024, 14:00

Selected in the local competition of the 30th ASTRA International Documentary Film Festival, the documentary Mrs. Buica, directed by Eugene Buica, premiered in Romanian cinemas at the end of last year. A family flees communist Romania and gets to live the American Dream, but cannot escape the sins of the Balkan soul. Love, scandal, tragedy and the breakup of parents marriage, under the eyes of a son who documents everything. When in 1998 some of the members of the Buica family return for a short time from America (the adopted country) to their native country, Romania, Mrs. Buica playfully attacks her husband, making mean comments. Their son Eugene manages to capture the couples dysfunctionality as their marriage falls apart.

In 2000, Eugene manages to film professional interviews with each of his parents in New York. Mrs. Buica marks an important moment in Buicas career, which is distinguished by outstanding achievements as an actor, director, writer and pedagogue. The documentary captures images filmed over 24 years in Romania and America. Although he has worked with many actors as a teacher of acting, Eugene Buica says he has rarely met better actors than his parents. In addition, through the documentary Mrs. Buica he wanted to tell their story.

I realized very quickly, in 1998, when I started working on this film, that these people  my parents  are loved by the camera and the camera, in turn, loves them. That is why, in a very short time, they forget that they are in front of a camera, that they are being filmed. Its why they dont even self-censor when they speak. They became very natural in a very short time, thats why I said that it was like I was working with real actors, with some extremely dynamic performers, who were telling a story. Ive been asked by people if this movie helped me in a therapeutic way but I didnt do it for that purpose, Im fine. The idea was to tell a good story cinematically, to make a good film. If I had found a better story then, in the late 90s, I would have made another documentary. Indeed, it is a story related to my family, but that is not why I chose to tell it. I chose to make this film because it has a dramatic effect, people laugh, people cry, thats the idea. I wanted to tell a good story, not to bore people who come to the cinema for two hours. I think you have to give the viewers something that touches them somehow.

Eugene Buica was born in Bucharest, and at the age of 10 he moved with his family to New York. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he graduated from The Neighborhood Playhouse In N.Y., where he had the legendary Sanford Meisner as his acting teacher. As an actor, he had roles in over 50 plays, films, television series, commercials. Notable stage appearances include The Sound of Music on Broadway, Coriolanus at McCarter Theater in Princeton or The Swan at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. In terms of films, we mention Glass Necktie, The Group, Merchants of Venus, Float, and most recently Jolt (with Kate Beckingsale), and as series: ER, Goode Behavior, Days of Our Lives, or Becker.

Making the documentary Mrs. Buica, Eugene Buica tells the honest, tense story of his parents which, with all the misunderstandings and arguments between the two, he likens to a symphony.

I thought of this film as a debt to my parents. I know its a risky story but I chose to tell it anyway, after all important things contain an element of risk. And I can say that I feel very good that I made this documentary, as I said, there are always risks wheter its theater, cinema, directing, writing, art in general. Besides, everyone will have an opinion and there will always be people who wont like what youve done. But what makes me happy about this documentary is that so far, most people who have seen the film and written reviews have expressed extremely favorable opinions. And if I didnt meet everyones expectations, its no problem, it can happen, I dont mind that. I think it would have been disappointing to make a conventional movie that wouldnt upset or intrigue anyone, a boring movie where my parents only talk nicely about each other. I could have done that, but it wouldnt have been my story or their story.

Between the years 2000 and 2019, Eugene Buica was the artistic director and founder of The Acting Corps Academy, which benefited both the American and the international community, training a number of over 4700 actors. (MI)
Royal Enfield 350cc range showed a significant YoY decline in sales bringing down overall sales figures in the 350-450cc segment by 1.02% in June 2024

Motorcycle sales in the 350-450cc segment suffered a YoY decline by 1.02% in June 2024 while MoM sales improved by 3.94%. Even as it was once again the Royal Enfield 350cc range that topped sales charts, it was the relatively new Bajaj Pulsar 400 that garnered a great deal of interest among buyers in this segment. Total sales stood at 73,641 units in June 2024, a 1.02% YoY decline over 74,398 units sold in June 2023. As always, it was the RE 350cc range that held top 5 positions with a combined 83% share on this list, though each of them with the exception of the Meteor 350 reported negative sales.

350cc To 450cc Motorcycle YoY Sales June 2024

RE Classic 350 sales dipped 8.15% YoY to 24,803 units, down from 27,003 units sold in June 2023. RE Hunter 350 sales also suffered a 3.42% decline to 15,609 units while Bullet 350 sales saw an even greater decline of 22.12% to 9,610 units whereas there had been 12,339 units sold in the same month last year. RE Meteor 350 added some positivity to the list with sales of 8,085 units last month relating to a 17.79% YoY growth when compared to 6,864 units sold in June 2023. Himalayan sales on the other hand dipped 5.93% to 3,062 units from 3,255 units YoY.

Up next, at No. 6 was the relatively new Bajaj Pulsar 400 with 2,515 unit sales thereby giving rivals such as TVS Apache RTR 310, Hero Mavrick 440, Triumph Speed 400 and KTM 390 Duke some serious competition. Triumph 400 sales were at 2,135 units while Jawa Yezdi saw its sales decline by 22.35% to 2,033 units last month.

Honda HNess also suffered a sales setback of as much as 56.19% to 1,807 units in June 2024 as compared to 4,125 units sold in June 2023. Also from the Honda stables was the CB 350 with 1,161 units sold last month. KTM 390 sales also dipped by 50.32% to just 698 units whereas there had been 1,405 units sold in June 2023. The list also included Harley Davidson X440 (656 units), Aprilia RS 457 (505 units) and Hero Mavrick (459 units). Bajaj Dominar 400 sales also slipped 40.19% to only 375 units sold last month. There was also the Husqvarna 401 (88 units), Kawasaki ZX-4R (39 units) and Eliminator 400 (1 unit) on this sales list.

MoM Sales Show off 3.94% Growth in June 2024

Better sales were reported on a month-on-month basis with a 3.94% increase primarily boosted by more positive sales seen across the RE350cc range. The new Bajaj Pulsar 400 also added significant numbers. RE Classic 350 sales grew by 4.31% MoM while Hunter and Bullet 350 followed suit with a 3.48% and 2.98% MoM growth respectively. However, Meteor 350 and Himalayan sales fell by 1.27% and 7.60% respectively.

Bajaj Pulsar 400 has seen outstanding demand in India with a 7759.38% MoM growth from 32 units sold in May 2024 to 2,515 unit sales in the past month. While Triumph 400 sales grew only marginally by 0.85%, sales of Yezdi (-16.68%), Honda HNess 350 (-8.18%) and Honda CB 350 (-11.37%) suffered lower MoM sales.

KTM 390 sales improved by 6.56% from 655 units to 698 units on a MoM basis. HD X440 sales fell by 35.50% while Aprilia RS 457 sales also saw remarkable improvement in demand by 168.62% to 505 units in June 2024. Hero Mavrick (-41.97%), Bajaj Dominar (-21.38%) and Husqvarna 401 (-38.03%) also suffered lower MoM sales while sales of the Kawasaki ZX-4R improved by 387.50% from 8 units sold in May 2024 to 39 unit sales last month. Also from the Kawasaki stables, sales of Eliminator 400 however dipped by 75% MoM.
By Tomoyuki Tachikawa, KYODO NEWS - Jul 27, 2024 - 21:57 | World, All, Japan

Deep divisions among Asia-Pacific nations surfaced on Saturday as foreign ministers engaged in exchanges over Russia's protracted invasion of Ukraine and China's growing maritime assertiveness in nearby waters.

At the foreign ministerial gathering of the 18-member East Asia Summit, which includes ASEAN, Russia, China, the United States, Japan and South Korea, North Korea's missile and nuclear development was also discussed, the Japanese government said.

The meeting took place as tensions between the United States and its security allies and what they call autocratic countries, such as Russia, China and North Korea, have been escalating, sparking concerns that the world could be divided into two groups.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, as well as Russian and Chinese foreign ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi, attended the gathering on the final day of a series of ASEAN-related ministerial meetings from Sunday in Laos.

At the gathering, Kamikawa expressed "serious concerns" about military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, condemning Moscow's aggression against Ukraine as a "clear violation of the U.N. Charter," the government said.

Lavrov said following the meeting, "ASEAN countries do not want to enter into direct confrontation with the Americans and their allies," but they "see the threats associated with" NATO's penetration in the region, according to Russia's Tass news agency.

Even before launching a major attack against Ukraine in February 2022, Russia had voiced security concerns over NATO's expansion, with President Vladimir Putin demanding that the alliance pull back troops and weapons from Eastern Europe.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The foreign ministers of all member states, except for military-ruled Myanmar, took part.

In response to Russia's war in Ukraine, the United States and other Group of Seven industrialized countries have imposed severe economic sanctions on Moscow. China has been deepening relations with Russia in recent years.

In the resource-rich South China Sea, some ASEAN members, particularly the Philippines, have become increasingly wary of Beijing's expanding military activities, with the ruling Communist Party claiming sovereignty over almost the entire area.

While Kamikawa said Japan is vigilant against China's military buildup in the sea, Wang criticized the United States during the gathering, saying, "If there is unrest in the region, it will be caused by outside intervention," according to a diplomatic source.

In June, Chinese vessels collided with several Philippine inflatable boats, resulting in a Filipino soldier losing a finger. Chinese ships have also used water cannons against Philippine vessels, leading to a deterioration of relations between the two countries.

Blinken denounced China for the incident, the source said. But the Chinese and Philippine foreign ministers agreed Friday to ease conflicts in the sea, a move welcomed by ASEAN members and other participants of the EAS meeting, the Japanese government said.

Meanwhile, Beijing has stepped up military provocations around Taiwan, saying the island is at "the core of China's core interests." China regards self-ruled democratic Taiwan as a renegade province to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.

In the East China Sea, Japan and China have been at odds over the Tokyo-controlled, Beijing-claimed Senkaku Islands. Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly entered Japanese territorial waters around the uninhabited islets.

Later in the day, the 27-member ASEAN Regional Forum, known as one of the few multilateral events attended by a North Korean diplomat, was also held, as the Asian nation has been trying to bolster military ties with Russia.

North Korea, however, did not send Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui to this year's regional security gathering, with the ambassador to Laos representing the country instead.

At a dinner for attendees of the ASEAN-related meetings on Friday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul attempted to shake hands with North Korea's ambassador but was refused, underscoring the rift between the two nations.

During the gatherings in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, some countries urged North Korea to make efforts to achieve complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization for regional peace and stability, the Japanese government said.

The EAS comprises ASEAN, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea and the United States. The ARF groups the EAS members plus Bangladesh, Canada, East Timor, Mongolia, North Korea, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and the European Union.

Related coverage:

Japan, ASEAN top diplomats vow to boost security ties amid China rise

Japan, China top diplomats agree to deepen dialogue to solve disputes

Myanmar to send senior official to ASEAN meeting in Laos: sources
ZHENGZHOU, July 27 (Xinhua) -- When Daniel Welker delved into Asian studies as an undergraduate back in the United States, he had no idea that the seemingly casual interest would later bring him across the Pacific to start a life in China.

Welker hails from the U.S. state of Kentucky and has lived in China for 12 years. He has found his second home in Luoyang, one of the cradles of Chinese civilization and the capital of 13 dynasties.

Over time, Welker has immersed himself in the local culture, enjoying specialties like spicy soup, wearing traditional Chinese clothing to feasts and even picking up some local dialects.

In recognition of his contributions and love for the city, Welker was officially appointed as a "city ambassador" by Luoyang.

"I'm grateful for the opportunities China has allowed me to have," he said, reflecting on his experiences and the bonds he has formed with a country over 10,000 km from his hometown.

Welker majored in anthropology and minored in Spanish and Asian studies in the United States. "East Asia has some differences that I wanted to understand better, so I added Asian studies. At first, it was seemingly a casual interest, but then it grew stronger," he said.

In 2011, he embarked on his first trip to China and came to Henan the following year to pursue a Chinese certification program in the province. Initially planning to stay for just one year, Welker found himself learning so much that he extended his stay for another year and eventually met his future Chinese wife.

After finishing his studies in 2014, he moved to Luoyang to work as a foreign language teacher at Luoyang Normal University and Luoyang No. 2 Foreign Language School. What was originally intended to be a one-year stint turned into two years, then three and ultimately 12 years now.

As a teacher, Welker is well-liked by his students, though he occasionally needs to be strict. He carefully observes their performance and grades them based on their English fluency and effort.

Each school year, Welker prepares gifts for the top three students, including books that he greatly enjoyed during his middle school years.

Speaking of his Chinese students, Welker said most of them have clear goals for the future and are actively pursuing them. He was deeply impressed by the English proficiency of some students.

"These kids are really driven, and they crave knowledge. They want to affect the world in a positive way, being a good representative of their own country," Welker said.

He added that he was also captivated by Henan's profound historical and cultural heritage. "If you want to see the beginnings of China, you should go to Henan."

Luoyang's rich history and cultural depth, from landmarks like the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in China, to its distinctive local customs, are incredibly impressive, Welker noted.

He believes this is a land where tradition and modernity converge, with fresh air prevailing most of the time and infrastructure, such as subways, continuously being developed.

When discussing cultural exchanges between China and the United States, Welker sees great potential.

In his spare time, Welker enjoys creating videos of his city tours in China and sharing them online to promote Chinese culture.

"Luoyang is getting more cosmopolitan than it has been in centuries since its heyday in the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581-907). It's getting more international ties. I hope the world sees more of Henan," he said.

Speaking about the relations between China and the United States, Welker said the two countries have had their commonalities and differences. "If we can focus more on the commonalities and keep improving our relationship, I think that we can do some really great things." 
The evolution of the first animals on land, 500 million years ago, has been revealed. The ancestors of millipedes, called euthycarcinoids, evolved in warm tidal nursery pools from juvenile arthropods. Individuals that acquired sexual maturity early and survived the harsh tidal zone, passed on their genes to successive generations, leading to arthropods that could crawl onto land when the tidal pools dried up.

All life first evolved in the sea. Fossils of early land animals are very rare because dead bodies decay easier on land than in the sea.

Arthropods  creepy-crawlies such as spiders, crabs and insects with a segmented body, jointed limbs and a hard outer exoskeleton  were the first animals to move onto land.

The oldest body fossil of a land animal is a millipede called Pneumodesmus newmani from the Late Wenlock Epoch of the Silurian period in Scotland, around 428 million years ago (Ma).

Millipedes, centipedes and their relatives are called myriapods and comprise around 12,000 living species.

There is another type of fossil that provides clues on when ancient animals first stepped out of the sea  trace fossils.

They represent the remains of an organisms activity and include animal tracks and burrows.

Trace fossils allow us to breath life into extinct animals, revealing snap-shots in time of their behavior and interactions.

Fossil burrows from Pennsylvania (445 Ma) and fossil trails from Cumbria, England (450 Ma) suggest that myriapods lived on land 22 Ma before their earliest body fossils.

The oldest tracks on dry land were made by the ancestors of myriapods, called euthycarcinoids, on ancient coastal dunes (in New York State and Ontario) and tidal flats (in Quebec and Wisconsin) around 500 Ma.

It may have been one small step for a bug but it was a giant leap for life on Earth.

The euthycarcinoids were 4 to 15 cm long (possibly up to 30 cm long based on their fossil trackways), and lived from 500 Ma to 225 Ma. They look like a pill bug (woodlouse), but with a tail spine.

In the Cambrian period marine arthropods called fuxianhuiids lived in the shallow seas.

Euthycarcinoids resemble juvenile fuxianhuiids, suggesting that an evolutionary process called neoteny (i.e. the retention of juvenile traits in descendant species) was involved in the evolution of these earliest land animals.

Euthycarcinoids spawned in warm tidal pools, possibly to protect their eggs from marine predators and speed up the development of their larvae.

In these harsh tidal conditions, those individuals that acquired sexual maturity earlier and were able to survive and pass on their genes to successive generations, so juvenile traits were gradually selected in the population.

Cambrian euthycarcinoids had a barrel-shaped body, short legs and six tail segments.

They gradually lost tail segments as they evolved, from six to five in the Silurian to Carboniferous periods, and then four in some later species. They also developed fine spines on their legs.

One group of euthycarcinoids, called sottyxerxids, look more myriapod-like, with a long multi-segmented trunk and similar length legs.

The kampecarids, a rare extinct group of myriapods, may represent an evolutionary link between the sottyxerxids and myriapods, based on their shared legless neck and tail segments.

Euthycarcinoids were shortly followed by sea scorpions (eurypterids), the ancestors of the scorpions, leading to the widespread invasion of the land by animals.

Our own (vertebrate, i.e. backboned) ancestors, called tetrapods, first lumbered ashore 130 million years after the euthycarcinoids, in their own breath-taking adventure.

As Walter Garstang eloquently put it: The facts are much the same. An arthropod with yolky eggs, whatever be its name, must own aquatic ancestors that once laid smaller eggs, and hatched as tiny larval forms with many fewer legs. So to those fry prophetic of our millipedes and spiders (and centipedes and insects surely cannot be outsiders).

This paper appears in the Neues Jahrbuch fur Geologie und Palaontologie.

_____

Braddy, S.J. 2024. Euthycarcinoid ecology and evolution. Neues Jahrbuch fur Geologie und Palaontologie, doi: 10.1127/njgpa/2024/1199
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (2nd L) in Vientiane, Laos, July 26, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi here on Friday.

The two sides vowed to maintain close communication, deepen the building of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future, and jointly safeguard regional stability and prosperity.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed on the recent reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and the signing of the Beijing Declaration.

Retno appreciated China's efforts to promote the reconciliation and unity of the Palestinian people, expressing Indonesia's willingness to make positive efforts for the implementation of the Beijing Declaration. 
ZHENGZHOU, July 27 (Xinhua) -- An explosion at a plant on Friday evening in an industrial park of Yongcheng City in central China's Henan Province, resulted in five deaths and 14 minor injuries, according to local authorities on Saturday.

The machine explosion occurred at 6:32 p.m. on Friday in Gaozhuang industrial park, according to the city's emergency management department.

It said that people in charge of the company have been detained and an investigation into the cause of the incident are underway. 
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured that all states have been allocated funds in the Union Budget 2024-25, maintaining the tradition of equitable distribution from previous years. In an exclusive interview with Sanjay Pugalia, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV Network, Sitharaman refuted opposition claims that her Budget speech favored only Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, both governed by key allies of the BJP.

Sitharaman emphasized that the Centre is legally obligated to support Andhra Pradesh following its bifurcation in 2014. "States are receiving allocations as they did in the past. No state has been denied anything. The Act (Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act) requires the Centre to support the state in building its capital city and developing the backward regions", she explained.

The Finance Minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken over the past decade in compliance with the Act, including support for the new capital at Amaravati and the Polavaram irrigation project. "Polavaram should have been completed by now, but there were some technical issues. The state government is seized of the matter", she said.

Addressing criticism from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sitharaman stated, "The Congress was in power for a long time. They presented many Budgets and should know that in every Budget, you don't get an opportunity to name every state of the country". She reiterated that the Budget process under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is designed to be transparent and straightforward, ensuring that financial details are accessible to the general public, not just experts.

"We present everything upfront. There is no fine print. We ensure that any changes made are communicated openly, based on feedback and transparent processes", she pointed out.

Sitharaman also discussed the necessity of borrowing for a growing economy, emphasizing the importance of balancing debt reduction with economic growth. "Fixing a number for the eventual fiscal deficit and working towards it with temporary solutions every year can be one way of going about things, but it is not the right way from a macroeconomic perspective", she argued.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Islanders should expect at least one more bout of extreme heat this summer, according to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tyler Roys.

This is the prime time for a heat wave to occur, Roys said. The average temperature expected, or the historical average thats expected for a high for this time of year is 85 and that runs from just after July 4 all the way through into early August. So, the chance for 90 degrees  this is it.

However, Roys said that the exact dates of such an event cannot be pinpointed at this time, with temperatures expected to be in the mid to upper 80s the upcoming week.

Probably at least one more time there could be three straight days of at least 90 degrees, Roys said.

This summer has brought on high temperatures, with the hottest day recorded being 98 degrees in July. In June, New York residents experienced a span of extreme temperatures. Gov. Kathy Hochul said during the time that, for the upstate area, It has not been predicted to be this hot for this long since the 1950s.

NYC upcoming forecast

For the upcoming week, Staten Islanders should expect temperatures to be in the mid to upper 80s, with the coolest day of the week being Wednesday at 84 degrees.

Humidity will be on the rise starting Sunday evening, and showers and thunder on Monday and Tuesday are likely, according to Roys.

While facing high temperatures and extreme weather conditions, Roys recommends that Staten Islanders take precautions. People should limit the amount of time they spend outdoors and stay hydrated.

The best time for outdoor exercise is early morning.
SHENYANG, July 27 (Xinhua) -- As of 7:00 a.m. Saturday, more than 27,000 residents in northeastern China's Liaoning Province have been safely relocated in response to Typhoon Gaemi.

The provincial flood control and drought relief department said that heavy rainfall from Gaemi, the third typhoon of this year, has caused water levels to rise in 40 reservoirs across the province. These reservoirs are now discharging water orderly.

The provincial meteorological authorities said that most areas in Liaoning are expected to experience heavy torrential rain from early Sunday morning through Tuesday.

The province has organized inspections and patrols along the dikes in preparation for potential flooding and to reduce disaster risks.

As of 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, hundreds of chemical enterprises and mining companies across the province, as well as staffers and nearby residents, have suspended operations and relocated to avoid flood risks.

The Ministry of Emergency Management on Friday raised the emergency response to floods from Level IV to Level III in Liaoning in the wake of Gaemi. 
A group co-led by a Greens staffer promoted demonstrations outside the offices of Labor figures including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while another party adviser justified the vandalism of Melbourne MP Josh Burns office, at which kerosene was found and fires lit, on the basis that he is an Israeli occupation-supporting MP.

New evidence about the activism of Greens staff exposes the links between the minor party and the wave of protests in Australia since Hamas October 7 attacks in Israel. It also hints that a Greens staffer, who was an organiser for environmental protest group Extinction Rebellion, had information about how protesters were able to breach security and gain access to the roof to drape a Hamas-linked symbol underneath Parliament Houses coat of arms. The Greens deny knowledge of the security incident.

Greens leader Adam Bandt with NSW senator David Shoebridge (left). Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The offices of Albanese and other Labor MPs have been disrupted and vandalised in recent months, prompting Labor accusations that demonstrators were blocking citizens from accessing services and thwarting the operation of representative democracy.

In January, NSW Greens senator David Shoebridge hired Amal Naser, an organiser and spokesperson for the Palestine Action Group. The protest group leads the weekly pro-Palestine rallies that are not located at MPs offices. But the group has also promoted on its social media pages a demonstration outside the prime ministers office, organised a speaking event outside Education Minister Jason Clares office, and promoted protests outside the venue of an Albanese speech and a Labor conference.
New documents revealing how Gina Rinehart  the nations richest person  used personal, political and business connections to demand a disrespectful portrait by award-winning Indigenous artist Vincent Namatjira be taken down should ring alarm bells for all Australians.

The billionaires campaign is, as the Herald has previously argued, a study in the use of power, privilege and patronage  and of its limits.

Australia in Colour 2021 by Vincent Namatjira. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Documents released following a freedom-of-information request by reporters Linda Morris and Eryk Bagshaw offer an unsettling insight into a month-long campaign against two National Gallery of Australia portraits of the mining magnate.

The campaign began on April 8 when Seven chief executive and gallery chair Ryan Stokes received a complaint from Rinehart about her depiction in two works by Namatjira. A blizzard of other correspondence followed from associates of the billionaire, with more than 26 emails exchanged about the furore by May 2, according to the FOI documents.
The NSW Building Commission has broadened an investigation into the embattled ANSA Homes after it received allegations the company used a fake photo to solicit a payment of nearly $100,000 for a roof that had not been completed.

Run by brothers Mark and Dylan Maloney, ANSA Homes had its building licence suspended in late June after this masthead revealed an investigation into a litany of complaints from clients alleging serious defects, repeated delays and broken promises.

Correspondence from ANSA Homes has been provided to the Building Commissions chief investigator.

Maloney denies wrongdoing, securing the services of McGirr Lawyers to challenge the purported suspension in the Supreme Court. However, a directions hearing scheduled for Monday appears to have been withdrawn.

One client, who was overseas at the time, received an invoice from ANSA accompanied by two photos: one of the completed Colorbond roof and another pixelated photo of their house taken from the street. Thinking the images were real, they transferred the funds.
An investor beat a string of first home buyers, some with help from family, for a Bellevue Hill apartment that sold for $1,125,000 at auction on Saturday.

The two-bedroom unit at 15/165 Victoria Road had been listed with a price guide of $925,000.

It was one of 696 auctions scheduled in Sydney on Saturday. By evening, Domain Group recorded a preliminary auction clearance rate of 69.4 per cent from 415 reported results, while 79 auctions were withdrawn. Withdrawn auctions are counted as unsold properties when calculating the clearance rate.

Seven parties registered to bid on the renovated art deco home, which is set on the top floor of its block.
Kamala Harris dizzying rollout as a presidential candidate somehow pulled off the rare feat of looking organic and organised, fun but without cringe-inducing artifice. Vibes shifted, memes spread, coconuts fell.

Things were bound to get hokey.

Somehow, the Biden-turned-Harris campaign managed to make former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, once Americas coolest political couple, sound like parents in a Lifetime movie calling their child at summer camp.

Early Friday morning, the Harris campaign posted a video it produced that depicted a phone call from the Obamas, which had taken place Wednesday, in which they gave Harris their much-awaited endorsement. Barack Obamas 5:01am post (7pm Friday AEST) of the video on the social platform X had more than 50 million views by 2pm (12am AEST).
Washington: Nearly two weeks after Donald Trumps near assassination, the FBI confirmed that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former presidents ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former presidents injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.

What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle, the agency said in a statement.

Appearing without his bandage, Donald Trump gestures towards the crowd at the Turning Point Believers Summit. Credit: AP

The one-sentence statement from the FBI marked the most definitive law enforcement account of Trumps injuries and followed ambiguous comments earlier in the week from Director Christopher Wray that appeared to cast doubt on whether Trump had actually been hit by a bullet.

The comment drew fury from Trump and his allies and further stoked conspiracy theories that have flourished on both sides of the political aisle amid a dearth of information following the July 13 attack.
Trump offers tech sector policy flips ahead of election



San Francisco, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



Fiercely against social media platform TikTok, cryptocurrency bitcoin and electric cars during his presidency, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has recently flip-flopped on several issues that are dear to Silicon Valley.

The presidential hopeful has, however, remained steadfast in some areas that are likely to be of concern to major US tech companies.

Here is a rundown of Trump's latest policy stance on five major tech sector issues.



- Electric vehicles -



"I love Elon Musk, I love him," Trump shouted Saturday during a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a state that is home to many US automakers.

That statement came after reports that Musk had pledged to donate $45 million monthly to the Republican after he narrowly survived an assassination attempt -- reports Musk later denied.

Trump has, however, spent years ridiculing electric cars, bashing them as too expensive and impractical, and denying climate change concerns that have driven demand for them.

"I'm constantly talking about electric vehicles, but I don't mean I'm against them; I'm all for them," he said, adding that the cars are not for everyone.

If elected, however, Trump has said he wants to end federal subsidies that encourage buying electric cars.

The move is not likely to hurt Tesla, some of whose models are not eligible for the rebates, but would hit its US competitors.



- TikTok -



Trump tried in vain to ban Chinese-owned video app TikTok on national security grounds during his presidency, and spoke out against China routinely during his failed bid for reelection in 2020.

Trump expressed concerns -- echoed by political rivals -- that the Chinese government might tap into US TikTok users' data or manipulate what they see on the platform.

He even called for a US company to buy TikTok, with the government sharing in the sale price.

Now that US President Joe Biden's administration has signed a law to ban the app for the same reasons, unless it is sold, Trump has reversed course.

"Now (that) I'm thinking about it, I'm for TikTok, because you need competition," he recently told Bloomberg.

"If you don't have TikTok, you have Facebook and Instagram -- and that's, you know, that's Zuckerberg."

Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and part of his Meta tech empire, was among the social media networks that banned Trump after attacks on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, driven by concerns that he would use the platform to promote more violence.



- Crypto -



Trump's sudden support for cryptocurrencies appears to stem from a belief, expressed to Bloomberg, that "if we don't do it, China is going to figure it out -- or somebody else."

He has spun from calling bitcoin a "scam" and a disaster waiting to happen to saying in a post on his Truth Social platform that cryptocurrencies should be "MADE IN THE USA!!!"

The about-face, and his selection of crypto-industry proponent J.D. Vance as his running mate, has won Trump favor in an industry that feels it has been treated harshly by the Biden administration.

"A Trump presidency is the only path forward to help the US regulatory regime for crypto," said Digital Future founder Michelle Bond.

Trump has not explained how he intends to support the crypto sector.



- Imported talent and tech -



Trump took numerous measures that handicapped Silicon Valley during his time in the White House.

Among them was signing executive orders restricting visas for foreign workers whose skills are key to US-based tech companies.

Trump also imposed high tariffs that penalized companies such as Apple that depend on China for their supply chain.

This policy, which has largely continued under Biden, is likely to remain in place if Trump regains power.

On the campaign trail, Trump has suggested that he would expand his protectionist policies to include countries other than China as well.

On Tuesday, Musk said Tesla had put on hold plans to build a factory in Mexico because of concerns about potential tariffs under Trump.



- Taxes -



During his presidency, Trump's tax cuts mainly benefitted the wealthy, including tech titans.

In the run-up to the election, Biden -- and his successor as the presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris -- said they wanted the rich to pay more in taxes.

Trump, however, says he wants to lower corporate taxes, even with tech giants reaping billions in profits.

Trump's administration had taken aim at tech giants Google, Amazon, Apple and Facebook through antitrust actions, but his focus on enforcing such regulations is not expected to remain as tight if elected to a second term.
US defends law forcing sale of TikTok app



San Francisco, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



TikTok's collection of user data makes it a national security threat, the US Justice Department said Friday in response to a civil suit by the Chinese-owned firm aimed at preventing the forced sale of the app.

TikTok's suit in a Washington federal court argues that a law, which forces the video platform to be sold next year or face a US ban, violates First Amendment rights of free speech.

The US response counters that the law addresses national security concerns, not speech, and that TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance is not able to claim First Amendment rights in the United States.

"Given TikTok's broad reach within the United States, the capacity for China to use TikTok's features to achieve its overarching objective to undermine American interests creates a national-security threat of immense depth and scale," the Justice Department wrote in its filing.

It details concerns that ByteDance could, and would, comply with Chinese government demands for data about US users or yield to pressure to censor or promote content on the platform, senior justice department officials said in a briefing.

TikTok gives Beijing the "means to undermine US national security" by collecting vast amounts of sensitive data from US users, and by utilizing a proprietary algorithm to control which videos users see, the DOJ filing said.

"That algorithm can be manually manipulated, and its location in China would permit the Chinese government to covertly control the algorithm -- and thus secretly shape the content that American users receive," it added.

TikTok responded to the DOJ filing on Saturday, saying "the Constitution is on our side."

"The TikTok ban would silence 170 million Americans' voices, violating the First Amendment," the company said in a statement on social media platform X, referring to the app's users in the United States.

"As we've said before, the government has never put forth proof of its claims, including when Congress passed this unconstitutional law."



- First Amendment issue? -



The DOJ filing argues that the law's focus on foreign ownership of TikTok takes it out of the realm of the First Amendment.

US intelligence agencies are concerned that China can "weaponize" mobile apps, justice department officials said.

"It's clear that the Chinese government has for years been pursuing large, structured datasets of Americans through all sorts of manner, including malicious cyber activity; including efforts to buy that data from data brokers and others, and including efforts to build sophisticated AI models that can utilize that data," a senior justice department official said.

According to the DOJ filing, the national security threat "posed by TikTok is real, as evidenced by the public record and confirmed by classified information supplied by the intelligence community."

TikTok has said the demanded divestiture is "simply not possible" -- and not on the timeline required.

The bill signed by President Joe Biden early this year set a mid-January 2025 deadline for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a US ban.

The White House can extend the deadline by 90 days.

"For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than one billion people worldwide," said the suit by TikTok and ByteDance.



- TikTok shutdown? -



ByteDance has said it has no plans to sell TikTok, leaving the lawsuit, which will likely go to the US Supreme Court, as its only option to avoid a ban.

"There is no question: the Act will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025," the lawsuit said, "silencing (those) who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere."

TikTok first found itself in the crosshairs of former president Donald Trump's administration, which tried unsuccessfully to ban it.

That effort got bogged down in the courts when a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's attempt, saying the reasons for banning the app were likely overstated and that free speech rights were in jeopardy.

The new effort signed by Biden was designed to overcome the same legal headaches, and some experts believe the US Supreme Court could be open to allowing national security considerations to outweigh free speech protection.

"We view the statute as a game changer from the arguments that were in play back in 2020," a senior justice department official said.

There are serious doubts that any buyer could emerge to purchase TikTok even if ByteDance would agree to the request.

Big tech's usual suspects, such as Facebook parent Meta or YouTube's Google, will likely be barred from snapping up TikTok over antitrust concerns, and others could not afford one of the world's most successful apps.

gc/jgc/sco/tym

Meta
ANKARA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Turkish forces launched airstrikes in a cross-border operation in northern Iraq on Friday, destroying 25 targets of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the country's defense ministry said Saturday.

The ministry said in a statement that the airstrikes were aimed at thwarting attacks against Turkish security forces and ensuring the country's border security.

It added that the targets, including caves, shelters, bunkers, depots and other facilities, were used by the PKK in the Gara, Qandil and Asos regions of northern Iraq.

A significant number of militants were "neutralized" in this operation, according to the statement.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralize" in their statements to imply the alleged "terrorists" have either surrendered, been killed, or been captured.

The Turkish security forces often conduct cross-border operations in northern Iraq, a region holding hideouts and bases of PKK militants, from where they carry out attacks against Turkiye.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. 
HRW calls for probe into 'gruesome' Burkina mutilation



Abidjan, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



Human Rights Watch called Friday for an "impartial investigation" into the mutilation of a corpse allegedly by soldiers from the Burkinabe military, which has condemned the violence.

"Burkinabe authorities should immediately open a transparent and impartial investigation of this brutal incident and appropriately punish all those responsible," an HRW statement said.

The rights group said an 81-second video, widely circulated on social media, shows at least 18 men wearing identifiable army uniforms watching while two use knives on the body.

The soldiers can be seen "mutilating and disemboweling a dead body", the group said, demanding that "all those found responsible for wrongdoing should be appropriately prosecuted, regardless of their rank".

The country's military leadership said earlier this week that 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."

The army said the origin of the videos was being looked into as the footage does not specify the location, date, or identities of the individuals involved. HRW pointed out, however, that no criminal investigation was announced by the junta that took power in a coup in 2022.

According to the rights group, citing its own sources, the footage was shot between April and May near Nouna in the northwest.

A jihadist insurgency that erupted in Mali in 2012 spread to Niger and Burkina Faso in 2015.

The Burkinabe army has always denied repeated allegations of extrajudicial executions, sometimes attributing the acts to armed groups using military equipment.

"The gruesome video showing soldiers mutilating a body underscores the pervasive lack of accountability for atrocities that military units have committed in Burkina Faso in recent years," said Ilaria Allegrozzi, a senior HRW specialist.

In April, HRW accused the Burkina Faso military of killing at least 223 civilians, including 56 children, in the north of the country.
Thousands celebrate Niger coup anniversary



Niamey, Niger, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



Niger's junta gathered thousands of people in the capital Niamey on Friday to celebrate the first anniversary of its coup.

Dressed in clothes bearing photos of regime members, the crowd chanted the name of junta chief Abdourahamane Tiani.

"We're celebrating, our dear country will gradually regain its sovereignty," said Fati Hassane, part of a women's group formed since the coup, as vuvuzelas blared in the background.

The stadium hosting the anniversary event was under high security, including armoured vehicles around the venue.

Tiani arrived to the beats of a traditional drum to greet attendees, but did not address the crowd.

"Never in our country's recent history has an event received such great popular support," said Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.

The July 26 coup anniversary was declared a public holiday.

After taking power, the junta expelled French forces last year while the departure of US troops is expected to be finalised in August.

Niger has also distanced itself from some West African nations, severing ties with the regional bloc ECOWAS.

But it has formed a "confederation" with military leaders ruling Burkina Faso and Mali, who sent representatives to the anniversary event.

All three are fighting jihadist groups, with the Niger junta using the security situation as a justification for its coup.

Attacks have continued, however, with dozens of civilians and soldiers killed in recent months.

"I've come to support the soldiers, they're doing a good job so far," said Ibrahim Niando, carrying a national flag.

Niger has also drawn closer to Turkey, Iran and Russia, whose flags were visible at the stadium.

While the junta celebrated its year in power, ousted president Mohamed Bazoum remains detained in his official residence.
Philippines says 'no incidents' as it resupplies hotspot reef



Manila, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



The Philippines said it carried out a resupply and rotation mission to troops on a South China Sea reef Saturday without "untoward incidents", more than a month after a violent clash with Chinese forces in the area.

It said the mission to Second Thomas Shoal was the first since Manila and Beijing reached a "provisional arrangement" earlier this month for the delivery of daily necessities and rotation missions for Filipino troops based on a rusty warship grounded atop the reef.

The shoal has been a focus of clashes between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to almost the entire South China Sea.

A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the latest June 17 confrontation when Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply its troops.

"No untoward incidents were reported" after a civilian vessel escorted by a Philippine Coast Guard boat reprovisioned the BRP Sierra Madre and rotated troops there on Saturday, a foreign department statement said.

China Coast Guard spokesman Gan Yu confirmed that the Philippines had carried out a resupply mission "in accordance with the temporary arrangement reached between China and the Philippines".

"The Chinese coast guard acknowledged and supervised the whole process," Gan said in a statement.

"We hope that the Philippines will honour its commitment and work with China to find consensus and properly manage the maritime situation."

China's foreign ministry has suggested it required the Philippines to give Beijing "prior notification" and verification of deliveries, which Manila had promptly rejected.

Philippine foreign department spokeswoman Teresita Daza told reporters Saturday that Manila gave no prior notification to the Chinese side about the resupply mission, and there was no on-site inspection of the vessels.

"We were informed the Chinese coast guard vessels were at a reasonable distance with no risk of collision," Daza added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called on the Philippines to "honour its commitments" under the deal, according to a readout of his meeting with Philippine foreign secretary Enrique Manalo at an ASEAN gathering in Laos.

Manalo said he hoped Beijing would keep its side of the bargain.

"If the parties implement, and we hope China implements the agreement, then we'll be able to resupply our military personnel on the ship without any obstruction," he told reporters.

"I think that would be an important step forward in diffusing tensions and hopefully lead to other areas of cooperation on the South China Sea."

A handful of Filipino troops are stationed on the rusty Sierra Madre that was deliberately grounded on the shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's claims to the area.

They require frequent resupplies for food, water and other necessities as well as transport for personnel rotations.

The shoal lies about 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.
Kim calls for 'people's paradise' on Korean War anniversary



Seoul, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the building of a "people's paradise", as Pyongyang marked the anniversary of the end of the Korean War on Saturday.

The three-year Korean War ended 71 years ago on July 27, 1953 with a ceasefire that has never been replaced by a peace treaty.

Pyongyang regards the conflict as a victory, and the anniversary is a public holiday.

Kim said on Friday that it was the "sacred mission and duty of our generation" to "reliably defend our ideology and social system" and "build a people's paradise", according to Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency.

The North Korean leader also hailed China's support during the war and said the "friendship established as the ties of kindred would be firmly carried forward".

He visited memorials honouring the veterans of the war, including the Tower of Friendship commemorating the Chinese People's Liberation Army soldiers who fought alongside North Korean forces, KCNA said.

Pyongyang's state media also said young North Koreans celebrated the anniversary, vowing to "to inherit the soul of the victorious wartime generation".
Philippines says 'no incidents' as it resupplies hotspot reef



Manila, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



The Philippines said it carried out a resupply and rotation mission to troops on a South China Sea reef Saturday without "untoward incidents", more than a month after a violent clash with Chinese forces in the area.

It said the mission to Second Thomas Shoal was the first since Manila and Beijing reached a "provisional arrangement" last week for the delivery of daily necessities and rotation missions for Filipino troops based on a rusty warship grounded atop the reef.

The shoal has been a focus of clashes between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months, sparking concern it could draw in Manila ally the United States in a conflict as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to almost the entire South China Sea.

A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the latest confrontation on June 17, when Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy resupply attempt.

"No untoward incidents were reported" after a civilian vessel escorted by a Philippine Coast Guard boat reprovisioned the BRP Sierra Madre and rotated troops there on Saturday, a Philippine foreign department statement said.

China Coast Guard spokesman Gan Yu confirmed that the Philippines had carried out a resupply mission "in accordance with the temporary arrangement reached between China and the Philippines".

The two sides disagreed on the details of the mission, with a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson saying "China had been notified of the resupply before it was carried out".

"After confirming on-site that the Philippine vessel carried only humanitarian living necessities, the Chinese side let the Philippine vessel through," the spokesperson added.

Philippine foreign department spokeswoman Teresita Daza told reporters Saturday that Manila gave no prior notification to the Chinese side, and there was no on-site inspection of the vessels.

"We were informed the Chinese coast guard vessels were at a reasonable distance with no risk of collision," Daza added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called on the Philippines to "honour its commitments" under the deal, according to a readout of his meeting with Philippine foreign secretary Enrique Manalo at an ASEAN gathering in Laos.

Manalo said he hoped Beijing would keep its side of the bargain.

"If the parties implement, and we hope China implements the agreement, then we'll be able to resupply our military personnel on the ship without any obstruction," he told reporters.

"I think that would be an important step forward in diffusing tensions and hopefully lead to other areas of cooperation on the South China Sea."

A handful of Filipino troops are stationed on the rusty Sierra Madre that was deliberately grounded on the shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's claims to the area.

They require frequent resupplies for food, water and other necessities as well as transport for personnel rotations.

The shoal lies about 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday hit out at China's "escalatory and unlawful actions" in the South China Sea, hours before he was due to hold talks with Wang in Vientiane.

Washington and ASEAN had to work together to "address challenges," Blinken told ministers from the 10-member bloc, including China's "escalatory and unlawful actions taken against the Philippines in the South China Sea over the last few months."

burs-cgm/tym
Turkey stages artillery strikes on Kurd fighters in Iraq



Istanbul, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



Turkey staged new artillery strikes against Kurdish separatist positions in northern Iraq, the defence ministry and Iraqi sources said Saturday.

While President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this month said operations against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Iraq were coming to an end, a security source in northern Iraq said the latest overnight shelling was "intense".

"In line with our right to self-defence... air operations were carried out against terrorist targets in northern Iraq, in the Gara, Qandil and Asos regions," Turkey's defence ministry said in a statement.

The Turkish army named 25 targets including PKK "caves, bunkers, shelters, stores and installations". Turkey and most of its western allies consider the PKK to be a terrorist group. It has been fighting the Turkish state since 1984.

Kamran Othman, a member of the Community Peacemakers Teams (CPT) group working in Iraqi Kurdistan, said the attacks lasted about 45 minutes and there were no civilian victims of the shelling.

The Turkish army said it had "neutralised several terrorists".

CPT says it has recorded more than 230 artillery shelling incidents since June 15, some of which have started fires on agricultural land and hit civilians.

Turkey says it wants to establish a security zone in northern Iraq and Syria to prevent militant incursions.

rh-rba/tw/giv
The police presence will be very visible and I would urge anyone out and about in London, whether participating in these events or not, to speak to an officer if they feel unsafe or wish to report an incident.
KIGALI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- From fashion design training to installation of solar power systems, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is trying to bring hope to communities in rural villages in eastern Rwanda.

Under PolyU's "Green Home" service-learning project, students and faculty from the Department of Computing and the Department of Electrical Engineering, along with PolyU staff, members of the University Social Responsibility Network, and Hong Kong secondary school students and teachers, visited eight villages in Rwamagana District, where they designed and developed green energy solutions and installed solar power systems for more than 400 local households.

The service-learning project was launched in 2013, drawing on over a decade of experience serving the Rwandan community. It ran from July 15 to 29 this year.

Speaking at the closing event on Friday, Rwamagana District Mayor Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi commended the cooperation between Rwanda and the Chinese government that makes such initiatives possible.

"We appreciate the cooperation between Rwamagana District and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This marks our third year working together to provide solar panels to vulnerable residents living far away from on-grid electricity," he said.

Mbonyumuvunyi said solar power will impact lives by extending working hours for businesses and education, as local students will be able to do their revisions at night. "Today, we are celebrating 420 households given solar panels, meaning no more darkness; they can continue their daily activities even at night. It is very interesting for us."

Alphonsine Mukakamanzi, a community health volunteer and one of the beneficiaries of solar power systems, could not hide her excitement.

"My phone could go days without power, cutting off communication with those who wanted me. My children could also not revise in the evening due to darkness. These will be no more. I'm very excited because I have been saved from darkness," Mukakamanzi said.

Like many other residents of the Nyakariro sector in Rwamagana District, Mukakamanzi's only source of lighting was a candle. "Because of the darkness, I could not tend to patients who sought health services at night. I asked them to return the following morning. But this challenge is now addressed. I merely tap on the switch on the wall, and there is light," she said.

Thanks to the project, about 2000 households in Rwanda have accessed power and radios over the last 11 years, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun said.

He noted the importance of radios in connecting villagers to the world and the importance of electricity in enabling students to study at night.

In addition to lighting up the community, the Fashion Innovation and Design Project was implemented by students and faculty from PolyU's School of Fashion and Textiles in cooperation with local villagers and young people with textile experience.

PolyU's fashion creativity was combined with local fabrics to design and create clothing with local characteristics. The finished garments were donated to disadvantaged groups in the area, promoting community care and inclusion.

"This year, designing encounters traditional Rwandan culture and produces fashion art. All these elements show hope for the future, connection with the world, and thus a better life," Wang added. 
DHAKA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- "The relationship, the way it has been progressing over the past decades, will continue to improve," said Syed Aminul Kabir, director of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI), adding that "China is going to be our best trade partner in the days to come."

Kabir, also CEO of May International Trade Services Ltd, who just concluded his trip to the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, capital city of southwest China's Yunnan Province, told Xinhua on Saturday that it was a great experience.

"It's a really great platform, not only between China and Bangladesh expositions. It is also an opportunity to expand our footprint to South Asian countries, including some ASEAN countries," Kabir said.

"I have seen countries such as Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and so on. China has not only provided us with a platform to showcase our products to the Chinese, but Bangladesh has also had the opportunity to showcase its products, services, and collaborations globally, not only in China," Kabir said.

He said that "China always gives us this kind of experience. We can always observe their great developments. If we can take some of their practices, it would be massive for our own development."

Noting that China has been the biggest trade partner of Bangladesh for years, Kabir said that the relationship between Bangladesh and China will continue to develop in this way.

As an example, Kabir mentioned that during the prime minister's visit to China in early July, several documents were signed, and cooperation on digital banking systems between companies from both countries was agreed upon.

For the export side from Bangladesh, there is a huge trade deficit. So, the Bangladeshi side emphasizes the importance of exporting Bangladeshi products, such as mangoes and leather goods, Kabir added.

"Chinese demand is increasing, so they can always come here to manufacture goods in Bangladesh using our skilled manpower. These products can then be exported back to China or to markets all around the world," he said.

Kabir also mentioned that Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are showing great interest in settlements with Chinese yuan.

"We, as a business group, particularly the BCCCI, are emphasizing the activation of the Chinese yuan as a currency for settlements. We have requested our Chinese friends and central bank to look at those particular areas so that our Chinese currency reserve will go up. This will definitely facilitate the import of goods from China," he said.

"I can see a great and bright future for the trade relationship between China and Bangladesh in connection to these goals," he added.

Noting that China is also one of the biggest development partners for Bangladesh, Kabir said that over the past years, the two countries have achieved fruitful results under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Looking ahead, he believes the BRI will continue to bring positive outcomes.

"Bangladesh is one of China's fastest-growing partners. We seek China's support to strengthen that. We look forward to enhancing communication under the BRI so that the initiative can achieve its goals in a positive and efficient manner. This is why Bangladesh is very optimistic and eager to engage in initiatives led by China," he said.

"We are committed to being an active part of this collaboration," Kabir stressed. 
JOHANNESBURG, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of seven people were shot dead and several others were injured Saturday morning at a tavern near Orkney outside Klerksdorp, North West Province, according to South African police.

The suspects reportedly arrived at the tavern looking for Basotho (Lesotho nationals), then opened fire indiscriminately, instantly killing seven people, including one woman and six men, police said in a statement on Saturday.

The suspects also took the video surveillance system, cash from the register, and robbed patrons of their cell phones before fleeing the scene, police said.

Police added that the motive for the shooting has not been determined, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues. 
ROK troops cross a river during Operation Killing Zone. (Unknown)

This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Oct. 31, 1959. It is republished unedited in its original form.

SEOUL, (S&S)  Operation Killing Zone, largest military field exercise since the founding of the First Republic of Korea Army, recently deployed 50,000 troops in a maneuver conducted under simulated atomic conditions.

The exercise held 50 miles north of Seoul, was a test of combat effectiveness during a chemical, biological and radiological war. The operation included mobile, attach and defense operations.

Republic of Korea House Speaker Ki Poong Lee is briefed by Lt. Gen. Jae Hung Yu, First Republic of Korea Army commander on Operation Killing Zone. The exercise deployed 50,000 troops in a maneuver conducted under simulated atomic conditions. Elements of the ROK Air Force and U.S. Armys 4th Missile Command acted as supporting units. (Kim Ki Sam/Stars and Stripes)

Advancing Infantrymen march along a road on their way to reinforce main battle positions during Operation Killing Zone. The exercise was a test of combat effectiveness during a chemical, biological and radiological war. (Unknown)

Camouflaged tanks roll along during Operation Killing Zone, the largest military field exercise since the founding of the First Republic of Korea Army in 1948. Elements of the ROK Air Force and U.S. Armys 4th Missile Command acted as supporting units. (Unknown)

Elements of the ROK Air Force and the U.S. Armys 4th Missile Command acted as supporting units.

Operation Killing Zone was observed by President Syngman Rhee. Also viewing the activities were Defense Minister Chung Yui Kim; Army Lt. Gen. John Coulter (ret.), now serving as U.S. Economic Adviser to Korea and other ranking civilians and military officials.
(Stars and Stripes)

50 miles north of Seoul, South Korea, October 1959: Republic of Korea First Army infantrymen, gas masks on and bayonets at the ready, break through a simulated poison gas cloud. The exercise was part of Operation Killing Zone, the largest military field exercise since the founding of the First Republic of Korea Army in 1948. The exercise, deploying some 50,000 troops and held 50 miles north of Seoul was a test of combat effectiveness during a chemical, biological and radiological war.

Check out additional photos of the exercise and read the 1959 article here.

Looking for additional Stars and Stripes historic coverage? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/
The search for Staff Sgt. Joseph Miele, a radar tech at Aviano Air Base in Italy who was reported missing four days ago, ended Saturday with his rescue. Here he is seen climbing the radar tower at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, in 2017. (Alan Quevy/U.S. Air Force)

AVIANO, Italy  The American airman who went missing four days ago from Aviano Air Base was found alive and unhurt Saturday, ending an intensive search in the Alps.

Details of the rescue of Staff Sgt. Joseph Charles Miele were scarce Saturday, but according to Italian news service Ansa, Miele was found by his brother, who had arrived in Italy the day before to help with the search.

Mieles brother went into the woods on his own and found the airman, then hailed Italian rescuers, Ansa reported.

Miele, 32, is a radar tech assigned to the 606th Air Control Squadron, which specializes in air surveillance, control and communications. He didnt show up for work Tuesday and was reported missing by his unit that night.

Searchers found Mieles Opel Astra in Andreis, a mountain town north of Aviano. They believe he went hiking on the area trails with his dog, which was also rescued Saturday.

Italian firefighters heard the dog barking at the bottom of a canyon and airlifted the canine into a helicopter using a special harness, according to Italian news service PordenoneToday.

On Friday, rescuers found a towel belonging to Miele, allowing them to focus their efforts on a specific area of Andreis, Messagero Veneto reported.

An undated photo from social media of Staff Sgt. Joseph Miele, who went missing from Aviano Air Base in Italy on July 23, 2024. Miele was found alive and uninjured Saturday after an intensive four-day search. (Facebook)

I want to thank the local Italian authorities and our base community for the combined search and rescue effort to bring Joseph home, Col. Beau Diers, deputy commander of the 31st Fighter Wing, said in a statement Saturday. The unwavering support of the local community has been invaluable during this challenging time.

The wing did not immediately respond Saturday to questions seeking additional information.

Miele was flown to base camp in a helicopter and taken to a local hospital, and his dog was examined by a veterinarian, Italian media reports said.
Protesters march in downtown D.C. on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in support of Palestinians and in opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to the city for an address to Congress. (Robb Hill for The Washington Post)

.Prosecutors have dropped charges against nearly half of the 25 people arrested in Washington on Wednesday during various protests over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress, according to court records and officials.

The arrests by police from three law enforcement agencies occurred at a number of points and under different circumstances on a day when thousands marched through Washington, voicing their displeasure over the prime ministers visit and Israels actions in Gaza.

At times, the demonstrations grew tense - particularly outside of Union Station, where protesters clashed with police, took down and burned an American flag and spray-painted the Christopher Columbus fountain and adjacent Liberty Bell reproduction with messages like Free Gaza, All zionists are bastards, and Hamas is Comin.

Police union officials said they were frustrated to see prosecutors walk away from the cases - or, in some instances, reduce the charges - and concerned that their own staffing levels did not allow them to detain as many people as they would have liked. Officials with the D.C. attorney generals office and the D.C. U.S. attorneys office, which handle such prosecutions, declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing investigation.

It is possible that some of the dropped cases could be revived, or that others could be tracked down and charged later.

Not all of those arrested were alleged to have been involved in taking down American flags or violent confrontations with police; the group also included six relatives of hostages being held in Gaza. Brianna Burch, a Capitol Police spokeswoman, said one or two of those protesters, who wore yellow shirts emblazoned with Seal the Deal to indicate they want Netanyahu to negotiate the return of hostages, stood up during the prime ministers speech in an act coordinated with other protestors who were wearing the same expressive t-shirts.

Those protesters appeared to be in the group that had their cases dropped; there were no court records Friday reflecting their charges, though prosecutors declined to say specifically what happened after their arrests. The D.C. attorney generals office would only confirm that it dropped 11 of the 25 cases, which had charged offenders with misdemeanor crimes including crossing police lines and disorderly conduct.

Its a slap in the face to law enforcement who are doing their jobs and these prosecutors throw these charges out, said Gus Papathanasiou, chairman of the U.S. Capitol Police labor committee. Shame on them for  giving free passes to criminals.

Court records show 13 people are currently charged with various crimes. Eight appeared in D.C. Superior Court and five were issued criminal citations and released and ordered to appear for a future court date.

Police arrested one juvenile, a 15-year-old from Ohio who is charged with assaulting a police officer. The status of that case could not be determined because of juvenile privacy rules.

Ten people were arrested by U.S. Park Police at Columbus Circle in front of Union Station. Court records show people in that group were hit with the most serious charges over trying to take down an American flag and assaulting police officers.

But two of those police said were arrested appeared to have their cases dropped, as court records did not show any pending charges against them.

Documents filed in D.C. Superior Court revealed new allegations from Park Police about the volatile clashes in front of Union Station with members of a protest group police identified as the ANSWER Coalition, an antiwar organization that frequently organizes protests in the District and has disputed that Wednesdays demonstrations were violent.

In arrest affidavits, Park Police officers said that around 3 p.m., they saw people climbing the Christopher Columbus statue and spray-painting pro-Hamas slogans on it. Other officers saw people spray-painting a bell. Then, police said they saw two people climb the base of a statue and flagpole, including at least two who were 10 to 15 feet off the ground manipulating the rope and unraveling it from the pole.

The affidavit says Sonia Krishan, 21, of Kensington, was about 15 feet up the flagpole and pulling on the flag line. Two Park Police officers pulled her down, the affidavit states, and handcuffed her. They said she resisted and had to be carried out of the crowd. Martine Kaplan, an attorney representing Krishan, declined to comment.

Meanwhile, police alleged in the arrest affidavit that Nathanial Lawrence, 19, was at the base of the flagpole helping to tear down the American flag. Police said Lawrence ran as officers approached him, and they tackled and arrested him. As they handcuffed Lawrence, police alleged, officers were assaulted by members of the crowd who were attempting to help Lawrence escape police custody.

In an interview Friday, Lawrence said he spent about 24 hours in jail before being released. Lawrence said he saw people in the crowd waving Palestinian flags and thought it didnt seem right that the American flag was flying higher. He said those protesting on Wednesday were fighting for those suffering in Gaza while the U.S. government just stands there and lets it happen.

So, Lawrence said, he climbed up the flagpole and began trying to take down the flag as another protester climbed up to help him. Then, Lawrence said he saw several police officers heading toward him and ran.

Id do it again in a heartbeat, he said.

A third person at the flagpole, Roger Miller, 43, of Baltimore, was also arrested, and police alleged demonstrators sought to interfere with officers taking him into custody. Mark Goldstone, an attorney representing him, declined to comment.

Park Police initially charged Krishan, Lawrence and Miller with several criminal counts including defacing public property, fighting and disorderly conduct. But prosecutors with the U.S. attorneys office for D.C. filed a single charge against each of the three: attempted theft, alleging they attempted to wrongfully obtain and use property belonging to the U.S. government: the American flag. They were not alleged to have been involved in the flag burning, which occurred after their arrests.

Following those arrests, the Park Police said, multiple protesters refused our commands to back up, and officers moved to the northeast side of the park while the crowd followed.

Police said Essa Elies Ejelat, 33, of Yonkers, N.Y., pointed at an officer with his right hand and threatened him. He was arrested and charged with threatening to do bodily harm to a police officer. His attorney declined to comment Friday.

About 3:45 p.m., in a separate part of the Columbus Circle park, police said they arrested three people carrying weapons, including bats, batons, shields and a dart gun typically used for hunting. Frederick Coates, 25, of Bowie, Momamome Crow, 23, of D.C. and Antonio Somerville, 23, of Bowie, were each charged with one count of carrying concealed weapons. Coates and his attorney could not be immediately reached for comment. An attorney representing Momamome declined to comment.

Park Police also arrested Zachary Kam, 34, of Chicago, charging him with two counts of assaulting police officers. Police allege he pulled on the back of two officers protective vests, forcing them to the ground and injuring one. Reached on Friday, Kams wife declined to comment and said Kam was unavailable.

Kenneth Spencer, chairman of the U.S. Park Police Fraternal Order of Police, said the officers did everything they could to protect property, but had only 29 officers available, with additional help from the Interior Department.

A small unit of 29 officers arrested 10 individuals while being assaulted by a mob of thousands, Spencer said in a statement. We simply did not have the staffing or resources to accomplish a mass arrest operation.

It is not uncommon for prosecutors to initially decline to press charges against individuals arrested during protests, especially those that turn violent, said Rizwan Qureshi, former assistant U.S. attorney for the District.

Police on the street are making a decision that is in a much shorter defined period of time and make a decision quickly, especially when dealing with riotous behavior in order to get some order quickly, Qureshi said. But when prosecutors bring cases, they have an obligation to look at the evidence individually and determine if they can present these facts and prove beyond a reasonable doubt the offense here.

But Qureshi - who was involved in prosecuting those arrested amid violent demonstrations during President Donald Trumps inauguration, a case that ended with a large number of dismissals - added that prosecutors could refile cases if more evidence emerges.

The demonstrations in the D.C. area have continued after Netanyahus speech. On Friday, Virginia Department of Transportation officials cleared a months-long pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the Arlington home of Secretary of State Antony Blinken. A small group of protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza had camped outside his house - erecting tents, chanting and waving flags since the winter.

Ellen Kamilakis, a spokeswoman for VDOT, said officials had determined that the present condition of the road, including people, as well as concrete barriers, tents, flags, and other items occupying VDOTs right-of-way - is unsafe for motorists, bikers, and pedestrians and blocks access to emergency vehicles and personnel.

Two demonstrators present at the site left voluntarily after being asked to do so by Virginia State Police officers also present at the removal, officials said
An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2024 shows a view of mangrove forests in the coastal area near "Java 7" project in Serang, Banten province, Indonesia.

The large areas of mangroves along the Indonesian coastline play an important role in purifying seawater, preventing wind and waves, fixing and storing carbon, and maintaining biodiversity.

China's CHN Energy and Indonesian National Electricity Company jointly built the "Java 7" project in the western part of Java Island.

The CHN Energy Java Power Plant played a leading role in designing and implementing the natural ecological protection project for mangroves as well as other wild animals and plants, which significantly contributed to the restoration of mangroves in this region. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro holds a closing election campaign rally in Caracas, Venezuela, July 25, 2024.

Over 20 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots on July 28 to elect a president in Venezuela. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

An internet celebrity touches the touchable version of Mona Lisa at Museum of Art Pudong in east China's Shanghai, July 24, 2024. Internet celebrities from 21 countries as Brazil, India, Malaysia and Mexico, came to Shanghai for a visit where they can witness the daily lives in China. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

A keeper feeds milk to a Siberian tiger cub at Fuzhou Xian'gaishan wildlife zoo in east China's Jiangxi Province, July 25, 2024.

Four Siberian tigers have been successfully bred since May this year at the wildlife zoo. These cubs are in good health condition and will soon meet the public. The zoo has successfully bred 24 Siberian tigers since its establishment in 2018. (Xinhua/Zhou Mi)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 25, 2024 shows a flood-hit road being repaired at Zhulin Village of Wudu District in Longnan City, northwest China's Gansu Province.

Gansu suffered the heaviest rainfall this year from Monday to Wednesday, or the most severe round of downpours in the province since 1961, said the provincial meteorological bureau. Locals in Longnan are racing against time to repair flood-hit infrastructure and put life back to normal. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing)

A balloon carrying the lit Olympic cauldron lifts off nexts to the Louvre Pyramid during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Fei)

Visitors learn about handmade wool felt at the Nepal exhibition area of the South Asia Pavilion during the 8th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, July 26, 2024. The 8th China-South Asia Expo runs from July 23 to 28 in Kunming. The expo presents 15 pavilions, including two dedicated to South Asian countries, showcasing a total of approximately 800 booths. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

Members of the Chinese delegation attend the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

The Effiel Tower is seen during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

An aerial drone photo shows a container yard at the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, July 25, 2024. Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, has found a vital connection to the sea through the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, established in 2014. This partnership has significantly enhanced the infrastructure cooperation between China and Kazakhstan, with the China-Europe freight trains continuously traversing through Kazakhstan.

Today, the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base boasts a 220,000 square meter container yard and a 3.8-kilometer dedicated railway line. It has become a crucial platform for transit, warehousing, and trade between Central Asian countries. (Xinhua/Li Bo)

Members of the Chinese delegation are seen during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Photo by Cao Can/POOL/Xinhua)

Torchbearer Rafael Nadal of Spain is seen during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Photo by Xu Chang/POOL/Xinhua)

Members of the delegation of Vanuatu attend the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Wenyao)

The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is held in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
He said that one of the French students had her mobile phone taken from her after a man and woman approached the group on the street at around 10.20pm

A couple have been charged in relation to the theft of a mobile phone from a group of French students in Cork in an incident which also allegedly involved their teacher being struck repeatedly with a screwdriver.

The man and woman, who are both in their 20s and cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged with robbery at St Patricks Street in Cork on Wednesday.

Sgt David Delea told Judge Mary Dorgan that more serious charges could follow once Gardai receive instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Det Garda Conor Cronin gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution.

He said that one of the French students had her mobile phone taken from her after a man and woman approached the group on the street at around 10.20pm.

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 said.

He indicated that the female then tried to leave with the phone.

She was stopped by one of the teachers accompanying the French teens who attempted to get the phone back.

The teacher and the woman fell to the ground during the dispute.

Det 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 who was accompanying the woman.

The female then threw a coffee cup at the teacher, striking him in the face. The male and female then left the area.

The group of French students were 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 counsel Alan ODwyer BL said that the female defendant was willing to obey any and all conditions set down by the court.

The woman was remanded on bail until September 26 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 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 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 garda station twice daily and to obey a curfew from 6pm to 8am daily.

Mr Dwyer added that his client had pledged to stay out of Cork city centre other than to attend legal and medical appointments.

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 30 next.

She said 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.

The man 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.
After being diagnosed with cancer and having a kidney removed, Kilbride claimed the constant fear of threats and recriminations also brought on a stroke.

A former Fine Gael politician and businessman says he fears being murdered by a gang linked to the late gangster Cyril Dublin Jimmy McGuinness after pleading guilty to money laundering.

Speaking to the Sunday World after pleading guilty to laundering more than 2.6m, former Longford county mayor Frank Kilbride described a daily nightmare since becoming entangled with a circle of violent and dangerous cross-border associates of Dublin Jimmy.

Kilbrides conviction has shocked the local community. He was yesterday remanded in custody for sentencing next week.

The former politician claims it all began in late 2016 when a Cavan-based businessman approached him to buy a company the now-retired businessman was no longer using for a 3,000 sum.

Despite handing over documentation to facilitate the companys orderly transfer, the former Longford county councillor claims he discovered a number of weeks later that the firm in question was still in his name.

I was told there was money after being put into an account to buy lorries, to which I said, What account?. All that was said back was, Its in there now and the only way to withdraw it is to transfer it, which I naively agreed to, he said.

A further attempt, according to Kilbride, was made by the unnamed Cavan businessman to once again carry out a six-figure transaction through the same account in a request the now-retired entrepreneur declined.

In an attempt to shut down the company and remove any trace of his identity being attached to it, Kilbride said he ordered the man to meet him at a premises in Granard the following morning before travelling into Longford to close down the account, which was in the former councillors name.

It was an ultimatum which, in his own words, led him to sign my own death warrant as he came face to face with McGuinness, better known as Dublin Jimmy. I remember he just came in the door, there was no hello or how are you?. He told me that the businessman I was supposed to meet had been called away and that if more money wasnt transferred through this account, he would lose out, he said.

I was nervous about him and how he was acting, so I just said, I have things to do to try and get him to leave, but at that stage he began pacing up and down the floor before turning to me to pull out a handgun from inside his jacket to say, I told you I am Jimmy, but I am really Dublin Jimmy.

Cyril 'Dublin Jimmy' McGuinness

Kilbride said it was an encounter that resulted in Dublin Jimmy driving both of them into Longford.

On the way, I pleaded with him to slow down, Kilbride said.

I said we would either be killed or pulled in by the guards, but all he done was reach down underneath his seat and pull out another handgun.

I remember him saying to me, Scumbags, if any guard pulls me over, that [brandishing the gun] is how I deal with them.

The journey, which ended up outside a Permanent TSB branch, ultimately resulted in the one-time postmaster carrying out the first in a string of six-figure transactions on behalf of the gang.

Kilbride also spoke of how a lifelong friend and high-ranking garda advised him to try and play them once it became clear he was in too deep.

When I sat down with him and told him what those people were doing with me, the first thing he told me was that those were one of the worst gangs since the foundation of the State, he said.

He also told me that there are at least five to six people in every parish in the country, plus they had a gang in the UK that they were operating out of.

He told me it was only a matter of time before they killed someone. He said there was only one thing to do and that was to keep the head down and play them and hopefully it would go away.

Kilbride told of carrying out up to eight such measures at the gangs behest, in between his own attempts to close down the account with the remaining 2,200 which was sitting in it being made out to McGuinness via a bankers draft.

It was about a week after I did that, that Jimmy and three men called to my door, he said.

I opened it and he just said to me, What kind of a stupid c*** are you? Dublin Jimmy only deals in cash. One of the men with Jimmy also pulled a gun on my dog when she made a dart for him and started barking, to which Jimmy shouted, Dont be acting the b*******.

Kilbride claims he made a further unsuccessful attempt to close down the account, prompting another visit to his door by McGuinness and the same three men.

They told me they didnt want whatever money was left in the account and that I would need it for medical expenses down the road, he said.

I queried them as to what that meant and it was more or less said to me that I wouldnt need it provided I kept my mouth shut.

The four of them told me that I wasnt finished with and that if I ever opened my mouth, the head would be blown off me.

Dublin Jimmy died from a heart attack after being awoken by a police raid at his home in Buxton, Derbyshire, in November 2019.

Kilbride said it was around six weeks later that another group of men called to his door to deliver the most ominous of warnings.

They told me that just because Dublin Jimmy was gone, that I was not out of the woods and that if I talked I would pay, Kilbride said.

Those words would come back to haunt him just weeks later in November 2019.

I had been on my way back from a funeral I was doing when I got a call from my brother to tell me that a close family member of mine had been taken to hospital, he said. They had been brutally attacked, beaten black and blue and left with a broken ankle.

The incident, he maintained, was very much pointed at him.

They had come for me, I know that and I wish they had in way, he said.

Kilbride said regardless of his guilt and decision to accept his judicial medicine, the last seven years have dealt the harshest of tolls.

After being diagnosed with cancer and having a kidney removed, Kilbride claimed the constant fear of threats and recriminations also brought on a stroke.

I havent left the house, apart from going to my doctor, he said.

Its destroyed my life. It destroyed me mentally, physically and then I got cancer. Only for my doctors I would definitely be gone.

My whole life has been turned upside down and I am on serious medication. I just fear for my life. I have lived the last seven years under nothing but threat and I cant sleep at night with the worry.

My health is failing and I fear that whatever happens from now on, I will always be looking over my shoulder wondering if theyll come back.

And if I do live to tell the tale, I would like to be remembered as someone who did their best for their parish, the county and country. It might not sound much, but to me it means the world.
The woman was dragged into a dog pound where the violent rape took place after she was strangled.

A MAN jailed this week after he cable-tied his ex-partner in a terrifying attack at her home served time for a vicious rape 30 years ago.

Kevin Murphy who terrorised his ex was convicted by a jury in 1998 of a frenzied and violent attack in which a 25-year-old woman was lucky to survive being choked.

This week at Ennis Circuit Court his latest victim was too frightened of him to attend the hearing, but her victim impact statement was read out.

She said that Murphy had a look of evil in his eyes the night he attacked me.

The woman said time will heal, but that she is already fearful of Murphy being released who got a four-year-and-eight-month sentence.

I no longer feel safe or peaceful. The physical injuries have healed but mentally and emotionally I am exhausted."

In 1994 another woman had a lucky escape when she was almost choked to death in an unprovoked attack for which Murphy was found guilty.

The woman been walking over a bridge in Roscrea after midnight on 4 September, 1994 where people had been celebrating Offaly's win over Limerick in the All-Ireland hurling final.

She was dragged into a dog pound where the violent rape took place after she was strangled.

A doctor gave evidence the choking caused her eyes to haemorrhage and brought her close to death.

The trial judge said that it was quite surprising she survived at all" in what was a particularly vicious and terrifying attack.

A jury convicted Murphy after a nine-day trial who claimed he was the victim of mistaken identity and didnt carry out the attack.

The woman had got a good look at her attacker's face and recognised him as Murphy who was 19 at the time, although she did not know his name.

She told gardai her attacker had blond hair, had an English accent, came from Roscrea and had been in the local vocational school.

Forensic evidence linked fibres found on his clothes to the clothes worn by the victim while dirt was also found in the ribbed elbow pads of his leather jacket and on his shoes that the prosecution said became embedded during the attack.

This week his 1994 rape conviction was confirmed in court where his defence lawyer said that Murphy still maintains his innocence of that attack.

Judge Francis Comerford said because the conviction was 30-years-old he wouldnt add to the sentence but it limited a reduction in mitigation.

He imposed a sentence of four years and eight months for the attack in which he pushed the woman down the stairs and then trussed her up with cable ties.

It came after she had rejected Murphys effort to kiss her in an attempt to rekindle their relationship.

She later told gardai she was terrified that he was going to rape or kill her.

In her victim impact statement this week the woman described the terror of being helpless at Murphys hands.

It is a very strange feeling to be attacked and in fear of your life knowing that you are powerless to stop it. It was almost a feeling of acceptance.

There is not a whole lot you can do when you are restrained the way I was. I remember thinking okay, if this is going to happen I need to go quietly because as long as my son is sleeping he is some bit safe.

I can honestly say that the last 18 months or so has left me damaged. From his countless extreme and bizarre lies, his cheating, manipulation, continual suicide threats to the attack, my mind has been just worn out and broken.

I am on edge all the time.
Max Singleton and Luke Kennedy are charged with burglary in Dublin city centre last December.

Prosecutors have been given more time to prepare their case against two teenagers accused of burgling a shop where more than 3,000 worth of clothing was allegedly stolen.

Max Singleton and Luke Kennedy are charged with burglary in Dublin city centre last December.

Judge Miriam Walsh adjourned their cases to later this month for DPP directions.

Mr Singleton (18) of Ballinclare, Ballycanew and Mr Kennedy (18) of Cois Doire, both in Gorey, Co Wexford, are charged with burglary of Foot Locker on December 13 last year.

They are also charged with burgling the Ilac Centre and causing 2,350 worth of damage to the front window of Hoco, a shop in the centre.

They are further charged with burglary at Motel One, Middle Abbey Street.

The accused were remanded on continuing bail. Previously, the court heard they made no reply to the charges after caution.

In a contested bail hearing, gardai said there was a large quantity of clothing allegedly stolen, worth 3,240.

Under conditions of bail, Mr Kennedy was told to stay out of Dublin after the court heard he had no reason to be in the city.

Mr Singleton, whose mother lives in Phibsborough, is to stay out of Dublin 1 and 2.

Mr Kennedy is to have no contact with Mr Singleton.
During tense scenes, family members of the deceased shouted abuse at the defendant as he was led from the court

A 36-year-old man, charged with the murder of Jordan Rowan (aka Pakenham) in Tallaght told gardai: Im real sorry that he died. I didnt mean for this to happen.

Unemployed Patrick Murphy of Drumcairn Parade, Tallaght appeared before Judge Michael Ramsey today where he was charged with the murder of the deceased at Drumcairn Avenue, Tallaght in the early hours of Friday morning.

Dressed in a yellow T-shirt and green tracksuit bottoms, Murphy did not speak during the proceedings.

20-year-old Jordan was mortally wounded when he sustained a fatal knife wound during an incident which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning in the Drumcairn Estate in Tallaght.

He was the eldest of four children in a family from the Rossfield area of Tallaght, around a kilometre from the scene of the stabbing.

Gardai pictured at the scene

Det Garda Stephen Neilan of Tallaght Garda station told yesterdays court sitting he had arrested Patrick Murphy for the purpose of charge at 3.22pm.

He said the defendant was cautioned that he didnt have to say anything but that anything he did say could be used against him in evidence.

In response to caution, the defendant said: Im real sorry that he died. I didnt mean for this to happen.

Det Garda Neilan said he handed a true copy of the charge to the defendant,

Solicitor Mr. Donough Molloy said, given the nature of the charge, it would not be possible to make an application for bail at todays proceedings.

Judge Ramsey remanded the defendant in custody to be produced again on July 31.

He granted an application for legal aid to Mr. Molloy after the court was informed the defendant was unemployed.

During tense scenes, family members of the deceased shouted abuse at the defendant as he was led from the court.

Separately, a woman in her 30s, who was arrested on suspicion of alleged offences connected to the fatal assault, remains in custody.

Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the Drumcairn Estate area of Tallaght in Dublin 24, between 3am and 4am on Friday.

Additionally, individuals with video recordings, including motorists with dash cam footage, from the area within the time frame are asked to provide this footage to investigating Gardai.

Anyone with any information that can assist Gardai with this investigation is asked to contact Tallaght Garda station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Online tributes to slain Jordan were yesterday led by his girlfriend who posted a picture of her hugging him the words: I love you my boy!

Pals from throughout Tallaght also paid their respects to the deceased youth with one writing: God help him, he was a lovely kid.

"I've no words you sweet, sweet kind-hearted gentle soul.

We all knew and loved you as! Youre going to be missed by so many man, including meself. Rest easy Paco, gone way too soon G, thinking of all your family," added another.

A number of people referred to Mr Pakenham's childhood pal, Kyle Finnegan Hooper, who died in 2018 after suffering an asthma attack at the age of just 12. In February 2019, Mr Pakenham had posted a photo of himself with Kyle, along with the message: "Happy heavenly birthday bro. Your always on my mind buddy love ye bro until we meet again."

Today, one mourner wrote: "Rest in peace. Such sad news to wake up to this morning.

May God give you the best bed in Heaven. Youre up there with Kyle now. Please give your family the strength to get through this."
Gardai are trying to determine the exact sequence of events around the incident in which a car was blocked in by another vehicle and a shotgun was fired into it

ONE of the men injured in a gun attack in Wicklow this week is a suspect for a serious aggravated burglary and threats to kill in north Dublin.

Gardai are trying to determine the exact sequence of events around the incident in which a car was blocked in by another vehicle and a shotgun was fired into it.

Gardai suspect three men were in the car and two of them suffered gunshot injuries in the incident in Ballinahinch, Roundwood, in rural Co Wicklow, at 10pm on Tuesday.

One of the injured men is originally from Africa but has lived in Ireland for a number of years and is currently based in Dublins north inner city. He has previously come to garda attention and is a suspect in a serious aggravated burglary in Cabra and also of making threats to kill in the north inner city.

It is understood he is not co-operating with the garda investigation despite receiving serious injuries in the attack.

Gardai are probing if the gunmen had any links to the drugs trade.

After the shooting the Angolan man attended Tallaght Hospital with gunshot wounds to his chest.

He arrived at the hospital by taxi and gave a false name to medics who found he had multiple pellets from a shotgun in his chest. He later discharged himself against medical advice.

A second man injured in the attack is a 27-year-old with an address in England who has ties to Austria.

Around the same time his associate attended Tallaght hospital, the 27-year-old presented at St Vincents Hospital in Dublin with a serious injury to his hand on the same night.

According to an account that this man  who was not previously known to gardai  gave when he arrived at the hospital, he had been in a car in the Irishtown area of the capital, which was swarmed by four men.

He claimed that he was threatened with a knife in the course of this attempted robbery and then two shots were fired into the car, resulting in a very serious injury to his hand.

Gardai probed this version of events but found there were no witnesses despite it supposedly happening in a busy area of the city. There were also no emergency calls made to either gardai or the ambulance service.

Gardai later established the shooting took place in Wicklow.

It is suspected that the English-based victim was brought from Co Wicklow to the Dublin 4 area on the N11 in a silver Mercedes between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday.

A third man based in Lucan was also believed to be in the car when the shooting occurred but was not injured.

Gardai are hoping to speak to this man and the Angolan man as witnesses to try to determine exactly what happened.

A Garda spokesperson said: "Gardai are investigating all the circumstances of a shooting incident that occurred in Co. Wicklow on the evening of Tuesday 23rd July 2024.

"It's reported that at approximately 10pm at Ballinahinch, Roundwood, two men travelling in a car were blocked in by another vehicle, and a firearm was discharged.

"Investigations into all the circumstances of this incident are ongoing at Bray Garda Station.

"Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

"Any persons travelling in the Roundwood area between 9:30pm and 10:30pm on Tuesday 23rd July 2024 are asked to come forward.

"Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in this area at these times are asked to make this footage available to Gardai."

The spokesperson also appealed to anyone who saw the Mercedes Benz the men were travelling in as it headed towards Dublin to come forward.

She said: "Gardai are also appealing to any persons who observed the movements of a silver Mercedes Benz that travelled from Roundwood onto Newtownmountkennedy and then northbound on the N11 into the Dublin 4 area between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday 23rd July 2024.

"Any road users travelling in these areas at these times who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are also asked to come forward.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bray Garda Station on 01 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
This is a very weird situation to say the least  there has been untruths said all round

Detectives are this weekend trying to piece together a bizarre sequence of events surrounding an incident in which a car was blocked by another vehicle and a shotgun was fired into it.

Yesterday gardai made a public appeal for information in relation to the shooting that happened in Ballinahinch, Roundwood, in rural Co Wicklow, at 10pm on Tuesday.

It is suspected that there were three men in the car and two of them suffered gunshot injuries.

The Sunday World can reveal that the incident was originally being treated as a robbery after a 27-year-old English national presented at St Vincents Hospital in Dublin with a serious injury to his hand on the same night.

According to an account that this man  who was not previously known to gardai  gave when he arrived at the hospital, he had been in a car in the Irishtown area of the capital, which was swarmed by four men.

It was alleged that he was threatened with a knife in the course of this attempted robbery and then two shots were fired into the car, resulting in a very serious injury to his hand.

Senior sources said that what mystified gardai from the start about this version of events is that there were no witnesses to the incident in a busy area of the city and no emergency calls were made to either the gardai or the ambulance service.

At around the same time that this man presented at the south Dublin hospital, a criminal based in the north inner city arrived at Tallaght Hospital with gunshot injuries to his chest.

He had arrived at the hospital in a taxi and initially gave a false name to medics.

When examined, it emerged that he was severely wounded, with multiple pellets from a shotgun in his chest.

He later discharged himself from the hospital against medical advice and has not been seen since.

It is understood that gardai want to question this man, who is originally from an African country but has been living here for a number of years, as a witness to the shooting that they have now established happened in Co Wicklow, not Irishtown.

This individual is a suspect in relation to a number of recent violent crimes on the capitals northside and has so far refused to co-operate with the garda investigation.

It is being investigated whether he was in the car when the English national suffered gunshot wounds to his hand, for which he was still being treated in hospital last night.

It is suspected that the English man was brought from Co Wicklow to the Dublin 4 area on the N11 in a silver Mercedes between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday.

A third man, who is based in Lucan, is also suspected of being in the car in Roundwood and detectives intend to obtain a statement from him.

This is a very weird situation to say the least  there has been untruths said all round and then you have an individual who leaves hospital when that is where he really should be with those pellet injuries to his chest, a source said.

Gardai are trying to get to the bottom of all of this but it could well have been a drug deal that went sour or some form of criminal set-up or rip-off situation.

There have been no arrests in the case, which is being investigated by Bray gardai.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo in Vientiane, Laos, July 26, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo here on Friday, warning the Philippine side over the U.S. intermediate missile system deployment.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and the Philippines are close neighbors across the sea, and good neighborliness, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development are in the fundamental interests of the two countries.

He noted that the positive and negative lessons of China-Philippines relations in recent years have proved time and again that it is not easy to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them.

At present, Wang said, China-Philippines relations are facing serious difficulties and challenges, which are rooted in the fact that the Philippine side has repeatedly violated the consensus of the two sides and its own commitments, continuously pushed the infringement of rights at sea and magnified the speculation of public opinion.

China is gravely concerned about and firmly opposes it, Wang said.

He added that if the Philippines introduces the U.S. intermediate missile system, it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people.

Wang said that China has recently reached a temporary arrangement with the Philippines on the transportation and replenishment of humanitarian supplies to Ren'ai Jiao in order to maintain the stability of the maritime situation. The key is for the Philippine side to fulfill its commitments and refrain from changing its position, said the Chinese foreign minister. Otherwise, he noted, China will definitely respond resolutely.

Wang pointed out that China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and there is no way out of conflict and confrontation, except for dialogue and consultation.

He expressed the hope that the Philippine side will seriously think about the future of China-Philippines relations and work with China to push bilateral relations back on the right track at an early date.

Manalo, for his part, said the Philippines and China have a long history of traditional friendship and have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship based on equal treatment and mutual benefit.

Despite the difficulties and challenges faced by the two sides due to maritime issues, the Philippines is committed to easing the situation through dialogue and consultation, and dealing with differences constructively, Manalo said.

He added that the recent meeting of the bilateral consultative mechanism on the South China Sea, during which both sides agreed to manage the maritime situation, reflects the goodwill of both sides without compromising on their respective positions.

The Philippines is willing to implement the consensus, Manalo said, noting that next year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, and the Philippines is willing to strengthen communication with China in a sincere and pragmatic manner to enhance mutual trust and improve bilateral relations. 
The Galway diocese said that it will reflect on what to do with Bishop Caseys remains, which are interred at the Galway Cathedral

The Catholic Church is considering removing the remains of the late bishop Eamonn Casey from the Galway Cathedral following revelations of sexual abuse.

The Galway diocese said it requires time and space to consider and consult on the internment of Bishop Casey in the cathedrals crypt.

Bishop Michael Duignan, in his statement on Tuesday regarding Bishop Casey, said he is working with anybody affected, to help bring truth, healing and peace to such terribly painful situations.

Patricia Donovan has said that Bishop Casey, who served as bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh from 1976 to 1992, first raped her when she was five years old, with the sexual abuse continuing for years. She first went public in 2019, and spoke about the abuse on camera for the first time in an RTE documentary last week. It has also emerged that the Galway diocese had credible allegations of the rape of five children by Casey.

Casey, who was seen as a progressive voice within the Catholic church and was one of the leading figures during Pope John Paul IIs 1979 papal visit to Ireland, was formally removed from public ministry in 2007 by the Vatican due to "allegations" which included his niece's complaint of child sexual abuse.

That restriction continued for the last ten years of his but life but was never publicly revealed in Bishop Caseys lifetime. He died in 2017 at the age of 89. Five people have made allegations of abuse.

He had resigned in 1992 when it was revealed he had an affair with a young American woman, Annie Murphy, with whom he had a child after which he was sent to do missionary work for several years in South America and then ministered in England.

In 2019, the Galway diocese received the allegation of child sexual abuse against Casey from Ms Donovan. However, the diocese also confirmed it had records of five people who had complained of childhood sexual abuse against him at the time.

Following these revelations, which were revealed in the RTE documentary Bishop Caseys Buried Secrets, the Galway diocese said that it will reflect on what to do with Bishop Caseys remains, which are interred at the Galway Cathedral.

The diocese said: In this context, the interment of the remains of Bishop Casey in the crypt beneath Galway Cathedral is a very sensitive issue that deeply affects people in different ways, and which has different facets.

"The interment of Bishop Casey in the Cathedral crypt now requires a period of careful consideration and consultation, which has already begun.

Time and space are required to adequately and appropriately bring this undertaking to completion. We will not be making any further public comment until we are in a position to provide an update.
UPDATE: Alice has been found safe and well Alice is described as being 5 foot 7 inches in height, with a slim build, brown hair and green eyes

The family of teenage girl missing from her Co Meath are concerned for her wellbeing.

Alice OKeefe (17) of Julianstown, has not been seen since Thursday, July 25 at approximately 10.30pm.

She is described as being five feet seven inches in height, with a slim build, brown hair and green eyes.

When last seen, Alice was wearing black trousers and a black top.

It is believed that Alice may have travelled to the Dublin area.

Gardai and Alices family are concerned for her wellbeing.

Anyone with any information on Alice's whereabouts is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01 801 0600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Look after yourselves and be careful of the choices you make

The death of a 21-year-old man in Mountjoy Prison last week that sparked a nationwide killer drug alert across Irelands prisons has left his community in shock, his funeral mass was told today.

Adam Darcy, from Darndale in Dublin, who was serving a two-year-sentence for drug related offences, was found dead in his cell at unlock at 8 am on Thursday.

A quantity of pills subsequently discovered in his cell later tested positive for a lethal Nitazene type substance.

Speaking earlier today at the young mans funeral in Our Lady Immaculate Church, Darndale, his parish priest said the whole community was shocked to hear of Adams death and was now in sorrow.

Adam was truly one of our own, the priest said.

Referring his well-respected family, the priest said Adams spiritual journey had begun when he was baptised and his parents bought him to the ceremony along with his godparents.

He had a normal, happy childhood growing up, he had loads of friends, and he supported his dad in following Everton which I think is a wonderful thing to do.

However, the priest added: Adam died last Thursday week. Over the years weve seen many tragic funerals of young people. Far too many In Darndale/Belcamp.

"Life is precious, he added, but it is also very fragile.

Referring to the opening of the Olympic games in Paris and the athletes who are pursuing their dreams the priest said that, sadly, Adams dream were cut short.

And, noting the number of young people in attendance at the funeral he warned: Look after yourselves and be careful of the choices you make.

Adam, who is predeceased by his grandmother Harriet and her partner Aidan, grandfather John, and Uncle John is very sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Sharon and Damien, brother Duane, partner Abby, daughters Aria and Rayne, grandparents Billy and Mary, aunties Lynn and Christine, uncles, great aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family, a large circle of friends and the entire community in Darndale and Belcamp, his death notice on RIP.ie reads.

He was laid rest in in Balgriffin Cemetery following the service.

In the condolences section people expressed their shock and sadness at Adams passing.

One reads: Deepest condolences to Adam's family. He was well-loved. May he rest in peace.

Another adds: Rip young man. Watch over your mam, dad, brother, girlfriend, all your family.

One person said they were: Heartbroken for you all please god give you strength.

More deadly than heroin and fentanyl, Nitazenes were linked to at least 54 deaths in the UK in the second half of 2023.

Two preceding Nitazene linked deaths in custody took place in Cork and Limerick prisons earlier in the year.

Last March, the HSE issued a red alert to all of the prisons in the Republic following the discovery of a link between a number of overdoses and Nitazene type substances.

Analysis conducted by HSE National Drug Treatment Centre Laboratory has confirmed the presence of a Nitazene type substance, called N-Pyrrolidinoprotonitazene, associated with overdoses in Irish prisons, the HSE said at the time.

The HSE advises that there is extra risk at this time and strongly recommends those in prison avoid new types of drugs or new batches being sold.

Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids that can lead to serious overdoses, hospitalisations and drug-related death.

Speaking in connection with that alert, Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead, Addiction Services, said: This is the first known case of Nitazenes in an Irish prison setting.

We remind the public that the prison market may be different from others. These drugs may come as a variety of different coloured powders or pills.

We advise all users of powders to exercise caution with all products, as the direction of these substances on the market cannot be guaranteed."

The HSE issued a number of guidelines to drug users in the prison setting which it said may reduce risk from the drug.

While it is always safer not to use drugs at all, the HSE urges individuals who use drugs in prisons to follow harm reduction steps which may help reduce the harms, the statement said.

If using in a prison setting, dont be afraid to get help immediately for yourself or others if there is an emergency, it could help save a life, the statement said.

In a statement issued on Thursday evening, a spokesperson for the IPS said: The Irish Prison Service is working closely with the HSE in response to this detection of Nitazene.

Prison healthcare teams have adequate stocks of naloxone should clinical intervention be required. Extra vigilance is being taken across the prison estate and the Irish Prison Service has commenced an information campaign for prisoners around the dangers of consuming non prescribed illegal drugs.

There is a free confidential telephone line (1800 855 717) and text line (086 180 2449) which is operational. Prisoners, visitors, staff or members of the public with information on the trafficking of drugs into our prisons can pass on that information in the strictest confidence.
The murder investigation continues to be conducted by gardai from the Kildare Garda District

Gardai and the family of Deirdre Jacob have issued a renewed appeal to the public for help on the 26th anniversary of her disappearance and murder.

Deirdre who was only 18-years-old in 1998, was last seen on Tuesday, 28 July of that year near her home in Roseberry, Newbridge, County Kildare, at approximately 3pm.

She was a young woman starting off her life, who had just completed one year at St Marys University in Twickenham, London, gardai said in statement this evening.

Deirdre would be 44-years-old this year. Deirdre enjoyed her life in London and was looking forward to returning to college that September.

On the day she went missing, Deirdre had walked into Newbridge town to get a bank draft to send to a college friend in London for their rent deposit.

Gardai outlined a timeline of the last moments Deirdre had been seen.

At 2.14pm Deirdre was observed on CTTV walking on Main Street Newbridge. Four minutes later, at approximately 2.18pm she is observed in the AIB bank getting a 100 bank draft and leaves a short time later.

At 2.26pm Deirdre is again observed again on CCTV queuing in the Post Office Newbridge where she seen at 2.32pm on CCTV speaking with a friend outside.

Deirdre Jacob

At 2.35pm the last sighting of Deirdre is recorded on on CCTV, walking outside the PTSB Bank on Main Street, Newbridge.

Deirdre was last seen shortly after 3pm near her family home outside Newbridge.

Deirdre was 53 in height with a slim build. She had grey/green eyes and dark, chin-length hair.

When she went missing on July 28, 1998, Deirdre was wearing a navy, V-neck t-shirt with a white trim on the collar and sleeves, navy or black straight jeans and blue Nike runners.

Deirdre was carrying a distinctive black satchel type bag with long shoulder straps and the word CAT in large yellow capital letters on the side. The black satchel bag has never been located.

There has been a 26-year investigation into Deirdres disappearance during which significant enquiries have been carried out to establish her whereabouts and to investigate the circumstances in which she disappeared, gardai added.

On the 20th anniversary of her disappearance An Garda Siochana confirmed that the missing person investigation had been upgraded to a murder investigation.

An Garda Siochana has submitted an investigation file on the murder of Deirdre Jacob to the Director of Public Prosecutions. No prosecution has been directed to date.

The murder investigation continues to be conducted by gardai from the Kildare Garda District, under a Senior Investigating Officer and with the available support of other resources from An Garda Siochana including the Serious Crime Review Team, as required.

An incident room remains in place at Kildare Garda Station and An Garda Siochana regularly update Deirdres parents, Michael and Bernadette and her family through a designated Family Liaison Officer.

In 2022 it was revealed that convicted rapist Larry Murphy would not face charges in relation to the 1998 kidnap and murder of the teenager.

A file on the case, with new evidence, was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 2021.

However, after new evidence was reviewed it was determined that charges would not be brought against the Beast of Baltinglass who is a suspect in the crime.

In 2018, her disappearance was upgraded to murder with gardai saying that they had received vital new "credible and corroborated" information that led to Larry Murphy becoming the chief suspect in the murder of the 18-year-old.

Two years later in February 2020, gardai prepared all their evidence in the case and sent a file linking Murphy to the murder of Deirdre Jacob to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In 2021 the DPP sent their file to a specialist barrister for a "second opinion" on the case.

However, gardai told the Sunday World in 2022: As part of this investigation, a file was forward to the DPP and recently returned with a direction of no prosecution.

Deirdres family and Garda investigation team urge any person or persons with information in relation to the murder of Deirdre Jacob to please come forward. An Garda Siochana are reminding the public that if you have information about Deirdres murder, not to assume that we already know it, or that is has limited value.

Anyone with information in relation to this investigation should contact the investigation team at Kildare Garda Station at 045 521222, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
I personally will not be attending this and I encourage everyone to avoid it

There have been no reports of any incidents at the site today

Gardai watch protesters at the entrance to the site of the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock earlier today

A SMALL number of people held a demonstration outside the former Crown Paints factory in North Dublin earlier today as Coolock Says No said they had nothing to do with the protest.

The protest at the site which had been earmarked to house international protection applicants had been promoted online by people opposed to immigration and began at 3pm when a small number of people, some of whom waved tricolours, gathered outside.

Gardai had water canons which they borrowed from the PSNI on standby ahead of the protest but as of this evening there has been no incidents at the event.

In recent weeks gardai clashed with violent protestors some of whom threw missiles at officers and damaged vehicles.

There have been no reports of any incidents at the site today

There have also been numerous incidents of arson at the site and the High Court heard this week that drones were being used to deliver unlit petrol bombs to the area.

Protesters are objecting to the housing of international protection applicants in the area.

A large number of gardai were present at the protest while the garda helicopter hovered overhead.

However, there has been no outbreak of violence.

Several right-wing figures took to social media ahead of the protest to say it was not organised by Coolock Says No.

Newly elected Councillor Gavin Pepper wrote: Everyone be aware that Coolock Says No never called for a peaceful protest today. The people who organised this have not identified this. I personally will not be attending this and I encourage everyone to avoid it.

Another far-right figure, former postman Philip Dwyer, also advised people to avoid the protest and suggested it was a conspiracy.

Others also tried to put forward conspiracy theories about the protest despite the fact it was promoted by their English-born far-right ally Tommy Robinson who held a patriotic rally attended by thousands in London today.

Robinson, who was born in Luton but has an Irish passport as he has an Irish mother, promoted todays protest in Coolock online.

He described it as a planned demonstration against the dumping of unvetted migrant men in the town.

He also encouraged Irish people in the UK to attend his protest in London and said the Irish tricolour would be welcome alongside British flags including the Union Jack and St Georges Cross.

Robinson regularly posts online message encouraging anti-immigration protests in Ireland.
Her partner Sid found her unconscious at the back door and called 999.

A woman who suffered horrific injuries after a fall at home has been told shes lucky to be alive after being saved by the Air Ambulance.

Binky Paxton suffered a serious head injury after slipping on steps at her home in Blackskull, Co Down.

Her partner Sid found her unconscious at the back door and called 999.

A paramedic crew quickly arrived by road, followed by the Air Ambulance NI (AANI) team.

Binkys injuries were so severe that the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team placed her in a medically-induced coma before flying her to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Binky, who ran a boarding kennel at her home, underwent brain surgery in the Royal and has since also received treatment in both Musgrave Park Hospital and Lurgan Hospital.

She cannot remember the fall, which happened in August 2019, and has lost her memory of a couple of months prior to the accident and a couple of months afterwards.

My consultant told me I would have been unlikely to survive without the intervention of the HEMS team from Air Ambulance NI, said Binky.

Ive had some big adjustments to make in my life, and had to close the boarding kennels, but I have come a long way in my recovery and am determined to do more.

Binky, who is speaking publicly about her ordeal for the first time, is one of thousands of people who have been helped by the AANI team.

The service was launched in 2017 but its origins go back to 2006 when two Fermanagh men put forward a plan they hoped would save lives in their native county.

Given its remoteness, Peter Quinn, a former GAA president, and Rodney Connor, a former chief executive of Fermanagh District Council, were concerned at the length of time it was taking seriously ill patients to get to hospital.

They proposed setting up a specialist air ambulance team which could be on the scene of an emergency within minutes.

After many years of campaigning, the AANI charity was eventually established in 2017.

Seven years on, the charity has helped save hundreds of lives throughout Northern Ireland.

From its base at the former Maze prison site near Lisburn, the AANI helicopter can be anywhere in Northern Ireland within a maximum of 25 minutes.

The furthest point away from its Maze base is the border village of Belleek in Co. Fermanagh.

The dream put forward by Peter Quinn and Rodney Connor in 2006 has become a reality.

On a daily basis, the AANI team can be called out to as many as five emergencies. The charity, which works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) service, has a team on call 12 hours a day, every day of the year.

Conor McMullan with paramedic Glenn O'Rorke

On board with the pilot for any call-out will be a doctor and a paramedic.

While the crew can be called out for any reason, the majority are incidents where people have suffered serious trauma injuries.

These include road accidents, falls and agricultural accidents.

Most of the patients are flown to the RVH where a specialist medical team will be waiting to treat them.

It has been proven if a critically injured patient gets to hospital within the golden hour after an incident their chances of survival are dramatically increased.

Since being established, AANI has responded to around 4,200 incidents across Northern Ireland.

The first ever call-out was on July 22, 2017. Eleven-year-old Conor McMullan was working on his familys farm in Castlewellan, Co Down, when he was struck by a tractor trailer and suffered a serious head injury.

Pilot Clive Stevens

I remember just dropping to the ground and then I wasnt conscious, said Conor.

A family member called the emergency services, and within minutes the Air Ambulance had been tasked to the scene.

The medical team managed to stabilise his condition and significantly reduce the chances of long-term damage to his brain.

With his condition stabilised, the crew were able to get Conor to the RVH in eight minutes, compared with an estimated one hour by road ambulance.

Conor was treated by the staff at Northern Irelands Major Trauma Centre. Last year, Conor got to meet paramedic Glenn ORorke, one of the team who had helped him after the accident.

If they werent there, I may not have made it, said Conor. Im just very grateful for what theyve done.

Matt Allen has worked with NIAS since 2012 and joined the AANI team earlier this year.

For a paramedic, its a really privileged position to be in because you are going out to the sickest and most critically ill patients, he said.

We are just a small part of that response network of getting the medical skills to the patient and getting them to the hospital as quickly as possible.

As well as their medical skills, AANI paramedics also receive training to allow them to provide support to the helicopter pilots.

Matt said it was great to see the impact of the work he and his colleagues do.

Mark Allen

I think its quite unique. In an ambulance you never really see the patient again while here people come up to visit and I have met people who have been helped by the air ambulance team.

It is quite rewarding to see the recovery they have made.

AANI pilot Clive Stevens also loves his job.

For me, its the fact that every time we get airborne we are making a difference to someones life, he said.

As well as this, the teams here are all fantastic to work with, whether its the doctors, paramedics, engineers or the charity staff.

In total, AANI has a team of nine paramedics and 15 consultant doctors delivering the service on a rotational basis.

The staff and medical equipment are provided by NIAS but the charity must raise 2.5m annually to keep its lifesaving service going.

This equates to 6,850 per day and fundraising support is crucial to AANIs survival.

Supporters of the charity host regular fundraising events.

Among the upcoming events will be a bike ride in Derry today in memory of Richard Edwards.

Richard (68) died last month in a motorbike accident close to Maydown PSNI station.

Richard was treated at the scene by the air ambulance before being taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, but sadly passed away.

Richards Run will depart from The Diamond at noon.

There are a number of ways people can support AANI. All the details of how people can help AANIs work are available on www.airambulanceni.org.
Clifton Street Orange Hall is an impressive building.

King Billys chair in he glass case which he used when going into battle.

The Orange Order threw open its storm doors to the big wide world this week.

It was part of a plan by the semi-secretive institution to let the world know why it still celebrates a battle which took place in Ireland 334 years ago.

And the Sunday World was there to accept an invitation to step inside the Loyal Orders Co Antrim HQ.

The imposing premises on Belfasts Clifton Street is where the Orange Orders annual 12th of July demonstration begins.

Seconds before the parade kicked off last week, Deputy First Minister Emma Little- Pengelly had the honour of splashing fresh Boyne Water across the carriageway.

The ceremonial gesture signalled it was time to re-enact King Billy crossing the Boyne, prior to his victory in 1690.

The Belfast Grand Lodge colour party

Orange Order marchers accompanied by bands take their first steps here on the seven-mile stretch to Barnetts Demesne on the outskirts of the city.

Clifton Street Orange Hall is an impressive building.

The Reverend Mervyn Gibson, who is currently Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ireland, said he was delighted to learn of a positive public response to the Open Day.

He said: Up and down the country, many Orange Halls have museums which are well attended. And in Clifton Street we have many historical artefacts, so its right to let people see them and learn more about the Orange Order.

The Orange Order threw open its doors last week

Designed by architect William Batt, Clifton Street Orange Hall followed the blueprint of many of the large Malone Road mansions he had designed.

According to our guide Frank McDowell, in winter time a ton of coal was delivered daily to ensure the hall and its rooms were kept well-heated.

Can you imagine a coal delivery like that? That meant over 300 tons of coal were delivered to Clifton Street Orange Hall in a year.

Clifton Street is home to many of the lodges in north and west Belfast, and a plan on the wall informs visitors about which rooms are being used and when.

Many rooms are filled with Orange Order memorabilia or items marking British military history, particularly the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916.

King Billys chair in he glass case which he used when going into battle.

Beautifully crafted Orange banners representing decommissioned lodges are also on display.

For an organisation established to remember the Glorious Revolution of William III and his bride Queen Mary, surely the most remarkable item in the collection is King Billys Campaign Chair. The monarch used it to rest his weary legs during all of the major battles fought on Irish soil in the late 17th century.

An inkwell used by Sir Edward Carson when he signed the Ulster Covenant in Belfast City Hall in 1912 is also on display.

The Orange Order threw open its doors last week

Around 10 years ago, Ulster Volunteer Force rifles dating to the same period were discovered in a cupboard at the Clifton Street Hall.

But after the weapons were deactivated, Orange brethren were allowed to hang on to them and today they form part of a very interesting collection of Orange Order artefacts.
It was as if I was coming round from an anaesthetic. I knew I hadnt had a lot to drink. I couldnt get out of the car quick enough.

Spiking must become an offence in Northern Ireland, says a survivor of the terrifying crime.

And the UKs only charity tackling spiking has revealed its helped victims aged from 11 to 82.

Plans to beef up the response to violence against women and girls  including police action on illicitly drugging drinks  were announced in the Kings speech this week. But any new laws will only apply to England and Wales.

Colin Mackie of Spike Aware UK, whose son died after he unwittingly ingested the equivalent of five Ecstasy tablets slipped into a soft drink, says people in Northern Ireland and Scotland deserve the same protection.

Hes called on devolved governments to take urgent action, and says vape spiking is also becoming a concern.

PSNI figures from 2023 show a 519% increase in recorded spiking offences since 2018.

Charity Nexus reports it has received as many reports of spiking in the past three months as we did in the entire 2023-24 year.

The absence of specific legislation addressing spiking, along with the nature of the offence, means these reports are likely just the tip of the iceberg, says Nexus CEO Joanne Barnes. The psychological impact of this on victims is profound, says the charity boss.

EastEnders is currently tackling the crime in online mini-series Spiked, and TV star Michaela Coel based her drama I May Destroy You on her experience of being spiked and sexually assaulted.

One Northern Ireland victim who spoke to the Sunday World says it took her days to realise the shocking memory blank she suffered on a night out was caused by illicit drugging of her drink.

The woman, who asked not to be named, says shes still horrified by thoughts of what happened to her in the hours she lost in the incident at a work-related event four years ago.

I had two drinks and then I just lost about six hours of my life, she says.

It was a terrifying feeling to suddenly become lucid again in a taxi with a man I didnt know. Judging from his behaviour something physical had gone on between us but I had no recollection of even speaking to him or anything else since early in the evening.

It was as if I was coming round from an anaesthetic. I knew I hadnt had a lot to drink. I couldnt get out of the car quick enough.

It was only after reading about spiking that I realised thats what had happened to me, but by then it was too late to do anything, and what would I have reported to police anyway, that I had a big gap in my memory?

She says shes still haunted by the experience.

Greg Mackie

I was terrified that someone had filmed me while I was out of it. You just feel so helpless. I have never regained any memory of those lost hours.

I feel like I had a lucky escape that nothing bad happened, but I really dont know what did happen.

The law has to change here. If people in England and Wales are being protected then we deserve the same, she says.

Victims in Northern Ireland can get help from charity Nexus, and initiatives like Ask For Angela offer assistance to anyone who feels unsafe in a bar.

Spike Aware UK, based in Scotland, offers advice and education and founder Colin Mackie has a tragic and unique insight into spiking after losing his 18-year-old son Greg seven years ago. He was just six weeks into a film and TV production course in Edinburgh when someone spiked his soft drink with the equivalent of five Ecstasy tabs, meant as a prank.

He was talking about making a short film about drugs and we think someone thought well show him and put liquid Ecstasy in his drink and it went wrong, says Colin.

Colin Mackie with wife Mandy

No one was ever charged in connection with the teenagers death.

He realised there was nowhere to turn for families bereaved by spiking, and set up the charity with wife Mandy. Colin has since helped victims in Northern Ireland and hes been part of the push for a standalone law.

I could spike you and walk away and thats not an offence unless you tie it in with something else, he said.

Then its down to an individual police officer, who needs to decide if there is enough evidence, and was the spiking related to poisoning, assault, sexual assault, intention to steal, theft?

The campaigner reveals there are also misconceptions around spiking  that its aimed at teenage girls and theres usually a sexual motive.

Often its a prank when an offender wants to see what will happen.

I would say the majority of spiking is to see what happens, if you take so many spiking victims who are reporting it, but not reporting that something else happened to them.

He encourages people who witness spiking to tell bar staff if they dont want to confront the offender, and says young men are just as likely to be targeted.
Danielle Marr Collins made her name as a jab queen and on Dublin Wives but is now stateside

Dublin Wives TV star Danielle Marr Collins admits its been a rollercoaster ride going from being a famous Botox administrator to a hit on the Los Angeles comedy circuit.

Feisty Dubliner Danielle moved to California five years ago after becoming a millionaire thanks to her profession as a dentist and administering Botox to clients.

She earned the famous nickname Dr Botox and then starred on the reality television series Dublin Wives in 2012 and 2013, and also made an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.

In recent years she has become a hit on the comedy circuit in California and has lately been hanging out with the likes of Jimmy Carr, Howie Mandel, Craig Robinson and Leslie Jones.

Danielle with Jimmy Carr

Danielle has been doing stand-up routines for nearly two years and, on her birthday recently, she performed at no less than three venues on the one evening, including her weekly gig at the legendary Comedy Store.

This year Los Angeles hosted the Netflix is a Joke comedy festival and they brought over Jimmy Carr, explains the mum-of-one, who also uses the name Danielle Meagher.

He stayed at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel and I was in the green room backstage eating a pretzel at The Comedy Store and in walks Jimmy Carr who was playing in the Original Room part of the building that night.

He recognised my accent immediately and mentioned he was Irish. It turns out we have a mutual friend and early stand-up comedy mentor from the UK, Jill Edwards, who taught all the big UK comics.

Danielle with Craig Robinson

Both Jimmy and I started our stand-up comedy training at the Komedia Comedy Club in Brighton under Jill Edwards. We talked about that and how the first time I did stand-up was right before I did Celebrity Big Brother UK, with Romesh Ranganathan hosting my first show.

Danielle recalls she joked about how there was an Irish woman and an English man backstage at The Comedy Store.

Jimmy corrected me, saying his parents are from Limerick and he loves touring every part of Ireland, and got someone to take a photo of the two of us, she said.

Her routines on the American comedy circuit include observations on her time in LA, visits to her gynaecologist and life as a reality TV personality and an Irish woman in America, as well as her stint on Dublin Wives.

My show is all gossip about reality TV and Botox and secrets of TV and so on, she said.

I cant wait to play Irish comedy venues  Im pretty homesick, to be honest, but I need to keep the momentum going so its just work, work, work and getting as much stage time all over town.

Danielle with Hoie Mandel

The comedy community here in LA is amazing  just last month, Jo Koy was touring in Dublin and made an Instagram video at Trinity College, where I studied, while I was about to go on stage at The Hollywood Improv. It felt like a real sliding doors moment.

Her birthday comedy hat trick included playing on the same day at The Lab Hollywood Improv, The Original Room at The Comedy Store and Chocolate Sundaes at The Laugh Factory.

She also told how she not only got to see Craig Robinson live, but hang out with him too.

Only 10 days ago, I had just performed in the 7pm show at The Comedy Store in the Original Room and was sitting in the back corner during the late show, watching other comics, she recalls.

Craig was sitting at the back too  hes always such a delight. When he plays the main stage at The Comedy Store with his keyboard, we all stand in the comics section at the back so we can almost dance along and sing along. He gets the whole room singing.

Hes such a big star here and in Ireland. I probably drove him half-mad the other week as I was sitting beside him, trying to charge my phone in the kitchen, and left him in charge of my water bottle.

I kept jumping up and down, and hes so chilled, funny, and incredibly nice. He makes me laugh on and off stage and is so damn nice to everyone. He loves Ireland and made a surprise appearance at the Craic Den in Dublin last month.

Danielle Meagher with fellow Dublin Housewives Virginia Macari, Roz Flanagan, Jo Jordan and Lisa Murphy

Where are Danielles co-stars from Dublin Housewives now?

ROZ FLANAGAN Armagh-born Roz lives between mansions in Malahide, Co Dublin and Marbella with her four daughters and husband Vincent, who owned a major refrigeration company. VIRGINIA MACARI Irish/Italian businesswoman Virginia recently moved from Marbella to set up home in Miami with her new husband, Alan Smurfit. Virginia is still operating her bikini business, as well as looking after her young son from a previous relationship. JO JORDAN Jo has gone under the radar in recent years. The mum-of two suffered a heart attack in 2016 at the age of 42. LISA MURPHY Lisa sadly died from breast cancer in February at the age of 51. She was engaged to boxer Joe Egan, dancer Michael Flatley and celebrity lawyer Gerald Kean.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the meeting of foreign ministers of the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) (10+3) in Vientiane, Laos, July 27, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold openness and inclusiveness, firmly advance regional economic integration and move toward the goal of establishing an East Asian community, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Saturday

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when attending the meeting of foreign ministers of the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) (10+3).

Under the new circumstances, East Asia faces both challenges and opportunities, Wang said, adding as one of the most mature mechanisms for regional cooperation in East Asia, 10+3 has been deeply engaged in practical cooperation in various fields over the past 20 years and has led regional countries in tackling challenges such as the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that after a lapse of four years, the China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting was successfully held two months ago and reached an important consensus on promoting East Asia cooperation, injecting new impetus into the 10+3 cooperation.

In the face of global and regional challenges, regional countries have a stronger call for stable development and a more urgent need to address risks and challenges, the Chinese foreign minister stated, saying China is ready to work with all parties to continue to support ASEAN centrality in regional architecture, give full play to the 10+3 mechanism, deepen cooperation in areas of traditional strength and expand cooperation in emerging areas.

China has put forward a four-point proposal for East Asia cooperation in the next stage. First, deepening economic integration and promoting regional connectivity.

China supports greater regional supply chain connectivity and will hold a 10+3 industrial and supply chain connectivity conference this year. China will give full play to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), promote its high-quality implementation, accelerate the resumption of negotiations on the China-Japan-ROK Free Trade Area, and continuously upgrade the level of East Asia economic integration.

Second, strengthening crisis response capacity and maintaining regional stability.

China welcomes the establishment of a rapid financing facility under the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization, and looks forward to working with other parties to improve the regional financial safety net to better cope with international economic and financial turbulence. China has fulfilled its contribution to the 10+3 Emergency Rice Reserve Mechanism this year and is ready to explore mechanism innovation to enhance regional food security.

Third, expanding cooperation in emerging areas and leading regional development.

China is ready to expand cooperation with all parties on digitalization and green transformation, and implement the statement on developing an electric vehicle ecosystem. China will host the 10+3 Clean Energy Roundtable Dialogue and other activities to promote the development of a low-carbon economy and is ready to further leverage the role of the 10+3 small and medium enterprises service alliance.

Fourth, promoting social and cultural exchanges to build regional consensus.

China supports further leveraging the 10+3 civil service cooperation mechanism, continues to support more students from ASEAN countries to join the CAMPUS Asia Program, will hold forums on immigration management and addressing aging, and promote exchanges and cooperation in such areas as health, journalism, culture, tourism, youth, women, and think tanks, so as to consolidate the social foundation for East Asia cooperation.

During the meeting, foreign ministers of ASEAN countries expressed high appreciation for the unique role and positive outcomes of the 10+3 mechanism, and agreed to implement the RCEP in a high-quality manner to maintain economic and financial stability and unblocked supply chains.

They hope that the 10+3 mechanism will continue to provide strong support for strengthening regional resilience, ensuring food security, promoting connectivity and achieving green development.

The parties also put forward suggestions on strengthening cooperation on smart agriculture, digital transformation and crisis response. 
UPDATE: Emergency services are at the scene of a three car crash on State Highway 29.

A police spokesperson says they were called to the crash at 12.25pm.

Hato Hone St John was notified of the crash at 12.20pm and responded two ambulances, one rapid response unit, and one manager to the scene.

"Our crews assessed and treated one patient in a moderate condition who was transported to Tauranga hospital, and five patients in a minor condition were treated at the scene," says a St John spokesperson.

A police spokesperson says the Tauranga-bound lane is described as being partially blocked, with traffic going around the crash.

"All three cars need towing."

EARLIER:

Reports are coming in of a crash on State Highway 29.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says multiple vehicles have crash on SH29, near the one-way bridge past Old Kaimai Road.

The caller says emergency services have been called.

"People should avoid the area."

A post on the Bay of Plenty & Waikato Accidents & Traffic Information Facebook page says there are multiple police and ambulances heading towards the Kaimai Range.

Google's live traffic reporting shows there are delays in the area.

Image: Google Maps.

SunLive is working on getting more information and will provude an update when we can.

At the scene?

Email newsroom@thesun.co.nz
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Two people were arrested Friday after they were found to be living in a Baldwinsville spa where troopers say they were selling sex.

On Friday, a 59-year-old from Flushing and a 61-year-old from China were arrested in connection with an ongoing human trafficking investigation at a Baldwinsville spa, according to news released Friday from state police.

Syracuse.com | Post-Standard is not naming the people charged because they may be victims of human trafficking.

Troopers said multiple concerned citizens reported suspicious activity at the XiangLi Wellness Spa at 2265 Downer Street Road, Building 300. A preliminary investigation revealed the people were living at the business and providing sexual acts to customers for payment, they said.

Officers seized ledgers, price lists, condoms, business records and digital equipment following a search warrant issued for the business, troopers said.

The 59-year-old was charged with unauthorized practice of a profession, a felony, and prostitution, a misdemeanor. The 61-year old was also charged with unauthorized practice of a profession.

The business is listed in the Onondaga County Clerks office as being owned by Meixiang Liang. The document was filed by Yvonne Lu from Flushing, New York.

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
Rutland, N.Y.  A 31-year-old man, who crashed and hit a metal culvert, died Friday in Jefferson County, troopers said.

Adam L. Lyon, of Bridgeport in Madison County, was riding his green 2024 Kawasaki ZX14R southwest on County Route 49 in Rutland around 1:05 p.m. when he crashed on a curve, according to news release from state police.

Lyon, along with another motorcyclist, was driving at what appeared to be a high speed when he went off the road on a curve, hit a metal culvert and was thrown from his motorcycle, troopers said.

He was taken to Samaritan Medical Center where he died, they said.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
Lincoln, N.Y.  Susan and Carl Pynn had lived in their Madison County home for over 40 years.

They spent their lives committed to helping others, their family and friends said. Before retiring, Susan worked as an emergency medical technician. Carl was a firefighter for the Lincoln Fire Department for 50 years.

The firefighters and others they called friends and spent years working with on Wednesday had to pull them out from the rubble of their home after a propane explosion leveled the two-story home.

I imagined it must be like what people go through when like a tornado had hit their home, thats essentially what it felt like, said their son, Kyle Pynn, 54, of Kansas City.

Susan, 74, and Carl, 78, were found under the wreckage of the home. Susan was pronounced dead at the scene. Carl was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse and was in critical condition Thursday.

The explosion was reported at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday at their home at 4621 Burleson Road in the town of Lincoln. Theres nothing left but a pile of debris.

Kyle learned about the explosion when a cousin called on Wednesday night.

The cousin usually called him to argue about the Buffalo Bills beating the Kansas City Chiefs, but this time he told him his childhood home had exploded. Kyle later learned his parents had been inside.

Susan and Carl were high school sweethearts, their son said Friday as he drove to see his father in the hospital

Im just trying to get my head wrapped around the pain that my father will have to deal with when he starts to wake up and realize whats going on, he said.

His parents shared a love for community service, which made them quite known in Madison County, he said.

Theyre the nicest people, You know, thats always the comment, he said.

His father was a past fire investigator for Madison County and worked with the Lincoln Fire Department for years. His mother was an EMT with the Greater Lenox Ambulance Corps.

Even after retirement, Kyle said they both continued to find ways to spend time giving back to their community. His father drove a school bus for Oneida City School District, while his mother was a home health care provider.

Kyle was able to catch an early morning flight Thursday and immediately went to see his father at Upstate. When he was finally able to stop by his parents home, he couldnt understand what he was looking at.

How is this even possible, he said. Literally everything is just blown off in every direction. Its honestly, to me, incomprehensible.

Lincon Fire Chief Dan Lozipone said several members of the department recognized the home as soon as they arrived on Wednesday.

Seeing the couples vehicle in the driveway told them they were home, he said.

Our main concern was locating both of them, he said.

The road to the home was impassible and scattered with rubble, he said. The two-story, four-bedroom home was condensed to a 6-foot pile of wreckage, he said.

It was just absolute total destruction, he said.

This is what's left of a two-story, 4-bedroom home at 4621 Burleson Road in the town of Lincoln in Madison County after it was leveled by an explosion Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Jon Moss | jmoss@syracuse.comJon Moss | jmoss@syracuse.com

The rescuers heard moaning coming from the debris and worked to pull the couple out, he said. It wasnt easy to get the couple out because they were trapped in the debris, he said. They had to cut through roof and tunnel through the remains for the home, the chief said.

Weve had meth lab explosions, little explosions here and there, he said. Weve seen a lot of things in our careers, and that is the most violent explosion weve ever seen.

A propane leak caused the explosion, said Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood. It appeared the couple had no warning before the explosion leveled their home, he said. The leak appeared to be accidental, he said.

Kyle said he moved into the home when he was 12 years old. He said he will remember his mother for being kind and always having a smile. Thinking about his father, he remembers the time they made toy trains together in his workshop inside the home.

They were the loves of each others lives, he said. Theyve been virtually inseparable for 56 years.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com.
Rome, N.Y.  Deputies seized illegal cannabis products and over 30,000 untaxed cigarettes from an Oneida County convenience store Monday, deputies said.

A raid took place at the Rome Dairy Market at 603 North James St. after multiple search warrants were issued, according to an Oneida County Sheriffs office news release.

Officers found over 350 cartons of Seneca and Newport cigarettes that were unstamped and untaxed, deputies said. Over 10 pounds of cannabis flower, a large quantity of cannabis products, flavored nicotine vapes and $4,010 were also found, they said.

The Rome Code of Ordinances revoked the locations certificate of occupancy for one year, deputies said.

Chiekh M. Leghdaf, 32, Houssein E. Tghana, 29, and Mohamed Mouhamdy, 29, all of Rome, were charged with possession of the unstamped cigarettes, a felony, deputies said.

All three men were arraigned in Rome City Court and released on their own recognizance, deputies said.

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
Join NY Cannabis Insider for its next industry meetup in NYC on Aug. 13, 2024. Tickets available now.

Happy weekend everyone!

From breaking news emerging from the Office of Cannabis Management to running a longform profile about an influential lobbyist, we at NY Cannabis Insider had another busy week, lets take a look at the stories we covered.

The OCM saw four high-profile resignations last week. Exits include General Counsel Linda Baldwin Deputy Director of Licensing Danielle Holmes, Director of Health and Safety Nicole Rosa and First Deputy General Counsel Patricia Piskorski Heer. These resignations came a month after NY Cannabis Insider reported on other high-profile departures from the agency.

Former OCM spokesperson Aaron Ghitelman said employees at the OCM have been working long hours while short-staffed for over a year, and public criticism of the agency has affected morale there. He added that Baldwin, Heer, Holmes and Rosa will be difficult to replace, as they have decades of experience in state government, combined.



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We ran an item detailing our next live event, which were hosting at Madam Mikettes in NYCs Midtown East neighborhood. This event will feature a panel of business owners who have been financially successful in New Yorks cannabis industry, and will share what they did to make money in the states weed sector.

These speakers from various areas of the cannabis industry (and ancillary services) will discuss what theyve done to create a financially successful business in the Empire States legal marijuana industry, and how others can follow suit.

Lobbyist Joe Rossi, who leads Park Strategies cannabis practice, has long been a behind-the-scenes player in the Empire States legal cannabis industry. Last week NY Cannabis Insider did a deep dive on Rossi, and how his work has impacted the industry and led to major changes at the OCM.

After a monthslong public campaign to nudge lawmakers into taking a closer look into the OCM, Gov. Kathy Hochul dismissed the agencys inaugural leader and ordered an overhaul  following an investigation that proved right many of the criticisms Rossi and his clients had spent nearly two years highlighting.

Reporter Mel Hyman contributed a story about cannabis retailers and processors in New York struggling to find high quality flower for their shops. The phenomenon marks a sharp departure from issues cannabis industry stakeholders were highlighting last year.

Just over a year ago, New York State was still awash in cannabis flower left over from the 2021 and 2022 harvests. But in a stunning reversal, processors and retailers are telling NY Cannabis Insider that now theyre having difficulty finding sufficient high-quality, locally grown weed.

In another story, Hyman wrote about sales in New Yorks medical market declining as sales in the states adult-use market are ramping up.

For 2022, the first full year subsequent to New Yorks March 2021 legalization, medical marijuana sales totaled nearly $169 million. For 2023, total medical cannabis sales declined to $148 million  a 12% decrease.

Colin Decker, owner and founder of adult-use brand 7 SEAZ  and owner of Hudson Valley-based Sensei Growth Consulting  contributed a guest column in which he provides advice for marijuana cultivators for how to navigate the fresh frozen market.

The new wave for the New York industry is for farmers to sell their harvest as fresh frozen, Decker writes. This isnt new to the industry as a whole, as it has been going on in California, Oregon, and many other legal states for quite some time.

In another guest column, Scott Mazza, co-founder of Buffalo-based Vitality CBD, wrote about new research into the role of cannabis in pain treatment.

In June, Mazza wrote, University of Arizona researchers found that cannabis terpenes  the compounds that give the plant its aroma and taste  were as effective as morphine at reducing chronic neuropathic pain.

Lastly, we added a new entry to our People to know in NY cannabis series: Regina Smith, co-owner of Yonkers dispensary The Plant.

Have a great weekend everyone, well be back with plenty more next week.
UNITED NATIONS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Friday that negotiations over the Gaza conflict "must not go on indefinitely."

The conflict in Gaza has been going on for over nine months, causing an unprecedented, ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe, with nearly 40,000 innocent civilian lives lost, Fu said in remarks at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

"The red lines of international law and international humanitarian law have been crossed repeatedly," he said.

It has been almost two months since Security Council Resolution 2735 was adopted, but Israel has continued its large-scale military operations in Gaza over the past two months, Fu noted, emphasizing that "Civilian lives must not be used as a bargaining chip for negotiations, and military offensives cannot create the conditions for the release of hostages."

"Negotiations must not go on indefinitely," he pointed out, as "There is not a moment to lose when lives are at stake, and alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe allows no delay."

The ambassador urged Israel to immediately cease all military operations in Gaza, and urged the United States to put greater pressure on Israel to help bring out an immediate ceasefire.

"China supports the Council in taking further actions that are necessary to push for the implementation of the relevant resolutions," he stressed.

Noting that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the mainstay of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, Fu said China is firmly opposed to attempts to attack and discredit UNRWA and to throw a spanner in the works of UNRWA's mandate implementation.

The ambassador called for ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian workers in Gaza, and urged Israel to genuinely fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law by opening all land crossings and provide security and necessary assistance to humanitarian agencies.

Fu stressed that settlement activities in the West Bank violate international law and relevant Security Council resolutions and chip away at the foundation of the two-State solution, calling for a stop to all settlement activities and settler violence.

On the negative spillover effects of the Gaza conflict, the ambassador warned that "allowing the flames of war and instability to spread even further would only lead to a catastrophe that engulfs the entire region."

Noting the reconciliation dialogue between intra-Palestinian groups held in Beijing earlier this week, Fu said "China has always been a staunch supporter of the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people as a nation."

"China firmly supports the independent Palestinian statehood, and calls for a broader based, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference to work out a timetable and a roadmap for the implementation of the two-State solution, with a view to putting the Palestinian question back on the right track towards a political settlement," he said. 
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
kozhissery BHPian

Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 466 Thanked: 2,513 Times

Sand, River Cruise, Sea, Pyramids and Mummies An Egyptian Travelogue Day 7: 28.Jan.2024  Aswan



Woke up early to the sounds of the special alarm @05:00AM for the people who opted to visit





Our bus to Abu Simbel





Speed at which the bus is travelling





Abu Simbel Complex





Selfie





Majestic Imposing Statues of King Ramses II





This is an old temple but in a new place, as it was moved from the current location after the Aswan Dam was built. It was a marvel created by Egyptians pharaohs at that time which even knew the alignment of the sun. It is believed that the axis of the temple was positioned by the ancient Egyptian architects in such a way that on October 22 and February 22, the rays of the sun would penetrate the sanctuary and illuminate the sculptures on the back wall, except for the statue of Ptah, a god connected with the realm of the dead, who always remained in the dark. If our trip was held on 22nd feb, we might have been able to see those.





Offerings to God





As per our guide, the gods Ra and Amun, as well as the figure of Ramses II himself, are illuminated, while the god Ptah, ruler of the underworld, always remains in darkness.





God of fertility - If I remember correctly, is God Osiris





Some more photos to enjoy the majestic temple





Random photos





Random photos





Random photos





Random photos





Random photos





Random photos





Trying to see how the statues would be illuminated by Sun on the special days of the year (Official sun festival happens twice each year, on February 22 and October 22)





This statue reminded me of the movie Mummy





This statue reminded me of the movie Mummy





Random Photos





Random Photos





Random photo of the whole temple structure





Where is this Abu Simbel Temple?









Well laid roads - Apple truck???





Elephant welcome@Cruise







After the coffee in the cruise, brother and me strolled around the town just to see how this town looks.





Aswan town/dock where the cruise is anchored





Mandatory Selfie





After strolling around for more than 1 and half hours we returned back to the cruise for dinner (which starts at 8:00PM daily) and hit the bed.





Note to future Travellers: Try to align your days with the special days of the year (February 22 and October 22), on which day the statues will be illuminated by Sun. I did not have any such idea or would have tried to do that.



Historical Places Visited Abu Simbel Rating: Excellent

Excellent Booking: In the package





Route: Aswan Dock yard  Abu Simbel  Aswan Dock yard

Stay: In cruise docked at Aswan dock yard

Hotel Rating: Good Woke up early to the sounds of the special alarm @05:00AM for the people who opted to visit Abu Simbel temple which is just under 300 hundred kilometers from the place where the cruise was docked. We boarded the bus by 07:00AM which took us to Abu Simbel under 4 hours with a tea break (and for natures call). The roads are so well laid out that, once we were on the highway the bus was continuously travelling at above 110KMPH (sometimes even reaching above 140).This is an old temple but in a new place, as it was moved from the current location after the Aswan Dam was built. It was a marvel created by Egyptians pharaohs at that time which even knew the alignment of the sun. It is believed that the axis of the temple was positioned by the ancient Egyptian architects in such a way that on October 22 and February 22, the rays of the sun would penetrate the sanctuary and illuminate the sculptures on the back wall, except for the statue of Ptah, a god connected with the realm of the dead, who always remained in the dark. If our trip was held on 22nd feb, we might have been able to see those.After the long trip we reached back at 05:00PM.After the coffee in the cruise, brother and me strolled around the town just to see how this town looks.After strolling around for more than 1 and half hours we returned back to the cruise for dinner (which starts at 8:00PM daily) and hit the bed.Try to align your days with the special days of the year (February 22 and October 22), on which day the statues will be illuminated by Sun. I did not have any such idea or would have tried to do that.Aswan Dock yard  Abu Simbel  Aswan Dock yardIn cruise docked at Aswan dock yardGood Last edited by kozhissery : 23rd July 2024 at 18:09 .
Singh09 BHPian



Join Date: May 2015 Location: Moradabad Posts: 171 Thanked: 499 Times

View My Garage





Re: Conquering SPITI VALLEY in a Honda Amaze..!!





After driving for almost 45 minutes we came to a point where we could go down to the river almost so spent about 15-20 minutes there and left for our final destination as it was getting dark. And guys the landscapes were literally out of the world. Check out my videos on the youtube, I mean I was literally awestruck with the beauty we were witnessing. And I am confused as in which photographs to add and which ones should I skip. The amount of pictures in this travelogue is like 20 % of what we witnessed.





Finally around 8 Pm reached our Hotel, ordered tea and pakoda. This trip actually gave me a lesson that being a travel vlogger is not an easy task as no matter how tired you are, you need to be working even after you reach your destination after a hectic day. Gotta transfer all the images , videos and put them day wise into different folders like Pictures, Videos, Insta, Cinematic etc. If not and you dare to put all the data in 1 folder, you will be doomed . Got our luggage settled, had our dinner and called the day off.



Link to day 4 of my journey: https://youtu.be/Dqh6M8hRyYk



DAY 5 Kaza - Chicham - Kibber - Key Monastery - Langza - Komic - Hikkim - Kaza

Kms. Covered: 90 kms approx

Time taken: 8 hrs

Woke up early as we had gone to bed early last night but there was some issue with the water supply which was taken care by the hotel staff quickly. Once the water was restored, took a quick shower and got ready. Came down to the parking and cold started the car and let it run for 5 minutes as the temperature went -5 in the night. Meanwhile we decided what places to visit and in what order.

So the plan was to visit these places order wise:

1. Chicham Bridge

2. Kibber Village

3. Key Monastery

4. Langza

5. Komic

6. Hikkim



And trust me this is way too much to cover in a single day given that you will spend some time at all the places. We had our breakfast on our way to Chicham bridge before key village at Jichun Dolma Guest House and they served us really good paratha's with tea.





View of Key Monastery from the place we stopped for breakfast.

After stacking our stomachs, we left for our first point which was Chicham bridge. And guys there was a patch which goes through Kibber wildlife sanctuary which was literally narrow and had no roads. You just drive on rocks and mud and on top of that the roads are very narrow and steep valley on one side with no road railings or support. This patch was literally not for the weak hearted people. Even my heart was waiting to jump out of my mouth at this point. It was scary but adventurous at the same time.



After crossing this patch, we reached Chicham bridge and boy the views are spectacular and hats of to the engineering how they built this bridge. This bridge basically joins Chicham village with Kibber village. It is literally a masterpiece of architecture.





Amaze leaving it's print on the Chicham bridge.





Side view of the Chicham Bridge

After spending some quality time, we left for Kibber village and the roads to kibber village were literally awesome with small farms on both the sides and you just have to glide through them, it was literally mesmerizing. We just took a round of Kibber village and left for Key Monastery which was just 20 mins away from there.





They have a proper parking place at the Key Monastery with some souvenir shops and a restaurant. But the hike to Key Monastery was too steep and was a test of our stamina. By the time we reached Key Monastery my body very bluntly sent a message to my brain that Yes, buddy you need to hit that gym which you pass everyday making a promise, next month se Pakka yaar













We visited the Monastery and temple, it was quiet, beautiful and very peaceful. The Monk inside offered us an herbal tea and told us that this tea helps in your breathing as we could feel the pressure there and a little bit uneasiness in breathing. And to my surprise that tea did help us ease our breathing.





Now was the time to move to our next location which was KOMIC village. Chicham, Kibber and Key are situated on one side and Komic, Langza and Hikkim on other side (basically on different mountains). So first we came almost to the bottom of one mountain and then started climbing another one and as we kept going up the weather started to get bad. We were amazed to see how good the roads were even at these terrains, even though they are narrow but not even a single pot hole. We reached Langza but since the weather was getting bad and looked as if it will start raining, we decided to go to Komic and Hikkim first and come back if the weather allows because not matter how good were the roads I always had a thought running in my mind that bro you are in a low-slung sedan not a SUV or 4x4, so be in your limits. After driving for about 25-30 minutes we reached Komic, the highest village in the world with road connectivity at a staggering height of 15,049 feet. And you do feel altitude while breathing. The more you talk and walk, more pressure you will feel. But it is not like that you would need an oxygen cylinder here. Visited the Monastery and had our lunch at the worlds highest cafe with some Italian tourists and a biker gang.







If you are going there try their veg cheese grilled sandwich, it was delicious considering you are getting some thing like that at the one of the highest villages in the world. After having our lunch, we left for Hikkim which was just 3 kms from Komic. You have to leave the main road for Hikkim and drive on a terrain with no roads. It was easily doable for SUVs but I had to be very careful with my Amaze in navigating few patches with big puddles and uneven road with big stones protruding out. And after 15-20 mins of drive, we reached the worlds highest post office.







But by the time we reached it got closed but we still took some great shots and landscapes were very amazing. It was almost 6 pm and we were tired as well and decided tom head back to the hotel as the weather was getting bad and we could see small snow flakes and it was getting too windy which means shooting stones while going back. So, without wasting any more time we headed back to our hotel. There were couple of local drivers so asked them if there is any other route besides the one, we came from. They said yes go ahead straight, there is small rough patch but it is shorter route to Kaza and you can easily make it with a sedan. And we took that route, I was shocked to see that the route the guy guided us to, but we managed to do it with Amaze easily but it was very dangerous and narrow. Again, not for the faint-hearted people, you need experience and most importantly lots of patience to drive in these roads.







It took us approximately 1 hour to reach our hotel from Komic, I ordered hot tea and pakodas as the weather had become cold with almost 0-degree temperature. After that I transferred all my data from different devices to my external Hard Drive so that I have enough space for the next day (not an easy task becoming a travel vlogger..LOL) after that we had our dinner and called the day off.

Link to day 5 of my journey Part 1: https://youtu.be/DrvnS0raULo

Link to day 5 of my journey Part 2: https://youtu.be/2kld-lre8Eg After crossing Tabo bridge we were welcomed by some stunning views and landscapes and we stopped again for a while and took some pictures and videos.After driving for almost 45 minutes we came to a point where we could go down to the river almost so spent about 15-20 minutes there and left for our final destination as it was getting dark. And guys the landscapes were literally out of the world. Check out my videos on the youtube, I mean I was literally awestruck with the beauty we were witnessing. And I am confused as in which photographs to add and which ones should I skip. The amount of pictures in this travelogue is like 20 % of what we witnessed.Finally around 8 Pm reached our Hotel, ordered tea and pakoda. This trip actually gave me a lesson that being a travel vlogger is not an easy task as no matter how tired you are, you need to be working even after you reach your destination after a hectic day. Gotta transfer all the images , videos and put them day wise into different folders like Pictures, Videos, Insta, Cinematic etc. If not and you dare to put all the data in 1 folder, you will be doomed. Got our luggage settled, had our dinner and called the day off.Woke up early as we had gone to bed early last night but there was some issue with the water supply which was taken care by the hotel staff quickly. Once the water was restored, took a quick shower and got ready. Came down to the parking and cold started the car and let it run for 5 minutes as the temperature went -5 in the night. Meanwhile we decided what places to visit and in what order.So the plan was to visit these places order wise:1. Chicham Bridge2. Kibber Village3. Key Monastery4. Langza5. Komic6. HikkimAnd trust me this is way too much to cover in a single day given that you will spend some time at all the places. We had our breakfast on our way to Chicham bridge before key village at Jichun Dolma Guest House and they served us really good paratha's with tea.View of Key Monastery from the place we stopped for breakfast.After stacking our stomachs, we left for our first point which was Chicham bridge. And guys there was a patch which goes through Kibber wildlife sanctuary which was literally narrow and had no roads. You just drive on rocks and mud and on top of that the roads are very narrow and steep valley on one side with no road railings or support. This patch was literally not for the weak hearted people. Even my heart was waiting to jump out of my mouth at this point. It was scary but adventurous at the same time.After crossing this patch, we reached Chicham bridge and boy the views are spectacular and hats of to the engineering how they built this bridge. This bridge basically joins Chicham village with Kibber village. It is literally a masterpiece of architecture.Amaze leaving it's print on the Chicham bridge.Side view of the Chicham BridgeAfter spending some quality time, we left for Kibber village and the roads to kibber village were literally awesome with small farms on both the sides and you just have to glide through them, it was literally mesmerizing. We just took a round of Kibber village and left for Key Monastery which was just 20 mins away from there.They have a proper parking place at the Key Monastery with some souvenir shops and a restaurant. But the hike to Key Monastery was too steep and was a test of our stamina. By the time we reached Key Monastery my body very bluntly sent a message to my brain that Yes, buddy you need to hit that gym which you pass everyday making a promise, next month se Pakka yaarWe visited the Monastery and temple, it was quiet, beautiful and very peaceful. The Monk inside offered us an herbal tea and told us that this tea helps in your breathing as we could feel the pressure there and a little bit uneasiness in breathing. And to my surprise that tea did help us ease our breathing.Now was the time to move to our next location which was KOMIC village. Chicham, Kibber and Key are situated on one side and Komic, Langza and Hikkim on other side (basically on different mountains). So first we came almost to the bottom of one mountain and then started climbing another one and as we kept going up the weather started to get bad. We were amazed to see how good the roads were even at these terrains, even though they are narrow but not even a single pot hole. We reached Langza but since the weather was getting bad and looked as if it will start raining, we decided to go to Komic and Hikkim first and come back if the weather allows because not matter how good were the roads I always had a thought running in my mind that bro you are in a low-slung sedan not a SUV or 4x4, so be in your limits. After driving for about 25-30 minutes we reached Komic, the highest village in the world with road connectivity at a staggering height of. And you do feel altitude while breathing. The more you talk and walk, more pressure you will feel. But it is not like that you would need an oxygen cylinder here. Visited the Monastery and had our lunch at the worlds highest cafe with some Italian tourists and a biker gang.If you are going there try their veg cheese grilled sandwich, it was delicious considering you are getting some thing like that at the one of the highest villages in the world. After having our lunch, we left for Hikkim which was just 3 kms from Komic. You have to leave the main road for Hikkim and drive on a terrain with no roads. It was easily doable for SUVs but I had to be very careful with my Amaze in navigating few patches with big puddles and uneven road with big stones protruding out. And after 15-20 mins of drive, we reached the worlds highest post office.But by the time we reached it got closed but we still took some great shots and landscapes were very amazing. It was almost 6 pm and we were tired as well and decided tom head back to the hotel as the weather was getting bad and we could see small snow flakes and it was getting too windy which means shooting stones while going back. So, without wasting any more time we headed back to our hotel. There were couple of local drivers so asked them if there is any other route besides the one, we came from. They said yes go ahead straight, there is small rough patch but it is shorter route to Kaza and you can easily make it with a sedan. And we took that route, I was shocked to see that the route the guy guided us to, but we managed to do it with Amaze easily but it was very dangerous and narrow. Again, not for the faint-hearted people, you need experience and most importantly lots of patience to drive in these roads.It took us approximately 1 hour to reach our hotel from Komic, I ordered hot tea and pakodas as the weather had become cold with almost 0-degree temperature. After that I transferred all my data from different devices to my external Hard Drive so that I have enough space for the next day (not an easy task becoming a travel vlogger..LOL) after that we had our dinner and called the day off. Last edited by Singh09 : 25th July 2024 at 13:57 .
BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management have allocated an additional 475 million yuan (66.65 million U.S. dollars) to bolster disaster relief efforts in six provinces.

The funds will be distributed to Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces to support search, rescue and resettlement operations for affected residents and restore normalcy in the disaster-stricken areas as soon as possible, the Ministry of Finance said Saturday.

Torrential rain during the peak flood season, from late July to early August, has triggered flash flooding in many parts of China. The National Meteorological Center renewed an orange alert for rainstorms on Saturday.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters on Saturday activated a Level IV emergency response to floods in Hunan Province in the wake of Typhoon Gaemi. 
Google's primary artificial intelligence model is becoming smarter and faster once again after the tech giant released the major upgrade to the Gemini 1.5 Flash AI model.

According sources stating a blog post by Amar Subramanya, VP of engineering at Gemini, you'll notice overall improvements in quality and latency with the switch to 1.5 Flash, with reasoning and picture understanding showing particularly notable gains.





According to Subramanya, Gemini's context the number of text passages that an AI model can process concurrently likewise being tripled to 32K tokens. According to Subramanya, 1.5 Flash, which was unveiled at Google I/O in May, is now accessible in the free Gemini version for mobile and web use.

Additionally, Google is revealing some more Gemini news. According to Subramanya, the business will begin displaying links to relevant content in Gemini for "fact-seeking prompts" today to assist you in finding factual information on subjects you're investigating. Clicking on the gray arrow at the end of a paragraph will reveal the links.

Furthermore, Gemini will be made available via Google Messages to users in the UK, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area "gradually." Additionally, "in the coming week," Gemini for Teens will be accessible in more than 40 languages.

Read Also : Google Study Showcases Gemini AI-Powered Robot as Navigator in Deepmind Offices

Google Gemini Accessibility Update

Other recent updates to Google's Gemini include it recently being accessible via Android's lock screen. The most recent information about Gemini's increased accessibility on Android devices is provided on Google's Support website.

This implies that users can now take advantage of Gemini's generative AI capabilities and functions without constantly opening their Android handsets, however, there are still a few restrictions.

Simply changing the 'Gemini on lock screen' settings to 'ON' will allow users to utilize these services directly on their devices.

Users merely need to launch Gemini, search for their profile image or "Initial," and peruse the chatbot's Settings to turn it on. To use the feature, switch on "Responses on lock screen" after that.

According to Google, this chatbot's access to Android lock screens is restricted, and it can only respond to users' prompts with "general questions."

Because the chatbot may operate even when the device is closed and doesn't expose any specific or sensitive information, its restricted capability also acts as a privacy feature to prevent unauthorized access to user data.

Google Gemini Disappoints

These recent updates and upgrades also come after two investigations assessed Google's Gemini models' performance on datasets as long as "War and Peace." The results were disappointing. One study found the models answered document-based exams 40% to 50% correctly.

While models such as Gemini 1.5 Pro can theoretically handle lengthy contexts, as co-author of one study Marzena Karpinska, a postdoctoral researcher at UMass Amherst, pointed out, they have seen numerous instances when the models do not 'understand' the information.

The report claims that earlier this year, Google demonstrated Gemini's long-context abilities by letting Gemini 1.5 Pro look for humor in the Apollo 11 moon landing televised transcript and match certain scenes to a pencil doodle. Oriol Vinyals, VP of research at Google DeepMind, referred to the model as "magical."

In a study conducted by Princeton and the Allen Institute for AI, models were given the task of determining whether claims made in modern fiction works were true or false. The models needed to validate claims using certain data and plot points.

Gemini 1.5 Pro answered 46.7% of the questions in a 260,000-word book, while Flash only answered 20% of them.

Comparing assertions that can be resolved by extracting sentence-level evidence with those that can be verified by looking up bigger sections of the book, Karpinska claimed that AI models struggled to verify the latter.
Former ZoomInfo chief data officer Arjun Pillai has reportedly raised a $15 million Series A for his startup, DocketAI, an artificial intelligence-powered sales engineer that supposedly frees up the time of its human counterparts.

Pillai observed that sales engineers, who are technical sales experts, were being drawn into a variety of talks with potential customers, some of which didn't require their expertise, while they were employed at ZoomInfo. Many account executives pose difficult but common queries to them.





According to Pillai, sending a sales engineer on every call is costly, extremely ineffective, and time-consuming. Pillai therefore saw a chance to create an AI sales engineer. Requests for proposals (RFPs) and other technical papers can be written more quickly and easily for non-technical salespeople with the use of DocketAI.

According to Pillai, DocketAI frees up sales engineers' time to work on more intriguing, complicated, and strategic corporate prospects rather than replacing them.

Read Also : Anthropic Launches New Program to Fund Creation of New Generation of AI Benchmarks

DocketAI's Efficiency

For the startup's AI to function, more than 100 applications that Docket's software clients utilize must be integrated, ingested, and indexed. The company does not train its AI on enterprise data, as Pillai made clear. Docket functions as a search engine for both structured and unstructured workplace data, much like Glean and Atlassian's Rovo.

However, according to Pillai, Docket's AI is unique in that it also picks up knowledge from the behaviors of great salesmen. Pillai asserts that the usage of Docket by sales organizations boosts win rates and productivity.

Since early this year, the business has been actively marketing its product, and it now adds several new enterprise-level paying clients each month.

AI in Workspaces

AI sales engineers prove to be another glimpse at how AI continues to advance in the workspace. Consequently, PwC, a major accounting firm, and OpenAI recently inked a deal for PwC to become the first reselling partner and biggest enterprise user of the artificial intelligence startup.

PwC, a prominent global provider of professional services, will make OpenAI's ChatGPT Enterprise available to 100,000 workers in its offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.

According to a blog post by the company, PwC, this rollout is part of a larger push to improve its technical ecosystem and grow AI capabilities throughout its business services. In August 2023, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT's enterprise tier.

This particular version of the generative AI tool is intended for commercial use and provides improved analytics, accelerated interactions, personalized model construction, and other features.

Over 80% of Fortune 500 businesses have reportedly begun using ChatGPT in the short nine months since its inception, according to OpenAI. Major corporations including Block, Canva, Carlyle, Estee Lauder, PwC, and Zapier are among the early adopters of the ChatGPT Enterprise edition.

Furthermore, PwC's Global Tax and Legal Services collaborated with Harvey and OpenAI last year to train and employ foundation models for tax, legal, and HR-related services. With this agreement, OpenAI's enterprise solutions saw their first reselling model.
The inflatable space station that Sierra Space has been building was blown up by the company and NASA again, and it was a dedicated event for the LIFE station that would be a possible orbiting facility. It is the second explosion carried out by NASA and Sierra Space for the LIFE space station, following a previous test last January for the spacecraft.

Over the past years, there have been several programs launched by NASA that commission space companies to create the next International Space Station (ISS), with Sierra Space one of its prospects.

NASA, Sierra Space Blow Up the LIFE Space Station Again

NASA and Sierra Space recently conducted a pressure test for the LIFE (Large Integrated Flexible Environment) space station which resulted in the inflatable blowing up. This was not an accident or a mishap on both parts, as it was intended by NASA and Sierra Space to test the extent of how much the inflatable could handle in the future.

It is the second test done by both NASA and Sierra Space for the LIFE station, with the earlier one taking place early this year.

The video shared by NASA showed what would happen when the LIFE is overinflated, looking to replicate the futuredrastic conditions it would face in the cosmos.

Read Also : NASA Is Now Using Lasers for ISS Communication

What Happened with LIFE's Inflatable Space Station

Sierra Space claimed that this full-scale test of the LIFE space station reached 74 psi before the inflatable exploded and regarded that this was 22 percent more than NASA's 60.8 psi which it recommended. This figure exceeded NASA's x4 safety level expectations, and it also reached 300 m in volume which is one-third of the International Space Station.

The Next International Space Station

UKRAINE - 2020/10/28: In this photo illustration a NASA logo seen displayed on a smartphone.

The search and development for the next company to deliver the future International Space Station is still ongoing, particularly as NASA is planning to decommission the current ISS which is way past its dedicated operation timeline. Airbus is one of the companies that presented their futuristic 'LOOP' space station concept which boasts of massive improvements and features.

On the other hand, there is also the joint venture from Voyager Space and Airbus which worked on the 'Starlab,' a space station that could potentially replace the ISS.

Moreover, there was also Blue Origin's take on this development called the Reef Space Station, and it was previously supported by NASA for its future plans.

The end of an era for the ISS is coming as soon as the next decade starts, with SpaceX awarded a $843 million contract by NASA to crash the space station back to the planet.

NASA and Sierra Space recently carried out its pressure test for the LIFE space station which gave them significant data, especially with the massive forces that the inflatable will face once it is operational.
The United States AI Safety rules that were introduced by the Biden administration now have Apple as part of the tech companies who agree with what it stipulates, centering on what it has to offer the public. Cupertino has pledged its allegiance to it before the upcoming release of Apple Intelligence, believed to be part of iOS 18's availability later this year.

Under these set of rules, tech companies are required to ensure that their AI systems do not promote discrimination or bring security threats.

Apple Intelligence to Adhere to US AI Safety Rules from Biden

Apple is now part of the list of tech companies that have agreed to the latest set of guidelines from the Biden administration that will ensure a bias-free and safe artificial intelligence experience in the country. By doing so, Cupertino adheres to the US AI Safety rules, and this means that Apple Intelligence will be observing these guidelines for its future operations.

The latest joiner to this set of rules is Apple, following the earlier commitment of rival tech companies like Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Meta, Amazon, and more.

Its commitment is voluntary as it is not yet enforceable by law, with Apple committing itself to a stellar experience that assures the public.

Read Also : Apple Intelligence is NOT Powered by OpenELM, Apple Claims After YouTube Training Issue

Here's What Apple Needs to Do For US AI Safety Guidelines

According to the report, Apple will have to test the behavior of its AI systems to ensure that it will not display any kind of discrimination against different communities. Furthermore, Cupertino would also have to ensure that its Apple Intelligence and language model would not bring any national security concerns, as part of the US AI Safety rules.

Apple Intelligence and What it Offers

The introduction of Apple Intelligence which would first arrive via iOS 18 has been highly regarded by the public, especially for what it promises its users once it is made available. First and foremost, it would be a generative AI-based system that would deliver significant features for users, with creating compositions and offering writing toolscoming soon.

Moreover, it is also known for its upcoming availability to Siri, powering Apple's renowned AI voice assistant with a revamped set of new features soon to be accessible for all. This would bring a significant refresh to Siri after many years since its last one, with it being able to access generative AI capabilities and bring a more humanlike approach to its conversations.

Recently, Cupertino was caught in a controversy where it was reported, along with other tech companies, to have used YouTubers' subtitles and content to train its AI models which Apple denied.

Now, this new move for the tech company ensures its commitment to a fair and safe artificial intelligence experience for users, adhering to Biden's US AI Safety guidelines.
US startup New Frontier Aerospace has found success in its series of tests of its hypersonic engine called "Mjolnir," based on the best-known hammer of the Norse mythology thunder god, Thor. This new engine may seem as mythical as its Nordic legend counterpart, but New Frontier Aerospace already made this into a reality, soon to possibly deliver the fastest aircraft there is.

Apart from air travel, the new hypersonic engine was also intended for suborbital flights, with the company proposing it to NASA for a future spacecraft.

New Frontier Aerospace's Mjolnir Finds Success in Test Fires

New Frontier Aerospace is looking to make a name for itself, particularly with its recent milestone, seeing success with its series of tests done for its dubbed "world's first" hypersonic engine called Mjolnir. According to Interesting Engineering, New Frontier Aerospace's chairman, Alex Tai, said that this is the most powerful engine in the world, and the company saw triumphs in its recent tests.

The Mjolnir was able to fire for only a second, but it was able to ignite the engines and activate its turbopumps. That being said, New Frontier Aerospace is looking to test it longer in future feats.

Significant advantages are also touted by the company with its hypersonic engine, particularly with its massive power and lightweight body that can maximize its power output.

Hypersonic Engine Mjolnir for Air and Space Travel

The Mjolnir full-flow staged combustion engine (FFSC) which New Frontier Aerospace 3D printed, with the lightweight engine prototype capable of outputting 3,000 lbs. of thrust. Future versions of the hypersonic engine can deliver 30,000 to as much as 40,000 lbs. of thrust, all while running on liquid oxygen and natural gas (LOX/LNG), with the latter known for giving off "negative" greenhouse gas.

Mjolnir was previously proposed for its application on NASA's Orbital Transfer Stage (OTS).

Rocket Engine Development of the Future

The field of aerospace and science has since looked to develop and improve rocket engines for the future, looking to bring more powerful machines that can take humanity further than before. Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has introduced the rotating detonation engine (RDE) which the agency demonstrated and reached significant milestones, an engine meant for deep space exploration.

On the other hand, there was also the significant development of China of the same type of engine, the RDE, with theirwork centering on a hypersonic machine that is so powerful, it can trigger shockwaves. According to Chinese researchers, this RDE is capable of reaching as much as Mach 16, with two distinct operational conditions centering on a sub-Mach 7 mode and the above Mach 7 mode.

The future of the aerospace industry will see more developments from different agencies and companies looking to deliver the most powerful there is, one that could help bring humanity farther than ever. New Frontier Aerospace's work as a startup already delivers significant developments with its hypersonic engine, with the Mjolnir finding success in its tests, soon to be used for NASA spacecraft and more.
Members of the Chinese delegation celebrate the inscription of Badain Jaran Desert on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, July 26, 2024. China's Badain Jaran Desert -- Towers of Sand and Lakes, has successfully passed the review process to be included on the World Heritage List by the UNESCO. The decision was made at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Badain Jaran Desert -- Towers of Sand and Lakes, has successfully passed the review process to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The decision was made at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Located in the hyper-arid region of northwestern China, the Badain Jaran Desert is the country's third largest desert and second largest drifting desert.

The desert's notable features include the world's tallest, stabilized sand mega-dune, reaching a relative height of 460 meters, the highest concentration of inter-dunal lakes, the largest expanse of so-called singing sands and wind-eroded landforms.

The administration said that China will further enhance the protection and management of natural heritage sites, strengthen international cooperation, and promote global ecological civilization. 

This photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a view of the Badain Jaran Desert in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. China's Badain Jaran Desert -- Towers of Sand and Lakes, has successfully passed the review process to be included on the World Heritage List by the UNESCO.

The decision was made at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a lake at the Badain Jaran Desert in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. China's Badain Jaran Desert -- Towers of Sand and Lakes, has successfully passed the review process to be included on the World Heritage List by the UNESCO.

The decision was made at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a view of the Badain Jaran Desert in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. China's Badain Jaran Desert -- Towers of Sand and Lakes, has successfully passed the review process to be included on the World Heritage List by the UNESCO.

The decision was made at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Xinhua/Bei He)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 13, 2022 shows a lake at the Badain Jaran Desert in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. China's Badain Jaran Desert -- Towers of Sand and Lakes, has successfully passed the review process to be included on the World Heritage List by the UNESCO.

The decision was made at the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration. (Xinhua/Bei He)
Worst yet to come in once-in-a-century southern Africa drought, UN says



Johannesburg, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



A record drought that has devastated crops across southern Africa, causing millions of people to go hungry and pushing five countries to declare a national disaster, is entering its worst stage, the UN has warned.

The United Nations World Food Programme said it expected the number of people struggling to put enough food on the table to increase as the lean season, the period between harvests when food is scarcest, gets underway.

"The worst period comes now," WFP's acting regional director for southern Africa, Lola Castro, told AFP in an interview.

"People haven't been able to pick anything and the problem is the next harvest is only in April 2025."

The small kingdom of Lesotho became two weeks ago the latest country to declare a state of national disaster over the El Nino-induced dry spell, after Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Other countries, like Angola and Mozambique, might follow soon or signal a gap between the food they have and the food they need, said Castro.

According to some estimates, the drought is the worst to hit the region in 100 years, she said.



- 'Dry and down' -



At least 27 million people have been affected in a region where many rely on agriculture to survive, Castro said, speaking from WFP's office in Johannesburg on Friday.

The drought has wiped out 70 percent of the harvest in Zambia and 80 percent in Zimbabwe, severely reducing supply and pushing up food prices, she said.

"When you go now to rural productive areas of Southern Africa, what you see is a devastated scenario," she said.

"The maize is totally dry and down, it hasn't grown, and the people are really trying to find what to do next, to be able to feed their families."

Although the El Nino cycle has come to an end, its effects persist.

In some countries the lean season was starting well ahead of time, Castro said.

"The situation is extremely worrisome," she said.

"We cannot talk about famine or hunger but people cannot buy adequate meals or eat an adequate number of calories per day. Children start getting slimmer, the population starts suffering."

The WFP was working with local governments to mitigate the effects of the lack of rain.

It is encouraging farmers to plant more drought resistant crops like sorghum, millet and cassava to fend off future dry spells and has appealed for $409 million to provide food, cash and other assistance, to about six million people in the region.

It has so far received about $200 million, Castro said.

El Nino is a recurring natural weather phenomenon corresponding to the large-scale warming of surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which leads to drought conditions in some regions of the world and excessive rain in others.
Iran shuts Sunday to tackle heatwave



Tehran, July 27 (AFP) Jul 27, 2024



Iranian banks and most government institutes will be closed on Sunday and people were asked to avoid leaving home as the country faces a scorching heatwave, state media said.

At least 225 Iranians have been hospitalised due to the extreme heat since Friday, the national emergency service said, while officials reported record energy consumption.

"Banks and other public institutions will be closed on Sunday in order to protect people's health and conserve energy," said a government statement shared by official news agency IRNA.

It noted that "emergency and relief agencies are excluded" from the nationwide shutdown.

Public sector working hours were already halved on Saturday, the first day of the week in Iran.

Babak Yektaparast, spokesman for Iran's emergency service, recommended people to stay indoors between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm.

On Saturday, the government set the opening time for banks and other state institutions at 6:00 am to allow people to complete errands before temperatures soared.

Working hours on Saturday were cut in half, helping to save 1,000 megawatts of electricity, IRNA reported.

Iranian officials said on Thursday that electricity consumption had hit an all-time high with more than 79,000 megawatts.

The heatwave has blanketed Iran, pushing the temperature well above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in the capital Tehran.

In the southwestern city of Dalgan, in Sistan-Baluchistan province, the mercury hit 50C, according to Tasnim news agency.

Tasnim said at least 10 out Iran's 31 provinces experienced temperatures above 45C since Friday.

According to IRNA, the heatwave is expected to continue over the next four days, though temperatures are forecast to ease gradually beginning Monday.

Globally, last Monday was the hottest day recorded since measurements began in 1940, the European Union's Copernicus Earth observation programme said.

Scientists have linked climate change to more prolonged, stronger and more frequent extreme weather, including heatwaves.
NEW DELHI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Health officials in India's western state of Gujarat said Saturday that the death toll due to suspected infection of Chandipura virus has risen to 48.

Over the past several weeks, there has been a steady increase in cases of Chandipura virus in the state.

"So far, 48 people have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Gujarat over the last month, a majority of whom are suspected to be due to the outbreak of Chandipura virus," a health official said.

According to Gujarat's health minister Rushikesh Patel, a total of 133 cases of Chandipura virus have been registered in the state.

India's federal health ministry said Acute Encephalitis Syndrome is a group of clinically similar neurologic manifestations caused by several different viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, spirochetes, chemicals/ toxins. 
The Paris Olympic opening ceremony made the AFL Grand Final parade down the Yarra look like an inspired success. Obviously, the Olympics are no longer about the athletes.

Mick Hussey, Beaconsfield Green and gold on show Our Olympians should be awarded bonus points for competing in yellow and green. Only mother nature can pull off such a combination. Really, when have you been off on a date, film, the opera or ballet, presented a business case, let alone a job interview, and raided your wardrobe for green and yellow attire? Would you expect our prime ministers to be taken seriously addressing the United Nations in an ensemble of a green skirt/yellow blouse or yellow suit/green tie? Eminently sensible colours exist. We have only to humbly ask First Nations people: Please may we adapt your flag? Failing that, the magnificent Southern Cross on blue transcends our terrestrial squabbles and visual illiteracy.

Ronald Elliott, Sandringham 300,000 condoms?! I know Paris is the city of love, but surely it is not compulsory for Olympic athletes to plough through all 300,000 French letters (Why beds may deny athletes dreams, 25/7)?

Paul Custance, Highett

Climate chaos continues Once again western Canada is seeing major tourist infrastructures destroyed by wildfire - this time much of the famous town of Jasper at the northern end of the Icefields Parkway. Olympics or not - climate-induced disasters continue.

Brian Kidd, Mount Waverley Bolt threat irrelevant The Murdochs face a big decision as to whether Lachlan or James get to run the business, but I doubt that Andrew Bolts threat to quit the company (Bolts ultimatum: Ill quit if James Murdoch wins success battle , 26/7) if James is successful will carry any weight whatsoever.

Phil Alexander, Eltham Write a cheque

Great article Waleed Aly about irresponsible banks (Its simple: Your bank is not safe, 26/7). The old cheque system of two days to clear a payment worked very well. If transfers were not instant but took two days to clear, scams would pretty much disappear.

Andrew Simpson, Kew Smiles all round

A recent trip to the National Gallery of Australia to see the Vincent Namatjira exhibition delighted my senses and those of all the other attendees I observed (Inside the push to remove Rinehart portraits from gallery, 25/7). Broad smiles all round. Namatjiras unique style was applied equally to all his subjects. In isolation, I could see why Gina Rinehart might object, but taken in context with all the other works all the subjects should just suck it up and move on. But what would I know as a simple accountant?

Graeme C. Rose, Wangaratta President Harris? Its time It is ironic and breathtaking that in the United States of America, the female half of the population has never yielded a president. Australia, the UK, India, Germany and other countries have had female leaders. In this so-called land of the free, gun violence and strident calls for white supremacy still spread fear and despair. Loud males dominate the political landscape. Does Kamala Harris have a chance of becoming president? Its time.

Glenda Johnston, Queenscliff
Heritage Springs in Pakenham is almost as far from the Paris end of Collins Street as a Melbourne neighbourhood gets, but the two places share one distinguishing feature.

The streets of the outer suburban estate, 60 kilometres south-east of the CBD, are filled with replicas of the century-old lamp posts that line Collins Streets east end.

Bill and Jillian Ronald with the street lamp they salvaged after it was taken down, and which led to Bills ejection from a council meeting. Credit: Penny Stephens

The decorative street lamps were installed by the developer 14 years ago, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars, to give the new estate a point of distinction.

But the lamp posts have begun to disappear over the past two years, replaced by LED lamp posts with a new and more utilitarian design that locals argue is erasing the estates character. Following a short and fiery campaign, the council voted last week to investigate a way to preserve the remaining lamp posts but warned residents there is no guarantee they can be saved.
VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the United States adheres to the wrong perception of China and always mirrors China with its own hegemonic logic.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that China is not the United States, nor does it want to be. China does not seek hegemony or power politics, and it has the best record on peace and security as a major country in the world.

Wang said that the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC adopted a major decision to further comprehensively deepen reform and promote Chinese-style modernization and China will stay true to its original aspiration and stay focused on pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the nation.

China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development and build a community with a shared future for mankind, Wang said, expressing hope that the U.S. side can understand the CPC and China's present and future from this decision.

Wang met Blinken here on the sidelines of a series of meetings of foreign ministers of southeastern and eastern Asian countries. 
HARARE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday urged African countries to implement robust and innovative strategies to promote their traditional cuisines to position the continent as an attractive gastronomy tourism destination.

While opening the first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Zimbabwe's resort town of Victoria Falls, the president said Africa's unique cultural heritage, food, and drink offer immense opportunities for further expansion of the continent's tourism sector.

"For us to fully benefit from gastronomy tourism, I challenge stakeholders in the sector to continually innovate by developing new products and services," he said. "Robust strategies should be implemented to scale up the promotion of gastronomy-related tour packages, food festivals, and cooking classes, among others, to make Africa an attractive gastronomy tourism destination."

Mnangagwa noted that while global tourism has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa's share of global tourism performance remains low.

He said Africa needs to continue leveraging its unique natural and cultural offerings, including food and cuisines, as they are a key driver for the transformation of the continent's economy.

The forum, which runs from July 26 to 28, has brought together a cross-section of experts to explore the transformative potential of gastronomy tourism for the benefit of local communities and the environment, and to foster regional cohesion and resilience. 
Jaishankar meets Lavrov; discusses bilateral ties





VIENTIANE :

EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and leaders from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Laos and others and discussed various aspects of bilateral collaboration, including education and agriculture technology. Jaishankar is in the capital of the Laos Peoples Democratic Republic to participate in the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He met Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on the sidelines of the meeting.

Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of India Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met on the sidelines of #ASEAN events Vientiane, July 26, 2024 #RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart from South Korea and had a wide-ranging conversation on Special Strategic Partnership. ASEAN cornerstone of Indias Act East Policy: THE Association of South-East Asian Nations is the cornerstone of Indias Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday, as he sought to expand political, economic and security cooperation with the 10-member influential regional bloc. Jaishankar is here in the Laotian capital to participate in the meetings of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In his remarks at the opening session of the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting, Jaishankar said the priority that India attaches to ASEAN and EAS (East Asia Summit) platforms is evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Jakarta last year on the very eve of the G20 Summit in New Delhi. He noted that Prime Minister Modi had announced a 12-point plan that has been largely acted upon.
CANBERRA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A northern Australian site previously designated for uranium mining will be included in a national park to protect its Indigenous cultural heritage, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.

He on Saturday revealed a plan to permanently protect the Jabiluka site in the Northern Territory (NT) by including it in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, ending decades of uncertainty over its future.

The Jabiluka area is the site of one of the largest uranium deposits in the world but has never been developed or mined.

Energy Resources Australia (ERA), which is majority-owned by Rio Tinto, was awarded the mining lease for the site in 1991 despite the objections of the Indigenous traditional owners of the land, the Mirrar people.

Albanese said on Saturday that ERA's application for a 10-year renewal of the lease on the site has been rejected and it will expire on Aug. 11, allowing Jabiluka to be incorporated into the national park by which it is surrounded.

"This means there will never be mining at Jabiluka," he said.

"The Mirrar people have loved and cared for their land for more than 60,000 years. Our government will work with them to keep it safe for all time."

The site is home to some of the oldest rock art in the world and in 2017 archaeologists from the University of Queensland discovered over 10,000 artifacts in the area dating back up to 80,000 years that extended the known length of time Aboriginal people have inhabited the continent.

Albanese said the area is a reminder of the privilege Australians have to share the continent with the world's oldest continuous culture. 
Pakistan has not learnt any lessons from past: PM Modi





DRAS (Ladakh) :

IN A stern warning to Islamabad on the 25th anniversary of Indias victory in the Kargil conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Pakistan has been trying to stay relevant by using terrorism and proxy wars and Indian soldiers will crush all terror attempts with full force. Addressing a ceremony at the Kargil memorial in Dras, Modi said falsehood and terror were brought down to their knees by the truth in the 1999 war. He also noted that Pakistan has not learnt anything from its past. Today, I am speaking at a place from where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly. I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed, Modi said in the presence of Indias top military brass. Condemning terrorism, Modi said Pakistan has always faced defeat in the past and asserted that the evil intentions of terrorists will never be fulfilled. Pakistan has not learnt anything from its past and has continued to wage war in the garb of terrorism and proxy wars to stay relevant, he said. .

Our bravehearts will trample all the terror attempts, Modi asserted. The Prime Minister also paid glowing tributes to soldiers who had made supreme sacrifices in the Kargil war. In Kargil, we not only won the war, we presented an incredible example of truth, restraint and strength, he remarked. Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Prime Minister said, reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal. The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our Armed Forces, Modi said. On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army announced the successful culmination of Operation Vijay, declaring victory after a nearly three-month battle on the icy heights of Kargil in Ladakh. The day is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate Indias victory over Pakistan. In his remarks at the Shraddhanjali Samaroh, Modi said the victory in Kargil war was not of any Government or any party. This victory belongs to the country. Recalling the days of the Kargil war, Modi said he was fortunate to be amidst soldiers back then and added that he still remembers how the soldiers carried out a difficult operation at such a height. I salute the brave sons of the country who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the motherland, he said. India will overcome all challenges that come in the way of development, be it Ladakh or Jammu and Kashmir, he said.

The abrogation of Article 370, Modi reminded, will complete five years on August 5 and todays Jammu and Kashmir is talking about a new future full of dreams. Modi gave examples of progress in Jammu and Kashmir and mentioned G20 meetings being held in the union territory. This heaven on earth is swiftly moving in the direction of peace and prosperity, the prime minister added. PM targets oppn over Agnipath: PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the Agnipath scheme is an example of necessary reforms undertaken by the Army and accused the Opposition of playing politics over the recruitment process aimed at keeping the average age in armed forces young.

Modi said some people were playing politics over a sensitive issue related to national security and rubbished claims that the Agnipath scheme was launched to save pension money. The aim of Agnipath is to make the forces young...The aim of Agnipath is to keep the armies continuously fit for war, he said. Unfortunately, such a sensitive issue related to national security has been made a subject of politics by some people. Some people are playing politics of lies for their personal interests even on this reform of the army, he said. The Prime Minister said Angipath scheme is an example of necessary reforms done by the army. For decades, there have been discussions in Parliament and various committees on making the armed forces younger. The average age of Indian soldiers being higher than the global average has been a matter of concern, he added. He said this issue was raised in many committees for years but the will to resolve this national security challenge was not shown earlier. The country has addressed this concern through the Agnipath scheme, he said.
Rejected No relief to Sunil Kedar from SC





Staff Reporter :

The Supreme Court of India refused to grant relief to senior Congress leader and former Minister Sunil Kedar, who had sought a stay on his conviction to enable him to contest the upcoming Assembly elections. Kedars plea was heard by the Apex Court on Friday, following his unsuccessful attempt to overturn his conviction at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. Kedars legal battles started from his involvement in the Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank (NDCC) scam, where he and six others were sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment along with a fine by the Nagpur District Sessions Court on December 22, 2023. The conviction had barred Kedar from participating in any elections due to the Representation of the People Act, which disqualifies leaders sentenced to more than two years in prison from contesting elections. The Supreme Courts decision to not stay Kedars conviction dashed his immediate hopes of returning to political life. Despite this setback, the courts ruling is not entirely unfavourable.

The Supreme Court has directed the Nagpur District Sessions Court to expedite the decision on Kedars appeal against his conviction. The Sessions Court has been instructed to resolve this appeal before September 30, 2024. This development offers a potential pathway for Kedars political ambitions. If the Sessions Court rules in his favour and overturns or stays his conviction, Kedar could regain his eligibility to contest the assembly elections. This ruling maintains Kedars ability to potentially participate in the elections should the lower courts decision be in his favour. Kedars legal team had initially sought a stay of sentence and bail from the Sessions Court, which was denied. Later, Kedar approached the Bombay High Court, where his petition for a stay of conviction was also rejected. The High Courts decision left Kedar with no option but to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
At the entrance to the Kazanqi folk tourism area in Yining city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, pigeons flutter as people in traditional ethnic costumes dance to lively music, welcoming visitors to this picturesque destination.

Kazanqi, which means "pot maker" in Uygur, has become a must-visit spot in Yining, thanks to local government preservation and renovation efforts.

The area is known for its vibrant colors, with bright hues adorning doors, windows, clothes and food, reflecting the locals' zest for life.

Join People's Daily Online reporter Oliver Fritzsch as he explores Kazanqi's lanes and corners, samples local snacks and refreshing Kvass, a fermented drink, and visits craftsmen's workshops, enjoying a cozy atmosphere despite the summer heat.


VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday urged the United States not to stir up trouble and undermine maritime stability regarding China's Ren'ai Jiao.

Wang said China has reached a temporary arrangement with the Philippine side to manage the situation, and the philippines should honor its commitments to refrain from sending construction materials to the illegally grounded vessel. 
KIGALI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu on Friday called for collective responsibility to create world peace.

She made the remarks at a conference convened in the Rwandan capital of Kigali to discuss the art and science of peace, resilience, and transformational justice.

"The responsibility of building a more peaceful world is a duty for all of us," she said, noting the need to create conversations, safe spaces, and mechanisms that "we can all learn from as we work together to create long-lasting peace."

Nderitu mentioned the need to prosecute perpetrators of crimes and implement changes in society as part of efforts to achieve lasting peace and avoid genocide-related crimes, war crimes as well as crimes against humanity.

The forum was co-organized by Aegis Trust, an international organization working to prevent genocide, the Rwandan Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, the University of Rwanda, and Tufts University.

It drew participants from international organizations, academicians, activists, and people involved in building peace in their own communities.

Nderitu hailed Rwanda's efforts in fostering reconciliation after a devastating genocide against the Tutsi group in 1994. "Today, we are in this country that has witnessed the horror of the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. We are still puzzled by the path that Rwanda has gone through after it was left to fend for itself, and their achievement of reconciliation and resilience."

Rwandan Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Jean-Damascene Bizimana, said after putting an end to the genocide against the Tutsi, Rwandans refused to seek revenge by choosing justice and working toward reconciliation.

"We chose this path not only for ourselves, but for our future and the prosperity of our country," he said. 
ZAGREB, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A total of 50,000 bottles of natural mineral water will be handed out in Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split and Hvar to welcome tourists on Saturday, said the Croatian Tourist Board.

The bottles of water feature a special "Welcome to Croatia" message on the bottle, "as a gesture of welcome and gratitude" to tourists, said Kristjan Stanicic, director of the Croatian Tourist Board.

In addition to free bottles of water, specially branded car air fresheners will also be distributed to visitors, Stanicic added.

Croatia is currently at the peak of its tourist season, with over a million visitors now in the country and more arriving continuously. 
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, who is also Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative to attend the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, meets with French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

PARIS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Friday wished the Paris 2024 Olympic Games a splendid and smooth one, adding he was delighted to be invited to the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

Han, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative to attend the Olympics opening ceremony, made the remarks during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at Elysee Palace.

Conveying warm greetings from Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan to Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, Han noted that Xi's successful visit to France in May showcased the distinctiveness and high level of friendship between the two countries.

The visit was also of great significance to the steady development of China-Europe relations and world peace and stability, said Han.

Thanking Han for his participation in the opening ceremony as President Xi's special representative, Macron extended his warm regards to Xi and Peng.

Recalling his friendly talks with Xi in May this year, Macron said Xi's visit to France was very successful.

On Friday, Han also held talks with other foreign leaders, including Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto, Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the Libyan Presidency Council Mohammad Menfi, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Guinean Interim Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah. 
"I believe, for Western people, just to touch, just to be inside."

Polish expert Leszek Slazyk hailed China's visa facilitation policies, noting they offer a good chance for Westerners to experience a real China. #GLOBALink
MOSCOW, July 27 (Xinhua) -- About 200 people have found themselves in a flood zone near the city of Karabash in Russia's west-central region of Chelyabinsk following a dam burst at the Kialimskoye Reservoir, local authorities said on Friday.

"Water broke through the dam in the Kialim reservoir, one of the major sources of drinking water for the city of Karabash. People are veing evacuated from the villages of Kialim and Mukhametovo. Around 200 people are staying in the flooded area," the Karabash municipal administration was quoted by TASS News Agency as saying.

A state of emergency has been declared in the Karabash municipal district.

According to the Chelyabinsk Center for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring, up to 73 mm of rainfall fell in the region during the 24 hours of July 25 and the night of July 26, which amounts to 1-1.5 monthly norms in some places.

Due to the dam breach at the Kialimskoye Reservoir, one settlement has already been flooded. As a precautionary measure, evacuation efforts are currently underway in three communities.

According to meteorologists, on July 27, heavy to very heavy rain, intense downpours, prolonged heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail, possibly large, with wind up to 25 m/s are expected in parts of the Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, and Kurgan regions.

Additionally, meteorologists predict that heavy rainfall will lead to significant increases in water levels in small rivers until July 29. 
VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Saturday that the United States should return to a rational and pragmatic policy toward China, and both sides should make joint efforts to promote stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations. 
Oando Plc has denied alleged links with the company and its executives to Raz Hansir Oil Terminal Ltd., a Maltese company purportedly involved in importing adulterated petroleum products into Nigeria.

Oando Plc was alleged to operate an oil storage and blending facility, and purportedly responsible for importing adulterated petroleum products into Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday, Ayotola Jagun, the company secretary, asserted that neither Oando nor its executives have ever held shares, investments or interests in the fictitious Maltese company.

She said: As part of a comprehensive investigation into the basis of the false claims, we conducted a search of the Malta Business Registry, the official repository for all registered entities, past and current, within the country.

Our search yielded no results for a company bearing that name. Subsequent due diligence efforts similarly failed to uncover any record of the companys existence.

We, therefore, believe that the false claims are of malicious intent, aimed at misleading the public and our stakeholders.

The company secretary reiterated that as a publicly listed company, any corporate actions, such as acquisitions, were declared publicly in accordance with applicable corporate governance laws and rules.

Mr Jagun noted that information released about a publicly quoted company such as Oando was thoroughly researched and deemed accurate before been published in the public domain.

She added that the companys securities were traded daily across two exchanges: the NGX and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, JSE.

To prevent misinformation and confusion among investors, as well as our other stakeholders, we implore all members of the press to take adequate steps to ensure the veracity of reports by fielding all enquiries with Oando Plcs Corporate Communications department, Ms Jagun said.
SACRAMENTO, the United States, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Two massive wildfires in California have forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes, prompting the California governor to declare a state of emergency on Friday in three counties.

A rapidly spreading blaze in Northern California, known as the Park Fire, has engulfed 239,152 acres (967.81 square km) of land as of Friday evening, making it the state's largest fire this year.

The fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon near Chico, has injured two people, destroyed an estimated 134 structures, and threatened 4,200 more, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

On Friday morning, the fire was 3 percent contained, but its aggressive expansion reduced containment to 0 percent as of 9 p.m. (0400 GMT, Saturday).

"The Park Fire continued to burn aggressively due to steep terrain and winds. New evacuation orders and warnings were issued," said Cal Fire in its latest update.

The fire's rapid expansion necessitated widespread evacuations across Butte and Tehama counties, with approximately 4,000 residents ordered to leave their homes.

Authorities arrested a 42-year-old Chico resident, named Ronnie Dean Stout II, on suspicion of intentionally starting the fire. The motive remains unclear.

More than 2,400 personnel from across the state have been mobilized to combat the flames, supported by an array of equipment, including 231 engines, 16 helicopters, and 116 bulldozers.

Meanwhile, firefighters are grappling with the Gold Complex Fire in Plumas County, California. The blaze was a result of the merging of four separate lightning-sparked fires on Monday in the Plumas National Forest.

The fire torched more than 3,000 acres (12.14 square km) of land, prompting evacuation orders for thousands, and threatening homes, structures, critical infrastructure, and transmission lines.

The Mill Fire, part of the Gold Complex, has been 20 percent contained, while the Smith Fire, also part of the complex, has been fully contained as of Friday evening, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

In response to these two fires, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in the affected counties on Friday to facilitate local governments' access to much-needed relief and resources.

"We are using every available tool to protect lives and property as our fire and emergency response teams work around the clock to combat these challenging fires," Newsom said in a statement, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.

The governor also announced that California had secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to bolster efforts in combating the Park Fire.

While California grapples with these blazes, the neighboring state of Oregon faces its own wildfire crisis. The Durkee Fire, currently the largest active wildfire in the United States, continued to expand in eastern Oregon.

The lightning-sparked fire has scorched more than 288,690 acres (1,168.29 square km) of land as of Friday evening, according to the State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard.

The Durkee Fire has caused three injuries and destroyed two residences and 13 other structures. Across the state, at least 124 active fires are burning with more than 1 million acres (4,046.86 square km) of land burned.

Climate scientists attributed the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, particularly those sparked by lightning, to climate change. The region has experienced record-breaking heat and persistent dry weather, creating an environment ripe for rapid fire spread. 
West Bengal Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday flew to New Delhi, where she will attend the meeting of the Governing Council of the NITI Aayog scheduled to be held on Saturday.

Miss Banerjee, speaking to mediapersons before boarding her flight to New Delhi, confirmed that she will be attending the NITI Aayog meeting.

On one hand there is financial deprivation and on the other hand, there is a conspiracy to divide West Bengal. I will be attending the Niti Aayog Meeting to raise my voice of dissent on both these issues, Miss Banerjee said.

Trinamul Congress all India general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee is also accompanying her.

Slamming the Centre for step-motherly treatment of Bengal and other Opposition-ruled states, Miss Banerjee said: I cannot accept the way opposition states have been deprived in the budget. There is economic and political blockade, and I strongly condemn the plan to divide the country. Ministers are talking about dividing Bengal in Parliament! Not only that, but various sources indicate that many of their party leaders are making different statements about dividing Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and Bengal. I strongly condemn this. Dividing Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and Bengal means dividing the entire country. We do not support this.

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The chief minister said she would attend the NITI Aayog meeting to protest against the demand to divide Bengal. I will stay at the meeting for a while. If given a chance, I will speak; otherwise, I will protest. I will speak for Bengal, she said.

Miss Banerjee was referring to recent statements by various BJP leaders, including Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, for making north Bengal part of the North-East, or hiving off parts of the state as Union territories.

The meeting of the Governing Council of the NITI Aayog is scheduled on Saturday, to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Several chief ministers from the opposition INDIA bloc have boycotted the meeting. The chief ministers of Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh are expected to be absent. Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren was also expected to boycott the meeting. However, Miss Banerjee said on Friday that Mr Soren might attend the meeting. She said: As far as I know, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will also be there. We will protest together.

Earlier, there was speculation in political circles about whether Miss Banerjee would attend the NITI Aayog meeting after most non-BJP chief ministers decided to boycott it. On Thursday, Congress leader KC Venugopal said: I believe Mamata Banerjee will not attend the NITI Aayog meeting like the Congress and other opposition party chief ministers. However, a Trinamul Congress source said that there was some dissatisfaction within the INDIA bloc about Congresss unilateral decision to boycott the NITI Aayog meeting. If the boycott decision had been taken collectively, the whole matter could have been smoother. Additionally, it is necessary to present the facts about how Bengal is being deprived. It is also essential to raise the issue of the ongoing talk about dividing Bengal, the source said.

On Wednesday, BJP state president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar had called for including north Bengal in the North-East region for greater access to development funds. Jalpaiguri MP Jayanta Roy and Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista supported him.

The same day, speaking in the Rajya Sabha, BJP MP Ananta Maharaj demanded the creation of a Greater Cooch Behar Union Territory.

On Thursday, Jharkhand MP Nishikant Dubey, speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, advocated creating a Union Territory out of some parts of Jharkhand and West Bengal, claiming that the number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in the region is on the rise. He also demanded the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in those districts.

Trinamul sees a conspiracy in this. They believe that the continuous statements by BJP leaders about the division of West Bengal indicate a specific plan by the Centre to divide Bengal. Trinamul MP Saugata Roy said, Unable to cope politically, BJP is conspiring to weaken West Bengal by dividing it.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Vijay Smarak, Fort William, Kolkata, to honour the courageous soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives during the Kargil War.

The ceremony saw the presence of dignitaries, military personnel and veterans who came together to pay homage to the indomitable spirit of our armed forces.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every year on 26 July, commemorates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over the infiltrating Pakistani troops during the 1999 Kargil conflict. This conflict, fought in the treacherous terrain of Kargil, highlighted the unparalleled bravery, dedication, and patriotism of our soldiers, who defended the nations sovereignty and integrity with utmost valour.

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The wreath-laying ceremony at Fort William served as a poignant tribute to the heroism of the soldiers who defeated the enemy with extraordinary courage, battling against severe conditions and overwhelming odds. This solemn occasion allows the nation to express its profound gratitude to the brave warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

During the ceremony, wreaths were laid at Vijay Smarak, Fort William by Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, GOC-in-C Eastern Command along with other senior officials and veterans as a mark of respect and remembrance.

Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the bravery resilience and determination of our armed forces, and the ceremony at Fort William exemplifies the collective respect and admiration of the nation for their sacrifice and unwavering dedication.
BEIJING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- State-owned enterprises supervised and administered by local governments in China reported a 10.4 percent rise in R&D spending that amounted to 249.57 billion yuan (35 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of 2024, according to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.

The increased spending came amid efforts by state-owned enterprises to accelerate scientific and technological innovation capabilities, said Zhang Yuzhuo, chairman of the commission.

Zhang said earlier this week that since the beginning of this year, state-owned assets supervision and administration commissions of local governments have launched a series of policy measures to support scientific and technological innovation.

For instance, in east China's Shandong Province, local state-owned enterprises are encouraged to prioritize wage increase incentives for scientific and technological talent and provide remuneration for key talent on a case-by-case basis. In Beijing and Xiamen, policies to set up R&D reserve funds for state-owned enterprises have been formulated and implemented on a pilot basis.

Zhang said the commission will strive to optimize institutional arrangements to promote indigenous innovation in state-owned enterprises, encourage diversified capital investment, and nurture high-quality venture capital institutions in efforts to boost innovation in basic research and industrialize innovation outcomes.

In the first half of this year, local SOEs reported total business revenues of 19.2 trillion yuan and total profits of 826.78 billion yuan. Their fixed asset investment stood at 2.9 trillion yuan. 
IIT Kharagpur celebrated a moment of immense pride by honouring Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc. and Google, with the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) Award, and Anjali Pichai with the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

The prestigious awards were presented by Prof V K Tewari, director of IIT Kharagpur, in a ceremony held in San Francisco, in the presence of Sundar Pichais parents and their daughter Kavya Pichai.

The event was graced by alumni of IIT Kharagpur, including Vinod Gupta and Ranbir Gupta, along with Prof Rintu Banerjee, deputy director, and Prof Debashish Chakravarty, dean of Alumni Affairs of the institute.

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Sundar Pichai, a BTech (Hons) graduate in metallurgical and materials engineering from IIT Kharagpur, has been recognized globally for his contributions to technology and innovation. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, Indias third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his achievements.

Pichai, who has led Alphabet Inc. and Google through a technological revolution, expressed his gratitude and pride upon receiving the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) Award from his alma mater.

This is indeed a great honour that IIT Kharagpur has bestowed on me. I am truly blessed and humbled to receive this award from Prof Tewari in the presence of my family and friends, remarked Sundar Pichai.

Standing with this award in my hands reminds me of the young boy that I was who dreamed to be in the world that I am trying to create with my inventions. IIT Kharagpur holds a special place in my heart as this was the place where I first met my beloved wife, Anjali, and had beautiful memories of my second home that I grew up in. The ambience, the people, the environment, the culture imparts a diaspora of knowledge learnings that one can implement in shaping up their practical wisdom. I am grateful to my institute for rewarding me with this award, and there is nothing in the world that can compare to this emotional euphoria that I feel right now. I look forward to connecting with IIT KGP, manifesting greater technological solutions in partnership with Google. KGP ka tempo high hai!
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman said on Friday that just like in the past, all states have been allocated funds in the Union Budget 2024-25, and no state has been denied anything.

In an exclusive interview with Sanjay Pugalia, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV Network, the Finance Minister rejected the oppositions claim that her Budget speech mentioned only two states  Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, both ruled by the BJPs key allies.

She pointed out that the Centre was required by law to support Andhra Pradesh after its bifurcation in 2014.

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States are receiving allocations as they did in the past no state has been denied anything. The Act (Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act) requires the Centre to support (the state) in building its capital city and developing the backward regions, she explained.

Several steps have been taken in the last 10 years and many other steps, as per the Act, which had to be taken have been taken. Yes, we will support the building of the new capital at Amaravati and the Polavaram irrigation project  Polavaram should have been completed by now but there were some technical issues. The state government is seized of the matter, Sitharaman said.

Responding particularly to the criticism by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the Finance Minister said, To the point he raised  that I have not named many states and spoke only about two states The Congress was in power for a long time. They presented many Budgets and should know that in every Budget, you dont get an opportunity to name every state of the country.

Sitharaman also said the Budget reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modis wish to keep things simple, so that everyone, and not just subject experts, could understand Indias finances.

We present everything upfront. There is no fine print We ensure that any changes made are communicated openly, based on feedback and transparent processes, she pointed out.

The Finance Minister also said that borrowing is a must for a growing economy to meet its needs and aspirations, but the focus of the Finance Ministry under her is to ensure that debt is reduced without affecting growth.

She added that fixing a number for the eventual fiscal deficit and working towards it with temporary solutions every year can be one way of going about things, but it is not the right way from a macroeconomic perspective.

We have chosen a healthy option for getting the fiscal deficit closer to the number. Instead of looking at the number alone, it is also about the way you decide to get there. An obvious method for every country is to reduce debt, but borrowing is a must for a growing economy. The question is how much are you borrowing and where it is being used, the Finance Minister said.
Digital payments in India have registered a 12.6 per cent increase year-on-year with the RBIs Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) rising to 445.5 at the end of March 2024 compared to 418.77 in September 2023 and 395.57 in March 2023.

The RBI-DPI index has increased across all parameters driven by significant growth in payment performance and payment infrastructure across the country over the period, the RBI said on Friday.

The Reserve Bank has been publishing a composite RBI-DPI index since January 1, 2021 with March 2018 as the base to capture the extent of digitisation of payments across the country.

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The RBI-DPI comprises 5 broad parameters that enable the measurement of penetration of digital payments in the country over different time periods.

These parameters are  (i) Payment Enablers (weight 25 per cent); (ii) Payment Infrastructure  Demand-side factors (10 per cent); (iii) Payment Infrastructure  Supply-side factors (15 per cent); (iv) Payment Performance (45 per cent), and (v) Consumer Centricity (5 per cent).

Each of these parameters has sub-parameters which, in turn, consist of various measurable indicators.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared Budget 2024 Blueprint on NaMo App that aims to explain various government announcements, schemes and new initiatives around job creation and skilling in a simpler way.

PM Modi said in a post on X social media platform that Budget 2024 aims to create jobs with new Employment Linked Incentive schemes, build a stronger workforce, and enable job creators.

Through skilling initiatives, in-house education promotion, and innovation support, it sets the stage for a thriving, skilled Bharat, PM Modi emphasised.

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One can go through the Budget 2024 Blueprint in the WhatsApp it section on NaMo App.

The Budget is a comprehensive blueprint for a prosperous and inclusive India.

The Budget has allocated Rs 1.48 lakh crore specifically for education, employment, and skilling, underscoring the governments commitment to these vital areas.

The Employment-Linked Incentive schemes represent a pivotal move towards fostering collective growth and prosperity, as they are designed to directly link incentives with employment generation.
Naam campaign that aims at increasing the green cover and enriching the ecology.

Dhankhar planted a sapling in the honour of his mother Kesari Devi at the Asita, an ecological park developed by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on the eastern floodplains of Yamuna opposite ITO.

Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of the VP, also planted a sapling in the honour of her mother, Bhagvati Devi at Asita.

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Simultaneously, a total of 1,11,111 trees were planted on Saturday in various parks and green belts of Delhi by the DDA by students, RWAs, common residents and officials.

The VP interacted with over 250 school children, who had assembled at Asita for the plantation drive, and administered them a pledge that they would also urge their family members to plant trees for a greener and sustainable Delhi. The school children also planted saplings at Asita Park with great enthusiasm.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhankhar has appealed for making the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign a huge success and said tree plantation was the easiest, yet the most effective way of protecting our environment.

The VP said that as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, has also urged every MP to plant at least 200 trees, as their contribution to protect nature.

Notably, on the World Environment Day this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, with an aim to increase the green cover and protect the environment.

Dhankhar, who also went for bird-watching and took a ride of the Asita Park along its wetlands and the grasslands, appreciated the DDA for painstakingly and scientifically restoring this stretch of the Yamuna floodplain into a bio-diversity park, which was just two years ago, lying as a polluted and degraded land under heavy encroachment.

During the nature walk, he was explained at length the scientific process of ecological succession used by DDA for restoration of Yamuna Flood Plains at Asita and several other locations in Delhi.

Delhis Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Justice Prakash Shrivastava were also present. They also planted saplings in the honour of their mothers.
Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) chief Devender Yadav is counted as one of the prominent politicians in the national capital. He is also the party in-charge for Punjab, and had served as MLA from Badli constituency in the Delhi Assembly.

In an interview with Santu Das of The Statesman, Yadav talks about the INDIA bloc performance in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, the Congress preparations for the upcoming Delhi assembly polls and the partys vision for the national capital. The Delhi polls are scheduled to be held early next year.

Q: Despite being in an alliance, the Congress and the AAP could not win even a single seat in Delhi in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls. What according to you went wrong?

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A: This was an alliance which was taken in the national interest. We had a very good campaign and candidates, but it did not convert into seats. Although we tried our best but somewhere down the line, coordination was not as per expectations. There were a few incidents, especially from the side of the Aam Aadmi Party, like the (alleged assault) of Swati Maliwal, which went totally against us. The Maliwal factor did affect the common people. The AAP leadership was almost in jail; that could have been another reason. In general, maybe there was not that much acceptability of the alliance among the people. In Punjab, we decided to go alone and we did fairly well. We secured seven out of 13 seats and the AAP was reduced to three seats which clearly indicates that people actually might not be liking the AAP the way they used to.

Q: In the midst of the general election, a senior Delhi Congress leader severed ties with the party. He also raised questions on the selection of candidates. What led to Congress dismal performance in Delhi for the third consecutive time?

A: I really do not agree with that because all the three candidates have different backgrounds. One of the candidates, Jai Prakash Aggarwal is a very experienced leader; the other one, Kanhaiya Kumar is an activist and stood strongly on issues. If we talk about Udit Raj, he is also an activist. He had been an MP earlier. He has been raising issues of social justice. We tried to have that balance wherein experience and activism was taken into consideration. But, somewhere I feel overdependence of our leadership on the AAP cost us dear.

Q: You have been accusing the AAP government in Delhi of misgovernance and corruption. You wrote to the CVC. On the other hand, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi led a protest of the INDIA bloc at Parliament where slogans were raised demanding release of Kejriwal.

A: The Congress is dead against corruption and at whatever level it happens, we will oppose it, whether it is at the state or central level. As far as that demonstration (in Parliament) is concerned, it was against the misuse of government machinery by the BJP government. When these two arrests (Arvind Kejriwal and JMM chief Hemant Soren) were made, the timing had to be taken into consideration. They were facing these charges long back, but as soon as the elections were around, they were arrested. The timing itself raises a question whether this was right or wrong. I would again say let the court decide who is right and wrong, and we will stand by that.

Q: What is the status of the Congress alliance with AAP in Delhi and at the national level? Will your party continue with the alliance in the upcoming state polls?

A: We are going all alone. We are very much prepared as far as the party organization is concerned. We are trying to find out the loopholes and fill those gaps. We have been very strongly raising the issues concerning the people. This is what the people expect from a strong opposition. I would like to mention that the case in which Kejriwal had gone to jail was actually raised by the Congress. A drama had been going on between the AAP and the BJP, wherein one party is deep in corruption and the other keeps shut without opposing it. As a true Opposition, the Congress has been bringing corruption to the fore.

Q: Will there be any post poll alliance with the AAP?

A: It is too early. I am very sure we will contest all the 70 Assembly seats. Even if somebody from the AAP approaches us, we are very firm on our stand that we would go all alone.

Q: How do you see the work of the Arvind Kejriwal government as compared to the previous Congress regime?

A: The Kejriwal government has completely failed. They had made big promises. They used to say they were crusaders against corruption and today, the situation is totally different, the chief minister is in jail on charges of corruption. Today, we see the city government is only interested in bringing Kejriwal out of jail. They are no more concerned about peoples issues. They were supposed to deliver good governance in which they completely failed.

Q: How is your party gearing up for the Delhi polls? How many seats is the party eyeing? Who will be the chief ministerial face of the party?

A: Again it is too early for that. We are working hard. We are committed to contest all the 70 seats. We are trying to formulate a very good vision document for Delhi. We are prepared with issues and leadership, and are expecting to form the next government.

Q: What is Congress roadmap for Delhi?

A: We are reaching out to people. Over time, we have felt that development is nowhere seen in Delhi. In the last 10 years, not even a single big project has been sanctioned. We will provide good medical facilities and infrastructure to city residents. People are facing water shortage and we will try to provide them with potable water.

Q: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also gearing up for the Delhi assembly polls and hoping to oust the AAP. Your comments.

A: The AAP and BJP are hand in glove. When the AAP indulges in corruption in Delhi, the BJP wears a blindfold.
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday emphasized the NDA governments dedication to transforming the Northeast into a significant hub of growth and development, propelling it to the forefront of Indias progress.

During a press conference in Guwahati, Scindia highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of making the Northeast a vital growth engine for the country. He announced a substantial allocation of Rs 11,000 crore for flood relief efforts in Assam and Sikkim, noting a significant increase in central funding to the region under the NDA regime.

Scindia pointed out that the Ministry of DONERs budget had surged from Rs 1,750 crore during the Congress era to Rs 6,000 crore under the current administration. He criticized the previous Congress government for neglecting the Northeast, contrasting it with the numerous developmental projects initiated by the Modi government over the past decade.

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Among the achievements, Scindia mentioned the near doubling of airports in the region from 9 to 17, including the construction of three new airports in Arunachal Pradesh. He also highlighted the increase in financial support to Assam, with tax devolution rising to Rs 2.30 lakh crore over the last ten years.

In a bid to enhance connectivity and services, Scindia announced the establishment of 100 new post offices across the Northeast. He also spoke about the development of South Asias largest cancer hospital network in Assam, comprising seven new hospitals, and the upcoming first AIIMS in Guwahati.

Significant technological advancements were also on the agenda, with plans for the first national data center in the Northeast to be set up in Assam and a Rs 27,000 crore semiconductor unit aimed at revolutionizing the regions technological landscape. Additionally, the central government has allocated Rs 10,000 crore for railway development in the 2024-2025 period, with 70 kilometers of new tracks being laid in Assam.

Reflecting on the past, Scindia underscored the timely completion of key infrastructure projects such as the Bogibeel Bridge and the Bhupen Hazarika Setu, both inaugurated under Prime Minister Modis tenure.
Shortly after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stormed out of the NITI Ayog meeting and alleged that her microphone was muted, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checked her claim, terming it misleading.

This claim is Misleading The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it, the PIB said.

It further added, Alphabetically, CM, West Bengal turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early.

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The fact-check by the nodal agency of the Government of India came after Ms Banerjee claimed that she was stopped from speaking after just five minutes while Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu and CMs of BJP-ruled Assam, Goa and Chhatisgarh spoke for 10-12 minutes.

I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak and the mike was mutedThis is insulting, and Ill not attend any meeting further, Ms Banerjee said while speaking to reporters in New Delhi.

Notably, Ms Banerjee was the only CM from the Opposition-ruled states as others boycotted the meeting over alleged discrimination in allocation of the Union Budget 2024.

The Ayogs ninth Governing Council meeting was held today in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by all the CMs of the BJP-ruled states. Several Union Ministers, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and the Congress Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana were the notable absentees from the meeting.

During the meeting, PM Modi asserted that this decade is of technological and geo-political changes and opportunities.

India should grab these opportunities and make our policies conducive for international investments. This is the stepping stone for progress to make India a developed nation, the Modi said in the meeting, according to the NITI Ayog.
The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly passed a resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his third consecutive term as the countrys Prime Minister.

During the discussion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described Modis third term as a historic achievement. He stated that Prime Minister Modi is working to fulfil the dreams of Syama Prasad Mukherjee and peacefully removed Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister added that PM Modi has established India as the worlds fifth-largest economic power and is committed to making India a developed nation by 2047.

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Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap presented the resolution in the Assembly, highlighting that under Modis leadership, India has reached significant global heights and is on track to become a developed nation.

Chief Minister Sai shared that he had served as a Minister of State during Modis first term as Prime Minister and witnessed PM Modi paying respects to Parliament, the countrys largest panchayat, on his first day. In his inaugural speech, Modi pledged to be a well-wisher of the poor, striving to lift them above the poverty line.

He promised that the government would remain dedicated to the poor and work for their benefit. He recalled the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission on August 15, 2014, which was initially met with scepticism but has since proven its importance. The mission has raised awareness about cleanliness and led to the construction of toilets in millions of households.

The Chief Minister stated that after Modi took office in 2014, electricity was brought to over 14,000 villages that had been without power even 65 years after independence. He also highlighted the opening of Jan Dhan accounts for more than 45 crore poor people.

Sai praised the efficiency of PM Modis governance, citing the direct transfer of benefits to beneficiaries accounts through DBT, contrasting it with previous inefficient systems. He credited Modis successful leadership to the blessings of villagers, the poor, and farmers.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Sai commended PM Modis skilful leadership during his first term, navigating adverse circumstances and elevating Indias global standing. He also praised PM Modis efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the vaccination drive that provided over 200 crore vaccine doses. He emphasised that Modis governments have consistently prioritised the welfare of the poor, enabling lower-income groups to live with dignity.

He stated that the state government has fulfilled Modis promises with determination. Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary, and other legislators also expressed their views on the resolution.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday presented the states development plan at the ninth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog. The Chief Minister informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the states priorities and ongoing efforts in development, focusing on education, human resource development, health, and technological advancement. He shared the proposed plans for the development of Chhattisgarh, highlighting the states role in realising the goal of Developed India by 2047.

The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh will play a pivotal role in achieving the mission of Developed India by 2047. At present, the states GSDP stands at Rs 5.05 lakh crore, with a target to increase it to Rs 10 lakh crore in the next five years. The state has begun exploring various improvements and strategies to achieve these goals.

Emphasising the role of youth in the development of the state, the Chief Minister said that the main focus of Chhattisgarh is on preparing skilled human resources. Education in Chhattisgarh is being linked to vocational skills and training. Its aim is to give such capabilities to students that prepare them for employment. During the meeting, he informed that the process of making One Nation, One Student ID Card (APAAR ID) for every student in the state is being started. In this, all the important information related to the students educational experience will be available in digital form.

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He shared the plan for better availability of health services, sustainable development, and preservation of the culture and tradition of the state. For economic empowerment, Chhattisgarh Super Foods will be produced and natural dispensaries will be built, he added. Processing and branding of local products will be promoted. Along with the expansion of Artificial Intelligence and the IT sector, emphasis will also be laid on the development of physical structures like roads, and buildings and digital facilities like the internet and mobile network, he stated.

The Chief Minister appealed to the Centre for cooperation to improve power supply in rural and remote areas. He informed that the process for installing rooftop solar panels has been simplified and announced a plan to make 100 villages entirely reliant on renewable energy. A survey for installing rooftop solar panels in government buildings has been completed, and these panels have been installed in most government buildings in Naya Raipur, from which power is being supplied to the grid.

He informed that drinking water will be delivered to 96 per cent of households in Chhattisgarh by March 2026. He added that Indias goal should not only be to become developed by 2047, but also to achieve a water-secure status by that year. For this, he sought technical and financial support from the central government. Apart from this, he also called for the establishment of the Rain-Water Conservation Research Centre and the strengthening of the National Ground Water Training and Research Institute in Raipur. He explained that this would enable proper storage and utilisation of rainwater in Chhattisgarh. This will also reduce the water crisis and help farmers.

He informed that mobile medical units have been deployed to improve health services in tribal areas. Now health facilities are reaching even the most remote areas of Chhattisgarh. Health services are being expanded through these mobile units, which is providing convenience to people in remote areas.

On land and property issues, Chief Minister Sai said that all land records in Chhattisgarh are being digitised. This technology will increase transparency and control corruption. He informed that this reform will make land disputes easily resolvable, which will encourage investment and development in the state.

The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for his support and cooperation towards the priorities and needs of Chhattisgarh. He expressed hope that with the help of the central government, Chhattisgarh will achieve its development goals and will play an important role in realising the vision of Developed India by 2047.

On this occasion, all the Union Ministers, chief ministers of various states, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, members of the Governing Council, and the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, Amitabh Jain, were present.
PHNOM PENH, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea has urged the full and effective utilization of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and ASEAN free trade agreements for greater regional integration and benefits for ASEAN peoples.

Chenda Sophea, who is also a Cambodian deputy prime minister, made the remarks during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions with the Dialogue Partners in Vientiane, capital of Laos, on Friday, said a Cambodian foreign ministry's news release.

He said promoting economic ties and fostering trade and investments in and between the regions remains a key pillar in the ASEAN's relations with external partners.

He encouraged the full and effective utilization of the existing free trade agreements that ASEAN has with some dialogue partners and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to further deepen regional integration and bring greater benefits for our peoples, the news release said.

Entered into force in 2022, the RCEP comprises 15 Asia-Pacific countries including 10 ASEAN member states -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- and their five dialogue partners, namely China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

According to the news release, Chenda Sophea also underlined the need for ASEAN to work with other dialogue partners to create more FTAs and to improve market access, harmonize regulatory frameworks, and enhance business-to-business linkages.

To ensure rapid and durable growth, Chenda Sophea urged ASEAN and dialogue partners to tap into the great potential of emerging industries such as the digital economy, green transition, resilient supply chains, and sustainable tourism.

He said a resilient and interconnected region will ensure that ASEAN remains a key driver in regional and global growth. 
A fraudster, who introduced himself as the PA of a senior BJP functionary, allegedly tried to dupe Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Ramniwas Rawat over the phone by demanding Rs 5 lakh each for some persons to help the minister win in the upcoming assembly by-election for the Vijaypur seat of Madhya Pradesh.

However, the minister grew suspicious and verified the matter with the office of the BJP functionary, which informed him that no such call had been made.

Subsequently, the minister lodged a complaint with the police. Acting on the complaint, the Crime Branch of the MP Police arrested one person, identified as Rajendra Verma (60) from Jalaun in Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the case.

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According to the information, the fraudster had called on Rawats mobile number several times. He introduced himself as the PA of BJP National General Secretary D Santosh. He told Rawat that he would arrange five to six persons to help him win the assembly by-election in Vijaypur. The caller demanded Rs 5 lakh for each person.

The caller also made Rawat speak to another person, who claimed to be BJP national general secretary D Santosh.

However, Rawat grew suspicious when he realised that the BJP national general secretary is B L Santosh, not D Santosh. He then verified the matter with the BJP functionarys office and was assured that no such call had been made from there.

On Rawats complaint, the Crime Branch of the police investigated the matter and arrested the accused, Rajendra Verma, on Saturday.

Ramniwas Rawat is the Cabinet Minister for Forests in MP. He was a six-time Congress MLA from the Vijaypur seat of MP but quit the Congress to join the BJP during the Lok Sabha campaign.

He was recently inducted into the Cabinet of MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav. After joining the BJP, Rawat resigned from his Congress MLA membership, and he now faces an Assembly by-election for the Vijaypur seat on the BJP ticket.
Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra on Sunday said that Himachal Pradesh will benefit from Union Budget, as the emphasis is on road tunnel, agriculture, horticulture, youth power

Addressing media persons here today, he shared the details of the first budget of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and described the Union Budget as the path to developed India.

He said that Himachal will be benefited a lot in terms of infrastructure, wherein a provision of Rs 11 lakh 11 thousand crore has been made for infrastructure development across the country which is 3.4 per cent of the countrys GDP.

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Work on many state highways is underway in Himachal Pradesh. All these projects will get a big boost in this budget. Work is in progress for Highways in the state including Pathankot-Mandi to the tune of Rs 10067 crore, Mataur-Shimla Rs 10512 crore, Kiratpur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali Rs 13784 crore, Pinjore-Baddi-Nalagarh Rs. 1692 crore, Parwanoo-Solan-Kaithlighat-Shimla Rs 7632 crore, he said, adding that Himachal will receive a sum of Rs 10351.82 crore from the Central revenue, which is noteworthy.

Malhotra said that similarly, in terms of tunnels, historic works of 5 tunnels worth Rs 2472 crore has been done on Pathankot-Mandi road, 3 tunnels worth Rs 1747 crore on Matour-Shimla, four tunnels worth Rs 5632 crore on Kiratpur-Mandi-Kullu-Manali, four tunnels worth Rs 1231 crore on Parwanoo-Solan-Kaithlighat-Shimla.

The Union Minister of State said that the Prime Minister paid tribute to the martyrs on the auspicious occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas Silver Jubilee celebrations at Drass-Kargil in Ladakh.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Shinkula tunnel. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is constructing a 4.1 km long twin-tube tunnel at Shinkula pass at an altitude of 15,800 feet on Nimu-Padam-Darcha road at a cost of Rs 1,681 crore. This tunnel will connect Lahaul of Himachal and Zanskar region of Ladakh. This tunnel was approved by the PM-led Cabinet Committee on Security in 2023, he said.

He mentioned that Himachal Pradesh has received a substantial allocation in the Railway Budget, with Rs 2,698 crore earmarked for rail projects.

This funding will accelerate the development of Bhanupali-Bilaspur, Nangal-Talwara, and Chandigarh-Baddi rail lines. Additionally, Shimla, Palampur, Baijnath Paprola, and Amb-Andaura will be developed into world-class railway stations, he said.

He also highlighted that Himachal Pradesh will benefit from the Rs 1.5 lakh crore long-term interest-free loan provided to states for resource allocation. Furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase IV will be launched to provide all-weather road connectivity to 25,000 rural settlements across the country. Himachal Pradesh received Rs 2,700 crore in the third phase of PMGSY, with additional funds expected soon.

Additionally, immediate disaster relief of Rs 1,782 crore has been provided, along with Rs 1,100 crore for MNREGA and 11,000 houses from the central government. This underscores the central governments steadfast support for Himachal Pradesh, he claimed.
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) has launched H-VISA (HNLU Visiting International Scholars Academy), a pioneering initiative to have a Global Academic Network from the academic year of 2024. The H-VISA Programme is designed to attract academic scholars from across the globe to enhance mutual academic cooperation.

The H-VISA Programme is curated to facilitate academic scholars from leading Universities in the world to visit for teaching and research at HNLU. The H-VISA Jurists will be facilitated with campus accommodation, research cabins, secretarial assistance, research scholar assistance and other infrastructure.

The H-VISA Programme will also sponsor International travel and suitable remuneration for their services during their engagement at HNLU.

Professor V.C.Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor of HNLU remarked on the launch of H-VISA, This programme is an earnest effort for international engagement of HNLU for its academic and research efforts. This will also enhance Raipur as a city of academic excellence in multiple domains of Law, Technology, Medicine and Arts.

H-VISA Jurist will also be encouraged to join the Research efforts undertaken through the R-HaS ( Research Hub and Spoke) division of HNLU which has five research Schools of Law & Technology, Law & Governance, Law & Public Policy, Commercial Law & Arbitration, Law & Humanities

H-VISA is a flagship programme under HEXA  Hidayatullah Exchange Academy launched last year which has inked several MoUs with National and International academic institutions. Further details of the H-VISA programme can be sought by mailing to hvisa@hnlu.ac.in
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut confirmed the decision, stating, CMs of INDIA alliance will not go to NITI Aayog meeting. It is almost decided. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had earlier said he would not go, Arvind Kejriwal is in jail, Telangana CM and there are other CMs who do not want to go because NITI Aayog is not keeping pace with the countrys development, you must have seen this in the budget and NITI Aayogs work.

In a video statement, Tamil Nadu CM and DMK president MK Stalin expressed his disappointment, stating, I was supposed to attend the NITI Aayog meeting currently being held in Delhi, chaired by the Prime Minister. However, I am compelled to speak before you, in the peoples forum, seeking justice due to the discriminatory attitude towards Tamil Nadu reflected in Union Budget 2024.
The Doda district Police on Saturday released sketches of the three terrorists involved in attacks at the security forces in the Dessa area and also announced a reward of Rs. 5 lakh for each terrorist to anyone providing credible information on their whereabouts.

Police said these terrorists were moving in the upper reaches of Doda and Dessa areas.

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They were involved in the recent terror attack at Urar Bagi area of Dessa in which four soldiers were killed.

The police have also released phone contact numbers and appealed to people to provide information about the presence or movement of these terrorists on these numbers. Identity of the informer will be kept secret, police added.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday urged the Modi led central government to form a panel of representatives of people from both sides of the Line of Control (LOC) in Jammu and Kashmir to discuss the regional issues.

Mehbooba also said that the PDP had aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and formed a coalition government with the BJP with the hope of emulating inclusive and progressive governance style of the former BJP Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, however Modi failed to meet the expectation of the Kashmiris.

She was speaking on the 25th foundation day of the PDP during which she appealed to the Home Minister Amit Shah to form a committee of 20 representatives from each side.

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Amit Shah says he will bring back that Kashmir (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) but at the same time BJP leaders were telling us Muslims to go to Pakistan, she said.

But I have a request for you. Till the time you bring that part back, form a committee of the representatives of this Kashmir and that Kashmir, and bring us together. We will sit together twice a year and discuss the issues we face, the PDP president added.

Mehbooba asked Shah to put aside his ego for the sake of the nation and facilitate a meeting of representatives of the people from both sides of the LoC, similar to what Atal Bihari Vajpayee did during his tenure.

Challenging Amit Shah, Mehbooba said; Do you have courage Amit Shah sahib? You keep on saying you will bring back that Kashmir. That Kashmir is far, bring 20 of their representatives and 20 representatives from our side and let us sit together. Can you do that? Do you have the courage to do that? Do you have such patriotism in you like Vajpayee that you sacrifice your ego for Jammu and Kashmir? she asked.

Mehbooba also called for the release of Kashmiri youngsters lodged in prisons across the country.

She emphasized that the PDP had anticipated Modi would follow Vajpayees approach, but he has remained silent on the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. She highlighted her partys efforts toward peace and development in the region, claiming that achievements during the 2003-2006 period surpassed those of other parties over the past 70 years.

Mufti reaffirmed the PDPs commitment to the welfare of Jammu and Kashmirs residents, despite ongoing challenges. She alleged that people in Kashmir are being coerced into displaying BJP flags under the threat of imprisonment, drawing parallels to past draconian measures.

People are being pressured to adopt BJP flags with the threat of facing imprisonment, the Task Force, Ikhwaan, and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), which were disbanded under the Mufti-led government in 2002, are now being revived, she alleged.
Over the past week, Mizoram has witnessed a fresh influx of more than 1,500 Myanmar nationals fleeing violence in their homeland, officials reported.

This recent wave of refugees is attributed to renewed clashes between the Myanmar Army, known as the Tatmadaw, and an alliance of three ethnic insurgent groups including the Chin National Army (CNA).

With this latest arrival, the total number of Myanmar refugees seeking shelter in Mizoram has now surpassed 35,120, according to the state department.

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These refugees have found sanctuary across five districts of Mizoram: Champhai, Serchhip, Lawngtlai, Siaha, and Aizawl.

The influx of Myanmar nationals into Mizoram has occurred in various phases since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, which plunged the country into conflict.

The ongoing turmoil has driven many from Kuki-Zomi, Chin, and Bawm tribes to seek refuge in Mizoram. These tribes share ethnic, cultural, and linguistic ties with the Mizo people, fostering a sense of solidarity and support within the state.

The state shares a 510-kilometer unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-kilometer international border with Bangladesh. The porous nature of these borders has facilitated the movement of refugees into Mizoram.

The Mizoram government, along with various non-governmental organizations and local communities, has been providing aid and support to the refugees.

Efforts include setting up temporary shelters, providing food and medical assistance, and facilitating integration into local communities.
The Odisha Government has issued a notification for acquisition of required land for the proposed big-ticket 24 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) capacity ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) project in coastal pockets of Kendrapara district.

The notification was issued by the Odisha Revenue & Disaster Management Department under Section-8 (2) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act), an official said on Saturday.

The copies of the public notifications were put up in the Panchayat offices of Ramnagar, Kharinasi and Batighar Gram Panchayats for the acquisition of 1281 acres of land at Badatubi, Barakolikhola and Nipania villages under Batighar Gram Panchayat, Ramanagar and Banabihari villages under Ramanagar Gram Panchayat and six villages under Kharinashi Gram Panchayat.

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Earlier in December 2023, the government held Gram Sabhas in all the three Gram Panchayats. Land will be acquired by the government-run Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO), which will later transfer the acquired land to the steelmaker. All the displaced villagers will be awarded proper compensation as per the law, said Manas Ranjan Tripathy, the Tehsildar of Mahakalapada.

The previous BJD government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel on 3 March 2021 for setting up of the mega steel venture.

We are hopeful that the villages will be developed due to the steel plant. However the government needs to ensure that the locals are adequately compensated and given jobs, said Bijay Shukla, Vice Chairman Mahakalapada block and the Panchayat Samiti member of Ramnagar Gram Panchayat.

We are not against the establishment of a steel plant in our Panchayat. But we seek Rs 50 lakh as compensation per acre of our land, said Milan Debanath, the Sarapanch of Ramnagar Gram Panchayat.

Kendrapara district has no big industries. We are delighted after ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel decided to build a steel plant in our area. We are optimistic that the local youths will get employment after the construction of the steel plant, said Narayan Haldar, the former Sarapanch of Kharinashi Gram Panchayat.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar has hit back at Home Minister Amit Shahs recent accusation of corruption, highlighting the latters banishment from Gujarat.

During a speech at a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) conclave in Pune, Maharashtra, on July 21, Shah had labelled Pawar as the biggest kingpin of corruption in Indian politics and accused him of institutionalising corruption.

Shah stated, They (opposition) are speaking about corruption. The biggest kingpin of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar and I have no confusion in that. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you.

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Speaking at a book launch event in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pawar hit back at the Home Minister, reminding him of his expulsion from Gujarat in 2010.

A few days ago, Home Minister Amit Shah attacked me and called me a few things. He called me the commander of all the corrupt people in the country. Strangely, the home minister is a person who misused the law of Gujarat and for this, the Supreme Court banished him from Gujarat, Pawar said.

He continued, The one who was banished is the home minister today. So, we should think about where we are headed. The way the people in whose hands this country is, are taking the wrong path, we should think about it; or else, I am 100% confident that they will take the country on the wrong path. We must pay attention to this.

Pawar was referring to Shahs two-year expulsion from his home state in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case. Shah, a BJP member, was acquitted of all charges in 2014.
A key two-day long meeting of Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states commenced at the party headquarters in the national capital on Saturday.

The meeting which commenced this evening was held under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was also attended by senior party leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president and Union Minister JP Nadda.

PM Modi was received by BJP Chief JP Nadda at the party headquarters.

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Todays meeting was significant as it was held after the recent Lok Sabha elections and assembly by-polls.

The Prime Minister is learnt to have interacted with the Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers about the implementation of Central government schemes in the BJP-ruled states and on the outcomes of recently held polls.

The meet also focussed on the saffron partys preparations for the state assembly elections due this year, sources said.

Earlier on July 5, the BJP president appointed the partys state in-charge and co-in-charge for the various states with an aim to strengthen the partys organisational strength across the country in view of the assembly elections due this year and the year after.
The warm relations between Azerbaijan and Eastern European countries are reflected in the ongoing multifaceted cooperation between Baku and Belgrade. This also encourages further strengthening of the West's trust and interests in Azerbaijan against the backdrop of growing global economic tension.

In this regard, Serbia is keenly interested in deepening its cooperative relations with Azerbaijan, and the bilateral relationship is evolving rapidly and dynamically.

Cooperation between the two nations is thriving on both bilateral and multilateral fronts. On the international stage, Azerbaijan and Serbia consistently support each others sovereignty and territorial integrity, and their joint initiatives within international organizations are actively considered. A significant milestone in their relationship was Belgrades early recognition of Azerbaijans independence, which has been a key factor in fostering and advancing their ties.

Bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia were formally established on August 21, 1997. The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Serbia commenced its operations on June 8, 2011, while the Embassy of Serbia in Azerbaijan was inaugurated in February 2011. High-level visits by heads of state that have intensified in recent years have established a strong foundation for expanding and deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia.

The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, established in 2011, is pivotal in advancing bilateral relations. The Commissions seventh meeting was held in Serbia on April 28, 2023, followed by the eighth meeting on July 25, 2023. This latest session focused on the ongoing evolution of relations between the two countries, with a particular emphasis on economic ties.

Deputy Economy Minister Sahib Mammadov, speaking at the meeting, highlighted mutual investments between Azerbaijan and Serbia. He noted that from 1995 to the end of the first quarter of 2024, Serbias direct investments in Azerbaijans non-oil and gas sector amounted to 3.6 million US dollars. At the same time, Azerbaijan invested 2.8 million dollars in Serbias economy.

Six Serbian companies have been registered in Azerbaijan, with four operating in agriculture, infrastructure, and services. Azerbaijan has invested 2.8 million US dollars in Serbia, he stated.

Minister Mammadov also pointed out that trade turnover between the two countries has increased fivefold compared to last year.

In the first half of this year, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Serbia grew more than five times compared to the same period last year, reaching 30.9 million US dollars, he added.

He encouraged new cooperation and invited Serbian pharmaceutical companies to operate in Azerbaijans industrial zones. He also expressed high expectations for the Alat Free Economic Zone: The Baku International Sea Trade Port, located near the Economic Zone, aims to handle a larger share of the growing cargo volume between Asia and Europe. Additionally, the strategic location of the Baku Shipyard near the port makes it a modern center for shipbuilding and repair, facilitating cargo and passenger transport within the Caspian Basin. We invite Serbian investors to consider cooperation with Azerbaijan.

Minister Sahil Babayev emphasized that several Serbian companies are actively operating in Azerbaijan and stated that the main goal is to transform Azerbaijan into a center of green energy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He also expressed a desire for Serbian companies to participate in construction projects in the liberated territories and invited Serbian colleagues to COP29.

Ms. Andrea Horvat Kralj, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy of Serbia, mentioned that informing Azerbaijani investors about investment opportunities in Serbia could significantly contribute to the development of cooperation. She suggested providing detailed information about Serbias investment environment, future projects, and potential areas to increase investor interest and emphasized the need for concrete steps to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Energy cooperation is a crucial aspect of elevating bilateral relations to a new level. In this context, Azerbaijan and Serbia signed two significant documents in November of last year: the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Mining and Energy of the Republic of Serbia on the Promotion of Cooperation between SOCAR and Srbijagas," and the "Agreement on Gas Sales between SOCAR and Srbijagas."

These strategically important agreements have opened new opportunities for cooperation. For the first time, a foundation for multifaceted cooperation in the gas sector was established, including the supply of gas from Azerbaijan to Serbia. As a result of the annual delivery of up to 400 million cubic meters of gas, Serbia has become a new partner of Azerbaijan in diversifying the European gas market. This volume is expected to increase in the coming years.

In addition to gas supply, the Memorandum of Understanding covers LNG supply to Serbia, collaboration with SOCAR in gas storage, and exploration of the companys participation in gas trading operations, as well as the construction of a gas-fired power plant. These agreements signify Azerbaijan's growing role as a reliable energy partner and its increasing contribution to energy security. They also lay the groundwork for long-term gas supply partnerships and further Azerbaijan's involvement in Serbia's energy security.

Beyond diversifying Serbias supply sources, Azerbaijani gas enhances Serbias strategic role as a transit country for distributing gas to Central Europe. There are future prospects for delivering Azerbaijani gas to Central European countries through Serbia. Additionally, Serbia is exploring the potential of joining the Black Sea submarine cable project, which would facilitate the export of electricity from Azerbaijan to Europe.

Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan, Kamal Abbasov, addressed this topic at the 8th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, noting that work on the "Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor" project, involving Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary, is ongoing. The next meeting in this direction is planned for Bucharest in September. We aim to complete the project's technical and economic justification by the end of 2024, and we expect to establish a joint venture headquartered in Bucharest by September 2024. Serbia's participation in this project will be mutually beneficial, the deputy minister added.

Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia is also anticipated in the field of renewable energy. Both countries aim to increase the share of renewable energy sources to 30% by 2030, and exporting this green energy to Serbia is part of the agenda.

Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Sahil Babayev, emphasized that the green energy corridor is a significant focus for Azerbaijan. Our country has a green energy potential of over 150 GW. Our goal is to provide this energy to European markets. We also plan to export Azerbaijans green energy to Serbia soon, he said.

Green energy issues have gained prominence in recent years. In June 2022, during the Baku Energy Week, Azerbaijan and Serbia signed an Agreement on cooperation in the fields of energy and mining. This agreement aims to optimize the use of both countries' energy and natural resources and includes promoting mutual investments in the energy sector, particularly in natural gas and renewable energy sources, as well as mineral exploration, regulatory measures, energy efficiency, and the creation of joint ventures. The agreement also supports the continued implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor.

Upon signing the agreement, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov remarked, The use of Caspian Sea wind energy is of interest to investors, and the forthcoming agreement in this area will enhance the export opportunities for 'green' electricity.

Within international organizations, representatives from Azerbaijan and Serbia consistently demonstrate a united stance on fundamental issues. A notable example is Serbias support on March 14, 2008, for Azerbaijans resolution project titled "On the Situation in the Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan," during a UN General Assembly vote.

The role of the parliaments in strengthening bilateral relations should also be highlighted. Friendship groups operate within the parliaments of both countries, and mutual visits by the Speakers of Parliament, as well as other heads of state and government, are expected to further enhance cooperation.

The expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia is also evident in the growth of economic relations. Both countries are interested in collaboration across various sectors, including agriculture, air transport, tourism, medicine, and transport infrastructure.

A significant example of strategic relations between the two countries is the establishment of twinning relations between the cities of Shusha (Azerbaijan) and Novi Pazar (Serbia) on March 17, 2023. This was accompanied by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding covering cooperation in culture, tourism, urban planning, science, economy, and other public life areas.

The meeting also highlighted the visa-free regime between Azerbaijan and Serbia and discussed implementing direct flights to further enhance tourism relations. Serbian Minister of Culture and co-chairman of the Intergovernmental Commission, Nikola Selakovic, emphasized the importance of resolving this issue by the end of the year, noting that it could significantly benefit business relations as well.

Educational cooperation is another area of mutual interest. The Center for Azerbaijani Language and Culture at Belgrade University and the Center for Serbian Language and Culture at Azerbaijan University of Languages facilitate cultural exchange. Additionally, Serbian diplomats participated in the Foreign Policy Program at ADA University in 2019 and 2023. Humanitarian cooperation is also notable. In 2011, a monument to Azerbaijan's National Leader Heydar Aliyev was unveiled in Tasmaydan Park in Belgrade, and a bust of Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli was unveiled in Novi Sad. In 2013, a monument to Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla was unveiled in Baku.

In conclusion, the growing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Serbia reflects a deepening and multifaceted partnership. The strong foundation built through diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagements continues to enhance their bilateral relations, setting the stage for further collaboration and mutual benefit.
MOSCOW, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Russia is concerned about a recently announced guideline between the United States and South Korea on joint nuclear planning, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency reported Saturday, citing Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"Another worrying aspect is that the United States has recently concluded an agreement with South Korea on joint nuclear planning," said Lavrov.

Russia has not yet received an explanation regarding the guideline, but "we have no doubt that it causes additional anxiety," Lavrov added.

U.S. and South Korean leaders authorized the guideline on July 11, which "provides guidance to Alliance policy and military authorities in maintaining and strengthening a credible and effective nuclear deterrence policy and posture," according to the White House. 
Even as the Telangana BJP and BRS sparred over the funding of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy vowed to complete the expansion of the Metro Railway network in the Old City area in the next four years despite the Centre making no commitment about funding the project.

The war of words began early on Saturday morning as BRS working president and former urban development minister KT Rama Rao accused the NDA government of failing to sanction any funds for the Hyderabad Metro project despite having 8 MPs. On social media platform X, Rao wrote, Telangana has been blessing the BJP with MP seats, but at what cost? Despite giving 8 MPs to the BJP from Telangana during its tough times, the BJP-led NDA government hasnt sanctioned a penny for the Hyderabad Metro Rail expansion even in the latest Budget. KT Rama Rao accused the NDA government of funding 20 Metro rail projects in the country over the last ten years in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi, lamenting, Unfortunately, Hyderabad Metro has received diddly-squat.

BJP Telanganas handle on X came out with a strong rebuttal, pointing out that the Hyderabad Metro project was made possible by the Viability Gap funding sanctioned by the Narendra Modi government. It went on to add: High on power, during its tenure, the arrogant BRS government asserted that it would independently fund the Airport Metro Expansion project. A detailed project report (DPR) for the expansion was released just before the elections. However, the current Congress government rejected the previous DPR and has altered the alignment.

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In the Telangana Assembly, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy responded to AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisis remarks on Budget by highlighting that it was Congress chief minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy who proposed the Hyderabad Metro project, which was sanctioned by Jaipal Reddy, then urban development ministry in the UPA I government at the Centre. Reddy also accused the BRS government of neglecting the expansion of the Metro in the Old City area. He said if the plan of the BRS to extend the Metro from HiTech City to the Airport was fulfilled, there would not have been enough footfall since people in that area are well-off.

The Chief Minister said that the Metro project will be completed in the Old City area with a Metro station at Chandrayangutta (Akbaruddin Owaisis constituency.) A report has been submitted to the Centre regarding the expansion project. Land acquisition has already started for the project. Reddy also clarified that he addressed the Prime Minister as his elder brother only to secure funds for the state. We do not make false promises that we will make the Old City into Istanbul. I promise Akbaruddin that by the 2029 election, we will travel to the Old City by Metro. Whether the Centre gives us funds or not, we will complete the Metro in Old City, he assured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired Niti Aayogs ninth governing council meeting where he told States that the Vision Bharat (developed India) goal will be achieved by 2047 only when States set their own tangible goals for development.

Interacting with Chief Ministers of 20 States and Lt. Governors of six Union Territories, who attended the meeting, the Prime Minister said developed India will be only an aggregation of developed States. Many States have prepared their Vision plans for the next 25 years with clear targets, while others must follow suit.

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Mr Modi impressed upon the States that the Chief Ministers and their State governments have to participate in the national effort. The meeting had before the participants an Approach Paper for a Vision for Viksit Bharat at 2047.

The States have been given the Approach Paper and it is expected to be made final, after States send their plans with detailed targets for the next five years, and targets in principle for the next 25 years. The States replies are expected in a month.

The Prime Minister said money is not just the only thing required; there must be good governance also. The States must have investor-friendly charters to invite FDI. There is tremendous goodwill for India abroad and this can be taken advantage of.

The States must convey they are ready for investment and development by presenting a good picture of law and order and transparency in procedures, he said.

The States can compete in attracting FDI; Niti Aayog can prepare an index on how they are doing. The Prime Minister said this would be a form of competitive federalism. The States can plan for zero-poverty targets after the basic needs are met.

The major themes of development by 2047 include ease of living including good quality drinking water; reliable electric supply, health services, schooling and ways to check drop-out rate, and easy transfers of lands and mutation processes.

The Prime Minister asked the State Chief Ministers that steps be taken to strengthen districts which are quite large in many States, while the States are also quite large in some cases. Each district must have its vision for development by 2047. Problems of cyber-security and fake-identity talking can also be taken care of.

Giving an idea of their future plans, the States spoke also about demographic management, since the country is aging, and by 2047, there will be a sizable aged population. The States were asked to take care of social conditions and welfare systems for the aged,

Some Chief Ministers also spoke about skill census. The States were told about linking of rivers, starting with rivers within States, then with neighbouring States for national river grids. Villages can be identified for zero poverty.

The Approach Paper said Business as usual will not do. We must create the future. It is important to channelise our innovative ideas into actions. There must be a sense of purpose, dedication and steadiness to use the Amrit Kaal in building a nation that our freedom fighters envisaged and sacrificed for.

Niti Aayog CEO B V R Subrahmanyam said the 10 absentee States at the meeting were Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Puducherry. Bihar CM could not come because of some Assembly elections which just got over.

The Chief Minister of West Bengal was present. The chief minister of West Bengal, Ms Mamata Banerjee, had made a request to be given a turn before lunchtime. Every Chief Minister was given equal time. The State Chief Secretary continued in the meeting after she left, he said.
Addressing a Badlaav Sabha (public meeting for change) in Haryanas Yamuna Nagar on Saturday, Sunita Kejriwal, wife of AAP convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, called for a change in the condition of Haryana if the party is voted into power in the forthcoming Haryana assembly elections.

She promised that if elected, the party would provide free, round-the-clock electricity, high-quality education, healthcare facilities, financial support for women, and employment opportunities for the youth.

Sunita further criticised the incumbent Haryana government, claiming that it is not interested in development work. She contended that the public pays taxes on everything, they have the right to expect the government to provide basic facilities like quality education, good medical care, electricity, and water.

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AAPs Haryana president Sushil Gupta alleged that corruption is rampant in Haryana. He further claimed that various scams were orchestrated by the ruling BJP government.

He took a jibe at the government for failing to address issues such as MSP for farmers, jobs to the unemployed, and healthcare and education facilities in the state.

Earlier, the AAP had announced five guarantees for the state during a rally in Panchkula. These guarantees include 24-hour free electricity supply, establishing Mohalla clinics based on the Delhi and Punjab models, free education in government schools with upgraded infrastructure, Rs 1,000 per month for women, and employment opportunities for the unemployed youth in the state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a state with unlimited potential in the recent years.

Addressing the ninth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog held at the Cultural Center of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, he said: Seven years ago, the state was classified as a BIMARU state and seen as an obstacle to national development. Today, Uttar Pradesh has shed this BIMARU label and has emerged as a state with unlimited potential.

Highlighting Uttar Pradeshs achievements, he added that Uttar Pradesh, contributing 9.2 percent to the national GDP, has established itself as the growth engine of the country and is now the second-largest economy in India. Over the past seven years, significant progress has been made in doubling the per capita income.

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He stated: Viksit Bharat embodies the Honble Prime Ministers vision of a self-reliant, prosperous, capable, competent, inclusive, and technologically advanced India. Our mission is to turn this vision into reality. Uttar Pradesh is swiftly advancing towards becoming the growth engine of India.

The Chief Minister stated that due to strong law and order, ease of doing business, investment-friendly policies, and good governance, Uttar Pradesh has become the dream destination for investment in the country today.

Enumerating the achievements of Uttar Pradesh phase-wise across MSME, womens safety, infrastructure development, PM Gati Shakti, health, and nutrition, Chief Minister Yogi said, To contribute to the Prime Ministers resolve to make the country a 5 trillion dollar economy, a target has been set to make the states economy 1 trillion dollars. For this, planned efforts are being made by classifying all the departments into 10 sectors.

The Chief Minister said that according to the SDG India Index 2023-24 report, Uttar Pradesh has been recognized in the Front Runner category. Additionally, 351 best practices from the state that contribute to the goal of Developed India are now uploaded on the NITI for States Portal of NITI Aayog.

Chief Minister Yogi invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh in January 2025, noting that this holy occasion occurs once every 12 years. He stated, The state government is committed to ensuring a clean, safe, and well-organized Maha Kumbh-2025. All preparations are nearing completion.

CM Yogi said that Rule of Law is the pre-condition of good governance, pointing out that the states commitment to law and order has played a crucial role in achieving good governance.

Today, Uttar Pradesh boasts of a robust law and order system, which has positively shifted perceptions about the state both nationally and internationally. This improvement is attributed to a zero-tolerance policy towards crime, he remarked.

He further emphasised that the NCRB data further validates the states effective policies, clear intentions, and successful implementation. Uttar Pradesh is recognized as the leading state in the country for ensuring punishment for criminals involved in crimes against women.

Currently, there are no organized criminals in the state operating freely outside of prison, the CM added.

He said that Uttar Pradesh Police is the largest civil police force in the country and the world. The state government is consistently modernizing the police force with new technology and equipment.

Cyber Crime Police Station has been set up in every district to effectively combat cyber crimes. Additionally, a Cyber Help Desk is now operational at every police station, he stated.

The Chief Minister said that Over 56 lakh poor and homeless families have been given pucca houses. Various programs, including Swachh Bharat Mission, Mission Shakti, School Chalo Abhiyan, Operation Kayakalp, Massive Tree Plantation Public Campaign, and Matribhoomi Yojana, are being implemented based on extensive public participation.

The Aspirational District Scheme, implemented under the guidance of the Honble Prime Minister, has shown encouraging results. Inspired by this success, the state government has launched the Aspirational Development Block Scheme and the Aspirational Municipal Body Scheme. The youth selected for the Chief Minister Fellowship Program are serving as CM Fellows, he added further.
NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam has rejected West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees allegation that she was not allowed to speak during the Aayogs 9th Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Speaking to a news agency, Subrahmanyam narrated the sequence of events involving Chief Minister Banerjee and said that the West Bengal Chief minister had been requested to speak before lunch.

We had 10 absentees and 26 participants. We had absentees from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Puducherry. The Chief Minister of West Bengal was present. The Chief Minister of West Bengal had made a request to be given a turn before lunch time. Im just putting facts on the ground, no interpretations, the NITI Aayog CEO stated.

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He further said: It was a very clear request from their side because normally we would have gone alphabetically. So it begins with Andhra Pradesh, then Arunachal PradeshWe actually adjusted and the Defence Minister actually called her in just before Gujarat. So she made her statement. Every chief minister is allotted seven minutes and theres just a clock on top of the screen which tells you the time that is remaining.

Claiming that Chief Minister Banerjee was given her allotted time, Subrahmanyam said the Bengal CM left after conveying that she wanted to speak more.

So it goes from seven to six to five to four to three. At the end of that, it shows zero. Zero. Nothing else. Nothing else has happened other than thatThen she said look, I would have liked to speak for more time, but Ill not speak anymore. That was it. There was nothing more. We all heard, he added.

After walking out of the NITI Ayog meeting abruptly, Chief Minister Banerjee earlier today claimed that her microphone was switched off and she was not given more than five minutes, whereas Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was given 29 minutes and some BJP CMs also spoke for about 10-12 minutes.

I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak and the mike was mutedThis is insulting, and Ill not attend any meeting further, Chief Minister Banerjee said while speaking to reporters in New Delhi.

Shortly after her media statement, the Government of Indias nodal agency, Press Information Bureau (PIB) fact-checked her claim, stating the clock showed her alloted time to speak was over.

This claim is Misleading The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it, the PIB said.

It further added: Alphabetically, CM, West Bengal turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early.

Notably, Banerjee was the only CM from the opposition-ruled states as others boycotted the meeting over alleged discrimination in allocation of the Union Budget 2024.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Kerala Chief Minister and CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, and the Congress Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana were the notable absentees from the meeting.
Revelations about the state of Europes defences are a stark reminder of the urgent need for a robust and united approach to security within NATO. The findings, which highlight critical gaps in air defences, troop numbers, ammunition supplies, and logistical capabilities, paint a concerning picture of Europes preparedness to counter potential threats, particularly from an increasingly assertive Russia. The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with Russias aggressive posture necessitating a re-evaluation of defence strategies.

The war in Ukraine serves as a potent reminder of the proximity and reality of these threats. It is clear that Europe can no longer afford to rely predominantly on US military support. The continent must take decisive steps to enhance its own defence capabilities, ensuring it can stand firm against any adversary. The notion of increasing defence budgets beyond the current NATO target of 2 per cent of GDP has gained traction among European policymakers. This is not merely a financial exercise but a strategic imperative. The era of assuming prolonged peace is over; preparedness must be the new norm. US Defense Secretary John Healeys call for European nations to shoulder more of the burden underscores the necessity for Europe to invest significantly in its own security infrastructure.

However, this shift will not be without its challenges. Economic constraints and public resistance to increased defence spending are significant hurdles. Many European countries are grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, and the prospect of diverting more funds to the military may face political backlash. Leaders must navigate these complex waters, articulating the critical importance of security investments to their electorates. Moreover, the potential return of a US administration less committed to NATO, such as one led by former President Donald Trump, adds another layer of urgency. European nations must prepare for a future where they might need to operate with reduced American support. This means developing independent capabilities and ensuring interoperability among European forces to create a formidable collective defence mechanism. The logistical challenges highlighted, such as the inadequacy of rail transport for military equipment and the varying railway gauges between countries, must be addressed with practical solutions. Enhancing cyber defences to protect against potential attacks that could disrupt military movements is equally crucial.

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These are not insurmountable issues, but they require coordinated efforts and substantial investment. Germanys need to significantly increase its air defence units is a microcosm of the broader European challenge. The cost is high, but the price of inaction could be far greater. The continent must be ready to respond swiftly and decisively to any threat, moving troops and equipment efficiently to frontlines if necessary. Europes defence strategy must evolve from a reactive stance to a proactive and comprehensive approach. This involves not only increasing defence budgets but also fostering a culture of readiness and resilience. NATOs unity and effectiveness depend on the collective strength and commitment of its members. Europe must rise to the occasion, demonstrating its capability and resolve to defend its sovereignty and security
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has long been viewed as a barometer of rural distress in India. However, the recent Economic Survey challenges this perception, suggesting that the demand for MGNREGS work is more reflective of a states administrative capacity than of its rural economic hardships. This revelation invites a deeper examination of how we interpret and utilise MGNREGS data. The survey highlights a counterintuitive trend: states with higher poverty rates, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, do not necessarily show higher utilisation of MGNREGS funds.

In contrast, states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with significantly lower poverty rates, have utilised a substantial portion of these funds. This discrepancy raises questions about the factors influencing MGNREGS demand and usage. One key factor is institutional capacity. States with robust administrative frameworks, such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, are better equipped to plan, execute, and manage MGNREGS projects. Their ability to meet procedural requirements, provide utilisation certificates, and ensure timely fund usage allows them to tap into the scheme more effectively. This administrative efficiency translates into higher fund utilisation and more workdays generated under MGNREGS.

Conversely, states with weaker institutional structures struggle to maximise the schemes potential. Despite having higher numbers of impoverished rural populations, these states often face challenges in meeting administrative criteria, which hampers their ability to fully leverage MGNREGS funds. This situation underscores the critical role of administrative capacity in determining the success of rural development programmes. Moreover, the survey suggests that the official demand for MGNREGS work, as recorded on the government portal, may not accurately reflect the true demand. Employment is frequently unavailable when sought, and block level functionaries may not register all requests for work in real time. As a result, the reported figures of work demanded often equate to the work provided, rather than indicating unmet demand or underlying economic distress. Another aspect influencing MGNREGS utilisation is wage rates.

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States with higher notified wage rates under MGNREGS, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, tend to attract more workers, thereby increasing fund utilisation. This factor highlights the importance of aligning wage rates with local economic conditions to ensure the schemes effectiveness. Interestingly, MGNREGS has evolved over the years from a mere employment guarantee programme to an asset creation initiative. There has been a substantial increase in projects aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods, such as wells, livestock sheds, and horticulture on individual lands.

This shift signifies the schemes potential for contributing to long-term rural development and economic resilience. The findings from the Economic Survey prompt a re-evaluation of how we interpret MGNREGS data. Rather than viewing it solely as a measure of rural distress, we should consider the broader context of administrative capacity, wage structures, and the evolving nature of the scheme. Enhancing institutional capacities in poorer states and ensuring timely and adequate employment opportunities are crucial steps towards realising the full potential of MGNREGS.
In a telephone conversation, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico proposed a technical solution to his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal, to partially restart the transit of Russian company Lukoils oil via Ukraine.

Without disclosing any details, Ficos office on Friday said that the proposed scheme would require the participation of several countries, including Slovakia, Xinhua news agency reported.

Restoring at least partial access to Russian oil is extremely important for the Bratislava-based Slovnaft refinery, as alternative sources of oil are more expensive and may not be technologically compatible, it said.

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Slovakias Economy Ministry said last week that oil deliveries from Lukoil had stopped flowing to Slovakia via Ukraine following the companys inclusion on Ukraines sanctions list. The move has heavily affected Slovnaft.

Intensive negotiations will take place at the highest political and technical levels in the coming hours and days, reported the News Agency of the Slovak Republic (TASR), citing government sources.

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini said on Wednesday that his country might take retaliatory measures against Ukraine for its decision to cut off oil supplies from Lukoil to Slovakia.

Slovakias Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar, together with Hungarys Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, on Monday asked the European Commission to intervene in this matter.
The US-British naval coalition has launched three air strikes on Houthi-held Yemeni airport in the port city of Hodeidah, the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.

The television did not provide further details.

Local residents said on social media that the strikes hit Houthi targets.

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These airstrikes occurred shortly after four other strikes carried out by coalition forces targeted the Yemeni island of Kamaran in the Red Sea, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Houthi television.

There was no immediate comment from the coalition.

The armed Houthi group seized much of northern Yemen in late 2014, forcing the internationally recognised Yemeni government out of the capital Sanaa.

Since November last year, the Houthi group has been targeting ships linked to Israel with ballistic missiles and drones, to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

In response, the US-British coalition in the area has since been targeting Houthi military sites to deter the group, which only led to an escalation of Houthi attacks.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Vientiane, Laos, July 27, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met here on Satuday to exchange views on bilateral relations, agreeing to maintain communication at all levels and further implement the important common understandings reached at the San Francisco meeting last November between the two heads of state.

During his meeting with Blinken, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that in the past three months, the diplomatic, financial, law enforcement and climate teams of the two sides as well as the two militaries have maintained communication, along with increased people-to-people exchanges. However, it must be pointed out that the U.S. side did not refrain from moving to contain and suppress China, but to went even further.

China-U.S. relations are still faced with accumulating risks and challenges and remain at a critical juncture of deescalation and stabilization, demanding efforts to recalibrate the direction, manage risks, properly address differences, remove disturbances and advance cooperation, Wang said.

He noted that China's policy towards the United States has been consistent, adhering to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. The U.S. side should earnestly implement President Joe Biden's commitments and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy, Wang said, while calling on the two sides to work together to promote a stable, healthy and sustainable bilateral relationship.

Wang pointed out that the United States holds a wrong perception of China and always mirrors China with its own hegemonic logic. China does not seek hegemony or practice power politics, and as a major country, it has the best record on peace and security in the world, Wang said.

The Chinese foreign minister expressed hope that the U.S. side can better understand China, which is a nation focused on pursuing happiness for its people and its rejuvenation, and committed to the path of peaceful development and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Taiwan is part of China and has not been and will never be a country, Wang noted. "Taiwan independence" runs counter to cross-Strait peace, he said, adding that every provocation made by the "Taiwan independence" forces will be met with countermeasures to reduce the space for "Taiwan independence", in favor of working toward the goal of complete unification.

Wang elaborated on the ins and outs of the Ren'ai Jiao issue, noting that China has reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippines on managing the situation. The Philippine side should keep its word and stop shipping any more construction materials, Wang said while urging the United States not to move to fan the flames and stir up trouble, undermining the stability in the South China Sea.

China's position on the Ukraine issue is fair and transparent, and it will continue to promote peace talks, said the Chinese minister, calling on the United States to stop abusing unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. China rejects false accusations and will not succumb to pressure or blackmail. It will take resolute measures to protect its major interests and legitimate rights, Wang noted.

During the meeting, Blinken said that the United States is strongly committed to stabilizing US-China relations, continues to follow the one-China policy.

The United States looks forward to maintaining regular communication with China and continuing cooperation in areas including counternarcotics and artificial intelligence, said Blinken.

The United States would like to manage differences between the two sides and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation concerning Gaza and the Korean Peninsula, and the question of Myanmar, among other matters. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Vientiane, Laos, July 27, 2024. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)


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ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin's shaman, identified as Jiyeongnim0814 has vanished after some of her private messages were leaked by Dispatch from HYBE Labels. This has heated up the ongoing feud between HYBE and Hee Jin.

According to the leaked messages, Hee Jin reportedly consulted a shaman in order to determine the NewJeans member lineup and apparently paid 40 million Korean won, which translates to Rs 24.18 lakh, reports Koreaboo. She allegedly calls out feminists while passing some harsh remarks against her trainees in the conversation.

Korean media on Friday reportedly tried to track down the shaman who has disappeared from the temple from they were running the operations while the registered phone number is unreachable.

HYBE alleged that Min Hee Jin used the label's work email to send numerous official documents, including the conversation with the shaman. The emails, which were available in the HYBE servers, were sent to an official at a partner company, according to the label.

Hee Jin has filed a lawsuit against five senior HYBE officials, accusing them of defamation, unauthorised access to electronic records, network intrusion and obstruction of business. These include CEO Park Ji Won, Chief Financial Officer Lee Kyung Joon, Chief Legal Officer Jung Jin Soo, Chief Communication Officer Park Tae Hee and Audit Committee Chair Lim Soo Hyun.

NewJeans label alleged that the accused officials took ADOR's business laptops under the guise of an audit, adding that they tampered with the leaked personal conversations to creat press releases with false information about Hee Jin's management and business performance.

Meanwhile, HYBE slammed Hee Jin over a lawsuit filed by her, claiming that she never returned any company assets including laptops to the label nor did she comply with its audits. It added that two deputy CEOs had volunarily submitted their information assets without any coercion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit war-torn Ukraine in August. According to media reports, the visit of the prime minister is expected to happen on August 23. This is the first time Modi will travel to Ukraine after the Russian invasion that began in 2022.

The reports of Modi's plan to visit come weeks after the PM met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 Summit and merely days after the former met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. During his meeting with Zelensky, the two leaders had discussed the conflict in Ukraine and Modi assured that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution.

In May, after Modi won a third term in office, Zelenskyy had invited him to visit the country during a telephone call to congratulate him on the re-election. Modi had then reiterated that New Delhi supported all efforts for an early and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Modi had also said India would continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the war-torn country.

After the conversation, Zelenskyy took to social media to say that Ukraine is interested in strengthening trade and economic relations with India, especially in agricultural exports, aviation cooperation, and pharmaceutical and industrial product trade.

Recently, there was a high-level exchange between India and Ukraine as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba over the phone. The EAM had said the talks were on "further developing our bilateral relationship."
The Army on Saturday morning foiled an attack by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT) in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir. The BAT, which comprises special forces personnel of the Pakistan Army and terrorists, launched the attack in Kamakari's Machhal Sector in the morning.

A Pakistani intruder has been neutralised while four Indian soldiers were injured in the attack. One of the soldiers later succumbed to his injury.

A group of two to three armed personnel from Pakistan crossed the LoC to take advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along Line of Control in Machhal Sector, and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity, stated the Defence PRO in Srinagar. It added that the alert Indian troops responded vigorously, killing one Pakistani intruder in the ensuing fire exchange. The Army has recovered weapons, ammunition and war-like stores. The neutralised Pakistani intruder's identity is yet to be ascertained.

This comes a day after India observed Kargil Vija Diwas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday warned Pakistan against carrying out terror attacks on Indian soil.

The latest attack is the fourth such encounter in Kupwara district alone in recent months. The Jammu region has seen similar encounters in Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua Reasi and Doda recenty, besides a terror attack on an Army convoy in Kathua. In the last 32 months, 50 security personnel have lost their lives in the terror attacks in Jammu, most of them belonging to the Army.

On Thursday Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the LoC in Kupwara to review the preparedness to counter terrorists from across the border. He also interacted with the commanders and troops on the ground, lauding them for their high standards of professionalism.

-- with inputs from Tariq Bhat
U.S. President Joe Biden is pictured at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, July 26, 2024. Biden intends to present a significant proposal aimed at reforming the Supreme Court on Monday, the Politico cited two people familiar with the matter as saying Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)

WASHINGTON, July 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden intends to present a significant proposal aimed at reforming the Supreme Court on Monday, the Politico cited two people familiar with the matter as saying Friday.

The plan is expected to include support for setting term limits for justices and implementing a binding code of ethics.

He is also anticipated to advocate for a constitutional amendment that would restrict immunity for presidents and certain other officials. This comes in response to the court's July 1 ruling, which determined that presidents cannot be prosecuted for "official acts" performed while in office, a decision related to a case involving former President Donald Trump.

Biden has become more vocal in his criticism of the Supreme Court and its decisions. This includes rulings by the conservative majority that have revoked federal abortion rights, among other key priorities of his administration.

Implementing term limits and an ethics code for the Supreme Court would likely necessitate new legislation, which means the currently divided Congress is not anticipated to address this issue before the year ends. The House is controlled by Republicans, while Democrats have a slim majority in the Senate.

Furthermore, even if Democrats gain control of both chambers following the election, they are unlikely to achieve the 60 Senate seats required to overcome a filibuster. 

U.S. President Joe Biden is pictured at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, July 26, 2024. Biden intends to present a significant proposal aimed at reforming the Supreme Court on Monday, the Politico cited two people familiar with the matter as saying Friday. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong)
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman denied West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees claims that her microphone was turned off during the Niti Aayog meeting on Saturday. Meanwhile, PIB did a fact check of the West Bengal CMs claims and called it misleading.



The finance minister said the West Bengal CMs claims were false and she was given due time to address during the meeting. CM Mamata Banerjee attended the Niti Aayog meeting and we all heard her. The time allotted for the speech of each chief minister was displayed on a screen on their respective tables, Sitharaman said.

She said in the media that her mic was put off. That is completely false. Every CM was given their due time to speak, the finance minister said. She should speak the truth rather than building a false narrative, Sitharaman said.

The Trinamool Congress leader walked out of the Niti Aayog meeting on Saturday claiming she was allowed to speak only for five minutes and her mic was turned off. Mamata Banerjee was the only chief minister from Opposition to attend the meeting. CMs from Opposition boycotted the meeting alleging the union budget was discriminatory to non-BJP-ruled states.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin voiced his support for his West Bengal counterpart and tweeted, Is this #CooperativeFederalism? Is this the way to treat a Chief Minister? The Union BJP government must understand that opposition parties are an integral part of our democracy and should not be treated as enemies to be silenced. Cooperative Federalism requires dialogue and respect for all voices.

The PIB did a fact check of Mamatas claims and said they were misleading. It is being claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal was switched off during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog. This claim is #Misleading, it said in a post on X.

The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it. Alphabetically, CM, West Bengal turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the seventh speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early, it said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out Niti Aayog meeting on Saturday and said she wasnt allowed sufficient time to speak despite being the only opposition leader to attend the meeting.



Addressing presspersons, Banerjee said, I was allowed to speak only for five minutes while those before me spoke for 15-20 minutes. The mic was muted as I was speaking. Mamata said the Centre should not discriminate against state governments and she was stopped despite being the only opposition leader to be attending the meeting. I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak. This is insulting, the Trinamool Congress chief said. She said it was an insult not only to West Bengal but to all regional parties.

Chief ministers of several opposition-ruled states including Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy and Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann boycotted the meeting alleging the budget was discriminatory towards non-BJP ruled states. Mamata Banerjee confirmed her attendance in the meeting on Friday and had said she would walk out of the meeting if she wasnt allowed to speak.
In a tragic incident, a 20-year-old was brutally stabbed to death allegedly by her boyfriend and the body was dumped in the bushes in Navi Mumbai, police said on Saturday. According to officials, the body was dumped near the Uran railway station.

The body had multiple stab wounds and injuries, said officials.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Navi Mumbai) Vivek Pansare said the station received a call around 2 am that a girl's body was found in the bushes near the railway station.

#WATCH | Uran, Raigad: Rajendra Kote, Inspector Uan Police Station says "Today at around 2 am, our police station received a call that the body of a girl was lying in the bushes in front of Uran railway station. After investigation, we found out that it was a girl of about 20 pic.twitter.com/yH9yDxrhmv  ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

The woman, identified as Yashashree Shinde (20), had been reported missing. She was a resident of Uran and had been working in Belapur, 25 km away from Uran.

"Our initial investigation suggests that woman was murdered after a love affair went wrong," said an official.

The boyfriend, who is the primary suspect, is missing. "We have deployed teams to trace the accused," said the police.

A case of murder has been registered.
After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's walkout of its 9th Governing Council meeting, NITI Aayog CEO clarified the incident by "putting facts on the ground".

"The chief minister of West Bengal had made a request to be given a turn before lunchtime...It was a very clear request from their side because normally we would have gone alphabetically. So it begins with Andhra Pradesh, then Arunachal Pradesh...We actually adjusted and the Defence Minister actually called her in just before Gujarat. So she made her statement," NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam was quoted by ANI.

Also Read | Mamata walks out of Niti Aayog meeting, says mic was turned off after 5 minutes'

He also added that every CM speaks for an allotted seven minutes and there's just a clock on top of the screen which tells you the time that is remaining.

"So it goes from seven to six to five to four to three. At the end of that, it shows zero. Zero.Nothing else. Nothing else has happened other than that...Then she said look, I would have liked to speak for more time, but I'll not speak anymore. That was it," he said.

I'm just putting the facts on the ground, there are no interpretations, he added.

It was also noted that the chief secretary continued to attend the meeting and he was in the room even after she left to catch a flight to Calcutta.

On the contrary, Banerjee alleged that she was only allowed to speak for five minutes while those before her spoke for 15-20 minutes. The mic was muted as I was speaking, she said.

Also Read | Mamata should speak truth, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman after PIB terms her claims misleading

I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak. This is insulting, she added. She also alleged that the Centre should not discriminate against state governments.

Meanwhile, Congress slammed NITI Aayog's treatment towards Mamata Banerjee and termed it as "unacceptable". Congress also alleged that it has been "blatantly partisan" in its functioning and dissenting viewpoints.

       ,   PMO        -             



                          Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 27, 2024

The meeting, chaired by PM Modi, was boycotted by Congress party chief ministers over alleged discrimination against non-NDA-ruled states in the Union Budget.

"Since it was established ten years ago, NITI Aayog has been an attached office of the PMO and has functioned as a drumbeater for the non-biological PM," said Congress general secretary, in-charge communications, Jairam Ramesh.

He also added, "Its functioning has been blatantly partisan, and it is anything but professional and independent." "It muzzles all divergent and dissenting viewpoints, which are the very essence of an open democracy. Its meetings are a farce to be reckoned with."

Meanwhile, the BJP criticised Banerjee's walkout and said it was "premeditated". "Mamata Banerjees walkout from NITI Aayog meeting was premeditated for the cameras. It is sad to see a chief minister reduce serious issues of governance to theatrics. People of West Bengal are suffering as a consequence of her confrontational politics, said Amit Malviya, head of BJPs IT cell.

Chief ministers of the INDIA bloc, M.K. Stalin (DMK) of Tamil Nadu, Kerala's Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI-M), Punjab's Bhagwant Mann (Aam Aadmi Party), Siddaramaiah (Congress) of Karnataka, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Congress) of Himachal Pradesh, A Revanth Reddy (Congress) of Telangana, and Jharkhand's Hemant Soren (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), skipped the NITI Aayog meeting.
(File) Representational image

If locals are to be believed, the intelligence failure that led to the Kargil war in the summer of 1999 may have been much bigger. And General Pervez Musharraf-led Pakistan Army may have begun preparations for the occupation of Indian territories even before the Lahore Declaration of February 21, 1999, was signed.

Locals in Drass told THE WEEK that the Pakistani troops in garb of mujaheedins and other irregulars may have begun intruding in the summer of 1998 itselfa year before the conflict actually began. The locals spoke on the condition of anonymity.

This dispels the prevalent notion that the intruders set up bunkersmany cementedin the higher reaches only in the early part of 1999 or when the winter was still on. The first detection of the intrusion was by a local yak herder on May 2, 1999, who reported it to the local Indian Army post.

There are several feet of snow even in Drass town up to April-May. Drass is located much below the Tololing ridge which comprises the high features that saw the fiercest of battles, including the pivotal ones for the occupation of Tiger Hills and the Tololing peak.

If in Drass town there is so much snow, one can well imagine how much snow there is in the upper reaches maybe of about 20 feet or so. There is no question of digging and setting up bunkers in the winter months, it is simply not possible. Which means the Pakistanis may have set up the bunkers in the summer months of 1998, said one of the locals.

The melting of snow begins in Drass town only from April-May onwards. Drass is said to be the second coldest inhabited place on earth.

We know what we are talking about because we have climbed onto the high ridges during our younger days while tending sheep and know the terrain well, another local said.

While the Indian intelligence agencies failed to detect the systematic intrusion and its scale, the bilateral and diplomatic climate of the day was also warming up between India and Pakistan as the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif had signed the Lahore Declaration on February 21, 1999, which would have established mutual confidence and trust between the two South Asian neighbours.

On May 28 this year, during a PML-N party meeting, Sharif had said in a frank admission that Pakistan had violated the 1999 Lahore Declaration. "On May 28, 1998, Pakistan carried out five nuclear tests. After that, Vajpayee Saheb came here and made an agreement with us. But we violated that agreement...it was our fault.

How much Sharif knew about Operation Badrthe name chosen for the systematic intrusion over a wide area in the wider Kargil regionis a matter of debate.

The main aim of Operation Badr was to control the highway (NH 1) that would have cut off Ladakh from the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a crucial meeting with chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of BJP-ruled states over a wide range of regional and other issues at the BJP headquarters in Delhi.

BJP top leaders, including party president J.P. Nadda, and Home Minister Amit Shah attended the meeting. The agenda included an analysis of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, formulating strategies for upcoming assembly elections and implementation of central and state schemes in the respective states.

The meeting included two sessions.

The CMs were expected to present their states' best schemes. The meeting also aimed to foster greater central-state party coordination and strengthening the overall party strategy.

The meeting is considered very crucial for Uttar Pradesh, after the BJP's poor performance in the state and not being able to achieve the desired goal. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's meeting with PM Modi comes amid rift speculations within the party in the state.

Along with Adityanath, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis took part in the meeting.

The meeting was held at the backdrop of the NITI Aayog's 9th Governing Council meeting held in Delhi. While speaking at the concluding session, Modi said, Viksit Bharat @ 2047 is ambition of every Indian. States can play an active role to achieve this aim as they are directly connected with the people.

Reforms like NEP, schemes like Mudra, PM Vishwakarma, PM Svanidhi, reforms in the criminal justice system etc. should be utilised for bringing about transformational change in Indian society and economy, he said.

"We are moving in the right direction. We have defeated once in a hundred years pandemic. Our people are full of enthusiasm and confidence. We can fulfil our dreams of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 with the combined effort of all States. Viksit States will make Viksit Bharat, said PM Modi.
A new era is coming for Mexico's powerful Sinaloa cartel in the wake of the capture by US authorities of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, the last of the grand old Mexican drug traffickers.

Experts believe his arrest will usher in a new wave of violence in Mexico even as Zambada could potentially provide loads of information for US prosecutors.

Zambada, who had eluded authorities for decades and had never set foot in prison, was known for being an astute operator, skilled at corrupting officials and having an ability to negotiate with everyone, including rivals.

Removing him from the criminal landscape could set off an internal war for control of the cartel that has a global reach as has occurred with the arrest or killings of other kingpins and open the door to the more violent inclinations of a younger generation of Sinaloa traffickers, experts say.

With that in mind, the Mexican government deployed 200 members of its special forces Friday to Culiacan, Sinaloa state's capital.

There is significant potential for high escalation of violence across Mexico", said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy and Technology at the Brookings Institution. That is bad for Mexico, it's bad for the United States, as well as the possibility that the even more vicious (Jalisco New Generation cartel) will rise to even greater importance".

For that reason, Zambada's arrest could be considered a great tactical success, but strategically problematic, Felbab-Brown said.

While details remain scarce, a United States official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Zambada was tricked into flying to the US, where he was arrested along with Joaqun Guzman Lopez, a son of the infamous Sinaloa leader Joaqun El Chapo Guzman. The elder Guzman is serving a life sentence in the United States.

A small plane left Hermosillo in northern Mexico on Thursday morning with only an American pilot aboard, bound for the airport in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, near El Paso, Texas. Mexican Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodrguez said Friday that while one person left Hermosillo, three people arrived in New Mexico.

The flight tracking site Flight Aware showed the plane stopped transmitting its elevation and speed for about half an hour over the mountains of northern Mexico before resuming its course to the US.

Mexican President Andrs Manuel Lopez Obrador, a vocal critic of the strategy of taking down drug kingpins, said Friday that Mexico had not participated or known about the US operation, but said he considered the arrests an advance.

Later, Lopez Obrador, while talking about where the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels are battling for control of smuggling routes along the Guatemala border on Friday, downplayed the violence that had driven nearly 600 Mexicans to seek refuge in Guatemala this week.

He said, as he often has, that it's his political adversaries who are trying to make Mexico's violence appear to be out of control. But those cartels were already fighting each other in many locations throughout Mexico before Zambada's arrest.

Frank Prez, a lawyer for Zambada, told The Associated Press that his client did not come to the US voluntarily.

It appeared the sons of El Chapo Guzman were somehow in on the trap for Zambada, said Jos Reveles, author of a number of books about the cartels. The so-called Chapitos, or Little Chapos, make up a faction within the Sinaloa cartel that was often at odds with Zambada even while trafficking drugs.

Guzman Lopez, who was also arrested Thursday, is not his friend nor his collaborator, Reveles said.

He is considered to be the least influential of the four brothers who make up the Chapitos, who are considered among the main exporters of the synthetic opioid fentanyl to the United States. Joaqun Guzman Lopez is now the second of them to land in US custody. Their chief of security was arrested by Mexican authorities in November.

Guzman Lopez has been accused of being the cartel's link for importing the precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl from Asia and for setting up the labs that produce the drug, Reveles said.

Anne Milgram, the US Drug Enforcement Administration chief, said that Zambada's arrest strikes at the heart of the cartel that is responsible for the majority of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, killing Americans from coast to coast.

During the current Mexican administration, which ends September 30, Mexico has been unable to control the country's violence. Lopez Obrador's decision to focus on alleviating what he sees as the root causes of violence instead of head-on confrontation with the cartels has caused tensions with the US authorities, in particular the DEA.

Felbab-Brown said it has also allowed the cartels to accumulate power that is unprecedented in Mexico's history".

Zambada could now offer reams of information about the cartel's operations if he decides to cooperate. He faces charges in multiple US federal courts.

He was the cartel's most skilled agent of corruption and the most influential trafficker who has been running extensive corruption networks across many administrations in Mexico, across vast geographic spaces, from the top of the Mexican government to municipal institutions", Felbab-Brown said.

The most important thing to watch is how much intelligence El Mayo will now provide and how much evidence in exchange for better terms," she said.
One of Mexico's most notorious cartel leaders, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, has long been a thorn in the side of law enforcement. But in a shocking turn of events, El Mayo was found in US custody on Thursday, marking a major victory for authorities. The story of how the septuagenarian was lured into the US is an intriguing one, involving careful planning, and a bit of luck.

For around 35 years, the Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Zambada had eluded the law enforcement agencies. Then how was he duped at the age of 76? The son of jailed Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was behind the act. Joaquin Guzman Lopez was also arrested along with Zambada when their flight landed at El Paso, Texas on Thursday.

According to sources, Zambada's arrest followed lengthy surrender talks between US authorities and El Chapo's son.

Lopez had convinced Zambada to board the plane by telling him that they were going to see real estate in northern Mexico. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials were already at the airport waiting for the duo's arrival.

"The two individuals got off the plane and were taken into custody calmly," said a witness at the airport.

The wheelchair-bound Sinaloa Cartel leader already pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges against him including drug trafficking in a federal court in Texas.

According to Mike Vigil, a former DEA agent, the 'Kingpin strategy'--focusing on bringing down individual cartel leaders is rarely successful, reported BBC.

Why was El Mayo betrayed?

It seems Lopez had betrayed El Mayo due to his desire to obtain a more favourable plea bargain deal from the US authorities and help his brother, Ovidio, who was arrested and extradited to the US in 2023.

Both El Chapo and El Mayo had together founded the biggest and most powerful criminal group in the world -Sinaloa Cartel- in the late 1980s. Guzman, known as El Chapo, was arrested in Guatemala in 1993 on homicide and drug charges and deported to Mexico. Reportedly, he had escaped the prison in 2001 by bribing prison guards to smuggle him out in a laundry truck.

In 2014, he was arrested but escaped again. Later he was arrested for a third time in 2016 and then extradited to the US.

In a major trial, he was convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years.

Lopez is one of four sons of El Chapo, who inherited their father's faction of the cartel. Joaquin and Ovidio have the same mother, while the other two siblings  Ivan and Jesus Alfredo  hail from El Chapo's first marriage.

The US government had offered a reward of up to $15 million for any information leading to the capture of Zambada.

Along with several charges, both are accused of allegedly leading the cartel's criminal operations, including manufacturing and trafficking of deadly fentanyl.

According to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable.

Fentanyl overdose deaths are now the leading cause of death for Americans between 18 and 45.
The Republicans have launched a concerted effort to tarnish Kamala Harriss reputation. As Harris prepares to officially become the Democratic candidate for the US presidential election, she has faced a barrage of racist, sexist slurs, including sexualised insults, from online trolls.

After President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed Harris, she became the Democrats' likely presidential nominee.

Kamala Harris will be the "most extreme radical liberal president in American history" if she is elected, said Trump intensifying attacks on her. "She was a bum three weeks ago...A failed vice president and a failed administration with millions of people crossing, and she was the border czar," said Trump in a speech at Turning Point USA's "The Believers Summit," in West Palm Beach, Florida.

He also alleged that once Harris comes to power, she will be appointing hundreds of extreme far-left judges to forcibly impose crazy San Francisco liberal values on Americans.

Trump even criticised Harris for skipping Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress. He alleged that she does not like Jewish people. "She doesn't like Jewish people. She doesn't like Israel. That's the way it is, and that's the way it's always going to be," he said.

Republicans are focusing to attack Harris by targeting her years as a prosecutor, and by calling her a radical leftist.

Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that voters would reject Harris not because of her race and gender but for her failed policies.

But Harris is not going to let such comments pin her down. With the support of the Democrat heavyweights and communities, she is on a road to shift things in US politics. After starting her campaign trail in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she moved on to address the sorority of Black women in Indianapolis, Indiana.

We face a choice between two different visions for our nation: one focused on the future, the other focused on the past, she said at Indiana.

On Thursday, while addressing a gathering of teachers in Houston, Texas, she said, In our vision, we see a place where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead.

An all-time record of $81 million was raised in 24 hours after Harris came to the forefront. The newly branded Harris Victory Fund surpassed $130 million by Thursday.

Harris also has an appeal among the young voters. The unofficial anthem of Harris for President, Beyonce's 2016 hit Freedom, provided the soundtrack for a message countering Trumps hate vision of the country.

According to experts, Republicans will further intensify racist and misogynistic attacks on Harris. However, Harris and her team seem to be confident and it now remains to be seen whether the initial enthusiasm and momentum can be maintained till the elections in November.
Kolkata, Jul 27 (PTI) A day after the Directors' Guild allowed film maker Rahool Mukherjee to work as a creative producer in an upcoming film, no technician turned up at a city studio on the first day of shooting of the film produced by a big production house.

The development comes despite the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI) on Friday clarifying that Mukherjee is free to work as creative producer of the film but not as a director for three months.

Federation president Swarup Biswas had said earlier that Mukherjee was being debarred from directing films for three months for violating norms by visiting Bangladesh for shooting patch shots of another film without intimation to the federation and taking the help of the technicians in Dhaka.

"Neither the federation nor the Directors' Guild was informed by Mukherjee about his visit to Bangladesh for shooting a film, which is against the rule. But there is nothing personal against Rahul. He is a good friend of us. The decision was taken connectively in the interest of industry and its stakeholders, of which technicians are an important part," Biswas had told PTI earlier.

The untitled film starred Prosenjit Chatterjee, Anirban Bhattacharya and Priyanka Sarkar for which shooting was slated to begin on July 27. The Dhaka shoot which landed Mukherjee in trouble was related to another project financed by a different producer.

Production house SVF which was behind the project had stated Soumik Haldar would now direct the film while Mukherjee would be the creative producer.

However, as Mukherjee and Haldar were present at Technicians Studio, Tollygunje no technician turned up. Bengali film superstar Prosenjit Chatteree, part of the cast in the film, also turned up and waited in vain.

Director and TMC MLA Raj Chakraborty, filmmaker Kaushik Ganguly and actor Parambrata Chatterjee were among those present at the studio to voice solidarity with Mukherjee.

"This is an insult to every director. We are giving two days' to the federation. If no technician turns up at the shooting even on Sunday, I personally think we (directors) will also stop shooting from Monday. I am making the suggestion to other filmmakers," Chakraborty, an important member of the cultural cell of the ruling dispensation, said.

Ganguly said "the federation cannot dictate how many technicians should be taken for a shoot. We cannot accept any humiliation of a director.

Chatterjee said a day's cancellation of shooting without any proper reason will incur heavy losses for the producer and this is unfortunate.

"There can be grievances, there can be issues. But these can be sorted out through dialogues, without disrupting shoots," he said and expressed hope that better sense will prevail.

Directors' Guild spokesperson Sudeshna Roy said Mukherjee has explained that he had taken some patch shots of a project in Bangladesh for only four days and expressed regret for any misunderstanding.

"After all these developments, the ceasework (of technicians) without any intimation is insulting for a director who gets one-two project in a year after years of planning. The production house which comes forward to back the project also incurs heavy losses and will think twice before going ahead with any project," Roy said.

Mukherjee said "I only want to do the film I have been planning for months. Let all disputes be solved and we can start work."

Biswas said he will speak on the issue at an appropriate time.
LONDON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- China and the United Kingdom (UK) cooperating together serves the interests of both countries and the world, said Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang on Thursday.

Zheng made the remarks at a reception held by the Chinese Embassy in the UK to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China.

"The right approach to the bilateral relationship has always been to respect each other, strengthen engagement and cooperation, manage differences properly, and face challenges together," stressed the ambassador.

Noting that China attaches great importance to its relations with the UK, he added that the Chinese side is ready to work with the new British government for the sound and steady development of bilateral relations.

Zheng said he hopes the two countries' militaries will increase dialogue and exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, avoid misjudgment, and always be a stabilizing factor in the overall China-UK relationship.

In her opening remarks, Defence Attache Major General Feng Min, who presided over the event, highlighted that China will continue to actively promote international security cooperation, work with other countries for regional security and stability, and jointly embrace peace and a bright future.

Air Vice-Marshal Mick Smeath from the British Ministry of Defence said that the military relationship is an important part of the China-UK overall relationship.

Recalling a fruitful talk held recently between the chiefs of the armed forces of the two sides, Smeath said those dialogues have been "exceptionally important." The UK and China will continue to enhance defense dialogue and communication, and work together to promote regional and global peace and stability.

"We will find common grounds," said Smeath, adding that "we will look to where we can create peace, stability and where we can work together to make this world a better place."

Nearly 200 guests, including officials from the UK government and parliament, defense attaches and members of the diplomatic corps in the UK attended the reception. 
Islamabad, Jul 27 (PTI) Pakistans rightwing Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Saturday vowed to continue its protest in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi as the party's sit-in entered the second day to press the government to reduce electricity price and taxes on the salaried class.

The party for the second day on Saturday held the protest to hold a rally at the D-Chowk in Islamabad.

The JI drive was, however, stopped by police. The party later changed its plan and announced holding a sit-in at three places, including Murree Road and Chungi No 22 in Rawalpindi and H-8 Bridge Islamabad.

JI chief Hafiz Naeem addressed the participants camping on the Murree Road, the main artery of the garrison city connecting it with Islamabad, and vowed to continue the sit-in till the demands were accepted.

Our demands are simple and we want the government to give relief to the masses, he said, adding that the party was aware of difficulties but was sure that the issue of power tariffs could be addressed.

He said the protest would continue until its key demands were met, elaborating that renegotiations be held with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), a group of power companies considered the main cause of the exorbitant rise in the electricity bills.

Naeem also expressed willingness to talk with the government if the latter showed seriousness in addressing the issues highlighted by the JI. He said the government should first set up the committee for talks.

He also announced to address a big gathering on Murree Road on Sunday evening and asked people from every walk of life to attend as his party has been fighting for their rights.

The JI is one of the oldest parties in the country and is also known for holding big protests. The protestors have been so far peaceful but Naeem alleged that dozens of party workers had been arrested and demanded their immediate release. PTI SH PY

Separately, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters also held demonstrations across the country where hundreds of workers were arrested on Friday, protesting the inflated electricity bills and demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan from jail.

The main opposition party, PTI, could not hold its much-publicised protest in the national capital after the government banned public gatherings. However, its ally, JI went ahead by defying the ban and claimed that police arrested several workers.

In Lahore, more than 150 workers of both parties were arrested by law enforcement agencies of the Punjab province.
West Palm Beach (US), Jul 27 (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu worked to mend ties with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday and offered measured optimism about progress toward a cease-fire deal for Gaza as he neared the end of a contentious US visit that put on display the growing American divisions over support for the Israeli-Hamas war.

At Trump's Florida Mar-a-Lago estate, where the two men met face-to-face for the first time in nearly four years, Netanyahu told journalists he wanted to see US-mediated talks succeed for a cease-fire and release of hostages.

"I hope so," Netanyahu said, when reporters asked if his U.S. trip had made progress. While Netanyahu at home is increasingly accused of resisting a deal to end the 9-month-old war to stave off the potential collapse of his far-right government when it ends, he said Friday he was "certainly eager to have one. And we're working on it."

As president, Trump went well beyond his predecessors in fulfilling Netanyahu's top wishes from the United States. Yet relations soured after Netanyahu became one of the first world leaders to congratulate Joe Biden for his 2020 presidential victory, which Trump continues to deny.

The two men now have a strong interest in restoring their relationship, both for the political support their alliance brings and for the luster it gives each with their conservative supporters.

A beaming Trump was waiting for Netanyahu on the stone steps outside his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida. He warmly clasped the hands of the Israeli leader.

"We've always had a great relationship," Trump insisted before journalists. Asked as the two sat down in a muraled room for talks if Netanyahu's trip to Mar-a-Lago was repairing their bond, Trump responded, "It was never bad."

For both men, Friday's meeting was aimed at highlighting for their home audiences their depiction of themselves as strong leaders who have gotten big things done on the world stage, and can again.

Netanyahu's Florida trip followed a fiery address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday that defended his government's conduct of the war and condemned American protesters galvanized by the killing of more than 39,000 Palestinians in the conflict.

On Thursday, Netanyahu had met in Washington with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who appears on track to becoming the new Democratic presidential nominee after Biden decided to step out of the race. Both pressed the Israeli leader to work quickly to wrap up a deal to bring a cease-fire and release hostages held by Hamas.

Trump's campaign said he pledged in Friday's meeting to "make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East" and combat antisemitism on college campuses if American voters elect him to the presidency in November.

Netanyahu handed Trump a framed photo that the Israeli leader said showed a child who has been held hostage by Hamas-led militants since the first hours of the war. "We'll get it taken care of," Trump assured him.

In a speech later Friday before a group of young Christian conservatives, Trump said he also asked Netanyahu during their meeting how "a Jewish person, or a person that loves Israel" can vote for Democrats.

He also laced into Harris for missing Netanyahu's speech and claimed she "doesn't like Jewish people" and "doesn't like Israel." Harris has been married to a Jewish man for a decade.

For Trump, the meeting was a chance to be cast as an ally and statesman, as well as to sharpen efforts by Republicans to portray themselves as the party most loyal to Israel.

Divisions among Americans over U.S. support for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza have opened cracks in years of strong bipartisan backing for Israel, the biggest recipient of U.S. aid.

For Netanyahu, repairing relations with Trump is imperative given the prospect that Trump may once again become president of the United States, which is Israel's vital arms supplier and protector.

One gamble for Netanyahu is whether he could get more of the terms he wants in any deal on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release, and in his much hoped-for closing of a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, if he waits out the Biden administration in hopes that Trump wins.

"Benjamin Netanyahu has spent much of his career in the last two decades in tethering himself to the Republican Party," said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. diplomat for Arab-Israeli negotiations, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

For the next six months, that means "mending ties with an irascible, angry president," Miller said, meaning Trump.

Netanyahu and Trump last met at a September 2020 White House signing ceremony for the signature diplomatic achievement of both men's political careers. It was an accord brokered by the Trump administration in which the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain agreed to establish normal diplomatic relations with Israel. (AP) NSA

NSA
Vientiane (Laos), Jul 27 (PTI) The sea lines of communication passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, as he called for the substantive and effective code of conduct to secure them.

Addressing the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Laos's capital Vientiane, Jaishankar said the EAS process completed two decades next year and India will contribute towards a stronger EAS process.

He said India will continue to uphold ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy.

Talking about maritime security, Jaishankar said: the "Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) passing through the South China Sea are critical for peace, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific region."

The "Code of Conduct should be substantive and effective, consistent with international law and should not prejudice legitimate rights and interest of nations not party to discussions," he said.

Jaishankar's comments hold significance as his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi is also in Vientiane to attend the summit.

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.

At the meeting, Jaishankar also called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza.

"India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping," Jaishankar said.

On the conflict in Ukraine, he said India maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve it.

"PM @narendramodi recently engaged President (Vladimir) Putin and President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible," he said in a post on X.
Vientiane (Laos), Jul 27 (PTI) India on Saturday called for de-escalation and restraint in war-torn Gaza while maintaining the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's stand on the two major conflicts while addressing the 14th East Asia Summits Foreign Ministers Meeting here in the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic as part of the meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Jaishankar spoke about two of the worlds current most raging conflicts: the one between Israel-Palestine leading to trouble for Gaza and the other between Ukraine and Russia after speaking on the East Asia Summit (EAS) process, a decade of Indias Act East Policy and the importance of open maritime communication for peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region.

Call for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza. India continues to extend humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine. Attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea are concerning. India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping, Jaishankar posted on X after his address.

India on July 15 contributed USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) to support the agency's core programmes and services. This was the first instalment of a total of USD 5 million that India donates annually.

On multiple platforms, India has supported a two-state solution for Gaza and called for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza on a humanitarian basis.

On the conflict in Ukraine, the External Affairs Minister maintained the importance of dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged (with) President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India stands ready to contribute in any manner possible, he said in the post further.

In June, Modi met Zelenskyy on the margins of the G7 summit in Italy. He later met President Putin in Moscow during his official visit.

#EAS is crucial in bringing us together at a time when differences are sharp and interests are diverse. India will always stand firm in its commitment to the EAS process, Jaishankar concluded.

India has not yet condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has consistently pitched for a resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

However, during his talks with Putin on July 9, Prime Minister Modi told President Putin that a solution to the Ukraine conflict is not possible on the battlefield and peace efforts do not succeed amid bombs and bullets.
Colombo, Jul 27 (PTI) Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday publicly declared his candidacy to contest the presidential election on September 21.

On Friday, the island nations election commission announced that presidential polls would be held on September 21, ending the months-long speculation over the key contest.

Addressing a rally on Saturday in the southern town of Galle the 75-year-old leader said: My coming today to this town is significant, I declare that I will contest the presidential election having already paid my deposit to do so.

There was some speculation that he may not vie for the presidency given the weak standing of his United National Party (UNP). In 2020 the UNP suffered a serious split leading to the creation of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the current main opposition party.

I am looking for everyones support having performed the difficult task I undertook two years ago, Wickremesinghe, also the country's finance minister, said referring to the unprecedented economic turmoil in the island nation that led to the ouster of the powerful Rajapaksa family from power in 2022.
Male, Jul 27 (PTI) The Maldives has resumed using a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters gifted by India for medical evacuations after the two countries reached an understanding over the repatriation of Indian military personnel operating the three aviation platforms in the archipelagic nation, media reports said on Saturday.

President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has thanked India for enabling the resumption of medical evacuation services with civilian aviation personnel from India.

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) told local media that the provision of medical evacuation through the Dornier flight and helicopters has resumed, this time with the civilian crew sent from India, news portal Edition.mv reported.

The two medical emergencies were carried out on Friday night, according to a post on X by the MNDF.

The Dornier aircraft and the helicopters were earlier operated by Indian military personnel and were stopped soon after President Muizzu took oath last November.

President Muizzu rode to power banking on the India Out sentiment and had pushed for the repatriation of Indian military personnel from his country making a demand to this effect within hours of his swearing-in.

According to an agreement between India and Maldives in February this year, all Indian military personnel were to return in batches by May 10 and India kept its word. The military personnel were replaced by civilians as India did not take back the Dornier aircraft and the helicopters it had gifted to the Maldives some years ago.

News portal Adhadhu.com said Indians are stationed in Hanimaadhoo to operate the Dornier aircraft and in Laamu Kadhdhoo and Seenu Gan to operate the helicopters. A total of 76 Indians are based on the islands.

It further said that President Muizzu announced the restart of medical evacuations with the aircraft at the official function held at the youth centre last night to mark the 59th Independence Day.

A patient was transported to Male on the India platform for the first time since military personnel were replaced by civilians. I thank the Indian government for this, Muizzu was quoted as saying by Sun.mv news portal.

The resumption of the Dornier aircraft operations came after the government faced criticism for not using the Dornier or the helicopters for medical emergencies, the news portal pointed out.

It also mentioned that the Indian military helicopters in Kadhdhoo and Addu were regularly flown before medical evacuations resumed with the Dornier aircraft. The government has not commented on it.

The civilian personnel were sent by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited  an Indian public sector aerospace and defence company in Bangalore, which manufactured the helicopter donated by the Indian government.

They will manage aviation platforms in Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo and Gan. Their contract expires in 2026, Sun.mv added.

The Maldives archipelago is to the south-west of the Indian peninsula with Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala being about 600-odd km away. For decades, Maldivians have been visiting Kerala and other south Indian states for medical emergencies and even regular treatments.

Meanwhile, some months ago, Maldives established the National Air Ambulance service, which is conducted with a repurposed Dash 8 flight and a seaplane.

Later on Saturday, during a ceremony to mark the 59th anniversary of Maldives independence here at Male, the president spoke of Loan Restructuring and Debt Management, especially because of its financial bilateral relations with India and China.

The President acknowledged the significant contributions of China and India in assisting with the Maldives debt repayment efforts. India has deferred a USD 50 million loan and provided food quotas for two more years.

China has given the green light to defer loans from the Exim Bank for various development projects for the next five years, with no interest payments during this period, Truth.mv reported.

Free trade talks with the UK are also underway, and there is renewed optimism for establishing a free trade agreement with India, it said quoting the president.
Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip), Jul 27 (AP) Israeli airstrikes hit a school being used by displaced Palestinians in central Gaza on Saturday, killing at least 30 people including several children, as the country's negotiators prepared to meet international mediators to discuss a proposed cease-fire.

At least seven children and seven women were among the dead taken from the girls' school in Deir al-Balah to Al Aqsa Hospital. Israel's military said it targeted a Hamas command center used to direct attacks against Israeli troops and develop and store "large quantities of weapons. Hamas in a statement called the military's claim false.

Civil defense workers in Gaza said thousands had been sheltering in the school, which also contained a medical site.

Associated Press journalists saw a dead toddler in an ambulance and bodies covered with blankets. Inside the school, shattered walls gaped and classrooms were in ruins. People searched for victims in rubble strewn with pillows and other signs of habitation.

Gaza's Health Ministry said at least 12 people were killed in other strikes on Saturday.

Officials from the U.S., Egypt, Qatar and Israel are scheduled to meet in Italy on Sunday to discuss ongoing cease-fire negotiations. CIA Director Bill Burns is expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, Mossad director David Barnea and Egyptian spy chief Abbas Kamel, according to officials from the U.S. and Egypt who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the plans.

U.S. officials on Friday said Israel and Hamas agree on the basic framework of the three-phase deal under consideration. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his speech to the U.S. Congress vowed to press ahead with the war until Israel achieves total victory.

After the Israeli strike on the school, Palestinian officials condemned the speech. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said in a statement that Netanyahu's reception from supporters in the U.S. constituted a green light to continue Israel's offensive.

Every time the occupation bombs a school that shelters displaced persons, we see only some condemnations and denunciations that will not force the occupation to stop its bloody aggression, he said.

New evacuation order for part of humanitarian zone

Israel's military ordered a new evacuation of part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Younis on Saturday. The order was in response to rocket fire that Israel said came from the area.

The military said it planned an operation against Hamas militants in the city, including parts of Muwasi, the crowded tent camp in an area where Israel has told thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge.

It's the second evacuation order issued in a week that has included striking part of the humanitarian zone, a 60-square-kilometer (roughly 20-square-mile) area blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid. Israel expanded the zone in May to take in people fleeing the southernmost city of Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population at the time had crowded.

Gaza Health Ministry officials said the evacuation orders had forced at least three health centers to stop providing care and compounded issues such as piled-up waste and shortages of supplies.

According to Israeli estimates, about 1.8 million Palestinians shelter in the zone after being uprooted multiple times during Israel's punishing air and ground campaign. In November, the military said the area could still be struck and that it was not a safe zone, but it is a safer place than any other in Gaza.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said it was difficult to know how many people would be affected by the evacuation order.

These are forced displacement orders," said Juliette Touma, the agency's director of communications. "What happens is when people have these orders, they have very little time to move.

Farther north, Palestinians mourned seven killed by Israeli airstrikes overnight on Zawaida, in central Gaza. Parents and their two children and a mother and her two children were wrapped in white burial shrouds as friends and neighbors wept.

Al Aqsa Hospital confirmed the count and AP journalists saw the bodies.

A death in the West Bank

In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said a 17-year-old was killed and nine other people wounded after an Israeli drone strike in Balata camp in Nablus. The Israeli military said one of its aircraft attacked from the air as part of its activity in Nablus.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 39,200 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. The U.N. estimated in February that some 17,000 children in the territory are now unaccompanied, and the number is likely to have grown since.

The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages. About 115 are still in Gaza, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities. (AP) AMS
(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who was here to attend a conference of CMs from BJP-ruled states on Saturday, said he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to serve the nation by strengthening the party and upholding its core values and ideology.

Singh also attended the ninth NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting during the day, and after participating in it, he said it deliberated on various strategies aimed at expediting the nation's progress and address the obstacles faced by different regions.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for setting zero poverty targets starting at the village level. Modi emphasised the need to tackle poverty on an individual basis rather than just at a programme level.

On the conference of chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, Singh said that "we reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to serve the nation by strengthening the party and upholding its core values and ideology".

During this meeting, Prime Minister Modi held deliberations over a host of issues, with focus on ensuring that benefits of numerous welfare schemes fully cover the targeted beneficiaries.
Srinagar, Jul 27 (PTI) A meeting of Jammu and Kashmir's opposition parties next month to discuss several issues concerning the Union Territory, including the delegation of more powers to the lieutenant governor, was postponed on Saturday, senior CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami said.

No fresh date for the meeting, originally scheduled for August 7, has been finalised.

Tarigami said the meeting was postponed after National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expressed his inability to attend the meeting.

"National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed his inability to attend the meeting scheduled for August 7 in Jammu and suggested its postponement. As such, this meeting is postponed," Tarigami said.

The meeting was called to discuss issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including the amendments to the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019.

The amendments delegate more powers to the lieutenant governor on matters related to decisions on police, officers of all-India services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), and sanctioning prosecution in various cases.

All political parties, except the BJP, have criticised the amendments.
GAZA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Several primary medical centers in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip were closed due to the Israeli army's demand for evacuation, Gaza-based health authorities said on Saturday.

The health authorities stated that due to the expanding evacuation zones in Khan Younis, several primary healthcare centers and field medical points have been closed, adding it is no longer possible to reopen the European Hospital near the city.

They warned that the increase in the number of displaced people in areas with sewage flows and accumulated waste, without personal hygiene supplies, creates optimal conditions for the spread of diseases such as polio and other illnesses that can rapidly spread among displaced people.

The health authorities cautioned that the further expansion of displacement zones could lead to the evacuation of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, the only hospital still operating in the area. Its closure would result in a catastrophic health crisis.

The ministry called on international organizations for urgent intervention to protect the remaining health facilities, ensure their continued operation, and provide necessary resources and supplies.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday morning that due to significant "terrorist" activity and rocket fire toward Israel from the southern area of Khan Younis, remaining in this area has become dangerous.

Between July 22 and 25, about 182,000 people were displaced from central and eastern Khan Younis to the Al Mawasi area, labeled a "humanitarian zone" by Israeli authorities, according to an update from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Friday.

None of the 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are fully functional, the update said, adding that 16 remain partially functional, with some providing only minimal healthcare services.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,258, Gaza-based health authorities said on Saturday. 
Lucknow, Jul 27 (PTI) Former president APJ Abdul Kalam will always be remembered for his achievements, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday as he paid tribute to the legendary scientist on his death anniversary.

"Humble tribute to the great scientist, Missile Man, former president, 'Bharat Ratna' Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his death anniversary," Adityanath said in Hindi in a post on X.

"He will always be remembered for the achievements set by India in the field of Indian space and defence research," he added.

Adityanath's deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya also paid tribute to Kalam.

"For the success of any mission, creative leadership is essential. Humble tribute to the famous scientist and former president, Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam ji, also known as Missile Man, who gave a new direction to the young generation, on his death anniversary," he said in a post on X.

"His principles, thoughts and inspirational work will always guide the coming young generations," the deputy chief minister said in Hindi.

Uttar Pradesh's main opposition, the Samajwadi Party, paid tribute to Kalam in a post on its official X handle.

"Humble tribute to the former president of India, great scientist, 'Bharat Ratna' Dr APJ Abdul Kalam ji on his death anniversary," it said.

Kalam was the president of India from 2002 to 2007.

Born on October 15, 1931, in Tamil Nadu, Kalam died on this day in Meghalaya's Shillong in 2015.
New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Panic gripped outer Delhi when a call of a bomb in a cluster bus was received at Nazafgarh More, officials said on Sunday.

According to the officials of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), a call was received at 11:55 pm on Saturday stating that a bomb was suspected in a cluster bus of route number 961 -- which runs between Narela and Najafgarh.

Two fire tenders were pressed into service, and local police, as well as bomb detection and disposal squads, were called in.

The driver of the bus parked the vehicle at the roadside and informed the local police.

As of now, nothing suspicious has been found. Some material with wires wrapped around it was found in the bus, however, further probe is underway, according to officials.
Legal & General, the 13.69billion FTSE 100 company, which takes care of 1trillion worth of retirement and other savings, is being revamped under chief executive Antonio Simoes.

He is promising investors a 'simpler, better-connected L&G', in pursuit of which the complex group is being restructured.

Plans include the sale of CALA, the housebuilding arm acquired in 2018 in a diversification.

Curious that L&G is selling CALA now?

The Government wants to build 1.5million homes in this parliament.

But there will be no immediate benefit from this policy and Portuguese-born Simoes wants to simplify L&G which he regards as a route to boosting returns to shareholders.

Persimmon is seen as the most likely buyer for CALA  at a price of about 1billon.

Other changes?

Simoes wants to boost the corporate pension division by winning 'bulk annuity' deals. Firms are keener to 'de-risk'  dispense with the onerous responsibilities for their company pensions.

They are willing to pay a sum to a major insurer, such as L&G or Aviva, to take on full responsibility for the scheme.

Is L&G already a big player in annuities?

It IS a power player. In 2023, L&G did 12billion-worth of bulk annuity business, which included a 4.8billion buy-in from Boots and a 2.7billion buy-in from British Steel, the fourth from this company.

Actuaries estimate that about 50billion in pension liabilities were offloaded in 2023  and this year's total could be 80billion.

Any other moves?

Another Government policy should enable L&G to make the most of an areas in which it specialises  investing in 'private' assets, that is, companies not listed on the stock markets.

As part of her pensions 'Big Bang', the Chancellor Rachel Reeves wants pension funds to channel more money into such companies, particularly those in energy, roadbuilding and other areas of infrastructure.

When L&G was founded in 1836 infrastructure was the focus. The Stockton & Darlington, the world's first public railway, was one of its first ventures.

Exciting but why is share price down this year?

L&G shares have fallen 9 per cent since January largely in response to news that dividends will not increase as rapidly as hoped.

Simoes may argue that a 200million share buyback is more than adequate compensation for reduced payouts. (Share buybacks reduce the number of shares in issue which should give a fillip to the price of the remaining shares.)

Some shareholders remain unconvinced, however.

Where are shares headed?

Despite the dividend disappointment, analysts rate the shares as either a 'hold' or a 'buy' with an average price of 266p, against 229.5p yesterday.
Hopes of a 'Tell Sid' NatWest share sell-off to the public have been dashed as Labour lines up a sale to institutional investors.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is keen to offer the Government's 5.6billion stake to pension funds, insurers and asset managers, rather than ordinary investors, sources say.

The move is a hammer blow to the bank and retail investors, with critics saying it is a missed opportunity to encourage more people to develop long-term saving and investment habits.

The last Labour government rescued the lender during the 2008 financial crisis and at its peak the taxpayer's stake was 84 per cent.

This month it fell below 20 per cent. The Conservatives planned a sale this summer with former chancellor Jeremy Hunt priming M&C Saatchi to launch a 'Tell Sid' advertising campaign  the slogan used to encourage people to buy shares in British Gas in 1986.

But NatWest said it had to spend 24million on a campaign which never saw the light of day.

Back in the 80s broadcaster Sir Trevor McDonald asked the public: 'Are you in?' in a TV campaign that aimed to boost the beleaguered stock market.

Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said: 'Ditching the razzamatazz of a 'Tell Sid'-style campaign could be a missed opportunity to get people investing for the first time. Rachel Reeves wants investment in great British companies primarily through our pension schemes.

'With so much of people's savings still locked up in cash, a retail offer could be a catalyst for change.'

Mark Northway from investment not-for-profit group ShareSoc added: 'It would be a massive mistake to exclude retail and individual investors.

'This is an opportunity to redistribute to UK taxpayers who have taken on the burden of NatWest for the last few years.'

Meanwhile, NatWest posted bumper financial results for the first half. Chief executive Paul Thwaites hailed the strong performance which included profits of 3billion and a 6p interim dividend  9 per cent more than last year's gift to shareholders.

Shares rose 7 per cent, or 23.8p, to 361.9p, adding to gains of just under 60 per cent in six months. And the bank has also agreed to buy 2.5billion of UK prime residential mortgages from Metro Bank.

Thwaites said: 'Customers are beginning to feel more confident, with activity increasing, and we are well positioned to help unlock growth through our regional network.'

He expects share sale details to emerge in the autumn. Neither Nat West and Labour commented on whether a public share sale looked likely.
Disappointed and disillusioned. These two words sum up the sentiments of investors in BT and Vodafone, the two largest British players in telecoms.

Over the past decade, shares in these two household names have lost more two-thirds of their value.

But do these declines suggest this is the moment to end the relationship with these FTSE 100 names?

Or are there compelling reasons to stay, given the burgeoning international love affair with British stocks and the planning revolution unveiled by the new Government?

The US giant Blackrock and the German group Allianz are among those snapping up UK shares, enthused by the improving economy and the prospect of a stable government.

Female front: Vodafone boss Margherita Della Valle, left, and BT equivalent Allison Kirkby

Against this background, BT and Vodafone look almost alluring.

BT owns EE, Britain's largest mobile network and Openreach, which controls Britain's broadband and phone networks, providing these facilities to TalkTalk, Sky, Vodafone and 650 other 'telco' businesses.

Meanwhile Vodafone UK's arm is hoping to merge with Three's UK division in a 18bn deal that will form the nation's largest mobile network.

Labour's planning reforms, designed to deliver 1.5million new homes, are another plus. All will require broadband, as Matt Dorset analyst at Quilter Cheviot points out.

BT has been hit by the slump in housebuilding, as this week's second quarter results confirmed. But Dorset argues that lots of new housing could 'solidify its status as the UK's number one broadband provider'.

These trends are good news if you are one of the hundreds of thousands who have stayed loyal to BT since privatisation 40 years ago. But all shareholders in these two stalwarts must also confront the challenges.

Turnaround time? BT has been hit by the slump in housebuilding

Sajeer Ahmed of Aegon Asset Management says that BT and Vodafone have struggled to earn a return from their vast expenditure on building out 4G and 5G infrastructure and installing full-fibre broadband.

He observes: 'Markets have been competitive and customers are price-sensitive.'

This spending is set to fall, which means that BT and Vodafone will generate more cash, allowing them to cut debts and launch share buybacks to boost their share prices.

Yet, as Nigel Yates of AXA Investment Managers contends, their 'complex corporate structures and unpredictable financial liabilities' could prove to be an obstacle.

He adds: 'We have concerns that these businesses remain value traps and see better opportunities for steady, growing dividend yields elsewhere.'

It is clear that backing these British businesses involves a leap of faith.

But if you are ready to take a bet on the makeovers being led by two new chief executives, this is what you need to know:

BT

long-term share performance is shocking. But the price has risen 13 per cent this year, largely thanks to the new, plain-speaking chief executive Allison Kirkby.

Her announcement in May of an overhaul of the business, plus higher dividends confounded the hedge funds who were 'shorting' the shares, that is betting on a price fall.

Kirkby remarked: 'I always love to squeeze the shorts . . . and prove them wrong.'

This stirring talk enthused analysts who rate the shares a 'buy' with an average target price of 194p, against the current 140.5p.

The hope of a takeover spree is what lies behind some of the international excitement over British shares.

At 13.8billion, BT shares may appeal to a bargain-hunting predator, especially as Openreach alone is worth at least this amount.

French entrepreneur Patrick Drahi, boss of Altice, was seen as the most likely bidder.

But not only has Drahi borrowed heavily against his 24.5 per cent stake in BT, he could face Government opposition. As a result, the size of his holding represents an overhang on the share price.

But Dorset explains that Carlos Slim, Latin America's richest man snapped up 3.2 per cent of BT in May and could be keen to acquire some or all of Drahi's holding.

Since Deutsche Telekom is another large investor, other shareholders can expect some fun.

Vodafone

Vodafone is an 18billion company with 330million customers in 15 countries. Germany makes up about a third of the business and a turnaround in this area is beginning to bear fruit.

At the helm is another forthright boss Margherita Della Valle who is trying to simplify and streamline the group, while persuading dubious regulators that the get-together with Three should go ahead.

Like BT, Vodafone also has some controversial shareholders: another French entrepreneur Xavier Niel and Emirates Telecommunications, which the UK government regards as a national security risk.

All this may not sound too appealing but Vodafone shares have edged up nearly 7 per cent this year to 73.22p.

Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs rate the shares a 'buy', presumably on the basis that demand for mobile and broadband services can only expand  anywhere on the globe.

The spread of AI (artificial intelligence) will add to this need. The average target price is 113p.
ANKARA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish parliament passed a motion on Saturday for the deployment of Turkish Armed Forces elements to Somalia, including the maritime jurisdiction areas of the country.

Elements of the Turkish Armed Forces will be deployed in Somalia for two years to support Somalia's security activities against terrorism and other threats, according to the motion.

The move came after a defense and economic cooperation deal between Turkiye and Somalia signed in February, aiming at bolstering Somalia's maritime defense capabilities, said the motion.

"Our friendship with Somalia will be strengthened, as well as our country's support to the efforts against terrorism, maritime banditry, and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and adjacent regions, which endanger international peace and stability and negatively affect our national interests," it added.

In mid-July, the Turkish Energy Ministry announced that Turkiye would send an oil and gas exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia later this year as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between the two countries. 
Gardai investigating the fatal stabbing of a man in Tallaght, west Dublin on Friday have arrested a woman.

A suspect, aged in her 30s, was arrested this Saturday morning for alleged offences in connection with the investigation and is currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, at a garda station in Dublin.

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of the young man - hours after he was found with stab wounds at Drumcairn Estate.

The alarm was raised in the early hours of Friday morning and the victim, aged in his 20s, was later pronounced dead at Tallaght University Hospital.

READ ALSO: Searches for three missing teenagers stood down as gardai issue updates

A post-mortem examination has been completed but gardai say the results are not being released for operational reasons.

A man, aged his 30s, who was arrested on Friday remains in custody.

"Gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward, particularly those who were in the Drumcairn Estate area of Tallaght, Dublin 24, between 3am and 4am on Friday, July 26 2024. Additionally, individuals with video recordings, including motorists with dash cam footage, from the area within the timeframe are asked to provide this footage to investigating gardai," said a spokesperson.





Anyone with any information that can assist gardai is asked to contact Tallaght garda station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated on China's solemn stance on the South China Sea issue on Saturday while attending a series of meetings of foreign ministers of southeastern and eastern Asian countries in Laos' Vientiane.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said there is a full historical and legal basis for China to uphold territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.

With a view of safeguarding neighborhood friendliness and regional cooperation, China signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) with ASEAN countries and has consistently and effectively implemented it, Wang said, adding that China insists on managing differences properly through dialogue and consultation with parties involved.

Wang said China and ASEAN countries are advancing negotiations of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, actively conducting maritime practical cooperation, and jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea. Countries in the region have full confidence, wisdom and capability to handle the South China Sea issue.

In respond to some countries' reiteration of the so-called South China Sea arbitration, Wang pointed out that the arbitral tribunal exercised its jurisdiction ultra vires and made an illegitimate ruling, had substantial flaws in law and fact, and was politically motivated.

The ruling itself gravely violated the international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Wang said, calling it illegal and invalid. He stressed that China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea will not be affected by this illegal ruling under any circumstances.

Wang said Ren'ai Jiao is China's inherent territory. The Philippines unilaterally changed the status quo by grounding its warship illegally at Ren'ai Jiao, and even attempted to build it into a permanent outpost, which severely violated Article 5 of the DOC and reneged on its commitments made to the Chinese side.

For humanitarian purposes, China has reached a provisional arrangement with the Philippine side on managing the situation, allowing supply of living necessities after on-site verification and monitoring of the process, Wang said.

Wang called on the Philippines to honor its commitments, not to break its promises and not to make more trouble.

Wang said that the South China Sea is one of the safest and freest maritime routes in the world, and there is no need to worry about freedom of navigation and overflight.

Certain external countries stirred up trouble and created disruptions, and even attempted to deploy intermediate-range missile system in the region, provoked confrontation, that is the biggest disruptive factor to peace in the South China Sea, Wang said. 
A leader in the right-wing movement started their bloggy endeavors in Missouri and now confronts the same kind of EPIC judgement that brought down conspiracy talker Alex Jones.

In reality . . . These kind of cases are important because they could be filed against ANYBODY who spouts off with online opinions that are controversial and worth contesting in court.



It seems that bankruptcy courts won't provide any protection as the Internets media juggernaut attempts to outmaneuver their opposition.

Here's a quote mashup . . .



The ruling from US bankruptcy judge Mindy Mora in the southern district of Florida comes as the outlet faces significant defamation cases from two Georgia election workers and a former Dominion Voting Systems employee who say the site spread false claims about them after the 2020 election.

The Gateway Pundit denies wrongdoing and said those cases forced them into bankruptcy, but the judge concluded it was trying to exploit the bankruptcy system in bad faith.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Judge says far-right US news outlet filed bankruptcy in bad faith Bankruptcy judge dismisses case filed by Gateway Pundit, which faces defamation cases over false election claims

Far-right Gateway Pundit sought bankruptcy protection in 'bad faith' to avoid 2020 defamation suits, judge rules | CNN Business A federal judge threw out a bankruptcy case filed by The Gateway Pundit, finding that the far-right conspiracy site was seeking bankruptcy protections in "bad faith" to avoid costly defamation lawsuits stemming from its publication of 2020 election lies.

Developing . . .
Outcry over a controversial police shooting was recently witnessed locally.

Here's the premise of local tribute . . .



"Kansas City cares about this because it literally could have been Kansas City," she said. "It could've been anybody."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

'My first reaction was to cry': Dozens gather for vigil in Kansas City for Sonya Massey It's been less than a week since the body camera footage showing the killing of Sonya Massey was released to the public.

Related reading . . .

Sonya Massey 'needed a helping hand, not a bullet to the face,' attorney says Sonya Massey's family said she met with police over a mental health issue the day before a sheriff's deputy fatally shot her in her Illinois home.

What we know about the deputy charged with killing Sonya Massey in her home after she called 911 for help | CNN The Illinois deputy charged with fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who had called 911 for help, in her home earlier this month, had worked at six different law enforcement agencies in four years and was charged with drunk driving twice.

New details reveal troubled past for deputy charged with murder in Sonya Massey shooting CBS News has learned that the sheriff's deputy charged with murder in the shooting of Sonya Massey worked for six different law enforcement agencies in four years. He was also discharged from the Army in 2016 for misconduct after receiving a DUI. Roxana Saberi reports.

Harris calls family of Sonya Massey, Illinois woman who police shot Vice President Harris spoke Friday with the family of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who police shot and killed in her home earlier this month. A spokesperson with Harris's office confirmed the ...

Cardi B Drags Candace Owens By Her Roots Over Comments About Sonya Massey's Death Owens continues to reach new lows in her quest to satisfy her followers.

Developing . . .
Sierra Club Engagement Calendar 2025

Sierra Club

2024, 120 pages

ISBN: 9781578052431

Is it too early to start talking about Christmas?

These engagement calendars make nice gifts for yourself or someone you know who like to keep track of their appointments using a hard copy. If you appreciate stunning nature photographs with your calendar you will enjoy the Sierra Club Engagement Calendar 2025.

There are 58 colour photos of landscapes and animals many of which are truly stunning. Some of the animals in the calendar include a black bear cub in Jasper National Park, a grizzly bear with her cub in Alaska, California sea lion pups in California, bat stars in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Annas hummingbird in California.

There are also numerous excellent landscapes, such as redwoods in California, an Aurora borealis over Alaska, Merced River and El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and, one of my favourites, a white fir in an aspen grove.

And while the calendars stunning photos are what you notice first, the calendar is also well designed with a week on a page (a photo on the facing page), the phases of the moon and some holidays and other significant days included. The back of the book includes calendars for 2024, 2025 and 2026 and five pages of "notes."

Ansel Adams 2025 Engagement Calendar

Ansel Adams Little, Brown and Company 2024, 136 pages ISBN: 9780316571609

Along with the scenic black-and-white photographs from iconic landscape photographer Ansel Adams (1902  1984), I like the way this calendar is designed.

Each page is a week with lined spaces for days divided in a.m. and p.m. At the bottom of the page there are small monthly calendars of the current month, along with the preceding month and the next month.

On the opposite page is a beautiful nature photograph. The phases of the moon are also included along with significant days. At the back of the calendar there is a full page for each month in 2025, as well as the months of January and February in 2026. Calendars for 2025 and 2026 are each displayed on their own page.

This wire-bound planner has lots of space for your appointments, reminders and meetings.

In total there are more than 50 photos taken from 1923 to 1970. Some of the places frozen in time by Adams camera include Yosemite National Park, Glacier National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Sequoia National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Acadia National Park. This attractive keepsake makes a thoughtful gift.

National Parks 2025 planner

Rock Point

2024, 240 pages

ISBN: 9781577154204

A practical hardcover weekly planner with lots of extras is National Parks 2025 Planner. Filled with awesome illustrations and interesting information on many U.S. national parks, this calendar provides lots of space to mark down appointments, reminders and special dates, as most weeks are spread out over two pages. Phases of the moon, holidays and other significant days are included.

If visiting some of the national parks in the United States is on your bucket list, the calendar has information on 18 of the national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Other useful items in the calendar include a Year at a Glance for both 2025 and 2026, monthly two-page spreads, artistic renditions, seven pages of notes, a ribbon bookmark and an elastic band closure.

The calendar also starts in July 2024, giving you the last six months of 2024 as well as 2025.

This calendar makes a nice keepsake and being a hardcover with National Parks 2025 on the spine allows it to be easily kept on a bookshelf for easy reference.
VIENNA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Austrian authorities have dismantled a terrorist network involved in raising funds for the Islamic State (IS) organization and arrested nine suspects, the country's interior ministry said on Saturday.

Austrian security forces conducted house searches in five federal states on Thursday, seizing mobile phones, laptops, data storage devices, a significant amount of cash, and a vehicle, according to the ministry.

All nine suspects, aged between 23 and 36, are of Chechen descent. The ministry noted that the suspects, all long-time IS supporters, have cooperated with IS sympathizers in Germany and other European countries. 
An illegal channel for importing counterfeit medicines made in Russia and Belarus to Ukraine was blocked in Volyn region.

This was reported on Facebook by the Office of the Prosecutor General, Ukrinform reports.

"Under the procedural guidance of the Volyn Regional Prosecutor's Office, a channel for the illegal import of counterfeit medicines made in Russia and Belarus into Ukraine was eliminated," the post reads.

According to the investigation, the scheme of importing counterfeit drugs through Poland and further sale was set up by a Volyn resident and his accomplices. The counterfeit medicines were sold through online stores, social networks and messenger channels.

During the court-sanctioned searches of the suspects' places of storage and residences, law enforcement officers seized Russian and Belarusian medicines, cash in various currencies equivalent to over UAH 2 million, draft records, and consignment notes for postal shipments of medicines.

The investigative actions were conducted within the framework of criminal proceedings on the fact of purchase, transportation, shipment, storage with intent to sell and sale of counterfeit medicines (Part 1 of Article 321-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

As Ukrinform previously reported, law enforcement officers exposed a network of underground cigarette factories in Kyiv and Mykolaiv regions.

Photo: OGP
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has carried out acts of sabotage on Russian territory, hitting three helicopters.

That's according to a source in Ukrainian intelligence.

On July 21, at around 03:00, Russia's Mi-28 and Ka-226 helicopters were hit at JSC Mil and Kamov National Center for Helicopter Engineering in Tomilino, Moscow region, as a result of an act of sabotage carried out by the HUR.

According to the source, on July 24, a Mi-8 multipurpose helicopter was destroyed at the Russian Defense Ministry's Kryazh air base in Samara.

Mil and Kamov National Center for Helicopter Engineering is an aircraft construction enterprise that specializes in the development, production and repair of Mi and Ka helicopters and other rotorcraft.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency confirmed on Facebook that three helicopters had been struck in Russia, including one in Samara and two near Moscow.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
BEIRUT, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah denied on Saturday allegations by Israeli media that the Shiite militant group targeted Majdal Shams in the annexed Golan Heights, killing ten Israelis.

In a statement, Hezbollah said it had "absolutely nothing to do with the incident" and dismissed the allegations as false.

Various media outlets reported on Saturday evening that ten Israelis were killed and over 30 wounded in a Hezbollah rocket attack on Majdal Shams.

In a statement following Hezbollah's denial, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that "following assessments carried out in the IDF and the intelligence available to us, the rocket fire at Majdal Shams was carried out by Hezbollah."

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border have escalated since Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the previous day. Israel retaliated with heavy artillery fire into southeastern Lebanon. 
BEIRUT, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Four Hezbollah members were killed on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike on the southeastern Lebanese village of Kafr Kila, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said an Israeli warplane conducted two raids on houses in Kafr Kila, resulting in the deaths of the Hezbollah members.

On Saturday, Israeli warplanes and drones executed five raids on four villages and towns in the eastern sector of the border area. Israeli artillery also shelled eight towns and villages with approximately 35 shells, causing material damage and fires, which Civil Defense teams worked to extinguish, according to the sources.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced it had targeted "an espionage system" in northern Israel and the deployment of enemy soldiers in the area.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on October 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the previous day. Israel retaliated by firing heavy artillery into southeastern Lebanon. 
Chinese FM warns Philippines over U.S. intermediate missile system deployment

Xinhua) 09:42, July 27, 2024

VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo here on Friday, warning the Philippine side over the U.S. intermediate missile system deployment.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and the Philippines are close neighbors across the sea, and good neighborliness, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development are in the fundamental interests of the two countries.

He noted that the positive and negative lessons of China-Philippines relations in recent years have proved time and again that it is not easy to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them.

At present, Wang said, China-Philippines relations are facing serious difficulties and challenges, which are rooted in the fact that the Philippine side has repeatedly violated the consensus of the two sides and its own commitments, continuously pushed the infringement of rights at sea and magnified the speculation of public opinion.

China is gravely concerned about and firmly opposes it, Wang said.

He added that if the Philippines introduces the U.S. intermediate missile system, it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people.

Wang said that China has recently reached a temporary arrangement with the Philippines on the transportation and replenishment of humanitarian supplies to Ren'ai Jiao in order to maintain the stability of the maritime situation. The key is for the Philippine side to fulfill its commitments and refrain from changing its position, said the Chinese foreign minister. Otherwise, he noted, China will definitely respond resolutely.

Wang pointed out that China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and there is no way out of conflict and confrontation, except for dialogue and consultation.

He expressed the hope that the Philippine side will seriously think about the future of China-Philippines relations and work with China to push bilateral relations back on the right track at an early date.

Manalo, for his part, said the Philippines and China have a long history of traditional friendship and have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship based on equal treatment and mutual benefit.

Despite the difficulties and challenges faced by the two sides due to maritime issues, the Philippines is committed to easing the situation through dialogue and consultation, and dealing with differences constructively, Manalo said.

He added that the recent meeting of the bilateral consultative mechanism on the South China Sea, during which both sides agreed to manage the maritime situation, reflects the goodwill of both sides without compromising on their respective positions.

The Philippines is willing to implement the consensus, Manalo said, noting that next year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, and the Philippines is willing to strengthen communication with China in a sincere and pragmatic manner to enhance mutual trust and improve bilateral relations.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticised Beijing's "escalating and unlawful actions" in the South China Sea at a summit on Saturday, where his Russian counterpart said Washington has stoked anxiety in its plan for a nuclear deterrence with ally Seoul for the Korean peninsula, Azernews reports.

Blinken singled out China over its coast guard's hostile actions against U.S. defence treaty ally the Philippines in the South China Sea, but also lauded the two countries for their diplomacy after Manila completed a resupply mission earlier on Saturday to troops at a disputed shoal, unimpeded by China.

Blinken was attending the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum on Saturday alongside diplomats of major powers including Russia, India, China, Australia, Japan and the EU, which included discussions on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, North Korea's nuclear ambitions and tension in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' small troop presence on a grounded former U.S. navy ship at the second Thomas Shoal has for years angered China, which has clashed repeatedly with the Philippines over its resupply missions, causing regional concern about an escalation that could potentially lead to U.S. intervention.
PRAGUE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Republic plans to spend over 3.6 billion Czech crowns (154 million U.S. dollars) in the next three years to boost social security following last year's Charles University shooting.

According to a government document revealed by local media on Saturday, the government has outlined 21 security measures. These include enhancing police and firefighters' equipment, increasing virtual reality training, and promoting apps to alert the public to emergencies.

The Czech News Agency (CTK) reported that a significant portion of the funding will be dedicated to improving police capabilities over the next three years. This includes spending six million crowns to purchase weapons such as sniper rifles, and 60 million crowns on ballistic protection sets such as bulletproof vests and helmets.

The most expensive item on the list is the modernization of the vehicle fleet of first-line patrols and emergency units, costing 900 million crowns, according to the CTK.

In addition to better equipping, protecting, and training the security forces, the government aims to develop systems for notifying the public during emergencies and crises, such as using an application to send timely alerts.

Last December, a 24-year-old student shot and killed 14 people at the Faculty of Arts of the Charles University in Prague before committing suicide. The tragic incident also left 25 others injured. Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan called the shooting "a terrible act, unprecedented in the history of the Czech Republic." (1 U.S. dollar = 23.34 Czech crowns) 
The Pakistan-China Institute, in collaboration with PowerChina, has launched a groundbreaking report titled Aligning Special Economic Zones Policies of Pakistan and China

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) The Pakistan-China Institute, in collaboration with PowerChina, has launched a groundbreaking report titled Aligning Special Economic Zones Policies of Pakistan and China.

The report aims to provide a strategic framework for enhancing the economic and industrial collaboration between Pakistan and China through Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

The launch event brought together key stakeholders and experts who shared their insights on the importance of this initiative and its potential impact on Pakistan's economic landscape, a news release said.

In his opening remarks, Executive Director of Pakistan-China Institute, Mustafa Hyder Sayed emphasised the timeliness of the report. He noted that its release coincides with increasing collaboration between China and Pakistan, making it a pivotal moment for both nations.

Sayed highlighted the critical need for Pakistan to adopt export-oriented policies to attract Chinese industries that are relocating to the global south due to rising production costs, business-friendly environments, and market access to regional markets. He stressed that the global economic landscape is highly competitive and Pakistan must position itself as the prime destination for the relocation of key industries by developing unique selling points.

Drawing lessons from Chinas successful SEZ model, the report outlines what has worked in China and what needs to be adapted for Pakistan. Key takeaways include the necessity to attract investors with flexible policies and strategic locations for industrial zones, particularly near ports and business clusters, akin to the success seen in Shenzhen.

Su Dong, representing PowerChina, underscored the successful completion of 47 projects in Pakistan, with several others under construction. He expressed PowerChina's readiness to continue working closely with Pakistan, extending best wishes for the reports success.

Su Dong emphasised the significance of this collaborative effort in driving economic growth and fostering a stronger bilateral relationship. He reiterated PowerChina's commitment to supporting Pakistan in its industrial development journey, highlighting the potential for future projects and partnerships that can further enhance the economic ties between the two nations.

Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, delivered a keynote speech, lauding China as a great friend of Pakistan. He emphasised the significance of SEZs in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and fostering industrialization, noting that the relocation of Chinese industries presents a significant opportunity for Pakistan. Hussain stated that the government is committed to offering more incentives and concessions to attract Chinese businesses, ensuring full security for their operations, and adopting Shenzhen as a benchmark for SEZ development.

He highlighted that a few SEZs in Pakistan are already functional and stressed the importance of export zones in driving economic growth. The minister underscored the need for Pakistan to compete with other regions, such as ASEAN, Bangladesh, and Central Asia, by creating a favourable environment for industrial relocation.

Chief Administration Officer of China Overseas Ports Holdings Company Pakistan Ltd, Zou Yaodong extended warm congratulations on the launch of the report. He noted that in the past few years, SEZs have achieved significant development and become engines of economic growth.

However, he acknowledged that there are still many challenges to overcome in the face of global competition. Zou Yaodong assured that his organisation is available to assist and support the improvement and development of SEZs in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and continuous efforts to enhance the SEZ framework to attract more investors and industries.

Additional Secretary and Executive Director General-II (EDG-II) at the board of Investment (BOI), Dr. Erfa Iqbal shared her insights on the report, emphasising that the topic is very close to her heart. She highlighted that economic survival depends on robust SEZ policies and that China serves as a valuable example for Pakistan, a model followed by countries like Cambodia and Vietnam.

Dr. Iqbal pointed out that while Pakistan has made strides, the success of its SEZs is still debatable due to a range of problems. She praised the report for providing a comprehensive diagnosis of these issues and offering strategic recommendations.

Dr. Iqbal stressed that the success of Shenzhen was not merely due to its location but a combination of factors such as land, labor, and capital, all supported by proactive government policies. She emphasized the need to reduce transaction costs, enhance supportive banking transactions for investors, improve security measures and ensure business facilitation to create a conducive ecosystem for SEZ development.

The launch event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China economic relations through strategic SEZ policies. The collaborative effort marks a significant step towards economic growth and industrial development in Pakistan, paving the way for a prosperous future.

The report, Aligning Special Economic Zones Policies of Pakistan and China, is poised to serve as a blueprint for policymakers and industry leaders, guiding the development of SEZs that can attract global investments and drive sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.
Governor Punjab, Sardar Salim Haider Khan has urged for expanding the scope of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to include more beneficiaries from across the country. He said that millions of deserving people being benefited under the BISP umbrella remained a testimony of great vision of PPPP's leadership for welfare of common man

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) Governor Punjab, Sardar Salim Haider Khan has urged for expanding the scope of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to include more beneficiaries from across the country. He said that millions of deserving people being benefited under the BISP umbrella remained a testimony of great vision of PPPP's leadership for welfare of common man.

The governor made these remarks while meeting with the Chairperson, BISP Rubina Khalid who called on him in Murree today.

According to the details, during the meeting the chairperson BISP gave a detailed briefing to the governor about various running projects of BISP. The governor termed the BISP projects as the best means of providing financial assistance to people living below the poverty level.

He further said that expanding the network of BISP would help lessening financial constraints of deserving population. The governor also underlined the need for further improvement in the registration mechanism by removing the difficulties so that women from backward areas could get financial assistance easily.

The chairperson Rubina Khalid informed the governor that financial assistance was being provided to the beneficiaries on the basis of merit across the country. She apprised that steps were being taken to include more beneficiaries in BISP.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) The Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan has convened a meeting and a series of events to prepare for the upcoming elections for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and the Councils of Peoples Deputies.

The commission emphasized the importance of conducting these elections in full compliance with the Constitution and laws of Uzbekistan, said a statement issued here by Uzbek embassy on Saturday.

According to Article 128 of the Constitution, elections for these bodies are set for the first Sunday of the third ten-day period of October in the year their term expires. With the current term ending in 2024, the elections are scheduled for October 27, with the campaign commencing on July 26, as decided by the Central Election Commission.

These elections mark a notable shift from previous ones, occurring in a new socio-political context as defined by the Constitution.

The meeting highlighted several unique features of the upcoming elections. For the first time, Uzbekistan will employ a mixed electoral system for the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. Seventy-five deputies will be elected through the majoritarian system, where voters select specific candidates, and the remaining seventy-five will be chosen based on votes for political parties under the proportional system.

A significant advancement is the full digitization of election commissions activities and their interactions with election participants. This development will reduce bureaucracy, save time, and streamline document handling, ushering in a new era of efficiency in the electoral process.

Additionally, election legislation has been fundamentally revised to meet advanced democratic standards. New provisions include a revamped system for election bodies led by the Central Election Commission, a mandate for political parties to ensure at least 40% of their candidates are women, and a requirement for a candidate to receive a relative majority of votes to be elected, eliminating the need for a repeat vote if they secure more votes than other candidates in their district.

The elections will take place amid significantly strengthened parliamentarianism and the expanded powers of representative bodies at the local level, as established by the Updated Constitution. The Legislative Chamber's powers have increased from 5 to 12, and the Senate's from 12 to 18.

The parliament's oversight functions over the executive, judicial, law enforcement agencies, and special services have been expanded. The institution of hokims leading local Councils of Peoples Deputies will be abolished, and 33 powers previously held by hokims will be transferred to local Councils to enhance their role in resolving state issues.

The meeting underscored the significance of these elections as a vivid example of democratic state-building and an essential means for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights. The elections will involve electing 150 deputies to the Legislative Chamber, 65 members to the Senate, 65 deputies to the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and deputies to 208 district (city) Councils in the regions and Tashkent city, with approximately 30,000 candidates and nearly 90,000 trusted representatives actively participating.

Over 120,000 election commission members and more than 70,000 citizens and international observers are expected to participate in the election process.

To engage citizens widely, the Central Election Commission announced that the elections will be held on October 27 under the slogan My Choice  My Prosperous Homeland.

The E-Saylov information system is a key tool in enhancing election transparency and accessibility. It enables around 60 interactions between election commissions, political party candidates, observers, and the media electronically. Integrated with other electronic platforms, it automates many election procedures, forming an extensive database of nearly 400,000 participants, including commission members, candidates, and observers. About 32,000 participants will professionally use the system, which includes 40 types of SMS notifications. For citizens, it provides statistical data on voters and polling stations, information on candidates, and interactive maps of candidate biographies.

The meeting emphasized that the E-Saylov system represents a new level of technological advancement and transparency in elections. It was also noted that political parties have the right to nominate candidates for deputies according to Article 37 of the Election Code. To participate, parties must have been registered by the Ministry of Justice at least four months before the campaign announcement and collect at least 40,000 supporting signatures.

Additionally, a Calendar plan was approved to ensure all election-related activities are carried out step-by-step within the legal timelines. The Central Election Commission, as an impartial and independent constitutional body, will take all necessary measures to prepare for and conduct the elections in full compliance with national legislation and international standards, ensuring the process is open and transparent.

A Press Center has also been established under the Central Election Commission.
PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) Famed as the sole repository of the Gandhara art, Peshawar museum continues to captivate domestic and foreign tourists with its rich array of artifacts from an ancient civilization.

For Malaika Bibi, a sixth grade student and a resident of Nowshera, the lone Gandhara museum in the world offers a profound attraction to the life of Lord Buddha, the founder of Bhuddism.

With wide-eyed wonder, Malaika studied the intricate biographical panels that chronicle the Buddhas journey, a testament to the Gandhara periods artistic mastery.

Accompanied by her parents, Malaika's visit highlighted the museum's role as a beacon of historical and cultural preservation of the Gandhara art.

Renowned for its extensive collection of Buddhist sculptures from the Gandhara era (2nd century BC to 6th century AD), the Peshawar museum stands out as one of Southeast Asia's premier cultural and archeological institution, attracting followers of Bhuddism, tourists and archeology lovers from across the globe.

Constructed some 150 years back on Sher Suri Road opposite of Governor House where over 30,000 rare antiques, artifacts, coins, swords, guns and other antiquities including 16,000 are showcased and around 14,000 artifacts are lying in cupboards.

"I have heard a lot about Peshawar Museum being a home to Gandhara art and today after seeing the rare artifacts and statues of Lord Bhuddha has impressed me immensely besides took me to the golorous past history of Gandhara civilization that flourished in northern Pakistan," she told APP.

Suggesting of showcasing these treasures abroad through digital media, she said that the ancient antiquities and life stories of Bhuddha has made Pakistan a home to religious tourism.

With around 30,000 rare antiquities and panels of Bhuddha"s life stories showcased here, Malaika and her family took keen interest in its Mughal-era architecture of the colonial era building, ancient weapons of British army and swords of freedom fighters.

"It is the only Museum in the world where the complete life story of the Founder of Buddhism, Lord Bhudda was preserved in the form of panels and statues, said Bakhtzada Muhammad, Assistant Director Archeology and Museums Department while talking to APP.

The museum is famous all over the world for Gandhara period collections (200 BCE-600 CE) discovered from different archaeological excavations in Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda and Swabi that were the center of Gandhara civilization.

The historic building itself is a landmark structure with historic archeological and architecture significance has recently been conserved after years of the archaeological work.

A mixture of British and Mughal architecture, the museum hall was used as ballroom during the British rule however; the building was converted into a museum in 190607 in the memory of Queen Victoria.

Following completion of conservation and renovation work by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, the museum is a centre of attraction of foreign and domestic tourists, followers of Buddhism, monks, diplomats, general public, archeologists and architectural lovers these day and was also opened for tourists even at night.

Bakhtzada said its exterior and interior structure and designs have completely been rehabilitated and conserved by renowned experts without compromising on its original architecture and designs.

Its two side aisles on ground and first floor, surmounted by four elegant cupolas and small pinnacle on all corners has also been rehabilitated and conserved leaving in-erasable imprints on the visitors minds.

The completed renovation and conservation work includes an ancient main hall constructed in memory of Queen Victoria where the complete life story of Lord Bhudda, Buddha Gallery with statues of Lord Bhudda and Buddha Savatta Gallery having princely life of Lord Bhudda were preserved.

He added during last 50 years have been removed by the archaeologists restoring its structure in original conditions. The museum structure is made of red brick so it was painted in its original colour.

He said the main hall and two side aisles on ground and 1st flour, surmounted on all corners by four graceful cupolas and miniature pinnacles, were restored.

The dilapidated ceilings were removed, arches reopened, rooftop and minarets rehabilitated.

Likewise, unnecessary oil paints have been removed after original Paka kali was applied. The original wooden floor has been conserved, which was especially crafted from the ballroom during the British government

He said the renovation work was necessitated after its exterior and interior structure was badly damaged by earthquakes, torrential rains and harsh weather.

Besides its colonial era dorms and ceilings all the outdated plastic pipes as well as electrical wires were replaced with imported electrification and other relevant materials to prevent water seepage and ensure uninterrupted power supply in a unique style of colorful lighting that looks awesome at night.

Its galleries of ancient dresses of Waziristan tribes, primitive cooking plates and jewelry besides muzzle-loader guns mostly used by British Army and Swords of freedom fighters and punch marked coins are the most frequented visit by tourists after renovation.

Malaika highly appreciated the efforts of Directorate of Archeology and Museums KP for the renovation and conservation of Peshawar Museum and preservation of the Gandhara artifacts in its original grandeur.

APP/fam/

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(@FahadShabbir)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday appreciated the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army for carrying out a successful operation against terrorists in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday appreciated the officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army for carrying out a successful operation against terrorists in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The prime minister, in a statement, said that the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army showed exemplary valor to eliminate four terrorists in the operation.

"The war against terrorism will continue till the elimination of terrorism in toto from the country. The whole nation stands by the Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism," he remarked.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday paid tribute to Capt. Sarwar Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider), on his 76th martyrdom anniversary, lauded his valor and sacrifice to safeguard the country.

The prime minister, in a statement, said that Captain Sarwar Shaheed embraced martyrdom in the 1948 war by setting an example of courage and bravery.

He said that Capt. Sarwar Shaheed preferred the protection of his motherland to his life and set an eternal example for the generations to come.

The prime minister said that Captain Sarwar Shaheed's martyrdom anniversary was a reminder for the entire nation of the unparalleled sacrifices of the martyrs.

He said the whole nation could never forget the sacrifices of the officers and men of the Pakistan Army for safeguarding the country.

"The entire nation, including me, is proud of the martyrs of the Pakistan Army and their families. The entire nation stands by the officers and men of the Pakistan armed forces who are defending the country without caring about their own lives, " he added.
(@FahadShabbir)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday strongly condemned the ongoing violent acts of the Israeli forces in Khan Younis city of Gaza, causing the displacement of around 150,000 Palestinians.

The prime minister, in a statement, said that the siege of Khan Younis city had suspended the supply of food and other commodities to the area.

He said the Israeli forces were carrying out the genocide of Palestinians leading to a human catastrophe for which the international community including the United Nations should fulfill its responsibilities.

He said that Pakistan, in its statement at the International Court of Justice, had also effectively raised its voice for the Palestinians' right to self-determination and against Israeli oppression.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated his call for the implementation of the recent decisions of the ICJ and the resolutions adopted by the United Nations.

He said that Pakistan had dispatched around 1200 tons of relief goods to Palestine through Pakistan Air Force planes and another 1500 tons through three ships.

The prime minister said that he had issued special instructions for the enrollment of Palestinian medical students in Pakistani medical colleges to help them continue their education.

Calling upon the international community to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes in Palestine, he reiterated that the government and the people of Pakistan stood beside their Palestinian brothers and sisters.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Bogota, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) Colombia's intelligence chief, a close ally of President Gustavo Petro, resigned Friday after being accused by prosecutors of bribing lawmakers to speed up the passage of bills through parliament.

Petro wrote on the X social network that he had accepted "the resignation" of Carlos Ramon Gonzalez.

"His position as head of civil intelligence is incompatible with any judicial investigation," he added.

Gonzalez was on Thursday accused by prosecutors of having given "instructions" to bribe the presidents of both houses of Parliament in exchange for speeding up the adoption of several government bills.

According to the prosecutor's office, these bribes amounted to $1 million and were paid at the end of 2023 when Gonzalez was director of the presidency's administrative department.

The resignation comes a day after prosecutors charged two former directors of the National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) with embezzling public money intended to bribe parliamentarians.

The two accused said they were willing to strike a deal and give information to prosecutors in exchange for a reduced sentence.

In court testimony, the two men have implicated more than 20 officials and politicians close to the president, including former interior and finance ministers and Gonzalez.

Investigations have been opened into current Minister of Finance Ricardo Bonilla and former Interior Ministry chief Fernando Velasco, authorities said.

Gonzalez said on Thursday he was innocent and would cooperate with prosecutors.

Petro on Thursday called for "a thorough investigation into corruption, regardless of who falls."

Petro came to power in 2022 with an ambitious program of social reforms. Parliament has rejected a bill to nationalize the health system but last week gave the green light to a pension reform.
KAMPALA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Troops of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Saturday successfully rescued another 23 abductees from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in their joint military operation in the eastern DRC, a Ugandan spokesperson said.

The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) and armed forces of the DRC, in the operation dubbed "Shujaa," engaged the ADF near the Malibongo River, north of Tokomeka in the DRC's eastern province of Ituri, leading to the rescue of the abductees, Bilal Katamba, spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division, said in a statement.

He said the rescued abductees, including 16 females and seven males, were received at the UPDF tactical headquarters in Luna, Ituri Province, after being extracted from the jungles by the joint mobile forces.

"Among the rescued are 13 minors, including three infants under the age of one, who are severely malnourished," said Katamba. "A joint medical team is providing emergency care to save their lives. The mothers are also receiving basic medical treatment in the field, with arrangements underway to transfer them to a facility for more comprehensive care."

The Ugandan military and their Congolese counterparts started joint operations against the rebel group in November 2021, shortly after the ADF launched bomb attacks in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

The ADF, a branch of the Islamic State in Central Africa, is a Ugandan rebel group that is holed up in the jungles of the eastern DRC. The rebel group is blamed for causing havoc in villages in the eastern DRC. 
UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) Senior UN officials on Friday highlighted the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the escalating threat to aid workers, urging immediate action to prevent further deterioration.

Muhannad Hadi, Deputy UN Special Coordinator for the middle East Peace Process, and Antonia De Meo, Deputy Commissioner-General of the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, briefed the Security Council on the dire situation.

For nearly 10 months now, Palestinians and Israelis have lived through untold suffering, grief, sorrow, and loss. More than two million people in Gaza remain trapped in an endless nightmare of death and destruction on a staggering scale, Ms. De Meo told ambassadors.

Their lives are dominated by fear, thirst, hunger, disease, dehumanization, lack of basic sanitation, and repeated displacement. It is a relentless and often hourly struggle, day in and day out. Famine remains a risk, including in southern Gaza. Communicable diseases are on the rise.

The situation is particularly alarming for the 625,000 children in the enclave, deeply traumatized and with their futures at risk.

Most UNRWA schools  places of learning for about half of the children, and now used as shelters by the displaced  have been destroyed or severely damaged in Israeli military operations. Eight were struck in the past two weeks alone.

Prior to 7 October last year - the day Hamas and Palestinian armed groups brutally attacked Israeli communities, and the ensuing Israeli military operation  the agency operated 183 schools across the Gaza Strip.

According to reports, more than 38,000 people have been killed, and over 88,000 injured.

Furthermore, the threat of deadly communicable diseases continues to grow by the day against a backdrop of mountains of garbage and sewage overflowing through settlements of displaced people.

People with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, or diabetes are also unable to access the lifesaving treatment they need. And tens of thousands of other patients require urgent medical evacuation.

The latest specter looming over children is polio, a debilitating and incurable disease that causes paralysis, after the discovery of the highly infectious disease in sewage samples.

While the disease can be effectively prevented through vaccines, a heavily damaged and severely depleted healthcare system in Gaza means that children have not received crucial inoculations.

Though no cases of polio have been recorded yet, without immediate action it is just a matter of time before it reaches the thousands of children who have been left unprotected, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

Hadi highlighted that amidst the death and destruction, humanitarians are sparing no effort to provide lifesaving assistance to the most vulnerable.

But there is a gulf between what should be done, and what humanitarians can do. The commitment or willingness of the aid workers is not the issue, it is the inability to achieve our mandate, and that is beyond our control, he warned, stressing the lack of an enabling environment.

These include ensuring the protection of relief workers and those they are trying to help; the unhindered and safe reception, dispatch, and delivery of all humanitarian aid; no limitations on the amount and type of humanitarian items in Gaza; and visas for all UN staffers and international non-governmental organizations (INGO) workers.

The list of pre-requisites is long, he said, adding whatever shape the conflict may take in the near future, humanitarians must be able to safely access populations in need wherever they are in Gaza, throughout the Strip.

APP/ift
White River, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Jul, 2024) South African authorities rounded up 95 Libyans on Friday in a raid at a farm that appeared to have been converted into an illegal military training base, police said.

The morning raid was in a remote area outside the town of White River in the northeastern province of Mpumalanga, about 360 kilometres (220 miles) east of Johannesburg.

"The 95 individuals taken into custody are all Libyan nationals and are currently being questioned by the relevant authorities," police said in a statement.

The Libyans had entered South Africa in April and claimed to be training to be security guards, officials said.

"They allegedly misrepresented themselves on (their) visa application to SA claiming they were coming to train as security guards," police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe said in a statement on X.

But police in Mpumalanga "suspect they are receiving military training", she said, and they were arrested for contravening the immigration act.

Newzroom Afrika television footage from the scene showed a heavy police presence outside the suspected camp, which included green military-style tents.

It showed the detained men standing in groups and wearing civilian clothing.

A sign leading to the facility described it as an academy offering "specialised security training", an AFP reporter said.

"The place, which was initially designated as a training site, appears to have been converted into an illegal military training base," the police statement said.

No weapons or illegal substances were found on the site immediately but a search was ongoing, a police official told AFP.

The raid was launched after authorities received intelligence about the site in the province, which adjoins Mozambique and Eswatini.

Mpumalanga's safety and security minister, Jackie Macie, told local media that authorities were following up information about other similar camps in the area.

Authorities were processing the group with the aim of sending them back to their country of origin, he said.

- 'Multiple complaints' -

The owner of the security company said to be running the facility was a South African national, police spokesman Donald Mdhluli told AFP.

Most of the detained men did not speak English and it was not immediately clear whether they were affiliated to any group, Mdhluli said.

"We do suspect them of serious crime because we have had multiple complaints from the community for cases including rape," Mdhluli said.

South Africa has porous borders and high corruption and criminality that experts say have made it fertile ground for criminal syndicates.

Its security problems have given rise to a huge private security industry.

The country has more than 15,000 security firms employing about 2.8 million guards, providing armed response and training services, according to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.

There are also concerns the country may be a base for jihadist financing in Africa.

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday announced sanctions against what it said were two Islamic State group operatives based in South Africa.

They used robberies and kidnappings for ransom to raise money, and one was a suspected IS trainer and facilitator, it said.

Libya is still struggling to recover from years of war and chaos after the 2011 overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Although relative calm has returned in the past four years, clashes periodically occur between its myriad armed groups.

Most are allied with either the UN-recognised government in Tripoli or the rival administration backed by strongman Khalifa Haftar in the east.

Jalel Harchaoui, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in Britain, said rival factions were known to have sought security training abroad to create elite military units.

"This is often done through networks of foreign private companies," Harchaoui told AFP.

In a statement on Facebook, the UN-recognised Libyan government said it "formally and clearly denies" any affiliation with the group in South Africa and would assist with investigations to find out who they were.

Meta
As the sun blazes down in Abuja, Ahmed Bukar turns on his home air conditioner to a blast of hot air. The cooling gas that the appliance runs on is leaking from the charging valve on the unit. A technician had recently helped him refill the air conditioner with gas, but he didn't test for possible leaks.

In Abuja and across Nigeria, air conditioners sprout from the walls as the appliance turns from a middle-class luxury into a necessity in an increasingly hot climate. The industry is governed by regulations prohibiting the release of cooling gases into the air - for example, by conducting leak tests after an appliance is fixed. Still, routine release of gases into the atmosphere because of shoddy installations, unsafe disposal at the end of use, or the addition of gas without testing for leaks is a common problem in Nigeria, though unlawful.

The cooling gases, or refrigerants, have hundreds to thousands of times the climate warming potency of carbon dioxide, and the worst of them also harm the ozone layer. Following global agreements that promised to limit these gases from being spewed into the air, like the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendments, Nigeria has enacted regulations guiding the use of these gases. But enforcement is a problem, threatening Nigeria's commitments to slash emissions.

"Those laws, those rules, nobody enforces them," said Abiodun Ajeigbe, a manager for the air-conditioning business at Samsung in West Africa. "I have not seen any enforcement."

'I was not taught'

The weak regulatory system for the cooling industry in Nigeria is evident in the rampant lack of proper training and awareness of environmental harm caused by refrigerants among technicians, according to Ajeigbe. And it is common to see.

After uninstalling an air conditioner for a client who was moving to another neighborhood, Cyprian Braimoh, a technician in Abuja's Karu district, casually frittered the gas from the unit into the air, preparing it to be refilled with fresh gas at the client's new location.

If he followed the country's regulations, he would collect the gas into a canister, preventing or minimizing the gas's environmental harm. Technicians like Braimoh and those who serviced Bukar's appliance without testing for leaks are self-employed and unsupervised. But they often get customers because they offer cheaper services.

"I was not taught that; I only release it into the air," said Braimoh, who originally specialized in electrical wiring of buildings before fixing air conditioners to increase his income options. He received patchy training that did not include the required safety standards for handling refrigerants. And he still did not conduct a leak test after installing the air conditioning unit at his client's new location, which is required by the country's cooling industry regulations.

Installations done by well-trained technicians who follow environmental regulations can be costlier for customers. It's often the case in Nigeria, where hiring the services of companies like Daibau, who later helped Bukar fix his leaks, could result in higher costs.

Manufacturers who offer direct refrigeration and air-conditioning installation services to big commercial customers have tried to self-regulate with safety training and certifications for their technicians, Ajeigbe said.

Potent greenhouse gases

According to industry professionals and public records, the most common air conditioners in Africa still use what's known as R-22 gas. This refrigerant is less harmful to the ozone layer compared to the older, even more damaging coolants called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs have been largely eliminated, thanks to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which was created to protect the ozone layer, the vital shield in the atmosphere that protects against cancer-causing ultraviolet rays.

But R-22 is 1,810 times more damaging to the climate than carbon dioxide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Just one pound of the coolant is nearly as potent as a ton of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas, but while CO2 can stay in the atmosphere for over 200 years, R-22 stays in the atmosphere for around 12 years. R-22 air conditioners also have low energy efficiency and most of the electricity powering them in Africa is from fossil fuels.

Nigeria plans to phase out the R-22 refrigerant by January 1, 2030. But with lax enforcement, meeting the phaseout target is in doubt, Ajeigbe said.

Newer air conditioners that use a family of gases called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) don't harm the ozone and consume less electricity. But HFCs are still potent greenhouse gases and account for around 2% of all human-caused warming in the atmosphere.

One HFC, R-410A, which is still a common refrigerant in Europe and the United States, has a warming potential 2,088 times greater than that of carbon dioxide and lasts roughly 30 years in the atmosphere. Air conditioners running on it are the next most common in Africa.

Another HFC, R-32, is 675 times more potent than CO2, lasts about five years in the atmosphere, and is more energy-efficient. But it is just "marginally" in the African market, Ajeigbe said.

Air conditioners running on HFCs are more expensive, meaning they're less popular than the more polluting ones, according to sellers and technicians in Abuja and Lagos.

A wider problem

It's not just Nigeria. In Ghana, the cooling industry also struggles to get technicians to comply with environmental standards.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "poor servicing practices prevalent" in the country are largely driven by consumers, who choose low-trained technicians on price considerations and neglect recommended standards.

In Kenya, the demand for cooling systems is growing as temperatures warm, the population grows and electricity access expands. Air conditioners running on R-22 are still very common in Kenya, but the National Environmental Management Authority told The Associated Press there have not been new imports since 2021, in line with 2020 regulations.

The regulations require technicians handling refrigerants and cooling appliances to obtain a license, but that is not enforced, technicians told AP, leaving space for environmentally unsafe practices.

"You just need to be well-trained and start installations. It's a very simple industry for us who are making a living in it," said Nairobi-based technician Jeremiah Musyoka.

One cooling gas that's energy-efficient and less harmful to the atmosphere, R-290, is slowly gaining traction as an alternative for refrigeration and air conditioning in developed markets like the European Union. The demand for efficient heat pumps is rapidly expanding in the EU, but adoption in Africa remains insignificant because of cost barriers and limited awareness.

Countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya have also identified R-290 as the product that will ultimately replace HFCs, but models using it are not commercially available. And they still have to worry about specialized training for technicians because of R-290's high flammability.

"It worries me there is not enough training and existing regulations are not enforced," Ajeigbe, manager at Samsung, said. But he said enforcing the import ban on banned gases and the appliances that use them would make a difference.

Anastasia Akhigbe, a senior regulatory official at Nigeria's National Environmental Standards and Regulations Agency, added that increasing awareness among appliance importers, technicians and consumers about the environmental impacts of certain refrigerants would also help.

"Enforcement is a known challenge, but we are moving gradually," Akhigbe said.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived early Saturday in Laos, where he will attend a regional meeting and hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, part of a multination Asia visit aimed at reinforcing ties with regional allies in the face of an increasingly assertive Beijing.

The top U.S. diplomat is due to meet China's Wang Yi on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers meeting being held in Vientiane.

Blinken has prioritized promoting a "free and open" Asia-Pacific region  a thinly veiled criticism of China's regional economic, strategic and territorial ambitions.

During a series of ASEAN meetings, "the secretary's conversations will continue to build upon the unprecedented deepening and expansion of U.S.-ASEAN ties," the State Department said in a statement shortly before Blinken touched down in Vientiane.

This is Blinken's 18th visit to Asia since taking office more than three years ago, reflecting the fierce competition between Washington and Beijing in the region.

He notably arrived two days after the foreign ministers of China and Russia met with those from the 10-nation ASEAN bloc  and each other  on the sidelines of the summit.

Wang and Blinken would "exchange views on issues of common concern," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Friday.

Blinken is expected to "discuss the importance of adherence to international law in the South China Sea" at the ASEAN talks, according to the U.S. State Department.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Beijing's "escalating and unlawful actions" in the South China Sea at a summit on Saturday, where his Russian counterpart said Washington has stoked anxiety in its plan for a nuclear deterrence with ally Seoul for the Korean peninsula.

Blinken singled out China over its coast guard's hostile actions against U.S. defense treaty ally the Philippines in the South China Sea, but he also lauded the two countries for their diplomacy after Manila completed a resupply mission earlier on Saturday to troops at a disputed shoal, unimpeded by China.

Blinken was attending the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum on Saturday alongside diplomats of major powers that included Russia, India, China, Australia, Japan and the European Union, which included discussions on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, North Korea's nuclear ambitions and tension in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' small troop presence on a grounded former U.S. navy ship at the Second Thomas Shoal has for years angered China, which has clashed repeatedly with the Philippines over its resupply missions, causing regional concern about an escalation that could potentially lead to U.S. intervention.

The two sides this week reached an arrangement over how to conduct those missions.

"We are pleased to take note of the successful resupply today of the Second Thomas Shoal," Blinken told foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, the host of the meetings in Laos.

"We applaud that and hope and expect to see that it continues going forward."

Blinken held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the gathering, in their sixth meeting since June 2023, when Blinken's visit to Beijing marked an improvement in strained ties between the world's two biggest economies.

Blinken discussed Taiwan with Wang and concerns about Beijing's recent "provocative actions," included a simulated blockade during the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a senior U.S. State Department official said.

They agreed to continue progress on military-to-military ties, the official said, adding Blinken also discussed Beijing's support for Russia's defense industrial base and warned of further U.S. action against Chinese firms, but received no commitment from Wang.

China's foreign ministry had no immediate statement on the meeting.

Korean peninsula

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the forum said guidelines on the operation of U.S. nuclear assets on the Korean peninsula, officially aimed at establishing an integrated deterrence to North Korean threats, were adding to regional security concerns.

"So far we can't even get an explanation of what this means, but there is no doubt that it causes additional anxiety," Russia's state-run RIA news agency quoted Lavrov as saying.

"They are actively inflaming the atmosphere around the Korean peninsula, militarizing their presence there and conducting exercises that are frankly aimed at being ready for military action," he said, according to Interfax.

War in Gaza

Blinken said earlier the United States was "working intensely every single day" to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza and find a path to more enduring peace and security.

His remarks followed those of Retno Marsudi, the foreign minister of Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, who said the need for sustainable peace was urgent.

Retno also said international law should be applied to all, a veiled reference to recent decisions by two international courts over Israeli's Gaza offensives.

"We cannot continue closing our eyes to see the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza," Retno said.

The fighting has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza since Israel launched its incursion, according to Palestinian health authorities, who do not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants.

Israeli officials estimate that 14,000 fighters from militant groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have been killed or captured, out of an estimated force of more than 25,000 at the start of the war, which began when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250 others, according to Israeli tallies.

Myanmar fighting

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Myanmar's military rulers to take a different path and end an intensifying civil war, pressing the generals to abide by their commitment to follow ASEAN's peace plan.

The conflict pits Myanmar's well-equipped military against a loose alliance of ethnic minority rebel groups and an armed resistance movement that has been gaining ground and testing the generals' ability to govern.

The junta largely ignored the peace effort, and ASEAN has hit a wall as all sides refuse to enter dialogue.

"We see the instability, the insecurity, the deaths, the pain that is being caused by the conflict," Wong told reporters. "My message from Australia to the regime is, this is not sustainable for you or for your people."

An estimated 2.6 million people have been displaced by fighting. The junta has been condemned for its air strikes on civilian areas and accused of atrocities, which it has dismissed as Western disinformation.

ASEAN issued a communique on Saturday stressing it was united behind its peace plan and condemned violence against civilians, urging all sides in Myanmar to end hostilities and start dialogue.

ASEAN also welcomed unspecified practical measures to reduce tension in the South China Sea and prevent accidents and miscalculations, while urging all parties to halt actions that could complicate and escalate disputes.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, shortly before meeting his Chinese counterpart on Saturday, urged Southeast Asian countries to help address challenges including Beijing's "escalating and unlawful actions" in the South China Sea.

Blinken also called the civil war in Myanmar "heartbreaking" and stressed to foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, the need to work together to tackle issues such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine and North Korea's missile programs.

Although Blinken singled out China over its actions against U.S. defense ally the Philippines in the South China Sea, he lauded both countries for their diplomacy hours after Manila completed a resupply mission to troops in an area also claimed by Beijing.

The troop presence has for years angered China, which has clashed repeatedly with the Philippines over Manila's missions to troops on a navy ship grounded at the Second Thomas Shoal, causing regional concern about an escalation.

The two sides this week reached an arrangement over how to conduct those missions.

"We are pleased to take note of the successful resupply today of the Second Thomas shoal, which is the product of an agreement reached between the Philippines and China," Blinken told ASEAN counterparts.

"We applaud that and hope and expect to see that it continues going forward."

Gaza situation 'dire'

Blinken will hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi after Saturday's security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum in Laos, which will be attended by top diplomats of major powers including Russia, Australia, Japan, the European Union, Britain and others.

Blinken also said the United States was "working intensely every single day" to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza and find a path to more enduring peace and security.

His remarks follow those of Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who said the need for sustainable peace was urgent. "We cannot continue closing our eyes to see the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza," she said.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Myanmar's military rulers to take a different path and end an intensifying civil war, pressing the generals to abide by their commitment to follow ASEAN's five-point consensus peace plan.

The conflict pits Myanmar's well-equipped military against a loose alliance of ethnic minority rebel groups and an armed resistance movement that has been gaining ground and testing the generals' ability to govern.

The junta has largely ignored the ASEAN-promoted peace effort, and the 10-member bloc, of which Myanmar is a member, has hit a wall as all sides refuse to enter into dialogue.

"We see the instability, the insecurity, the deaths, the pain that is being caused by the conflict," Wong told reporters.

"Fundamentally, my message from Australia to the regime is this is not sustainable for you or for your people. And we would urge them to take a different path and to reflect the five-point consensus that ASEAN has put in place," Wong said.

An estimated 2.6 million people have been displaced by fighting. The junta has been condemned for excessive force in its air strikes on civilian areas and accused of atrocities, which it has dismissed as Western disinformation.
Concerns grew Friday over the fairness of Venezuela's presidential elections as Caracas was accused of blocking international observers from arriving for the Sunday vote, including a delegation of ex-presidents.

In the latest blow to an already fraught election run-up, Panama said authorities had prevented a flight carrying former Latin American leaders  all critics of President Nicolas Maduro  from leaving its international airport.

Colombian officials reported being denied entry at Caracas airport, as did Spanish MPs.

Socialist Maduro, 61, will seek reelection Sunday to a third six-year term amid accusations of opposition harassment by an increasingly authoritarian regime.

His government agreed with the opposition last year to hold free and fair elections in 2024, with international observers present  winning a temporary easing of sanctions from the United States.

But he since reneged on some of the conditions, and loyalist institutions barred opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from running against him.

On Friday, Panama said its former president Mireya Moscoso, as well as former leaders Miguel Angel Rodriguez of Costa Rica, Jorge Quiroga of Bolivia and Vicente Fox of Mexico, had their plane held up.

The group, which also included former Colombian vice president Marta Lucia Ramirez, got off to allow the plane, with many Venezuelan voters on board, to take off.

Panamanian authorities said the delay affected several flights to and from Venezuela.

Panama has summoned Venezuela's diplomatic representative in the country to explain.

Diosdado Cabello, vice president of Venezuela's ruling party, had warned this week the former presidents would be expelled if they came, calling them "enemies of this country."

"A bad sign for Sunday," Fox said Friday in an interview with Mexico's Grupo Formula radio. "We were removed from the plane with blackmail and pressure from Venezuela."

Colombian radio reported that senator Angelica Lozano was denied entry upon arrival in Caracas, and then deported.

And in Spain, the conservative opposition People's Party, or PP, said a 10-member delegation of its parliamentarians were detained in Caracas by "the tyrant Maduro."

Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo on X demanded their "immediate release" and intervention from the Spanish government.

Sources in the foreign ministry told AFP the party had been informed their request to observe the vote had been denied by Caracas.

"Chavismo doesn't want witnesses," PP spokesman Miguel Tellado said, referring to the populist movement created by Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez.

"It does not want the international community to have eyes and ears in Venezuela this weekend," he added on X.

Caracas this week also withdrew an invitation to observe the vote to Argentina's ex-president Alberto Fernandez after he publicly urged Maduro to accept the outcome, even if he loses.

It had earlier canceled an invitation to European Union experts, while allowing monitors from the UN and the U.S.-based Carter Center.

'Bloodbath'

Maduro will on Sunday face off against little-known ex-diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, 74, who replaced Machado on the ballot and should win, polls say, by a large margin.

Analysts, observers and many opposition supporters doubt Maduro, who counts on a loyal electoral machinery, military leadership, courts and state institutions, will let him.

Maduro has already warned of a "bloodbath" if he loses, drawing opprobrium from Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who said: "Maduro has to learn: if you win, you stay. If you lose, you go."

On Friday, Argentina's right-wing libertarian President Javier Milei, at odds with many of his leftist counterparts in the region, said in a message to Machado that his country supported Venezuela "in this struggle for freedom" and called for voting rights to be respected.

The Foro Penal, an NGO advocating for the rights of "political prisoners" in Venezuela, meanwhile, reported the arrests of 135 people with links to the opposition campaign since January.

Forty-seven are still detained.

Maduro's 2018 reelection was rejected as illegitimate by most Western and Latin American countries.

But years of tough U.S. sanctions and other pressure failed to dislodge the president, who enjoys support from Cuba, Russia and China.

The formerly rich petro-state has seen GDP fall by 80 percent in less than a decade, driving some seven million of its citizens to flee.

Most Venezuelans live on just a few dollars a month, with the health care and education systems in total disrepair and biting shortages of electricity and fuel.

The government blames U.S. sanctions for the state of affairs, but observers say it all started with deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement.
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump's near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president's ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused his injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.

"What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject's rifle," the agency said in a statement.

The FBI statement marked the most definitive law enforcement account of Trump's injuries and followed ambiguous comments earlier in the week from Director Christopher Wray that appeared to cast doubt on whether Trump had been hit by a bullet.

Wray's comment drew fury from Trump and his allies and further stoked conspiracy theories that have flourished on both sides of the political aisle amid a lack of information following the July 13 attack.

Until now, federal law enforcement agents involved in the investigation, including the FBI and Secret Service, had repeatedly refused to provide information about what caused Trump's injuries. Trump's campaign has also declined to release medical records from the hospital where he was first treated or to make the doctors there available for questions.

Updates have instead come either from Trump himself or from Trump's former White House doctor, Ronny Jackson, a staunch ally who now represents Texas in Congress. Though Jackson has been treating Trump since the night of the attack, he has come under considerable scrutiny and is not Trump's primary care physician.

The FBI's apparent reluctance to immediately vouch for the former president's version of events  along with the ire he and some supporters have directed at the bureau in the shooting's aftermath  has raised fresh tension between the Republican nominee and the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency, which he could soon exert control over again.

Questions persist

Questions about the extent and nature of Trump's wound began immediately after the attack, as his campaign and law enforcement officials declined to answer questions about his condition or the treatment he received after he narrowly escaped an attempted assassination by a gunman with a high-powered rifle.

Those questions have persisted despite photos showing the trace of a projectile speeding past Trump's head, photographs that show Trump's teleprompter glass intact after the shooting, and the account Trump himself gave in a Truth Social post within hours of the shooting saying he had been "shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear."

"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," he wrote.

Days later, in a speech accepting the nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Trump described the scene in detail, while wearing a large, white, gauze bandage over his right ear.

"I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me really, really hard, on my right ear. I said to myself, 'Wow, what was that? It can only be a bullet,'" he said.

But the first medical account of Trump's condition didn't come until a full week after the shooting, when Jackson released his first letter last Saturday evening. In that letter, he said the bullet that struck Trump had "produced a 2-cm-wide wound that extended down to the cartilaginous surface of the ear." He also revealed that Trump had received a CT scan at the hospital.

But federal law enforcement involved in the investigation, including the FBI and Secret Service, had declined to confirm that account. And Wray's testimony offered apparently conflicting answers on the issue.

"There's some question about whether or not it's a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear," Wray testified, before he seemed to suggest it was indeed a bullet.

"I don't know whether that bullet, in addition to causing the grazing, could have also landed somewhere else," he said.

FBI clarification

The following day, the FBI sought to clarify matters with a statement affirming that the shooting was an "attempted assassination of former President Trump which resulted in his injury, as well as the death of a heroic father and the injuries of several other victims." The FBI also said Thursday that its Shooting Reconstruction Team continues to examine bullet fragments and other evidence from the scene.

Jackson, who has been treating the former president since the night of the July 13 shooting, told The Associated Press on Thursday that any suggestion Trump's ear was bloodied by anything other than a bullet was reckless.

In his letter Friday, Jackson insisted "there is absolutely no evidence" Trump was struck by anything other than a bullet and said it was "wrong and inappropriate to suggest anything else."

He wrote that at Butler Memorial Hospital, where the GOP nominee was rushed after the shooting, he was evaluated and treated for a "Gunshot Wound to the Right Ear."

The FBI declined to comment on the Jackson letters.

Asked if the campaign would release those hospital records or allow the doctors who treated him there to speak, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung blasted the media for asking.
TEHRAN, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock exchanged views on Germany's closure of Islamic centers in the European country in a phone call on Saturday.

Bagheri Kani expressed dissatisfaction with the German government's decision, condemning it as a "completely political" move, including the shutdown of the Islamic Center Hamburg (IZH), according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

He described the action as part of a strategy to "spread Islamophobia and safeguard Israel's interests," and warned that Germany should accept the consequences of its actions.

Baerbock responded by stating that under German law, the Islamic centers could pursue their rights through legal mechanisms. She highlighted the necessity of efforts in resolving the differences that had arisen, expressing hope that the obstacles to bilateral relations would be removed through dialogue and diplomatic channels.

The two ministers also discussed the latest developments in West Asia, the talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, the removal of sanctions, and bilateral consular issues, according to the statement.

On Wednesday, the German Interior Ministry said in a statement that it had banned the Hamburg-based IZH and its affiliated organizations throughout Germany, claiming the center was "an Islamist extremist organization pursuing anti-constitutional objectives."

The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned German Ambassador to Tehran Hans-udo Muzel and protested the country's move, which it described as a "hostile action contrary to the fundamental principles of human rights." 
Finance ministers from leading rich and developing nations agreed Friday to strive toward effectively taxing the super rich, a joint ministerial declaration said.

"With full respect to tax sovereignty, we will seek to engage cooperatively to ensure that ultra-high-net-worth individuals are effectively taxed," the declaration said after the two-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil has made a proposal to impose a 2% minimum tax on billionaires a top priority of its presidency of the Group of 20, ahead of the November 18-19 summit in Rio.

While the final declaration stops short of agreeing on a specific global tax, Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad nevertheless called it a "significant step forward."

"We were always optimistic about this result, but it really exceeded our initial expectations," Haddad told reporters.

Brazil's proposal to tax billionaires has divided G20 nations. France, Spain and South Africa have expressed support, while the U.S. is against.

"Tax policy is very difficult to coordinate globally, and we don't see a need or really think it's desirable to try to negotiate a global agreement on that," U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told journalists Thursday.

Money transfers

Governments fear the super rich would transfer their money to tax havens if a country individually adopted such a tax, said economist Rogerio Studart, a senior fellow at the Brazilian Center for International Relations think tank.

"When action is done collectively, everyone wins. When there is fragmentation, many lose," Studart said.

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 world's population, according to an Oxfam analysis released Thursday ahead of the finance ministers meeting.

Billionaires currently pay the equivalent of 0.3% of their wealth in taxes, according to a report by Gabriel Zucman, commissioned by Brazil. 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 report said.

Zucman, who is the founding director of the Paris-based EU Tax Observatory, celebrated the outcome of the finance ministers meeting.

"For the first time in history, there is now a consensus among G20 countries that the way we tax the super rich must be fixed, and a commitment to work together for this. It's an important step in the right direction," he said in a statement.

Nongovernmental organizations also welcomed the declaration, while encouraging further action at the G20 summit in November.

Extreme weather events made more likely by climate change are expected to cost "trillions of dollars every year, and it is outrageous to expect that the regular taxpayer should pay for it," Camila Jardim, an international politics specialist with Greenpeace Brazil, said in a statement.

Brazil has put inequality, poverty and hunger at the heart of its presidency of the G20. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended the need for increased taxation of the world's richest in Rio on Wednesday when he unveiled plans for a global alliance against hunger and poverty.

Brazil is also pushing for changes in global governance institutions and advocating for a sustainable energy transition.

On the sidelines of the discussions around taxation, Haddad and Yellen on Friday announced the launch of a climate partnership between Brazil's Ministry of Finance and the U.S. Treasury.

It will seek "to address today's most pressing environmental challenges and strengthen the region's green economy," Yellen said, citing efforts to bolster clean energy supply chains and improve the integrity and effectiveness of the voluntary carbon market.
Unknown attackers in central Pakistan shot and killed a member of the minority Ahmadi community Saturday amid an uptick in violence, against what critics describe as the countrys long-persecuted group.

The targeted shooting occurred in the Gujarat district in Punjab, the countrys most populous province, area police officials reported. They identified the victim as 53-year-old Zaka ur Rehman, a practicing dentist, saying the assailants fled the scene.

Witnesses reported to police that two gunmen on a motorbike arrived at Rehmans clinic, with one of them firing multiple shots at him from close range, said Amir Mehmood, a spokesperson for the minority community. He demanded that Pakistani authorities swiftly arrest the culprits and bring them to justice.

Rehman is the fourth Ahmadi killed in Punjab and the country as a whole this year.

Saturdays attack came two days after a United Nations panel of independent experts denounced the spike in attacks against members of Pakistans minority Ahmadi community and their places of worship.

We are alarmed by ongoing reports of violence and discrimination against the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan. We urge Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to address this situation, the experts, reporting to the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council, said in a statement Thursday.

Ahmadis are followers of the Ahmadiyya community, a contemporary messianic movement founded in 1889, and they profess to be Muslims.

The U.N. experts highlighted the killings of several Ahmadis in recent weeks and expressed concern over allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions of worshippers from the community to keep them from participating in their religious rituals.

Urgent measures are necessary to respond to these violent attacks and the broader atmosphere of hatred and discrimination which feeds it, the panel stated.

No group has lately claimed responsibility for targeting Ahmadis, but their representatives blame Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan, or TLP, a far-right Islamist political party, for inciting followers to attack members and places of worship of the minority community.

TLP leaders routinely use offensive anti-Ahmadi language in rallies and gatherings.

Pakistans parliament declared Ahmadis non-Muslim in 1974 and subsequently prohibited them from "indirectly or directly posing as Muslims. The minority sect is also barred from declaring or propagating its faith publicly and building places of worship in the country.

The legislative restrictions are blamed for the rise in violence against Ahmadis. Domestic and international human rights groups have persistently criticized Pakistan for not doing enough to deter crimes against members of its religious minorities, including Christians.
Likely U.S. election rivals Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offered competing views on Israels conduct in its war in Gaza, as they separately met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week.

While reiterating support for Israels right to self-defense from Iran and Iran-backed militias, and condemning Hamas as a brutal terrorist organization, Harris delivered a forceful call to immediately reach a cease-fire.

As I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done, Harris said Thursday during remarks that followed a photo opportunity with Netanyahu where she appeared polite but firm and businesslike.

Reiterating her commitment to a two-state solution, Harris projected an empathetic tone on the scale of human suffering of the Palestinian people.

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.

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 vowed.

In an apparent nod to the large swath of Democratic voters who are angry at the Biden administrations staunch support for Israels military campaign, Harris said, I see you and I hear you, while appealing to the American people to acknowledge the complexity, the nuance and the history of the region.

Her grave and measured remarks stand in stark contrast to ad-libbed comments from Trump, who blamed the Biden administration for the turmoil in the Middle East and baselessly claimed that he would quickly resolve the Gaza conflict if elected.

If we win, itll be very simple. Its all going to work out and very quickly, Trump told reporters gathered at his Florida residence Friday as he began his meeting with Netanyahu.

If we dont, youre going to end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war. You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the Second World War, he said. Youve never been so close, because we have incompetent people running our country.

Saying that he was very good to Israel, better than any president's ever been, Trump highlighted pro-Israel policies during his first term, including brokering the Abraham Accords that normalized Israels diplomatic ties with some Arab neighbors, moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights.

Trump soured on Netanyahu in January 2021 after the Israeli leader congratulated Biden for winning the 2020 election, which the former president falsely insists he won. He has since repeatedly criticized Netanyahu publicly over the Gaza war.

On Friday, the two appeared to have mended their relationship, with Trump forcefully pulling the Israeli leaders arm to hold his body close as he shook his hand.

Eager for cease-fire

Both Harris and Trump are eager for a cease-fire and impatient with Netanyahus prosecution of the war, but for sharply different reasons.

Harris wants Netanyahu to prioritize the humanitarian crisis and minimize civilian casualties. Trump wants Israel to win decisively  and quickly before he takes office, said Laura Blumenfeld, Middle East analyst at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies.

Harris sees it as a moral issue, she told VOA, while Trump views it as a mess.

Warning: This video includes graphic images that some may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.

Eager to win back progressive and young voters, as well as Muslim and Arab American voters angry at the Biden administrations policy on Gaza, Harris may strive for a more balanced approach.

Harriss approach to Gaza would embrace the gray complexity of the Middle East, in contrast with Bidens, which was characterized by a bright clarity that at times could be interpreted as blinding, Blumenfeld said. Their approaches may differ more in style than in substance, but managing emotions among the traumatized parties in the Middle East can make or break a peace agreement.

Polls show more Americans opposing than supporting Israels military action in Gaza, particularly Democrats. In the more than 290 days since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed roughly 1,200 Israelis, Israels military response has killed more than 39,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health authority. In May, Israel estimated the toll at 30,000.

Still, whoever wins the November election, a new administration in Washington could bring some shift in U.S.-Israel relations, whether or not Netanyahu stays in power, said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. negotiator for the Middle East who is now with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Whoever is prime minister is going to have to deal with, on one hand perhaps a more critical Democratic approach under Kamala Harris, and an unpredictable one under President Trump, he told VOA.

While a second Trump administration would be definitely supportive of Israel, Miller said the notoriously transactional Trump instrumentalizes his relations.

When people are useful to him, he praises them, and when they're not, he can easily abandon them, he said. He's very, very unpredictable.
Job losses and wage cuts from China's economic downturn are hitting key industries, according to the South China Morning Post, and analysts say the situation could lead to political difficulties for the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Rights groups say the situation has triggered a sharp increase in protests and strikes around the country  not enough to threaten the rule of the CCP or President Xi Jinping, but enough that an analyst sees a "hidden danger" for Chinese authorities unless they can rejuvenate the economy.

Mr. Wang, in his early 40s, lives in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, in southern China. He was formerly employed at a well-known business travel platform but was laid off earlier this year. He prefers not to disclose his full name or the companys name due to the matter's sensitivity.

Wang tells VOA, "In the area of business travel software, our company is at the forefront of China in terms of R&D and sales, and it is also one of the top 500 private enterprises in China. But now many companies have run out of money, our sales have plummeted, and the layoffs finally fell on our group of old employees."

He compares Chinas economic slowdown to a high-speed train suddenly hitting the brakes, and everyone on the train hitting the ground, even those better-off, like himself.

Chinas Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate has been dropping since hitting 10.6% in 2010, well before the COVID pandemic, which cut growth to 2.2% in 2020, according to the World Bank.

The global lender says growth bounced back to 8.4% in 2021 but then fell to 3% in 2022 before a moderate recovery to 5.2% in 2023. The World Bank expects Chinas growth rate to drop back below 5% this year.

Several Chinese workers VOA talked with said they were unprepared for the economy to slow so quickly.

Two large IT companies laid off Mr. Liu in Guangzhou in the past two years, and his life has turned gloomy. He also prefers not to disclose his full name due to the matter's sensitivity. Still struggling to find a job, Liu has a second child, and his wife was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

"When I was laid off for the first time, I got decent severance pay because I had worked there for a long time," says Liu. "Later, when I came to a large company, I was laid off again, and I felt that I was quite unlucky. Fortunately, we don't have too much debt."

According to South Morning China Post's (SCMP) July analysis of the annual reports of 23 top Chinese companies, 14 of them carried out large layoffs in 2023, with technology and real estate companies among the worst hit amid a glut of empty buildings.

The online newspaper reports that one company, Poly Real Estate, laid off 16.3% of its workforce in the past year, or 11,000 people; Greenland Holdings, a Shanghai-based real estate company, also saw a 14.5% drop in the number of its employees.

The SCMP reports online retail giant Alibaba cut 12.8% of its workforce, or about 20,000 jobs, in the 2023 fiscal year, while technology conglomerate Tencent's headcount fell 2.8% in 2023 to about 3,000, and in the first quarter of 2024, the company laid off another 630 people.

In addition, Chinese internet tech firms ByteDance, JD.com, Kuaishou, Didi Chuxing, Bilibili and Weibo have all conducted layoffs this year.

Chinas National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is painting a rosier picture this month, calling employment and the national economy "generally stable" and citing "steady progress." In June, it showed only a 0.2% drop in urban jobs compared with the same period last year.

The NBS also claimed Chinas lowest youth unemployment rate this year, 13.2%, after it removed students from the calculation. The new methodology was introduced after China hit a record high 21.3% youth unemployment in June 2023, prompting authorities to suspend publication of the statistic.

Chen Yingxuan, a policy analyst at the Taiwan Institute of National Defense and Security Studies who specializes in Chinese unemployment, tells VOA that Beijings job worries have shifted from fresh graduates and the working class to middle class and senior managers.

She says many have faced salary cuts or layoffs to reduce costs and increase efficiency as China struggles with a weak housing market, sluggish consumption, high government debt, foreign investment withdrawals, and trade barriers.

Even people with relatively stable incomes, such as workers at state-owned enterprises, are feeling the pinch.

Ms. Zhang, who works for a state-owned commercial bank in Guangzhou and prefers not to disclose her full name due to the matters sensitivity, says many bank employees are seeing paychecks shrink.

"State owned banks such as China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China, or joint-stock banks, are now cutting salaries, let alone urban commercial banks in many places," she tells VOA. "Salary cuts already started last year, and it seems to be worse this year."

She projects the cuts will be 20% to 30% by the end of the year.

In July, China's 31 provincial-level administrative regions issued regulations calling for party and government organs to "live a tight life," focusing on budget cuts and reductions in public spending.

Analysts say further job and wage cuts could lead to intensified protests and strikes, leading to greater instability.

Rights group China Labor Bulletin (CLB) in 2023 counted 1,794 strike incidents in China, more than double the number in 2022.

In the past six months alone, the group documented about 1,200 incidents in protest of the wage cuts, unpaid wages, unforeseen layoffs, and unfair compensation, a more than 50% increase from the same period in 2023.

CLB estimates "only 5% to 10% of all collective actions of workers have been recorded," suggesting many more protests are taking place.

But Chen of the Taiwan Institute of National Defense and Security Studies says the wage cuts and unemployment have not yet been severe enough to spark large-scale protests that threaten the power of the ruling party or President Xi.

"Although there has been an increase in protests, they are still relatively sporadic. There are no large-scale incidents, and local governments can easily quell them," she says. "So, for the legitimacy of the CCP and Xi's third term, it is more of a hidden danger than an imminent crisis."

While protests in China are usually by working class people, Wang notes the economic pain is spreading to other, more influential groups.

"Whether for blue-collar, white-collar, or even gold-collar workers, the economic losses are now very large," says Wang. "The worse the economy and the more emergencies there are, the more the CCP will suppress it with high pressure. It's a vicious circle, where people suffer more, and stability is more costly."

Meanwhile, analysts say Chinese authorities are struggling to come up with a plan to reverse the unemployment and wage cutting trend.

The communique of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, released on July 18, mentioned employment only once, saying "it is necessary to improve the income distribution system and the employment priority policy."

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
A Hawaii judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a law requiring the licensing of practitioners and teachers of traditional Native Hawaiian midwifery while a lawsuit seeking to overturn the statute wends its way through the courts.

Lawmakers enacted the midwife licensure law, which asserted that the "improper practice of midwifery poses a significant risk of harm to the mother or newborn, and may result in death," in 2019. Violations are punishable by up to a year in jail, plus thousands of dollars in criminal and civil fines.

The measure requires anyone who provides "assessment, monitoring, and care" during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and the postpartum period to be licensed.

A group of women sued, arguing that a wide range of people, including midwives, doulas, lactation consultants and even family and friends of the new mother would be subject to penalties and criminal liability.

Their complaint also said the law threatens the plaintiffs' ability to serve women who seek traditional Native Hawaiian births.

Judge Shirley Kawamura issued a ruling late Tuesday afternoon barring the state from "enforcing, threatening to enforce or applying any penalties to those who practice, teach, and learn traditional Native Hawaiian healing practices of prenatal, maternal and child care."

Plaintiffs testified during a four-day hearing last month that the law forces them to get licensed through costly out-of-state programs that don't align with Hawaiian culture.

Ki'inaniokalani Kahoohanohano testified that a lack of Native Hawaiian midwives when she prepared to give birth for the first time in 2003 inspired her to eventually become one herself. She described how she spent years helping to deliver as many as three babies a month, receiving them in a traditional cloth made of woven bark and uttering sacred chants as she welcomed them into the world.

The law constitutes a deprivation of Native Hawaiian customary rights, which are protected by the Hawaii constitution, Kawamura's ruling said, and the "public interest weighs heavily towards protecting Native Hawaiian customs and traditions that are at risk of extinction."

The dispute is the latest in a long debate about how and whether Hawaii should regulate the practice of traditional healing arts that date to well before the islands became the 50th state in 1959. Those healing practices were banished or severely restricted for much of the 20th century, but the Hawaiian Indigenous rights movement of the 1970s renewed interest in them.

The state eventually adopted a system under which councils versed in Native Hawaiian healing certify traditional practitioners, though the plaintiffs in the lawsuit say their efforts to form such a council for midwifery have failed.

The judge also noted in her ruling that the preliminary injunction is granted until there is a council that can recognize traditional Hawaiian birthing practitioners.

"This ruling means that traditional Native Hawaiian midwives can once again care for families, including those who choose home births, who can't travel long distances, or who don't feel safe or seen in other medical environments," plaintiff and midwife trainee Makalani Franco-Francis said in a statement Wednesday. "We are now free to use our own community wisdom to care for one another without fear of prosecution."

She testified last month how she learned customary practices from Kahoohanohano, including cultural protocols for a placenta, such as burying it to connect a newborn to its ancestral lands.

The judge found, however, that the state's regulation of midwifery more broadly speaking is "reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of mothers and their newborns."

The ruling doesn't block the law as it pertains to unlicensed midwives who do not focus on Hawaiian birthing practices, said Hillary Schneller, an attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents the women. "That is a gap that this order doesn't address."

The case is expected to continue to trial to determine whether the law should be permanently blocked.

The state attorney general's office said in an email Wednesday that it was still reviewing the decision.
Mali's army and its Russian allies suffered a major setback and significant losses on Saturday while fighting separatists in the country's north, a spokesman for the rebels told AFP.

The West African nation's military leaders, who took power in a 2020 coup, have made it a priority to retake all of the country from separatist and jihadi forces, particularly in Kidal, a pro-independence northern bastion.

"Azawad fighters are in control in Tinzaouaten and further south in the Kidal region," said Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesman for an alliance of predominantly Tuareg separatist armed groups called CSP-DPA.

"Russian mercenaries and Malian armed forces have fled," he added. "Others have surrendered."

He also shared videos of numerous corpses of soldiers and their allies.

"The Malian army has retreated," a local politician told AFP, citing at least 17 dead in a provisional toll.

"The CSP people are still in Tinzaouaten. The army and Wagner are no longer there," he said, referring to the Russian mercenary group.

Fighting also took place further south toward Abeibara, the politician said.

A former United Nations mission worker in Kidal said: "At least 15 Wagner fighters were killed and arrested after three days of fighting" adding that "the CSP rebels have taken the lead in what happened in Tinzaouaten."

Mossa Ag Inzoma, a member of the separatist movement, claimed that "dozens and dozens" of Wagner fighters and soldiers had been killed and taken prisoner.

Fighting on a scale not seen in months broke out Thursday between the army and separatists in the town of Tinzaouaten, near the border with Algeria, after the army announced it had taken control of In-Afarak, a commercial crossroads in Kidal.

Mali has been unsettled by violence by jihadi and criminal groups since 2012.

A junta led by Colonel Assimi Goita took power in 2022 and broke the country's traditional alliance with France, in favor of Russia.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced criticism from a press advocacy group as he visited Washington this week to address Congress and hold talks at the White House. Robin Guess reports from Washington.
Depending on whom you ask, the bones that have been sitting in a Tokyo repository for decades could be either leftovers from early 20th-century anatomy classes, or the unburied and unidentified victims of one of the country's most notorious war crimes.

Activists, historians and other experts who want the government to investigate links to wartime human germ warfare experiments met last weekend to mark the 35th anniversary of their discovery and renew a call for an independent panel to examine the evidence.

Japan's government has long avoided discussing wartime atrocities, including the sexual abuse of Asian women known as "comfort women" and Korean forced laborers at Japanese mines and factories, often on grounds of lack of documentary proof. Japan has apologized for its aggression in Asia, but since the 2010s it has been repeatedly criticized in South Korea and China for backpedaling.

Around a dozen skulls, many with cuts, and other parts of skeletons were unearthed on July 22, 1989, during construction of a Health Ministry research institute at the site of the wartime Army Medical School. The school's close ties to a germ and biological warfare unit led many to suspect that they could be the remains of a dark history that the Japanese government has never officially acknowledged.

Headquartered in then-Japanese-controlled northeast China, Unit 731 and several related units injected prisoners of war with typhus, cholera and other diseases, according to historians and former unit members. They also say the unit performed unnecessary amputations and organ removals on living people to practice surgery and froze prisoners to death in endurance tests. Japan's government has acknowledged only that Unit 731 existed.

No trials for leaders

Top Unit 731 officials were not tried in postwar tribunals as the U.S. sought to get hold of chemical warfare data, historians say, although lower-ranked officials were tried by Soviet tribunals. Some of the unit's leaders became medical professors and pharmaceutical executives after the war.

A previous Health Ministry investigation said the bones couldn't be linked to the unit, and concluded that the remains were most likely from bodies used in medical education or brought back from war zones for analysis, in a 2001 report based on questioning 290 people associated with the school.

It acknowledged that some interviewees drew connections to Unit 731. One said he saw a head in a barrel shipped from Manchuria, northern China, where the unit was based. Two others noted hearing about specimens from the unit being stored in a school building, but had not actually seen them. Others denied the link, saying the specimens could include those from the prewar era.

A 1992 anthropological analysis found that the bones came from at least 62 and possibly more than 100 different bodies, mostly adults from parts of Asia outside Japan. The holes and cuts found on some skulls were made after death, it said, but it did not find evidence linking the bones to Unit 731.

But activists say that the government could do more to uncover the truth, including publishing full accounts of its interviews and conducting DNA testing.

Kazuyuki Kawamura, a former Shinjuku district assembly member who has devoted most of his career to resolving the bone mystery, recently obtained 400 pages of research materials from the 2001 report using freedom of information requests, and said it shows that the government "tactfully excluded" key information from witness accounts.

Vivid descriptions

The newly published material doesn't contain a smoking gun, but it includes vivid descriptions  the man who described seeing a head in a barrel also described helping to handle it and then running off to vomit  and comments from several witnesses who suggested that more forensic investigation might show a link to Unit 731.

"Our goal is to identify the bones and send them back to their families," said Kawamura. The bones are virtually the only proof of what happened, he said. "We just want to find the truth."

Health Ministry official Atsushi Akiyama said that witness accounts had already been analyzed and factored into the 2001 report, and the government's position remains unchanged. A key missing link is documentary evidence, such as a label on a specimen container or official records, he said.

Documents, especially those involving Japan's wartime atrocities, were carefully destroyed in the war's closing days, and finding new evidence for a proof would be difficult.

Akiyama added that a lack of information about the bones would make DNA analysis difficult.

Disturbing memory

Hideo Shimizu, who was sent to Unit 731 in April 1945 at age 14 as lab technician and joined the meeting online from his home in Nagano, said he remembers seeing heads and body parts in formalin jars stored in a specimen room in the unit's main building. One that struck him most was a dissected belly with a fetus inside. He was told they were "maruta"  logs  a term used for prisoners chosen for experiments.

Days before Japan's August 15, 1945, surrender, Shimizu was ordered to collect bones of prisoners' bodies burned in a pit. He was then given a pistol and a packet of cyanide to kill himself if he was caught on his journey back to Japan.

He was ordered never to tell anyone about his Unit 731 experience, never contact his colleagues, and never seek a government or medical job.

Shimizu said that he could not tell if any specimen he saw at 731 could be among the Shinjuku bones by looking at their photos, but that what he saw in Harbin should never be repeated. When he sees his great-grandchildren, he said, they remind him of that fetus he saw and the lives lost.

"I want younger people to understand the tragedy of war," he said.
Philippine government personnel transported food and other supplies Saturday to a shoal occupied by a Filipino navy contingent but closely guarded by Beijing's forces in the South China Sea. No confrontations were reported, Philippine officials said.

It was the first Philippine government supply trip to the Second Thomas Shoal, which has been the scene of increasingly violent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces since the Philippines and China reached a deal a week ago to prevent clashes, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement.

"The lawful and routine rotation and resupply mission within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine navy and the Philippine coast guard and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs," the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department said, without providing other details.

A top Philippine security official told The Associated Press that the Chinese and Philippine coast guards communicated for coordination Saturday, and their ships did not issue two-way radio challenges like in the past to demand that each other's ships leave the shoal immediately.

Also, for the first time at the shoal, Chinese coast guard ships did not shadow or block the Philippine vessels as they had repeatedly done in the past, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of a lack of authorization to discuss the issue publicly.

Delivery followed deal

China's coast guard said the Philippine ship delivered daily necessities "in accordance with a temporary arrangement reached between China and the Philippines."

"The China Coast Guard confirmed it, supervised and managed the entire process," spokesperson Gan Yu said in a statement posted online.

The deal was reached by the Philippines and China after a series of meetings between the two country's diplomats in Manila and exchanges of diplomatic notes aimed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal  which Filipinos call Ayungin and the Chinese call Ren'ai Jiao  without conceding either side's territorial claims, Philippine officials said.

The deal has not been made public by either side.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the news that the resupply mission was completed without a confrontation.

"We applaud that and hope and expect to see that it continues going forward," said Blinken, who was in Laos for a meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a group that includes the Philippines.

Water cannons, blocking manuevers

China's coast guard and other forces have used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel at Manila's outpost at the shoal, on a long-grounded and rusting warship, the BRP Sierra Madre.

In the worst confrontation, Chinese forces on motorboats repeatedly rammed and then boarded two Philippine navy boats on June 17 to prevent Filipino personnel from transferring food and other supplies, including firearms, to the ship outpost in the shallows of the shoal, according to the Philippine government.

The Chinese seized the Philippine navy boats and damaged them with machetes and improvised spears. They also seized seven M4 rifles, which were packed in cases, and other supplies. The violent faceoff wounded several Filipino navy personnel, including one who lost his thumb, in a chaotic skirmish that was captured in video and photos that were later made public by Philippine officials.

China and the Philippines blamed each other for the confrontation and each asserted their own sovereign rights over the shoal.

Allies call for freedom of navigation

The United States and its key Asian and Western allies, including Japan and Australia, condemned the Chinese acts at the shoal and called for the rule of law and freedom of navigation to be upheld in the South China Sea, a key global trade route with rich fishing areas and undersea gas deposits.

In addition to China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been locked in separate but increasingly tense territorial disputes in the waterway, which is regarded as a potential flashpoint and a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China regional rivalry. The U.S. military has deployed Navy ships and fighter jets for decades in what it calls freedom of navigation and overflight patrols, which China has opposed and regards as a threat to regional stability.

Washington has no territorial claims in the disputed waters but has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.
Puerto Rico's governor on Wednesday signed a law that prohibits discrimination against people wearing Afros, curls, locs, twists, braids and other hairstyles in the racially diverse U.S. territory.

The move was celebrated by those who had long demanded explicit protection related to work, housing, education and public services.

"It's a victory for generations to come," Welmo Romero Joseph, a community facilitator with the nonprofit Taller Salud, said in an interview.

The organization is one of several that had been pushing for the law, with Romero noting it sends a strong message that "you can reach positions of power without having to change your identity."

While Puerto Rico's laws and constitution protect against discrimination, along with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, a precedent was set in 2016 when a U.S. Court of Appeals dismissed a discrimination lawsuit and ruled that an employer's no-dreadlock policy in Alabama did not violate Title VII.

Earlier this year, legislators in the U.S. territory held a public hearing on the issue, with several Puerto Ricans sharing examples of how they were discriminated against, including job offers conditional on haircuts.

It's a familiar story to Romero, who recalled how a high school principal ordered him to cut his flat top.

"It was a source of pride," he said of that hairstyle. "I was a 4.0 student. What did that have to do with my hair?"

With a population of 3.2 million, Puerto Rico has more than 1.6 million people who identify as being of two or more races, with nearly 230,000 identifying solely as Black, according to the U.S. Census.

"Unfortunately, people identified as black or Afro descendant in Puerto Rico still face derogatory treatment, deprivation of opportunities, marginalization, exclusion and all kinds of discrimination," the law signed Wednesday states.

While Romero praised the law, he warned that measures are needed to ensure it's followed.

On the U.S. mainland, at least two dozen states have approved versions of the CROWN Act, which aims to ban race-based hair discrimination and stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair."

Among those states is Texas, where a Black high school student was suspended after school officials said his dreadlocks fell below his eyebrows and ear lobes, violating the dress code.

A March report from the Economic Policy Institute found that not all states have amended their education codes to protect public and private high school students, and that some states have allowed certain exceptions to the CROWN Act.

A federal version was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, but it failed in the Senate. In May, Democratic lawmakers reintroduced the legislation.
Israeli military vehicles are seen during an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus, July 27, 2024. Two Palestinians were killed and 22 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

RAMALLAH, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinians were killed and 22 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday.

The ministry identified the two slain Palestinians as 17-year-old Louay Muhammad Masha and 24-year-old Ali Bassam Hashash, adding that three of the injuries were in serious condition.

An Israeli drone targeted a group of people in the Jama'sein neighborhood within the Balata camp, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua.

A volunteer field medic from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society was injured while evacuating the wounded, the organization said.

In response, the Israeli army stated that a drone conducted an aerial strike on Nablus following gunfire at a military site near one of the city's entrances.

The airstrike followed an Israeli incursion into the Balata camp, reinforced with several patrols and armored vehicles, and accompanied by heavy gunfire and explosions, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

On Saturday morning, an Israeli soldier was lightly injured in a shooting attack targeting an army post near Nablus, Israeli media reported. Palestinian gunmen opened fire from within Nablus at the army post, and troops were searching for the assailants, the reports added.

The West Bank has witnessed escalating tensions and armed confrontations in various cities, villages, and camps since the start of the war in the Gaza Strip on Oct.7, 2023. 

Palestinian protesters burn tires during confrontations with Israeli soldiers during an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, July 27, 2024.

Two Palestinians were killed and 22 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua)

People inspect damages after an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus, July 27, 2024.

Two Palestinians were killed and 22 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Relatives gather around a Palestinian killed in an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp, at a hospital in the West Bank city of Nablus, July 27, 2024.

Two Palestinians were killed and 22 others injured in an Israeli attack on the Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)
Russia's defense ministry said on Saturday that its forces had taken control of the settlement of Lozuvatske in the Pokrovsk sector of Ukraine's Donetsk region, site of some of the most heated frontline battles in the 29-month-old war.

Ukraine's General Staff made no mention of the settlement in its reports but noted that the area around the settlement was gripped by heavy fighting. Unofficial military bloggers have reported the loss of at least two other localities in the sector.

Russian forces have been slowly advancing through the Donetsk region in Ukraine's east, with steady, incremental gains since seizing the key town of Avdiivka in Donetsk region in February.

The Russian defense ministry said its center grouping of forces had captured Lozuvatske, northwest of the Russian-held regional center of Donetsk.

It also reported that its forces had launched strikes on other localities in the sector and repelled three Ukrainian counterattacks.

Ukraine says it repelled 17 attacks

Ukrainian officials have reported for weeks that the Pokrovsk sector is gripped by the heaviest fighting along the 1,000-kilometer (621.3 miles) front line.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the sector twice on Thursday with his top commander, Olexandr Syrskyi.

The Ukrainian General Staff on Saturday reported its forces had repelled 17 attacks in the area, with 10 clashes still proceeding.

"The situation is difficult, but under the control of the armed forces," the report said.

Ukraine's popular unofficial military blog DeepState made no reference to Lozuvatske in its latest report, but in the past two days has reported the fall of two villages in the sector, Prohres and Vovche.

Official Ukrainian accounts have made no such acknowledgement.

Four civilians killed

Early on Saturday, Ukrainian officials said Russian shelling killed at least four civilians in separate regions of Ukraine.

In the northeastern Sumy region, a border area frequently under Russian attack, a 14-year-old boy was killed and 12 other people were wounded in a rocket attack on the small town of Hlukhiv, the Ukraine prosecutor's office said.

The attack on the town near the Russian border hit apartment blocks, houses, an educational institution, a shop and vehicles just after noon. Six of the wounded were children.

In the Kharkiv region, another frequent Russian target further east, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said one person was killed when a private home near the city of Chuhuiv came under fire.

And in the Kherson region, in Ukraine's south, officials said two people were killed, one in the administrative center also called Kherson, and one near the city of Beryslav, to the north.

The Kherson region was occupied in the first days of Russia's February 2022 invasion, but Ukrainian troops recaptured large swaths of it later in the year. Russian troops continue to shell Ukrainian-held areas from new positions.

Reuters could not confirm the accounts independently and there was no comment on the incidents from Russian officials.
Southeast Asia's top diplomats on Saturday condemned violence in Myanmar's ongoing civil war and urged for practical means to defuse rising tensions in the South China Sea during the last of the three-day regional talks with allies that included the United States, Russia and China.

Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith of Laos, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, hailed dialogue partners for frank, candid and constructive exchanges on key issues revolving around regional security.

The weekend talks in the Laotian capital were dominated by the increasingly violent and destabilizing civil war in ASEAN-member Myanmar as well as maritime disputes of some of the bloc members with China, which have led to direct confrontations that many worry could lead to broader conflict.

In a joint statement issued at the end of the talks, the bloc said theres an urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and called for all relevant parties in Myanmar to ensure the safe and transparent delivery of humanitarian assistance, to the people in Myanmar without discrimination.

We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and called for immediate cessation, and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, it said.

The army in Myanmar 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.

Thailand, which shares long borders with Myanmar, said it was given ASEAN backing to play a wider role there, including in providing humanitarian assistance, in which its already heavily involved. It also said more peace talks have been proposed to include additional stakeholders, especially Myanmars neighbors Thailand, China and India.

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. There are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmars multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called peoples defense forces of military opponents.

ASEAN has been pushing a five-point consensus for peace, but the military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan, raising questions about the blocs efficiency and credibility. The peace 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.

South China Sea

The meetings also served to highlight rivalries in the region as the U.S. and China look to expand their influence there. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Vientiane on Saturday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held direct talks with Wang on Thursday. Washingtons two biggest rivals, Moscow and Beijing, have grown closer over the past two years, prompting deep concerns about their combined global influence.

Regarding tensions in the South China Sea, ASEAN said it maintains its position on the freedom of navigation over the sea and urged a full implementation of a South China Sea code of conduct, which the bloc has been working on with China for some time.

ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have conflicts with China over its claim 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.

ASEAN foreign ministers also welcomed practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation, in an apparent reference to a rare deal between the Philippines and China that aims to end their confrontations, establish a mutually acceptable arrangement for the disputed area without conceding each others territorial claims.

Prior to the deal, tensions between the Philippines and China escalated for months, with Chinas coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

On Saturday, the Philippines said it was able to make a supply trip to the disputed area without having to confront Beijings forces, the first such trip since the deal was reached a week ago. Blinken applauded it as a success in his opening remarks at the meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers, while calling Chinas past actions against the Philippines  a U.S. treaty partner  escalatory and unlawful.

The United States and its allies have regularly conducted military exercises and patrols in the area to assert their free and open Indo-Pacific policy  including the right to navigate in international waters  which has drawn criticism from China.

Wang said in his meeting with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo on Friday that the deployment of a U.S. intermediate-range missile system in the Philippines would create regional tension and trigger an arms race, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Signing an agreement with Russia to stop the war with Ukraine would amount to signing a deal with the devil, a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as pressure mounts on the country to seek an end to more than two years of fighting.

A deal would only buy time for Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen his army and usher in another,potentially more violent chapter in the war, Mykhailo Podolyak told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday.

"If you want to sign a deal with the devil who will then drag you to hell, well, go for it. This is what Russia is," Podolyak said when asked about the prospects for a peace deal for Kyiv, whose forces are locked in a bloody war of attrition with Moscow's troops in eastern Ukraine.

"If you sign anything today with Russia, that will not lose the war and will not be legally responsible for mass crimes, this will mean that you have signed yourself a ticket to continue the war on a different scale, with other protagonists, with a different number of killed and tortured people," he said.

Morale appears to be eroding

It is a view held across Zelenskyy's camp and reflected broadly among Ukrainians. But it also increasingly comes up against the current of Western pressure, as Kyiv continues to face difficult front-line conditions against Moscow's larger, better equipped army, as well as uncertainty over the level of future political support from Ukraine's closest ally, the U.S.

War fatigue also appears to be eroding the morale of Ukrainians, who have struggled with constant bombardment, electricity outages and the loss of loved ones. A poll by the Kyiv International Institute for Sociology found that the number of Ukrainians opposed to territorial concessions to Russia in exchange for peace has continued to fall. It was 55% in July, compared with 74% in December.

Even Zelenskyy hinted at a willingness to negotiate with Russia for the first time since the 2022 full-scale invasion, suggesting Moscow should send a delegation to the next global peace summit, which is expected in November.

But Podolyak insisted that an agreement now would only delay greater violence.

"Yes, it can be a freeze of the conflict for a certain time. But this means that the Russian Federation will work on its mistakes and update its own army," he said. "An aggressor country did not come to the territory of Ukraine to sign a peace agreement. That's nonsense!"

A lasting peace that works for Ukraine would ensure a steady erosion of Russian military might encompassed by the "three tools" often reiterated by Zelenskyy: increased military support, effective economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure to isolate Russia.

As he spoke, Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was in China, one of Russia's closest allies, on a mission to forge closer ties. Podolyak said the goal was to provide explanations for Ukraine's positions and for why China should play a more "active intensive function in ending the war on the terms of international law."

On good terms with both US parties

Few countries are watching the twists and turns of the U.S. presidential election more intently than Ukraine. But Zelenskyy is confident that his government has established good relations with both sides in the U.S. election, Podolyak said.

"Ukraine has fine relations ... with both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party," he explained. "It's not a matter of personal relationships, only on the candidate-leader level. This is a question of the institutional relations between the parties of the United States and the parties and institutions of Ukraine."

Some leading Republican politicians, including Republican nominee Donald Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, have voiced support for withdrawing vital American military support to Ukraine, and Trump is often portrayed as favoring Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Zelenskyy, however, took Trump's nomination as an opportunity and had a phone call with him shortly after the Republican National Convention. Podolyak asserted that the phone call between the two was positive.

As for the Democratic Party, Podolyak said he has "great sympathy" for President Joe Biden's administration despite what he said was its slow decision-making regarding Ukraine.

"But they made all the decisions that Ukraine needed, one way or another: arms supplies to Ukraine; additional permits for strikes on the border territories of the Russian Federation; global diplomatic and informational support of Ukraine, and so on."

Whichever party emerges victorious from the November election, Podolyak asserted that Ukraine will continue to have strong relations with the U.S.

"Regardless of who will be the head of the White House, I don't see a scenario where it is possible to stop aid to Ukraine," he said.
No chairs. Missing blackboards. A lack of bathrooms.

Schools in Haiti's capital and beyond are crumbling as gang violence deepens poverty and disrupts basic government services while the state education system faces a $23 million deficit.

"The country needs help," said Yasmine Sherif, executive director of the U.N. global fund Education Cannot Wait, for education in emergencies and crises.

On Friday, she announced a $2.5 million grant that is expected to help nearly 75,000 children via cash transfers, school feeding programs and other initiatives.

Sherif was in Haiti as part of a three-day trip during which she visited schools and met with teachers, principals, state officials and civil society members. She pleaded with the European Union and countries including France and the U.S. to help close the educational deficit as she noted the effect violence has had on education.

"My main concern is security," she said.

Gangs killed or injured more than 2,500 people in the first three months of the year, with violence disrupting life in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and elsewhere.

At least 919 schools remain closed in Port-au-Prince and in the central region of Artibonite because of gang violence. The closures have affected more than 150,000 students, according to the U.N.

"Education is part of the solution," Sherif said. "That would end extreme poverty, extreme violence, and create political stability and create a reliable workforce."

Gang violence also has left 580,000 people homeless across Haiti, with many crowding into makeshift shelters or taking over schools, causing them to shut down.

Schools that remain operational are increasingly forced to take students from other institutions that have shuttered.

The Jean Marie Vincent School in central Port-au-Prince, for example, has accepted students from a dozen other schools.

"We're confronting enormous problems," said its principal, Charles Luckerno. "We're not the only ones."

He said that when classes end for the day, people left homeless by gang violence stream into the school and sleep in the yard.

"That also creates very bad hygienic problems," said Luckerno, who nevertheless allows them to stay. "We are human. We cannot throw them out."

Williamson Bissainthe, a 22-year-old high school student who is preparing to take his final exam to graduate, lamented the state of some schools.

"A lot of schools are missing benches or chairs. Teachers do not show up on time. The hardest part of this is that there are no bathrooms," he said.

"I hope that the generation that comes after me doesn't have to go through the same suffering," he said.

Private schools are out of reach for many in Haiti, a country of more than 11 million people, with more than 60% earning less than $2 a day.

Among those who have been forced to flee their homes is Megane Dumorcy, 20, who also is preparing to graduate.

She would like to become an agronomist, but education has been a challenge.

"The insecurity has had a huge impact on my life," she said, noting that some students have been forced to leave their backpacks behind as they flee gangs. "The state should find a solution for that. We shouldn't be living in a country where our movement is limited."

She said her school is only half built and lacks a library, a computer room, a blackboard and chairs. She does research on her phone when needed.

Another blow to Haitian schools was a program that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden launched in late 2022 that allows Haitians and people from a handful of other countries to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds.

"A lot of teachers left," said Frantz Erine, deputy principal at the Jean Marie Vincent School.
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history was completed Wednesday, marking a major victory for tribes in the region who fought for decades to free hundreds of miles of the Klamath River near the California-Oregon border.

Through protests, testimony and lawsuits, local tribes showcased the environmental devastation due to the four towering hydroelectric dams, especially to salmon, which are culturally and spiritually significant to tribes in the region. The dams cut salmon off from their historic habitat and caused them to die in alarming numbers because of bad water-quality conditions.

Without the tribes' work "to point out the damage that these dams were doing, not only to the environment, but to the social and cultural fabric of these tribal nations, there would be no dam removal," said Mark Bransom, chief executive of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, the nonprofit entity created to oversee the project.

Power company PacifiCorp built the dams to generate electricity between 1918 and 1962. But the structures halted the natural flow of the waterway that was once known as the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast. They disrupted the life cycle of the region's salmon, which spend most of their life in the Pacific Ocean but return to the chilly mountain streams to lay eggs.

At the same time, the dams produced only a small fraction of PacifiCorp's energy at full capacity  enough to power about 70,000 homes. They also didn't provide irrigation, drinking water or flood control, according to Klamath River Renewal Corporation.

Since breaching the dams, salmon regained access to their habitat, water temperature decreased and its quality improved, said Michael Belchik, senior water policy analyst for the Yurok Tribe.

But tribal advocates and activists see their work as far from finished, with some already refocusing their efforts on revegetation and other restoration work on the Klamath River and the surrounding land.

Here's a look at just a few of the many tribal members at the center of this struggle for dam removal:

'I really felt an urgency'

When Karuk tribal member Molli Myers took her first major step into the fight for Klamath dam removal, she was six months pregnant, had a toddler in tow and was in a foreign country for the first time. It was 2004 and she had organized a group of about 25 tribal members to fly to Scotland for the annual general stockholders meeting for Scottish Power, PacifiCorp's parent company at the time.

For hours, they protested outside with signs, sang and played drums. They cooked fish on Calton Hill over a fire of scotch barrels and gave it out to locals as they explained why they were there.

"I really felt an urgency because I was having babies," said Myers, who was born and raised in the middle Klamath in a traditional fishing family. "And so for me I was internalizing the responsibility to take care of their future."

The initial trigger for her to act came two years before that when she saw some of the tens of thousands of salmon die in the river from a bacterial outbreak caused by low water and warm temperatures.

"Looking back on it now I wonder where would we be if that hadn't happened," said Myers, 41. "Looking back on it now I can say, 'Was this our creator's call to action?' "

She spent the next two decades protesting and flooding state and federal meetings with tribal testimony, including waiting with other tribal members at the doors of a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting at 4 a.m. in 2007 to ask Warren Buffett what he was going to do about the dams. PacifiCorp was at that point part of Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. conglomerate.

Today, those same children with her in Scotland are 21 and 19, and with the dams gone Myers said she sees the hope they and her other three children have about the future.

"They can do whatever needs to get done because they saw it happen, they lived it, so now there's no impossible for them," she said.

'His vision became reality'

For Yurok elder Jacqueline Winter, her feelings on the newly free-flowing river are more complicated. The 89-year-old's son, Troy Fletcher, was the tribe's point person for dam removal for two decades, testifying in front of the U.S. Congress and presenting to state and federal regulatory committees.

But his true power came through his ability to bring people with radically conflicting viewpoints  from farmers to commercial fishers to tribal members  together. Winter said that came from his belief that everyone living along the river are relatives and deserve to be heard.

"We're all family. None of us can be left hurting and all of us have to give a little," she said was his message.

But at 53, the former executive director for the Yurok Tribe died unexpectedly from a heart attack, nearly a decade before that vision of a free-flowing river would finally be realized. Winter said when she saw the dams breached last month, it felt like his spirit was there through those he touched and she could finally let him go.

"His vision became reality and I think he never doubted it," she said. "He never doubted it. And those who worked closely with him never doubted it."

'Protect those fish'

Former Klamath Tribes Chairman Jeff Mitchell's work since the 1970s for dam removal came out of the belief that the salmon are their relatives.

"They were gifted to us by our creator and given to us to preserve and to protect and also to help give us life," said Mitchell, chair of the tribe's Culture and Heritage Committee. "As such, the creator also instructed us to make sure that we do everything in our power to protect those fish."

The Klamath River's headwaters lie on the tribe's homelands in Oregon, and members once depended on salmon for 25% of their food. But for more than a century their waters have not held any salmon, he said.

Mitchell and other tribal members' fight to bring them back has cycled through several forms. There were the years of protesting, even gathering carcasses of fish after the 2002 fish kill and leaving them on the doorsteps of federal office buildings. There were his days of walking the halls of the state Legislature in Salem, Oregon, meeting with lawmakers about the millions in funding needed to make dam removal happen.

Today, he said he feels like they achieved the impossible, but there's still more work to do.

"I'm happy that the dams are gone and we have passage," he said. "But now I'm thinking about what are those fish coming home to. And that's really the focus now, is how do we get the parties to start taking restoration actions and making that the top priority in all of this?"
The U.S. government has sanctioned three rebel leaders accused of fomenting political instability, conflicts and civilian displacement in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control on Thursday imposed sanctions on Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, a rebel group accused of seeking to overthrow the government and driving political instability in the DRC. Nangaa was previously targeted with sanctions in 2019.

Washington also sanctioned Bertrand Bisimwa, the leader of the March 23 movement rebel group, for destabilization and human rights violations. Charles Sematama, deputy military leader of another rebel group, Twirwaneho, was also sanctioned.

'They are standing with them'

Great Lakes region political researcher and analyst Ntanyoma Rukumbuzi said the United States is trying to show it cares about the DRC and wants to punish those who want to create instability in the central African nation.

The U.S. wants to convince the Congolese, the general audience, that they are standing with them and paying attention to what is happening in the DRC," said Rukumbuzi. "They can still do something to push or force the rebel groups to stop fighting. As you can see, some of these sanctions seem to disregard and overlook the entire complexity of the violence in eastern DRC."

In a statement, the U.S. government said the action it is taking reinforces its commitment to hold accountable those who seek to perpetuate instability, violence and harm to civilians to achieve their political goals.

The M23 as a group is also under U.S. sanctions. For several years, it has been fighting the Congolese army and other rebel groups in the east of the country. According to United Nations estimates, more than 7.2 million Congolese are displaced due to conflicts.

Oliver Baniboneba, a Congolese refugee living in Uganda, said U.S. sanctions won't end the suffering of the Congolese.

There is a country with money that is supporting Nangaa, said Baniboneba. "It will continue to fund him, and the killing goes on," he said.

High hopes for sanctions

The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim denied by Kigali. Rukumbuzi also said the sanctions won't stop the operations of the rebel groups.

"They have been fighting for several reasons," said Rukumbuzi. "There are different individuals and groups who have something to fight for. It may disturb them and try to understand and possibly try to dispatch roles to different individuals, but this won't stop the rebels from fighting."

The U.S. hopes the sanctions against the leaders and groups will change their violent ways and persuade them to find a peaceful means to address their grievances instead of killing and displacing innocent people from their homes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a divided U.S. Congress Wednesday, with many Democratic lawmakers boycotting his speech and protesters surrounding the U.S. Capitol. But congressional Republicans said the speech was key to reaffirming the U.S. commitment to its Middle Eastern ally in the midst of the 10-month-old war with Hamas. Netanyahus speech to Congress was as much an address to the Israeli and Arab worlds about Israels goals as it was an address to the American public about the importance of U.S. support of Israel. VOA Flashpoint: Global Crises host Steve Karesh speaks with Avi Melamed, author and former Israeli intelligence officer and negotiator, for a look at how Netanyahus message was received at home. In addition to addressing the U.S. Congress, Netanyahu also met with U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and 2024 Republican nominee for President, Donald Trump. What did the trip achieve? Professor Michael Provence, who teaches modern Middle East history, focusing on the 20th century Arab East, at the University of California, San Diego shares his insight. Scott Paul, Oxfam America Associate Director of Peace and Security discusses the ongoing humanitarian concerns in Gaza after it released a scathing report on conditions there. Plus, Agusta University political science professor discusses the latest developments in the 2024 U.S. Presidential election following President Joe Bidens withdrawal.
As Venezuelans prepare to cast their ballots Sunday in the presidential election, officials at the U.S. State Department said they will be closely following the activities of July 28  a day they described as a historic moment for Venezuela as the nation has endured significant political and economic turmoil over the past two decades.

The ballot this year also serves as a referendum on socialism for the 21st century," the ideological view that has ruled the country since Hugo Chavez came to power in 1999, and a vision that has been maintained by his successor, Nicolas Maduro, since 2013.

This has left a population struggling to access medicine, food and a sense of security, according to the most recent Gallup analysis.

According to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Venezuela suffers from one of the highest rates of undernourishment in South America, and 68% of the people struggle to afford food  the highest percentage across Latin America  reports Gallup.

A senior U.S. administration official, who briefed reporters Friday on condition of anonymity according to normal practice, expressed hope for a free and democratic process in Venezuela, recognized the voters enthusiasm across the country and denounced the obstacles the opposition has faced.

This includes the detention of opposition political candidates and their staffers  including powerhouse opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was banned by the government from running for office. The official also highlighted how opposition groups have now unified behind a single candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.

As Machado was sidelined on the official registry, she doubled down on her campaign efforts to promote Gonzalez Urrutia around the country and thousands of people have come to meet her.

She is moving the political capital to support the registered candidate, for him to be able to obtain the percentage needed at the urns [ballot boxes] and therefore reach victory, Luis Salamanca, an associate professor in political science at Central University of Venezuela, told VOA.

A senior U.S. administration official described the unification of Venezuelan opposition groups as unprecedented unity among opposition leaders and added that it is a testament to their resilience and their determination to [provide] Venezuelans with a genuine choice in Sunday's election.

The United States supported negotiations last year that ended with the Barbados Agreement in October 2023. In it, the opposition and representatives of Maduros government outlined steps to reopen the political process in Venezuela and to allow Venezuelans a real chance to have a say and a vote in their future, explained a senior U.S. administration official to reporters during the briefing call.

The official noted that the government failed to implement several of their commitments but added, Maduro authorities did uphold their commitment to set an electoral timeline and to hold this election.

International leaders have made calls to Maduros government in efforts to protect the rights of the voters to vote safely without intimidation or manipulation of the results.

Their votes must be accurately and transparently counted in the presence of witnesses as underscored in Venezuelan law, a senior U.S. administration official said, adding that the international community will be watching closely and urged all parties to honor their commitments and respect the democratic process.

Amid questions about the transparency of the process, however, the senior U.S. administration official was clear that the U.S. wont prejudge the outcome of the election and recognize[d] this is a crucial choice for Venezuelans to make.

According to the United Nations, Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis with nearly 8 million people taking refuge in other countries. The U.N. refugee agency says some 2,000 people flee Venezuela every day, displaced because of rising crime and violence and shortages of food, medicine and essential services. Many citizens see this election as a possibility for change.

In the campaign's final hours, as the country prepares to vote, each candidate made closing remarks. You have given me the strength and courage to face what without a doubt has been the most unequal electoral campaign, in the history of the electoral process in Venezuela, said Gonzalez Urrutia.

Maduro, who called himself Gallo Pinto, or the spotted rooster, while campaigning, said, Im the guaranty of peace and stability, as well as changes and transformations to move forward.

That was Maduros message after he called the media sicarios, or hitmen of lies, accusing reputable international press agencies, such as The Associated Press, of censoring and manipulating information about his campaign.

As the election comes to its final stretch, the senior U.S. administration officials reiterated the challenges that Venezuela continues to face, saying, There are a number of other issues and concerns that we have. There have been over 100 opposition and civil society figures arrested since the beginning of the year, and more than 30 of them are still being held at this moment.

The broader issues of respect for human rights are also something that will continue as a key issue after Sunday.

The official avoided talk of sanctions or a planned response to possible fraud allegations and declined to comment on hypothetical scenarios but was clear the U.S. hope[s] that we will be able to move toward a better relationship with Venezuela and offered U.S. support in the transition process for the winner, who is scheduled to assume power in January 2025.
CAIRO/JERUSALEM (REUTERS)  At least 30 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike on a school in Deir al Balah in central Gaza, Palestinian health officials said, and the Israeli military said it had struck a Hamas command center.

The Gaza Health Ministry and the Hamas-run government media office gave the toll for those killed in the strike on the school in Deir Al-Balah, one of the areas most populated with displaced families, and said more than 100 others were wounded.

The Israeli military said in a statement it had targeted a "Hamas command and control center inside the Khadija school compound in central Gaza."

The statement said that the school was being used to launch attacks against troops and as a weapons cache and that the military warned civilians before the strike.

At Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, ambulances raced wounded Palestinians into the medical facility. Some of the wounded also arrived on foot, with their clothes stained with blood.

In previous such strikes that have hit civilian infrastructure, Israel's military has blamed the militant Islamist group Hamas for putting civilians in harm's way, accusing it of operating within densely populated neighborhoods, schools and hospitals as cover. Hamas denies this.

Deaths in Khan Younis

Earlier on Saturday, Palestinian official media said that at least 14 Palestinians were killed by Israeli attacks since dawn in the southern city of Khan Younis and that their bodies were brought to Nasser Medical Complex.

The Israeli military told Palestinians to temporarily evacuate southern neighborhoods of Khan Younis so it could "forcefully operate" there, telling them to relocate to a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, a military statement said.

The military said its calls to evacuate were communicated to the population via several mediums to mitigate danger to civilians.

In Al-Bureij refugee camp, five Palestinians were killed earlier in an Israeli airstrike on a house, while four others were killed in another strike on a house in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, medics said.

United Nations and humanitarian officials accuse Israel of using disproportionate force in the war and of failing to ensure civilians have safe places to go, which it denies.

On Friday the military said troops battled Palestinian fighters in Khan Younis, and destroyed tunnels and other infrastructure, as they sought to suppress small militant units that have continued to hit troops with mortar fire.

The fighting, more than nine months after the start of Israel's invasion of Gaza following the Hamas-led October 7 terror attack, underlined the difficulty the Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, has in eliminating fighters of the group amid continued resistance.

More than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes in the enclave, according to Gaza health authorities, who do not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants.

Israeli officials estimate that some 14,000 fighters from militant groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have been killed or taken prisoner, out of a force they estimated to number more than 25,000 at the start of the war.

Around 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage in the October 7 Hamas terror attack on southern Israel, according to Israeli tallies.
By Patsy Widakuswara

WASHINGTON  Likely U.S. election rivals Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump offered competing views on Israels conduct in its war in Gaza, as they separately met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week.

While reiterating support for Israels right to self-defense from Iran and Iran-backed militias, and condemning Hamas as a brutal terrorist organization, Harris delivered a forceful call to immediately reach a cease-fire.

As I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done, Harris said Thursday during remarks that followed a photo opportunity with Netanyahu where she appeared polite but firm and businesslike.

Reiterating her commitment to a two-state solution, Harris projected an empathetic tone on the scale of human suffering of the Palestinian people.

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.

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 vowed.

In an apparent nod to the large swath of Democratic voters who are angry at the Biden administrations staunch support for Israels military campaign, Harris said, I see you and I hear you, while appealing to the American people to acknowledge the complexity, the nuance and the history of the region.

Her grave and measured remarks stand in stark contrast to ad-libbed comments from Trump, who blamed the Biden administration for the turmoil in the Middle East and baselessly claimed that he would quickly resolve the Gaza conflict if elected.

If we win, itll be very simple. Its all going to work out and very quickly, Trump told reporters gathered at his Florida residence Friday as he began his meeting with Netanyahu.

If we dont, youre going to end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war. You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the Second World War, he said. Youve never been so close, because we have incompetent people running our country.

Saying that he was very good to Israel, better than any president's ever been, Trump highlighted pro-Israel policies during his first term, including brokering the Abraham Accords that normalized Israels diplomatic ties with some Arab neighbors, moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the Israeli annexation of the Golan Heights.

Trump soured on Netanyahu in January 2021 after the Israeli leader congratulated Biden for winning the 2020 election, which the former president falsely insists he won. He has since repeatedly criticized Netanyahu publicly over the Gaza war.

On Friday, the two appeared to have mended their relationship, with Trump forcefully pulling the Israeli leaders arm to hold his body close as he shook his hand.

Eager for cease-fire

Both Harris and Trump are eager for a cease-fire and impatient with Netanyahus prosecution of the war, but for sharply different reasons.

Harris wants Netanyahu to prioritize the humanitarian crisis and minimize civilian casualties. Trump wants Israel to win decisively  and quickly before he takes office, said Laura Blumenfeld, Middle East analyst at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies.

Harris sees it as a moral issue, she told VOA, while Trump views it as a mess.

Warning: This video includes graphic images that some may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.

Eager to win back progressive and young voters, as well as Muslim and Arab American voters angry at the Biden administrations policy on Gaza, Harris may strive for a more balanced approach.

Harriss approach to Gaza would embrace the gray complexity of the Middle East, in contrast with Bidens, which was characterized by a bright clarity that at times could be interpreted as blinding, Blumenfeld said. Their approaches may differ more in style than in substance, but managing emotions among the traumatized parties in the Middle East can make or break a peace agreement.

Polls show more Americans opposing than supporting Israels military action in Gaza, particularly Democrats. In the more than 290 days since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed roughly 1,200 Israelis, Israels military response has killed more than 39,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health authority. In May, Israel estimated the toll at 30,000.

Still, whoever wins the November election, a new administration in Washington could bring some shift in U.S.-Israel relations, whether or not Netanyahu stays in power, said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. negotiator for the Middle East who is now with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Whoever is prime minister is going to have to deal with, on one hand perhaps a more critical Democratic approach under Kamala Harris, and an unpredictable one under President Trump, he told VOA.

While a second Trump administration would be definitely supportive of Israel, Miller said the notoriously transactional Trump instrumentalizes his relations.

When people are useful to him, he praises them, and when they're not, he can easily abandon them, he said. He's very, very unpredictable.
JERUSALEM, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Israeli medics reported Saturday evening there were at least 30 casualties during the Lebanese military group Hezbollah's rocket attack in the Druze town Majdal Shams in Israel-occupied Golan Heights, several were killed, including children.

A barrage of dozens of rockets were fired from Lebanon earlier Saturday evening, according to the Israel defense forces. 
South African police arrested 95 Libyan nationals in a raid on a suspected secret military training camp on Friday and authorities said they were investigating whether there were more illegal bases in other parts of the country.

The camp was discovered at a farm in White River in the Mpumalanga province, about 360 kilometers (220 miles) northeast of Johannesburg, police said.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said in a post on the social media site X that the Libyans stated they had entered the country on study visas to train as security guards, but police investigations suggest they have received military training.

The Newzroom Afrika TV news channel broadcast pictures of the site of the arrests, showing a military-style camp with large green and khaki tents set up in a row. Dozens of men were seen lining up as they were arrested. They were wearing civilian clothing.

Local government official Jackie Macie said investigations were ongoing and the owner of the farm would be questioned. He said authorities received information that there were similar secret camps near two other towns in Mpumalanga province.

The province borders neighboring countries Mozambique and Swaziland and is an area of concern for South African authorities with regards to illegal immigration.

Police and authorities have not said whether the camps are suspected of being connected to a particular group or conflict.

Macie said investigations would establish if there was a network of camps in South Africa and show "why they are here doing military training in our country."

Police said the men may be linked to crimes reported in communities close to the farm in recent months.

"We have serious cases which have been opened with the police, including cases of rape and armed robberies, which complainants claim were committed by unknown foreigners who seem to be of Asian descent," said police spokesman Donald Mdhluli.

"We take what we have found here today very seriously because we don't know who was training them, what were they being trained for and why that training is happening here in South Africa. It may be a threat not only to South Africa but also to the entire southern Africa region."

Police said the operation to arrest the Libyans and close down the camp began two days ago. Macie said the Libyan nationals had been in the country since at least April.

"The 95 individuals taken into custody are all Libyan nationals and are currently being questioned by the relevant authorities," Mpumalanga acting provincial police commissioner Maj. Gen. Zeph Mkhwanazi said in a statement.

Mdhluli, the police spokesman, said the country's security regulator had confirmed that the kind of training that appears to have been taking place at the camp was well beyond the scope of training for security guards.

"The kind of equipment we found here shows that there was intense military training taking place here. This was basically a military base."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced criticism from a press advocacy group as he visited Washington this week to address members of the U.S. Congress and hold talks at the White House. Some members of the news media say Netanyahu is to blame for the dozens of journalists killed in Gaza
In the past two month since the previous update on KDE Itinerary, there is a new seat information display in the timeline, Trawelling integration, more use of Wikidata/Wikimedia online content as well as more work towards explicit control over trip grouping, among many other things.

New Features

Seat information in the timeline

One of the changes youd probably notice first is the timeline now prominently featuring seat reservation information where applicable, thanks to Mathis Bruchert.

Seat reservation information for a train trip.

Trawelling integration

Tobias Fella implemented support for checking in on Trawelling, a Free Software and community-run service where you can log your public transit journeys. You can now connect your Trawelling account to Itinerary and directly share your train trips there.

Trawelling check-in action.

Wikimedia online content

Theres now a new switch in the settings of Itinerary to enable the use of Wikimedia online content e.g. via Wikidata references in OSM data. Enabling this gives you photos and logos in the information dialog of the indoor map for example.

Wikimedia Commons images in the map info dialog.

Infrastructure Work

Explicit trip group management

The bulk of the work however went into more explicit control of trip grouping:

Renaming of trips.

Merging of two adjacent trips.

Splitting of a trip into two parts.

Ensuring that automatic grouping and naming doesnt interfere with manual changes.

Dialog for manually naming trips.

Most of this is not active by default in the app yet, but are prerequisites for enabling trip grouping for everything and moving away from the single combined timeline to a list of trips and per-trip timelines in the UI.

OSM raw data tile server

We identified and resolved a problem in the OSM raw data tile server powering Itinerarys train station maps where continuous data updates got stuck due to a too small mmap memory size limit in the database (1TB ought to be enough for anybody). With that fixed OSM data changes are now applied daily again.

This also impacts Marble and now also Kongress.

Matrix trip syncing

Following the discussion during GPN22 refining the concept for syncing trips via Matrix, the basic infrastructure for this was implemented. This is also not something active in the app by default yet, and it is so far only able to synchronize trip names across devices, but thats enough to validate the approach.

Fixes & Improvements

Travel document extractor

New or improved extractors for 12go, Air Asia, Amadeus Cytric, direct-book.com, Eurowings, Flixbus, Georgian Railway ( ), hotels.com, Iberia, Italo, RegioJet, Scandlines, Snalltaget, TCDD Tasmaclk (Turkish Railways), tobilet.pl and Trenitalia.

Support for Max Actif SNCF cards and ERA FCB discount program cards.

Fixed Turkey being mis-detected as Italy due to a too aggressive substring matching on the Vietnamese translations (MR).

Improved merging of bus reservations.

Fixed comparison of address data with different level of details.

Fixed company capital notes in the fine print of French reservations confusing the automatic price detection.

All of this has been made possible thanks to your travel document donations!

Public transport data

Fixed dark mode recoloring of several icons.

Support more Hafas vehicle feature codes.

Updated line icon data from Wikidata and expanded line icon coverage including e.g. the Stuttgart subway now.

Indoor map

Improved keyboard navigation in amenity search dialog and elevator floor level selector.

Improved error handling on corrupt cached map tile files (bug 488664).

Fixed display of payment information for OSM elements.

Also show toilet gender segregation information in the amenity search dialog.

Support vending machines in the element info dialog and amenity search dialog.

Itinerary app

Fixed several cases of misplaced or duplicated transfer elements in the timeline.

Improved and more robust automatic transfer selection.

Also allow creating event entries from OSM tourism attraction and office elements.

Only do live data queries if we have a chance to pick a suitable backend. This fixes querying all backends in some cases.

Fixed reading/writing of all-day events to/from the Android system calendar. This fixes exporting hotel reservations to the calendar.

Fixed exporting to the Android calendar when not having previously imported from there.

Improved keyboard navigation in the Matrix room selection dialog.

Fixed importing generic Applet Wallet passes, and rendering passes without a barcode or without an icon.

Fixed storing the arrival time when editing a ferry reservation (bug 487885).

Fixed notifications on Android not being shown.

Improved timeline sorting when dealing with elements without an end time.

How you can help

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The strange case of Mothers Instinct. Photo: Neon

Theres a new movie starring Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway out this week, which is normally the sort of thing youd expect to have heard about. But, after its release in the U.K. months ago, Mothers Instinct is slipping into U.S. theaters with as little splash as an Olympic diver nailing a triple somersault tuck. The film, a thriller directed by Benoit Delhomme, is getting the treatment typically reserved for a disaster, which is a shame, because Ive been dying to discuss it with someone, and thats hard when no one has any idea what youre on about. Mothers Instinct is, indeed, pretty terrible, and not in the so-bad-its-good sense, and yet theres something strangely moving about it. Its a poignant example of how what looks like rich material to actors can turn out to be lousy material for audiences. Mothers Instinct is a remake of a 2018 Belgian film adapted from a novel by Barbara Abel, and watching it, you can appreciate exactly why these two major actors signed on to star in it. Funnily enough, those same qualities go a long way toward explaining why the movie doesnt work.

Mothers Instinct isnt camp, but its close enough that if you squint, you can almost see a version of the film that tips into something broader. Of course, if you squint, you wouldnt be able to appreciate how immaculately Chastain and Hathaway are costumed. They look incredible  not like two 1960s housewives, which is what theyre playing, so much as two people who keep switching outfits because they cant decide what to wear to the high-end Mad Menthemed party theyre headed to later. As Alice, Chastain is styled like a Hitchcock blonde in pin-curled ash updos and cardigan sets, while as Alices neighbor and friend Celine, Hathaway is given a Jackie O. look that involves a shoulder-length bouffant, pillbox hats, and gloves. Theyre cosplayers in a gorgeous, airless setting, adjoining houses on a street that might as well be floating in space, the husbands (played by Anders Danielsen Lie and Josh Charles) vanishing to work for long stretches. The artificiality of this intensely manicured re-creation isnt to any particular end, which gives the whole movie the air of a Dont Worry Darling situation in which no one ever wakes up to the twist, instead sleepwalking through a stylized dream of Americana.

In fact, while Alice is restless over having given up her job as a journalist to take care of her son Theo (Eamon OConnell), and Celine gets ostracized by the community after the death of her son, Max (Baylen D. Bielitz), Mothers Instinct isnt actually all that interested in the pressures of living under a repressive 1960s patriarchy. Instead, its about another time-tested theme, one thats best summed up as: Bitches be crazy. The perfect sheen of its surfaces  Delhomme, whos making his directorial debut, is a cinematographer who started his career with The Scent of Green Papaya and has since worked with everyone from Tsai Ming-liang to Anton Corbijn  is paired with a score that shrieks unease from the opening scene, in which Celine is thrown a surprise birthday party. The source of this suspense isnt revealed until later, after Max takes an unintended swan dive off the porch and the womens friendship is threatened by grief, guilt, and suspicion. Is Celine in mourning, or does she actually irrationally blame Alice for what happened while developing an alarming fixation on Theo? Is Alice right to be suspicious of her bestie, whos unable to have another baby, or is she being paranoid because the mental illness that previously resulted in her hospitalization has returned? Is it odd that two feminist actors jumped to participate in a film that traffics so freely in unexamined stereotypes about women and hysteria?

Not, it seems, when the opportunities to stare coldly into space or look on in glassy betrayal are this good. Im not trying to sound snide here  the characters in Mothers Instinct have no convincing inner lives at all, but the exterior work of the actors playing them is choice stuff. When Alice and Celine are getting along, Chastain and Hathaway nuzzle together supportively like long-necked swans. When things start to go south, Chastain opts for an aloof distance with stricken eyes, while Hathaway prefers a labored smile that drops as soon as shes alone. Theirs is a brittle-off no one can win, but both try their hardest anyway. The effort reaches its crescendo at Maxs funeral, where Hathaways enormous eyes glimmer through the barrier of a black lace veil and Chastain tilts her face up so that the elegant tracks of past tears can gleam in the light. The scene ends with Celine collapsing in anguish while Alice rushes her tantrumming child out of the church, an explosion of drama that would be so much more effective if the movie had left any room for modulation instead of starting at 10 and staying there. Mothers Instinct gets much sillier before it ends, but given how little it establishes as its baseline tone, it doesnt feel fair to say it goes off the rails. Rather, as Hathaway stares brokenly into the dark and Chastain tears apart her nightstand drawer in panic, what comes to mind is how great a set of GIFs this movie will make someday. Thats not much, but I guess its something?
Unhinged Queen Elizabeth is finally here, thank God. Minnie Driver has added a new Elizabeth I portrayal to the pantheon, and its such a good one. All I can hope is that we see more and more of her and less and less of the Guise vs. Bourbon rivalry that no one cares about anymore. You all are just sniping at each other and not in a fun way.

Catherines plan to unite France is in grave peril due to the survival of those Francois tried to burn to death. Now the French Protestants are storming cathedrals, killing monks, and looting church treasure. Theyre also calling Sister Edith a Protestant saint, which is not how sainthood works (shes not dead yet!). Montmorency asks Sister Edith to back down from ordering her peasant army to tear down the monarchy, and she says she wont stop unless the king prosecutes the Duke of Guise. Considering that he tried to burn her alive, that seems like a fair request. Sister Edith does seem a little off-kilter, though, and when Aabis thinks of taking her apprentice friend away from the Protestant encampment, Edith says that if Aabis does that, she will be punished. Thats cult behavior, maam.

Her Protestant army is causing all kinds of issues, including throwing a dirt clod at Anjou. I hate that hes called Anjou when no one else in the family is called by their title, but they keep doing it, so I will follow suit. The dirt clod is a real problem, and Anjous proposed solution is to slit the throats of twelve randos to teach a lesson. Really, guy? Charles regards this approach as old-fashioned, which is one way to put it. Anjou responds that neither he nor his siblings have a job or any particular skill, and if the peasants dont respect them, they must fear them. Its all very Im an insecure budding dictator talk.

Diane arrives at court and all of Catherines children love her, which is nice, and it seems like she has Anjou under control, but then he goes and acts like a damn psychopath again when faced with more peasants. Get it the fuck together, Anjou. Also, your blonde friend with the bowl cut is the best dressed of all of you, and I am interested in seeing more of their outfits.

In Italy, Rahima and Catherine are vibing. Or at least, Rahima is. Catherine is ready to leave immediately because Florence presented her with nothing but misery in her childhood. Shes there to meet with the House of Strozzi to secure a loan for this new palace shes building, and after that, she wants to get back to France and stop her children from maiming each other. However, she meets a new man, and I was immediately like, Ooo, so much chemistry, which I was psyched about because of how terrible her chemistry is with Montmorency! I was excited! And then the House of Strozzi is like, we want the Duke of Florence, Alessandro de Medici, to manage the project, and it turns out hes Catherines half-brother. As my notes say: Nooooooo! Noooooooooo!

Also, Alessandro de Medici technically died in 1537, but I dont care! Maybe it will turn out that his real father was indeed the pope, and then he and Catherine can kiss and I wont feel judged by society for being happy about it. Alessandro invites Catherine to see their fathers house, and Catherine delays her return. Also hes wearing some really good poofy pants.

This week marks the return (finally) of Mary, Queen of Scots. Again, we experienced a time jump between seasons, so Mary has been imprisoned in England for eleven years. We see her again at the moment Elizabeth meets her for the first time. Elizabeth and Mary never met in person, so I am absolutely delighted that they bulldozed that historical reality in Elizabeths very first scene. She sweeps in to see Mary and the four Marys. She has an almost flighty, feather-brained demeanor that is a joy to behold. Very Lord Peter Wimsey or the Scarlet Pimpernel, mixed with a fairy godmother. But at the same time, when Mary claims to pose no threat to anyone, Elizabeth replies, Oh, no, of course not. Apart from all those Protestants you had killed in France, and then pulls a face. Fantastic.

Elizabeth gets all the information she needs about Catherine de Medici and then meets Throckmorton outside Marys cell. When he asks about Mary, Elizabeth flippantly says, Shes made her bed. When the times right, Ill cut her fucking head off. YES! If youve read any of my other period recaps that feature Elizabeth, you know that I have no patience for Mary, Queen of Scots because she is an idiot. But I love a funny and competent monarch.

After speaking with the Queen of Navarre, Elizabeth invites one of the Bourbons over to England to decide on terms for the trade deal. As she mentions to Throckmorton, her plan is to fan the flames of religious unrest in France to make Catherine more desperate and give France an advantage in the trade deal. I mean, people will die, but monarchs are gonna monarch.

Regarding the final scene this week  did anyone run these scripts past a queer sensitivity reader? Im assuming no? Theres a nice scene between Anjou and Diane where she talks about how Anjou wanted to wear dresses as a child, and Diane made sure he could, so  thats good, I guess. But in the very same episode, we have this last scene where he and his friends are riding in the forest and come upon a group of Protestants. One of them calls him out for his sinful behavior and offers to baptize him again. Anjou agrees and walks with the man into the water, where he then strangles and drowns him.

We have now had queer people do murders three episodes in a row? Thats every episode so far this season! We have to think about things before we film them! You could say Francois burning all the people in the church doesnt count because they magically survived, but he thought he was burning all the people in the church. I am very displeased about all this!

After this water murder, a boy throws a big rock at Hercule, and Hercule falls off his horse. Bowl Cut (remember them?) murders the boy, and now we have a bleeding Hercule with a head wound and Anjou, who just murdered someone in a really disturbing way. Why is everyone opposed to stabbing people on this show? Why is it always like, how can I very slowly and personally kill you?

Okay, so fix your queer murder problem and ramp up the scenes with Elizabeth in them. Those are my recommendations for this season, which has already been filmed and edited. Until next week!
TEHRAN, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian lawmaker said over 300 foreign guests would attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian, which is scheduled for Tuesday.

Alireza Salimi, spokesman of the Iranian parliament's presiding board, made the remarks in an interview with the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) published on Saturday.

He said the ceremony, which would be held at 16:00 local time (1230 GMT) in the capital Tehran on Tuesday, would be attended by high-ranking Iranian officials and more than 80 visiting foreign delegations, including China, the European Union, Brazil, Russia, Turkmenistan, Iraq and Pakistan.

According to ISNA, Pezeshkian's presidential decree will be endorsed by Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Sunday.

Pezeshkian was announced as Iran's next president on July 6 following his victory in a runoff against Saeed Jalili, a former chief nuclear negotiator. 
Lady in the Lake 

Apple TV+

If theres a sweet spot situated between overwhelming ambition, theatrical execution and questionable excess, thats where this period mystery is precariously balanced. Headlined by Natalie Portman, with a performance whose brittle mayhem eventually reveals self-awareness, Lady in the Lake pushes at every boundary it can find: storytelling, Americas racial history, dramatic realism, and directorial convention are just a few. It is, in short, a lot, but it allows you to be equally infuriated and intrigued.

Natalie Portman plays a housewife turned crime reporter in Lady in the Lake. Credit: Apple TV+

In 1966, Baltimore barriers are coming down, and the citys Jewish and black communities are dealing with new dynamics and long-standing privilege. When Maddie Schwartz (Portman) decides to leave the starched homemaker life that has left her skittish and unfulfilled, she finds an apartment and pursues a belated career as a newspaper reporter. But for Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram), a wife and mother who works as a bookkeeper for a black crime boss, theres less leeway. Shes first seen being surreptitiously carried to her resting place.

You came at the end of my story and turned it into your beginning, says Cleo in voiceover, and without knowing each other, the two women become intertwined. The shows seven episodes are genuine in exploring both their lives, although Maddies has more momentum once she becomes central to the horrific murder of a young girl and ingratiates herself with the accused killer. Cleo sees the walls closing in; Maddie wants to smash them. The detail that surrounds them is vast: flashbacks and youthful mistakes underpin a sizeable supporting cast.
The memorable title sequence that had a cigar-chewing Tony Soprano driving from New York to New Jersey while Woke Up This Morning played was a short but powerful part of one of the greatest drama series of all time.

The combination of choppy urban visuals and the perfect song eased viewers into the world of the characters, every episode. The same is true for many other acclaimed series, including Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Game of Thrones, True Detective and Succession.

Creative director Patrick Clair is nominated for three Emmys this year with the streaming series 3 Body Problem, Fallout and Silo. Credit: James Brickwood

Australian creative directors Patrick Clair and Raoul Marks are specialists in combining design and storytelling into a compelling title sequence, as their 15 Emmy nominations attest.

They are backing up wins for outstanding title design for the first seasons of True Detective and The Man In The High Castle with three of the six nominations in the category at the Emmys in September.
Australia is experiencing a housing disaster. There are too few affordable dwellings to buy or rent. Housing affordability in 2024 is the worst on record. Social housing has been run down for decades. Over 120,000 people are living with homelessness. Particularly affected are First Peoples experiencing the continuing impact of colonisation, women with children fleeing domestic violence, people living with mental illness and low-income older people, especially older women. Over multiple generations, a large proportion of the population is anxious about their housing, especially the young and those on low-middle incomes who face insecure or poor housing for life. Housing anxiety is why the Great Australian Dream is now frequently called the Great Australian Nightmare.

The baby-boomer generation, including myself, grew up in a very different era. I was born in 1954 to young parents who had eight children. Hundreds of thousands of houses were built by government that low-middle income families like ours could afford to rent or buy. We rented a basic three-bedroom weatherboard house from the Victorian Housing Commission in Moorabbin. Fittingly, in the language of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung, Moorabbin means resting place or mothers milk. My mothers parents joined us in a bungalow built for a song in the backyard. As I grew older, it was my job to take the rent to the commission office just down the road. When government policy changed to allow sitting tenants to buy their homes at concessional prices, my parents did so, although they still called the money I took to the same office rent. I owe my family upbringing to social housing which working people like my parents could not now possibly get.

The Victorian Housing Commission built estates across Mebourne. Credit: Fairfax Media

Australia supports the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2015 as an international plan of action to end poverty and to promote peace, prosperity and economically sustainable development. These goals seek to realise the human rights of all. Goal 11 is: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. The first target for that goal is: By 2030, ensure access to all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services. Australia is not on target to meet this goal.

No future generation should have to live through a housing disaster like this. It has come from a system failure in which profit has been put before people. Housing has become primarily a commodity for investment. Governments have neglected their fundamental obligation to realise everyones human right to housing and home as the foundation of their personal, social and economic life. In Australia, government and policymakers tend not to think about housing in terms of human rights or they just mention them. Money and economics are the main frame or reference. This must change. Human rights are absolutely fundamental and must be taken seriously. What is needed is a shift in the values underpinning the housing system towards recognising a decent home as The Great Australian Right. Realisation of this right for everybody should be the primary purpose of the system; a legislative, rights-based national housing strategy is needed to bring this about.
The July 27 edition

After the Bondi Junction stabbings in April, I, like thousands of others, felt compelled to lay flowers at the impromptu memorial that had sprung up in the nearby shopping centre. I found myself walking past regularly in the days that followed, bearing witness to the growing number of floral tributes, a life-affirming antidote to the darkness of the time. And heres the thing. More often than not, Allegra Spender was there. The member for Wentworth stood in that mall not just when the TV crews were buzzing but long after theyd gone, talking quietly with grieving constituents. I found that deeply moving, and impressive. As Deborah Snow writes in todays cover story, Spender was a reluctant draft to politics but, two and a bit years in, is finding it more rewarding than shed imagined. Shes taken a keen interest in economic policy, particularly tax reform, which will put her in the national spotlight again in coming months. Watched closely, too, will be her evolving response to the war in Gaza, the most morally and politically fraught issue of our times  and one in which her electorate has a keen interest.  Editor, Katrina Strickland
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This story is part of the July 27 edition of Good Weekend. See all 12 stories .

Ray Martin is 79 years old. Hes a good 79; sharp, curious; still got all his hair and teeth. Still, hes 79. The life expectancy for men today in Australia is 81.2, which means that, statistically speaking, hes approaching the finish line. And yet death is still an abstraction for him; he hasnt talked to his wife or two kids about what he wants to happen at his funeral, how he would like to be buried, who should speak and what music to play. This is understandable; hes been pretty busy. But death waits for no man, even a five-time Gold Logie winner.

I know, he says, when we meet one afternoon in Sydneys north. But Ive just never thought about death. I was like, it happens to someone else! To a certain extent, Ive been in denial.

He would probably have remained in denial if not for the BBC, which approached him, in late 2022, with an offer to take part in a television series about death. (The series begins on SBS on August 14.) Im at the stage where I only do the things that I absolutely love, he says. And death is lifes great mystery. Clearly, the eternal question is what happens after you die.

If ever there was a topic worthy of Martins gaze, then, this was it. It might also, as he points out to viewers in the series, help him come to terms with his own mortality, and even give him some tips for his own funeral.

The program, a three-part series called Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye, is part experiential journey, part social history, an exploration of how different cultures deal with death and seek meaning in the inevitable. This is, if youll pardon the expression, very much a live question. Baby Boomers are Australias largest demographic and they will, by the end of the decade, be reaching the end of their life cycles, ushering in what some have dubbed peak death.

But the way we say goodbye to the Boomers is not the way they said goodbye to their parents and grandparents. When Martins grandmother died, for instance, her body was prepared by the family at home: the kids were invited to look at her in the parlour and touch her. (Not for nothing are funeral homes sometimes called funeral parlours.) But these days, most people die in hospitals or nursing homes, and body viewings are increasingly rare. As a result, weve become fairly distanced from death. Indeed, the whole funeral industry is predicated on our determination to avoid it; too squeamish or bereaved, we retreat to genteelisms, outsourcing our final journey to places like White Lady and Living Hope.

Yet others remain more hands on, as this series attests. Viewers witness a Muslim body-washing ritual, when family members of the deceased wash their late loved one with soap and water. Some of the most affecting scenes involve the Espejels, an Australian-Mexican family celebrating the Day of the Dead, where the dearly departed are welcomed back to the land of the living, just for a night. There are offerings of food and incense, and a rambunctious communal meal. Its an intergenerational affair, moving but not maudlin. At the end of the evening, Diego, the epically mustachioed paterfamilias, strums a plangent ranchera on his guitar while the family dog dines on leftovers.
On the islands northern tip in tranquil Pollonia is boutique hotel Delmar Apartments & Suites. Spacious and bo-ho chic, the distinctly cycladic rooms are tactile with wooden and linen materials, whitewashed walls and balcony daybeds that receive a sea breeze. A highlight is its Greek breakfast of fresh fruit, feta omelettes and yoghurt smoothies, doorstep-delivered each morning. Then its just a stroll to the beach or the cluster of sand-side tavernas such as farm-to-fork Enalion restaurant and Greek designer-centric clothing store Vanilla Gold. See delmar.gr The boat tour Kleftiko is one of the best swimming spots and can be reached via a hire boat. Credit: iStock Some of the best swimming spots here are accessible only by water. Eschew the large tour boats and splash out on a five-hour self-drive speedboat  even better, invest an extra 50 ($80) for a skipper. So instead of driving, you can simply soak up the south coast and dive into Kleftiko, a dazzling aqua world with clear water, white cliffs and caves featuring purple and gold tints. Explore the surreal abandoned sulphur mine at Paliorema beach, studded with yellow pebbles, and drop anchor at remote Gerakas Beach. See asteriasboats.gr The restaurant

Milos signature sight: the Syrmt, or picturesque fishermen cottages of Klima. Credit: Getty Images At Astakas restaurant cafe, you can happily kill two birds with one stone. The freshest grilled octopus and squid, fava hummus, shrimp pasta or sea bass comes with a free side of Milos signature sight: the syrmt, or picturesque fishermen cottages of Klima. The yellow, green, red and blue painted buildings were identifiable beacons for homeward seafarers and are mid-meal eye candy. Pick your fish from the fresh-catch fridge, and for a waterside seat, go at lunch or book ahead for a sunset dinner. No website, see Facebook. The village If you close your eyes for a moment and imagine what a traditional Greek chora (main town) should look like, its (mostly) car-free Plaka. The clifftop streets of Plaka, the original island capital, are a labyrinth of lanes where felines slink, the buildings are meticulously white-washed, the shutters painted blue and the bougainvillea seemingly always in bloom. Its the perfect place to get lost at dusk when the restaurants and bars spring to life. The sunset viewpoint

Sunset from Milos main town of Plaka. Credit: iStock In this part of the world, sunsets are an event  fiery magma explosions with the impact of a Zeus thunderbolt. Hordes head to Plakas Panagia Korfiatissa church with a to-go cocktail from nearby Utopia cafe in hand. But if selfie-sticks in the face isnt your thing, find sunset solitude at the tiny Prophet Elias holy chapel. A 10-minute hike through an ancient olive grove near the delightful village of Tripiti and up a rocky staircase to a cliffside perch will offer a box seat for Mother Natures big show. Same sunset, no crowds. Loading The archaeological site The islands most famous archaeological treasure is on a permanent holiday in Paris  Venus de Milo, also known as Aphrodite of Melos, resides in the Louvre  but showstoppers such as the Roman Theatre remain. The ancient world seems a finger-click away as you roam the stage or orchestra pit with sparkling Milos Bay as a backdrop, or sit among the rows of carefully restored marble. Recently renovated, it holds 700 people (the original held 7000) and the incredible acoustics can be appreciated during summer performances.
In the tiny fishing village of Tulamben, on Balis east coast, I meet an Aussie expat whos lived too long away from home to mix his words.

All these Aussies complaining about Bali not being like it was 30 years ago, he says. And they live in Canggu or Seminyak. Or they holiday in the same places they did in 1995, like Kuta. Bali is like it was 30 years ago, you just have to look for Bali a bit harder these days.

Sunrise in Candidasa. Credit: iStock

Hes not talking about far-flung destinations reachable only by 4WD or boat either. Tulamben is as far removed from Balis overcrowded south-western coast as youll ever need venture, yet its barely three hours drive from Seminyak. Balis overlooked east coast actually begins around the coastal village of Candidasa, an hours drive from the international airport. So close, but so very far.

Hes scolding me as much as anyone. Ive been coming to Bali for 30 years, and the traffic jams and pollution around my favourite haunts concerned me so much on my last visit I havent been back for a decade. This time around, Im turning my back on the places I once loved.
by Olatunji Saliu

ABUJA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- For the past two decades, Nigerian farmer Bala Yusuf has tended with meticulous care the cassava farm, his family's main source of livelihood.

Yusuf, now aged 46 and father of five, begins each day's work together with his wife before sunrise in Kuje, a low-income suburb of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, by peeling cassava tubers and soaking them in water for several hours to remove their bitterness.

At midday, his wife gets busy, cooking the tubers over a crackling fire, transforming them into a soft, tender meal. Then their eldest son takes the cooked cassava to the local market and earns about 10,000 nairas (6 U.S. dollars) daily from selling the food. That's the only source of income for the whole family.

Despite their exertions, Yusuf and his family, like many other small-scale cassava farmers in Nigeria, have been faced with significant challenges. These include low yields, limited access to improved farming techniques, and a lack of mechanization that has continued to hamper the ability to maximize production and improve living standards. However, that is about to change thanks to a new initiative.

In November 2023, agricultural experts from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) unveiled ambitious plans to enhance cassava cultivation across Africa, a continent heavily reliant on starchy tubers for sustenance. This initiative aims to introduce new cassava varieties and advanced farming techniques to over 500,000 hectares of land across several African countries, including Nigeria.

In Nigeria, CATAS is partnering with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) established over a century ago in Umudike in the southeastern state of Abia. Their collaboration is set to transform cassava farming by improving productivity and yields, providing training for local farmers, scientists and students as well as introducing innovative agricultural practices and technologies.

The partnership is a crucial development in Nigeria's quest for food security, Chiedozie Egesi, executive director of NRCRI, told Xinhua in an interview.

Egesi said that by leveraging the CATAS expertise in tropical agriculture, Nigerian scientists and farmers will gain access to advanced knowledge and tools to improve cassava cultivation.

"So, we have entered a new chapter because, now, we will be able to exchange germplasm, exchange technologies ... in terms of capacity building," Egesi said, noting that the support from CATAS will help improve yields and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers.

Cassava has become a cornerstone of Nigeria's food security ambition, with various food forms being produced from it, he said, noting that the partnership with CATAS would bring new opportunities to local farmers.

The partnership includes but is not limited to the formation of a large demonstration base for the CATAS African cassava yield doubling program and a China-Nigeria cassava joint laboratory. These facilities are expected to serve as centers for research, training, and promoting best practices.

Beyond individual benefits, the CATAS-NRCRI collaboration is poised to have a broader impact on Nigeria's agricultural sector, noted Pa Philip Ejikeme, a 72-year-old tribal king in Abia.

Identifying enhanced productivity and market access for cassava crops as some of the low-hanging fruits of the partnership, Ejikeme, one of NRCRI's successful local trainees on cassava processing and agronomic practices, said the initiative would go a long way to lift small farmers out of poverty and bolster Nigeria's food security.

Cassava farming in Nigeria is widespread, with significant variations in production across different states. Cassava leaves and roots are processed locally into products including garri or cassava flour, starch, glucose syrup, animal feed, sweeteners, biodegradable products, and ethanol, among others, in the most populous African country.

Nigeria produced at least 63 million metric tons of cassava tubers in 2021, accounting for one-fifth of the global total that year, according to a report citing data from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization.

By adopting modern farming techniques and improved cassava varieties, more local farmers believe that the partnership between CATAS and NRCRI could be transformative with the introduction of mechanization on cassava farms. This could also reduce the labor-intensiveness of cassava farming and make it more efficient and less physically demanding.

"This is the dawn of a new era in cassava production for us in Nigeria," said Augusta Amadjoi, vice president of the local Cassava Seeds Entrepreneurs, adding the partnership with the Chinese agricultural scientists will bring a brighter future for Nigerian cassava farmers. 
Washington: A powerful Mexican drug cartel leader who eluded authorities for decades was duped into flying into the US, where he was arrested alongside a son of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, according to a US law enforcement official familiar with the matter.

Ismael El Mayo Zambada got on an airplane to the US believing he was going somewhere else, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter. The official did not provide additional details, including who persuaded Zambada to get on the plane or where exactly he thought he was going.

Ismael Zambada, who is known as El Mayo has been pursued by authorities for years.

Upon arriving in the El Paso area, Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of notorious drug kingpin El Chapo, who was sentenced to life in a US prison in 2019, were immediately taken into custody by US authorities, officials said.

Zambada appeared in federal court in El Paso Friday morning and has entered a plea of not guilty to a slew of drug trafficking charges, court records show. Frank Perez, a lawyer listed for Zambada, did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment Friday.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Chuck Schumer could barely contain his excitement. It was Tuesday afternoon, two days after Joe Biden had withdrawn from the US election, and Vice President Kamala Harris had just secured enough Democratic support to win the partys nomination to run for the White House. President Bidens selfless decision has given the Democratic Party the opportunity to unite behind a new nominee, and boy oh boy, are we enthusiastic! the Senate Majority Leader told reporters at the US Capitol, as he began clapping emphatically. Its a happy day. What can I say? It was certainly a happier outlook than the previous few weeks had been, when Bidens candidacy plunged into crisis after his devastating debate performance against Donald Trump in Atlanta. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit: AP Indeed, 10 days before his press conference endorsing Harris, a far more sombre Schumer had driven to Delaware to meet the president in person at his Rehoboth Beach home amid growing angst about Bidens fitness for office.

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Armed with the concerns of his members and polls showing the path to victory against Trump was all but gone, Schumer decided to make a last-ditch effort to convince his old friend that Bidens legacy, the Congress and the country was at risk if he stayed in the race. Biden, however, seemed as defiant as ever to dig in. But just over one week later, as the polls worsened, donations began to freeze and the defections continued, Americas 81-year-old president announced he would stand down and pass the torch to his 59-year-old deputy. The political shift was swift and seismic. One minute, Democrats had been in despair and disarray over their ability to fend off a seemingly unstoppable Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a college sorority annual convention in Dallas. Credit: AP The next minute they were united and hopeful about their chances in November, coalescing around Harris to ensure she had the delegates she needed to win the partys nomination at next months Democratic National Convention. Within 36 hours, Harris had amassed $US126 million ($192 million) in donations; 100,000 new volunteers had signed up to work on her campaign; and almost 40,000 new voters had registered for the November poll, representing the largest number of registrations in a 48-hour period this election cycle. Even the internet had blown up with endearing memes of the vice presidents most cringy quotes (You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?) or videos of Harris dancing to Charli XCX songs filtered through the UK pop stars lime-green Brat branding.

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I dont think you can overstate the level of enthusiasm and excitement about Kamala Harris right now, said Ashley Etienne, a former senior adviser for House speaker Nancy Pelosi. It is like something weve never seen before. I was on the 08 campaign, and we thought people were on fire for Barack Obama - but theyre on fire for Kamala Harris. Trump has also been forced to pivot. For the past 12 months, the incendiary Republican has monopolised headlines through his court cases, his domination of the presidential primary elections, and most recently, the failed assassination attempt against him, which galvanised Republicans to unite behind him at last weeks national convention. This week, however, Trump has been crowded out of the headlines and has had to readjust his campaign strategy, which until now centred solely on an octogenarian and his cognitive decline. Ive never seen a turnaround like this, the former president told supporters at a rally in North Carolina this week as he road-tested new attack lines for the vice president, from Lyin Kamala to Bidens Border Czar and Radical Left Lunatic. Three weeks ago, four weeks ago, she was the worst politician in America. Now theyre saying: isnt it amazing? Look at her, shes so beautiful, shes so magnificent...

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After weeks of anxiety, Democrats believe they now have a candidate who will be able to draw a contrast with Trump and make the election a referendum on the former president and his MAGA Republicans. Loading Shes a prosecutor, hes a convicted felon. She wants women to have federal abortion access; he does not. Shes a champion of democracy; he has authoritarian tendencies. Shes 59; hes 78. But some party members and donors still have doubts, citing polls showing Harris approval rating, which is currently hovering around 37 per cent according to FiveThirtyEight, has long been on a par with Bidens. Lawyer and Biden mega-donor John Morgan, for instance, said he would not be supporting the Harris campaign, noting on X: You have to be enthusiastic or hoping for a political appointment to be asking friends for money. I am neither. You can keep my million, he added. And good luck. Others also recall her ill-fated bid to run for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, which similarly began with plenty of hype, only to result in the former California attorney-general dropping out before the first primary contest even took place.

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After an initial and much-rehearsed viral moment - in which Harris called out Biden on the issue of race and segregation during a candidates debate in 2019 - the senator struggled to articulate what she stood for. She has flip-flopped on issues such as Medicare For All, couldnt defend her past positions as a hard-nosed prosecutor (such as her opposition to the legalisation of marijuana, which she now supports) and there have been numerous stories about her dysfunctional office, including a leaked letter by a staffer, which ended up in The New York Times during her presidential nomination bid. This is my third presidential campaign and I have never seen an organisation treat its staff so poorly, it said. South Carolina voter Chris Salley remembers this period well. Before her campaign fizzled, Harris had been his top pick for the nomination that year, in a race that also included Biden, progressive Senator Bernie Sanders and Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Senator Bernie Sanders, centre, gestures towards Joe Biden as Kamala Harris talks during a debate in 2019. Credit: AP But Salley, 31, quit the Democratic Party last October, outraged by the Biden-Harris administrations handling of the war in Gaza and frustrated that the president was running for another term, rather than passing the torch to a new generational leader. Eight months later, he says hes pleased that Biden has finally stood down, but is waiting to see if theres a concrete change in direction on Gaza before he votes for Harris over third-party candidate Cornell West, a progressive activist and theologian.

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ADDIS ABABA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government and aid agencies have joined forces to provide emergency support to victims of the landslides in southern Ethiopia amid widespread calls for precautionary measures to avert possible further disasters.

According to local authorities, the first landslide incident struck the village of Kencho Shacha Gozdi in the country's southern district of Geze Gofa on Sunday night after hours of heavy rains. The second landslide happened Monday morning and buried an unknown number of local community members who gathered at the scene for rescue efforts.

The death toll from the landslides has risen to 257 and could reach up to 500. More than 15,500 people were affected by the landslides, including at least 1,320 children under the age of five and 5,293 pregnant and nursing mothers, according to the latest situation update by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

Following the tragic accident, the Ethiopian government and its humanitarian partners are currently conducting search and rescue operations as well as providing emergency humanitarian support to the affected communities.

"I have never witnessed such a scale of tragedy, with hundreds of people weeping and crying out in grief for their loved ones," an eyewitness told Xinhua on Friday. "Many have lost multiple relatives and family members. Funeral processions are currently taking place, with victims mostly being interred in mass graves."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday that UN agencies are dispatching food, nutrition, health, and other critical supplies to help the affected people.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of more than 200 lives in the south of Ethiopia following landslides triggered by heavy rains," the UN chief said on X, formerly Twitter.

On Friday, the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) disclosed that humanitarian and rehabilitation activities are "well underway for the victims."

The DRMC said a federal team comprised of high-ranking government officials has been deployed to the affected area and has identified critical issues and necessary humanitarian needs.

As part of the ongoing humanitarian support, various institutions and individuals across the East African country are currently pooling resources to support the rehabilitation efforts. Amid the ongoing response efforts, calls are also mounting to avert further catastrophes endangering the affected community members.

Save the Children, an international aid organization, warned on Friday that after surviving a series of landslides, hundreds of children living in the remote Gofa Zone of southern Ethiopia remain at risk of death and injury from rain-induced disasters.

The UNOCHA, in its latest situation update issued Thursday, said the affected people "are at high risk of further landslides and need to be evacuated to safe zones immediately."

In southern Ethiopia, landslides are common during the rainy season and are known to cause devastating disasters, leading to deaths, injuries, and widespread displacement.

Experts argued that this year's rainy season in parts of Ethiopia comes after a particularly unseasonable dry season. Heavy rains and flooding, linked to a combination of the El Nino phenomenon and human-induced climate change, have devastated communities in Ethiopia.

A similar deadly landslide triggered by heavy rainfalls on Thursday night killed three people and displaced 24 in Decha District in southern Ethiopia, according to the Kafa Zone Communication Office. 
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A man caught with heroin on the train from Dublin to Ballina has received a suspended jail sentence after the court heard that he was a recovering addict.

George Kinsella, aged 51, formerly of Corcoran Terrace, Ballina, but now living in Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply when he appeared before a sitting of Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.

Det Gda Sean Ryan told the court that on October 23, 2019, Gardai received information that Kinsella was travelling from Heuston Station in Dublin to Ballina with heroin in his possession.

When he alighted at Manulla Junction, Gardai boarded the Ballina-bound train and stopped Kinsella on his way to the bathroom. He was caught trying to conceal three wraps of heroin in his trousers. The drugs had an estimated value of 802.

The accused has 19 previous convictions.

The court heard Kinsella was a heroin addict for a long period in Dublin. He had been clean from 2001 to 2018 and was considered something of a success story for the Probation Service in Dublin before his move to Ballina and the death of his mother. Kinsella has been drug-free for the past three years, the court was told.

Kinsella was believed to have been smoking the drugs himself and selling to two to three others in Ballina. Det Gda Ryan said there was no monetary gain.

Its tough life. You can see the effects of heroin on this man, the Garda stated.

Barrister Dr Laura Byrne, representing Kinsella, said the impact of heroin on the accused were apparent.

He told me this morning he is an example of what not to do in life, Dr Byrne stated.

The court heard that Kinsella moved back to Dublin in 2021 and resides with his sister.

Judge Eoin Garavan said this was a case where the addiction is greater than the criminality". The judge handed down a two-year suspended prison sentence.
A man sent explicit images and messages to three online decoys he believed were young teenage girls.

Brendan Glynn, aged 57, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to charges of attempting to send explicit material to a child.

Det Gda John Lynskey told the court that on February 21, 2023, Gardai were contacted by a volunteer with an online group known as the Child Protection Agency.

The volunteer had set up a fake Facebook profile for a 14-year-old girl called Sophie Shaw. Between February 3 and 19, 2023, there was contact between Glynn and the fictitious profile on Facebook and through WhatsApp. The accused was told the girl was 14 from the outset but he continued to send sexually explicit messages.

On February 22, 2023, Gardai were contacted by a member of the UK-based Predator Exposure organisation. She had set up a false Facebook profile for a 13-year-old called Sophie Brown.

On February 2, 2023, Glynn sent the profile a friend request. A 334-page chat log was shown to Gardai. The log contained 11 images of a male penis as well as sexually explicit messages.

On February 24, 2023, Glynn was arrested at the Ivy Tower Hotel in Castlebar where he was staying at the time. He admitted sending a photo to Sophie Brown and said he regretted sending the messages. The accused said she told him she was 13 and he also admitted he believed Sophie Shaw to be 14.

Two mobile phones were seized and some of the images sent by Glynn matched the background of the hotel room he was staying in.

Soon after he was arrested, Glynn was in communication with another online decoy.

Another member of the Predator Exposure group created a Facebook profile under the guise of a 13-year-old girl named Lola Jade Robinson. A chat log of messages between the decoy and Glynn from April 23 to 30, 2023, was handed over to Gardai.

Its astounding that after he was questioned he would do the same thing in April, commented Judge Eoin Garavan.

Between April 21 and May 7, 2023, the accused sent messages again to the Sophie Shaw profile and he was again arrested this time at the Ellison Hotel in Castlebar.

Defending barrister Diarmuid Connolly said his client, who has no previous convictions, is separated from his family and appears to have gone off the rails in middle age. He said Glynn has been living in hotels and hostels and having worked previously now seems somewhat rudderless and is of limited means.

Mr Connolly said he was making the "unusual" request of having his client remanded in custody before finalising the case. He said the court and the accused would benefit from a probation report and a prison governors report.

It seems that we know nothing at all about Mr Glynns background, agreed Judge Garavan.

The judge remanded the accused in custody to appear before the court again on October 30 next.
On June 28th last, the Westport Delivery Service Unit (DSU) of An Post witnessed the end of an era as 'Long' Joe Sheridan, a beloved figure in Sandyhill, hung up his delivery bib for the last time.

In a span of just six months, the DSU bid farewell to six of its most experienced postal operatives - Liam Gibbons, Mike McConnell, Liam Chambers, Ger McGing, Sean McGing and Joe Sheridan. The last three boasted over 40 years each of dedicated service and, collectively, these six retirees represented 180 years of postal experience, a wealth of knowledge that had served nearly all of the West Mayo postal district.

Their departure marks more than just the end of lengthy careers; it signifies the conclusion of a period where local knowledge and personal connections were the lifeblood of the postal service. These operatives knew every nook and cranny of their routes, every face, and every story behind each letter and package delivered. They were not just postal workers; they were integral members of the community, often the only social contact for many of the elderly residents, especially during Covid times in 2020 and 2021

With the introduction of Eircode, Ireland's national postcode system, many thought that the importance of such deep-rooted local knowledge would diminish. However, An Post still mandates proper written postal addresses, reinforcing that the human element cannot be entirely replaced by technology. The challenge now lies in balancing the old with the new.

As Westport DSU transitions, the changes are palpable. Some of the green has been taken out of the An Post delivery service, for years Westport urban area was delivered by bike but not anymore, all delivery is now by van, a shame for a town that prides itself on smarter travel with initiatives for green travel on every corner. Delivery routes have been expanded, placing additional pressure on the current operatives to handle an increasing volume of parcels, packages, and letters. The luxury of time, once spent chatting with locals and checking in on the elderly, is now a relic of the past. Every move an operative makes is monitored via GPS, every stop tracked by scanners, ensuring that efficiency is maximised and every euro accounted for.

This new, highly monitored system underscores the challenges that the next generation of postal workers must face. They must adapt quickly to these changes while striving to maintain the integrity and reliability of the service. Patience from the community will be crucial during this transition period. The new brigade of postal operatives will need time to learn the intricate details of their routes, to build relationships, and to fill the substantial shoes left behind by their predecessors.

For many country folk, the post person is still a vital link to the outside world, a bearer of news and a friendly face amid daily routines. As the Westport DSU evolves, let us remember the legacy of those who served before and extend our support to those who now carry the torch. The heart of the postal service, after all, remains not in the technology it uses but in the connections it fosters within the community.
NEW DELHI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- An Indian army trooper was killed and another wounded Saturday in a fierce gunfight in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The gunfight broke out in the Machil sector near the Line of Control (LoC) in frontier Kupwara sector, about 136 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

According to officials, a gunfight between militants and government forces erupted after Indian army troopers deployed in the area detected the movement of suspected militants. The troopers challenged the militants, who resorted to firing which was duly responded.

A statement issued by the Indian army said one soldier was killed and another was wounded during the intense fire exchange.

The army said it recovered weapons, ammunition and war-like stores from the spot and identification and affiliation of the Pakistani national were being ascertained.

However, multiple local media reports said a soldier was killed and four others were wounded in a gunfight. While the wounded soldiers have been evacuated for treatment, the operation against the militants in the area is underway.

There has been an increase in militant attacks in the Loc region recently. On Wednesday an Indian army trooper and a militant were killed in a similar gunfight in the district. 
Music is at the heart of everything that Anne Moriarty does. Anne is the musical director and conductor of the Mayo Youth Orchestra, based at Music West in Castlebar. But in her day job as a primary school principal, Anne brings that love of music into the classroom to help break down barriers.

Its no accident that the Kiltimagh native is doing what she is doing  music was very much a part of her childhood at home and school.

We sat down to chat about how Anne believes that music is good for the soul.

Angelina: Anne, thanks for talking to me. Tell me a little bit about your background.

Anne: I'm from Kiltimagh. I'm the third of four girls born to my parents Tom and Kathleen. I've been based in Kiltimagh all the time really, bar the times I went away to college, and I worked in Dublin for a while as well.

Our house was always full of music when we were children, and everybody was always singing. I loved music and always wanted to play music. When I was a child, I would ask for instruments for Christmas.

We went to St Aidan's National School. There's loads of music there. That started me on my formal music journey in that we all learned the piano.

My mother and father were both very musical, but neither played an instrument. My mother particularly was adamant that we would all learn how to play. I started with piano, but by the time I came to about 10, I got the opportunity then to learn the violin. But I wanted to play trad because I didn't want to do exams.

Angelina: So you obviously were well bitten by the music bug, even at that early stage?

Anne: Absolutely. The secondary school, St Louis, had an orchestra - the school is renowned for music - and they discovered that myself and my friend played violin. We were brought into the orchestra, and once I started playing classical music, then like that, that was it. I had found my instrument.

It's not that I had any burning ambitions to be a teacher or anything. It was going to be either education or music. That was basically it. Education was great because I could combine both. My degree is actually education and music, so I was able to do both. I did that at St Patrick's College in Drumcondra, which is now part of Dublin City University. I played in an orchestra the whole way through secondary school, and then I was playing music in college as well.

Angelina : Where was the next step on the journey for you after you qualified, Anne?

Anne: It was really funny because we had grown up with pianos in our classrooms and everything. You talk about the '70s and the '80s and everything else, but we always had instruments all around us.

When I started teaching, I naively thought that there would be pianos in every classroom, and there weren't, so I said, okay, a guitar will be very useful. I taught myself how to play the guitar just so I'd have something to play in the classrooms.

I started doing various ensembles in schools. I was always involved in music in schools. Then I started playing in the Mayo Concert Orchestra. George Lee had heard me playing at a wedding, and he asked me if I would be interested in joining the orchestra, which was fab.

At the same time, I did my Masters in Education, but I looked at composition in music and composition in English, comparing the two. It was always kind of marrying the two, education and music together, which I think as a primary school teacher it really allows you to do that.

I also did a course in conducting at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, really with the view to using it in school, to be quite honest. Even though it was an orchestral conducting course, it wasn't choral, it was absolutely orchestral.

I always had this idea, I wanted to introduce instruments into school. There was no funding for the arts in school. There's scant funding for arts really, but particularly in school. My mother and myself bought the first two violins I had for my school because she would see how passionate I was about everything. She was always really, really supportive of everything I did. That's how I started. Then when Music Generation came along, it was brilliant, because they part-funded violins for us in the school, so I was able to do that.

Angelina: You did a Doctorate  tell us a little bit about that.

Anne: The Doctorate was in Education. I looked at multi-literacies, one part was creative teacher, and the other part of it was multi-literacies - looking beyond printed text, basically, for literacy, looking beyond just linguistics. Its really timely now in terms of having children where English isn't their first language, you're looking at linguistics, you're looking at gesture, you're looking at the auditory, the visual, all of those things, which fits perfectly into music. It also fits into filmmaking as well. I actually focused on filmmaking for it.

Angelina: How did the Mayo Youth Orchestra opportunity evolve?

Anne: In 2011, the opportunity of being conductor and musical director came up for me and I thought, 'Why not?' I absolutely adore working with youth. I just love the energy from them. They are amazing. They come from right across the county, and we also have a musician from Leitrim who travels over because those opportunities aren't there.

It's about providing those opportunities. It's really like they find like-minded people who are interested in music from right across the county. There's a lovely little social network with them, but sometimes, they just come because they want to play music, and there is the opportunity to play it. Not necessarily to meet other people who do, but they do.

There's a lot of neurodiversity within the group as well. It's just about providing those possibilities and those opportunities. They take to it every single time. They work really hard, they're there every week and they give it their all. They never, ever let me down. We've done so many things with them. We've had so many adventures.

Angelina: What are some of the highlights?

Anne: We played - and I got to conduct - in the Musikverein, which is the Golden Hall in Vienna. Every year, my Dad and I would watch the New Year's Day concert from Vienna. And then to just think you can actually conduct there. That was absolutely fabulous. We've also played in Aras an Uachtarain for President Michael D Higgins, and we've done really, really lovely tours.

Angelina: You have such a passion for what you do Anne - both teaching and conducting.

Anne: The energy I get back from them is just incredible because you couldn't do it if you didn't have that there. They turn up all the time. Some of them are coming from Lacken Cross, over in North Mayo. They're coming right across the county and from as far as Leitrim. Music is really good for everybody. It's just good for your soul. I call it my happy hour every week when I'm at the orchestra. We have a really busy year coming up next year.

Angelina: You mentioned that next year is an exciting year. Have you some plans already in place?

Anne: We do. We are going to collaborate with Stephen Doherty, the trad musician. He has composed music and wants to work between the genres of classical music, orchestral music and trad music as well, which is fabulous. He has composed some lovely music, and we're going to get stuck into that straight away in the new academic year come September, end of August kind of time.

We're also collaborating with Donegal Youth Orchestra, and with the Coole Youth Orchestra from Gort as well. It will just be a really, really busy year because next year will probably be a touring year as well.

Angelina: What continues to drive you Anne - you're a primary school teacher and you have this busy music schedule so it must be hard at times.

Anne: I love it, and I love it because I get as much out of it as the students do. It provides all these opportunities and possibilities for them. I just love to see that. I love to watch them come along, take a piece, shape a piece, take a project, work with us.

There are a lot of benefits, and you've got to really just manage time. There are times it's going to be far busier than others because you have got to make sure that you have the right arrangements, that you've selected your music, that you actually get the correct arrangements so that they suit the orchestra you have in front of you. They're all at an age where they're going to learn things really, really quickly, but they also want to enjoy what they're playing too. It's marrying all of that together, getting the right arrangements. Not taking too much on. You've got to give everybody time. Teenagers are really busy. Music is only one part of their life. A lot of them are in exam years and things like that, and they're still so dedicated.

Angelina: What advice would you give to people who want to pursue their dream of marrying two loves like you?

Anne: I suppose it's just not to let go of your dream. It's to hold on to what you know is what motivates you. Hold onto what you know makes you happy. You will find a way to marry it. I mean, I certainly never set out saying, 'In five years, I'm going to be playing in an orchestra. In 10 years, I'm going to be conducting the orchestra'. I took the opportunities that were there. I went with any opportunity I saw, and that I do with the Youth Orchestra as well. Now, above all times, there are so many ways into every avenue, whether it's the creative or you're straightforward, there are so many opportunities to push what you want out there.
Kenneth Fox

The Taoiseach has condemned the latest attack on a school by the Israeli military, saying it is a further demonstration of brutal, unconscionable violence.

Simon Harris adds targeting an area populated with displaced families is "inhumane and despicable."

Palestinian officials say an Israeli air strike has killed 30 people sheltering at a girls' school in central Gaza.

Another 100 have been injured - according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The Taoiseach again called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access to aid into Gaza.

Israeli airstrikes hit a school being used by displaced people in central Gaza on Saturday, killing dozens, as the countrys negotiators prepared to meet international mediators to discuss a proposed ceasefire.

At least 30 people sheltering at a girls school in Deir Al-Balah were taken to Al Aqsa Hospital and pronounced dead, after a strike that Israels military said targeted a Hamas command and control centre used to store weapons and plan attacks.

Gazas health ministry said at least 11 people had been killed in other strikes on Saturday.

Near the hospital, Associated Press journalists saw an ambulance driving along a dusty road as a few people ran in the opposite direction.

An injured man lay on a stretcher on the ground. A body covered with a blanket and a dead toddler were inside the ambulance.

Inside the school, classrooms were in ruins. People were searching for victims under the rubble and some were gathering remains of those who were killed.

Earlier, Israels military ordered the evacuation of a part of a designated
Following a high-octane performance at the 2023 Electric Picnic, Ballina act Billow Wood return to Irelands biggest music and arts festival again this year.

The five-piece band, which crafts folk, traditional Irish and mainstream music that blends seamlessly with rich vocal harmonies and virtuoso instrumentation, will play two stages of the 2024 Stradbally, Co. Laois event, the Hazelwood Stage and The Word Stage.

This follows two rare appearances on home turf in the last month. First came an intimate, tour de force performance in St. Michaels Church, Ballina in mid-June, followed by an open-air appearance on the main stage during Ballina Heritage Day a few weeks later.

Earlier in the year, Billow Wood enjoyed an opportunity to feature its music and meet like-minded people at Folk Alliance International, a major showcase event in the United States attended by some of the top people in the folk music industry.

On August 25, the group will play at the Clare Island Folk Festival before heading off to Toggenburg, Switzerland for a show on September 7 alongside Scottish band Skerryvore.

Billow Wood is comprised of founding members Mark ODonnell (fiddle, guitar, vocals) and Harry Lawlor (harp, guitar, vocals), together with Andy Dempsey (drums, keyboards, vocals), Emily Donoghue (mandolin, guitar, vocals) and Aodan Cronin (accordion, vocals). Former member Brid ODonnell will perform with the band for the Electric Picnic shows.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Electric Picnic was traditionally held on the first weekend of September every year, but has moved to August for the 2024 event, running from August 16-18. The festival has already sold-out for this year.

It was once voted the Best Medium-Sized Music Festival in Europe, and has hosted some of the worlds biggest music acts over its 20-year history. Rage Against the Machine, Kraftwerk, Billie Eilish, The Strokes, The Chemical Brothers, Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and Bjork have all played there, with Calvin Harris, Kodaline and Noah Kahan topping the bill this year.
KABUL, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan exported and imported commercial goods valued at 5.24 billion U.S. dollars from January to June 2024, said the country's Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Afghanistan shipped exported products worth nearly 700 million to various countries, with 58 million value of exports going to Central Asian countries within the first six months of 2024, the ministry's spokesman Akundzada Abdul Salam Jawad told local media outlet TOLOnews on Friday.

The Afghan products were mostly exported to Pakistan, India and Iran, and the major sources of imports included Iran, Pakistan and China, the country's National Statistics and Information Authority reported in July.

Fresh and dry fruits including pistachio, pine nut, fig, pomegranate, grape, raisin, melon and watermelon are the most popular products for export in Afghanistan. 
MANILA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Divers have noticed "minimal" oil leaks from a Philippine tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel that sank in Manila Bay on Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said divers inspected the tanker MT Terra Nova on the sea floor and saw oil leaking from the valves.

"There were minimal leaks from the valves, but as observed, the leaks are not alarming yet," Balilo said at an online press conference, adding that the leaks are still "manageable" at this point.

"There is no cause for alarm. Unlike the oil spill in 2023, this one is small and manageable," Balilo said, referring to the massive oil spill from the MT Princess Empress carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil that sank off Mindoro province last year.

The PCG has been checking the number of valves and the quantity of oil that has leaked so far. And the agency said it hopes to start siphoning fuel oil on Sunday from the tanker, and that the extraction will take at least seven days.

"One thing is sure: the fuel cargo tanks are still intact," Balilo said, adding that the PCG has deployed oil spill booms and sprayed dispersant in areas with oil slicks.

The tanker would eventually be removed from the area due to the danger it poses to vessels and fishing boats passing the maritime route, Balilo said. 
YANGON, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar hosted the Fourth Meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) National Security Chiefs in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday, the state-run daily The Mirror reported on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from BIMSTEC member countries and focused on traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the Bay of Bengal region, according to the report.

Additionally, the report said that the meeting has discussed matters related to counter-terrorism, transnational crime, anti-narcotics processes, maritime and cyber security challenges, national security, and effective information sharing.

The national security chiefs of BIMSTEC member countries also discussed the current security situation in the region and strategies to prepare for future security challenges, the report said.

BIMSTEC groups seven nations of South Asia and Southeast Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. 
VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The 31st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) foreign ministers' meeting was held here on Saturday, calling for enhancing cooperation on ferry safety.

The meeting issued a statement on strengthening regional cooperation on ferry safety, which was jointly initiated by China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Singapore to enhance regional ferry transportation safety management, safeguard people's lives, promote connectivity and strengthen the resilience of regional economic development.

This will give new impetus to regional cooperation on ferry safety, and further enhance the safety and well-being of the people in the region.

The meeting also adopted work plans on fields including counter-terrorism and combating transnational crime, and disaster reduction. It is also agreed to organize training courses on combating cyber fraud, ferry safety, earthquake and tsunami, and other disaster response. 
COLOMBO, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's navy and coast guard have seized over 27,330 kg of smuggled Tendu leaves so far in 2024, the navy said in a statement on Saturday.

The navy said they seized 1,276 kg of Tendu leaves, floating in the seas off Kalpitiya in northwestern Sri Lanka on Friday, which was the latest seizure of smuggled Tendu leaves.

The contraband was handed over to local authorities for legal action.

The navy said it conducts regular search operations and patrols in coastal areas of the country, with a view to preventing the influx of a wide range of illegal items into the country. 
NEW YORK, July 27 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX and NASA said on Friday they planned to launch the SpaceX Crew-9 mission, a crew rotation mission to the International Space Station (ISS), no earlier than Aug. 18.

According to the announcement, the international crew will lift off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft.

Crew-9 is the ninth crew rotation mission with SpaceX to the ISS under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

The spacecraft is scheduled to carry four astronauts to the orbiting laboratory for a six-month science research plan. 
Description

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Dividend investing has long been a popular strategy for generating passive income and building long-term wealth. High-yield dividend stocks, in particular, can offer attractive returns to investors seeking regular cash flow from their portfolios. These stocks typically pay out a higher percentage of their earnings as dividends compared to the broader market average.

Recent economic indicators suggest that interest rates may soon decline, potentially making high-yield dividend stocks even more appealing. As bond yields fall, income-seeking investors often turn to dividend-paying equities as an alternative source of cash flow. This shift can drive up demand for high-yield stocks, potentially leading to capital appreciation on top of the dividend income.

Image source: Getty Images.

Armed with this background, here is a breakdown of two high-yield dividend stocks that may be worth adding to your portfolio soon.

An undervalued high-yielder

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), a leading pharmaceutical company, presents an intriguing income opportunity given its substantial 5.58% dividend yield. The drugmaker's rather modest forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.8 also indicates that its stock may be undervalued at current levels.

This view is echoed by Wall Street analysts, who project Pfizer's shares are trading at a mere 10.2 times 2026 projected earnings -- a notable bargain within the typically premium-priced pharmaceutical industry. Eli Lilly, for instance, trades at nearly 32 times 2026 projected earnings.

Perhaps most importantly, the pharma titan's dividend appears to be sustainable, as evidenced by its trailing-12-month payout ratio of 68.2%. In other words, the drugmaker's earnings comfortably cover the dividend distribution, which is a critical feature for long-term income investors.

Lastly, Pfizer's diverse pipeline of innovative drugs and vaccines positions it well to not only sustain its substantial yield but also to continue its recent pattern of dividend growth. Over the past five years, the company has boosted its dividend by an average of 3.1%, which is well above average for a company paying a yield north of 5% (author's data).

Given Pfizer's solid financial footing, attractive valuation metrics, and promising product pipeline, it stands out as a potentially rewarding option for income-focused investors seeking both yield and growth potential in the pharmaceutical industry.

This high-yielder is a top contrarian pick

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), another tier 1 pharmaceutical company, offers a healthy 5.3% dividend yield. And like Pfizer, Bristol's shares trade in bargain territory at just 7.24 times 2026 projected earnings.

The drugmaker's stock is cheap based on this valuation metric -- compared to both its pharmaceutical peer group and the U.S. stock market at large -- due to concerns about its upcoming bout with the patent cliff. A whopping 63% of the company's current revenue is at risk from patent expires this decade, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley.

Aside from its attractive valuation, Bristol Myers Squibb's modest payout ratio of 59.8% is also a big plus for long-term investors. This fairly low payout ratio for a big pharma stock suggests the dividend is sustainable.

While the drugmaker does have work to do to safely navigate the forthcoming loss of exclusivity for key growth drivers like cancer medication Opdivo, its robust pipeline and spate of recent acquisitions should drive notable levels of growth and dividend increases over the long haul.

The crux of the matter is that Bristol Myers Squibb is a proven commodity in terms of product innovation and shareholder value creation. Buying shares when market sentiment is at its nadir could prove to be a shrewd investment decision.

Key takeaways

Research has shown that dividend yields are strong predictors of stock returns over longer time horizons (more than 20 years). And while trying to time the market is never a wise idea, it may be an ideal time to stock up on high-yield equities due to the anticipated rate cuts by the central bank.

Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb sport yields north of 5%, appear to be severely undervalued relative to their long-term earnings potentials, and operate in an industry that's expected to benefit from the aging global population over the next two decades. As such, these two stocks stand out as top vehicles to play a possible rally in high-yield dividend stocks.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fascist government putting the country on a war footing in pursuit of its policy of Jewish Supremacy over the whole of Israel/Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea comes with a heavy price tag.

Last week, the southern port of Eilat halted its operations, declared bankruptcy, after losing $13.61 million, and is to lay off half of its 120 workers. The port has been largely inactive since the start of the war as ships diverted around Africa to avoid the Red Sea route through the Suez Canal to reach Europe, following attacks by Yemens Houthi forces in support of the Palestinians in Gaza on shipping in the Red Sea with connections to Israel.

Eilat's Harbor [Photo by Adiel lo - Own work / CC BY-SA 3.0

Logistical and commercial support from some of the Gulf States and Jordan that have provided an overland route to Israels markets have to a degree cushioned Israel from the full impact of the closure. But the port is just one of Israels 46,000, mainly small businesses that have gone bankrupt, according to the daily Maariv, which referred to Israel as a country in collapse.

Some 60,000 small businesses are expected to close by the end of the year. Yoel Amir, CEO of Israeli information services and credit risk management firm CofaceBdi, told Maariv that the most vulnerable industries are the construction industry, and as a result also the entire ecosystem that operates around it: ceramics, air conditioning, aluminum, building materials, and more. All of these were significantly damaged.

This is because the government has blocked the entry of 120,000 West Bank and Gaza Palestinian workers into Israel, where they were employed in construction, manufacturing and agriculture.

Based mainly in the north and south, agriculture has been badly affected by the war against the Palestinians in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. As a result, the government has agreed to raise the cap on the number of migrant workers allowed to enter Israel. These workers, without rights or access to healthcare, are subject to even more exploitative conditions than the Palestinians.

Israels tourism industry, which accounted for 5.6 percent of GDP before the COVID pandemic, has collapsed. When the war broke out, all flights were cancelled. While they have since resumed, the tourists have stayed away. When the war began, everything stopped, and until April, not a single tourist arrived in Israel, Moshe Benishu, a tourism expert and guide in Aujo Travel, told The Media Line. While the number of visitors has started to rise, this is less than a quarter the number in the same period last year. Many of the hotels are occupied by evacuees from the towns and villages near the borders with Gaza and Lebanon.

Israels economy contracted by almost 22 percent in the last quarter of 2023 following the start of the war and was still 7 percent down in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period in 2023. Credit ratings agency S&P said it expected Israels economy to recover more slowly than after previous military campaigns or the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving just 0.5 percent growth in GDP this year. S&P, along with Moodys Investors Service, has downgraded Israels credit rating, viewing the war-hit sectors of the economytourism, construction and agricultureas well as escalating regional conflicts and domestic political uncertainty, as impeding a recovery.

Even before Israels genocidal war on Gaza, business had begun transferring money out of the country because of Netanyahus planned judicial overhaul that would give unlimited power to the government amid the increasing dominance of the religious authorities over everyday life.

According to figures released by the Bank of Israel and the Israeli Ministry of Finance, the cost of the first six months of the war had reached more than 270 billion shekels ($73 billion) by the end of March. Nonetheless, Netanyahu has said the war will continue for months and it shows every sign of escalating into an all-out conflict against Hezbollah in the north and the Houthis in the Red Sea, despite fears of military overstretch. This prompted the Knesset to increase the 2024 budget by $73 billion, with most going to finance the military and the rest to civilian wartime needs, compared with the original budget approved in May 2023, leading to a likely deficit equal to 8 percent of GDP, breaching the 6.6 percent target ceiling the government set for 2024.

This will mean a massive hike in taxes and drastic cuts to public services to at least partially cover the rising deficit. But public services, underfunded for years, are now at breaking point, with infrastructure, education, welfare, health care and other public services on the verge of collapse. According to a study by the Arlozorov Forum, Israeli government civilian spending would have to increase by 171 billion shekels ($47 billion) just to reach the OECD average level of expenditure.

At the same time, Netanyahus far-right coalition continues to funnel billions of shekels to its political allies, including the settlements in the West Bank and subventions to the ultra-orthodox schools that do not meet core curriculum requirements, and religious seminaries, under deals reached in coalition talks after the November 2022 elections.

Since October 7, nearly 700 Israeli soldiers have been killed, including at least 350 during Hamass attack on Israels southern towns. The 326 soldiers killed in Gaza is more than four times the toll from the 2014 war against Hamas. There is a mounting sense of strategic failure within Israel.

Indicative of the prevailing despondency is the huge increase in the number of Israelis who have left the country permanently. According to the Times of Israel, this surged 285 percent after October 7. It confirms earlier reports published two months after the war started that showed that nearly half a million people left the country, presumably those fortunate enough to have a second citizenship and/or a home overseas.

There was also a significant drop in the number of Jewish immigrants arriving in Israel. A second survey conducted in March by the Hebrew University in Jerusalem revealed that 80 percent of those living abroad said that they do not intend to return.

The reverse migration of Jews from Israel has a profound political significance, as it further erodes the demographic balance the Zionist state has sought to maintain. It prompted far-right former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to call on Israelis not to leave Israel, which is going through its most difficult times since 1948.

Talks about leaving the country. This must not happen, he insisted. We need all the talent and dedication of the people of Israel just to get out of the pit and relaunch Israel. Seeking to reassure people, he said, But unequivocally we are capableand we will get outof this pit.

Fuelling the despondency is the prospect of a full-scale war against Hezbollahwhich has twice as many battle-hardened fighters as Hamas and more than four times as many munitions, included guided missilesunder conditions in which concerns that Israel is unprepared are being openly voiced.

Yair Golan, who heads Israels Labour Party and is a former deputy chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, told an Israeli radio station, The reserves and the regular army system have been worn to the bone. The Israeli army admitted in filings to the Supreme Court earlier this month that it is short of ammunition and tanks, with many damaged.
Jeremy Corbyn has launched a media blitz to make clear his opposition to any political challenge to Sir Keir Starmers Labour government.

He has repeatedly insisted in the pages of the Guardian and other smaller publications that he has no intention of leading the formation of a left and anti-war party, despite the constant entreaties of his backers in Britains pseudo-left groups.

Jeremy Corbyn speaking at a rally in London, August 2023

For years to come he will instead advocate various local initiatives to supposedly rebuild a politics of hope at a grassroots level, while he carries out manoeuvres in parliament to protest the filthiest of Labours policies in ad hoc alliances with other MPs, with the stated aim of pressuring the government to the left.

Standing in the general election as an Independent in Islington North, Corbyn beat Labour by 24,120 votes to 16,873around 50 percent. Elsewhere, four other pro-Palestinian Independents were elected against Labour candidates, all in predominantly Muslim areasIqbal Mohamed, Adnan Hussein, Shockat Adam and Ayoub Khan.

Labour suffered major setbacks in other seats, including now Health Secretary Wes Streeting beating Leanne Mohamed by just 500 votes, Jess Phillips seeing her majority slashed from 13,000 to 693 and Starmers having his vote halved while former African National Congress (ANC) MP Andrew Feinstein came second with 19 percent of the vote.

This took place in the context of Labour securing a massive 170-seat majority, with 412 seats in total, but on just 33.8 percent of the national votethe lowest of any incoming government in British history.

Faced with a government resting on such weak foundations but nonetheless determined to implement policies of war and savage austerity, Corbyn considered his most urgent task to be quashing any expectations of him leading a fightback against his former party. In a July 12 Guardian column, People-power led to my re-election. It is the start of a new politics, he insisted that strength is built from below and only after this can we challenge those at the top.

He declared, Here in Islington, we are planting the seeds for a new way of doing politics. That starts with our first Peoples Forum. It will be a monthly opportunity for residents to hold me, their elected representative, to account. This would be followed by other formless local campaigns for an indefinite but prolonged period in a deliberate effort to channel, i.e., control, mounting working-class opposition:

Public discontent with a broken political system will only grow as the government fails to make the real change that people expect. That energy needs somewhere to go. It needs to be channelled. It needs to be mobilised Once our grassroots model has been replicated elsewhere, this can be the genesis of a new movement capable of challenging the stale two-party system.

Addressing directly his admirers, sycophants and apologists, Corbyn added, I have no doubt that this movement will eventually run in elections, but then insisted, to create a new, centralised party, based around the personality of one person, is to put the cart before the horse.

On its face, this would be interpreted as a rebuke for tendencies such as the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) and the Socialist Party (SP) who, at least since Corbyns rout as Labour leader after the 2019 general election, have mooted him as the head of a broad left alternative party, like Syriza in Greece or Podemos in Spain.

But Corbyn is speaking to forces as committed as himself to preventing escalating hostility among workers to Labour from becoming a revolutionary break with reformism.

Championing a progressive alliance

In a June 2 article, Britains pseudo-left endorse a vote for Starmers Labour Party, the Socialist Equality Party detailed the position of the SWP that the protest candidates it backed were endorsed with the aim of sending strong signals to Starmer and to the ruling class generally that they cannot continue their international and domestic policies without a challenge.

The SP, for its part, argued for a continued orientation to Labour beyond July 4, insisting that like any pro-capitalist government it can be forced to give concessions under mass pressure from the working class and citing as the political representatives of this strategy a bloc of workers MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn and others, who could be elected and from day one force Starmer to at least look over his left shoulder.

The entire pseudo-left in fact already knew full well what was coming from Corbyn and would just as surely make only the most token complaints.

At the height of the election campaign, Corbyn was interviewed by Oliver Eagleton in the June 26 New Statesman. Eagleton asked politely whether, Given how Labour has treated its aspiring left-wing candidates, Corbyn thought that others should have broken ranks sooner.

Eagleton reports, Corbyn recognised the argument, but said he understood why many of his comrades were reluctant to leave. The Labour Party has always occupied a particular cultural place. Ive been in it since I was a teenager, and Ive had my ups and downs. But it is a place where you make many friends and it becomes your social milieu. That is now being broken up, which is counterproductive in the long run.

Accepting that the Labour left remain firmly ensconced in Starmers party, Corbyn nevertheless proposes some Labour MPs, though they might be nervous initially as allies in a fight against issues such as the two-child benefit cap and Gaza, alongside the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru, George Galloway, and the Liberal Democrats.

A week before Corbyns Guardian op-ed was published, he was the featured speaker at the SWPs Marxism 2024 event where he was promoted as our prime minister and met with rapturous applause.

Leading SWP figure Charlie Kimber had before the meeting written that Corbyn could have built a national movement inside three months had he called for one. But he then offered the get-out clause, Lets see what the Labour Party is like in office, lets see what they deliver, lets understand that they dont deliver for working class people and when that happens lets make sure that its the left that wins out and not the right.

These were the terms of engagement set by Corbyn on July 6 in an interview published in that days Socialist Worker, What next? Heres what Corbyn thinks. In answer to the question, Will there now be a wider electoral challenge? he replied that he and the four other independents were talking to each other already before focusing on the worry of the far right, rather than the Starmer government.

There will be discussions about future electoral challenges, the Socialist Worker was forced to reassure its readers.

On July 14, Scotlands pro-separatist The National published its own interview with Corbyn in which he painted a telling picture of how he was going about assembling a left coalition looking to hold Starmers government to account.

Obviously, five of us independent MPs on our own are going to be quite limited in what we can do, he said. But add to that the Greens on many issues, the SNP and Plaid Cymru and a significant bunch of Labour MPs, and I think youll rapidly see a progressive alliance developing. Ill be encouraging that.

Corbyn explained, I take myself to the SNP table in the tea room occasionally. We enjoy tea together and we have a chat, he said. And yes. I have had a chat with a number of colleagues elected from the SNP and Plaid Cymru.

His Peoples Forums project, he stressed, was just the beginning of a movement which can win withand forcommunities all over the country. But this wont necessarily be a political party.

Still loyal to the Labour Party

In a July 17 video interview with Novara Media, Corbyn insisted that his politics of Hope was not about party labels, its about community voices. His monthly forum initiative in Islington North was by then not even to be considered a prototype to be emulated but was only what I want to see in my community.

Corbyn then made the extraordinary statement that a turn to representing communities was what I tried to make the Labour Party into, because my biggest struggle with the Labour Party was even uttering the words community organisers.

Screenshot of Corbyn in his interview with Novara Media, July 2024 [Photo: Novara Media,/YouTube]

Citing this as his biggest battle in the Labour Party comes from someone who stood by as hundreds of his supporters were witch-hunted from the party as antisemites, who was supposed to have been fighting against the partys commitment to austerity and war.

Corbyns enthusiasm for community politics should be taken in the context of his refusal to fight the Blairite cancer within Labours broad church, even as they were rampaging against him despite his capitulating again and again on the central issues on which he had won mass supportabove all on opposition to NATO and nuclear weapons.

But this was the product of decisions taken decades earlier by someone who has now been in the Labour Party since he was a schoolboy, and a Labour MP for 42 years since 1982. He has moreover been opposing any break from Labour since 1985.

In the July 17 edition of Jacobin, Corbyn was asked about his participation in the Independent Left Corresponding Society (ILCS) meetings in the 1980s, alongside Tony Benn, sociologist Ralph Miliband and the Pabloite Tariq Ali. After noting that Miliband maintained a scepticaland at times emphatically pessimisticattitude toward Labours prospective potential as a really viable vehicle for socialist transformation, Corbyn was asked whether he now shared this pessimistic position and whether Labour was still an avenue for the pursuit of socialist politics.

He replied, The debates were then, after the 1984-85 miners strike, about what socialists in Britain should do, because the labour movement had suffered a massive defeat in the strike. Tony [Benn] was very strongly of the view that the Labour Party could still be a vehicle for socialist transformation

Tony Benn in 2006 [Photo by I, Isujosh / CC BY-SA 2.5

Corbyn supported Benns position and the past four decades have not given rise to any Damascene conversion for the now 75-year-old man, even now that Labour advances itself as heading the most business friendly government in history and as Zionist defenders of genocide and the party of NATO and of nuclear war.

He merely states that neither Tony Benn nor I ever saw it as completely an either/or its unnecessary to pose the question as a binary choice; its not. You fight for elected positions to try and achieve change within them, and if blockades are put in your way, then you mobilise people to try and overturn those.

Corbyn ended his interview with a piece of friendly advice to Labour. Describing the mass protests over Gaza as an amorphous but nevertheless united voice for peace and for social justice, he suggested that Labour listen to this voice for its own good. Labour won a huge majority of parliamentary seats on the lowest-ever popular vote for a governing party So, its actually a very fragile situation, however masked it is by the huge parliamentary majority. I think that thoughtful people in the Labour Party need to reflect on that.

The SEPs critique of Corbyn in the general election

During the election campaign, the Socialist Equality Party subjected Corbyns role as leader of the Labour Party to sustained criticism and identified the essential purpose of his electoral challenge to Labour in Islington North and his setting up of a loose coalition of like-minded candidates elsewhere, most prominently Andrew Feinstein in neighbouring Holborn and St Pancras.

We explained that Corbyn occupied a central position for the pseudo-left groups in a complex political fraud that supposedly reconciles opposing Labour on Gaza while still backing a Labour victory.

Andrew Feinstein speaking at a hustings during the campaign in Holborn and St Pancras

Why is the Socialist Equality Party standing against Andrew Feinstein? published on June 28 explained that the central demand of the pseudo-left groups, No Ceasefire, No Vote means supporting some protest candidates while calling for a vote for Labour everywhere else. It ends with the formation of a government that will continue backing Israel and waging NATOs wars

Of Corbyns political role, the article continued: The only reason Starmer is poised to enter 10 Downing Street is that Corbyn and his backers, elected by a landslide to lead the Labour Party in 2015, faced down demands from workers and youth to drive out the Blairites. Corbyn capitulated on all fundamental issues, including NATO membership and nuclear weapons, and then politely handed the party over to Starmer.

We noted that the loose electoral front that Corbyn and Feinstein were affiliated, Collective was only founded in May, after Corbyn declared he would be standing against Labour in Islington North. It calls for Corbyn to come to the head of a new party. But for now this is left at the level of a fond wish for the future, because even after being expelled Corbyn refuses to mount a national challenge to the Labour Partyadvancing himself as the historic candidate for Islington North while still supporting the election of a Starmer government.

We then addressed Feinsteins own promotion of the type of local initiatives Corbyn now espouses as his own policy:

His [Feinsteins] is a Peoples Manifesto for Camden, advocating the locally determined politics of a community MP as the basis for a new system of representative democracy that should serve local people, not party machines or corporate interests. This is the tired rhetoric of so many populist and pro-capitalist tendencies that rely on broad hostility to the parties of big business in order to oppose the fight for socialist political representation for workers...

Ultimately: He now wants workers in Britain to repeat, under a rerun of Corbyns disastrous leadership of the Labour Party, the bitter experience of creating broad left formations such as Syriza in Greece that sabotaged the struggle against International Monetary Fund and European Union dictated austerity.

More can be said about the Feinstein/Corbyn concept of local peoples assemblies as a road forward. In his memoir After the Party, Feinstein makes clear the actual function of the Peoples Forums established by the ANC ahead of the 1994 general election marking the fall of apartheid was to manage, i.e., suppress, demands made by workers for genuine social change:

At these forums Mandela spoke to an audience hungry for material change of the magnitude of the task facing a democratic government in South Africa. He stated the ANCs desire to redress the inequities of the past but explained that real, material change would be slow in coming and that people would need to be patient for many years to come.

Parenthetically, Feinstein comments: While delighted that the nation was in such trustworthy hands I did silently pray for more tub-thumping performances to ensure my own political future.

The concept promoted by Feinstein and Corbyn mirrors one recently embraced by Martin Wolf, writing in that most capitalist of institutions, the Financial Times. Citizens should be asked to do more in UK politics, Wolf wrote, as a means of controlling social and political discontent, given that The UK has a new government, with a huge majority. But only just over a third of the voters voted for it, and Starmer has won power in a country that has lost confidence in democratic politics

Wolf warns that the crisis for democratic politics means that Starmer will find it hard to turn around the tide of discontent. He praises an excellent Citizens White Paper produced by the Demos public consultancy in partnership with participation charity Involve, which supports panels, assemblies, juries, workshops and wider community conversations as a way to negotiate what the public will tolerate and build back trust in politicians.

Corbynism and the crisis of working class leadership

It is nine years since the Corbyn insurgency was proclaimed by Britains pseudo-left as the basis for Labour to become a new workers party (SP) and the rebirth of social democracy (SWP). Today the left of the Labour Party is a spent force, able to mobilise only seven votes against the government maintaining the very two-child benefit cap Corbyn suggested as one of the key issues on which to organise united action.

Corbyn will not lead a movement against the Labour government. He will support it, while making the occasional criticism to supposedly pressure it to the left. But the Labour Party is impervious to such pressure, functioning as the unalloyed representative of the financial oligarchy and of British imperialism.

Starmer made this clear once again when he responded to the mini revolt over the benefit cap by removing the party whip from the seven rebels for six months, pending a review.

Corbyn and the four other Independents then sent an open letter to the seven looking forward to working closely with you as you represent your constituents more effectively than ever as Independent Members of Parliament.

Jeremy Corbyn and other general election independent candidates are paraded on the stage during a rally in London against the genocide in Gaza. From left: Michael Lavalette; Leanne Mohamed; Corbyn; Andrew Feinstein, and Iqbal Mohamed, July 6, 2024

He did not explain why, if it is possible to represent constituents more effectively as Independents, he did not call on the seven to resign from Labour and would not dream of doing so. His aim is to act only as His Majesty Sir Keirs ever so loyal opposition.

Corbyn and his pseudo-left backers are not the answer to the crisis of leadership facing the working class. They are the sharpest expression of that crisis. The answer lies elsewhere.

Explaining the fundamental basis of its critique of Corbynism, the SEP rejected the simple explanation of Corbyns undoubted political cowardice. Far more was at issue than merely poor leadership:

The development of transnational production and the global integration of finance and manufacturing has dramatically undermined the viability of the old trade unions and Stalinist and social democratic parties that were embedded in the nation state system, to which they all responded by junking their former reformist programmes.

The Labour left shares the right-wings nationalist and pro-capitalist programme, differing only in their advocacy of a few of the reforms the Blairites have abandoned.

Today, only a socialist and internationalist programme offers a way forward for the working class.

Every fundamental problem confronting workers is rooted in the deepening crisis of world capitalism. Above all, the danger of a new world war arises out of capitalisms fundamental contradictionsbetween the development of an interconnected global system of production and the division of the world into antagonistic nation states based on upholding private ownership of the means of production.

The international working class is the only social force that can stop the global eruption of war:

The same contradictions driving imperialism to wars of global conquest provide the objective basis for social revolution by unifying the workers who produce all of societys wealth in a global system of production. This pits them against the common enemy of giant transnational corporations and banks that dictate the policy of every national government.

This demands the building of the Socialist Equality Party as the new socialist and internationalist leadership of the working class, dedicated to the formation of a mass movement against genocide and war and linking this to every struggle against inequality, poverty, the attacks on wages, jobs, healthcare, education and all the social and democratic rights of the working class.
State prosecutors in western Illinois have declined to press charges against Macomb police officers who shot and killed four-year-old Terrell Miller and Anthony T. George on March 16 while responding to a domestic violence call. Repeated delays and official silence on the part of state and local police and prosecutors, along with the absence of body camera footage or other evidence, gives all the appearance of an official cover up carried out with the assistance of a compliant media.

Terrell Miller [Photo: GoFundMe]

According to the Peoria Journal Star, police officers from the Macomb Police Department entered the home of Keianna Miller, claiming to see blood in the common area and hear screaming coming from one of the apartments. Upon entering, Miller was found with multiple stab wounds. George, apparently holding a knife, left the room and returned holding the knife to the throat of Millers four-year-old son, Terrell.

Police claim George refused to comply with orders to drop the weapon, and a Macomb police officer fired one shot, killing both George and Terrell Miller. No explanation has been given why police felt it necessary to open fire given the extreme danger posed to the young boy.

Clearly understanding the explosive political implications of the shooting, Macomb police immediately contacted the Illinois State Police (ISP) to investigate in a bid to clear the officers of wrongdoing. The ISP conducted their investigation, gathering evidence, including police body camera footage, that has still not been released to the public.

Local county states attorney Matt Kwacala contacted the Special Prosecution Unit of the Illinois States Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, leading to the appointment of Jonathan H. Barnard, former states attorney in a different county, as special prosecutor for the case. Kwacala told the Journal Star that because his office works so closely with Macomb police, he wanted to remove the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Of course, by appointing a former prosecutor, Kwacala ensured the investigation would be carried out by someone professionally disposed toward police. In a letter to Kwacala on July 8, Barnard said that after reviewing statutes, case law and use-of force protocols, I find that there is no basis for any criminal action or prosecution that is supportable under the facts of this case against any of the officers involved in this tragic incident.

Though the Journal Star does not bother to explain why the contents of this letter went unreported from July 8 until July 23, it fits in with a long-standing pattern of delays and cover-ups of information and evidence in cases of police killings. It frequently happens that initially suppressed evidence reveals the extreme brutality and criminal behavior of the police and shows initial police explanations of the shooting to be self-serving lies and fabrications.

The shooting of Terrell Miller and Anthony George must have been particularly shocking, as Macomb police chief Jeff Hamer told WIUM that the department was going to carry out its own internal investigation into the incident, even after the release of Barnards letter. Hamer said, We have a deadly force review policy. Thats to make sure that theres no failures of policy, failures of training, or anything like that.

Hamer did not commit to releasing the full body cam footage, which he claimed to have reviewed several times, or even the names of the police officers involved. He said, What I do intend to do isas soon as I canrelease some video and the results of the internal (review), although I dont want to prescribe a timeline to this. Ive been working on this since March and trying to be time-efficient in working on it as much as I can.

The special prosecutors letter to Kwacala came only two days after the release of body camera footage depicting the brutal police execution of Sonya Massey in Springfield, the state capital. The delay in the release of the letter was certainly helpful to the police in allowing them to separate the two shootings in the public consciousness.

Macomb is a small, largely working class city of about 15,000 located southwest of Peoria. Home to Western Illinois University (WIU), the city has a median household income of just under $26,000 and a per capita income of $13,470. Just over 29 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, including 12.2 percent of families.

According to an account in the Daily Beast, Keianna Miller told the Illinois Democratic Womens group at a Black Lives Matter event in 2020 that when she was pregnant in 2019, a Macomb police officer asked whether the baby was going to be a boy or a girl. After she responded, he said, I cant wait to arrest your son.

In a video taken after Terrell was born, Miller said Before I even had my son, Ive been having this recurring dream that the police runs into my house and kills me and my son. Some days, I wish I was a whole other color to get a better chance at life I dont want to be here in Macomb. I dont even want to be here in the state because of how corrupt it is.

Illinois billionaire Democratic governor J.B. Pritzker, reportedly under consideration for US vice president on a ticket with former prosecutor Kamala Harris, has so far said nothing about the incident, even though much of the investigation has been carried out by the ISP, which is under the governors office. The continued wave of brutal killings in the state exposes the fraud of the police and criminal justice reform bill passed in 2021 with Pritzkers signature.

As the WSWS made clear in its July 23 perspective,

The solution to this unending wave of murder and mayhem lies not in nonexistent reforms but in the abolition of the police through the united political mobilization of the working class to overturn the capitalist system and end social inequality through the establishment of socialism.
Striking San Bernardino Amazon workers picket [Photo: Amazon Teamsters]

Dozens of workers walked off the job at Amazons San Bernardino air hub on Sunday, July 21 to protest the companys retaliation against workers seeking to unionize.

The KSBD air hub, which opened in March of 2021, is one of Amazons largest facilities on the West Coast. It receives around 14 flights and processes hundreds of thousands of packages daily, employing between 1,200 and 1,600 workers. It runs on a 24/7 schedule, and the workers are expected to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Workers often operate heavy machinery with thousands of pounds worth of cargo, with little or no experience on how to operate them, leading to a number of workplace accidents.

Workers have carried out other job actions at the hub in previous years. In August of 2022, 150 workers walked off the job against inadequate heat safety provisions. They gathered 800 signatures from employees demanding a pay increase.

But conditions at KSBD are still unbearable. The facility was cited five times, including two serious violations, by the California Occupational Safety and Health Department for high heat exposure during last years heat wave in July 2023.

Temperatures had averaged well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in San Bernardino and even reached temperatures of 108 degrees during the peak of last years heat wave.

In May of 2024, Amazon workers at the KSBD air hub confronted management over unpaid wages and being refused rest breaks after 10-hour shifts, even though this is mandated by law. The states Supreme Court ruled employers are required to pay one additional hour for each workday that a rest period is not provided.

Since the hub opened, workers have shown their determination to fight against brutal conditions. Their efforts to join a union express an entirely justified understanding that this fight requires organization and unity. Workers across Amazon and southern California must defend their democratic right to join a union, which is being violated by management

But their initiative is being sapped by the Teamsters bureaucracy, which is limiting them to one-day protest actions that have not seriously impacted operations. The bureaucracys aim is not to organize a fight to win massive improvements to wages and conditions, but to set up the corrupt relations they currently enjoy at UPS, on the railroads and other workplaces.

Amazon workers must fight to retain their independent initiative by linking up directly with rank-and-file workers at UPS, the railroads and other Teamsters-organized workplaces, where they have formed rank-and-file committees in opposition to the bureaucratic sellouts.

There have been a number of explosive working class struggles that have been suffocated and incapacitated by the Teamsters bureaucracy over the years, whether that be potential strikes by workers in rail, auto, healthcare, logistics or retail. In each one of these struggles, the Teamsters bureaucracy has worked hand in glove with the Democratic Party to ensure that the home front is secure for preparation for their wars abroad.

Last year, the Teamsters rammed through a contract at UPS which management is using to lay off tens of thousands of people and either close or automate 200 facilities.

The Teamsters bureaucracy under General President Sean OBrien has enjoyed close ties with the Biden White House, with whom it conspired to block a strike in late 2022. But now they are openly courting Trump and the extreme right, with OBrien delivering an America First speech at the Republican National Convention this month. Whether they work with the Democrats or Republicans, the bureaucracy is joined at the hip with the corporate parties.

It is only through the formation of rank-and-file committees that control of the situation can be taken out of the hands of the Teamsters bureaucracy and workers can take control of their work environment.

The betrayals of the UPS and rail workers should be a warning to workers at Amazon that the Teamsters have no intention of fighting for better working conditions, but instead are seeking to secure more favorable relations with management as theyve done in every workplace they manage.

If you are interested in creating a rank-and-file committee or would like to leave an anonymous tip or comment, please fill out the form below.
FBI Director testifying before Congress on the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. July 22, 2024 [Photo: CSPAN]

FBI Director Christopher Wray testified for more than four hours Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee, taking questions on his agencys investigation into the July 13 assassination attempt against former president and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

The hearing had been previously scheduled as a routine part of congressional oversight of the FBI and Justice Department, but it took on added significance in the wake of the near assassination of Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania 11 days before and unanswered questions regarding the failure of the Secret Service and state and local law enforcement to prevent it.

The hearing was held two days after Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned under fire from Democrats as well as Republicans when she refused to answer questions at a hearing Monday of the House Oversight Committee about her agencys failure to prevent twenty-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from firing eight shots at Trump from a nearby factory roof with an unobstructed line of sight to the rally platform.

The assassination attempt, followed in rapid succession by the fascistic outpouring at the Republican National Convention, the withdrawal of Biden from the presidential race and the resignation of Cheatle, reflects the unprecedented and highly explosive political crisis of American capitalism.

Cheatles stonewalling came amidst revelations that more than an hour before the shooting, Crooks had been identified by local police as suspicious and photographed when he was seen using a range finder. Among the questions Cheatle would not answer were: (1) Why the Secret Services security perimeter did not include the building from which the gunman fired, (2) why no law enforcement officer was stationed there before or during the rally, and (3) why Trump was allowed to take the stage when the Secret Service and local police were still searching for the suspicious person.

Crooks was killed by a Secret Service countersniper after the shots from his AR-style weapon had wounded Trump in the ear, killed one attendee and seriously wounded two others.

Wrays main concern in his testimony seemed to be quelling suspicionswell foundedthat Crooks was not simply acting alone, but rather was part of a broader conspiracy, very possibly involving elements in the intelligence and police apparatus. The very fact that he answered questions about the FBIs findings to date was highly unusual. Agency policy is to refuse to answer questions about an ongoing investigation. But on Wednesday, Wray repeated at least four times that the FBI had to date found no evidence that the gunman had accomplices or co-conspirators.

At the same time, he deflected all questions about the security failures of the Secret Service and state and local police by saying those issues were the purview of investigations by the Department of Homeland Security inspector general and independent investigators. This, however, took as its premise the absurdity that the existence or non-existence of a conspiracy could be considered apart from the role of the security agencies themselves.

Wray maintained that the FBI had no prior knowledge of or contact with Crooks, saying that the shooter was not in our holdings before the shooting. He confirmed that the agency had been able to get into the shooters cell phone, but complained that many of his electronic and digital communications were encrypted and could not be accessed. When Representative Wesley Hunt (R-TX) asked for the identity of the encryption applications, Wray dodged the question.

According to Wray, Crooks contacts, communications and computer searches, as well as FBI interviews with hundreds of individuals, did not establish a political motivation or agenda behind the shooting. It was previously revealed that Crooks registered as a Republican in 2023 but had previously, in January 2021, donated $15 to a pro-Democratic group.

It has also been reported that Crooks, known as an excellent student, was bullied in school and largely kept to himself. Additionally, reports say that he had been diagnosed as suffering from depression. He was working in the kitchen of a seniors residence at the time of the shooting.

Both he and his father were gun enthusiasts. Wray reported that 14 weapons were found at the Crooks home in the middle class community of Bethel Park. He also told the committee that Crooks purchased the weapon he used in the shooting from his father in October 2023 and that he regularly practiced shooting at a local firing range. He went to the firing range on July 12, the day before the assassination attempt.

Asked if the FBI had interviewed the family, Wray said it had and that the father was cooperative, but he said nothing beyond that.

As for the timeline leading up to July 13, Wray confirmed things that had been previously reported but also added new information. He noted that on July 6, the day the rally was publicly announced, Crooks did a Google search asking how far Lee Harvey Oswald was from John F. Kennedy when he allegedly fired on him from the Texas Book Depository Building in Dallas on November 22, 1963. The same day, Crooks registered for the Trump rally in Butler.

On July 7, Crooks visited the rally site for the first time and stayed some 70 minutes. He revisited the site on the morning of the rally, July 13, for a briefer period, and finally returned in the afternoon of the event. Wray confirmed that Crooks flew a drone some 200 yards from the rally stage for 11 minutes sometime between 4:50 pm and 5 pm, about an hour prior to the rallys start.

He reported that the FBI had retrieved the drone from Crooks car, along with two explosive devices that were connected to a detonator, the remote trigger for which the shooter had on his person when he was killed. The agency also retrieved an explosive device from the Crooks home. Wray confirmed as well that Crooks purchased 50 rounds of ammunition the morning of the rally.

The FBI director told the committee that Crooks was spotted by Secret Service agents or local police three times on the day of the rally. The first time was an hour prior to the shooting when Crooks, wearing a backpack, was seen peering into the lens of a range finder toward the rooftops behind the rally stage. The second time, 20 minutes before the shooting, according to NewsMax, was when he was spotted by local police snipers on the roof of the building, although, according to Wray, he was not seen at that time holding a weapon. Wray said one of the officers began radioing to others. However, according to NewsMax, the House Homeland Security Committee says it has found that the Secret Service and local police were not able to talk to one another on their radios.

Finally, according to Wray, a local cop was able to get lifted to the roof where he saw Crooks lying in a prone position with his automatic rifle pointed at the rally stage. That, however, was only seconds before the shooting began.

Wray also cast doubt on whether Trump was actually hit by a bullet, or merely grazed by shrapnel, something that outraged Trump supporters on Capitol Hill, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who denounced Wray for questioning the official Trump narrative.

The revelation concerning the shooters search for information on the Kennedy assassination is instructive. Without suggesting an equivalence between the attempted assassination of Trump and that of Kennedy, it is necessary to recall that the killing of JFK triggered a massive state coverup of Oswalds extensive connections to the CIA and the intensive surveillance of him by the FBI in the period leading up to the shooting in Dallas Dealey Plaza. The infamous Warren Commission report and its conclusion of a lone gunman, long ago discredited, remains the official position of the US government.

In October of 2017, 2,900 previously classified and suppressed documents concerning the JFK assassination were released, while 300 others, deemed the most sensitive and potentially incriminating, were withheld under immense pressure from the CIA and FBI. Nevertheless the documents that were released made clear that both agencies were well aware of Oswalds activities and were closely tracking him in the period leading up to the assassination.
According to the latest media reports, at least 201 people have been killed and over 4,500 others arrested during the Hasina government-ordered state attacks on student protesters over the past eight days. The mass demonstrations, which were led by the Students Against Discrimination, began on July 1, after a Bangladesh high court re-instituted a discriminatory quota system for public sector jobs which had been scrapped in 2018.

A student, injured in clashes with police and paramilitaries, being carried on a stretcher to a hospital, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, July 20, 2024 [AP Photo/Rajib Dhar]

Under this divisive system 30 percent of public service jobs were allocated for the relatives of freedom fightersthose who fought for the establishment of Bangladesh in 197110 percent for women and those from underdeveloped areas of the country, 5 percent for ethnic minorities and 1 percent for physically challenged people. The remaining positions would be chosen according to the current merit system.

The largely peaceful protests took a violent turn when thugs from Hasinas Awami League-controlled Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), assisted by police, attacked Dhaka University students.

As students intensified their campaign across the country, police stepped up the violence, firing tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition at the students, killing dozens and injuring thousands more. On July 19, Hasina ordered a curfew, deployed the military with shoot on sight orders and shut down the internet.

Hoping to quell the escalating nationwide unrest, the Hasina government on Monday issued a gazette changing its quota system so that 93 percent of new public sector recruits would be based on merit. Quotas for freedom fighters and their relatives would be reduced to 5 percent and 2 percent for other designated groups.

While the government eased its curfew to a few hours daily this week, allowing banks, government offices and garment factories to begin operating on Wednesday, the internet is not yet fully restored while police raids and arrests are ongoing.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina continues to threaten student activists, falsely accusing them of being aligned with the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Addressing an Editors Guild meeting on Wednesday, Hasina accused the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami of being behind last weeks violence. According to the Daily Star, she told the meeting that the recent mayhem [was] designed to cripple the countrys advancement and prosperity.

The right-wing BNP and the Jamaat e-Islami, a communalist organisation which opposed the establishment of Bangladesh, had nothing to do with the student protest movement. Hoping to capitalise on the mass support for the protesting students, the BNP did not decide to support the students until July 18. BNP governments, which came to power twice in the 1990s and in 2001, were just as hostile as Hasinas Awami League administration to workers and the poor during their rule.

Last week, Hasina toured parts of Dhaka, observing property destruction, including at the Television Bhaban studios in Rampura and the Mirpur-10 metro rail station, which she blamed on the protesters. The people of Bangladesh, she declared, have to expose them [those involved] and bring them to justice.

Hasinas comments have been widely denounced on social media. A BBC report quoted one X/Twitter user who said: We lost [hundreds of] students. But PM Sheikh Hasina had the time to go cry for a metro rail, not for the people who wont return ever again. Another denounced the prime minister for shedding crocodile tears for a railway track but remaining silent about those killed by the police. Others observed that she had not visited any of the families of the students shot dead by police.

Journalists for the UK-based Guardian witnessed Rapid Action Battalion police forces using a helicopter to fire teargas at crowds and the army using light machine guns against unarmed demonstrators. Amnesty International has confirmed that police and paramilitary forces also used shotguns, assault rifles and grenade launchers.

A July 25 editorial in the Dhaka-based New Age reported indiscriminate firing by law enforcement personnel with scores killed and several thousand wounded. Many, it said, were still in a critical condition, including those who had lost their eyesight.

While Students Against Discrimination paused its protests twice this week, first on Monday and later Wednesday, it held a press conference on Tuesday, making eight demands of the government.



These included restoration of internet services, a withdrawal of the curfew, security for all coordinators of the student movement, the reopening of residential halls at education institutions and the withdrawal of all police from campuses. The organisation also wants an apology to the nation from Hasina for the mass murder of students and the sacking of the home minister and education minister.

There are ongoing reports on abduction and torture of student activists by police with many others going into hiding, fearing persecution and police raids. Nahid Islam, a Students Against Discrimination coordinator, told the Guardian on July 23 that he was seized by more than 20 police officers. They took me somewhere I couldnt recognise and then put me in a room where they started to question me and later torture me, first mentally and then physically, he said.

Abdul Hannan Masud, another protest coordinator, told the media that the organisation was planning to form emergency health forces to ensure proper treatments to around 15,000 protesters who were injured across the country.

Responding to calls this week by United Nations Human Rights chief Volker Turk for an independent investigation into the government attacks, Bangladesh State Minister for Broadcasting and Information Mohammad Arafat cynically told Al Jazeera that the government had tried to de-escalate the tension.

Arafat declared that third-party actors, including extremists and terrorists, had fuelled the student protests and that the government had formed an independent judicial committee that would ensure everyone responsible for any of these casualties can be brought to book.

These are patent lies. The Hasina regime responded to a wave of student protests against the public sector job quota system from April to July in 2018 by unleashing terror by police and the BCL. While it was forced to scrap the quota system it systematically witch-hunted and persecuted the student activists.

As a Frontline Defenders report on June 2020 noted: Long after the protests stopped, many student activists, their friends and family members continue to face surveillance, intimidation and harassment, effectively silencing future dissent. Citing several instances, it noted: A prominent activist was attacked eight times after the protest movement ended. Another protest organiser has been routinely stalked by members of the National Security Intelligence.

Key props of the Hasina government during the latest student protests have been various Stalinist parties who align themselves with one or another section of the ruling elite in Bangladesh.



The Communist Party of Bangladesh, the Socialist Party of Bangladesh and the Revolutionary Communist League, which are organised under the so-called Left Democratic Alliance, have denounced the government while telling students it is possible to pressure the Hasina government.

Another Stalinist formation, the Workers Party of Bangladesh is a coalition partner of the Hasina government. Confronted with mass anger at the murderous police and military attacks on students, it desperately attempted to distance itself from the government atrocities. Workers Party of Bangladesh parliamentarian Rashed Khan Menon addressed its youth wing feigning concern while politely calling on the government to address the concerns of students.

The social problems facing Bangladeshi studentspoverty, endemic unemployment, a government assault on education and basic democratic rightsare products of the capitalist system and cannot be resolved through appeals to the Hasina regime or possible future BNP regime.

These attacks can only be defeated by students turning to the working class and fighting for its mobilisation, independently of every faction of the ruling class and their Stalinist political props, for an internationalist and socialist perspective that puts an end to capitalism and reorganises production and society according to human need, not private profit.
The presidential elections scheduled for Sunday will provide no resolution to the explosive and intersecting global and local political crises gripping Venezuela. Instead, amid warnings of civil war and threats by the main contenders to reject any unfavorable results, the vote will mark an inflection point.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, October 25, 2019 [Photo by Press Service of the President of the Russian Federation / CC BY 4.0

A drop in oil prices, US sanctions, mismanagement and corruption have devastated the economy and provoked a humanitarian catastrophe. The economy has shrunk to a fifth or less of its size in 2014; government programs are relying on a budget 97 percent smaller; at least nine out of ten Venezuelans are poor; and nearly 8 million have emigrated.

With bipartisan backing, US imperialism continues to starve the population into submission with 350 sanctions in the past seven years. Access to oil reservesthe largest in the worldis being used to reduce dependence on Russian and Middle Eastern oil among US partners in Europe and Asia, but the strategic objective is blocking Chinese access to these reserves.

While maintaining brutal sanctions on companies that trade Venezuelan oil, the US Treasury Department has handed special permits to a number of US, European and Canadian companies, as well as to Trinidads NGC and Indias Reliance Industries and Jindal Power.

In response, to secure a share of the profits for its faction in the ruling class and fend off an invasion, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is running for re-election, and his Socialist United Party (PSUV) government, have tightened economic and military ties with Russia and China, granting this week oil production contracts to two Chinese companies.

In a signing ceremony Wednesday for a joint natural gas project with Trinidad and Tobago, Maduro declared, We are ready and willing to negotiate with whomever. Shortly after, the agreements with Chinese companies were leaked to the media.

Caracas has combined this with subservient appeals to US business interests. Citing anonymous sources, the Wall Street Journal wrote Tuesday that some U.S. oil executives and Wall Street creditors quietly embrace president Maduro as a guarantor of stability and profits. There has been a positive response to a trip by Maduro to a recently reopened plant of US-based Chevron, where he declared: We guarantee stability, legal security, peace, win-win relations.

Maduro has also reportedly floated the possibility of pledging future oil revenues and directly negotiating a restructuring of some $60 billion in debt without traditional intermediaries like the International Monetary Fund.

These promises not only imply massive attacks against Venezuelan workers and social programs, but they are word-for-word what the US-backed opposition leaders are pledging in the Financial Times and other corporate outlets.

Despite often leading the chorus denouncing Maduro as a socialist and communist, the Wall Street Journal adds: Maduro at times has even interceded personally to facilitate business.

While the US-based energy corporations begin with their immediate profit interests, the US government may well consider disruptions triggered by a change of regime acceptable in the broader pursuit of transforming Latin America into a bastion against its geopolitical rivals.

To this end, the Biden administration negotiated the organization of presidential elections and now backs the candidacy of ex-diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez, a stand-in for Washingtons long-time right-wing asset Maria Corina Machado.

The fascistic leader of the Unitary Platform, Machado was disqualified by the Venezuelan courts from running. The Platform parties and its leaders have acted openly for decades as paid tools of the CIA in its regime change operations.

Both Maduro and Gonzalez-Machado claim major leads in the polls. There is no question that the opposition and Washington will refuse to recognize a victory of the PSUV.

Desertions by factions of the chavista ruling coalition point to Maduros increasing inability to keep them happy, especially as oil production remains a third or less than its capacity a decade ago. But most significantly, Maduros statements reflect a growing fear that sections of the military will support regime change, especially if the opposition wins the vote.

During a rally in Caracas last week, Maduro declared: If you do not want Venezuela to fall into a bloodbath, into a fratricidal civil war, a product of the fascists, let us guarantee the greatest triumph, the greatest victory in the electoral history of our people.

The slide into civil war would undoubtedly involve a more direct intervention by US imperialism and regional powers loyal to Washington. Stopping such an outcome would require the independent intervention of the Venezuelan working class for its own interests, something which is opposed by both of the right-wing alternatives in Sundays election.

For Maduro and his inner circle, the prospect of suffering the fate of Saddam Hussein or Muammar Gaddafi makes it less than likely that he will accept any guarantees from Washington. While US officials speaking on condition of anonymity with the New York Times claim they have offered amnesties, guarantees for those leaving office, Washington maintains a bounty for Maduros arrest on drug trafficking charges.

In another self-indictment, the Maduro administration has blocked the participation in the election by candidates to its left, including those of the Stalinist Communist Party (PCV), which only recently broke with the government.

Such anti-democratic measures are an acknowledgement that the governments unpopular policies have destroyed its supposed anti-imperialist, developmentalist and socialist credentials. These policies include Maduros timely payments to foreign creditors and brutal attacks on living standards, which have gone a long way in turning one of the richest countries in the region into a massive source of ultra-cheap labor.

Putting first the attraction of foreign investments and the privileges of the military leadership and the boliburguesia, Maduro has slashed healthcare and public education to among the lowest levels as a percentage of GDP in Latin America. Following other tax cuts, he just ended this month a Tax on Large Financial Transactions in the local currency, Bolivares, in a clear appeal to ruling circles.

According to the countrys constitution, any transition would not take place until January 10, leaving nearly six months for the political crisis to explode.

While the ruling elites in backward nations have moved far to the right and financial monopolies have become far more ruthless since this period, Trotsky made a pertinent analysis in 1938, as World War II approached, about a boycott by Britain against Mexican oil after the partial expropriation of the resource under the bourgeois nationalist Lazaro Cardenas, who had granted Trotsky asylum. He wrote:

The oil magnates are not rank-and-file capitalists, not ordinary bourgeoisie. Having seized the richest natural resources of a foreign country, standing on their billions and supported by the military and diplomatic forces of their metropolis, they strive to establish in the subjugated country a regime of imperialistic feudalism, subordinating to themselves legislation, jurisprudence, and administration. Under these conditions expropriation is the only effective means of safeguarding national independence and the elementary conditions of democracy.

Like todays absurd claims by the corporate media and politicians that the much more limited shared ownership schemes and concessions under the chavistas are communist and favorable to China and Russia, Trotsky points to the fact that British and French imperialists called Cardenas a communist and his reformist measures plots by Hitler for depriving the great-hearted democracies of oil in case of war.

The international proletariat has no reason to identify its program with the program of the Mexican government. Revolutionists have no need of changing color, adapting themselves, Trotsky adds. But all working-class organizations must take an irreconcilable position against the imperialist robbers, their diplomacy, their press, and their fascist hirelings.

Trotsky was referring to the Theory of Permanent Revolution that he developed and which guided the October Revolution in Russia. In the epoch of imperialism, Trotsky established, democracy in countries with belated economic development, which fundamentally includes independence from imperialist oppression, cannot be secured under capitalist rule, but requires that the working class takes power.

As imperialism moves to re-divide and re-colonize the planet through a Third World War, workers and youth in semi-colonial countries like Venezuela, as well as in the imperialist countries, can secure their future only by taking up the fight to build the World Party of Socialist Revolution, the International Committee of the Fourth International.
On Thursday, the Ukrainian government announced that it had arrested 18-year-old neo-Nazi Viacheslav Zinchenko as a suspect in the political assassination of Ukrainian fascist Iryna Farion. Zinchenko claims to be an autonomous revolutionary racist and member of the organization NS/WP (National-Socialism/White Power). According to media reports, the presumed assassin is an admirer of Adolf Hitlers Mein Kampf and an ardent antisemite.

Farion, a notorious far-right media figure and language professor at Lviv Polytechnic National University, was shot last Friday evening while waiting at a taxi stand near her apartment in Lviv. She later died from her injuries.

The assassination underscores the intense instability in Ukraine after over two years of war and half a million dead and the degree to which neo-Nazi forces have come to dominate political life in the country.

Farion initially rose to prominence as a Ukrainian MP for the neo-Nazi Svoboda party, before the party was swept into government by the 2014 US-backed far-right coup in Kiev that toppled a pro-Russian government. She was outspoken in her fascist hatred of all things Russian. News of her death was first announced by Andrii Sadovyi, mayor of Lviv and an admirer of the Ukrainian nationalist war criminal Stepan Bandera.

Although Farions killer shot her in the head in public at a taxi stand with multiple witnesses, Ukrainian authorities took five days to make an arrest in the brazen assassination. A young man in strange clothes was reportedly seen hanging around outside Farions apartment for several days but had since disappeared.

It now appears the police have found the suspect in the city of Dnipro, which is over 940 kilometers from Lviv.

Astonishingly, the suspect was able to post a video of the murder to Telegram prior to his arrest in which he claimed responsibility as a member of the neo-Nazi NS/WP organization.

As Ukrainian-Canadian Professor of Political Science Ivan Katchanovski reported on X, such apparent impunity is similar to numerous assassinations and killings with far-right involvement, including the Maidan and Odesa massacres.

Immediately following the killing, the NATO-backed government of President Volodymyr Zelensky predictably moved to fault Russia for the murder of the ultranationalist Farion.

According to Zelensky, all potential motivations for Farions assassination were being investigated, including the one leading to Russia.

Meanwhile, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), was unequivocal in blaming Russia for the as-yet unsolved political killing.

Today, Ukraine bid farewell to public activist and academic Iryna Farion. The cold-blooded murder of this famous linguist is a challenge for the whole of Ukrainian society, a crime against the fundamental rights and liberties of Ukrainians. This tragedy has once again shown that the enemy tries to use any tools to divide our nation, Budanov stated on social media.

Budanov also absurdly claimed that in Ukraine the right to have an opinion, the right to stand up for ones beliefs, is sacred. He then went on to glorify the fascist Farion, Iryna Farion died for her pro-Ukrainian position. We have no right to tolerate such crimes and will continue to defend Ukraine both in the combat zone and in terms of domestic affairs.

Such statements are an insult to the thousands of Ukrainians who have been arrested, interrogated, tortured or killed by Ukraines SBU simply for opposing the NATO proxy war with Russia. One of them is the young Trotskyist leader Bogdan Syrotiuk, who was imprisoned on April 25, based on trumped-up charges of national treason, because of his struggle to unite Russian and Ukrainian workers against the war.

While it cannot be ruled out that sections of the Russian state apparatus may have been behind the murder of Farion, it is far from the most likely option. The NS/WP has been labeled a pro-Ukrainian terrorist organization in Russia. In April last year, the Russian secret service FSB reported it had stopped the organization from carrying out attacks on military recruitment centers and police stations in Russia.

Moreover, it must be pointed out that this type of political assassination in the war has been so far pioneered above all by NATO-backed Ukrainian intelligence. Under the leadership of Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraines military intelligence has carried out a number political murders of far-right pro-Moscow political figures on Russian soil, such as Illia Kiva, Vladlen Tatarsky, and Daryna Dugina, daughter of the Russian nationalist political figure Aleksandr Dugin.

What appears far more likely is that Farion, who had made enemies in the secret services and the NATO-armed neo-Nazi Azov Battalion, fell victim to a flare-up of internecine factional struggle within Ukraines state apparatus and fascist right.

The case of Farion is an object lesson in the elevation of fascists to the highest levers of the state apparatus and academia in Ukraine in the wake of the Stalinist destruction of the Soviet Union in 1991. Herself a former member of the Stalinist Communist Party of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s, Farion earned her political notoriety in the succeeding decades promoting the exclusive use of the Ukrainian language and all sorts of anti-Russian xenophobia.

As early as 2008, Farion promoted a ban of the Moscow-affiliated Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which she called one of the biggest threats to the free and self-sufficient development of Ukraine. Zelenskys government ultimately fulfilled her wishes in October of last year by passing a ban on the church.

In 2012, Farion was elected to the Ukrainian parliament as a member of the far-right Svoboda party and would serve until 2014, before she returned to her work as a professor and produced a number of Ukrainian ultra-nationalist pseudo-historical TV series.

In November of 2023, Ukraines SBU launched a criminal case against Farion after she criticized members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular the neo-Nazi Azov regiment for continuing to speak Russian during wartime. While Azov is an anti-Russian fascist organization, much of its leadership originated in Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine such as founder Andriy Biletsky of Kharkov.

Can a soldier or officer not follow orders from his commanding officer without breaking the law? I would like to ask every Russian-speaking soldier: Have you read the law on the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Ukrainian onstitution, have you read what is written in Article 13? The language of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the state language. So are you fighting for the Ukrainian state, or are you defending your right to be a speaker of the Russian world? At least speak surzhyk [a Ukrainian-Russian pidgin], but dont speak Russian, Farion said.

It should also be noted that there are known ties between leaders of the NS/WP, the organization to which the presumed assassin belongs, and the Azov Battalion.

Farion also came into conflict with the Ukrainian secret service SBU after she published a message from a pro-Ukrainian student from Crimea named Maksym Hlebov that included his full name and other personal details. Hlebov was later detained by Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) and forced to record an apology video for social media.

For both her criticism of Azov and outing of Hlebov, the SBU had charged Farion with violating the equality of citizens, insulting the honor and dignity of a serviceman, and violating the secrecy of correspondence and privacy. The case remained open at the time of her death.

Following student protests against her comments and actions, Farion was suspended from her post at Lviv Polytechnic and then later reinstated and awarded $3000 after appealing her case in May.

Farion reportedly donated the funds to buy drones for far-right military organizations that are rivals to the Azov Battalion, such as the Rubizh Brigade, the Syla Svobody (Power of Freedom) and Svoboda (Freedom) Battalions, and the 5th Assault Brigade.

Whatever the true motivations behind Farions killing, it is a clear sign of far-reaching political destabilization within Ukraine. Having been emboldened by the imperialist powers and the Ukrainian oligarchy, integrated into the Ukrainian state and army and armed to the teeth with NATO weapons, Ukraines fascist forces are increasingly calling the shots in the nations politics. Farions assassination comes only a few weeks after Zelenskys elevation of a prominent member of the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion to the countrys top military leadership.
Canadas wildfire season which got off to a relatively slow start, especially when compared with last years record-breaking coast-to-coast mega fireshas now flared, with a rapidly advancing inferno destroying much of Jasper, Alberta. According to the latest estimates, about 30 percent of structures in the town, one of Canadas most popular and iconic vacation resorts, were wiped out as a wall of fire rushed through the Athabasca River valley.

Approximately 25,000 residents and tourists in the town and surrounding Jasper National Park were ordered to evacuate earlier this week. Kayakers were rescued from the wilderness and roads out of the mountain community were packed as people escaped to surrounding communities in Alberta and British Columbia. Firefighters, who lacked respirators, were also forced to flee as smoke choked the town.

In this photo released by the Jasper National Park, smoke rises from a wildfire burning near Jasper, Alberta, Canada, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 [AP Photo/Jasper National Park/The Canadian Press]

The official account for Jasper National Park reported on X/Twitter Thursday night that firefighters were able to protect critical infrastructure, including the hospital, schools and the wastewater treatment plant. But many homes have been razed to the ground. Parks Canada reported earlier in the day that work was underway to protect the Trans Mountain Pipeline, which carries crude oil and petroleum products through the park from Edmonton to Vancouver, British Columbia. As much of Jasper burned Wednesday, Alberta called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help contain the wildfires.

The Jasper Wildfire Complex, which began on July 19, had consumed an estimated 36,000 hectares as of Thursday. Rainfall Wednesday night was expected to tamp down the blaze into the weekend, though conditions remain primed for the resurgence of flames and the eruption of new fires. 173 active fires are burning across the province, and more than 550,000 hectares have been consumed so far this year.

According to the Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, fires are currently burning out of control in every province and territory save for Nunavut and the Maritimes. While the current season pales in comparison to last years record-shattering fires, which choked the continent with smoke, it still ranks as the fifth worst on record with more than 2.7 million hectares burned.

All of the worst wildfire years on record have come in the last decade, with the warming effects of capitalist-induced climate change priming Canadas forests to erupt at the first sparkwhether from lightning or a wayward spark from a campfire.

Theres a recipe for a wildfire and its a simple recipe. It applies in Jasper, it applies in California, it applies all over the world, Thompson Rivers University professor Mike Flannigan told CBC News.

You need three things. Vegetation, we call it fuel. How much, what type, how dry? It was really dry. Ignition, people and lightning. Then weather, hot dry, windy weather. There has been an incredible stretch of hot, dry weather. Fires love to run up and down valleys.

The 2022 Management Plan for Jasper National Park noted that climate change has facilitated the spread of the mountain pine beetle into the park. The beetle has been moving farther north and into higher elevations as temperatures warm, killing large stands of trees, creating the fuel for intensifying fires. Efforts to combat the beetle in Alberta have cut its population by 94 percent from a peak in 2019, but significant damage has already been done across the province and in the park, leaving behind hundreds of thousands of dead trees.

Two foresters and researchers, Emile Begin and Ken Hodges, told CBC News in 2018 that Jasper National Park was due for a catastrophic forest fire as a result of long-standing management practiceswhich focused on mitigation instead of logging dead treescombined with the impacts of climate change. They reported that their warnings had gone largely unheeded by Parks Canada, the federal agency which manages the 11,228 square kilometer park in southwestern Alberta. Fire suppression efforts had ironically created conditions for the eruption of even more devastating fires, they said, threatening the existence of the town.

You have fire suppression that has occurred for many yearstherefore, you get a lot of dead fuel that would have been consumed by a natural process, Hodges told CBC. The mountain pine beetle adds even more fuel to the situation. Hodges went on to note, The potential thats out there is actually scary. Hopefully were wrong.

Parks Canadas fire management budget for the whole country was $65 million in 2021, with 660 personnel deployed across 34 parks and sites as of 2023, covering 342,456 square kilometers. Despite their limited resources, including the inability to fight fires at night, federal Parks Canada did not reach out to Alberta for provincial support with the Jasper fire, underscoring how overlapping jurisdictions undermined the firefighting effort.

We cant just send equipment into federal airspace without co-ordination, you cant send unmanned aerial vehicles which we use with infrared, we cant send in helicopters with night vision, we cant send in water bombers, without being integrated with them, Premier Danielle Smith told a press conference Thursday night. We are also very quick to respond with dozers to be able to create fireguards and we cant do that without them giving the order to assist in bringing in those dozers and building fire guards around.

While Smith shed crocodile tears over the destruction in Jasper, the climate change denier and her hard-right United Conservative Party government have slashed millions from the provinces firefighting budget in recent years. This included the axing of the Wildland Firefighter Rappel Program in 2019 by her predecessor Jason Kenney. Last year, as fires burned across the province, Smith denied the link between climate change and wildfires and announced that her government was calling in arson investigators from outside the province to investigate the cause of the blazes.

The undermining of wildfire budgets has been a bipartisan affair. The New Democratic Party (NDP) government under Premier Rachel Notley cut $15 million from the 2016 firefighting budget.

The last decade has seen numerous cities across Western Canada evacuated under threat of intensifying fires:

Yellowknife, the largest community and capital of the Northwest Territories, was almost completely evacuated in August last year as fire bore down on the town and threatened to cut off evacuation routes. Thousands of people were displaced for more than two weeks, forced to seek shelter hundreds of kilometers from their homes.

Lytton, British Columbia, a village of 250, was almost completely burned to the ground in June-July 2021 amid a record-shattering heat wave, with temperatures approaching 50 Celsius (121 F). Two people were killed. Fire again destroyed homes in 2022, hampering rebuilding efforts.

88,000 people were forced to flee Fort McMurray, Alberta, in May 2016 as flames consumed the city located in the centre of the provinces tar sands fields. The wildfire destroyed over 3,200 structures and resulted in $9.9 billion in damage.

Albertas economic growth has been fueled by the exploitation of the Athabasca tar sands over the last quarter century. Elevated prices have made the energy-intensive extraction of oil from the tar sands profitable for Big Oil. The burning of fossil fuels, which emits carbon dioxide, in pursuit of corporate profit, has been one of the main drivers of climate change since the industrial revolution. In an ironic feedback, it is the areas of oil production, like Alberta, which have been among the most immediately impacted by climate change.

Despite the recent string of disasters and near disasters, and the record fire season in 2023, there has been no significant action by the Liberal/union/NDP alliance, which currently controls the Canadian government, to dramatically expand firefighting and management efforts or confront the problems of climate change. While it squanders tens of billions of dollars in arming the military to wage war on behalf of Canadian imperialism around the world, the union-backed Liberal government cites the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments to justify its inaction. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has focused on defending his wholly inadequate, market-driven carbon tax from populist attacks by hard-right Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who resides comfortably in the pocket of oil interests.

Climate change, while impacting particular regions in specific ways that must be combatted appropriately, is a global problem which requires a global solution. And the situation is urgent, with global temperature records broken on two consecutive days this week. It is only through the united international mobilization of the working class, marshaling the worlds resources on a scientific basis without concern for national divisions, that the problem can be confronted and brought under control, so it doesnt continue to destroy communities and displace millions across the planet.
Whether you're new to investing or have been in the stock market for a while, it's always a good time to put cash to work into quality businesses. Finding the right stocks for your portfolio takes time, research, and patience, and great returns don't usually happen overnight.

However, if you stick with great companies amid market highs and lows while putting your cash to work no matter what the market is doing, you can steadily grow your portfolio without relying on flawed strategies like marketing timing.

If you're looking to put some of your hard-earned savings into stocks this month and have a smaller wad of cash, like $200, to invest, here are two top stocks to consider for your buy basket right now.

1. Pfizer

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) isn't giving investors the returns they became accustomed to in the days of its pandemic-era growth, but that doesn't mean this is a one-and-done business.

The company was one of the largest pharmaceutical entities in the world long before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. While growth had slowed in the years leading up to the pandemic, and the development of the blockbuster COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty and oral antiviral medication Paxlovid injected a new wave of growth into Pfizer's business, this type of cyclicality is not uncommon for a company of this size, scale, and maturity.

Pfizer brought in record profits and sales on the back of its COVID-19 products, and in 2022, it became the first in the history of Big Pharma to top $100 billion in annual sales. Knowing that COVID-19-related sales would inevitably wane and that patent cliffs for several core products were approaching in the latter part of the decade, Pfizer's management immediately got to work using that windfall of cash and profits to drive a series of strategic acquisitions.

These purchases included biopharmaceutical assets like Arena Pharmaceuticals, Global Blood Therapeutics, and Seagen. These numerous multibillion-dollar acquisitions all boosted Pfizer's portfolio and pipeline, but cancer drugmaker Seagen looks to be one of the most monumental of these acquisitive efforts. Pfizer's $43 billion purchase of Seagen was the single largest transaction in the biopharma industry in about four years.

The addition of Seagen to Pfizer's already extensive oncology program was notable, partly because it doubled the company's pipeline and added four new approved cancer drugs to the mix. Now, management plans to have eight or more potential blockbusters from its cancer drug portfolio out by the year 2030 and is focusing on expanding its footprint specifically in various forms of breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancer. Management estimates that the Seagen acquisition alone is on track to add an additional $10 billion to Pfizer's annual revenue by 2030.

Story continues

In the first quarter of 2024, Pfizer brought in revenue just shy of $15 billion. That figure was down double digits from the prior year's quarter due to declines in sales of Paxlovid and Comirnaty. However, if you remove those two products from the mix, revenue actually rose 11% from one year ago, a healthy clip for a mature business. Revenue from Pfizer's Vyndaqel family of drugs rose a whopping 66% in the first quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, anticoagulant blockbuster Eliquis saw revenue jump 10% year over year, while the company's Prevnar family of vaccines generated 7% higher revenue than one year ago.

While investors may need to be patient as Pfizer integrates these new acquisitions into its growth story and moves on from its pandemic successes, this isn't a company that is on its way out. It is still profitable and had about $12 billion in cash on its balance sheet at last count. Pfizer also consistently raises and pays its dividend, which incidentally now yields just shy of 6% as shares have been pummeled by the market.

Its dividend is $0.42 per share, or $1.68 on an annual basis. For investors seeking dividends, an established pharmaceutical leader, and robust growth potential over the long term, a multi-year investment in this stock still looks like a good idea.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr International (NYSE: FVRR) has also not been getting much favor from investors lately, but that could be a short-sighted look at the potential of this business.

While this company caught the attention of many investors during the pandemic, the gig economy is an explosive growth sector of the global labor force that is set to continue expanding in the years ahead. One study by Business Research Insights projects that the global gig economy will hit a valuation of around $1.9 trillion by the year 2031. That's a compound annual growth rate of about 16% from its 2021 valuation.

Fiverr's platform makes it easy for small businesses as well as larger organizations to connect with freelancers to perform any number of tasks they need, from voiceover work to administration to legal document preparation to copywriting. For a freelancer, the ability to have time and location independence while partnering with clients around the world is a compelling value proposition. Some investors might be worried that Fiverr's growth prospects could be limited by the broader adoption of artificial intelligence-based tools, but this is just one piece of the pie.

The company has been aggressively fine-tuning its platform to capitalize on the demand for AI-centric projects and services without undermining the need for talented human workers. In fact, complex services, which are tasks where human skills are needed to utilize the power of AI effectively, are growing at a double-digit rate on the Fiverr marketplace. These complex services not only tend to drive higher spending by buyers of freelance gigs, but now account for two-thirds of all transactions on Fiverr's platform.

New AI services like avatar design are growing in popularity among both freelancers and buyers, and Fiverr had more than 10,000 freelancers considered to be AI experts on its platform at the close of the first quarter. This growth in AI-driven, complex, and higher-value services is driving spending per buyer upward and accelerating Fiverr's financial growth.

Revenue in the first quarter of 2024 totaled just shy of $94 million, up 6% from one year ago. While active buyers were down single digits year over year, spending per buyer jumped 8% from the same quarter in 2023. Fiverr also reported $0.8 million in net income in the three-month period, compared to a $4.3 million net loss in the year-ago quarter. On an adjusted earnings basis, Fiverr delivered $16 million on that front in the three-month period.

The company is contending with a still-challenging environment as companies are cautiously spending and hiring initiatives remain decelerated in some industries. However, in economic periods where these trends are more prominent, the ability to work with freelance professionals or even a team of freelancers can be even more attractive to these organizations.

Fiverr's expansion of its higher-quality services, AI-focused gigs, and offerings for larger companies, such as the curated selection of freelancers and services found on its Fiverr Pro platform, are all helping the business stay competitive in a tough landscape. Forward-thinking investors might want to consider taking even a small position to capitalize on the potential of the gig economy and Fiverr's footprint in that world.

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On Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its COVID-19 wastewater tracker, showing that the ninth wave of mass infection is continuing across the United States. The Midwest and South saw the largest growth in transmission, while the West declined slightly but still has the highest COVID-19 levels of any region.

Using these data, infectious disease modeler JP Weiland estimates that 760,000 Americans are now contracting COVID-19 each day. He warned that the rising new variant KP.3.1.1 will become dominant within two weeks and likely push transmission even higher, potentially creating the largest summer wave of infections of the entire pandemic.

Based on the conservative estimate that 5 percent of infections or reinfections lead to prolonged symptoms known as Long COVID, each day at least 38,000 Americans are put on a collision course with disability. COVID-19 hospitalizations are also on the rise across the US, while deaths are expected to climb in the weeks ahead.

The Economists tracker shows that excess deaths above the pre-pandemic baseline continue to remain elevated in the US at 429 daily excess deaths, with the cumulative total now standing at 1.46 million. Globally, daily excess deaths have hovered around 10,000, and the cumulative total is now 27.3 million, with the overwhelming majority due to the myriad health impacts of COVID-19.

[Photo by Our World In Data / CC BY 4.0

The CDC and the Biden administration have issued no public statements on the latest surge of the pandemic, which has also received scant coverage in the corporate media. Not a single public health official or politician has encouraged Americans to wear high quality N95 masks to protect themselves, covering up the fact that these masks prevent viral transmission.

The most prominent victim of the latest COVID-19 wave in the US is Joe Biden himself, who tested positive on July 17. This was Bidens third COVID-19 infection, after having tested positive and then suffering a case of rebound in July-August 2022.

Only four days after testing positive, Biden issued public letters announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential elections and endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate. Among a series of delusional claims about his presidency, he absurdly wrote from his isolation quarters in Rehoboth Beach, Together, we overcame a once-in-a-century pandemic.

President Joe Biden coughs during an event with Representative Steven Horsford (Democratic-Nevada) in Las Vegas on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Biden then tested positive for COVID-19. [AP Photo/Susan Walsh]

While the media has ignored the role of Bidens latest infection in his withdrawal, it was clearly a major precipitating factor. Despite universal calls for him to withdraw after his disastrous debate performance, for weeks Biden refused to do so, telling George Stephanopoulos that only the Lord Almighty could convince him. Evidently, divine intervention came in the form of a reinfection with COVID-19.

In all likelihood, Bidens 2022 infections accelerated his mental decline, which was already apparent during the 2020 elections but has steadily worsened. Throughout the pandemic, numerous studies have found that even mild COVID-19 infections can cause or hasten neurological degeneration, with prominent neuroscientist Dr. Leslie M. Kay warning of a wave of post-COVID dementia in the coming decades. A recent such study, published in February 2024, reaffirmed that COVID-19 can cause pronounced cognitive slowing.

In the aftermath of Bidens withdrawal from his 2024 reelection campaign, the Democratic Party-aligned corporate media has issued gushing hosannas for the supposedly historic accomplishments of his administration. Perhaps the most fraudulent was an Op-Ed published Thursday in the Washington Post by columnist Leana Wen, titled, Thank you, President Biden, for leading us through the pandemic.

Since Bidens inauguration, Wen has dutifully trumpeted every unscientific policy issued by the White House or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), justifying the steady clawback of all anti-COVID mitigation measures. Alongside her New York Times counterpart David Leonhardt, she is among the most notorious pandemic minimizers and is justly hated by all those who follow the science of the ongoing pandemic.

Wen begins her piece by stating:

President Bidens stunning announcement that he will end his reelection bid has led many to laud his accomplishments. Chief among them should be how his administration handled the coronavirus pandemic and saved millions of American lives.

Wen characterizes Donald Trumps pandemic policy as a surrender, which led COVID-19 to become the nations third-leading cause of death at the time of Bidens inauguration. But she omits the fact that one year later, in response to the Omicron variant, Biden finished the abject surrender of the entire US political establishment to the pandemic, fully implementing the herd immunity policy of Trump. During the winter of 2021-22, COVID-19 was once again the third leading cause of death, as over 200,000 Americans succumbed to the virus, all at the hands of the Biden administration.

The chief architect of Bidens pandemic response was White House COVID Response Coordinator Jeff Zients, a multimillionaire Wall Street investor with no medical or public health background. On December 17, 2021, as over 1,000 Americans were dying from COVID-19 each day, Zients ghoulishly threatened the unvaccinated, youre looking at a winter of severe illness and death for yourselves, your families, and the hospitals you may soon overwhelm. Throughout that winter and their time in office, Zients and Biden continuously opposed lockdowns and denigrated all other public health measures.

Ignoring these crimes, Wen devotes the bulk of her piece to glorifying Zients rollout of the anti-COVID vaccines. She also tries to claim that Biden oversaw a vast expansion of public health measures, through partnering with drug companies to develop and distribute antiviral treatments, scaling up at-home testing, improving disease surveillance and investing in long-covid research.

All of this is lies. Especially in the wake of Bidens ending of the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration in May 2023, vaccine uptake has flatlined, pandemic surveillance has been dismantled, at-home testing and antivirals are nearly impossible for most Americans to access, and Long COVID research funding has evaporated, along with all other COVID-related funding. Over 24.5 million Americans have been disenrolled from Medicaid in the past year, thrown into the ranks of the uninsured.

Wen concludes, I believe Bidens legacy will be that he was the president who got the United States out of the pandemic as well as could be hoped for. For all his work to advance public health, I thank Joe Biden.

This is nothing but crude propaganda, designed to cover up Bidens crimes as well as her own complicity and that of the entire corporate media.

Bidens real legacy will be that he oversaw the COVID deaths of over 800,000 Americans, while millions more suffered debilitating Long COVID, for which the long-term generational impacts of annual reinfections will not be fully grasped for years or decades to come.

The truth is that Biden fell victim to his own policy of Forever COVID, which represents the total repudiation of public health. His physical and political decline reveal the entirely unsustainable character of this policy, which is subjecting all of humanity to endless waves of mass reinfection with a virus known to be capable of damaging virtually every organ in the body.

While Biden was able to safely isolate at home, given immediate access to Paxlovid and advanced medical treatment, the reality for the vast bulk of the American population is the diametric opposite.

Told that COVID is mild, uneducated on the risks of each reinfection, denied access to treatment, forced to work while sick or risk losing their jobs, and left to fend for themselves if disabled by Long COVID, the working class has been completely abandoned by the capitalist system and its backers in the trade union bureaucracies.

The response to the pandemic under both Trump and Biden signaled the 21st century descent into capitalist barbarism. The normalization of mass death from COVID-19 steeled the bourgeoisie of the imperialist powers to carry out their brutal war against Russia in Ukraine since 2022 and the genocide in Gaza since 2023, the antechamber to a developing Third World War which risks nuclear Armageddon.

The diseased social order which has produced these horrors must be overthrown and replaced with a planned world socialist economy that guarantees full funding for public health, universal access to high quality medical care, housing and education, and an end to poverty, disease and war.
Between 1981 and 1983, then West Germany experienced the largest mass demonstrations in its history. Millions protested against the deployment of American Pershing II medium-range nuclear missiles. In the German capital at that time, Bonn, 300,000 people took part in a peace demonstration on 10 October 1981 and half a million on 10 June 1982. There were also hundreds of other large demonstrations and sit-in blockades. On 22 October 1983, 1.3 million people took to the streets across Germany.

300,000 demonstrate against the deployment of Pershing II in Bonns Hofgarten on 10 October 1981 [Photo by Nationaal Archief / Bogaerts, Rob / Anefo]

The deployment of the Pershing II was part of an escalation of the Cold War against the Soviet Union under US President Ronald Reagan, which was supported by the German Social Democratic (SPD) Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. The demonstrations were fuelled by pacifist ideas and the fear of a nuclear catastrophe. The participants were aware that the deployment of nuclear weapons which could reach Moscow in less than 10 minutes increased the risk of war and made Germany the prime target of a Soviet nuclear strike.

At the Bundestag (parliament) session on 21 November 1983, which gave the final green light for the deployment, Otto Schily, who later became SPD interior minister and was still a member of the Green Party at the time, spoke of an act of submission to the increasingly aggressive military strategy of the current US administration, a capitulation of reason, a fiasco for peace in Europe.

Schily castigated the ludicrously excessive power politics that has materialised in the nuclear arsenals and to which the German government has also committed itself. He described the concept of war prevention through deterrence, used to justify the deployment, as a risky game with the downfall of Europe, with the end of the world.

The mass protests failed. They could not prevent the deployment of the Pershing II. The Greens, Stalinists of the DKP (German Communist Party) and church representatives, who dominated them politically, were careful to ensure that they remained limited to impotent appeals to the government and did not call capitalist rule into question.

Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who tried to force the deployment against sections of his own party, had to leave office prematurely. The Liberal Democrats (FDP), who had governed for 13 years in alliance with the SPD, switched sides, helping the Christian Democrat (CDU) Chairman Helmut Kohl to power, who carried out the deployment and remained chancellor for 16 years.

After 1987, the Pershings were finally dismantled again because the Stalinist regime of the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev retreated and voluntarily gave the imperialist powers what they had wanted to conquer by force. It smashed up the socialised property relations created by the October Revolution, introduced capitalism and dissolved the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union.

Far more dangerous than Pershing II

More than 30 years later, the German government has taken a decision whose dangers and political consequences are far more serious than those of the deployment of the Pershing II.

During the NATO summit in Washington at the beginning of July, the German and US governments signed an agreement to deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles, SM-6 guided missiles and Dark Eagle hypersonic missiles in Germany by 2026. They are intended to bridge the gap until Germany, in cooperation with other European countries, has developed its own precision weapons with ranges of several thousand kilometres.

All three weapons can easily reach the largest Russian cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. They are capable of taking out Russian high-value targets, e.g., central elements of the Russian nuclear forces. They are launched from mobile launchers and are difficult to defend against.

While the Tomahawk uses extremely low altitudes to fly under enemy radar, the SM-6 and Dark Eagle reach speeds that overwhelm even the most modern missile defence system. The SM-6 flies at five times the speed of sound, and the Dark Eagle, which is still in the developmental stage, even flies at 17 times the speed of sound.

The warning time thus tends towards zero; the danger of escalation grows accordingly. The Russian military would be practically forced to retaliate within fractions of a minute at the mere suspicion of an attack or to launch a pre-emptive attack in order to avoid the destruction of its own nuclear forces.

The IPG Journal of the pro-SPD Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung writes in one of the few critical articles on the subject:

Moscow could escalate nuclear in the event of war in view of its own inferiority. Even pre-emptive strikes would be conceivable should the Kremlin conclude that conventional but precise stand-off weapons in Europe would be able to threaten its own nuclear capabilities.

Deploying the missiles in densely populated Germany puts the lives of millions of people at risk.

This is one of the reasons why NATO has only deployed comparable long-range precision weapons at sea or in the air in recent decades. But this limits their effectiveness considerably. Missiles fired from aeroplanes can only be launched after takeoff, which takes a lot of time, and sea-based missiles have too short a range and are too slow.

According to a background article by the government-affiliated German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), the return to land-based medium-range missiles pursues two objectives that cannot be optimally fulfilled by the short- and medium-range air- and sea-based NATO missiles available today:

Their first task is to put those Russian deep-strike capabilities, which are intended to keep the alliance at a distance, in the crosshairs (hold at risk) and possibly destroy them before they fire on NATO territory. ... The second task of the medium-range weapons is to be able to destroy at least some time-critical high-value targets in Russia. These include mobile command centres or launching pads for ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

This alone makes it clear that the new weapons are notas the official propaganda would have us believefor defence or deterrence but to escalate the NATO offensive against Russia, which has reached a dead end with the hemorrhaging of the Ukrainian army and the growing war-weariness of the Ukrainian population. NATO and the German government are preparing a devastating military strike against Russia, risking a nuclear catastrophe.

No public discussion

Unlike the Pershing II, the decision to deploy the new US missiles was made without any public discussion. The German government made the decision in a cloak-and-dagger operation and is doing everything it can to suppress any debate about it. It is supported in this by the synchronised public and private media, which barely mention the decision and play down the deployment and its dangers.

The official announcement of the German-American agreement consisted of four short sentences. Neither the Bundestag nor the relevant foreign affairs and defence committees had been informed in advance. It was only 10 days after the agreement that the Parliamentary State Secretaries Siemtje Moller (Defence) and Tobias Lindner (Foreign Office) sent a short briefing to the two committees.

The Greens, in particular, who have transformed themselves from a disarmament to a pro-armament party, are furious at anyone who even slightly doubts the decision or even advocates a de-escalation of the war in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, for example, described criticism of the deployment as naive and irresponsible. Putins Russia was the greatest security threat to us, she told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers. We must protect ourselves and our Baltic partners against this, including through increased deterrence and additional stand-off weapons. Anything else would not only be irresponsible, but also naive in the face of an ice-cold Kremlin.

In the magazine of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), Chrismon, the lecturer at the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) University in Munich, Frank Sauer, also berated critics of the deployment as disinformation mongers who unnecessarily instil fear of nuclear death in people for domestic political reasons.

The transformation of the Green Party and the Protestant Church, which four decades ago had supported the pacifist anti-Pershing movement, into angry warmongers sheds a harsh light on the driving forces behind the war policy of the ruling class.

In his groundbreaking analysis of imperialism, which is highly topical again today and which he wrote in the middle of the First World War, Vladimir Lenin explained the connection between imperialist war and the rightward turn of all those who defend capitalism. He wrote:

The enormous dimensions of finance capital concentrated in a few hands and creating an extraordinarily dense and widespread network of relationships and connections which subordinates not only the small and medium, but also the very small capitalists and small masters, on the one hand, and the increasingly intense struggle waged against other national state groups of financiers for the division of the world and domination over other countries, on the other hand, cause the propertied classes to go over entirely to the side of imperialism. General enthusiasm over the prospects of imperialism, furious defence of it and painting it in the brightest colourssuch are the signs of the times.

We are experiencing the same thing again today. The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union did not herald a period of peace, as bourgeois propaganda claimed at the time. On the contrary, the struggle between the nation-state financial groups for the division of the world and for domination over other countries has taken on enormous proportions.

Since then, the US and its European allies have waged uninterrupted war and destroyed entire societies in the Middle East and other regions. Not content with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, they also want to break up Russia in order to gain access to its vast natural resources. China, whose cheap labour they initially exploited, is to be reduced to the status of a semi-colony. Their support for the genocide in Gaza shows that they will not shy away from any crime.

This policy is supported by all establishment parties. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the BSW split-off from the Left Party, which criticise Germanys role in the Ukraine war, also support the military build-up. However, they believe German imperialism should not ally itself too closely with the US in the fight for its global interests but should position itself more independently of it.

There is only one way to stop the threat of a Third World War: The independent mobilisation and unification of the international working class on the basis of a socialist programme that combines the struggle against war, social inequality and fascism with the struggle against their cause, capitalism. This is what the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) and the International Committee of the Fourth International stand for.
Timing is everything. And that's true in pretty much every situation. The adage is definitely applicable when it comes to Social Security retirement benefits.

Some believe claiming benefits as early as possible at age 62 is the best move. Others want to hold out until they reach their full retirement age. I understand their perspectives. But here are three reasons why I don't plan to claim Social Security until age 70.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. I can retire without Social Security

Arguably the most important reason I plan to wait until age 70 to claim Social Security is that I can retire comfortably without the federal program's retirement benefits. Don't get me wrong: It would be nice to have the extra retirement income that Social Security provides before I turn 70. However, I shouldn't be too inconvenienced by waiting.

I'll forever be grateful for the advice a manager gave me in my first job after graduating from college. Actually, "advice" might be too mild of a word. He strongly urged me to contribute enough to my 401(k) plan to receive the company match. I did as he said and continued to do so throughout my career with other employers as well. Saving early and consistently with the "free money" from company matches has probably been the best financial move I've ever made.

It's helpful that I worked with one employer long enough to be 100% vested in its pension plan. This pension will make it easier for me to retire without Social Security benefits (temporarily).

I also love what I do. Unless artificial intelligence (AI) replaces my job or some other unforeseen development forces me to retire early, I plan to work well into my 60s.

2. I like the guaranteed return from waiting to claim benefits

Does the early retirement penalty factor into my decision about when to claim Social Security benefits? Absolutely. So do the delayed retirement credits available for those who wait to claim benefits after reaching their full retirement age.

If I retire at age 62, my monthly Social Security benefit will be significantly lower than if I held off until age 67. Waiting until my full retirement age would boost my Social Security check by nearly 43%, or roughly 8.5% per year on average. If I delay claiming benefits until age 70, my Social Security check will increase another 24% (8% per year).

Could I make more from investing? Maybe. However, there have been plenty of eight-year periods in which stocks didn't achieve average annual returns of 8%. The closer I get to retirement, the less risk I'm willing to take. A guaranteed annual return of at least 8% over eight years sounds attractive to me.

Story continues

3. I expect my longevity will be above average

Waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security retirement benefits wouldn't make sense if I expected to live only a few years beyond then. But I'm cautiously optimistic that won't be the case.

The average life expectancy for a U.S. male age 62 is 19 years, according to the Social Security Administration's actuaries, putting the expected longevity at 81. The average life expectancy for a 67-year-old man is 15.6 years, putting the expected longevity at nearly 83. Both are above the breakeven age for waiting until 70 to claim Social Security benefits, which is 80.4.

I'm in good health. Many of my older relatives lived into their late 80s and 90s. Some of them lived past 100. I think there's a pretty good chance that my longevity will be above average.

Should you wait until 70 to claim Social Security?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer about when to claim Social Security retirement benefits. Just because I have what I believe are good reasons to wait until age 70 doesn't mean that you should do so.

However, the factors I considered are ones you'll want to take into account. Determine if you can financially retire without relying on Social Security benefits. Think about the financial trade-offs you'll make if you claim Social Security sooner. Consider your health and expected longevity.

In addition, seriously think about your priorities. Perhaps Social Security would enable you to retire earlier and do things you've always wanted to do. That could be appealing to you even if your overall retirement income is lower than it might otherwise be. Timing might be everything, but money isn't.

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3 Reasons Why I Don't Plan to Claim Social Security Until Age 70 was originally published by The Motley Fool
Was The Decameron a true story? Everything to know about the dark comedy set during the Black Death

It's a tale of wine-soaked chaos amid bubonic plague.

Netflix's The Decameron turns a real-life historical tragedy into a boisterous comedy.



The series from Kathleen Jordan centers on turmoil in Florence in 1348. Upon the onset of the Black Death in Italy, high-class nobles and their servants relocate to a countryside villa to await the end of the bubonic plague pandemic. As their Italian town is crumbling beyond their borders, the ensemble engages in frivolous fun, wine tastings, and scandalous sexual affairs. The cast includes Amar Chadha-Patel, Leila Farzad, Lou Gala, Karan Gill, Tony Hale, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Zosia Mamet, Douggie McMeekin, Jessica Plummer, and Tanya Reynolds.

Since the Black Death was a real historical event, you might be wondering: What is The Decameron based on? It's far too absurd to be a true story. Was it a book? Who was it penned by? Well, EW has you covered. Here's everything you need to know about The Decameron's source material and more.

Related: The Black Death creates chaos in exclusive trailer for The Decameron

What is 'The Decameron' based on?

'The Decameron' by Giovanni Boccaccio

The Decameron is loosely based on a 14th-century collection of fictional short stories. Unfortunately, this means that the Decameron's characters are not based on real historical figures. In a satirical and timely examination of human nature, the tales depict 10 Italians fleeing to the country to avert the plague, as in Jordan's series. The text is different from the series and centers around young aristocrats (seven women and three men). On each evening, one person takes a turn playing king or queen and commanding how the next day will be spent.



What does "Decameron" mean?

"Decameron" is Greek for "10 days." It represents the duration of 10 days spent at the country villa. The collection contains 100 stories, told from each of the 10 character's perspectives within the span of those 10 days.

Who is the author of 'The Decameron'?

Public Domain Detail of a fresco of Giovanni Boccaccio by Andrea del Castagno in the Uffizi Gallery, Florence

The story collection was written by Italian author and poet Giovanni Boccaccio. Boccaccio was born in Florence in the 1300s and grew up during the era of nobles and servants. Boccaccio developed an interest in writing short stories and poetry during his adulthood, and he began a career writing thought-provoking works. He soon became one of the founders of The Renaissance Humanism movement in the 14th century, when authors like him, Dante Alighieri, and Petrarch (also known as The Three Jewels) wrote timely stories about humanity and class during a religious era. The movement originated in Italy during the 14th century and gradually spread across Europe until the 15th century. Between 1348 and 1353, Boccaccio wrote The Decameron, which was his finest, most famous, and most influential work of literature.

What inspired Boccaccio to write 'The Decameron'?

Netflix Tony Hale in 'The Decameron'

Boccaccio lived during the time of the Black Death. He witnessed firsthand the impact of the plague, which killed his father and stepmother, along with the death toll of over 100,000 Florentines, according to Boccaccio. Having lived through the pandemic, Boccaccio was compelled to write the tales in order to, in his words, "offer some solace...to those who stand in need of it."

What were Giovanni Boccaccio's other famous works?

Leemage / Corbis Historical / Getty Images Battle between the Theseus and Hippolyta of the Amazons miniature from La Teseida, by Giovanni Boccaccio, artist Barthelemy d'Eyck, 14th century

Although none of his other works reached the same fame as The Decameron, Boccaccio penned many other well-regarded works. His initial work of fiction was Caccia di Diana (Diana's Hunt), which revolved around the gathering of Neapolitan court ladies, who were instructed to hunt for the goddess Diana. Another one of Boccaccio's famous works was Genealogia Deorum Gentilium (Ancestry of the Pagan Gods) an ambitious manuscript he worked on in between writing The Decameron and other projects. From the years 1350 to 1374, he compiled a detailed Mythography guidebook encompassing all the ancient Greek and Roman gods and their intertwined, genetic connections.



Why was 'The Decameron' banned?

Netflix Zosia Mamet and Saiorse-Monica Jackson in 'The Decameron'

The Decameron was banned in Italy between 1497 and 1559, long after Boccaccio's death in 1375. Boccaccio's works, which reflected individualism in a society that did not separate from church and state, were condemned by the Catholic Church. The Decameron was the most infamous for its overt satirical commentary on clericalism within Italy that existed during the Middle Ages.

Later in America, The Decameron was also banned from 1873 into the 1930s, because the 1873 Comstock Act outlawed abortion in addition to restricting speech by banning explicit books, including those that satirized religion or described sex in a detailed way. This affected living authors during the period, including Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, William Faulkner, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Women writers Ezra Heywood and Margaret Sanger were arrested for it.

What is the historical significance of 'The Decameron'?

Made available by the Wellcome Library through the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license The Black Death strikes Italy - detail of Luigi Sabatelli's 19th-century etching "The plague of Florence in 1348," as described in Boccaccio's 'Il Decameron'

The Decameron was the only work of fiction made during the Black Death that recorded the tragic events in excruciating detail. During his time in Italy, Boccaccio experienced the impact of the historical event on society and religion. While all of the book's stories were fictional, they were emblematic of what was happening in real time.

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Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.
Key Insights

Significantly high institutional ownership implies Manawa Energy's stock price is sensitive to their trading actions

The largest shareholder of the company is Infratil Limited with a 51% stake

Ownership research along with analyst forecasts data help provide a good understanding of opportunities in a stock

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Manawa Energy Limited (NZSE:MNW), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. And the group that holds the biggest piece of the pie are institutions with 53% ownership. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Because institutional owners have a huge pool of resources and liquidity, their investing decisions tend to carry a great deal of weight, especially with individual investors. As a result, a sizeable amount of institutional money invested in a firm is generally viewed as a positive attribute.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Manawa Energy.

Check out our latest analysis for Manawa Energy

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Manawa Energy?

Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices.

Manawa Energy already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Manawa Energy's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Manawa Energy. Our data shows that Infratil Limited is the largest shareholder with 51% of shares outstanding. This implies that they have majority interest control of the future of the company. With 27% and 1.0% of the shares outstanding respectively, Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust and Accident Compensation Corporation, Asset Management Arm are the second and third largest shareholders.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.

Insider Ownership Of Manawa Energy

While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

Insider ownership is positive when it signals leadership are thinking like the true owners of the company. However, high insider ownership can also give immense power to a small group within the company. This can be negative in some circumstances.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own less than 1% of Manawa Energy Limited. But they may have an indirect interest through a corporate structure that we haven't picked up on. It appears that the board holds about NZ$7.5m worth of stock. This compares to a market capitalization of NZ$1.4b. Many tend to prefer to see a board with bigger shareholdings. A good next step might be to take a look at this free summary of insider buying and selling.

General Public Ownership

With a 19% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Manawa Energy. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Company Ownership

We can see that Private Companies own 27%, of the shares on issue. It might be worth looking deeper into this. If related parties, such as insiders, have an interest in one of these private companies, that should be disclosed in the annual report. Private companies may also have a strategic interest in the company.

Next Steps:

It's always worth thinking about the different groups who own shares in a company. But to understand Manawa Energy better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Manawa Energy (at least 1 which is a bit unpleasant) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
As the 'Real Housewives of Potomac' star prepares to send daughters Angel and Adore off to school, she's laying down some ground rules

Gizelle Bryant/Instagram Gizelle Bryant with daughters Angel and Adore.

Gizelle Bryant is taking a do as I say, not as I did approach to preparing her twin daughters for their freshman year of college  at least when it comes to laundry.

When I left for school in August, I didnt wash my clothes until I went back home for Thanksgiving break, the Real Housewives of Potomac star, 53, recalls to PEOPLE of her college days at Hampton University in Virginia. When I ran out of underwear, I would just buy more. I told them, Dont do that! Thats disgusting! Dont do what Mommy did.

Bryant knows she doesnt have much cause to worry about 18-year-old Angel and Adore, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Jamal Bryant. Theyre light years past where I was at their age, she admits. So excited about their future, and planning to make sure they meet their goals. Its an honor to see them grow.

Still, like any good mom, Bryant  whose eldest daughter Grace is a sophomore at Florida A&M in Tallahassee  is allowing herself to worry a little, especially since the twins are heading to different schools: Angel to Spelman College in Atlanta and Adore to her mothers alma mater in Hampton, Va.

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.

Gizelle Bryant/Instagram Gizelle Bryant with (from left) daughter Grace, ex-husband Jamal, and daughters Angel and Adore.

Related: Gizelle Bryant and Ex-Husband Jamal Bryant Reunite for Twin Daughters Graduation

I was not prepared for that, she says of their decision to go their separate ways. They both applied to Hampton and both got in, both got scholarships. They both applied to Spelman and both got in. I was just thinking that they were going to  amongst two of them  have a meeting and say, Okay, where are we going? That didn't happen.

Despite the double anxiety and double stress, Bryant is proud of all three of her daughters for choosing historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and she realizes Angel and Adores different plans will provide a unique opportunity for them to grow as individuals.

Theyre really looking forward to being their own person and not necessarily connected to someone else, she says. But theres also going to be a void. Theyve already said theyre going to call each other every morning.

Gizelle Bryant/ Instagram Gizelle Bryant with daughters Angel and Adore.

She adds, laughing: Some days its we dont know how were going to do this! Others, its get away from me!

As for advice of the non-wash-and-fold variety, Bryant has some in mind: Im reminding them to trust their gut, she says. Itll never lie to you. If youre in a situation in which you dont feel comfortable, leave. Whoever you go to a party with, that's who you leave with. You don't go anywhere by yourself at night. If you put a drink down at a party, that one is done.

Related: Gizelle Bryant Shares Photos from Her Twin Daughters' Sweet 16 Celebration: 'Such a Good Time'

But Bryant isnt harping on the cautionary.

I told Grace [when she left for Florida A&M], and I'm going to tell the twins: Do everything. No matter what the event or activity is, do it. Embrace everything with all of yourself. You have four years. Four years of your father's money! [laughs] So live it to the fullest and enjoy it."

For more on Bryant, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.



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Read the original article on People.
15 Dishes And Drinks From Armenia You Need To Try At Least Once

The Caucasus region spreads across Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and part of Russia. While Georgian cuisine is famous worldwide for its cheese-filled bread boats, neighboring Armenia boasts its own unique lavash flatbread, which accompanies many dishes. Some of the most popular ingredients in Armenian cuisine include pomegranate seeds, apricots, raisins, pork, lake trout, mulberries, bell peppers, walnuts, and cracked wheat, and the combinations of savory and sweet flavors are endless.

It's estimated that up to 2 million Americans are of Armenian descent, with large populations of them residing in Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles. Many renowned Armenian restaurants can be found in California, such as Zhengyalov Hatz in Glendale  the sole U.S.-based Armenian eatery recommended by the Michelin Guide.

I frequently join my Armenian-Lebanese husband on travels to Yerevan, Armenia's capital city, and after years of delighting in the country's cuisine, I can share my recommended staples. They include hearty savory dishes, irresistible sweet treats, and quality (i.e., strong) alcoholic drinks. Keep these in mind the next time you book a table at an Armenian restaurant  or, if you're lucky, when you take a trip to this ancient nation called the Land of Talking Stones.

Read more: Restaurant Foods That Always Taste Better Than What You Make At Home

Ghapama Stuffed Pumpkin

ghapama stuffed pumpkin dish - Samvel Poghosyan/Shutterstock

Many pumpkin recipes can get you in the fall mood, from a decadent pumpkin cheesecake to a pumpkin latte infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Armenians boast their own pumpkin-based delicacy, which is also affiliated with autumn's harvest and widely prepared during the Christmas season.

Ghapama (meaning "cooked in a covered pot") consists of a pumpkin stuffed with rice, honey, nuts, and dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins. Ground meat is an optional addition, while a dessert version of ghapama can be prepared with extra fruit and honey. Some people prefer serving the pumpkin whole with the filling contained inside, while others cut the gourd into large wedges and lay them outward for a more attractive presentation.

With its delicate combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, ghapama is cherished to the extent of inspiring its own theme song, called "Hey Jan Ghapama." The lyrics praise the taste and aroma of ghapama, and it's almost as catchy as the dish is flavorful, with the song often heard during happy occasions that may even involve group dancing.

Sini Manti Baked Meat Dumplings

Armenian manti in baking dish - hlphoto/Shutterstock

Manti is a kind of a meat dumpling, with its Armenian origins likely dating back to the 13th century, though versions of this dish are found from the Balkans to Central Asia. Mouthwatering Armenian sini manti dumplings can be made with ground lamb or beef. Delicately shaped like small canoes, these filled dumplings are arranged decoratively in a round tray or pan.

This dish is lovingly prepared for hours and is baked until the dough is crisp, ideally developing into a shade of golden brown. A rich tomato broth is added to the dumplings in the later stage of cooking, and the dish is served warm with a generous slathering of garlic-infused yogurt sauce and a flavorful garnish of Aleppo pepper and sumac. Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy this specialty by preparing a filling that is based on mushrooms and spinach instead of meat.

Itch Bulgur Salad

portion of Armenian itch salad - Eats with Gasia/YouTube

Flavorful, colorful, and filling, Armenia's itch bulgur salad  also spelled "eetch" or "eech"  is similar to tabbouleh, and it can be consumed as an appetizer or a light meal. The recipe typically calls for fine bulgur wheat, tomato paste, onions, chopped scallions, finely diced tomatoes, and seasonings like parsley, dill, garlic, and mint.

This refreshing and hearty salad is usually drizzled with olive oil and/or lemon juice, and scooped into lavash flatbread or lettuce. Variations on the itch recipe can include the use of spicy pepper paste, radishes, pomegranate molasses, and bell peppers of varied colors, any of which may be incorporated into the mix for a more robust flavor.

Once prepared, it's recommended to store itch in the fridge overnight to allow all the juices and flavors to properly infuse the bulgur. Itch is commonly consumed cold, but some serve it warm or at room temperature.

Oghi Spirit Distilled From Fruit

mulberries and glass of liquor - Milenberry/Shutterstock

Armenia is a highland country, and winters there can get particularly cold, windy, and snowy. To keep warm and energetic, Armenians produce an array of spirits that range from mild to strong, including oghi  which is commonly produced as a type of moonshine. Whether homemade or store-bought, oghi is often distilled from mulberries, but it can also be made with apricots, peaches, apples, and myriad other fruits and berries.

Oghi can be consumed at any time of the day, whether it's served to greet arriving guests, to celebrate good news, or even as a bracing shot in the morning before work  any excuse will do, really. With an alcohol content ranging from 40% to 80%, this drink is certainly potent, and it reigns supreme as an accompaniment for meals, intimate dates, and large gatherings alike. Homemade oghi can be excellent, but some quality commercial brands to sample or bring back as a gift from your trip to Armenia include Ijevan, Artsakh, and Sapor.

Pomegranate Wine

Armenian pomegranate wine and pomegranates - Davit Mohrabyan/Shutterstock

People in Armenia have been producing wine for a long time  probably for over 6,000 years, as attested by the 2007 discovery of ancient winemaking facilities within the Areni-1 cave complex in Vayots Dzor. That cavern has become a major tourism attraction, and the nearby Hin Areni winery also welcomes the public to display how Armenian winemaking carries on to this day.

While Armenian grape-based wines are popular, perhaps no alcoholic drink is more emblematically Armenian and steeped in tradition than pomegranate wine. In this culture, vibrantly scarlet and tart pomegranate symbolizes fertility and good luck. Its depiction can be found in homes and museums, woven into fabrics, carved into furniture, and across numerous artistic works, such as in "The Color of Pomegranates," the acclaimed 1969 film by groundbreaking Armenian director Sergei Parajanov.

For all of those reasons, pomegranate wine is served with Armenian meals, whether formal or informal. Its tangy and sweet flavor makes it suitable for beef, lamb, chicken, cheeses, and chocolate desserts. Here are some popular brands to sample, offering pomegranate wines in dry, semisweet, and sweet varieties: Matevosyan, Tree of Life, Armenia, and Yerevan.

Gata Pastries

Armenian gata on board - uladzimir zgurski/Shutterstock

Flaky, glossy, and not overly sweet, gata is the buttery Armenian cake that pairs perfectly with coffee, not to mention juice, tea, or oghi. The dough is made with milk, butter, sour cream, egg, and sugar, while the filling consists of sugar, butter, flour, and sometimes dried fruits and/or crushed nuts  especially walnuts.

Gata comes in many shapes and sizes, and its top surface can be either plain or embossed with patterns of folk art, Christian symbols, and other pastoral designs. The designs can get quite elaborate on joyous occasions, such as weddings and christenings. Areas of Armenia that are particularly known for amazing gata include Geghard and Garni.

You can find this rustic pastry everywhere, from small village bakeries  often offering the tastiest and freshest gata  to supermarket aisles and restaurants. Its simplicity is what makes it so beloved, and while some people consume it plain, others may dip it in apricot jam, honey, or chocolate sauce.

Ishkhan Trout

cooked ishkhan trout - Emena/Shutterstock

Ishkhan (meaning "prince") is a type of trout that is endemic to Lake Sevan, dubbed Armenia's Blue Pearl. Located in the Gegharkunik Province, this is not only the country's largest lake, but also a prime tourism destination. Numerous legends are told about the origins of Lake Sevan and its ishkhan trout, but it's certainly a true story that Armenians consider this spotted fish as a delicacy  and it's unfortunately also true that ishkhan has been declared as endangered.

Lake Sevan's ishkhan can be prepared in a variety of ways: grilled, braised, boiled, or fried. It's often marinated in wine, and commonly flavored with pomegranate juice, tarragon, green onions, or herbs. The trout is usually served with a side of potatoes, itch, or lavash flatbread.

Another Lake Sevan trout delicacy, called ishkhana, is made by grinding the fish and turning it into balls mixed with spices and egg. The balls are then either boiled in heavily salted water or fried, then drenched in a gravy consisting of flour, onions, and tomatoes.

Armenian Brandy

bottles of Ararat brandy - Ewa Studio/Shutterstock

There are various types of brandy with a multitude of subtle and pronounced notes, from applejack to cognac to Balkan rakia, but Armenian brandy is uniquely treasured. It's reported that Yerevan features more brandy distillers per capita than any other city around the world. While some claim that brandy has been produced here since the Middle Ages, Armenian brandies have certainly been distilled on a grand scale since the late 1800s, with the prestigious brand Ararat reigning supreme.

Established in 1887, Ararat  named after a massive inactive volcano that holds great significance in Armenian culture  offers a range of brandies made with grapes, cherries, and apricots, along with flavorings like coffee and honey. The core range is aged between three and 20 years, and the ultra-premium variety, called Erebuni, is aged up to 70 years.

What's special about Armenian brandy is that numerous varieties of native grapes are used in the delicate production process, including voskehat, garan dmak, and mskhali. Connoisseurs suggest pairing Armenian brandy with dark chocolate truffles, dried fruits (including apricots), nuts, and matured Armenian cheeses.

Khorovats Grilled-Meat Skewers

Armenian meat skewers over flame - photostockam/Shutterstock

Derived from the verb "khorovel," meaning "to grill," khorovats are barbecued skewered meats. Grilling is a popular culinary activity in Armenia, especially during celebrations. Khorovats are basically the Armenian answer to kebabs, and they're typically served with lavash flatbread and a salad of chargrilled eggplants, sliced tomatoes, and onions, as well as roasted potatoes.

The meat  be it pork, lamb, beef, or chicken  is cut into sizeable pieces and impaled on large flat skewers. For extra flavor and tenderness, it is supposed to be marinated for many hours. Marinades may include red wine, onion, tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and rosemary.

It's safe to say Armenians take a khorovats gathering very seriously, and the accompanying alcohol  whether it's beer, wine, or oghi  can stretch that meal for many convivial hours. Live music and dancing aren't uncommon, either. If you should ever receive an invitation to a khorovats lunch or dinner, it's polite to bring wine, brandy, or seasonal fruits.

Anoush Abour Pudding

bowl of anoush abour - AB-7272/Shutterstock

Also known as Noah's pudding, anoush abour literally means "sweet soup," and its texture is more similar to porridge than pudding. Typically served on festive occasions and holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, this colorful dessert is often served cold or at room temperature. The main ingredients are whole wheat, water, and sugar, and the mixture can be infused with apricots, raisins, sultanas, honey, pistachios, pine nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, ground cinnamon, slivered almonds, and the ever-versatile pomegranate seeds.

In case you're wondering where Noah fits in with this nutty and fruity delicacy, the Biblical figure is said to have made that pudding himself while aboard the ark, with an assortment of leftover ingredients that were laying around. As soon as he finished, the rain that had been pouring supposedly stopped. With this lore in mind, Armenians consider this dessert to be a festive dish affiliated with good luck.

Arishta Thick Wheat Pasta

plate of Armenian arishta pasta - frantic00/Shutterstock

Arishta is Armenia's easy, simple, filling, and affordable answer to Italian fettuccine or Asian udon. It is a thick, flat pasta created with wheat flour and cut into long strips. Arishta is typically handmade, though packages of it can also be found at Armenian supermarkets. The traditional arishta recipe calls for the pasta to be served with Armenian matsun  a fermented dairy delight sharing similarities with yogurt and sour cream  along with garlic and clarified butter, but there are many other variations that incorporate cheese, corn, bulgur, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and spices.

To celebrate this traditional dish, the Arishta Festival is organized yearly in the village of Bjni, nestled in Armenia's province of Kotayk, which is also known for producing a popular namesake beer. The festival gathers locals and tourists alike to admire artisanal crafts, enjoy live music, and, naturally, watch demonstrations of the lengthy and elaborate arishta-making process.

Spas Yogurt Soup

bowl of spas yogurt soup - frantic00/Shutterstock

The best soup recipes around the world are both nutritious and comforting. Some of them can even be consumed hot or cold, and this is the case with the Armenian yogurt soup called spas.

First created in remote villages from simple and accessible ingredients, spas is a creamy, cost-effective, and tangy soup that can be served with spinach or onions fried in butter. The traditional recipe calls for matsun, flour, and wheat berries, with seasonings like cilantro, parsley, mint, and salt added to taste. Contemporary alternatives to the wheat berries include barley, bulgur, and rice, the use of which results in a thicker texture for a more filling soup; adding meatballs is another option to make this dish heartier.

Speaking of meatballs, there are two meatball-based Armenian soups popular for cold winter days. Kololik soup has meatballs made with ground lamb, rice, onions, and parsley, which are added to beef broth flavored with tarragon and basil. Arganak soup features ground-beef meatballs made with rice and onions, which are served in chicken broth infused with lemon juice and egg yolks.

Dolma Stuffed Grape Leaves

plate of Armenian dolma - Astacia/Shutterstock

Dolma is a common name for stuffed grape leaves that are often filled with rice and ground meat, but it may also be made with other vegetable leaves, like cabbage. This dish is found across many Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Balkan cuisines, with each region imparting its own special touch. Though it takes ample time to prepare dolmas  starting with preparing the ingredients, then stuffing them into the leaves, and cooking them until tender but firm  this specialty is particularly cherished in Armenia.

Seasonings may include ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper. An alternative version  made by stuffing the filling into red bell peppers  calls for ground lamb, short-grain rice, fresh parsley, onions, garlic, and tomato sauce. Naturally, vegetarians may opt for a meatless version.

If you don't have the time to make dolmas from scratch, you can find this dish in Armenian restaurants, in its many forms. Dolmas may be listed as an appetizer, and served alongside a sauce of minty and garlicky yogurt.

Panrkhash Macaroni And Cheese

serving of panrkhash with fork - Lavash The Book/Facebook

Americans have their classic mac and cheese, a favorite among children. But hundreds of years ago, Armenians developed its own version of this dish, panrkhash, which literally means "boil the cheese."

However, the star ingredient of panrkhash isn't cheddar, but chopped and shredded chechil  a type of semi-soft and salty string cheese that is produced by combining the milk of goats, sheep, and cows. Panrkhash is extremely popular in Armenia's Shirak region, especially in Gyumri, the nation's second-largest city, where a summertime festival is held to honor this delightfully gooey delicacy.

Other than the chechil, the recipe requires unsalted butter, thin lavash flatbread, finely diced caramelized onions, and hot water. The cheese and lavash are layered within a ramekin dish or a clay bowl, before the sauteed onions and hot water is poured on top, and each portion is baked until golden brown. Should there be any leftovers, you may keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Sharots

strands of dried fruit snacks - Irina_003/Shutterstock

Those who are familiar with authentic Georgian dishes will likely know about churchkhela, the nut-based strands coated with a mixture of fruit juice and flour to create a sweet snack. A similar delicacy exists in neighboring Armenia: sharots, also called sweet sujukh.

Sharots are sold in traditional markets and festivals, and tourists can't possibly miss these impressively threaded, colorful, and glossy strands of sweets made with halved walnuts dipped in a concoction of fruit juice, molasses, cinnamon, cornstarch, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Juices that are commonly used for the mixture include grape, apricot, and cherry.

These strands of sweet fruit make excellent gifts, but in my own experience as a frequent visitor to Armenia, I've learned that it's cheaper to buy packaged sharots  or any other item to bring back home  from the smaller stores in Yerevan, rather than at the airport's duty-free shop. Additionally, I've seen a wider selection of sharots generally offered at Yerevan's market stalls.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Your August Horoscope Says Mercury Retrograde Is Turning Summer into a Bummer

This is an ultra-intense month in the stars, so your August 2024 horoscope for each zodiac sign are packed with action from start to finish. But thankfully, things kick off with Leo seasons gregarious and sunny energy on our sideand well get an exciting blast of it during the Leo new moon on August 4. New beginnings are bursting out of thin air, and well be ready to go after them with gusto. Later that day, amorous planet Venus leaves flashy Leo behind for the au naturale realm of Virgo, giving us a more pure and practical approach to love.

By the time we wake up the next morning, Mercury will have stationed retrograde, kicking off three and a half weeks of communication clashes and other mental mix-ups. The retrograde begins in Virgo, but by mid-month, itll moonwalk back into Leo for the remainder of the transit. It meets with the sun for a Mercury cazimi on August 18, marking a bright spot in the retrograde cycle that helps you look at the past with fresh eyes. The full moon in Aquarius the following day is a groundbreaking one, as its chock-full of intense aspects thatll challenge our hearts but also push us toward growth. At the time of the full moon, hot-headed Mars and tough-love Saturn will be squaring off with one another, while romantic Venus will be locked in a T-square with Saturn and Jupiter at the same time. Be patient with yourself and others.

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A sense of peace slowly begins to restore once the sun enters refined and attentive Virgo on August 22, officially heralding Virgo season. This is a time to focus on wellness and pay closer attention to the little details of your life. Less than a week later, on August 28, Mercury retrograde comes to an end, clearing up some of the confusion and mishaps that dominated over the past few weeks. As the month wraps up, Venus will be making some intense aspects to all three outer planetsUranus, Neptune, and Plutoprompting us to dig deep into our hearts and let go of control. But once the love planet hits its home sign of Libra on August 29, everyone will have an easier time finding balance and harmony amidst the madness.

Your August 2024 monthly horoscope for each zodiac sign

Read on for your full horoscope for the month of August 2024, according to your sun sign and/or rising sign:

Aries

Aries

Monthly Affirmation:

Being able to express myself is my right as a human being.

Chaos may be reigning in the cosmos, but so is creativity, as your Aries horoscope August 2024 is filling you with fresh inspiration and a renewed sense of passion. Leo season lights up your flirty and fun-loving fifth house, so be playful and pursue whatever brings you joyespecially under the new moon on August 5, which is harmonizing with your ruling planet Mars. This is a great time to start a new side hustle or hobby, or boldly spark up a romance with someone new. Mercury retrograde begins just after the new moon though, so be clear and flexible if you put any date nights on the calendar. Over the next few weeks, schedules are subject to change.

A square between your hot-headed ruler Mars and tough-love planet Saturn on August 14 could bring some struggles when it comes to interacting with the people around you, making you feel a bit alienated or unable to express yourself the way youd like. But the full moon on August 19 will help you shake off this spiral, allowing you to think more collectively instead of fixating on whats going on inside your head. Virgo season starts on August 22, inspiring more productivity and motivation when it comes to tackling responsibilities and work tasks. Once romantic Venus hits your partnership zone on August 29, relationships could get a little sweeter, too. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Taurus

Taurus

Monthly Affirmation:

My home is a protected space filled with peace, love, and joy.

The dog days of summer are prime for cozying up in the comfort of your home, as your Taurus horoscope for August 2024 finds the sun in your domestic fourth house for most of the month. The new moon on August 4 is an introspective moment for contemplating your past and taking steps toward being more emotionally open. On the same day, your romantic ruler Venus hits your flirty fifth houseso even with Mercury retrograde starting, this could be a fun time for playing the field or bringing a bit more playfulness into your current relationships.

Some intensity is brewing mid-month, as the sun, moon, and Mercury retrograde will all be squaring off with unpredictable Uranus in your sign. Because of this, the full moon on August 19 is likely to throw you some curveballs, especially when it comes to balancing things at work. Once Virgo season starts on August 22, youll feel more happy-go-lucky and ready to fully indulge in all your amorous Venusian senses. Speaking of Venus, the love planet makes a lucky trine to Uranus in your sign on August 27, inspiring you to show up a little bit differently in relationships and express your creativity in unexpected way. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Gemini

Gemini

Monthly Affirmation:

My communication skills foster connection and understanding.

Leo season is lighting up your charts communication zone, so expressing yourself is a big theme throughout your Gemini horoscope for August 2024especially given that your ruling planet Mercury will be retrograde for most of the month, too. The new moon on August 4 inspires you to say whatevers on your mind and be more confident in speaking your truth. Its a good time to do so, as Mercury retrograde will be in full swing by the following day. The mental planet will backspin into your chatty third house on August 14, causing potential miscommunications. But the Mercury cazimi a few days later gives you a chance to see all the retrograde lessons a little more clearly.

A full moon in fellow air sign Aquarius rises on August 19, pushing you to get more innovative about your worldview. Alongside it, Jupiter in your sign will be in an intense T-square with stern Saturn and relationship-oriented Venus, pushing you to let go of situations in both your personal and professional life that are inhibiting your growth. Once Virgo season rolls around on August 22, you may be called to deal with more domestic matters. Family life, issues at home, and sensitive feelings are taking center stage. Its OK to slow down and take time to sort things out. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Cancer

Cancer

Monthly Affirmation:

I choose opportunities that compensate me rather than drain me.

Mercury retrograde is swooping in with its classic mental mix-ups this month, so your Cancer horoscope for August 2024 is making sure you stay on top of your game. Financial matters hit the front burner under the new moon on August 4, so start a budget or pursue a new income stream. But Mercury retrograde kicks off in your communication sector that same night, so if you need to have an important conversation over the next few weeks, do so with some extra consciousness and try not to take misunderstandings personally.

The middle of the month finds Mercury backspinning into your charts money zone, so double check your numbers and beware of making any big impulse purchases, as logistical snags are likely. The full moon on August 19 brings some deeper emotions out from under whatever rocks or caves theyve been hidden in, and while facing these feelings isnt easy, youll have to do so if you want to turn a corner. Youll feel a little more social and mentally present once Virgo season begins on August 22especially once Mercury retrograde wraps up a few days later. Use the last days of August to catch up on texts and emails and reach out to friends to make some late summer plans. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Leo

Leo

Monthly Affirmation:

Love flows to me freely, effortlessly, and without apology.

The sun is shining in your sign this month, so your Leo horoscope for August 2024 is bursting with action, excitement, and new opportunities. Things kick off on a high note with a new moon in your sign on August 4. The sun and moon will be vibing out with motivating Mars and lucky Jupiter, inspiring you to pursue your goals with optimism and boundless energy. Mercury retrograde kicks off later that night, so if youre doing any birthday season shopping, you may want to save the receipts, just in case. Good fortune is flowing around August 7, as the sun in your sign blows a kiss to jovial Jupiter, boosting your confidence and infusing your aura with positivity.

Mercury retrograde will feel extra personal once it dips back into your sign on August 14, but the Mercury cazimi a few days later could bring about some mental breakthroughs that give you clarity on how to move forward post-backspin. Speaking of breakthroughs, the full moon on August 19 is a big one for your relationships, and it may be time to make some decisions about either leveling up your commitments or taking a step back. Your birthday season ends on August 22, giving you a chance to start focusing a bit more on your financesa task thatll be easier once Mercury retrograde ends on August 28. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Virgo

Virgo

Monthly Affirmation:

Forgiveness sets me free and allows me to live in the present moment.

Leo season may be the peak of summer, but rest up, because your Virgo horoscope for August 2024 isnt going to fully rev up until the end of the month. The new moon on August 4 is a good time to get introspective and reflect on what youd like to accomplish ahead of your birthday season. Look forward to a summery glow-up too, because romantic Venus enters your sign later that day, sprinkling its alluring magic all over you. Just after the new moon, your ruling planet Mercury will station retrograde in your sign, so take a deep breath and move slower with logistical matters to avoid any major mix-ups.

The retrograde intensity lets up a little bit mid-month once Mercury backspins out of your sign, but some cosmic clashes could create tension between your career, personal life, and relationships. Use the full moon on August 19 as a time to let go of unnecessary obligations so you have more time to focus on the important stuff. The month ends on a high note, as Virgo season begins on August 22, and Mercury retrograde ends less than a week later. Rejoice! The solar spotlight is on you and youll be feeling much more revived. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Libra

Libra

Monthly Affirmation:

I set an example that I hope others will follow.

Socializing is on the menu in a big way in your Libra horoscope for August 2024, so say yes to some fun times with friends and spread those social butterfly wings of yours. The new moon on August 4 is a gorgeous opportunity to connect with your community and perhaps even take the lead on bringing a like-minded group of folks together. If you step up and speak your mind, people will follow! Mercury retrograde starts later that day, though, so be sure to double check your details if you wind up planning any gathering in the coming weeks.

The full moon in fellow air sign Aquarius rises on August 19, and youre being challenged to more fully embrace your creativity and push your one-of-a-kind visions out into the world. Dont hide your passions awayits time to express whats in your heart and show off your uniqueness. After an intense full moon, you may feel like curling up in your cocoon once Virgo season rolls around on August 22, so take a break from your social calendar for a few days to recharge. Youll feel refreshed and renewed once Mercury retrograde wraps up on August 28, followed by your amorous cosmic ruler Venus gliding into your sign the following day. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Scorpio

Scorpio

Monthly Affirmation:

My success thrills me, but my failures teach me.

Your Scorpio horoscope for August 2024 is funneling lots of cosmic energy into your career, so be ready to put your talents on full display. The new moon on August 4 is a great time to plant some seeds for future work endeavors, make a move toward a new career path, or spruce up your professional social media presence. Beautifying Venus hits your charts collaboration zone later that day, giving you a boost when it comes to successfully networking and working with others. However, Mercury retrograde starts shortly afterso do your best to avoid any drama amongst your colleagues or crew of friends.

By mid-month, your energy at work may be better spent on revisiting old projects rather than kicking off new ones, as the retrograde is pushing you to review your current trajectory before moving forward. The Mercury cazimi on August 18 can help you get clear on your post-retrograde path and potentially pick back up on a past endeavor with a fresh outlook. The full moon the following day reminds you to check in on matters in your private life too. What baggage at home do you need to sort through in order to feel free enough to accomplish your biggest goals? Teamwork will really come in handy once Virgo season starts on August 22, so lean on your friends and your peers at work for support and inspirationpersonally and professionally. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

Monthly Affirmation:

I embrace spontaneous adventures with an open heart and an eager mind.

Adventure is reigning supreme in your Sagittarius horoscope for August 2024but like any good adventure, this one will be full of twists and turns. The sunny vibes of Leo season are super inspiring to a fellow fire sign like you, and the new moon on August 4 will open your mind to all sorts of new journeys. If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish just about anything right now, so set your sights high and aim for faraway horizons. Mercury retrograde starts just after the new moon, and it can be especially obnoxious when it comes to your work life, so double check the dates and times for any important meetings and avoid starting any brand-new projects or other professional endeavors if you can help it. The next few weeks are better spent focusing on whats already in motion.

The full moon on August 19 is surrounded by all sorts of cosmic chaos thats rocking your chart, and youll have to do your best to stay present amidst the madness. Remember who you are and be confident about your decisions now. There may be lots of things in fluxwhether that involves your relationships, family life, or careerbut trust that these experiences are expanding your knowledge and remember that you can always come home to yourself. Vibes chill out during the last third of the month, and youll have a much clearer idea of how you want to move forward on things once Mercury retrograde wraps up on August 28. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Capricorn

Capricorn

Monthly Affirmation:

I make wise and informed decisions about how I invest my energy.

The summer sun is shining, but your Capricorn horoscope for August 2024 is pulling you underground, challenging you to explore the depths of your desires so that you can soar to your most aspirational heights. Let yourself get vulnerable under the new moon on August 4. So long as you have strong boundaries, its OK to have a soft heart. Mercury retrograde starts just after this lunation, and its review-oriented energy can help you check in on your worldview and make any necessary adjustments. Do you still relate to your default answers to questions about your beliefs? You may realize that youve evolved further along than you thoughtespecially during the Mercury cazimi that peaks mid-month.

Youve been doing a lot of soul-searching this month, but the full moon in your money sector on August 19 asks you to apply those inner values to your external world. Check in on your finances and other material resources and see what adjustments need to be madeas ignoring issues will only make things more stressful in the long run. Once the sun enters fellow earth sign Virgo on August 22, you can shake off some of that full moon intensity and embark on some exciting new adventures. Its time to broaden your perspective and try something new. Youll never know the heights you can reach if you dont take a chance. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Aquarius

Aquarius

Monthly Affirmation:

I attract people who love me and I learn from people who dont.

Dig deep, because your Aquarius horoscope for August 2024 is challenging you to evolve your relationships. Its time to let go of the old to make room for the new. Leo season lights up your partnerships zone, and the new moon on August 4 can help you make meaningful commitments to others with confidence. Is there someone you want to feel closer to? A bond that youd like to take to a deeper level? If you take initiative, you can make it happen. Mercury retrograde starts just after the new moon, so the whole week following is a helpful time to reevaluate your personal boundaries and sort through any tangled emotional webs that are weighing down your psyche.

By mid-month, relationships get pulled into the retrograde mix in a more tangible way, but you can make an important breakthrough around a past issue under the Mercury cazimi on August 18. Keep up the momentum through the full moon the following day, as this powerful lunation takes place in your sign, and its pushing you to ditch anything and everything that no longer feels true to you. Shed your old skins and youll feel unstoppable. Once the retrograde wraps up on August 28, youll feel more comfortable getting vulnerable in your relationship and more capable of working through any resentments that bubbled up from beneath the surface over the past few weeks. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

Pisces

Pisces

Monthly Affirmation:

I prioritize my tasks effectively and I have faith in my progress.

Being productive is never easy when a Mercury retrograde period starts kicking up some chaos, as it will this monthbut your Pisces horoscope for August 2024 will bring you the energy you need to make some serious progress in your life. The new moon on August 4 is one of the best times to get things done all month, so use this lunations vibe to confidently slay your to-do list and get on top of your responsibilities ahead of the retrograde, which starts later that same night. Love planet Venus will join Mercury in your relationship zone at the same timeso while you may find yourself sorting through past disagreements or miscommunications in love, Venus promises to bring a sense of harmony that helps you keep the peace.

Some intense cosmic clashes will be activating tough-love planet Saturn in your sign mid-month, so youll be challenged to stand firm in your boundaries and figure out whats worth investing inwhether thats a relationship, a job, or a personal goal. Give yourself time to think in solitude under the full moon on August 19, as the answers you seek probably lie within. After this intense lunation coupled with some of the retrograde shake-ups in your relationships earlier in the month, the last week of August will feel like a breath of fresh air. Communicating your deepest feelings feels a lot easier now, and youll be able to focus more attentively on whats coming up in your closest partnerships. Read your full 2024 yearly horoscope.

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Back-to-school supplies for students of any age: Parents, consult this list

As the summer winds down, you can practically smell the return to school in the air.

Back-to-school sales dominate targeted ads and passing billboards, and families are cramming in as much vacation and ice cream time as they can. Its just about time to stock up on pencils and new sneakers, and to do it best you'll want to look for deals while looking for school supply reviews, too.

Whether you're the parent of a student or a student yourself, heres your guide to back-to-school shopping supplies and dates to know.

Must-have back-to-school supplies

Back-to-school supplies vary from classroom to classroom, from teacher to teacher. If your child is in elementary or middle school, they may have received an itemized classroom supply list from their new teacher. Specific lists often can be found on school district or teacher websites. Take note of the words "requested" and "required"  some pricey items may be a suggestion or donation to the classroom.

But if you don't have a list and want to get things ready for the big day, heres a general guide of what you'll need according to tutoring agency Oxford Learning.

Back-to-school supplies for elementary students:

1 pocket folder per subject

Agenda (some classrooms issue school-specific agendas)

Loose-leaf ruled paper or notebook

Loose-leaf blank paper

Pencils

2 erasers

Ruler

Pencil sharpener (metal ones, even small ones, will last longer if kids can hold onto them)

Box of crayons

Colored pencils

Washable markers

Bottle of glue

2 glue sticks

Safety scissors

Backpack

Pencil box or bag for supplies

Your childs teacher may also request classroom supplies like disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer or tissues. When in doubt, send a quick email to their new teacher ahead of the first day of school.

Best after-school snacks: Healthiest ideas for fuel and taste

Back-to-school supplies for middle school students:

1 binder per subject or a couple of large-sized binders

Binder dividers

1 pocket folder per subject

Sticky notes

Agenda (some classrooms issue school-specific agendas)

Combination lock for lockers

Loose-leaf ruled paper and/or notebook

Loose-leaf graph paper or notebook

Mini stapler

Highlighters

Blue or black pens

Pencils

2 erasers

Ruler

Pencil sharpener

Reinforcements (for placing loose-leaf paper in binders)

Colored pencils

Your teacher may also ask for some specific supplies depending on the type of work youre doing, like USB drives, calculators or a compass and protractor. Check in with your teacher before school starts if youre not sure what to buy.

Back-to-school supplies for high school students:

1 binder per subject or a couple of large-sized binders

Binder dividers

1 pocket folder per subject

Sticky notes

Agenda

Combination lock for locker

Loose-leaf ruled paper or notebooks (one per subject)

Loose-leaf graph paper or notebooks

Highlighters

Blue or black pens

Pencils

2 erasers

Ruler

Pencil sharpener

Reinforcements (for placing loose-leaf paper in binders)

How to shop for back-to-school supplies

Take a deep breath  we know this is an overwhelming time for parents. Take it step by step.

1. Consult the list

Run through the required supplies and contact your childs teacher if you have questions or dont see something you think will be important. If you have a little extra in your budget, ask your child's new teacher if they need help supplying their classroom. Most teachers dip into their wallets to decorate and equip their rooms, so they'll appreciate the help.

2. Search for deals

School supplies can be expensive. The National Retail Federation estimated American households would spend nearly $900 in the 2023 back-to-school season.

Some places help people get free school supplies and offer deals. Some states offer school supply sales-tax holidays through July and August. You can also check with your school or community, which may keep donated supplies on hand.

Decide if you want to shop in person at major retailers or avoid the lines entirely by shopping online. Check out these discounts from Amazon, Target, Walmart and Staples.

If youre in the market for a new back-to-school wardrobe or are purchasing big this school year, heres a list of the best student and teacher discounts.

3. Plan ahead

After youve shopped your way down the list, the next best thing to do is be prepared. Game plan go-to healthy school lunches and after-school snacks for the weekly rotation. Make sure to pack your backpack or childs backpack ahead of time so youre not scrambling on the first day. We've also got tips for how to clean your kid's backpack, which is probably pretty gross.

When does school start in 2024?

It depends on the region, though most U.S. students will typically return to school between August and early September. In 2023, a Pew Research study took a random sample of over 1,500 public school districts and found that the highest percentage of students returned to school in the second and third week of August  23% during the week of August 7 and 24% the week of August 14.

However, it varies heavily by region, Pew Research reports. Southern regions often start school later than northern ones, and New England states are more likely to go back the last week of August or after Labor Day, which is September 2 this year.

B2S shopping sales tax holiday: See which 17 states offer them

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Why do toddlers bite?" to "What is the healthiest breakfast?" to "What do dogs dream about?", we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Back-to-school list: 2024 supply guide for parents, students
These are the best and worst states to retire in 2024: report

These are the best and worst states to retire in 2024: report

(NewsNation)  Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and according to a new report, its first again, topping this years list of best states to retire.

Although you may not think of it as a retirement haven, a Bankrate analysis found Delaware strikes the best balance between affordability, climate and cultural amenities.

While Delaware is a pricier state to live in, the states high-quality healthcare, light tax burden, affordable homeowners insurance and good weather propelled it to the top spot this year, Bankrate Analyst Alex Gailey said in a statement.

Another upside: Delaware has one of the nations highest percentages of residents 62 and older, a plus for retirees looking for community.

Retirement income is highest in these US cities

Bankrate based its 2024 rankings on five criteria: Affordability, overall well-being, quality and cost of health care, weather and crime.

West Virginia came in second overall thanks to its best-in-the-nation affordability. However, the Mountain State took a hit on health care where it ranked dead last.

Georgia and South Carolina improved on their 2023 ranking and moved into third and fourth slots after scoring better on affordability. Missouri also cracked the top five due to its low cost of living.

Florida  a state that many Americans associate with the golden years  ranked eighth on Bankrates list.

One of the Sunshine States downsides is the soaring cost of homeowners insurance, which is the highest in the nation. Residents in warm states could also face higher electric bills in the years ahead, the report noted.

Silver squatter 55-year-olds will need retirement help: survey

Meanwhile, high-cost-of-living states like Alaska, New York, Washington and California are the worst places to retire, according to Bankrate.

Its the second year in a row Alaska has brought up the rear, ranking near the bottom in affordability, health care, weather and crime.

California, which has some of the highest taxes and housing costs in the country, finished 47th overall and last in affordability. A separate Bankrate analysis earlier this year found that aspiring homeowners need to make nearly $200,000 a year to afford the typical home in California. In cities like San Francisco and San Jose, that number is closer to $380,000, Redfin data suggests.

As for health care, the average 65-year-old can expect to spend an average of $157,500 throughout retirement, according to a 2023 Fidelity analysis. In that category, western states fare much better. Idaho, Colorado, Washington, Utah and Oregon topped Bankrates list when it comes to the quality and cost of medical care.

The 10 best states to retire in 2024, according to Bankrate:

Delaware West Virginia Georgia South Carolina Missouri Mississippi Pennsylvania Florida Iowa Wyoming

The 10 worst states to retire in 2024, according to Bankrate:

Alaska New York Washington California North Dakota Massachusetts Colorado Maryland Texas Minnesota

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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France and Belgium have often had a contentious relationship, and that extends to the culinary world. Both countries claim ownership of shared dishes  just as Greece and Turkey do over yogurt, and Austria and Slovenia over pork sausages  and history provides enough ambiguity to prevent full clarity. Look no further than the french fry, which Belgium appears to have invented, even if it lost the name claim (thanks to American soldiers). Add a few cuts of steak, a dab of Bearnaise sauce, and a sprinkle of herbs, and the debate erupts again over the origin of this Belgian-French carnivore classic: steak frites.

The passion for the dish is loud and clear on both sides. In France, steak frites is celebrated like a favorite child, and is de rigueur on any decent French menu worldwide. Indeed, part of France's claim to ownership is how it developed the dish into today's beloved version and made it famous. However, Belgium brings equal passion to the debate and claims steak frites among its national dishes, pointing again to its invention of the "frite" in the 17th century. Without that, there's no steak frites. Plus, it probably didn't take long for Belgians of the day to marry the newfangled fried potato strips with a few cuts of meat  and, not to mention, a goblet of Belgian ale for a dinner party.

Read more: The Most Popular Cuts Of Steak Ranked Worst To Best

The Best Of Both Worlds

Belgian fries cooking - Grant Faint/Getty Images

Rather than keeping up the fight, aficionados and enthusiasts of steak frites may find more common ground and compromise on the plate  with nods to both sides' contributions. This starts with the Belgian fry, whose fame has spawned shops around the world dispensing the treat. Belgian fries are traditionally pre-cooked and cooled, then resuscitated with a second dip in the oil when ordered, creating a crispy, golden sheath around a soft, fluffy interior. Their superiority has not only spawned Belgian fry shops worldwide, but has also been adopted by chefs in France and beyond. Belgian fries also tend to be thicker cuts, needing to be at least 10 millimeters on each side to contain enough inside to soften.

On the French side, the Bearnaise sauce so often slathering the typical cuts of rump or hanger steak adds a dose of refinement and flavor. In fact, this staple of French cuisine  a white wine vinegar, shallot, and tarragon reduction thickened with egg yolks and emulsified with clarified butter  is considered a "mother sauce" of French cuisine, and a test for any French chef. The creamy richness also balances the salt and brine of the steak, reinforcing why cream sauces are so often paired with meat dishes. As in so many aspects of cuisine, it's the combination of all these elements and cultures that makes a dish special  steak frites included.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A four-day festival celebrating African-American culture is underway in the Capital City.

The second annual For The Culture Kansas Fest continued at Evergy plaza Friday. It highlights African-American culture in the Sunflower State. Dancers and musicians are performing at Evergy Plaza throughout the weekend, where African-American art will also be on display.

An event organizer with For The Culture Kansas, the group behind the event, says its important to share African-American culture.

New Topeka pool could open soon as summer comes to a close

African-American culture is so rich and embedded in American history that we need people to know that its not just for us, its for everyone, Alona Harrison with For The Culture Kansas said. African-American history and African-American culture is for us, by us, for the community.

The festival ends on Sunday. It is free to attend, and you can find more information about the festival here.

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.
Having AC problems? What to do if your AC unit breaks in Arizona's scorching heat

Arizona summers are scorching, making air conditioning not only nice, but necessary.

Like any other appliance, these units can break down. Air conditioning shops around the Valley are getting hundreds of calls a day from people whose ACs stopped working.

Jay Kline from Penguin Air has been on the front lines of the repairs, receiving more than 150 calls per day.

June and July for us are usually absolutely nuts, we do our best of course to staff as many technicians as we can, Kline said.

Here is what you can do if your AC unit breaks.

How long does an air conditioning unit last in Arizona?

An air conditioning unit lasts approximately 12 to 15 years before being replaced. Annual maintenance is a big factor in the lifespan of a unit.

"Making sure their filters are changed regularly, those filters are in effect the lungs of the system, Kline said.

He also recommends regular checkups to prevent any bigger and costlier problems from popping up in the future.

Just like you're gonna take your car and get the oil changed, make sure to do the regular maintenance on the air conditioner," he said.

Does my landlord have to fix my AC in Arizona?

According to Arizona law, A.R.S.  33-1364, a landlord is required to supply tenants with access to running water, gas or electric serves, and a heating and air conditioner unit.

If your air conditioning stops working, check your rental agreement or lease to see what steps are required to bring the problem to the landlord's attention. It's a good idea to keep a record of the date and time when the request is submitted, even if done in person.

Gerald Sandoz (left) and Patrick Woods of AirZona HVAC Inc remove an old AC unit on July 23, 2024, at a home in Sun City.

Attorney Benjamin Taylor from Taylor and Gomez Law said landlords are required to act quickly after they receive written notice to fix a tenant's faulty AC.

"Since we're in Arizona, since it's so hot they can have anywhere from 5 to 10 days to fix it depending on the issue," Taylor said. "A lot of it depends on the issue and the heat, if it's 100 degrees outside right now as it is, it's going to be 5 days."

If your landlord delays fixing the unit, ignores the request, or flat out refuses to fix the unit, the tenant has other avenues to keep themselves cool. People can purchase fans, or other devices used to cool the unit and deduct the cost from the rental payment.

People can also hire their own repair service and pass the bill on to their landlord. In the most extreme of cases, tenants can terminate the rental agreement and move out.

"You can actually sue the landlord for any type of damages that you have if this caused you damages for having to move, having to find a new spot, you can do it. Or you can ask for a reduction on your rent," Taylor said.

How much does a new air conditioning unit cost?

According to Kline, the price for a new air conditioning unit can range from $12,000 to $13,000 with full installation included. He said these prices are a reflection of a 30% increase in the last two years.

What are the most common failures for an AC unit?

The most common failures in these units are due to either a lack of maintenance or the normal wear and tear they see during hot summers. According to Kline, these can range from electronic devices failing within the system to capacitor and compressor failures that prevent the units from cooling houses properly.

"Those [capacitors] are very susceptible to the heat after running long periods of time and being exposed to the crazy high temperatures being outside and up on roofs it takes a toll on those and those will fail," he said.

On the other hand, another common problem is electronic sensors within the unit that fail the fan motors and make them blow hot air on themselves causing them to overheat and blow out. Without these fans, the air conditioner cannot pump hot air out of the house.

What temperature should I set my AC to in Phoenix?

Brianna Callaway, a spokesperson with Phoenix-based HVAC repair company Valley Services, said residents should be able to set their AC at the temperature they feel most comfortable with. She recommended residents to keep it set at the same temperature when they are at home and move it up or down as little as they can.

"I would say most people like to keep it around 75 degrees," Callaway said. "When you're gone, you could leave it around 79 or 80, but if you're at home, we recommend keeping it at the same temperature."

If you want to turn your AC down by one or two degrees on a particularly hot afternoon, it won't hurt, Callaway said. But keeping your AC at the same temperature will help you save energy during the hot summer months in Arizona.

Republic reporter Laura Daniella Sepulveda contributed to this report.

Reach reporter Fernando Cervantes Jr. at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona air conditioning unit breaking, what you can do to fix it
A rescue helicopter has spotted the figures of Kazuya Hiraide and Kenro Nakajima on the West Face of K2 after they reportedly fell from 7,500m. The two Japanese are not moving, but their condition is unknown. The altitude is too high for a helicopter to land, the Pakistani news site Dawn.com confirms.

As we previously reported, Hiraide and Nakajima went missing on K2 earlier today. They had begun a summit push via a new alpine-style route on the West Face.

Journalist Jamil Nagri of Dawn.com wrote that news of the fall came from Waliullah Falahi, the Shigar Deputy Commissioner in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Several hours ago, two army helicopters flew directly from Skardu to K2 and began a search. Observers on board spotted the two motionless alpinists.

A ground rescue team will try to reach them as soon as possible, but it is already dark in Pakistan.

We will update this story when more information is available.

The post Hiraide and Nakajima Update: Two Motionless Figures Spotted After Reported Fall appeared first on Explorersweb.
Fang Zheng / iStock.com

Costco has a reputation for selling groceries at big discounts, especially when you buy in bulk. If youre willing to invest in a Costco membership and you have the storage space for such large quantities, then you can save a lot of money versus buying the same products in smaller amounts.

See More: 5 Home Cleaning Products To Buy at Dollar Tree This Summer

For You: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

GOBankingRates compared prices at Costco to those at Walmart, another budget-friendly shopping destination. Here are six grocery items where the price per unit is cheaper at Costco.

Honey Maid Graham Crackers

Price per unit: 14.4 oz, 4-count $7.99 at Costco ($2.00/ea) vs. $3.98 for one box at Walmart ($3.98 /ea)

Honey Maid Graham Crackers are a fun snack, but theyre also a key ingredient in smores, pies, and other desserts. At Costco, shoppers can get a 4-count package of 14.4 oz boxes for $7.99, which breaks down to just $2.00 per box. In contrast, Walmart offers a single 14.4 oz box for $3.98, nearly double the per-unit price of Costco.

For families who use graham crackers regularly, these savings add up quickly. And the long shelf life of graham crackers makes them a great candidate for stocking up on bulk buys. Go ahead and take advantage of Costcos pricing without worrying about your crackers going bad before you can eat them.

Explore More: Dollar Tree: 21 Best Buys for Your Money in Late Summer

Pirates Booty Aged White Cheddar Snack

Price per unit: 0.5 oz, 40-count $15.99 at Costco ($0.40/ea) vs. $20.92 at Walmart ($0.52/ea)

Pirates Booty Aged White Cheddar Snack is a healthier alternative to traditional cheese puffs. Kids and adults like them. Costco is selling a box of 40 0.5 oz bags for just $15.99, or $0.40 per bag. Walmarts price is $20.92 for the same 40-count box or $0.52 per bag.

If you regularly pack these snacks in school lunches then this is a great deal. Plus the individual packaging also helps maintain freshness. Its easier to justify buying in bulk if you dont have to worry about your snacks going stale before they can be consumed.

Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic

Price per unit: 8.5 oz pouch, 6-Count $14.99 at Costco ($2.50/ea) vs. $2.78 for one pouch at Walmart ($2.78/ea)

Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice with Garlic gives you a quick and nutritious option for a convenient, healthy side dish. Costco sells a 6-count package of 8.5 oz pouches for $14.99, or $2.50 per pouch. At Walmart, a single 8.5 oz pouch is priced at $2.78.

At Costco, not only do you get each pouch for less versus buying six individual pouches, you also get the convenience of having those multiple pouches on hand whenever you need quick meal preparation.

Story continues

Garofalo Organic Pasta

Price per unit: Variety Pack, 17.6 oz, 6-count $12.99 at Costco ($2.17/ea) vs. $26.99 at Walmart ($4.49/ea)

Pasta is a versatile and budget-friendly meal base. At Costco, you can get a variety pack of Garofalo Organic Pasta with six 17.6 oz packages for $12.99. Thats $2.17 per package. At Walmart, the same variety pack costs you $26.99, or $4.49 per package.

The variety pack includes three different pasta shapes. That gives you options for different recipes every night. Because of pastas long shelf life, buying in bulk at this rate means youll see significant savings over time if your household eats a lot of pasta.

Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk

Price per unit: 13.66 fl oz, 6-count $12.99 at Costco ($2.17/ea) vs. $2.98 for one can at Walmart ($2.98/ea)

Costco is selling a package of six cans of Thai Kitchen Organic Coconut Milk for $12.99. That comes out to $2.17 per can. At Walmart, you can buy a single can of the same product for $2.98.

Coconut milk is a crucial ingredient in many Asian dishes, such as soups or curries. Its also popular in vegan and dairy-free recipes. If you use a lot of coconut milk in your cooking, this is a fantastic deal.

Poppi Prebiotic Soda

Price per unit: Variety Pack, 12 fl oz, 15-count $24.99 at Costco ($1.66/ea) vs. 12 pk. for $29.99 at Walmart ($2.50 /ea)

Lots of consumers are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional sodas. Prebiotic sodas like Poppi are a great option. At Costco, you can get a variety pack of 15 cans for $24.99. Thats just $1.66 per can. In comparison, Walmart sells a 12-pack of the same product for $29.99, or $2.50 per can.

At Costco, you get three more cans for $5.00 less. And a variety pack lets you try different flavors. The price difference is particularly good given that Poppi is a premium product. If youre a health-conscious soda drinker who enjoys alternative sodas, youll definitely want to take advantage of the savings.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Costco Grocery Items Where the Price Per Unit Is Cheaper
Preview all of the adoptable pets at www.spcaflorida.org. To meet or adopt a pet located at SPCA Florida, stop by the Adoption Center Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prior to adoption, all pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccines and come with a month of flea and heartworm prevention. For questions, contact SPCA Floridas Adoption Center at 863-577-4615 or adopt@spcaflorida.org.

Justice

Gender: Female

Age: 2 years

Weight: 35 pounds

Species: Dog

Breed: Pit Bull Terrier  Tan / Brown

Orphaned Since: April 24

Adoption Fee: $150

Meet Justice, a 2-year-old pit bull mix with a heart full of love. Since arriving at SPCA Florida, she has blossomed into a gentle and playful girl who's ready to find a loving forever home. She may be small in size, often called a pocket Pit Bull, but her affection knows no bounds. She thrives on cuddles, belly rubs and giving kisses. Her gentle nature and patience make her especially good with children. While she may be cautious around other dogs at first, with patience and slow introductions, she can learn to enjoy their company. Justice relishes squeaky balls and chew toys, happily playing for hours. Afterward, shes content to curl up beside you for a nap.

Meet Justice, a two-year-old Pit Bull mix with a heart full of love. Since arriving at SPCA Florida, she has blossomed into a gentle and playful girl who's ready to find a loving forever home. She may be small in size, often called a pocket Pit Bull, but her affection knows no bounds. She thrives on cuddles, belly rubs and giving kisses. Her gentle nature and patience make her especially good with children. While she may be cautious around other dogs at first, with patience and slow introductions, she can learn to enjoy their company. Justice relishes squeaky balls and chew toys, happily playing for hours. Afterward, shes content to curl up beside you for a nap.

Harley

Gender: Male

Age: 7 years

Weight: 152 pounds

Species: Dog

Breed: Great Dane Mix  Black / White

Orphaned Since: June 1

Adoption Fee: $150

Harley is a distinguished 7-year-old Great Dane in search of a loving forever home. This gentle giant adores affection and cuddles, making him the perfect companion for lazy afternoons and peaceful evenings. He enjoys slow-paced playtime and leisurely strolls.

Harley is a distinguished 7-year-old Great Dane in search of a loving forever home. If you're seeking a loyal companion who embodies grace, gentleness and loves to snuggle, then look no further. This gentle giant adores affection and cuddles, making him the perfect companion for lazy afternoons and peaceful evenings. He enjoys slow-paced playtime and leisurely strolls. If you're ready to open your heart to a majestic and snuggly Great Dane like Harley, stop by SPCA Florida and meet him.

Dutch

Gender: Male

Age: 3 years

Weight: 10 pounds

Species: Cat

Breed: Domestic Shorthair  Black

Orphaned Since: March 18

Adoption Fee: $50

Dutch is a charming black cat who loves to put on a show. This playful feline has a unique way of getting your attention  he dances for passersby, showing off his adorable moves. Dutch is a gentle and affectionate companion who loves to play with kittens.

Dutch is a charming black cat who loves to put on a show. This playful feline has a unique way of getting your attention  he dances for passersby, showing off his adorable moves. Dutch is not just a performer; hes also a gentle and affectionate companion who loves to play with kittens. He often leads the little ones in playful games, making him the perfect big brother. Whether hes entertaining you with his antics or snuggling up for some quiet time, Dutch is sure to bring joy and laughter into your home. Stop by and meet Dutch in Tinkers Legacy Cattery at SPCA Florida.

Bastet

Gender: Female

Age: 5 months

Weight: 4 pounds

Species: Cat

Breed: Domestic Shorthair  Black

Orphaned Since: May 2

Adoption Fee: $100

Bastet is a sweet 6-month-old kitten who shares a special bond with one-year-old Matuto. They met at SPCA Florida, where they were both healing from injuries they suffered as strays. This adorable pair cuddled and comforted one another with endless grooming and snuggles. They are now completely healed and would love it if they could go to a new home together. Bastet is an affectionate, talkative lap cat while Matuto is shyer. They both bring out the best in one another and will bring their new family lots of love and joy.

Bastet is a sweet 6-month-old kitten who shares a special bond with one-year-old Matuto. They met at SPCA Florida, where they were both healing from injuries they suffered as strays. This adorable pair cuddled and comforted one another with endless grooming and snuggles. They are now completely healed and would love it if they could go to a new home together. Bastet is an affectionate, talkative lap cat while Matuto is shyer. They both bring out the best in one another and will bring their new family lots of love and joy. Come meet this pair in Tinkers Legacy Cattery at SPCA Florida.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Meet this week's featured SPCA pets: Justice, Harley, Dutch and Bastet
Past a pedestrian street in the historic part of Porto, through a maze of tables overflowing with diners soaking up the sun, a pair of gleaming terraced mansions sit side by side. Enter through a dark-green door and follow the mysterious, cavernous corridor into a serenely inviting room. It has meticulously restored granite arches, cream boucle couches, and a wooden cabinet displaying exactly whats needed after the heat and bustle of the town square: Madeira cake and coffee.

This is the Largos answer to a lobby, an undisturbed space thats refreshingly un-lobby-like. The intention was to create an environment that feels more like a living room, where guests would be inclined to linger. We wanted it to be simple, to cut away what you dont use, says cofounder Per Enevoldsen.

More from Robb Report

After making his fortune with the billion-dollar Danish jewelry brand Pandora, Enevoldsen, along with his friend and former colleague Steen Bock, deliberated a new project to bide idle time. One night, over whiskey and cigars, they jotted down mutual interests: wine, gastronomy, heritage buildings. A month later they found themselves at an intimate seven-suite property on Lake Como run by passionate owners. An idea sparked. Though neither was a hotelier, theyd traveled extensively, checking into countless accommodations around the world. A hotel has two parts: the hotelier and the guest, Enevoldsen notes. Weve had a lot of guest experience. We knew a lot of what we didnt want.

The hotels central staircase.

Unsure of the right location, they boarded Enevoldsens plane and crisscrossed the globe from Santorini to Miami to London. At the time, Porto wasnt on their radar. Neither of us had ever been, says Enevoldsen. Unsurprising, as Portugals second-largest city was long considered a stopover to the famed Douro Valley, home of port wine. But no longer: Overnight stays shot up nearly 30 percent from 2019 to 2023, and United Airlines recently launched a second daily direct flight from Newark.

A mutual hotelier friend clued the pair in to the citys promise, and they immediately planned a trip, spending hours walking the cobblestone streets until they stumbled upon a dilapidated heritage building on Largo de Sao Domingos. Our gut feeling was that the place really had potential, says Bock, and the fact that Porto wasnt considered a high-end destination was actually a plus. They wanted to invest somewhere a little more untapped, where they could offer travelers experiences that would reveal an overlooked city in fresh, new ways. Today, that means city walks with architects and cruises down the Douro River with a winemaker in the hotels private motor yacht. The reciprocity with the city is very important, Bock says.

Guests can use the propertys private motoryacht, a Riva 63 Virtus.

They restored the mansion, acquiring a total of five neighboring heritage buildings. Portuguese architect Frederico Valsassina was tasked with the near-impossible: connecting these edifices via tunnels, elevators, and staircases to create a cohesive, 18-key, multilevel hotel.

Though the structure of the facades remains largely unchanged, those who knew them before would hardly recognize the mansions today. Space Copenhagen took charge of the interiors, introducing soft, minimalist decor for the 16 suites and working closely with local artisans specializing in metal, stone, tiling, and millwork. For food and beverage, including restaurants Cozinha das Flores and Flor (a sister project in an adjacent building), Enevoldsen and Bock tapped Lisbon-born chef Nuno Mendes, previously of Londons Chiltern Firehouse, who riffs on facets of traditional Portuguese cuisine. Be sure to try his savory spin on the local pasteis de nata tart, made from turnip and topped with caviar, a decadent and unexpectedly opulent take on an otherwise humble treasurenot, come to think of it, unlike the Largo itself.

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Click here to read the full article.
Laurel Manke thinks it must have been after a long day of hiking, dirty with sore feet, climbing the crest of a dune down to the beach and swimming in the ice bath that is Lake Superior.

Thats when she thought to herself, This is more beautiful than any luxury hotel I could ever stay at, she said, recalling the adventure six years later. It really felt luxurious to be there.

Manke, 34 of Traverse City, is one of the thousands of backcountry campers who visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigans Upper Peninsula each year, as the park sees an increase in campers willing to rough it in the name of being truly immersed in nature.

Back in 1979, 13 years after the park was established as the first national lakeshore, Pictured Rocks logged just under 9,000 backcountry campers who trekked into the woods with all their gear as opposed to camping out of a car or RV, according to National Park Service data.

Backcountry campers nearly triple

That number has nearly tripled since then and nearly doubled between 2013 and 2023, from 15,710 to 30,104.

National park visits have been increasing across the board, said Hannah Bradburn, public information officer for the National Park Service out of Pictured Rocks. The general number of visitors each year to the park has also grown, with 575,450 visitors in 2013 and 910,939 in 2023.

Among the reasons for the backcountry uptick, Bradburn credited social media users shining a light on the park and the move to allow reservations to be made online.

And the 42-mile-long Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with 15 miles of cliffs and multicolored sandstone walls over Lake Superior, has a special draw.

Pictured Rocks is a starter park for a lot of people who want to get into backcountry camping, she said. Its not nearly as intimidating, in a way, to start off backpacking.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is shown in a photo taken by Laurel Manke, of Traverse City, during a 2018 backcountry camping trip

Thats compared to places like Yellowstone National Park. At Pictured Rocks, while campers can be remote, theyre not too incredibly far from civilization, said Bradburn.

Yellowstone is about 63 air miles north to south and 54 air miles east to west, while Pictured Rocks is 5.75 miles at its widest point, according to the parks respective websites.

Not that far from civilization

It also felt particularly accessible on Mankes trip. Theres a shuttle that campers can use  the park recommends campers use it to reach their starting point, then hike back to their car  and the terrain varies and can pose dangers at times but isnt mountainous. Plus, Manke noted there isnt much in the way of dangerous wildlife.

The park does have black bears and requires visitors to follow bear safety protocol, but sightings are infrequent and grizzly bears are generally considered the more aggressive bear, according to information posted by the park service.

That said of the accessibility, the National Park Service warns any potential backcountry campers to make sure they are physically and mentally up for the task and prepared at every level. Outdoor retailer REI Co-op also has recommended beginners start with well-traveled locations close to home that involve only a few miles round-trip.

Mankes trip was her second backcountry adventure ever, having done such an escapade in college in Hawaii, she said. It just so happened a friend well-versed in backpacking was scouting Pictured Rocks for an outdoor outfitter, and Manke had some flexibility with work and a divorce underway.

Her group of three trekked 55 miles over a five-day, four-night trip that she documented on her MI Northern Soul blog.

Manke came out with some tips for less-experienced backcountry campers, such as bringing moleskin for blisters. She learned rope is good for hanging food in a bear-safe way and also for fixing a friends broken pack strap.

The other hard lesson learned is: Whatever you think is a minimum amount to pack, subtract from that, she said. You want your pack to be as light as possible because it gets heavy over time.

Pictured Rocks was also the first place Dennis Sawan, 38, of Atlanta, backpacked into about 10 years ago, shortly after college, he said. Sawan, who previously lived in Ohio, has been back multiple times and has backpacked dozens of times at various parks.

Varied landscapes

What makes Pictured Rocks so unique  aside from its stunning views  is how varied the topography is with long stretches of beach and clear water but also higher elevations and cliffs, he said.

Any given trip there, you could set up your camp  hundreds of feet up on a cliff or right at the beach, he said. It just depends, so it provides you with probably what you would otherwise have to go to multiple parks to get.

More: Hike-in, nonelectric lakefront cabin at Pictured Rocks available starting July 4

More: Pictured Rocks ice climb spot makes rare summer showing as a waterfall

He, like Manke, emphasized preparation for those trying backcountry camping. Sawan said he was very ill-prepared for his first trip.

I had a tent and that was about it, he said, with a laugh.

Now, he recommends potential backpackers plan out various possible scenarios, consider the time of year they are visiting, plan out their food with dehydrated meals, have a good tent liner for when it rains and pack light.

He said there are some negatives with the increased number of visitors. Especially around the Fourth of July, it can be overwhelming.

The park also saw damage from the increased number of visitors that emerged around the outbreak of COVID-19, when residents had limited options for gathering indoors and went outside.

Before COVID-19, the lakeshore had already done away with a source of widespread resource damage: dispersed camping, or allowing people to camp anywhere in the park, said Bradburn. Backcountry camping at designated sites still has an impact, but it keeps the damage maintained.

The thing was, during COVID-19, the uptick in visitors led to an uptick in damage, with human waste and trash plentiful in the backcountry, Bradburn said.

Now, theres a recreation fee in place that helped mitigate damage from that time frame, she said. Most recently, its gone toward maintenance like adding new vault toilets, installing boardwalks in sensitive trail spots and revegetating spots that got excess foot traffic during the height of COVID-19, like Miners Beach.

"Leave no trace"

Going forward, all prospective visitors need to follow leave no trace rules and it might involve more than some people realize.

Bradburn said even just walking off-trail and creating unofficial social trails can cause damage to vegetation, possible erosion and confusion for other hikers. Creating fires on the beach can leave embers burning for days when someone might accidentally sit on them, and building a fire in an undesignated location could disturb trees with the collection of branches or if the fire spreads.

Sawan, who said he considers Pictured Rocks the most beautiful place, said leave no trace is more important than ever. He hasnt been back since moving to Atlanta, but hed visit again in heartbeat and leave no trace is vital to maintaining that places beauty.

As for Manke, now married with an infant and two stepchildren, visits to the Upper Peninsula look a little different, she said with a laugh. Still, she said others wont regret a trip to the lakeshores backcountry and noted that there are much shorter segments folks can travel there.

Backcountry camping is far more meditative than car camping, she said. And as for doing it at Pictured Rocks, she doesnt believe five-day backpacking trips at other parks would have nearly as much beauty.

It really was, every day there was something that was a showstopper, she said.

Sawan felt similarly.

It's a treasure that I think everybody ought to see.

For a full set of directions and preparation tips, check out the Pictured Rocks Backcountry Camping Planner online.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pictured Rocks backcountry campers have nearly doubled over last decade
Saturday: Food giveaways set for Port Orange and Clermont

Farm Share, a nonprofit that aims to help food-insecure residents in Florida, will hold grocery giveaway events in Volusia and Lake counties on July 27.

At 9 a.m. Saturday, Farm Share will be at the Catholic Church of the Epiphany, located at:

201 Lafayette Street, Port Orange, Florida 32127

See the map below for event location:

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Organizers will be handing out fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods.

READ: Shoppers prepare for upcoming tax holiday on back-to-school items

The food distribution will last until supplies run out.

Farm Share will also make a stop in Clermont on Saturday.

Starting at 10 a.m., volunteers will be on hand to distribute food items at East Ridge High School during the Back to School Bash.

READ: Orange Countys Supervisor of Elections tests voting equipment ahead of primary election

The school is located at:

13322 Excalibur Road, Clermont, Florida 34711

See the map below for event location:

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This photo taken from video provided by Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, shows ponies arriving on shore during Chincoteague's 99th Pony Swim in Chincoteague, Va., Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce via AP)

CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP)  Thousands of people gathered in Virginia to watch the Chincoteague wild ponies make their annual swim across the Assateague Channel, the 99th year of the popular tradition.

The ponies made the short swim across the channel Wednesday as the crowd erupted in cheers. Foal No. 6 was crowned Queen Neptune," the title given each year to the first to complete the swim, according to WAVY-TV.

The horses were made famous in the 1947 classic childrens novel Misty of Chincoteague by author Marguerite Henry.

Saltwater Cowboys on horseback round up the ponies, who then swim the channel and come ashore on the east side of Chincoteague Island. The event hosted by the Chincoteague Fire Department includes an auction of some of the foals are sold to help control the size of the herd and help maintain a healthy pony population on Assateague, where the ponies live most of the year. The auction is also the biggest annual fundraiser for the fire department, which manages the wild pony herd.

The tradition began in 1925 as a way to raise money for Chincoteague's volunteer fire company. Interest in the pony swim grew and visitors began coming from across the country for the annual event. Misty of Chincoteague made the event famous around the world.
In Togo, these school uniforms are at the center of a movement offering girls and women a chance to build better lives

Sometimes, a book can have a life-changing impact. For Payton McGriff, that turned out to be true.

McGriff was a sophomore at the University of Idaho when she read Half the Sky, which examines the oppression of women in developing countries. She was shocked to learn that 129 million girls worldwide are not enrolled in school.

In much of the world, women and girls are responsible for the lions share of household duties and so a womans perceived value is what she can contribute to the home, said McGriff, now 29. Its seen that girls wont ever be putting (their) education to use.

Additionally, many impoverished families who want to educate their daughters cant afford tuition fees, school supplies, and the uniform mandated in many countries.

Kathleen Toner/CNN

A uniform is typically one of the more expensive pieces, McGriff said. They can be one of the most cost-effective ways to keep girls in school.

Studies have shown that providing free uniforms can reduce dropout rates by 16 percent and absenteeism by more than 35 percent. This simple solution took root in McGriffs mind and started her journey helping women and girls transform their lives.

Today, her nonprofit, Style Her Empowered  known as SHE  provides 1,500 girls a year in the African country of Togo with free uniforms, school fees, supplies, tutoring, and much more.

More than a college project

A marketing major, McGriff was pursuing her dream job in business when she took an entrepreneurship class her senior year. Tasked with creating a business or nonprofit for a class project, she remembered the notion of the school uniform and developed an idea. She sought feedback from Romuald Afatchao, a professor from Togo, and he encouraged her to join a spring break trip to his hometown of Notse to do field research.

McGriff first pitched her idea to a professor who was from Togo, Romuald Afatchao, left. - Kathleen Toner/CNN

There, McGriff saw the reality of what girls faced. She met Elolo, a young woman who started her chores at 3:30 a.m. so she could attend school and did homework by streetlight at night since her house had no electricity. Her familys financial struggles meant she eventually had to quit school so her brothers could continue.

It made all of the stories that you read in the book so real, McGriff said. Talent and resilience and resourcefulness is so equally distributed worldwide, but opportunity is not.

McGriff interviewed groups of girls about obstacles that made attending school difficult. They mentioned a lack of money and support, but when she asked about uniforms, the reaction was immediate.

Every girl stood up and raised her hand so high and, not only that, told a very expressive story about how she had been shamed out of school because she didnt have her uniform, she said. I realized, Okay, this is a place to start.

McGriff returned home, pitched her education project at entrepreneurship competitions, won $35,000 in seed money, and eventually turned down her dream job to bring her vision to life. She graduated in May 2017 and returned to Togo.

The uniform that grows

That first year, the group hired local seamstresses and provided uniforms and school fees to 65 girls. But they soon ran into a problem.

We realized a problem that probably every parent on the planet would find obvious, McGriff said. Our students were outgrowing them very quickly.

Her team wanted to create an adjustable uniform that could last students longer but couldnt find patterns that worked. Eventually, the seamstresses  with input from the students, McGriff, and others  designed their own solution, and the uniform that grows was born.

Courtesy Style Her Empowered

The dress now has adjustable cords running along the side that create a tailored fit for every body type, while extra fabric hemmed underneath enables it to grow up to a foot in length. The uniform can fit a girl for up to three years, adjusting six sizes; when finally outgrown, it can be handed down to younger girls.

Whats more, 100% of the fabric scraps are recycled into reusable menstrual pads made by SHE seamstresses and distributed to the students, who previously stayed home from school during their period because they lacked sanitary supplies.

Empowering girls and elevating women

Today, SHE serves girls in Notse as well as 20 rural villages in southern Togo, where 69 percent of households live below the poverty line. Girls in these areas are at a higher risk to drop out of school, so SHE strives to remove all financial barriers by also providing tuition fees and school supplies. Once enrolled, students receive weekly tutoring sessions. As a result, SHEs students consistently pass their exams at higher rates than the national average.

Our students have increased their proficiency and performance in school dramatically, McGriff said. If given the opportunity, they thrive.

SHE continues to develop new ways of supporting their students. The group recently created a mobile learning lab that brings books and supplies to under-resourced communities, as well as afterschool Girls Clubs where student ambassadors are trained to run workshops for their peers.

Its all (done) with this tone of empowering girls and helping girls to understand their rights and their opportunities in society, she said. We see our students really start to blossom.

CNN

McGriff also brings opportunities to the women that SHE employs. Twenty seamstresses work full-time at the groups two factories, and their average salary is 75 percent higher than Togos minimum wage. All employees get generous benefits, like unlimited paid sick leave, three-months paid maternity leave, and free childcare.

And thats not all. On average, women in Togo only have around three years of education  about half that of men  and 55 percent are illiterate. When McGriff realized that most of the groups seamstresses had little formal education, she started a paid to learn program to help teach them basic literacy, math, and financial skills.

The seamstresses also travel to the villages with other staffers to help distribute uniforms and school supplies. Theyre proud of their role in helping girls get opportunities they didnt have.

Watching them flourish is really just  incredibly inspiring, McGriff said. When youre part of SHE, youre part of this movement.

Locals taking the lead

McGriff supervises the project remotely from Idaho, ensuring that the local women who run the program in Togo take the lead in shaping the organization. Eventually, McGriff hopes SHE can become self-sustaining so her role can be further reduced, which has been her goal from the beginning.

The vision for starting SHE was always for it to become locally led because local women understand the challenges and the solutions far better than I ever could, she said. I may have struck the original match that started SHE. But what Im so beyond inspired by is watching our team carry the torch.

Elolo, left, was the first girl helped by SHE. Now, she is a key member of the team, recruiting and guiding other girls in the program. - CNN

One important member of that team is Elolo, who McGriff met on her first visit to Togo. Elolo was the first girl enrolled in the program, eventually graduated from high school, and is now the groups Assistant Director and has recruited hundreds of girls to SHE. Whats more, with her salary, shes been able to care for her family and install electricity in their home. Her success makes McGriff beam with pride.

Elolo is just the epitome of when you educate a girl, you educate a community, she said. She is a role model for every girl in our program who can see themselves in her.

McGriff eventually hopes to replicate SHE worldwide. Although shes thousands of miles away from the women she works with, she feels a strong sense of connection to them.

We are so bonded by this incredible work that we get to do together, McGriff said. Were watching each other explore our full potential.  Its so girl power. Its so fun.

Want to get involved? Check out the Style Her Empowered website and see how to help.

To donate to Style Her Empowered via GoFundMe, click here

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Where are the best places to buy a home in Pennsylvania? New report ranks top picks

Looking for a place to live in Pennsylvania? You might want to consider checking out a recent ranking comparing the best places to buy a home in the commonwealth.

Each year, ranking and reviews website Niche evaluates public schools, colleges and universities and even real estate markets. Niche recently released its 2024 Best Cities to Buy A House list for Pennsylvania after evaluating areas by measuring several characteristics, including home value-to-income ratios, public schools, monthly housing costs, the average cost of living and more, according to its methodology report.

According to real estate company Zillow, the average Pennsylvania home is worth $272,477 as of late July, marking an increase of 5.3% over the last year. Centre Countys average home is worth roughly $329,379 after observing a 2.5% average value increase since 2023.

So, where can you find the best markets for buying a home in Pennsylvania? According to Niche, the top picks are all in the Philadelphia suburbs. Heres what this years report had to say.

5. Devon

This Chester County suburb along the Philadelphia Main Line was also ranked the second-best place to raise a family in Pennsylvania, according to Niche. Devon received high praise from Niche for its highly rated public schools and more rural aesthetic.

Devon, whose population sits at just 1,890, received an overall A+ grade from Niche. The suburb also received the following more specific grades: A+ public schools, A- housing, A+ good for families, A jobs, B- cost of living, A outdoor activities, B+ nightlife, C+ diversity, C+ weather, A health and fitness and B- commute.

The median household income in Devon is $206,827, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Devons median home value sits at $655,700.

4. Swarthmore

Considered by Niche to be the best place to live in Delaware County, Swarthmore checks in as the fourth best place to buy a home in Pennsylvania.

Swarthmore holds a population of 6,507 and received an overall A+ grade from Niche. The borough also received the following categorical grades: A+ public schools, A- housing, A+ good for families, B+ jobs, C+ cost of living, A outdoor activities, A- crime and safety, A- nightlife, B+ diversity, B- weather, A health and fitness and A commute.

Swarthmore holds a median household income of $138,679 and offers a median home value of $504,900, according to Niches profile of the borough.

3. Penn Wynne

Niche considers Penn Wynne the third best place to buy a home in Pennsylvania, but the Montgomery County suburb was also named the second-best place to retire in Pennsylvania.

Penn Wynne, whose population sits at 6,127, earned an overall A+ grade through Niches analysis. The suburb also received the following categorical grades: A+ public schools, A housing, A+ good for families, A- jobs, C+ cost of living, A outdoor activities, B+ nightlife, B+ diversity, B- weather, A+ health and fitness and B+ commute.

Penn Wynne has a median household income of $142,005 and offers a median home value of $465,300, according to Niches report.

2. Ardmore

Spanning the border between Delaware and Montgomery counties near Philadelphia, Ardmore ranks as the second-best place to buy a home in Pennsylvania, according to Niche.

The census-designated place holds a population of 14,075 people, according to Niche and the U.S. Census Bureau. Ardmore received an overall A+ grade and earned the following categorical grades through Niches assessment: A+ public schools, A- housing, A+ good for families, A- jobs, C+ cost of living, A outdoor activities, A nightlife, B+ diversity, B- weather, A+ health and fitness and A commute.

Ardmores median household income sits at $117,997, while the median home value is $424,100, according to Niche.

1. Chesterbrook

This Philadelphia suburb claimed the top spot as the best area to buy a home in Pennsylvania. Niche also named Chesterbrook the best place to raise a family in the U.S.

Chesterbook, a census-designated place in Chester County with a population of 5,248 people, received an overall A+ grade following Niches assessment. The suburb also received the following categorical grades: A+ public schools, A housing, A+ good for families, A jobs, C+ cost of living, A outdoor activities, A- nightlife, A diversity, C+ weather, A+ health and fitness and C+ commute.

Chesterbrook has a median household income of $135,849 and offers a median home value of $406,200, according to Niches report.
Why are more adults not having children? New study may have an explanation.

Lisa and Michael Harris decided early in their relationship that children weren't likely in their future.

The Alexandria, Virginia-based couple married in 2019, when Michael was 60 and Lisa 49. While Lisa made clear during one of their first dates that she "reserved the right to adopt," the couple said there was little discussion of having kids after that. Instead, the Harrises have poured their time and resources into their social life, careers and travel. Both work in cybersecurity, and Lisa said getting her two master's degrees would have been more difficult with children.

"I never felt the need," Lisa said. "I felt a-okay to take care of myself, put food on my own table, get myself out the door in the morning. But the thought of dragging some innocent bystander into that? Not so sure."

The two are far from the only ones shrugging off the idea of parenthood.

Lisa and Michael Harris during a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand last November.

What does 'DINK' stand for? What the label means for couples and their finances.

The U.S. fertility rate reached a historic low last year, with a growing share of women between 25 and 44 having never given birth. Rates aren't expected to pick up any time soon, with surveys showing a growing share of young Americans say they are unlikely to have kids. A new survey from the Pew Research Center looks into the reasons.

For many of those people, especially women, career was a big factor, said Amy Blackstone, a sociology professor at the University of Maine and author of the book Childfree by Choice. Those of us who are Gen X and older grew up in an era where we might have been told we could have it all, we could have the career and the kids and everything else, but from our own observations, we knew that wasn't true.

Why are more Americans saying no to parenthood?

Pews recent study examined two groups of U.S. adults: Americans ages 18 to 49 who say they are unlikely to have children and those 50 and older who do not have children. The survey  which polled more than 3,000 people  included both childfree Americans who chose not to have children and childless adults who are not parents due to circumstances out of their control.

The study follows a 2023 Pew survey that found 47% of U.S. adults younger than 50 without kids said they were unlikely to have children, up 10 percentage points from 2018.

DINK havens: These states rank high for couples without children

The most recent Pew survey, published Thursday, found nearly 40% of the older group said parenthood just never happened, while the majority of the younger group without kids (57%) said they just dont want to have children.

Other popular reasons for not having children among those 49 and younger include:

Wanting to focus on other things (44% versus 21% for the older group)

Concerns about the state of the world (38% versus 13% for the older group)

Costs of raising a child (36% versus 12% for the older group)

Concerns about the environment (26% versus 6% for the older group)

Meanwhile, older adults were more likely to say they didnt have kids because they didnt find the right partner (33% versus 24% for the younger group) or due to infertility or other medical reasons (15% versus 13% for the younger group).

The effects of a child-free life

The majority of adults in both age groups said not having kids has made it easier to afford the things they want, save for the future and have time for hobbies.

Tina Wahlstrom, a childfree 52-year-old nurse based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, describes herself as a caregiver by nature but said the idea of giving birth or adopting was never appealing.

Tina and Magnus Wahlstrom with their miniature goldendoodle dogs, Ruben and Sven.

I never got excited about being a mom, about rearing children, and I put a lot of thought into it, she told USA TODAY. I see my friends who have kids who are great and their lives are fun and full, but I don't feel any envy over it."

Without kids, Wahlstrom said she is able to commit her free time to her miniature goldendoodles and hobbies like running and travel.

Were usually off somewhere maybe every month or every other month. If we had children, we definitely wouldn't be able to do it. We wouldn't be able to afford it, she said, adding that the couple typically travels internationally twice a year. We live pretty simply so that we can travel and do things for ourselves. I dont think that makes us selfish. Its just the life weve chosen.

Tina Wahlstrom and her husband, Magnus Wahlstrom, during a trip to Brazil for Carnival.

The majority of younger Americans surveyed also said having no kids has helped their social life (58%) and success in their job or career (61%).

The Harrises said a life with no kids gives them the freedom and flexibility to travel and see friends at a moment's notice. The two dog sit through the Rover app, but it's easy for them to block off their calendar to visit Greece or Australia.

"We get to have dogs, but it enables our lifestyle," Lisa said. And "I don't feel like I'm taking away Johnny's college fund (by traveling)."

"That's where our maternal, paternal focus has been," Michael added. "We get the idea that we're taking care of something, we're giving something, we're allowing other people to take a break."

'Living my best life'

While surveyed adults listed various perks to not having children, the study also highlighted a number of perceived cons.

Those 50 and older without children were more likely than parents of the same age to frequently worry about having someone who will provide care for them as they age (26% compared to 20%) and being lonely as they age (19% versus 15%), but were less likely to worry frequently about having enough money as they age (35% compared to 46%) or having someone to carry on their values and traditions when they're gone (11% versus 17%).

Others surveyed by Pew reported challenges in the workplace, with one-third of those 50 and older reporting that theyre expected to take on extra work or responsibilities and 30% saying theyre given less flexibility than coworkers with kids.

Other respondents reported receiving pushback for going against the status quo. More than 40% of older women without kids said they felt pressure to have children at least sometimes from society in general. Thirty-four percent said that pressure came from family members.

JD Vance 'childless cat lady' video: Internet warns JD Vance after video resurfaces implying Kamala Harris is childless cat lady

Wahlstrom said she still sees a big stigma around not having children online, with people calling couples without children selfish.

Living my best life has meant no kids, she said. Wouldnt it be weird if we were all the same?

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New study shows why growing share of US adults aren't having kids
Like any food and drink company, Starbucks has to recall products from time to time. Yet certain problems are bigger than others, which is why this particular list of incidents will always haunt the coffee company. A product recall is an action companies take when something on sale to the public isn't working like it should after the fact. Those in charge must warn consumers not to use the product, lest they get hurt or sick. The issue could be that a car battery is prone to catching on fire, a piece of furniture can't stay upright, or a batch of milk is contaminated with deadly bacteria.

In the case of the coffee giant, it has had plenty of problems. There was a batch of frappuccinos laced with glass, branded water bottles that seemed to shatter for no reason, and a very unfortunate coincidence with advertising imagery in the summer of 2002. While some Starbucks drinks cause controversy, these recalled products, in some cases, actually caused injuries. Whatever problems the chain might have in the future, these will be the recalls that the company can never get away from.

Read more: 17 Discontinued Sodas We Aren't Getting Back

The Coffee Presses That Could Cause Injuries

coffee press - Tony Anderson/Getty Images

In 2019, Starbucks had to recall an entire line of coffee presses because of the potential for injury while using them. The presses in question were co-branded with Bodum, a Danish glassware company. The popular machines could be purchased online or in any Starbucks location for most of 2016 so customers could create their favorite cup of coffee at home. But they had a huge fault: The handle on the plunger was prone to breaking off. There was a sharp metal piece underneath, which could cut the user's hand easily if they were using the machine normally. Reports indicated that some users punctured their hands, while others cutting themselves on the broken parts.

To prevent customers from hurting themselves, Starbucks encouraged all who had one at home to simply return it for a store credit. Trade-ins were not available at the time, as it was assumed the press traded for would also have the same defect. Considering roughly 263,200 units were recalled in the United States and Canada, it's not something Starbucks will easily be able to live down.

The Time There Was Glass In The Frappuccinos

Vanilla Frappuccino Chilled Coffee - HappyAngel 888/Shutterstock

In 2023, the coffee giant issued a recall for something non-ingestible being present in its Vanilla Frappuccino Chilled Coffee: bits of glass. No, the bottles were not prone to breaking and causing harm in that way. Instead, it was feared that the batch might actually have little bits of glass mixed inside the bottle with the drink. That would be a sharp, nasty surprise with your morning cup of coffee!

The company admitted that at least 25,000 cases of frappuccinos had the potential to be a part of the problem. With 12 bottles of coffee a case, that's a lot of drinks  making this recall something that Starbucks execs might be up at night thinking about. Luckily, there were no reports of anyone drinking the coffee and being hurt by glass before the recall went into effect. However, if you have any old bottles of this coffee marked with March 8, May 29, June 4, or June 10, and with a 2023 expiration date, it's best to throw them out for your own safety.

The Poster That Looked Like The Twin Towers

Starbucks drink poster - Starbucks

After the September 11th terrorist attacks, there was a lot of media in the United States that suddenly became controversial due to implied association with the buildings, even if it never would have been before. Because of the national trauma caused by the events of the day, many Americans felt a great sensitivity towards any advertisements featuring the twin towers. This extended to media that could even be interpreted as including them, even if they were not explicitly shown. One such representation was a summer 2002 Starbucks campaign "Collapse into Cool." The advertisement depicted two frozen drinks side by side. However, in the background a dragonfly angled down at the drinks, as if it might fly into them. Coupled with the text about collapsing, this advertisement caused distress for many. The summer campaign didn't last long because of the backlash and Starbucks removed all traces of the poster from its locations by early June of that year.

The company issued a statement reading, "The overall concept of the poster was to create a somewhat magical place using bright colors and fun, whimsical elements such as palm trees, dragonflies, butterflies and pinwheels. The headline 'Collapse into cool, Try a new Tazo Citrus with tangerine, orange and lime' was meant to conjure up feelings of cooling off on a hot summer day," per Snopes. However, many felt suspicious of this, so the recall of this poster will always haunt Starbucks.

The E.Coli In The Sandwiches Scare

starbucks sandwichs - Ramin Talaie/Getty Images

Not even Starbucks is immune to E. coli outbreaks. In 2015, the chain had to recall its holiday turkey paninis from almost 1,350 locations across California, Oregon and Nevada. Sources from the company said they hadn't had any reports of anyone getting sick, but those investigating discovered that the recall also impacted Costco, as the grocery giant also had to pull food from its shelves.

The E. coli bacteria is present in most mammals, however if you have too much of it or come into contact with a certain kind, you can become very unwell. Typically, symptoms present as food poisoning or gastro, so you will throw up, have a fever, or experience diarrhea. You are most likely to get E. coli from food that isn't cooked enough or has been prepared by someone who hasn't washed their hands after using the toilet. On an industrial scale like this, it's possible that the meat or vegetables used in the batch were not cooked or cleaned properly, or that the equipment was compromised by an earlier batch. While no one was hurt in this particular E. coli outbreak, it's still a serious matter, as it can cause severe illness and even death -- Starbucks won't soon forget their food being contaminated with such a dangerous bacteria.

The Bean Grinders That Wouldn't Turn Off In Time

coffee bean grinder - Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images

If you grind your own beans for your morning coffee, you want to be sure that the beans are the only thing the blade touches. However, Starbucks had to recall about 530,000of its coffee grinders because the on/off switch on the machine wasn't working as designed. Instead of coming to life or shutting off when prompted, the company received 176 reports that the blade would either randomly turn off, or not turn off at all.

This life of its own posed a huge safety risk to consumers. In fact, multiple owners of the grinders reported to the company that the blade turned on without warning while they were cleaning their machine, harming them by cutting their hands. This recall was so large partly because the machines had been for sale at both Starbucks and Seattle's Best Coffee from 2002 until 2009. Luckily, for those who were not hurt, the company offered to give those impacted a new grinder free of charge ... hopefully one that doesn't pose a risk of slicing off their fingers.

The Cups That Could Cause Severe Burns

Starbucks holiday cups - tete_escape/Shutterstock

Many Starbucks fans enjoy collecting cups and mugs from the company, no matter how many they might already have. There are typically fun colors and collaborations with other big brands, like Starbucks X Stanley collaboration. Yet nearly half a million holiday mugs that were co-branded with Nestle had to be recalled by the company after a mistake in the holiday 2023 run of metallic-looking mugs.

The mugs were a part of a wrapped holiday gift set that coffee-lovers could grab at select Starbucks locations. The mugs were ceramic and were supposed to be microwave safe, yet if users heated liquids inside the container, or poured already hot coffee into them, the insulation wasn't working correctly. The mugs became way too hot and could cause burns or other injuries to the user. However, while 440,500 gift sets recalled, the were 12 reports of injuries, but they were gruesome. Most impacted customers reported horrible burns on their hands, while another also reported a laceration. While it seems the company caught the product before it could cause much more damage, the severity of the injuries means it's a recall that the coffee giant won't soon forget.

The Water Bottles That Were Prone To Shattering

Starbucks water bottles - FarisFitrianto/Shutterstock

Much like the frappuccinos that had the possibility of slivers of glass being mixed into the drink, Starbucks faced another embarrassing recall involving glass bottles. Except this time, the glass issue was with the bottle itself. In 2010, the $9 glass bottles flew off the shelves because of their price and appearance, and then some of them flew apart in customers' hands. When customers either pulled the stopper out of the bottle, or pressed it in, the bottle would shatter, posing a serious risk for injury.

The sample size for this recall was smaller than others on this list, at about 12,200 units in the USA and Canada, while at least 10 people were hurt before the recall. When shattered, the glass cut their hands. If impacted, customers could not only get a refund, but also a free drink at the Starbucks to make up for their trouble. After hearing about this recall, consumers might wonder if it's best to avoid glass water bottles from Starbucks going forward, just in case.

The Coffee Brewers That Could Catch On Fire

metal coffee brewer - Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

More than 73,000 coffee brewers were impacted by a flaw that could have caused a fire in 2006. The company admitted that the machines had something wrong with their electrical wiring. During normal use, the wires sometimes would get too hot and begin to melt the plastic on the outside of the machine. Customers also reported that the machines were smoking and sparking, which was a big threat to safety. Luckily, there were no actual kitchen fires caused by the faulty machines, but the risk was high enough to make Starbucks recall them right away. And on top of that, customers were shelling out $100 to use a product that was malfunctioning and potentially dangerous -- way too high a price for something that doesn't work and has the potential to cause harm. Luckily, there were never any reports of anyone getting hurt while using this machine.

The company offered a full refund for each of the defective machines, making that about $730,000 in maximum projected loss up front. Consumers just needed to get in touch with the corporate headquarters to help cover the cost of shipping for returning the heavier machines. This is a recall that will always haunt Starbucks because the company had to offer free bags of coffee to get people to actually participate in the return program. Yet since the average one-pound bag of coffee is $9, that's another approximate $657,000 in losses for the company if the majority of affected customers opted in to the recall.

The Mugs With The Loose Handles

starbucks mug - Holger Kleine /Getty Images

When using a mug with handles, most consumers likely prefer that the handles of the cup stay on for each sip to keep things safe. Should the handles break off mid-use, you are at risk of spilling the contents of your cup all over yourself. In the context of a cup of coffee, this puts you at risk of severe burns  and the potential for a big lawsuit. Anyone remember that infamous McDonald's coffee story? Yet in 2007, this is an issue Starbucks actually had to face when it recalled 167,000 mugs.

The handles of at least 23 of the 14-ounce plastic mugs popped right off during use, causing burns and other injuries to the customers. Those impacted could return the cup for a refund, plus a voucher for a free drink of their choice while in store  this was to encourage people to actually participate in the recall. The maximum lost revenue from the returned $11 mugs would be roughly $1,837,000, plus additional loss from the free drink cost the company dearly, meaning this is a recall that Starbucks will never forget.

The Children's Cups With The Choking Hazards

kids drinking starbucks - Skybyk Yuliia/Shutterstock

While choking hazards are always serious, they often seem even more so when it comes to children. In 2007, Starbucks issued a recall for 250,000 children's cups. There were four types of cups included in this recall, each with a unique color and fun cartoon character attached. They were made in China, but sold in America for nearly a year and a half. The issue with the cups comes from when they were dropped, which children often do to dishes when first starting to feed themselves.

The part of the cup featuring the fun character was prone to breaking off. This could cause two issues. The first, is the smaller parts posed a serious risk of choking for the child. Next, the leftover parts of plastic around the rest of the cup were now jagged. If the child tried to drink out of it, they could really hurt themselves. In fact, the company received at least two reports of children choking on the pieces that had broken off. Luckily, the children were able to be saved. Because it impacted kids, this is one of the most haunting recalls the company could face.

The Straws That Could Cut Your Mouth

metal straws - AnnaMalek/Shutterstock

With the realization that plastic straws might be unnecessarily contributing to the pollution of earth's waterways and harming the creatures that call them home, many people and businesses made the move away from them. While some disposable options now included paper, some consumers chose to go with a more sustainable option: Metal. Yet embarrassingly, Starbucks had to recall one of its attempts to step into this arena.

The company once redesigned its cold cups to use less plastic, and also tried to nix plastic straws by offering metal alternatives for sale. Yet in 2016, Starbucks put out a call for customers to bring back more than 2.8 million sets of the stainless steel straws. The product came in a set of two straws and could fit both grande and venti drinks. However, the straws were too rigid and could cause lacerations to the customer's mouth while drinking. The reports that Starbucks received about this product mostly impacted children who cut their mouths on the straws -- instances where children are injured are always particularly upsetting, so Starbucks' reputation took a hit with this situation. To make matters worse, no refund or alternative option was ever issued. Instead, customers were only told to keep the straws away from their children, while adults could safely continue to use them.

The Time Listeria Was In The Boxed Foods

Starbucks breakfast sandwhich - blubird/Shutterstock

Starbucks doesn't just sell coffee, as many fans will know that they can pick up breakfast and lunch sandwiches in a box at most of the locations, too. However, in 2016 Starbucks reported that listeria had been found in the facility that manufactures these products for certain regions. Over 250 stores in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas were shipped English muffin breakfast sandwiches that had been produced on equipment with the bacteria.

Exposure to listeria is serious, as it can cause intense infections, even leading to death in some cases. When Blue Bell ice cream had a listeria outbreak, it killed three people. So, it was essential for public health that Starbucks gets these sandwiches off the shelves as quickly as possible. Luckily, in this case the chain reported that there were not any deaths or illnesses linked to the problem as it was caught in time. Still, Starbucks won't soon forget this close call!

Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
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It may not be the future you dreamed of, but for many millennials, it ends up happening that way: Youre thrust into the position of being your boomer parents caregiver. Maybe its not a full-time caregiver position, but even if not, caregiving to any degree can be draining  both on your energy and your finances.

Check Out: 6 Things the Middle Class Should Sell To Build Their Savings

Try This: 7 Reasons You Should Consider a Financial Advisor  Even If Youre Not Wealthy

What are some ways that millennials can best budget their time and money when caring for boomer parents? Financial experts  including one who can relate to the matter on a deep personal level  weighed in on the question, providing seven crucial tips.

Also heres thirty-five useless expenses to cut from your budget.

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

Start a Compassionate Conversation Early and Plan Things Out

You may not get the chance to do this, but hopefully you do: Talk with your aging parents before they need your caregiving services.

Dont wait until an accident or emergency to approach the topic with your parents; instead, save time by planning, said Mallon FitzPatrick, managing director, principal and head of wealth planning at Robertson Stephens. Lead with compassion, and dont blame your parents for not doing enough sooner. Planning for aging parents is a complex, overwhelming process, so tackle it in bits and pieces.

Dont take over the conversation, either. Give your parents room to talk things out and be sure they understand they still hold some autonomy and accountability.

Learn More: Im a Self-Made Millionaire, but I Still Opt For the Budget Versions of These 6 Items

Talk Money With Your Parent(s)

Jenny Groberg, CEO of BookSmarts Accounting and Bookkeeping was, along with her siblings, a caregiver, for her mothers during her final eight years. Groberg recommended that the first step those caring for aging parents do in order to effectively budget their own money and time is to talk finances with their folks. Where do your parents stand?

Ensure they have health insurance, savings and know how to budget, Groberg said. Are they saving for retirement? Do they have an estate plan? Start with these basics.

Additionally, FitzPatrick recommends asking your parents wealth manager or financial advisor for a comprehensive financial plan.

Story continues

Delegate Responsibilities

FitzPatrick was quick to note that this is easier said than done, but: If you have family or close friends who are willing to step up and help out with your aging boomer parent, bring them in.

Otherwise, you can bring in professional help. This will free up time for you to focus on your own workload and help prevent burnout, FitzPatrick said. If you hire professional help, research local agencies and consider part-time options to balance costs. Become familiar with key individuals, such as your parents attorney, CPA, advisors, doctors and care management team. Knowing who these people are might prevent future elder fraud/abuse.

Prioritize Your Own Financial Situation

Its all too easy, particularly when in the role of caregiver, to put our own financial situation on the back burner and be consumed by what the people were caring for are going through. Dont fall into this trap.

Once youve addressed their needs, focus on your own financial situation, Groberg said. Many people cant afford to set aside money for their parents while also paying a mortgage and saving for their childrens education. Most Americans face this reality. Its also a reality that your parents are aging. Do what you can, even if its small to start saving for your role as caregiver.

Need to Leave Work? Review Your Finances and Have a 3-6 Month Buffer

If you need to take time off work to care for your boomer parent(s), set yourself up for success by completing an unflinching review of your money situation.

Start this process with a comprehensive review of their finances, said Travis Forman, portfolio manager at Strategic Private Wealth Counsel  Harbourfront Wealth Management. That includes preparing for any unexpected costs or the possibility of extending the leave. The appropriate buffer would be about three to six months of expenses.

Remember, this financial buffer should be in addition to your emergency fund (at least three months worth of expenses) and retirement savings.

Check Community Resources

You may feel lonely in your role as a caregiver to your aging parent(s). But know that there may be some available support not too far from your doorstep. And they can help you budget your time and money.

Local communities are often more resourceful than many of us think, said Kristy Kim, CEO and founder at TomoCredit. Look into the local community services that offer support for caregivers. Many non-profit organizations and community centers provide free or low-cost services like transportation, meal delivery and respite care.

Utilize Technology and Products for Care Management

FitzPatrick recommended using an app or other tool to create a shared schedule so, if there are multiple caregivers, each knows whos doing what and when.

A calendar also helps set up a routine, which can ensure you budget enough me time,' FitzPatrick said. Use apps to handle tasks like scheduling medical appointments, managing meds and tracking health data.

Even a simple pill box labeled with the day of the week can help aging parents or their caregivers manage medications, FitzPatrick said. These tools save time and cut down on unnecessary trips, which means saving money and reducing stress.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Ways Millennials Can Budget Time and Money When Caring for Boomer Parents
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A 14-year-old was charged with murder in connection with a shooting Thursday near St. Petersburg, according to the Pinellas County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies were called just before 11 a.m. Thursday to the area of 27th Street North and 59th Avenue North after someone reported a person lying in the road.

Leslie Fernandez, 39, was found in the road with apparent gunshot wounds to her upper body, according to the sheriffs office.

The teen was allegedly seen leaving the area on a bike after the shooting, deputies said. His home was searched, and deputies found the gun they believe was used in the shooting. They also found other guns, ammo, 3.8 kilograms of cocaine, 53 grams of crack cocaine, 3 grams of MDMA and $184,964.

The teen reportedly admitted to randomly killing Fernandez, and said he got the gun from Jarvis Spencer. Spencer, 37, has 15 felony convictions, deputies said.

The teen was charged with first-degree murder and taken to the Pinellas Juvenile Assessment Center.

Spencer did not cooperate with detectives, according to the sheriffs office. He was charged with seven counts of felon in possession of a firearm, armed trafficking in crack cocaine, armed trafficking in powder cocaine, and grand theft firearm.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A 16-year-old boy has pled guilty to the charges brought against him after a shooting in Dunmore that injured two.

In November of 2023, 28/22 News reported that 16-year-old Angelo Morales was involved in a shooting that took place near Penn State Scranton at the Chestnut Apartment building that left two 18-year-olds with life-threatening injuries.

Body found in Luzerne County ruled homicide

The Lackawanna District Attorneys Office announced that Morales has pled guilty to aggravated assault for both victims and carrying firearms with a license.

Officials note Morales faces a maximum of 27 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas Highway Patrol reports that a 17-year-old was killed following a three-vehicle crash on southbound I-35 north of Johnson Drive in Merriam, Kan.

According to KHP, the crash occurred when a Jeep Liberty rear-ended a Chevrolet Equinox, which was stalled from a separate accident.

Two hurt, one in critical condition after Friday night Northland crash

Before the accident occurred, a third vehicle, a Honda CRV, had pulled over on the shoulder. That is when 17-year-old Benjamin Van Buskirk of Olathe, a passenger in the CRV, got out and attempted to render aid on foot.

Van Buskirk was running up to the Equinox while it was still in motion from being rear-ended when he was struck and killed.

Olathe South High School released a statement shared with families on the incident later in the afternoon.

Falcon family, the statement reads.

I have very sad news to share with you. We have learned that rising senior Ben VanBuskirk was killed in a tragic traffic accident while trying to help someone in need. Ben was a beloved Falcon and a friend to many. We have been in touch with Bens family, and we will release information regarding funeral arrangements at a later date.

We understand that this news will be difficult for some of our students. Attached is a resource you can use to talk with your child about grief. We will also have counseling services available for students and staff who may need more support as they process this news. Our Olathe South counseling team will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 29. No appointment needed.

KC man missing for weeks found dead on Saturday

The driver of the Equinox suffered serious injuries from the crash and was transported to KU Medical Center. The driver of the Jeep was reported to have no injuries.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
CHICAGO  A 19-year-old man is critical in the hospital after being shot several times in the citys Humboldt Park neighborhood Friday.

According to the Chicago Police Department, the victim was walking on the sidewalk in the 500 block of North Sacramento Avenue around 4:30 p.m. when he was hit by gunfire in his face and upper body.

After first responders arrived on scene, the 19-year-old was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

3 charged related to arson death of Chicago firefighter

Police have no suspects in custody as area detectives continue to investigate.

If you or someone you know has information that could help lead police toward making an arrest and conviction in the investigation of this incident, anonymous tips can be filed with CPD at cpdtip.com.

No other information is available at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Two men, both civilians, triggered an explosive device in Ukraine's Kherson Oblast: one of them was killed in the explosion and the other sustained injuries.

Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, the Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote from Prokudin: "A 57-year-old local resident sustained fatal injuries as a result of an explosive device detonating [...]

Another man, aged 53, was hospitalised with multiple injuries, including a blast injury and a brain injury.

He is currently being treated."

Background:

A 37-year-old woman, a civilian, was killed in a Russian attack on the town of Antonivka in Kherson Oblast on Saturday, 27 July.

Kherson Oblast Military Administration earlier reported that two civilians sustained injuries in Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast on Saturday, 27 July; both are in critical condition.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Two teens were seriously hurt with gunshot wounds after a large gathering in Aurora led to an argument and a shooting early Saturday, according to police.

The Aurora Police Department said just after midnight, officers were called to a shooting call in the 800 block of South Naples Way.

There were reports that a large gathering of people moved to the street and an argument broke out.

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The argument escalated and gunfire was exchanged, police said.

A teenage boy was found with a serious gunshot wound and taken to a local hospital. A second boy arrived at a local hospital shortly after. He was also suffering from a serious gunshot wound.

Police said officers found a juvenile male on the scene carrying a weapon. He was arrested, but his involvement in the shooting is unknown.

Neighbors concerned about increased violence

Neighbors in the area told FOX31 they have noticed an increase in violent activity.

Bob and Margaret Rosso, who live across the street from where it happened, said they awoke after midnight to noise out in the street.

Colorado children committing fewer, more violent crimes: report

I got up to look out the window and she was in bed and said, Dont look out the window. And then they started shooting and then I dove, literally dove, back into bed because I didnt know which direction the shots were going to come from or go to, neighbor Bob Rosso said.

APD said there have been three shots fired reports since June, not including the recent shooting.

It was like watching kids play paintball, but it was real guns, Rosso said.

The investigation is ongoing. In the meantime, the Rossos say they are making other arrangements for when their kids want to come to visit and spend the night on the weekend.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
HALE COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  A 20-year-old Uniontown man was killed in a single-vehicle crash Friday afternoon in Hale County, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports.

Keyshawn Patterson was fatally injured when the Honda Accord he was driving left the road and hit a wood fence at least two times. The crash occurred on Alabama 69 about five miles north of Gallion around 1:56 p.m.

Alabama lawmaker wants to change permit requirement for assault weapons

Patterson, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers with the ALEAs Highway Patrol Division are investigating the crash.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
The video above was broadcasted on July 26, 2021.

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Its been three years since the killing of 38-year-old Luis Alberto Arroyo.

In the early morning hours of July 26, 2021, Arroyo was found with apparent gunshot wounds to his upper body in the parking lot of Emerald Hills Park, the San Diego County Crime Stoppers said in a news release Thursday.

Bodycam video showing man shot, killed by officer in College Area released

Arroyo was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

Authorities are asking for the publics help in identifying and finding the suspect(s) connected to the homicide.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the San Diego Police Departments Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
(NewsNation)  The Democrats switch from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris as its presumptive 2024 presidential nominee cost the party three keys to victory, but four more are in play, according to the historian who came up with the key formula.

It takes six negative keys to count out the party holding the White House, said American University historian Allan Lichtman.

Right now  Democrats have lost three keys by switching to Harris, he told NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports. He said Democrats lost the party mandate key thanks to big losses in the 2022 mid-term elections. He also said Harris loses the charisma and incumbency keys.

In previous appearances on NewsNation, Lichtman had recommended that, if President Joe Biden were to withdraw from the campaign, he should also resign the presidency to give Harris the advantage of incumbency.

Will Trump and Harris debate? Heres what we know

Under Lichtmans keys model, Democrats would have to lose three more keys in order for him to predict a Harris loss. But he says thats not likely to happen.

On the other hand, he says that four of his keys remain in play: the influence of a third-party candidate, the possibility of major social unrest, a big foreign policy or military failure and a big foreign policy or military success.

Lichtman says the most popular third-party candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would have to attract about 10% of the electorate to be a factor.

Possible, but not likely, he said.

Chicago expects 25,000 migrants during DNC. It has capacity for 15,000

As far as social unrest being a factor: The demonstrations we saw this spring have fizzled. A possible but unlikely event, he said, could be violent demonstrations surrounding the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, as happened in 1968.

The shakiest keys, according to Lichtman, are the two centered on foreign policy and the military.

Thats why you saw Kamala Harris talking about the need for a cease-fire and hostage release (in Gaza). If the Biden administration can pull that off, they may well win the foreign policy/military success key, which they dont have in hand right now.

Lichtman discounted Harris upcoming decision about a running mate, and simmering talk of Republican dissatisfaction with Trump running mate JD Vance.

Zero. Theres no key for the vice presidency, and no evidence that vice presidential picks influence the outcome of elections.

Allan Lichtmans keys to the White House:

Party mandate

Party contest

Incumbency

Third party

Short-term economy

Long-term economy

Policy change

Social unrest

Scandal

Foreign/military policy failure

Foreign/military policy success

Incumbent charisma

Challenger charisma

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A business incubator and storefront intentionally mentoring and helping businesses owned by women and people of color has opened its doors at 811 East 31st Street in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Porter House KC has been working for years to support entrepreneurs from systemically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Moran introduces bill to help with transportation during 2026 World Cup

As we were working with them, they were emphasizing how they wanted to move from a vendor-based pop-up space to being able to move into a brick-and-mortar and there were not a lot of open, accessible transition options for them, said The Porter House KC Director of Operations Miranda Schultz.

So thats really where this building comes into play is being able to give them that option with low lease rates, and education components attached to it.

Business owners can sell their products from the space for up to 18 months while they receive mentorship and guidance on how to grow their business.

Its like being able to get your feet wet, get a taste to see if you really, really want to do this, said Thrift The Runway Founder Ciara Barton.

Barton knows she already does after running Thrift The Runway since COVID made it harder for some people to shop and find a reason to show off their clothes.

Dressing up was pretty much obsolete [during COVID], but not for me, said Barton.

Thats part of my fashionability, thats part of my personality.

Records reveal new details from early May network outage in KC

The clothes she curates in her vintage collections allow people to maximize their style while minimizing how many clothes get thrown out. The 811 Retail Incubator also brings investment and attention to Kansas Citys east side and minority-owned businesses, which have both historically not gotten investment.

Where do you have a vintage shop, or where can you go and buy skincare [on the east side, said Barton.

Not too many places, but you have a hub here, you can do all of that in here and its accessible to people on the east side and the west side.

I thought this is the perfect opportunity to test my ideas to learn what customers like, to have fun with new formulations, expand the line, said Someday Sunday Founder LaToya Ebony Sirls.

She she started crafting skincare products during COVID but only officially created her business in January. Already, shes part of The Porter House KC network thats helped dozens of systematically marginalized business owners thrive.

10 Olympic gold-medalists from Missouri

If I talk about the beauty community, black and brown people are some of the highest investors in beauty products, said Sirls.

Story continues

The 811 Retail Incubator is open to customers Wednesday through Friday from 12-7 pm and Saturday from 10-5.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
3 Family Members, Part of the Grammy-Nominated Gospel Quartet The Nelons, Die in Plane Crash

Four others also died in the crash, which took place on July 26

Jason Kempin/Getty Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Thompson, Autumn Nelon Clark, and Jason Clark in 2021

Three family members, part of the Grammy-nominated gospel group The Nelons, were killed in a plane crash on Friday, July 26.

The groups management company Gaither Music announced the news on social media, sharing that Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason Nelon Clark, and daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, were killed in the crash.

Ambers husband, Nathan Kistler, and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, also died in the crash, as did the pilot of the plane, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa, per the group.

Gaither Music said that the family had been traveling to perform at the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the incident occurred.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), they are currently investigating the accident.

Jay Medeiros/Icon Sportswire via Getty The Nelons arrives at the 48th Annual GMA Dove Awards red carpet at Allen Arena on October 17, 2017 in Nashville, TN.

Related: Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Have Died in 2024

Gaither Music confirmed that the groups fourth member and Kellys younger daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not aboard the plane at the time of the crash.

She and her husband, Jamie Streetman, were notified about the incident after arriving in Seattle, the group said.

Autumn and Jamie will return home for now to Kellys brother, Todd Nelon, and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead, Gaither Music said. Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers.

In a separate statement shared on Instagram, Autumn reacted to the tragedy, writing, Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jasons parents, Dan and Linda Clark."

She added, "We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.

Related: Joe Egan, Stealers Wheel Musician and 'Stuck in the Middle with You' Co-Writer, Dead at 77

Campbell County spokesperson Leslie Perkins confirmed to ABC News that the private plane went down north of Gillette, Wyoming.

She added that the plane crash caused a wildland fire, which Campbell County Fire Department units worked to suppress.

The NTSB tells PEOPLE that the plane the group was traveling on was a Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft.

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.



They also said that preliminary information they received indicates that the crash happened following an autopilot issue during flight."

Additional investigators are now traveling to the site, where they will be documenting the scene and examining the aircraft," the NTSB says.

From there, a preliminary report is expected in 30 days, while the final report with the probable cause of the crash could take up to two years to complete, per the organization.



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Three Russian helicopters were struck as a result of sabotage activities on Russian territory.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda sources in Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU); DIUs press office

Details: On 24 July 2024, at the Kryazh airfield in Samara, a military multipurpose Mi-8 helicopter was destroyed by fire.

A few days earlier, on 21 July, two more Russian helicopters were damaged by fire in the settlement of Tomilino near Moscow  an attack Mi-28 and a multipurpose Ka-226.





The two helicopters were located at the Russian National Helicopter Centre, named after Mil and Kamov. This military aircraft facility is involved in the development, production, and repair of helicopters.

The destroyed and damaged Russian helicopters were used by Russia in the war against Ukraine, DIU said.

The official statement does not specify the cause of the incidents, but according to a source from UP, Ukrainian intelligence agents are behind the operation.

The site where the helicopter was likely damaged is marked in red. A shelter (supposedly) is marked in green.

Press to enlarge

Screenshots: Local residents chatting about the explosions on Telegram

press to enlarge

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Three Russian helicopters were damaged over the past week as a result of sabotage operations coordinated by Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR), a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on July 27.

The operation damaged a Mi-28 and a Ka-226 helicopters on the territory of the Moscow-based National Center of Helicopter Construction of Mil and Kamov in the early hours of July 21. Explosions erupted at the enterprise, which develops, produces, and repairs helicopters.



While the attack caught the attention of the Moscow public, the Russian authorities hid the details, according to the source.



Another operation destroyed a Mi-8 helicopter on July 24 at the Samara Kryazh military airfield in the Samara region, roughly 800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The source did not provide further details about the attack.



Another Mi-8 helicopter was destroyed at the Samara base earlier on April 17, although HUR did not confirm Ukraine was behind the attack. The Mi-8 is used to transport both the Russian military and civilian government departments.



While Ukraine does not have permission to fire Western-made long-range weapons at Russian territory, sabotage operations are commonplace. Both Ukrainian intelligence and partisan groups target Russian infrastructure and military facilities.



On July 5, Ukrainian partisan group ATESH (meaning Fire in Crimean Tatar), claimed to have sabotaged a railway line near Yekaterinburg to stop trains from transporting North Korean ammunition.



In June, ATESH infiltrated a Russian airfield in Voronezh, around 220 kilometers northeast of the border with Kharkiv Oblast. The group hinted at a sabotage operation, saying they left surprises for the Russians.



Ukraine is also targeting Russian airfields with drones. On July 27, a source in HUR said the agency had damaged one aircraft after an attack on three air bases deep inside Russia.



Russia has lost 326 helicopters since the start of the full-scale invasion, according to the latest report from the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces.

Read also: Russia claims Ukraine attacks Bryansk region with 21 drones

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Sitting between Nice and Monaco, Plage Mala's white sands offer a quieter escape in the heart of the French Riviera. Photograph by Getty Images

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

With glistening crystalline waters and sweeping expanses of volcanic black sand, Europes coastline is incredibly diverse. From the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast to the white Mediterranean sands of the Balearics, its no wonder these destinations are visited by millions of sun-seeking travellers every year.

Yet beyond the tourist hotspots lie thousands of miles of undiscovered stretches of coast just waiting to be discovered by those willing to go further. Spanning from the North Sea to the Black Sea, heres where you can find the best of Europes lesser-known beaches  without a seaside resort in sight.

1. Lokrum Island, Croatia

A 15-minute boat ride from Dubrovniks Old Town port, Lokrum Island serves as a secluded retreat away from the often-crowded streets of the popular Croatian city. Protected by UNESCO as a special reserve of forest vegetation, youll find more pine trees and peacocks  living wild on the island  than people.

A world away from the bustling streets of Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is home to native wildlife and quiet coves perfect for swimming. Photograph by Getty Images

Swimming spots can be found across the entirety of the island, however, a saltwater lagoon formed by tectonic shifts and erosion, known as Mrtvo More (Dead Sea), is arguably one of the best. Fed by an underwater passage connecting to the Adriatic Sea, Mrtvo More is an enclosed body of water sunken deep into the ground. Sheltered by the jagged rock faces that surround the lagoon, the water here is entirely still  making for ideal swimming conditions. Sunbathe on the flat rock formations before diving into the crystal-clear waters, but keep an eye out for friendly peacocks who might try and steal your lunch.

2. Burnham Overy Staithe, England

To experience Norfolks vast blue skies in all their glory, head to the hidden oasis of Burnham Overy Staithe beach on the North Norfolk Coast. While its seclusion means embarking on a mile-long walk through English countryside to reach the coast, the unobstructed views of yellow-golden sands and rockpools make the final clamber over the sand dunes all worth it. Aside from the occasional sunken pool of seawater left from the retreating tide, the beach itself is entirely flat, with nothing but endless grains of sand.

Reaching Burnham Overy Staithe beach involves a mile-long walk along the Norfolk Coast Path. Photograph by Andrew Michael, Getty Images

Park at Burnham Overy Staithe harbour  an area popular for sailing, paddle-boarding and kayaking  before heading along the raised, sandy banks of the Norfolk Coast Path that traces this wild coastline. Without a single cafe or ice-cream stall in sight, it might feel a little isolated, but that's part of its charm.

(How to spend a weekend in North Norfolk, UK.)

3. Mirror Beach, Albania

Travel around the southern Albanian coast and youre bound to find isolated pockets of white sand and crystal-clear waters, but Mirror Beach is arguably the best. Named after how the sunlight reflects on the sea here, this area of untouched coastline remains such a secret youll struggle to find many people here  even in the summer months.

The landscape is defined by a combination of soft white sand and shingle that guides you to the clean, dazzling waters of the Adriatic Sea. The nearest village, Ksamil, is nearly four miles away and theres a small car park near the entrance to the beach. And while securing a space here requires hiring an umbrella, the private, intimate and crowd-free spots make the fee worthwhile.

4. Riva Bianca, Italy

Known pretty much only to those living within the medieval town of Lierna on the eastern shore of northern Italys Lake Como, this lakeside hideout remains visited by mostly local families. Backed by the lush, vegetation-clad mountains surrounding Lake Como, Riva Bianca has less than a mile of shoreline, but don't let that put you off.

Overlooked by Castello di Lierna  an ancient defensive castle  Riva Bianca is an incredibly scenic spot while excellent pizza and gelato spots in Lierna are perfect for a quintessential Italian meal. You'll need swim shoes due to the small white pebbles the beach is named after, but it's worth it for a dip in the clean, calm waters.

(A guide to Lake Como's highlights.)

5. Veleka Beach, Bulgaria

Set against the backdrop of Strandzha mountains just seven miles from the Turkish border, Veleka is named after the river that flows into the Black Sea. While the beach typically extends for just less than a mile  providing ample space for sunbathing either by the river, or seaside  the width depends on the action of the river that year and the volume of water trickling down from the mountains.

At the Veleka Beach, visitors can swim in the Black Sea on one side and the Veleka river on the other.

Take advantage of the rivers calm waters by trying your hand at paddleboarding with the local windsurfing school before kicking back under one of the free umbrellas available at the beach entrance. While this spot is known to locals, facilities are limited. Arrive with enough refreshments and SPF to see you through a day under the blazing Bulgarian sun.

6. Plage Mala, France

Among the glitz and glamour of Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez lies Plage Mala. A small inlet of land tucked into a cove, this beach is the ultimate secret  hidden in the towering cliff faces of the French Riviera coast. With white sands and clear blue waters this crescent-shaped bay has the same beauty as the more popular beaches of the French Riviera, but on a quieter scale.

Access to the beach is limited, however it can be reached by either the coastal path along the Cap dAil shore, or the 100 steps of Allee Mala, found near Cap dAil train station. With turqouise water and steep cliffs Plage Mala is well-suited to those keen to try cliff jumping  be mindful of the safe swimming area reserved for those who prefer to save their energy for the long ascent back up the cliff.

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60 million tons of cargo exported so far through Ukrainian maritime corridor

Over 11 months, the Ukrainian maritime corridor transported 60 million tons of cargo, primarily from the Greater Odesa ports, according to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).



Of this, 40.6 million tons were grain exports delivered to 46 countries.



Notably, the Manta Hacer bulker carried 25,200 tons of humanitarian wheat to Yemen, chartered by the United Nations World Food Program.



Despite ongoing war and attacks on port infrastructure, Ukraine remains vital to global food security, especially in grain exports to Asia and Africa.



Before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine was the fifth-largest wheat exporter globally.

Russia's war against the country and its attempted blockade of the Black Sea forced Ukrainian exporters to seek alternative routes and markets.

Read also: Nearly third of Ukrainian families have enough money only for food, survey shows

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76-year-old charged for two New Mexico murders

TAOS COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE)  Authorities said two people were shot and killed in New Mexico. One man was linked to the deaths, they reported.

The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) said they responded to a shooting at a smoke shop on State Road 75 on Thursday and found a dead juvenile in the parking lot. She had multiple gunshot wounds.

Additionally, officers were called to Chamisal, where they found Ruben Martinez dead in a driveway. He also had a gunshot wound.

VIDEO: Truck crashes into thrift store in Cedar Crest, driver flees scene

NMSP said Manuel Martinez, 76, came to officers at the scene and admitted to being involved. A revolved was discovered in his truck, they stated.

Martinez was charged with two counts of murder and taken to the Taos County Adult Detention Center.

Authorities are still investigating.

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DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT)  The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) says two inmates who escaped from their assigned job sites in Decatur on Friday are back in custody.

On Saturday around 9:20 p.m., ADOC said Michael Louis Pattillo had been recaptured by its Law Enforcement Services Division and police in Montgomery. The department said Pattillo surrendered himself into custody.

Pattillo, 51, is serving a 20-year sentence for third-degree burglary out of Russell County.

LCSO: Inmate climbs over razor fence, returned to custody

ADOC said that Randall Lane Sparks turned himself in on Sunday at around 6:20 p.m. The 62-year-old was sentenced to serve a 20-year sentence for possession of a controlled substance out of Etowah County.

Both men escaped from the North Alabama Community Based Facility/Community Work Center in Decatur on Friday. Pattillo and Sparks are being held at the Kilby Infirmary.

Sparks reportedly escaped on Friday when he left his assigned job location.

Officials said Pattillo left his job site in Red GMC Sonoma at 7:25 p.m. on Friday.

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ELBA, Ala. (WHNT)  Authorities say a Limestone County man who escaped from a community-based facility in Coffee County on Friday is back in custody.

Alex Christopher Green is serving a 25-year sentence out of Limestone County for an assault. The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) said that Green had escaped custody around 9:20 a.m. Friday.

The agency said he was recaptured by 8:04 Friday night.

He was last seen wearing an inmate state khaki uniform.

The 48-year-old is 6 foot 5 inches and weighs 165 pounds. He has auburn-colored hair.

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Western Colorados Paradox Valley near the Dolores River is pictured on May 29, 2021. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

A draft proposal released this week by two county governments on Colorados Western Slope is drawing criticism from a coalition of conservation groups backing the creation of a new national monument along the Dolores River.

Advocates last year unveiled an ambitious proposal to designate a 391,000-acre expanse of public land near the Utah border in Mesa and Montrose counties as Colorados next national monument. Its the product, they say, of 50 years of study about how best to protect the regions dramatic high-desert landscape, portions of which already have some protections under special Bureau of Land Management designations.

But an alternative proposal offered Wednesday by Mesa and Montrose counties would shrink the proposed monument area by more than 90%, protecting just under 30,000 acres along the Dolores River as a national conservation area, a less restrictive designation. Mesa County calls the draft plan another starting place for conversation.

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We invite all residents to join us in determining the best path forward for western Colorado, Mesa county commissioners said in a press release. Members of the public can comment on the counties proposal online.

Dolores River Boating Advocates, a group founded in 2011 to advocate for permanent protections for the area, calls the counties plan grossly inadequate. The Protect the Dolores coalition, which includes more than a dozen local, state and national conservation groups, says it falls woefully short of achieving its stated goals.

Mesa and Montrose counties have failed, once again, to offer a good faith plan to safeguard the Dolores Canyons, Anna Stout, a Grand Junction City Council member, said in a statement released by the Protect the Dolores coalition. For almost 50 years, communities have worked to protect the outstanding wildlife, incredible canyons, and world class scenery found just outside Grand Junction.

Conservation advocates call the Dolores watersheds canyons the states largest and most biodiverse stretch of unprotected public lands. From its headwaters in the San Juan Mountains, the river runs north for 241 miles through parts of six Colorado counties and across the border into Utah, where it flows into the Colorado River northeast of Moab.

A bill to establish protections for the southern portion of the river, in Montezuma, Dolores and San Miguel counties, has won bipartisan support in Congress. The Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act is sponsored by Democratic U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Windsor.

So many other public lands bills in Congress trample on the rights and liberties of the American people, but this legislation is good for conservation, good for private property rights, and good for local communities, Boebert said last year.

Senators noncommittal

The plan endorsed by Mesa and Montrose counties would essentially mirror that approach for the northern segment of the watershed, establishing a narrow corridor along the river as a national conservation area. But conservation advocates say such an approach would fail to protect critical wildlife habitat, fisheries, historical and cultural sites, and other important areas covered under the full national monument proposal.

Bennet and Hickenlooper have been noncommittal on calls for a national monument designation, which could be enacted by President Joe Biden under the Antiquities Act without a need for congressional action. Biden previously used that authority to establish the 53,804-acre Camp HaleContinental Divide National Monument north of Leadville in 2022.

Over the last several months, we have spent time in the Northern Dolores Basin and had many conversations about its future, Bennet and Hickenlooper said in a joint statement earlier this month. It is clear that Coloradans care deeply about this landscape and many want it permanently protected. We also recognize there are legitimate questions and the need for further discussion.

In light of what they called Mesa and Montrose counties meager proposal, the Protect the Dolores coalition this week renewed their calls for bold action from the Biden administration.

We shouldnt wait another year to see it protected, much less risk decades more of inaction, Stout said. 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.

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Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding is waiving the annual service fee for merchants on Tmall and loosening its "refund only" policy to reward sellers with good track record on Taobao.

Tmall, home to mainly established brands and sellers, from September 1 will waive its annual software service fee that used to range from 30,000 yuan (US$4,145) to 60,000 yuan for merchants in various categories, Alibaba's main e-commerce unit Taobao and Tmall Group (TTG) announced on Friday. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

Existing Tmall sellers that paid the service fee in advance will receive a refund, while new merchants joining the platform after September will be exempt.

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In a separate announcement, Taobao said that its refund-only policy will be optimised to provide merchants with good track record on the marketplace more autonomy in handling refund requests from customers.

For merchants with an experience rating of 4.8 and above, Taobao said it will not intervene proactively to support consumers' requests for refunds. Instead, it will encourage the buyer and seller to negotiate, according to the TTG statement. For stores with lower ratings, Taobao said it will give them autonomy in varying degrees.

Alibaba Group Holding's Taobao remains the largest consumer-to-consumer shopping platform on the mainland. Photo: Shutterstock alt=Alibaba Group Holding's Taobao remains the largest consumer-to-consumer shopping platform on the mainland. Photo: Shutterstock>

Taobao and Chinese rival JD.com offered the refund-only policy in December, following an option that budget online retailer Pinduoduo has had in place since 2021. The policy allows shoppers to receive a refund for a product they are unhappy with, without having to return it. This arrangement has since sparked concern among some sellers about potential abuse of the terms.

While that policy has safeguarded consumer rights, it has also been exploited by some freebie seekers who have "harmed the legitimate rights of businesses", TGG said.

Taobao's latest move aims "to create a more positive and healthy e-commerce ecosystem by ensuring consumer rights and improving business environment at the same time", TTG said.

These initiatives by TTG reflect the group's efforts to boost support for merchants amid increased competition from main domestic rival JD.com and the challenge from younger platforms such as PDD Holdings' Pinduoduo and ByteDance-owned Douyin.

Story continues

Earlier this year, TTG introduced artificial intelligence tools and functions for merchants to help improve services and attract new customers.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

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New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1.1 million adults in Maryland have a disability. Photo by Danielle J. Brown

In the 30 years she has been working with people with disabilities, Ande Kolp has seen tremendous gains in the treatment and acceptance of them. And some not so tremendous gains as well.

Ive definitely seen how things have changed over the years, said Kolp, who is now the executive director of the Arc Maryland. Sometimes progress seems like its going really great and then things will happen in the environment and derail progress.

Her reaction was typical of advocates who were asked to assess the progress, if any, for people with disabilities since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law July 26, 1990  34 years ago Friday.

The law, which guarantees equal access for people with disabilities, has lived up to its promise in many respects, they say, particularly in Maryland, which stacks up well against other states. But there are also many areas with room for improvement, particularly in the delivery of needed services.

Theres been hard work and community engagement in self-identification and what it means to be a person with a disability, and taking away that stigma, said Randi Ames, managing attorney for Disability Rights Maryland. Its possible that more people are comfortable with acknowledging or self-identifying as a person with a disability.

And the law is likely to become more important, as the number of people who say they have a disability continues to increase, reaching almost one in four Marylanders in 2022, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is in part due to the fact that people are living longer and in part due to the success of the ADA, which has made people more willing to identify as having a disability, advocates say.

The ADA was groundbreaking for its time, guaranteeing civil rights protections to people with disabilities. Those have come to include everything from physical to mental and emotional disabilities.

The laws impact can be seen in parking lots across the country, where the familiar blue-and-white signs designate accessible parking spaces and where curbs and sidewalks have cuts and ramps to accommodate those in wheelchairs or with other mobility issues. Most new buildings are now designed with ADA-compliant doors and elevators and hallways and bathrooms.

But just as important are the intangible benefits including accommodations in classrooms and public spaces, nondiscrimination in employment and housing.

On many metrics of ADA compliance, Maryland stands above other states.

I think generally, in Maryland, Im pretty proud of us that were a pretty progressive state when it comes to disability rights policy and just how we treat our fellow citizens with disabilities, Kolp said.

She believes that Maryland has a reputation of treating people with respect and having services to help people with disabilities, factors that draw families to the state.

An April report from Policygenius, an insurance broker organization, rated the best states for living with a disability. Maryland was third best for its health care among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., and eighth best overall for someone with a disability.

With major medical centers in the region, such as the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Kolp said that many families shes worked with want to flock to Maryland because of our hospitals and our services here.

She also said Maryland is a leader in equal pay for people with disabilities, after the General Assembly in 2016 phased out 14(c) certificates, which let employers to pay subminimum wage to people with disabilities. As of 2020, employers must pay the same minimum wage to workers with disabilities and those without.

Maryland Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty believes the state is a leader in supporting people with disabilities.

Theres a lot of work to still be done, but I think in terms of supporting services for children and adults with disabilities, Maryland has been a leader for quite some time, she said Tuesday, at an event where Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed an executive order directing state agencies to use plain language, in documents and on websites.

That move is expected particularly benefit persons with disabilities, for whom the simple act of navigating state websites to receive available support and services can be a challenge. But the transition to plain language on all state documents and sites will likely not begin until the beginning of 2025, according to Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage.

That is far from the only challenge people with disabilities face in Maryland, however.

Last year, the U.S. Attorneys Office notified the Maryland Transit Administration that its paratransit service, known as MobilityLink, was not in compliance with ADA protections.

MTAs paratransit service fails to provide service that is comparable to the level of designated public transportation services provided to individuals without disabilities using such a system, wrote U.S. Attorney for Maryland Erek L. Barron and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane E. Andersen in a June 29, 2023, letter.

Kolp the problem is long delays for service.

There were people getting left out in the cold and sitting alone for hours, and their transportation would show up very late or didnt show up at all, she said. We have an obligation through the ADA to provide these services to people. I do believe its getting better, but its nowhere near what it needs to be.

Ames said that people with disabilities are still an underserved population and some of the major hurdles for Marylanders with disability are waitlists to receive services and administrative turnaround time for services.

While there are a lot of services available, there are a lot of restrictions and limitations, she said. People can wait years to access services.

Modifying some of the procedures and streamlining the system within the Department of Health to improve turnaround time for accessing services, reviewing requests and applications  thats a big issue, Ames said. Improving those administrative procedures could be one way of freeing up both the state and local agencies capacity. And hopefully in doing that, freeing up funds to expand programs and serve more people.

Meanwhile, the percentage of Marylanders who report having a disability has increased in recent years.

The CDC said more than 1.1 million adults in Maryland, or 24% of the states adult population, had a disability of some kind in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available. Thats higher than the previous six years.

One likely reason for the increase was the CDCs addition of long-COVID symptoms to the the definition of having a disability in2022. It included questions about those experiencing long-COVID, which it described as someone having symptoms lasting three months or longer that the person did not have before COVID.

SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE Some people with disabilities may be more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, or other respiratory viruses, because of underlying medical conditions, congregate living settings, or systemic health and social inequities, the CDC said in a statement.

Advocates speculate that there may be other factors.

Ames said that people are living longer, including those with disabilities, which could be contributing to the rising rates among Marylanders.

In our experience, people with disabilities in general are living longer because of improvements in health care and expansions in home and community-based services, she said.

Rachel London, executive director for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, says that the updated numbers underline the need for people with disabilities to have access to necessary supports in society.

Everything needs to be inclusive of people with disabilities, London said. We always need to make sure that people with disabilities are a priority.

Kolp agrees.

Acceptance of disability and the disability pride has grown, Kolp said. Now its kind of like, disability is natural. And people are less hesitant to seek answers  to get a diagnosis.

I think we will see more progress in the next few years, than what we saw two decades agoAn equitable society is the best society. Equity is bringing all people to the same starting point, she said.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Abilene Independent School Districts Homeless Student Programs hosted two days of school supply drives to donate more than 1,000 backpacks next month.

LIST: 2024-25 first day of school in the Big Country

On July 13th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Northside Walmart, and on July 27th at Southside Walmart, AISD staff, the Junior League of Abilene, and other volunteers spent the day handing out and collecting school supplies. Darrin Cox, the Homeless Liaison for Abilene ISD, shared that it had been a busy day.

It went wild. We loaded the bus up once we moved out, and loaded it up again. We stopped handing out cards. Its Tuesday and people are still bringing things by and helping us out. Its gonna be a great way to pack the backpacks up, getting ready for all this, Cox shared.

Wylie ISD implements No Cell from Bell to Bell policy: phones prohibited in the classroom.

Supplies collected will be distributed at the Back-to-School Resource Fair and Family Fun Day, which will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on August 10 at the Abilene Convention Center, located at 1100 North 6th Street.

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A 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Beret talks to a Danish Special Operation Forces Operator in Utqiagvik on March 6, 2024. Green Berets and Danish Jaeger Corps trained in extreme weather conditions during Arctic Edge 24 (AE24). AE24 is a biannual defense exercise for U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate the Commands ability to conduct Globally Integrated Layered Defenses in the Arctic. (Photo by Sgt. Shai Zachar/U.S. Army)

A 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Beret talks to a Danish Special Operation Forces Operator in Utqiagvik on March 6. Soldiers from the Green Berets and Danish Jaeger Corps were among those who trained in extreme weather conditions during Arctic Edge 2024, an exercise that brings together military branches from different Arctic nations. This U.S. Northern Command exercise is among the collaborations promoted in the Department of Defense's newly released Arctic strategy. (Photo by Sgt. Shai Zachar/U.S. Army)

The U.S. Department of Defense Arctic strategy released on Monday highlights Alaskas importance as the far north is increasingly militarized.

The release was timely. On Wednesday air crews from the North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD, intercepted two Chinese and two Russian military planes that were flying off Alaskas coast.

The Chinese and Russian planes were not in U.S. airspace and were not seen as a threat, but they were in an area called the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone, NORAD said. The incident follows one in May, in which NORAD detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft flying in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone.

The new Department of Defense Arctic strategy places a sharp focus on Russia, China and the increasing cooperation of those two nations in Arctic activities.

Despite the costs of its invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to be a threat to Arctic stability, including in areas near Alaska, the strategy said.

In addition to nuclear, conventional, and special operations threats, Russia seeks to carry out lower-level destabilizing activities in the Arctic against the United States and our Allies, including through Global Positioning System jamming and military flights that are conducted in an unprofessional manner inconsistent with international law and custom, it said.

Those and other Russian activities could hinder U.S. capabilities to respond to crisis events, the strategy said. Additionally, Russias maritime infrastructure could allow it to enforce excessive and illegal maritime claims along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) between the Bering Strait and Kara Strait, it said.

A U.S. Marine fires a stinger training launch simulator at Fort Greely on March 14, 2018, as part of that year's multinational and multiforce Arctic Edge exercise. The Marines are part of the U.S. Army Alaska-led Joint Force Land Component Command. The biennial Arctic Edge operations are large-scale, joint-training exercise that prepares and tests the U.S. military's ability to operate tactically in the extreme cold-weather conditions found in Arctic environments. (Photo by Lance Cpl Cody Ohira/U.S. Marine Corps)

Chinas expanding presence in the Arctic and its emerging cooperation with Russia  something on which the latter country is becoming increasingly reliant as its isolation and costs of the Ukraine war mount  can also be seen off the Alaska coast, the strategy document said. It mentioned joint Russia-China navy exercises held in 2022 and 2023 in international waters off Alaskas coast.

The focus on China and Russia are important elements of the departments Arctic strategy, which updates the previous strategy issued in 2015, said Iris Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Arctic and global resilience.

There has been quite a bit of change just over that last five years, Ferguson said at a panel discussion held on Tuesday by the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. The center is a nonpartisan research and policy organization that includes in its programs a polar institute.

Alaska is important to homeland defense, which is the top national defense priority, Ferguson said at the Wilson Centers panel discussion.

As it turns out, the Arctic plays an incredibly important role in homeland defense, she said. We have an immense amount of our own defense assets that reside in the Arctic region, especially in Alaska, not only to protect our homeland but also to protect from Alaska elsewhere.

The newly released Arctic strategy calls for the department to maintain investments in Alaska infrastructure, among other goals.

Climate change, which has changed the land and sea even over the past five years, poses other challenges to the U.S. Arctic military position, the strategy document said.

U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen pull a mock patient through the snow at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on March 5 in a mass-casualty drill conducted as part of the Arctic Edge 2024 exercise. Arctic Edge is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the Arctic. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Madisyn Paschal/U.S. Marine Corps)

Ferguson, speaking at Tuesdays event, said permafrost thaw and coastal erosion are compromising some facilities. Meanwhile, the retreat of sea ice is allowing for more ship traffic, she said. The accelerated melt of sea ice is having some other, lesser-known effects, she said. Research is underway to better understand how noises from thawing and melting ice, along with a bigger quantity of freshwater, might be affecting acoustic devices used by military forces, she said.

In contrast to the new threats that might be posed by Russia, China or those two nations working together, the U.S. Arctic position benefits from new alliances. Most significantly, Sweden and Finland have now joined NATO, strengthening the North American-Nordic collaborations.

Among those collaborations was the international military exercise Arctic Edge 2024, held in February and March in various parts of Alaska, which provided training on cold-weather operations. A parallel but related international exercise was held at the same time in Norway.

While the Arctic strategy emphasizes international collaborations, it also points to collaborations within Alaska that are with the state government, local governments, communities, tribal governments and other Indigenous groups.

The Department of Defense also partners with the U.S. Coast Guard on Arctic issues, Ferguson noted. She said the department is strongly supportive of the Coast Guards efforts to expand its icebreaking fleet, which currently consists of only two polar-class ships.

To that end, the White House earlier this month announced a new U.S.-Canada-Finland partnership to build more icebreakers. Called the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, or ICE Pact, the partnership is about more than the collective production of polar icebreakers and capabilities, including Arctic and polar-capable ships, the July 11 White House statement said.

It is about providing the capability for like-minded nations to uphold international rules, norms, and standards to sustain peace and stability in the Arctic and Antarctic regions for generations to come.

North American Aerospace Defense Command fighter aircraft intercept one of the four military planes from Russia and China that entered airspace off Alaska's coast on July 24, 2024. The identified and intercepted planes, two from each country, were operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. It is international airspace, but NORAD tracks the aircraft that fly through it. (Photo provided by NORAD)

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Federal agents arrested two Mexican alleged cartel bosses on Thursday, including Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of infamous cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, in one of the biggest victories for US law enforcement in recent years.

The two detained men belong to the Sinaloa cartel, one of the worlds most powerful drug-trafficking organizations, thought to be responsible for the trafficking of vast amounts of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the US.

Investigators exploited a rift in the cartel and used the help of Guzman Lopez to lure the other suspect, Ismael El Mayo Zambada, onto a flight bound for El Paso, Texas, where they were eventually arrested. Zambada is a co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel.

El Mayo and Guzman Lopez join an increasingly long list of Sinaloa Cartel leaders and associates whom the Department of Justice holds accountable in the United States, said Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Here are some of the men they join on that list:

Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz, "El Marro," leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, is arrested on August 2020. - GDA/AP Images

Jose Antonio Yepez, El Marro (August 2020)

Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz, arrested in August 2020 in Guanajuato, was considered by authorities to be the leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel.

At the time, Mexicos Secretary of Security Alfonso Durazo confirmed Yepezs arrest via his official Twitter account, noting that El Marro was detained under a warrant for organized crime and fuel theft.

In January 2022, a court in Guanajuato sentenced Yepez to 60 years in prison for kidnapping, according to the State Attorney Generals office.

The Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel has generated most of its income through fuel theft and extortion, according to Mexican authorities. El Marro had been sought for months, with authorities targeting his family and close associates amid a surge in violence in Guanajuato, an area controlled by the cartel.

A 'Wanted' poster for Rafael Caro Quintero - AP

Rafael Caro Quintero (July 2022)

Rafael Caro Quintero, one of the FBIs most wanted fugitives, was arrested in July 2022 by the Mexican Navy, having been on the run since 2013.

Born in 1952, Caro Quintero founded the now-defunct Guadalajara cartel in the 1970s with Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo and other drug traffickers, according to the US State Department. He is allegedly responsible for the cultivation, shipment, and distribution of large amounts of marijuana in Mexico.

An extradition order to the United States is pending against him. However, in July 2022, a judge temporarily suspended the extradition process. Caro Quintero is accused of kidnapping, torturing, and murdering Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Kiki Camarena in 1985.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez during his detention in Culiacan, Mexico - CEPROPIE/AP

Ovidio Guzman El Raton (January 2023)

Ovidio Guzman Lopez, another son of El Chapo, is believed to play a significant role in the Sinaloa cartel, according to the US Department of the Treasury.

Guzman was extradited from Mexico to the US in September 2023, as confirmed by the US Department of Justice. He faces charges in the US for conspiracy to import and distribute drugs, along with his brother Joaquin Guzman Lopez.

In 2019, the Mexican government captured Guzman in Culiacan, Sinaloa, but later released him amid a tense situation between government forces and armed groups loyal to his organization. In October of that year, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador admitted his government had ordered the release, stating that it had prevented a bloodbath. Guzman Lopez was later recaptured on January 5, 2023, in a raid in Sinaloa, according to Mexican authorities.

His defense has requested additional time to review documents presented by US prosecutors during a recent hearing concerning the charges against him. According to the case file, the defendants lawyers sought a review under Rule 16, which mandates information exchange between attorneys and prosecutors for trial preparation. Consequently, a new hearing has been scheduled for October 1.

Nestor Isidro Perez is belived to be one of the leaders in the Chapitos' security apparatus. - United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Nestor Isidro Perez El Nini (November 2023)

Nestor Isidro Perez Salas was arrested in November 2023 in Culiacan and subsequently extradited to the United States. The US considers him one of the leaders of the Sinaloa cartel and linked with the security apparatus of Los Chapitos, a faction of the cartel associated with the children of El Chapo.

Perez faces charges in two federal indictments. The first, in the District of Columbia, includes cocaine and methamphetamine importation, firearm possession, and conspiracy to obstruct justice through murder.

The second, in the Southern District of New York, accuses him of leading a criminal enterprise responsible for multiple deaths  including of a DEA informant  fentanyl trafficking, obstruction of justice through the murder of an informant, kidnapping with fatal outcomes for eight people, including a minor, and money laundering.

On May 30, Perez pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces in New York.

Ismael El Mayo Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez (July 2024)

Ismael El Mayo Zambada was arrested on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in El Paso, Texas, alongside Joaquin Guzman Lopez, 38, son of El Chapo. Both are in US custody, according to the Department of Justice.

Zambada is considered by US authorities to be the current leader of the Sinaloa cartel. His name has appeared in drug trafficking files for years, but there are no known charges against him in Mexico.

The US Department of Justice stated that both face several charges for leading the cartels criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks.

Authorities had been searching for Zambada for years, and in 2021 increased the reward for information leading to his arrest to $15 million.

On July 26 Zambada pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in the United States.

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CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Locals looking to fly out on a commercial airline from somewhere besides San Diego International Airport will soon be able to at McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD).

American Airlines announced it has added twice daily nonstop flights between the Carlsbad airport and Phoenix, AZ, FOX 5/KUSIs reporting partners the San Diego Union-Tribune said on Friday.

Starting on Feb. 13, 2025, outbound flights to Phoenix will depart at 6:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., according to the paper.

The Tribune reported that this isnt the first time Carlsbad and American Airlines have been linked as it has been nearly 30 years since the commercial airline has flown out of CLD.

Watch: Drone footage of Comic-Con

American looks forward to connecting Carlsbad to our comprehensive global network starting next February, the airline said in an emailed statement to the U-T. This new service will provide convenient one-stop connections to destinations across the United States and Mexico while bringing travelers from around the world to see all that Carlsbad has to offer.

Jamie Abbott, director of airports with the County of San Diego, told the paper American Airlines last operated out of the CLD between 1991 and 1997 when its American Eagle brand flew between Carlsbad and Los Angeles.

The new flights between Carlsbad and Phoenix will be operated by American Airlines subsidiary Envoy Air using the 76-seat Embraer E175 aircraft, the U-T reports. It will also be flown under the American Eagle brand.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Another suspect ends up in the Puyallup River during deputy pursuit

On Friday the Pierce County Sheriffs Department released body camera video of a suspect pursuit that ended in the Puyallup river on July 12.

On Wednesday KIRO 7 told you about another deputy pursuit that also ended in the Puyallup River. One suspect needed rescue. The circumstances in this previous incident were very different.

On Sunday July 12 a deputy spotted a vehicle in the Edgewood area driving on the wrong side of the road in the 19000 block of Meridian Avenue East, nearly hitting another vehicle head on.

The deputy tried to pull the driver over, but he took off.

The suspect drove to a closed gate and then ran into the Puyallup River. The river in this spot was only about 2 feet deep. At that point with multiple deputies at the rivers edge, the suspect pretty much gave up.

One deputy went into the water to grab the suspect and escort him to shore, where he was cuffed and taken to jail.

The suspect was booked on two outstanding warrants as well as new charges of Reckless Driving and Attempting to Elude.

The suspect says he ran because he thought that deputies were not allowed to chase him. Pursuit law changed in Washington State on June 6.
The Carmel Unified School District has agreed to take a host of actions to address antisemitism at an unidentified campus. (Google Maps)

Jewish students at a Carmel Unified School District campus were subjected to pervasive, antisemitic harassment over a three-year period, exposed to repeated swastika graffiti in bathrooms and on desks, a Hitler reference and a verbal threat targeting Jewish people, a federal civil rights investigation found.

The incidents "potentially exposed hundreds of students to antisemitic imagery," resulting in a "hostile environment"  one that the district failed to eliminate, investigators with the Department of Education wrote in a 13-page letter to the district Friday outlining the violations and remedies.

Although the district did not admit it violated the law, school officials entered into an agreement with the department's Office of Civil Rights to address campus adherence to Title VI  a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin, including shared ancestry. The district will take 10 actions, including revising polices for reporting and responding to harassment complaints and training administrators to investigate and document complaints.

"I am fully committed to creating a safe environment for all of our students, as a school needs to be a place for growth and learning, not trauma," Carmel Unified Supt. Sharon Ofek said in a statement. "As a Jewish-American, I fully support this major step towards ensuring that antisemitism is completely eradicated from the classroom, culture, and overall learning environment. To the victims whose unfortunate experiences led to the OCR investigation, know that you are not alone, and I am always here to support you."

The Carmel Unified case is one of about 32 open investigations into discrimination based on national origin in California schools, according to the education department database.

Read more: Federal civil rights probes launched into UCLA, UC San Diego and other California campuses

The database shows the investigation opened in 2022, when a female student, who was not identified, alleged that the district discriminated against Jewish students by failing to "promptly and effectively" respond to reports of swastikas drawings at an unidentified school. The student also said that the district retaliated against her after she alleged discrimination, though investigators did not find sufficient evidence to substantiate this claim.

Investigators found nine instances involving swastikas and one instance of the N-word in 2021 and 2022. During the 2023-24 school year, six more incidents of harassment were reported. Due to high staff turnover, the district said, no records could be found for the 2022-23 school year.

Although district officials investigated several of the incidents and sought disciplinary measures, they failed to prevent them from happening again. They also did not recognize and try to eliminate the hostile environment the incidents created for Jewish students, according to the letter.

In repeated instances of swastika graffiti in the bathrooms, staff reviewed handwriting samples, campus security recordings and monitored the bathrooms before and after class, but were unable to find the person responsible.

Swastikas were also found on desks, rulers and on a student's skin, the investigators found. One student was suspended.

Though administrators visited classrooms to discuss hate speech, graffiti and the consequences for such actions, they did not discuss swastikas or the meaning behind them, the federal report said. The school could also not prove that it offered counseling to those who witnessed or were victimized by the harassment.

"All we received was an unhelpful five-minute spiel in... class," a student said during public comment at a 2022 Board of Education meeting. "The five-minute spiel just said that hate speech was happening and that the consequences would be suspension and possibly expulsion.

By that point, the school had formed an Anti-Hate Speech Task Force made up of students, staff and administrators. They held at least 10 meetings, set goals toward improving school climate and sent out a race relations survey, which found that 40.49% of respondents were upset when they learned about the racially motivated hate graffiti in bathrooms, on backpacks, and elsewhere."

However, the Office of Civil Rights found no evidence that tangible steps were taken to meet those goals or change campus climate.

Read more: Berkeley schools chief grilled by Congress on claims of rampant antisemitism in K-12 classrooms

The incidents continued in the 2023-24 school year. The Office of Civil Rights received reports of more swastika graffiti and a Hitler reference, destruction of a movie poster and a verbal threat by a student targeting Jewish people that was not investigated, according to the letter.

As part of its agreement with the Department of Education, the district will address incidents of alleged harassment dating back to 2021, revise and disseminate its harassment policies and procedures, and develop a new way to track complaints. District officials have also agreed to educate students and parents on the types of discrimination that Title VI prohibits and how to report alleged violations, conduct a school climate survey with an eye toward antisemitism and come up with a plan to address the results.

On the administrative side, the district must train those responsible for investigating and resolving complaints on how to do so, and relay those responses to the Office of Civil Rights for the next two years.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
For Michelob Ultra, its partnership with Team USA starting with the 2024 Paris Olympics provide a platform to showcase its already entrenched and successful marketing strategy built around sports to a broader audience.

As one Anheuser-Busch InBev beer trends down, another is eyeing the crown.

Michelob Ultra rose the ranks to become the second highest-selling beer by dollar sales last week, as Bud Light declined to No. 3, according to Beer Marketer's Insights.

Bud Light was the highest selling beer last year but was dethroned by Modelo Especial after a collaboration with social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney sparked controversy.

"Bud Light had a huge decline last year and continues to decline this year," said David Steinman, the vice president and executive editor of Beer Marketer's Insights, "but Anheuser-Busch has kind of been working towards this shift in their portfolio for some time at this point.

Anheuser-Busch InBev has a significant tie to Ohio, as the world's largest brewer has a brewery in Columbus that opened its doors in 1968. The brewery boasts the capability of brewing 10 million barrels of beer a year.

Ohio is also home to a MillerCoors brewery in Trenton and a Samuel Adams brewery in Cincinnati. Last year, beer consumption in the state was responsible for more than $3.1 million in economic impact, according to the Brewers Association.

U.S. beer sales volume slowed in 2023, according to the Brewers Association.

Bud Light leaves room at the tap

Steinman said Anheuser-Busch has been trying to prioritize Michelob Ultra as its main product.

"It is very significant, the beginning of this mix in the balance of Anheuser-Busch's portfolio," he said. "If Michelob Ultra can sustain these kinds of trends while Bud Light is a smaller piece to their mix, it could be a recipe for better results going forward."

Steinman said tracked retail data showed Modelo Especial, a Mexican lager, is significantly ahead of Bud Light and Michelob Ultra at this point, and it's growing at a faster rate.

"It's kind of pulling ahead of the pack, and it has a pretty comfortable lead," he said.

However, Bud Light still leads sales by volume, he said, but their differences in pricing have contributed to the ranking switch.

"At least in the Circana data, [Bud Light] is ahead of both of these brands by a little bit, though that gap is closing, too," Steinman said, "but because Modelo Especial is a much higher price on average, the number of dollar sales that Modelo makes is comfortably ahead of Bud Light and Michelob Ultra."

What are the Top 10 beers in the US?

Here are the Top 10 best-selling beers in the U.S., according to Beer Marketer's Insights:

Modelo Especial Michelob Ultra Bud Light Coors Light Miller Lite Corona Extra Budweiser Busch Light Natural Light Heineken

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Michelob Ultra rises to second best-selling beer in US by dollar sales
Apple and the unionized employees at its Towson, Maryland retail store have reached a tentative agreement that could secure them better pay, job protections, scheduling improvements to support a work-life balance and a more transparent disciplinary process. The Towson location in 2022 became the first Apple Store in the country to unionize, and back in May, it voted to authorize a strike against the company after unsatisfactory negotiation outcomes.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) said its been negotiating with Apple since January 2023. Under the tentative three-year agreement theyve now reached, workers would be given average raises of 10 percent over the life of the contract, and starting pay rates for most positions would go up. The agreement would also establish a severance clause. The union represents about 85 employees, who will get to vote on the agreement on August 6.
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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Benny Magness (left) leads a Board of Corrections meeting in North Little Rock on July 26, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

The Arkansas Board of Corrections on Friday approved a $1.5 billion medical contract, heard updates on policy procedures related to the Protect Arkansas Act and delayed hiring a new public information officer.

The board also suspended the rules during a discussion of construction projects and approved a staff study to consider a 100-bed expansion in Mississippi County while land-acquisition delays put construction on hold.

The new $1.54 billion contract with WellPath extends the companys long relationship with the state prison system to provide medical services to inmates for the next 10 years.

The Department of Corrections has contracted with WellPath, previously called Correct Care Solutions, for more than a decade. The company has been providing interim services since its previous contract ended in 2022, officials said.

Inmates did not go without medical services while contract negotiations were underway, Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace said Friday.

WellPath was chosen from among five bidders for the new contract.

Though the board approved WellPaths contract, there is a two-week window during which any of the other companies that submitted bids for the contract can protest the decision. Protests related to medical contracts are not uncommon, according to department staff who said they felt confident a company could not make a case against the agencys decision.

The Arkansas Legislature also has to approve the contract, which is expected in August.

The contract will ensure all inmates under the Arkansas Division of Correction, Division of Community Correction and inmates who are in county or city jails because of lack of space in state facilities have medical care for the next decade.

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The first year of the contract is expected to cost nearly $128.5 million; by 2034, the annual cost is expected to be more than $179 million.

Its been two years worth of hard work, and I believe that we have collaborated and have a great partnership, said Dona Gordon, regional vice president for WellPath. We will continue to supply quality care to our inmate population because they are our patients and they deserve care, and thats what were here to provide.

Policy update

The Department of Corrections staff is currently working to implement various policy requirements as described in the Protect Arkansas Act, an overhaul of the states parole system.

Wallace, who provided the board with a policy update in place of a staff member that was out of town, said the department was on track to implement the requirements.

I think, ideally, we would have been farther along in the process, Wallace said. But I think well be OK. If push comes to shove, we can request emergency rule making from the governors office to get things sent along.

Though it would be voted on later in the meeting, Wallace also prefaced the board with information about a committee to set the process for new earned release credits.

The Protect Act directs the program to focus on work practices, job responsibilities, good behavior and involvement in rehabilitative activities. It specifically lists GED certificate completion, vocational programs for which certificates are awarded and substance abuse treatment. The committee will decide how the credits are weighted.

The details of the credit program have to be developed through the rule-making process, which includes approval of a draft rule, a 30-day public comment period, approval of a permanent rule and final approval from the state Legislature.

The earned release credit program will likely rely on the departments programming, which board member Lona McCastlain said Friday is weak.

If we dont have any programs, then they [inmates] cant earn the earned release credits, she said.

Wallace said she is working to hire for an assistant director position who will work in tandem with the earned release credit committee and programs. She also said staff is completing a program analysis.

Public information officer

Earlier this week, the prisons board held a special-called meeting to discuss applications for a new public information officer, commonly known as a PIO. After an executive session, the board approved a five-member committee to whittle 26 applicants down to five for interviewing by Friday.

The board voted Friday to delay the process of hiring the new PIO.

McCastlain, who was assigned as the chair of the committee, said the existing job description for the PIO was outdated and should be updated and advertised again.

Wallace said the next steps include contacting personnel management to approve the job description change and listing the position for a minimum of five days. Officials said the 26 applicants who previously applied will be alerted via email about the new listing.

Dina Tyler, the departments previous PIO, held the position for nearly three decades. She completed her last day with the agency last month after a short return from an earlier retirement. Staff have worked together to fill the role during the hiring process.

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The Sacramento County Sheriffs Gang Suppression Unit and SWAT detectives arrested an armed juvenile allegedly en route to confront rival gang members Thursday evening, according to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office.

GSU detectives had been tracking a car reported stolen in a carjacking, Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a spokesman with the Sacramento Sheriffs Office, said in a release. On Thursday, when officers attempted a vehicle stop, the suspect vehicle fled at a high speed to an apartment complex associated with a gang, authorities said. Vehicle passengers fled on foot.

The officers arrested one of the juveniles after discovering two loaded handguns and two unserialized AR-15-style pistols with high-capacity magazines inside the vehicle. The individual had previously been arrested by GSU detectives earlier in the year for multiple firearms possession charges.

Detectives confirmed the group of gang members were responsible for numerous recent shootings and homicides in the region, according to the press release.

The rival gang members were also armed and anticipating the arrival of the armed vehicle, which would have predictably resulted in a major gunfight amid unsuspecting and uninvolved residents, according to the news release.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper attributed gang-related violence to soft juvenile justice laws that lack accountability for violent crimes.

Our community is being victimized because of laws that side with these violent individuals and consider the victims as collateral damage, he said.

Cooper said that this leniency emboldens gang members and sends a message that criminal behavior is somewhat acceptable. Its not acceptable, and I will continue to fight to keep our community safe and for accountability.
As the parent of two children in Ashland Public Schools, including a 10-year-old son with a learning disability, I have long been alarmed by the impact that the MCAS graduation requirement has on children of all ages. That is why Im fighting for Massachusetts to replace this requirement with a more common-sense measure, one where districts certify that graduating students have mastered the skills and knowledge they need, as decided by the states rigorous and comprehensive academic standards.

Throughout my sons time in Ashland Public Schools, other local parents of kids with special needs and I have discussed our concern about the harm caused to our children by an over-emphasis on a single test. Many of us feel the state needs to change the graduation requirement once and for all, before it impacts even one more high school seniors future. Educators need to be free to teach children as individuals, based on their needs, and inspire a love of learning. Right now, the MCAS graduation requirement is getting in the way of that. At the same time, we know that MCAS scores are not an accurate or fair measure of student achievement  teachers' classroom assessments are much better.

When I found out that the Massachusetts Teachers Association, parent groups and public education advocates were involved in a ballot initiative campaign to replace the graduation requirement, I jumped at the chance to work with my childrens educators to ensure we can prepare all students for success.

At the same time, I was grappling with the stress of MCAS season. The night before my sons first MCAS test this spring, one of his educators suggested some techniques I could use to calm his overwhelming anxiety. In the weeks before the MCAS started, I got feedback from his educators that he was having some behavioral issues, and they thought it was because of the upcoming MCAS.

The high-stakes graduation requirement tied to the MCAS creates a system where teachers feel pressure to teach to the test, rather than engaging students in an exciting curriculum. Its so important, especially for kids with learning disabilities, that they maintain a drive to learn. Ive seen how this teaching to the test disengages my son. His school days are significantly better before MCAS season begins because he has a consistent schedule, and his educators can teach him material that meets the state standards in a way thats fun and exciting. During the MCAS, there are so many changes to his schedule, and it throws him off, affecting his ability to learn.

Through collecting signatures for the ballot campaign, Ive learned that it isnt just the parents of kids with disabilities who are concerned about the test-based graduation requirement. Students of color, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and students learning English as a new language are also disproportionately harmed by the graduation requirement. But the bottom line is that the high-stakes nature of these tests heightens the stress levels and pressure on all public school students in our state.

Many people I speak with about this dont even know what the MCAS is, or that their kids will have to pass all sections of this test in 10th grade as a graduation requirement. And they are alarmed to learn about this unfair and narrow measure. A lot of people, especially those with kids in middle and high school, were quick to sign the petition to place the question on the ballot.

If we replace the graduation requirement, students will still take the MCAS  because its required by federal law  but we wont be misusing the test. We will see students thriving as educators do what they do best  engaging students and getting them excited about learning and helping them develop the knowledge and skills they need to prepare for college and careers.

I know we can reach this better future, for my children and for all the children in our state. We need to replace the graduation requirement tied to MCAS, once and for all.

Joy Ahmed is an Ashland resident.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Ashland mother supports replacing mcas test as graduation requirement
After the assassination attempt, whats next for the 2024 election cycle?

After the assassination attempt, whats next for the 2024 election cycle?

DENVER (KDVR)  In a U.S. presidential election year thats seen an assassination attempt, politicians across the aisle are placing the blame elsewhere as others urge to dial down the rhetoric.

On this weeks Colorado Point of View, political analysts look at the impact of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, who has now selected JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, non-citizens could be allowed to apply for first responder jobs in Denver.

Watch the full episode in the video player above. Colorado Point of View airs weekends on Colorados Very Own Channel 2.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
As parents and educators, we often encourage students to reach for the stars. Our Tennessee Tech University alumnus and trustee Barry Butch Wilmore took that advice quite literally.

The Middle Tennessee native and two-time graduate of our College of Engineering remains docked at the International Space Station on his third spaceflight as a NASA astronaut, this time as part of the historic maiden manned voyage of the Boeing Starliner.

For all of us here at Barrys alma mater, the experience of watching one of our own soar to new heights is a source of incredible pride  and a reminder that education still holds the power to take us farther than we can imagine.

Hundreds of graduates have gone to work for NASA

To be sure, Barrys successes are first and foremost a result of his God-given talents, hard work and inquisitive nature. He often says, after all, that his first word as a child was why? But he has also shared that his years on our campus made a difference in his lifes journey  and hes not alone. As Tennessees leading STEM university, more than 200 Tennessee Tech graduates have fulfilled a dream of working for NASA, while hundreds of others have worked for NASA contractors.

Tennessee native and NASA astronaut Barry Wilmore is pictured wearing a Tennessee Tech athletics hat during his June 2024 visit to the International Space Station as part of the Boeing Starliner flight crew.

Their stories are instructive as some people today are wondering about the value of a four-year college degree. While each students path is unique, these alumni remind us that a college education continues to offer Tennesseans the best shot at meaningful careers that help them reach their goals  even if those goals involve staying firmly planted on Earth.

Studies show that, compared with individuals whose highest degree is a high school diploma, college degree holders are 24% more likely to be employed. On average, Tennesseans with a four-year college degree also earn $1.4 million more than high school graduates over their careers, due in part to the fact that around 60% of all jobs in our state require some form of postsecondary education.

Research published in The Economist even shows that higher education is tied to longer life expectancies, finding that a 25-year-old American with a university degree can expect to live a decade longer than a contemporary who dropped out of high school.

Whats more, individuals with a college degree are significantly more likely to report satisfaction with their lives than those without. At Tennessee Tech, specifically, more than half of all graduates say their careers make the world a better place  all while our alumni also have the lowest median debt of any public university graduates in the state.

More: See which Tennessee colleges made the cut in Money's 2024 ratings

New nuclear engineering program launches soon

This fall, thanks to the support of trustees like Barry, Tennessee Tech will accelerate our plans to prepare the workforce of the future with the launch of our nuclear engineering degree program, only the second in the state of Tennessee. The program is a response to findings like those from a 2021 Center for Energy Workforce Development study projecting a need for some 15,000 nuclear industry employees by 2026  meaningful, high-paying jobs in waiting that we aim to fill with our states greatest export: Tennessee Tech graduates.

Of course, our workforce preparedness efforts are not limited to engineering. A little-known fact is that Tennessee Tech continues to produce the most teachers in the state, or that our nursing students earn some of the highest pass rates on their licensure exams, scoring a near-perfect 97% in the last recorded year. We know that our sister institutions across the state are making great strides to align students skills with workforce needs, too. Thats what we do in higher education.

As Tennesseans eagerly await Barrys safe return home, we can continue to learn from his example, including his educational pursuits. His accomplishments and character inspire countless Tennesseans to dream a bigger dream for their own lives. A college degree can turn those dreams into reality.

Philip Oldham

Philip Oldham, Ph.D., is the president of Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Tech trained astronaut Butch Wilmore and others like him
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Attorney Generals office notified Oklahoma State School Board members and State Superintendent Ryan Walters they cannot legally stop certain legislators from sitting in on their executive session discussions, as they did to Sen. Mary Boren last month.

News 4 obtained a July 18 letter sent from the Oklahoma Attorney Generals office to members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education and State Superintendent Ryan Walters, telling state law makers they cannot legally bar a state legislator from sitting in on their executive sessions, as long as that state legislator sits on an education committee.

OKLAHOMA NEWS: State Senator considering legal action against state school board, Walters

Last month, News 4 reported attorneys for the State Board of Education blocked State Sen. Mary Boren (D-Norman) from sitting in on the boards executive session discussions, despite the fact Boren sits on the Senates education committee.

I was a little surprised that they werent aware of what the law was, Boren told News 4. I had emailed the law to them earlier that morning. I thought that that I had done all I was supposed to do to be able to observe that executive session. But nonetheless, I was not permitted to observe that session.

Last month, Boren told News 4 she wanted Attorney General Gentner Drummond to give an opinion on whether or not it was legal for the board to prevent her from entering.

While Drummond has not issued a formal opinion, his office did assert its role as the State Board of Educations legal representation to offer the board legal guidance via that July 18 letter.

Please be advised that this email serves as notice of my counsel on this issue, Oklahoma AGs Office Deputy General Counsel Thomas Schnieder wrote in the letter, which he sent to Walters and state school board members via email. After reviewing the provision together, we [the Attorney General and I] believe that the statute is clear and makes no exception for state agencies, boards, and commissions.

LOCAL NEWS: AG Drummond issues opinions involving ODOT, OTA leadership

Schnieder went on to write state law permits any legislator with a committee assignment to attend any executive session.

In a statement Friday, Attorney General Gentner Drummond told News 4:

The law is clear that legislators have significant oversight authority. No elected representative of the people should be prevented from exercising that statutory power. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond

Boren was unaware about the letter the AGs office sent until News 4 shared it with her Friday. She told News 4 she was pleased to see it.

The Attorney General is the attorney for the state, its the attorney for agencies and boards, Boren said. And so you would hope that an Attorney Generals interpretation of the law by somebody that has many more years of experience of making sure that boards comply with the Open Meetings Act  would be adhered to.

On July 19, Boren actually sent her own letter to Walters and the state school board.

In it, she also cited laws she said made clear: she is allowed to sit in on their executive sessions.

In the letter, she informed the board, Walters and their legal counsel that she plans to sit in on their executive session at next Wednesdays meeting.

With this letter Im notifying you and the members of the SBE of my intention to exercise my responsibility under 25 O.S. 310 to observe the SBE executive session scheduled for July 31, 2024, Boren wrote in her letter.

She also wrote that she hoped, if the State Board of Education had any further objections, that they could communicate them to her in a more cordial way, in advance of the meeting.

As you know, on June 27, 2024, you prohibited me from exercising my privilege under 310 of the Open Meetings Act from attending the executive session of the SBE, Boren wrote. At that time, the SBEs attorney advised you that the attorney client privilege prevented me from observing the executive session. She relayed your decision to me outside of the room where the executive session was to convene. After her explanation, I left. Hopefully, this letter will improve our ability to communicate in a less contentious way.

LOCAL NEWS: AG Drummond preps argument in pivotal religious liberty case

Boren told News 4, as of Friday, she still had not received any response to her letter.

The Attorney Generals office told News 4 nobody had responded to theirs either.

Boren said that worries her.

[OSDE and OSBE] are kind of tone deaf and neglectful in managing relationships, Boren said. [Not responding] communicates that they would just prefer the same awkward dynamic to happen again.

She says, it would be very telling if the board were to stop her from entering their executive session next week, in defiance of the Attorney Generals office.

What that tells me is that if they proceed differently, that theyre proceeding outside of advice of counsel and then theyre acting independently, theyre not acting in their official capacity, Boren said. And if that happens and theyre acting in their individual capacity and theyre preventing a participation in operating according to law, then it has other legal ramifications.

News 4 reached out to Walters spokesperson for a response to the AGs Offices letter, but did not hear back.

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We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Shipping and Container Stocks To Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE:ASC) stands against the other shipping and container stocks.

Before the invention of the intermodal shipping container, goods were shipped in various-sized boxes that workers had to load and unload from ships manually. This method was inefficient, expensive, and time-consuming, making it difficult to transfer cargo across different modes of transport. The introduction of the first standardized intermodal shipping container in the 1950s revolutionized world trade. Approximately 90% of globally traded goods rely on maritime transportation, and the volume of maritime trade is projected to triple by 2050 due to rising demand. With the growth of the world economy over the past decades, the volume of freight transported by ships has also increased. In 2021, about 1.95 billion metric tons of cargo were shipped globally, up from approximately 0.1 billion metric tons in 1980. Consequently, the global container fleet has expanded significantly. Between 1980 and 2022, the deadweight tonnage of container ships grew from about 11 million metric tons to roughly 293 million metric tons.

However, this growth comes with increasing risks to shipping. Due to its global nature, the shipping container industry is vulnerable to several natural phenomena, including tropical storms, inland flooding, sea-level rise, drought, and extreme heat. According to CNBC, citing a study by RTI, climate change impacts on portsincluding damage and disruptionscould cost the shipping industry up to $10 billion annually by 2050 and up to $25 billion per year by 2100.

Over the past few months, global trade has faced setbacks due to disruptions in two crucial shipping routes. Attacks on vessels in the Red Sea region hindered traffic through the Suez Canal, the primary maritime link between Asia and Europe, typically handling around 15% of global maritime trade volume. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, a severe drought at the Panama Canal led authorities to enforce restrictions, significantly reducing daily ship crossings since October of last year. This slowdown has impacted maritime trade through another vital chokepoint, typically responsible for about 5% of global maritime trade.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) high-frequency transit estimates, trade volume passing through the Suez Canal witnessed a 50% year-over-year drop in the first two months of the year, while trade volume using the Cape of Good Hope detour surged by an estimated 74% above last years level. Meanwhile, transit trade volume through the Panama Canal decreased by almost 32% compared to the previous year. Additionally, data indicates a 6.7% year-over-year decline in port calls to the 70 ports tracked in sub-Saharan Africa for January and February 2024. Similar declines were observed in areas such as the European Union, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with decreases of 5.3%. These reductions likely stem from the temporary effects of longer shipping times. Should these interferences persist, they could temporarily disrupt some supply chains and exert upward pressure on inflation in the affected countries.

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That said, the global container shipping market, valued at $2.2 trillion, remains up for significant expansion in the coming years. According to a research report, the market is projected to reach $134.03 billion by 2029, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.11% from 2024 to 2029. In addition, the rise of e-commerce has underscored the importance of end-to-end supply chain visibility, prompting shippers to leverage technology for real-time tracking of cargo and tankers. This e-commerce boom is driving the demand for faster and more cost-efficient shipping solutions, with the global e-commerce logistics market expected to experience a CAGR of over 17.8% from 2022 to 2033.

Our Methodology

For our list of the best shipping and container stocks to buy, we selected the following names based on hedge fund sentiment toward each stock. We assessed the sentiment using Insider Monkeys database of 919 elite hedge funds tracked as of the end of the first quarter of 2024. The list is arranged in ascending order based on the number of hedge fund holders for each firm. 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 best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy picks 14 small and large-caps every quarter and it has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A tanker filled with petroleum products, sailing through a calm sea.

Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE:ASC)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16

Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE:ASC), based in Bermuda, specializes in the global seaborne transportation of petroleum products and chemicals. The company serves oil majors, oil and chemical traders, and pooling service providers.

The Irish tanker owner recently partnered with maritime AI specialist Deepsea Technologies to implement Pythia, a voyage optimization tool, across Ardmores fleet. This initiative supports Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE:ASC)s energy transition plan for its tramp business. After a full-scale, 12-month trial, the technology demonstrated a promising reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

Several equity analysts have recently commented on the company, with Jefferies raising their price target for Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE:ASC) from $20.00 to $21.00 alongside a "buy" rating in a report on May 8th. This comes as Ardmore reported better-than-expected earnings of $0.92 per share and a dividend of $0.31 per share. Following the earnings call, the stock price surged to a 52-week high above $20 per share. Throughout much of 2023, the stock had languished between $12 and $14 before beginning its upward trajectory around the year-end into January of the current year.

According to Insider Monkeys data, 16 hedge funds were bullish on Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE:ASC) at the end of the first quarter, the same as the preceding quarter. The largest position holder is Chuck Royces Royce & Associates, with 778,931 shares valued at $12.79 million.

Overall ASC ranks 6th on our list of the best shipping and container stocks to buy. You can visit 10 Best Shipping and Container Stocks To Buy to see the other shipping and container stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of ASC 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 ASC 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.
Woman working in egg factory (KARRASTOCK/Getty Images)

Washingtons Department of Agriculture failed to complete hundreds of required inspections of egg production and packing facilities in recent years, raising food safety concerns, according to a new state audit.

The State Auditors Office found the department only completed 11 of the 548 inspections it was required to carry out under state law between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2023.

By not performing inspections as required by state law and Department policies, there is an increased risk that eggs unfit for human consumption may reach the consumer, posing serious health and safety risks, according to the auditors report.

State law requires the Department of Agriculture to perform inspections at egg production plants yearly and at egg packing plants at least once each quarter.

In its response submitted to the State Auditors Office, the department said it did not complete the required inspections because it was short-staffed and because management believed the presence of inspectors at the facilities increased the risk of spreading avian flu.

The agency added that it does not believe quarterly inspections of egg facilities are needed to protect public health and that it hopes to change the law setting the requirement.

In 2022, the department only inspected five of the required 68 facilities. In 2023, it only completed six of the required 69 inspections.

And most of those had not been performed within one year of the previous inspection, as required by state law.

In an email, Gena Reich, food safety and consumer services policy and performance administrator for the agriculture department, said inspections in the last two years have been further limited because of a decline by almost two-thirds in the agencys food inspection staff, losses she said were related to the COVID pandemic.

In its response to the audit, the department added that the state inspection requirements were adopted 50 years ago when it had a standalone egg inspection program. Today, the states food safety program covers food processing plants, storage warehouses, cannabis-infused edible processors and a host of other categories.

Even in years with no COVID restrictions or high pathogenic avian influenza considerations, which were serious issues in (fiscal years 2022 and 2023), the program does not have sufficient inspection staff to visit egg facilities quarterly, the department said in their response.

Along with the state Department of Agriculture, Reich said the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspects egg producers quarterly and performs other checks. She said their team plans to look at how the state can eliminate the duplication of efforts by state and federal agencies.

The auditors office also found that the department did not use the proper documentation in its inspections. Inspectors used a digital checklist that pre-populated the criteria to show the plant had followed all necessary requirements before an inspector even viewed it. The inspector only made changes if there was a discrepancy.

The expectation is that our inspection staff know the violations that they need to be looking for without having to work down a checklist. Deviations from regulatory requirements are noted as they are observed and documented, the department said in its response.

Auditors recommend that the department implement policies to ensure it performs inspections on time and uses inspection criteria aligned with federal laws.

Reich said the department plans to start by determining what is feasible within the programs constraints.

She added that the department will look at whether to recommend a clause be added to the inspection law that exempts some inspections if there is a highly contagious disease circulating, like COVID or avian flu.
LUCE COUNTY, Mich. (WJMN)  A private forest landowner is taking the approach of growing more trees than it harvests. Aurora Sustainable Lands took our cameras on a tour of one property in the eastern Upper Peninsula to show us how it all works.

We are a private investment founded on the belief that we can generate revenue managing forests for climate benefit. That means carbon storage on the landscape, that means managing for biodiversity and wildlife, recreation and other benefits in the long term, said Cakey Worthington, Vice President of Carbon Operations for Aurora Sustainable Lands.

Aurora Sustainable Lands owns approximately 1.7 million acres of forest in the eastern U.S. 70,000 of those acres are in the Upper Peninsula, and 30,000 make up a section called the Manistique Woodlands. Its a series of parcels which stretch from Lake Michigan to Superior in the eastern U.P.

Our company focuses on climate management and what that means is two different things. We think about how we increase carbon on the landscape in the short term. And largely we do that by growing our trees more than we cut them in an active managed forest. We believe that active management creates healthy forests. Worthington continued, We can also create a climate benefit by doing that long term management. And so when we do active management on our properties, were thinking about how can we increase climate resilience to unplanned disturbance up here like storms and ice, ice storms, wind throw, things like that that these forests can experience occasionally and may increasingly experience as a result of change in climate.

Auroras main source of revenue is wrapped around selling carbon credits.

The reason were able to do this long-term management is by enrolling in a carbon program. What that means is instead of generating revenue primarily from timber in a short term, were doing long term management in a carbon offset program. So this is this property is enrolled as a carbon project under the American Carbon Registry. It is a voluntary program that the buyers of credits in this program are corporations and organizations looking to reduce their own emissions. And if they cant do that through their own practices, then or completely reduce their emissions internally, then they would help get to carbon net zero with the purchase of offsets. Worthington went on to say, They pay us to manage for carbon In the long term. What were enrolled in is a program called Improved Forest Management, and it encourages landowners like ourselves to increase carbon through our management practices. We do this by growing our trees more than we cut them on an annual basis. And then in the long term, when we do harvest activities, we manage it so that we can think about climate resilience and creating a more robust, natural, healthy, strong forest.

To get credit for carbon on the property, they cant measure every tree. But they track the growth of trees at specific locations over a period of time.

We collect a sample of data points throughout our entire property. We establish a permanent carbon inventory. We have sample collection points throughout our entire property where we come back with in the beginning of the project, we establish these points to measure the trees and estimate the carbon at these exact locations. And then throughout the project lifetime, over 40 years, we come back every few years and remeasure the trees in this exact same location. Worthington continued, Were tracking if new trees have grown in, if trees naturally die or if theyre selected out for harvest or activities, if theres a natural occurrence storm or any sort of variation that would happen in the forests over the time of our carbon project, were coming back to remeasure the specific site, and thats really helpful for being able to determine growth across the property and subsequently how much additional carbon were sequestering every year on the property.

Across the entire property, they set up a grid. The measurement points are called carbon plots. The middle point is the plot center and it is marked with a piece of rebar that has a flag on it. They have a fixed radius from that point to estimate or measure all the trees in that exact location.

They measure all the mature trees in the overstory (those five inches in diameter and above within a 30.42 foot radius.) They also measure saplings and smaller trees in the understory within 11.78 feet from the center. They then use that information to figure out how much carbon is on the entire property.

We collect all of these data points throughout our entire property and we take an average because as youll notice, even a few feet away, that way or that way, the trees vary a lot. We have a lot of different cover types, a lot of different species of trees, different variation on density and size. By collecting all of these data points throughout our entire property, we get to collect the different amounts of variation we have, said Worthington.

The trees they measure are numbered, so when they come back or have an auditor come through, they are able to measure the same trees.

They will measure the roots, width and height of the tree, and document its species. Using all that information and some U.S. Forest Service and forestry industry generated equations, they know how much wood is in the tree. They pair those ground measurements with remote sensing and satellite technology.

Along with specific data about the trees, Aurora works to help facilitate recreation, wildlife habitats, and other long-term benefits on its properties.

We bought this property a year ago. Our primary focus has been establishing the carbon project, establishing the measurement of the trees and finding out what we have out here to figure out how we can manage it better long term. And our next step is working with partners, whether thats state and federal agencies, academic and research institutions, other conservation partners in the area to try and develop management techniques both on our property and across the landscape to really collaborate for climate benefit, both on our land and in the region in general. Hoping to set an example for some of the other forestry companies. And wed like to help demonstrate that you can still contribute to the forestry industry, but also manage for climate. Manag for these other goals and have it be a profitable enterprise, said Worthington.

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By Simon Lewis

VIENTIANE (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticised Beijing's "escalating and unlawful actions" in the South China Sea at a summit on Saturday, while his Russian counterpart said Washington has stoked anxiety with its plan for a nuclear deterrence with ally Seoul for the Korean peninsula.

Blinken singled out China over its coast guard's hostile actions against U.S. defence treaty ally the Philippines in the South China Sea.

But he also lauded the two countries for their diplomacy after Manila completed a resupply mission earlier on Saturday to troops at a disputed shoal, unimpeded by China.

Blinken was attending the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum alongside diplomats of major powers including Russia, India, China, Australia, Japan and the EU, which included discussions on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, North Korea's nuclear ambitions and tension in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' small troop presence on a grounded former U.S. navy ship at the Second Thomas Shoal has angered China for years. The countries have been involved in repeated altercations, causing regional concern about an escalation that could potentially lead to U.S. intervention.

The two sides this week reached an arrangement over how to conduct those missions.

"We are pleased to take note of the successful resupply today of the Second Thomas shoal," Blinken told foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the host of the meetings in Laos.

"We applaud that and hope and expect to see that it continues going forward."

Blinken held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the gathering, in their sixth meeting since June 2023, when Blinken's visit to Beijing marked an improvement in strained ties between the world's two biggest economies.

Blinken discussed Taiwan with Wang and concerns about Beijing's recent "provocative actions", included a simulated blockade during the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a senior U.S. State Department official said.

They agreed to continue progress on military-to-military ties, the official said, adding Blinken also discussed Beijing's support for Russia's defence industrial base and warned of further U.S. action against Chinese firms, but received no commitment from Wang.

Wang told Blinken that although communications had been maintained between China and the United States, Washington had not stopped its containment and suppression of Beijing and had even intensified it.

"The risks facing Sino-U.S. relations are still accumulating and the challenges are rising and ties are at a critical juncture of halting their decline and achieving stability," he said, according to a foreign ministry statement.

RUSSIA SAYS U.S. 'ENFLAMING ATMOSPHERE'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on the sidelines of the forum that guidelines on the operation of U.S. nuclear assets on the Korean peninsula, officially aimed at establishing an integrated deterrence to North Korean threats, were adding to regional security concerns.

"So far we can't even get an explanation of what this means, but there is no doubt that it causes additional anxiety," Russia's state-run RIA new agency quoted Lavrov as saying.

"They are actively inflaming the atmosphere around the Korean peninsula, militarising their presence there and conducting exercises that are frankly aimed at being ready for military action," he said, according to Interfax.

Blinken said earlier the United States was "working intensely every single day" to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and find a path to more enduring peace and security.

His remarks followed those of Retno Marsudi, the foreign minister of Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, who said the need for sustainable peace was urgent.

Retno also said international law should be applied to all, a veiled reference to recent decisions by two international courts over Israeli's Gaza offensives.

"We cannot continue closing our eyes to see the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza," Retno said.

The fighting has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians in Gaza since Israel launched its incursion, according to Palestinian health authorities, who do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants.

Israeli officials estimate that 14,000 fighters from militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have been killed or captured, out of an estimated force of more than 25,000 at the start of the war, which began when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting 250 others, according to Israeli tallies.

'THIS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE'

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Myanmar's military rulers to take a different path and end an intensifying civil war, pressing the generals to abide by their commitment to follow ASEAN's peace plan.

The conflict pits Myanmar's well-equipped military against a loose alliance of ethnic minority rebel groups and an armed resistance movement that has been gaining ground and testing the generals' ability to govern.

The junta has largely ignored the peace effort, and ASEAN has hit a wall as all sides refuse to enter into dialogue.

"We see the instability, the insecurity, the deaths, the pain that is being caused by the conflict," Wong told reporters.

"My message from Australia to the regime is, this is not sustainable for you or for your people."

An estimated 2.6 million people have been displaced by fighting. The junta has been condemned for its air strikes on civilian areas and accused of atrocities, which it has dismissed as Western disinformation.

ASEAN issued a communique on Saturday stressing it was united behind its peace plan and condemned violence against civilians, urging all sides in Myanmar to end hostilities and start dialogue.

ASEAN also welcomed unspecified practical measures to reduce tension in the South China Sea and prevent accidents and miscalculations, while urging all stakeholders to halt actions that could complicate and escalate disputes.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis in Vientiane; Additional reporting by Neil Jerome Morales in Manila, Kevin Yao and Ryan Woo in Beijing, Jack Kim in Seoul and Maxim Rodionov; Writing and additional reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by William Mallard and Andrew Heavens)
(Reuters) - Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Saturday the conflict in military-ruled Myanmar was worsening and her message to the ruling junta was the situation there was unsustainable and it should take a different path for the country and the people.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a series of regional summits in Laos, Wong said Australia was deeply concerned about the Myanmar conflict and backed a peace effort by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

(Reporting by Martin Petty; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
K9 Nox served the Oak Creek Police Department with his handler, Officer Dawn Hanizeski, for eight years, retiring in June 2021. The department announced Nox had died on July 22, 2024 via its official Facebook page.

Former Oak Creek Police K9 Nox, who had an extremely successful career, according to his handler, has died.

Nox was a German shepherd from the Netherlands. His handler, Officer Dawn Hanizeski, initially took ownership of her former patrol partner after he retired with an honorable discharge in June 2021 after eight years on the force.

Hanizeski said he adjusted well to retirement life, but not so much to her new K9 partner Kuiper.

I was unable to keep him because I got Kuiper and they did not get along, she said.

Nox ended up with a local family where he got to play with other dogs and swim in a pool every day.

While it was pretty infrequent that she got to see him over the last few years, the emotional connection built over nearly a decade of working together was still strong as Hanizeski held back tears talking about Noxs passing.

He was an old guy so he just kind of got ill to the point where his quality of life was getting worse, she said.

When Nox started displaying signs of distress, the difficult decision was made to have him put down.

Nox was 12.

Hanizeski, who's had a passion for animals since childhood and prioritized becoming a canine handler when she joined the police force, said she hasnt yet held a memorial for Nox but may in the coming days.

The Oak Creek Police Department shared the news of Noxs passing on its official Facebook page July 22.

As of July 26, 135 residents had shared their condolences in the comments telling Nox to rest easy and thanking him for his service and a job well done.

Hanizeski said she doesnt have social media, but was grateful to hear about the outpouring of support.

I just wanted to let people know that I appreciate all the thoughts and kind words and that he was a great asset to the community and will be sincerely missed, she said.

More: Recently honored Oak Creek police officer describes chase in which police dog bites suspect

Oak Creek Police Officer Dawn Hanizeski stands with her partner, K9 Nox.

Nox was an award-winning K9

In 2017, Hanizeski won first place in the K9 Narcotics Detection challenge. Nox was also awarded the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler Association K9 Track of the Year in 2019.

Hanizeski said Nox was an extremely good narcotics detecting K9 with hundreds of drug arrests to his name. He was also partly responsible for one of the largest cocaine seizures by the Oak Creek Police Department.

We did a sniff warrant on a residence that ended up having two pounds of cocaine inside, she said.

A month before his retirement, Nox located three people that fled from Racine County.

Speaking with an apparent mix of pride in her pawed partner and sadness over the loss, Hanizeski said that track was kind of like  a good end.

More: From a wheelchair to wings: St. Francis' K9 Bane has died after battling nerve disorder

Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Oak Creek Police K9 Nox will be sincerely missed, handler says
Legionella bacteria  a pathogen that can cause the serious Legionnaires disease and the less serious Pontiac fever  has been detected in the water fixtures of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration facilities in Woodlawn.

Out of an abundance of caution, most employees and contractors at the CMS headquarters are working remotely, but the agency isnt aware of any health problems affecting its workforce, a CMS spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for the SSA also said there have been no confirmed cases of Legionnaires disease or Pontiac fever at its Woodlawn facility, which remains open.

This year, the U.S. General Services Administration, which supports the basic functioning of federal agencies, including providing them with office space, is conducting baseline water testing in many federal buildings. It was through this routine testing that elevated levels of Legionella were found in some water fixtures in the SSA facility, the agency spokesperson said in an email.

Thats not unusual, the spokesperson said. Testing experts have told the GSA that roughly half of the water samples they take come back positive for the bacteria. And as more testing is conducted, its likely that Legionella will be detected in more federal buildings, said Courtney Springer, the GSAs assistant commissioner for facilities management, in an interview on the agencys website.

After the results came back, the SSA followed remediation protocol from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a spokesperson said. The agency removed the affected fixtures from service, flushed them out and retested them.

The test results indicate elevated levels only in a small subset of water sources in our main campus buildings, and we are following appropriate health and safety protocols, the SSA spokesperson said in an email. Our employees and labor unions are notified about these tests, including when elevated results are found, and the remedial actions taken.

Last year, the GSA sent a memo to federal agencies, urging immediate action to address the risk of Legionella contamination in water systems after the bacteria was detected in six buildings owned or leased by the agency, according to a Federal Times story.

Many federal buildings have reduced capacity following the coronavirus pandemic, which can lead to more stagnant water  an ideal environment for the growth and spread of Legionella, according to the memo.

While Legionnaires disease remains relatively rare, reported cases have been increasing since the early 2000s, according to the CDC. People can develop the disease after breathing in water droplets contaminated by Legionella bacteria, or if contaminated water enters their lungs while drinking. Those 50 years or older, current or former smokers, and people with a chronic disease or weakened immune systems are most at risk of developing the disease.

The bacteria was detected at the CMS facility in Woodlawn last month, during testing conducted in new plumbing fixtures during the final phases of several renovation projects. Later in June, elevated levels of the bacteria also were detected in nonconstruction areas of the facility. The agency has since remediated the entire complex and is waiting for results from new testing, according to information provided by a spokesperson over email.

The health and safety of the CMS workforce is our top priority, a spokesperson said. We will resume normal campus operations when remediation of the Baltimore campus is complete, and we are confident that the issues have been resolved.

About 3,500 employees report to the agencys Baltimore location, but the disruption in campus activities hasnt significantly affected CMS functioning, since employees can work remotely, the spokesperson said.

Even before the facilitys temporary closure, a limited number of employees reported to the office every day, said Anita Marcel Autrey, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1923.

The union, which represents more than 30,000 federal workers in the Washington metro area, negotiated a return-to-work agreement with CMS that required employees to come into the office only twice per pay period, or about once per week. Otherwise, theyre permitted to work remotely.

Since both agencies shared the test results with their employees, Autrey said shes heard from some workers who are nervous about how being exposed to the bacteria will affect their health. However, she said she is confident that the two agencies are taking the safety of their employees seriously and are following steps recommended by the CDC to address the bacteria levels.

When it comes to workplace health and safety, she said, we dont play around.

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A 27-year-old Barnegat man has admitted that he shot someone in the leg in Atlantic City in 2022 and then hid the gun on a windowsill, authorities said.

Louis Stokes pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges of second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose and third-degree hindering apprehension, according to a statement from the Atlantic County prosecutor's office.

Under the plea deal heard before state Superior Court Judge Donna M. Taylor in Mays Landing, Stokes is expected to be sentenced in September to five years in state prison and will have to serve 85% of the term before being eligible for parole.

Story continues below photo gallery

Afterward, he will be subject to intensive parole supervision for three years, authorities said.

Shortly before midnight on Oct. 14, 2022, Atlantic City police responded to a call on Sewell Avenue and found a victim with non-life threatening injuries who had been shot once in the leg, authorities said.

Investigators found eight expended 9mm shell casings nearby in the area of Pennsylvania and Adriatic avenues. Surveillance video showed that a group of men had been in the area of the shooting before fleeing inside a home.

Stokes was arrested after he left the home, authorities said. Three handguns  including a stolen 9 mm handgun that a ballistics laboratory later determined was the weapon used to shoot the victim  were discovered after a search, according to the prosecutor's office.

"This handgun was found after it was hidden outside a second-floor window on an adjacent exterior windowsill," the prosecutor's office wrote in the statement. "Stokes DNA was present on two of the handguns and he was identified as the shooter by an eyewitness."

In court, Stokes admitted shooting the victim with the handgun and hiding it afterward to hinder his apprehension, authorities said.

Stokes is being held at the Atlantic County Justice Facility in Mays Landing. He is scheduled for sentencing in September.

David P. Willis: dwillis@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Barnegat NJ man admits to shooting in Atlantic City
We recently compiled a list of the Edge Computing Market Size and 7 Best Stocks To Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET) stands against the other edge computing stocks.

What is Edge Computing?

The information technology sector has consistently outperformed investor and analyst expectations in 2023, and this trend appears to be continuing into the current year. This impressive performance can largely be attributed to significant advancements such as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, which have driven tech stock prices to unprecedented highs. Of course, AI is not the only area that is revolutionizing the technology space. Edge Computing comes in as another compelling area of growth and investment. Also known as Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) or Multi-Access Edge Computing, Edge Computing focuses on bringing computing power closer to where data is generated, rather than relying on a centralized cloud-based system. In layman's terms, Edge Computing involves relocating part of the storage and computing capabilities from a central data center to locations near the data sources.

By keeping computational capacity close to users, devices, or data sources, edge solutions offer benefits such as reduced latency, increased bandwidth, local device processing, and data offloading. For instance, smart speakers perform minimal computational work, sending requests to servers owned by the provider. With Edge Computing, smart speakers could process a users request entirely on the device itself. Gartner, in its March 2024 Market Guide for Edge Computing, states:

By placing data, data management capabilities and analytic workloads at optimal points, ranging all the way to endpoint devices, enterprises can enable more real-time use cases. In addition, the flexibility to move data management workloads up and down the continuum from centralized data centers or from the cloud-to-edge devices will enable greater optimization of resources.

Edge Computing with the Internet-of-Things & Artificial Intelligence

The automotive industry is a prime example of rapid advancements driven by edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) integration in recent years. As vehicles evolve to incorporate self-driving capabilities, these technologies have become essential for effective decision-making and real-time responses. For instance, Tesla leverages extensive real-world driving data to refine its AI algorithms for autonomous driving. The rollout of EV maker's Full Self-Driving (FSD) beta software to more drivers highlights its performance in real-world conditions, with the vast amount of visual data collected during these drives enhancing the company's AI learning process.

Furthermore, the advent and adoption of 5G, the fifth generation of cellular network technologies offering substantially greater bandwidth, is accelerating the growth of Internet-of-Things (IoT) and facilitating the widespread adoption of edge computing. With 5G networks enabling lightning-fast speeds and a greater number of connected devices, data volumes are expected to surge. Predictions state that by 2025, every connected person will interact with digital data at least once every 18 seconds, largely due to the billions of IoT devices projected to generate over 90 zettabytes of data by then.

Edge Computing Market to Reach $217 Billion by 2032

According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global edge computing market was valued at $15.96 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from $21.41 billion in 2024 to $216.76 billion by 2032, at a compound annual growth rate of 33.6% over the forecast period. This growth is fueled by the increasing adoption of edge devices, ranging from IoT devices such as mobile point-of-sale kiosks and smart cameras to computational infrastructure that enables faster and real-time data analysis at the source. On the other hand, PwC projects that the global market for edge data centers will nearly triple, growing from $4 billion in 2017 to $13.5 billion this year. This expansion is driven by the potential of locally situated data centers to reduce latency, manage intermittent connections, and facilitate data storage and computation close to end-users.

With these details in mind, let's take a look at some of the best edge computing stocks to buy now.

Our Methodology

For our list of the best edge computing stocks, We began by sifting through ETFs' holdings and online rankings to gather a preliminary list of 15 stocks. We then scanned Insider Monkeys first-quarter database which tracks 920 elite money managers and selected the top seven that were the most widely held by hedge funds.

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 newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A technician in a server room managing a large-scale network of computers.

Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET) is an American computer networking company headquartered in Santa Clara, California. The company specializes in designing and selling multilayer network switches that enable software-defined networking for large-scale data centers, cloud computing, high-performance computing, and high-frequency trading environments.

In a recent report, Samik Chatterjee from J.P. Morgan maintained a Buy rating on Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET), with a price target of $335. Additionally, Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET) received a Buy rating from Barclays' Tim Long in a report issued on May 9.

According to Insider Monkeys first-quarter database, 69 hedge funds were bullish on Arista Networks, Inc. (NYSE:ANET), an increase from 64 funds in the previous quarter. Steve Cohens Point72 Asset Management was one of the largest stakeholders in the company, holding 987,926 shares valued at $286.47 million.

In the fast-evolving landscape of technology, Arista Networks (ANET) stands out as a compelling investment opportunity. Specializing in datacenter hardware and cloud networking solutions, ANET has been making waves in the industry for its innovative approach and consistent financial performance. The company is positioned to expand its presence in the Ethernet switches market, which is valued at $45 billion. Arista's switches are highlighted for their efficiency in interfacing with advanced chips compared to competitors like Cisco. One of the key indicators of ANET's strength lies in its impressive financial performance. The company has consistently surpassed market expectations, with better-than-expected quarterly results becoming a norm. Over the last four releases, ANET has exceeded consensus EPS estimates by an average of 15%, demonstrating its robust operational efficiency and strategic execution.

Moreover, Arista Networks has been riding the wave of the AI frenzy, further bolstering its growth trajectory. The company's recent quarterly results underscore this momentum, with sales soaring to $1.5 billion in Q1, marking a remarkable 16% increase compared to the previous year. This stellar sales growth, coupled with the company's ability to consistently deliver strong earnings, reflects ANET's resilience and agility in navigating the dynamic tech landscape. The company recently raised its revenue growth guidance for the current fiscal year (FY24) to a range of 12% - 14%, signaling confidence in its future prospects. This upward revision sent ANET shares soaring post-earnings, further solidifying investor sentiment in the company's growth potential.

The company announced a new $1.2 billion stock repurchase plan, highlighting its confidence in generating sustainable returns for investors.

Overall ANET ranks 6th on our list of the best edge computing stocks to buy. You can visit Edge Computing Market Size and 7 Best Stocks To Buy to see the other edge computing stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of ANET as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as ANET 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.
A 57-year-old man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for fatally shooting a plumber hed called to his home south of Tacoma for a repair job was sentenced Friday to 21 years in prison.

Jacques Noel Dothard pleaded guilty June 27 to using a pistol to shoot Thomas Lorezca in his work truck multiple times outside the defendants house in Spanaway. According to court records, the May 23, 2022 shooting occurred after the victim hit a gate on the property.

Lorezca, 40 of Kent, was a longtime employee of Beacon Plumbing. Company owner Bill Cahill addressed the court before Pierce County Superior Court Judge Thomas P. Quinlan rendered a sentence. Cahill thanked the judge, investigators and prosecuting attorneys for their work on the case and what they did for Lorezcas family.

Their family will never be the same again, Cahill said. But they now have some kind of peace that theres resolution.

Cahill said Lorezca lived an incredible life and invested a lot of time in training some of the companys plumbers. He said Beacon Plumbing has all kinds of people, some with ups and downs in their lives, but that they try to get them walking in the right direction.

Tom had a major role in that, Cahill said.

Wearing a gray and pink jail uniform, Dothard entered the courtroom in a wheelchair with the assistance of a sheriffs deputy. According to charging documents, the shooting was captured on surveillance footage. It reportedly showed Dothard and Lorezca standing outside the victims truck at 7:55 p.m., a little more than an hour after prosecutors say the plumber was called to Dothards residence. When the victim returned to his truck, Dothard allegedly walked to the drivers side door and fired into the vehicle.

Deputies were dispatched to the 1000 block of Military Road for a report of a shooting at about 8:25 p.m., records state. Dothard was arrested outside his home without incident, and he has remained in custody for the duration of the case.

Jacques Dothard pleads guilty to second-degree murder and other charges related to the May 23, 2022 killing of a Beacon Plumbing plumber, Thomas Lorezca, in Pierce County Superior Court, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash.

Dothards home and a neighbors residence were searched, according to court records, and deputies found weapons and ammunition. Records show that about two months before the shooting, the defendant called a veterans crisis line after he allegedly threatened to kill his son.

Prosecutors originally charged Dothard with first-degree murder and four addiional counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, but the murder charge was amended to second-degree murder and three of the unlawful possession of a firearm charges were dropped before Dothard pleaded guilty.

Dothard, an Army veteran, was convicted in 1996 of residential burglary in Clark County, according to court records. He was found guilty in 2007 of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm in King County.

Quinlan imposed a sentence that prosecutors and the defendants attorney agreed to recommend, 234 months in prison plus a 24-month deadly weapon sentencing enhancement, which was at the high end of the standard sentencing range for defendants prosecuted in similar cases.

Before the sentence was handed down, Dothards defense attorney, James Curtis, told the court he wanted to share his deepest condolences with family and friends of Lorezca.

Curtis said Dothard broke down during their first meeting in the Pierce County Jail and acknowledged that he needed to take responsibility. The defense attorney said the case wasnt about Dothards guilt or innocence, but about the intersection of his mental health and substance abuse. He said Dothard had been drinking a lot before the shooting.

A different man was in court Friday, Curtis said. He said Dothard was now sufficiently medicated and sober. But the defendant would still pay for what he did, Curtis said.

Its hard because it didnt have to happen, and he did take the life of a man who should be here today, Curtis said.

When Dothard was given the chance to speak, he said he had faced many new realities in the last few years, including the loss of his home, dogs, friendships and family.

The most difficult reality that I face is the fact that I killed Thomas Lorezca, Dothard said.

He told the court that he initially rejected the idea he was guilty of murder, but the fact was he did it, and the only way forward was acceptance and accountability. He said he did not feel sorry for himself.

After court adjourned, Cahill and another representative of Beacon Plumbing told The News Tribune that Lorezca was a marquee human being who worked hard to provide a good way of life for his mother and brothers. The man was like a son to Cahill, he said, and he said he was sure Lorezca was fearless in death.

There were so many people who showed up for his funeral, Cahill said. It was overwhelming, the number of people, and the families that had had an impact. It was a real dark day.

Thomas Lorezca, of Kent, is pictured in a photograph taken in 2021 with his miniature husky, Alpine. Lorezca was murdered on the job in a fatal shooting on May 23, 2022.

Lorezca worked for Beacon Plumbing for 16 years. Cahill said he started at the bottom and worked his way to the top, where he was a senior plumber and manager. Before his death, Cahill said, there were plans for Lorezca to be the first person to open a branch of Beacon Plumbing out of state in Las Vegas. Twenty trucks had been purchased for the expansion, but Cahill said the company had to put the brakes on the plans.

Lorezca was also a proud owner of a miniature husky named Alpine. Cahill said the dog went everywhere with Lorezca, including to work each day, and he was with Lorezca on the day of the shooting. Beacon Plumbing now looks after Alpine as the company dog.

Cahill said Quinlan made his sentencing decision with integrity, and he said he thought prosecutors and the judge did the best they could given the circumstances of the case.

Asked what he thought of Dothards statements to the court, Cahill recounted the phone call he received from an employee the evening of Lorezcas murder. Cahill was asleep when he got the call, and after he got the news, he said he told the employee no several times. He couldnt believe it.

Cahill said he was sure Dothards actions were premeditated.

I dont believe anything Mr. Dothard said. I think that hes a cold-blooded murderer that hopefully wont be violent in prison and kill again, Cahill said. And I hope that Tom is his last victim. I dont want to see any family go through what the Beacon Plumbing family went through.

Outside of the courtroom, a friend of Dothard, Alton Washington, told The News Tribune that he felt the shooting was completely out of character. The two met during basic training for the Army in March 1987 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He said they were the only two people of color, and they became friends on the first day.

Dothard stayed in the military for over a decade. He and Washington kept in touch occasionally, but Washington, 62, said he hadnt seen the man since 1988. Washington drove from Fort Worth, Texas for the sentencing hearing. He said he knew Dothard as a giving person who would help anybody. But he said the pressures of life treat everyone differently, and Dothard succumbed to it.

I think he got what he deserves to be honest with you, Washington said. I just wish it hadnt happened.
What a beautiful gift to give back, How Elk Grove Food Bank has provided needed resources for 50 years

Before Marie Jachino came to work at the Elk Grove Food Bank, the organization did not have a property. Instead, the food bank occupied two trailers which she described as being so small only one person could walk down the aisle.

Twenty years later, the Elk Grove Food Bank is celebrating its 50th anniversary inside two main buildings, including the operations 10,000-square foot distribution center thats a hub for the region.

While the food banks exponential growth can be attributed to Jachinos hard work and diligence as executive director, there is an additional factor: increasing food insecurity.

As of October 2023, more than 3 million households in California  including over 1 million households with children  face food insecurity, to the California Association of Food Banks.

Jachino said that food insecurity is even higher than it was during COVID and seniors are the ones most affected due to their fixed incomes.

Fresh produce awaits distribution Wednesday at Elk Grove Food Bank Services on Senior Day, a food event for senior citizens that occurs one Wednesday every month.

Theyre trying to decide do they pay for their housing, their rent, their prescriptions, or get food. Theres some tough decisions for seniors on very limited income, she said.

In an effort to mitigate this rising problem, the Elk Grove Food Bank hosts a Senior Day on the fourth Wednesday of every month specifically catered toward this community.

During Senior Day, the food bank is closed to everyone else, and seniors are given boxes of supplies they need for the month. In addition to food, the boxes can include sleeping bags, clothing and toiletries.

A passion and work ethic

Though the successes of the food bank are a team effort, Jachino has been at the forefront of the efforts for two decades.

Jachino, born and raised in Sacramento, grew up in a multigenerational household, with her grandfather from Yugoslavia, parents and other family members all under the same roof.

I was always around seniors growing up, so I had a real passion, she said.

Volunteer Lillian Zimmerle arranges bread and desserts at Elk Grove Food Bank Services on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Zimmerle has voluntered for five years and said many of the desserts are surplus product from Costco.

It was this passion that led her to studying gerontology and become a state social worker.

After retiring, Jachino started her second career with the food bank. She first joined the Board of Directors in 2004 and was later appointed interim executive director in 2007.

Jachino said that whenever she saw a need she would start a program. During her tenure, the number of programs have expanded from two to 14, including the hiring of interpreter Hana Khanzadah who speaks seven languages.

The first program Jachino created was the Wellness Bag Program. She said the inspiration came from a group of HIV/AIDS positive women who had come to her expressing their need for assistance.

Jessica Gray was one of the original women who came to Jachino seeking help.

She now lives in a senior citizens residence and still gets a food delivery of milk, bread and fresh produce from the Elk Grove Food Bank once a month.

Milk and other dairy products are available for seniors at Elk Grove Food Bank Services on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.

When she first met Jachino, Gray said the attitude around people living with HIV wasnt the same as it is now. People wouldnt want to associate or be near them, but she remembers Jachino always being kind and available if she needed her.

You never know when food is going to run low. It feels good to know I can just call Marie. She always told us if you need something, just call me, Gray said.

Elk Grove resident Jodie Butler organizes plums for distribution at Elk Grove Food Bank Services on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Butler has volunteered for the food bank for over 18 months.

Though Jachino is far past retirement age and relayed how her employees are constantly asking her when she will take a much-needed break, its hard for her to imagine leaving it all behind.

This is my baby, Jachino said. Ive been married to the food bank for 20 years, and I dont think Ive ever been unhappy coming here.

As she sits across from a portrait of Mother Theresa in her office every day, Jachino said

Its wonderful to know youre making a difference in somebodys life.
A profound sense of loss has gripped a community in Virginia after the tragic death of a gay couple on their way home from New Yorks Long Island to King George, southeast of Washington, D.C., earlier this week.

Christopher Kucera, 46, and Zachary Hatcher, 43, died in a plane crash, leaving a void among the local LGBTQ + community and those who knew them. The couple, known for their charisma, generosity, and community involvement, died Monday evening when their single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza A36 made a hard, uncontrolled landing shortly after takeoff from Long Island MacArthur Airport, the Associated Press reports .

Chris died doing what he loved most and with the man he loved most. We are grateful for that, Mike Kucera said of his brother and brother-in-law, the Fredericksburg Free Press reports . Considering the loss of power so soon after takeoff, Chris is a hero for avoiding casualties on the ground.

The aircraft, piloted by Kucera, attempted to return to the runway shortly after takeoff around 6:15 p.m. EDT but failed to land safely, according to Suffolk County police, according to the AP. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.

Hatcher was set to begin his tenure as chief executive officer of the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, a nonprofit organization managing and distributing charitable giving in the area, on August 5. He had a distinguished career that spanned several prominent positions. He served as the senior director of development for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and held roles at the University of Mary Washington and Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services.

The Community Foundation mourns the loss of our incoming CEO, Zach Hatcher, and his partner, Chris Kucera, said Quincy Crecelius Click, director of communications for the Community Foundation, in a press release . Zach was poised to take the reins next month, bringing his proven abilities and dedication to our mission. This comes as a shock to us and many within our community.

Known for their fondness for home renovations, the paper reports that they had recently restored a historic farmhouse in King George County and planned to work on a home in nearby Fredericksburg. Their ability to unite people was a hallmark of their social gatherings, often described as spontaneous yet perfectly executed.

Kucera, an accomplished air and space engineer, was an experienced pilot. His passion for flying was evident from a young age, having earned his pilots license before he turned 17, Mike Kucera told the Fredericksburg Free Press.
People carry a banner in the colors of the rainbow through the crowd at the 46th Berlin Pride for Christopher Street Day (CSD). Joerg Carstensen/dpa

Hundreds of thousands of people joined Berlin's 46th Pride demonstration on Saturday, supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) community in the German capital.

Organizers said more people turned out this year than expected. According to police estimates from Saturday evening, at least 250,000 took part in the march through Berlin under the motto "Together we take a stand - democracy needs diversity."

Activist Sophie Koch opened the event with an appeal to politicians to include the protection of queer people in Germany's Basic Law, which serves as the constitution.

Currently, people cannot be discriminated against or given preferential treatment because of their sex, ethnicity, race, language, home country and origin, faith, religious or political views.

Proponents of the law argue that sexual orientation should be added to this list. The queer community has long been calling for the article to be amended.

Family Minister Lisa Paus also spoke in favour of the amendment during her opening remarks. The Basic Law has a loophole, she said, and members of the queer community are not sufficiently protected.

In comments made ahead of opening ceremony, Paus also called for greater solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community in light of increasing violence against them.

"Across Europe, we are witnessing a socio-political backlash ... including here in Germany," the minister said. The response must be more solidarity, she added.

The Pride gathering in Berlin is one of the largest queer events in Europe.

Berlin's Pride parade included 75 floats, dozens of walking groups and a number of musicians.

German pop star Herbert Gronemeyer, a well-known celebrity in the country, performed at the Siegessaule victory column in the central Tiergarten park late Saturday.

Elsewhere in the capital, numerous people demonstrated using the slogan "Queers for Palestine." According to the organizer, Internationalist Queer Pride (IQP), some 15,000 protesters gathered to champion what they termed the "anti-colonial, anti-racist and anti-capitalist fight for freedom."

Pride festivals are known as Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Germany. The term Christopher Street Day is a reference to the location of the Stonewall Inn in New York City's Greenwich Village neighbourhood, where a protest against police discrimination on June 28, 1969, kick-started the gay liberation movement.

People celebrate Christopher Street Day (CSD) at the 46th Berlin Pride. Joerg Carstensen/dpa

Participants hold posters with the words "Barbie who loves Barbie" and "Love who you are" at the 46th Berlin Pride for Christopher Street Day (CSD). Joerg Carstensen/dpa

A person celebrates at the 46th Berlin Pride parade for Christopher Street Day (CSD) within sight of the Victory Column. Joerg Carstensen/dpa
Berlin Pride kicks off with call for more LGBTQ+ rights protection

People parade through the city with an oversized rainbow flag at the 45th Berlin Pride Parade for Christopher Street Day (CSD). Fabian Sommer/dpa

Berlin's 46th Pride demonstration kicked off on Saturday, as hundreds of thousands of people supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) communities took to the streets of the German capital.

Organizers expected up to half a million people to march through Berlin under the motto "Together we take a stand - democracy needs diversity."

Activist Sophie Koch opened the event with an appeal to politicians to include the protection of queer people in Germany's Basic Law.

According to the current law, people cannot be discriminated against or given preferential treatment because of their sex, ethnicity, race, language, home country and origin, faith, religious or political views.

Proponents of the law argue that sexual orientation should be added to this list. The queer community has long been calling for the article to be amended.

Family Minister Lisa Paus also spoke in favour of the amendment during her opening remarks. The Basic Law has a loophole, she said, and members of the queer community are not sufficiently protected.

In comments made ahead of opening ceremony, Paus also called for greater solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community in light of increasing violence against them.

"Across Europe, we are witnessing a socio-political backlash ... including here in Germany," the minister said. The response must be more solidarity, she added.

The Pride gathering in Berlin is one of the largest queer events in Europe.

The parade includes 75 floats, dozens of walking groups and a number of musicians, including German pop star Herbert Gronemeyer, a well-known celebrity in the country.
Gov. Andy Beshear, a potential candidate for Democratic vice president, is joining Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign volunteers Sunday in the Atlanta metropolitan area for the Weekend of Action in Georgia, which marks 100 days until the general election, according to a release.

Along with the governor, Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky abortion-rights advocate who previously appeared in an ad for President Joe Biden, will join the volunteers in Forsyth County, Georgia, for the event.

"There is so much energy and enthusiasm for Democrats right now," Beshear campaign strategist Eric Hyers told The Courier Journal. "Governor Beshear is looking forward to joining his friend and reproductive rights advocate Hadley Duvall to open a Harris for President campaign HQ in Georgia and fire up grassroots volunteers."

The campaigning event is expected to encourage to vote for Democrats in November's election, the release stated.

"Since Sunday, more than 6,000 new volunteers have signed up to join the Harris and the Coordinated Campaign in Georgia, an unprecedented level of engagement which highlights the groundswell of support for Vice President Harris and Georgia Democrats," officials said in the release.

More: Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear part of national conversation. Catch up with the news

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KY Gov. Andy Beshear to attend Harris campaign event in Atlanta
Beshear criticizes JD Vance on lack of Eastern Kentucky flood recovery support; Vance says he has

Gov. Andy Beshears fifth stop of five Friday was in Jackson Kentucky in honor of the flood of a couple years ago in Eastern Kentucky. July 26, 2024

Gov. Andy Beshear criticized Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance during a visit to Eastern Kentucky for not supporting the region after 2022s deadly floods, but one area resident says the controversial candidate did give money privately.

Vance has drawn criticism for referencing his Appalachian roots in Breathitt County in recent campaign appearances, which were also outlined in his 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy.

Though Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio, he wrote he visited family in Jackson, Kentucky each summer.

Beshear has repeatedly called Vance out on the references, saying Vance has taken an opportunistic stance with tenuous ties or support for the region.

I don't know of any other efforts (to help), Beshear said of Vances response to the floods on Friday. When you have profited from a book talking about Eastern Kentucky, I think it gives you an obligation to invest back in Eastern Kentucky.

More: Gerth: Nice-guy Andy Beshear now a street fighter battling Trump's JD Vance

But Hazel Green resident Vanessa Treft said she called Vance after the first waves of donations in the aftermath of the floods dried up. He offered to help, she said, and wrote a $10,000 check to the Hazel Green Food Project, allowing the organization to buy needed food and cleaning supplies.

"He was there when we needed it and he did not want any public praise for it," Treft told The Courier Journal on Friday.

William Martin, spokesperson for the Vance campaign, criticized Beshear for the attack, saying it was the second time in as many days he had been wrong about the candidate.

"Its exactly the type of desperate plea for attention you would expect from a spoiled brat whose daddy handed him the keys to the Governors Mansion," Martin said.

Beshear said he remains focused on trying to be supportive of all people in need, regardless of political stance.

I watched the people of Eastern Kentucky come together the way that we are supposed to, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Kentuckians, as Americans, as people who live the golden rule that we love our neighbor as ourselves, Beshear said. We show up when times are tough, and we lean on each other and those that have lost friends and family members.

More: Governor of Kentucky Andy Beshear part of national conversation. Catch up with the news

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Andy Beshear, JD Vance argue over support for east Kentucky floods
Beshear in Iowa: Id be eager for the chance to debate JD Vance

If he is chosen as Kamala Harris running mate, Gov. Andy Beshear said hed be looking forward to debating Republican VP candidate JD Vance.

Id be eager for the chance to debate him, just like I know the vice president is eager to debate former President Trump, Beshear said in an interview with the Des Moines Register before he was to speak at an Iowa fundraiser Saturday night.

Beshear was to speak to a sold-out crowd at the Iowa Democratic Partys annual Liberty and Justice Celebration event in Des Moines.

Beshear is one of several potential vice presidential candidates being vetted to run alongside Harris in her presidential campaign.

In a brief pre-event interview with political reporter Brianne Pfannenstiel, Beshear said, Our debate would admittedly be a little bit personal. This is a guy that used to come a couple weeks a summer, at best, to Kentucky and then wrote a book claiming to know us, claiming to understand our culture.

Vance has said his ties to Appalachia are part of his background and origin story.

The 46-year-old Beshear, who agreed to come to Iowa Saturday night several weeks ago, took another jab, telling the Des Moines Register: Batman has an origin story. Fictional characters have origin stories. Real people have childhoods and upbringings, and it just show you how fake this is.

Beshear for VP buzz increases as he headlines a key Harris campaign event in GA Sunday
The Bethel Park School District is mourning the loss of a beloved high school teacher.

Amber Haefner, 40, died on Thursday, according to a Facebook post from the district.

Ambers kindness, warmth, and love touched the lives of all who knew her, leaving an indelible mark on our community, the district said on Facebook.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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New results from Georgia Milestones tests show that the Bibb County School District saw steady academic progress over a three-year period, according to a news release issued Friday.

Macon students overall scores maintained or demonstrated improvement in ELA, science and social studies. The percentage of Bibb students reading on or above grade level has continued to increase since 2021, with key grade levels End of Grade ELA scores showing double-digit gains, school officials said.

Despite a rise in statewide test scores since the COVID-19 pandemic, data reveal that Macon-Bibb still has areas in need of improvement.

In Bibb County, the percentage of fifth-graders proficient in English language arts for the 2023-2024 school year is 24.8%, up nearly 4% from the previous year. The state percentage of fifth-graders proficient in ELA is 34.8%, according to the Georgia Department of Education.

Similarly, while the districts English proficiency for third-graders grew by 0.7% this year, reaching 17.2%, it is still lower than the states 24.8%.

The percentage of proficient learners represents the students who are considered to be on track to becoming college or career-ready, according to the GDOEs website.

I am excited to kick off our new school year with this evidence of positive momentum, Superintendent Dan Sims said in a news release. While there is still work to be done, I have seen firsthand how dedicated our educators are, and I know we will continue to be successful in closing the gaps with the state.

Students take Georgia Milestones End of Grade (EOG) tests in grades 3-8, and Georgia Milestones End of Course (EOC) tests in identified high school courses. The tests measure how proficient students are in a range of subjects.

Students are assessed in four levels of achievement: beginning learners, developing learners, proficient learners, and distinguished learners.

Bibb Countys third, fifth and eighth graders scoring in the developing learner and above categories for ELA increased by 9 to 13 percentage points since 2021, school officials said.

But 61% of the countys fourth graders read below grade level.

A closer look at individual school summaries finds that seven elementary schools in Bibb County outperformed the state in terms of the percentage of kids achieving grade level or higher Lexile reading status: Alexander II Magnet, Sonny Carter, Heard, Heritage, Skyview, Springdale and Vineville Academy, according to the district.

The school system said its internal analysis of raw data showed that 12 elementary and middle schools made double-digit increases over a three-year period.

Students at Lane Elementary scoring at developing learner and above increased by 28 percentage points since 2021. Thats up 8 percentage points from the last school year, according to the news release.

Reading and writing are vital skills students need. Therefore, building a culture of literacy has been one of our priorities at Lane Elementary, said Principal Keisha Wallace-Dawson. An increase in English Language Arts scores represents the collective effort of our entire school community.

While EOG scores showed improvement since 2021, scores increased in ELA, and physical science and social studies for eighth-grade students scoring developing and above when compared to the previous years performance results. Student performance in ELA for sixth- and seventh-graders maintained similar performance when compared to the previous year.

Students at Ballard-Hudson scoring at developing learner and above increased by 20 percentage points since 2021, up 4 percentage points since last year.

At Ballard-Hudson Middle, we emphasized data-driven instruction, and our teachers utilized their assessment data to determine the needs of their students and then they planned lessons to meet those needs, said Principal Latrina Nash.

Georgia Milestones math scores will be released this fall.
AstraZeneca (LON:AZN) Second Quarter 2024 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: US$12.9b (up 13% from 2Q 2023).

Net income: US$1.93b (up 6.0% from 2Q 2023).

Profit margin: 15% (down from 16% in 2Q 2023).

EPS: US$1.24 (up from US$1.17 in 2Q 2023).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

AstraZeneca Revenues Beat Expectations, EPS Falls Short

Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 104%. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 9.0%.

Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 6.2% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 5.9% growth forecast for the Pharmaceuticals industry in the United Kingdom.

Performance of the British Pharmaceuticals industry.

The company's share price is broadly unchanged from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

Don't forget that there may still be risks. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for AstraZeneca that you should be aware of.

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Biden passed the torch to Harris. Now, how does he help her win?

Biden passed the torch to Harris. Now, how does he help her win?

Democrats succeeded in pressuring President Joe Biden to end his presidential campaign. Now, they're debating how best to utilize him to help Vice President Kamala Harris' bid for the White House.

Some want to see him out on the stump, both with Harris and by himself, as well as in ads and high-profile White House addresses. Others want to see him focus on governing, arguing that being the best president he can be is the greatest way to help after flubbing the race's highest-profile moment in last month's debate led to his electoral downfall.

The decision marks just one of several unprecedented factors for Democrats as they look to reinforce Harris' budding campaign, balancing establishing her as a candidate in her own right with her role as the No. 2 to an unpopular president who the party still credits with delivering a muscular record and making a "selfless" decision.

"That is a delicate balance, because this administration is far from over, and she's a part of that administration," said former Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., an ally of both Biden and Harris.

"She has got to step out and be her own person at this point and do it in a way that's sensitive to anything ongoing in the administration, but also with an eye toward not just the election, but her own administration," he added.

MORE: Zoom calls for Harris bring funds, excitement from celebrities and supporters

Some Democrats told ABC News the best way to do that is to blitz the campaign trail herself and leave Biden in the Oval Office.

Biden has at times shined on the stump, though he has consistently struggled in public, including at June's debate but also in media interviews and news conferences. Making that gamble again as Harris looks to get her candidacy off the ground with just about 100 days to Election Day isn't worth it, those Democrats argued.

"I don't think you need him out there making appearances," said one informal adviser to the campaign. "The reason he's not running is because he doesn't have the gas in the tank to do it."

PHOTO: In this March 26, 2024, file photo, President Joe Biden is hugged by Vice President Kamala Harris after speaking about healthcare during an event at the John Chavis recreation center in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Other Democrats weren't as blunt, but they did say that some physical distance between Biden and Harris during the campaign could offer the vice president a reprieve from poll numbers that had shown most voters trust Biden less than former President Donald Trump on key policy issues.

One source familiar with the Harris campaign's thinking said Biden would "probably" be better off in situations where he wouldn't be speaking live.

"I think it's important that she demonstrate that she has her own unique vision and agenda," the person said, though they added that, "I do think that there are ways that [Biden] could be used," including in ads.

One of those ways could be making progress on his own initiatives while in office -- and show that Harris is at his side.

"It's almost not on the campaign trail, but in the White House. What are they doing to showcase her, to give her leadership opportunities, to take full advantage of communicating to the country that she is, in fact, the vice president of the United States?" said Democratic donor and Harris supporter Steve Phillips.

"There's a power in cultivating and conveying images regarding the transfer of leadership within the Oval Office, within the White House, within this iconic building in our country."

PHOTO: President Joe Biden speaks next to Vice President Kamala Harris as he delivers a statement a day after Republican challenger Donald Trump was shot at a campaign rally, during brief remarks at the White House in Washington, D.C., July 14, 2024. (Nathan Howard/Reuters)

Other Democrats said Harris' campaign should be less restrictive with how Biden is used and rejected the idea that there needs to be distance placed between the two of them.

Core administration policies, like raising taxes on the wealthy and protecting abortion rights, remain popular with voters. And several Democrats who spoke to ABC News said that they expect opinions of Biden will improve after dropping out of the race.

Bolstering that point, a New York Times/Siena College poll showed Thursday that his approval rating had ticked up to 41% from 34% earlier this month.

"I wonder now that he has passed the torch, does that make people view him more favorably and just recognize how powerful it is what he did," said one Democratic strategist close to Harris' team. "It may mean that people actually have better appreciation for what he's accomplished, what they've accomplished. And certainly, I think he is a great validator for the Biden-Harris record."

Rather than stay off the stump, some Democrats argued, Biden should instead hit the campaign trail as much as he likes.

His stops would likely generate massive media coverage, and he could offer a defense of his record -- and Harris' part in it -- while letting his vice president focus on the future of her own administration.

"When the president shows up in a community he dominates the media. So, the president can probably keep as much of a travel schedule as they feel comfortable," said Jamal Simmons, Harris' former communications director in the Biden administration. "He can tell the story of the Biden-Harris administration as well as anyone, and she can tell the story of what the Harris administration will do."

Those rallies could be held by himself or jointly with Harris -- "there's no reason for the vice president to shy away from him," Simmons said.

MORE: Harris' blitz to define herself as Trump's team races to beat her to it

Logistically, Biden would likely be deployed in ways that could maximize his strengths and allow Harris to expand her voter base.

Democrats boasted that he could appeal to working-class voters, seniors and independents -- all demographics he performed well with in 2020 who would need to be kept in the fold as Harris regains ground with younger voters and voters of color who were drifting away from Biden.

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' 88th National Convention in Houston, Texas, on July 25, 2024. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

"He can help in the Midwest, some of the blue-collar workers, some of the places where he's got a unique relationship to those voters with the 'Scranton Joe' kind of thing. And older voters love him," said the strategist with ties to Harris' team.

Biden also retains goodwill "among a lot of independents and even moderate Republicans who may have questioned his age but not his ability and his sincerity," Jones argued.

For his part, Biden has indicated he's ready to campaign for Harris. And while the campaign did not specify how he'll be deployed, spokesperson Lauren Hitt told ABC News in a statement the president will be "an effective advocate for the Vice President on the campaign trail."

"My expectation is that he will play whatever role the vice president asks him," said Mitch Landrieu, the former New Orleans mayor and Biden administration official.

"Everything and anything, any and all, repeat and rinse," Landrieu added when asked exactly what that looks like. "The president's going to be in it to win it for her."

Biden passed the torch to Harris. Now, how does he help her win? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
It's big, it's powerful, it's the core for Artemis II: Photo of the Week, July 21-27, 2024

The core stage of NASAs Space Launch System rocket Artemis II is unloaded and moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, FL Wednesday, July 24, 2024 Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

It's going to take a mighty big core stage to send NASA astronauts into space at more than 17,000 mph and propel them around the moon for the first time in 50 years.

On July 24, just how big the core stage of NASA's Space Launch System rocket Artemis II really is was captured in this Photo of the Week by Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY photojournalist.

Over several decades, Bailey has shot so many space-related photos that he can't tell you what the first one was.

But, oh, can he tell you details, then and now.

In this case, that core was being moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center from the Pegasus barge, which had transported it 900 miles to KSC from Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

Part of the allure of the shot is the perspective it provides: This is the biggest rocket core stage ever built by NASA.

"It gives people an idea of just how big the SLS rocket will be," Bailey said. "The workers are standing next to the business end of the vehicle where the four RS-25 engines are mounted."

The RS-25's, he said, "were originally used on the space shuttle and have been repurposed to power the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to the moon."

Artemis II is tentatively scheduled for launch no earlier than September 2025 from pad 39B at KSC. Crew members are NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen.

Seeing those engines, and this shot? Imagine how big that history-making launch will be.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Moon rocket core: It's big  and Photo of the Week, July 21-27, 2024
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Police Department is searching for a missing 48-year-old woman Friday evening.

According to the BPD, Stacey Nicole Ramey was last seen by her roommate leaving the 4100 block of Pinson Valley Parkway. Ramey was reported missing June 14. Ramey is 5-foot-1 and weighs about 120 pounds.

Former Ala. lawmaker sentenced to year in prison for role in kickback scheme

Those with information on Rameys whereabouts are urged to call 911, Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 or the BPD at 205-328-9311.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Will Black Republicans Catch Up to White Women and Cross Party lines For Kamala Harris?

Black women, Black men, Latinos, Asian-Pacific Islanders, a herd of boastful Bison from Howard University, Kamala Harris alma mater, and just about every group imaginable is gathering to put her in the Oval Office. White women even broke Zoom with 164,000 on their call to get behind Harris  some abandoning not only their political parties, but also their husbands. No, his-and-her votes for Trump this time around.

So, when are Black Republicans having their call, a brother tweeted? Or are they?

Black Republicans For Kamala Harris 



What day we having our call   Gene Craig (@_EugeneCraig) July 24, 2024

Deciding that they wanted to be on the right side of history, some Black Republicans crossed party lines to vote for Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. Will they do the same for Harris?

I just wonder if thats still a thing for some Black Republicans, specifically Black women, said Michael K. Fauntroy, Ph.D., author of Republicans and the Black Vote. When they actually get in front of the ballot, I think some of them are going to change their mind.

In 2008, 94% of Black voters supported Obama, including 87% of those identifying as Black conservatives.

That, of course, was B.T.  Before Trump.

I actually dont see a mass exodus, said Glynda C. Carr, president and CEO of the Higher Heights for America PAC. Those who attended the Republican National Convention last week clearly signaled that they believe the platform the Republicans laid out is more closely aligned to their values.

But those are clout chasers or Republicans already deeply entrenched in the party, such as elected officials, contends Karen Maria Alston, a formerly active Republican who became Independent A.T.  After Trump.

I was sort of a closet Republican, who supported Obama, but couldnt abide Trumps foolishness, she explained. Anybody who is Black  still Black  they just cant.

With Donald Trump, theres just nothing, said Alston, founder and president of The Spectrum Circle, which empowers women interested in business and entrepreneurship. Everything he touches, he destroys.

Similarly, Fauntroy notes that African Americans like commentator Michael Steele, former chair of the Republican National Committee who served as Marylands lieutenant governor, were never on what he calls the Trump train.

He was among a small group of Black Republicans that have been consistent in their vocal opposition to a turn of the Republican Party toward white nationalism, said Fauntroy, director of the Race, Politics and Policy Center at George Mason University outside Washington, D.C.

Alston, who worked on President George W. Bushs campaign and was a founding board member of the Catalyst PAC to support diverse Republican candidates, believes that the GOP no longer exists. Its now the Trump Party, she says, which Alston and others like her can no longer stomach.

So, theyre Team Kamala  some openly, but others still on the down low. A new poll indicates that Harris has pulled at least 5% of Trumps supporters.

Alston is putting her time, talent and treasure behind Harris. Ive already donated. Im going to donate again, Alston said. I can go to battleground states and speak to people who are Independents or who might be a little off center, like I am.

Yanick Rice Lamb is a journalism professor at Howard University and author of the forthcoming book In My Backyard: How Pollution and Climate Change Are Making Black America Sick to Death.



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Black women see Harris' push for the presidency as a battle to prove their own humanity

Vice President Kamala Harris' rise to near-lock as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee has been swift and certain during the past several days, with the passion and enthusiasm behind her drawing parallels to the push of Barack Obama in 2008.

But attendant to Harris' ascent is the concern among Black Americans that, as with Obama, racist criticisms and caricatures  some subtle and some not so subtle  are sure to follow. And for Black women, the concern is heightened, carrying with it the chagrined certainty that Harris will endure doubts and dismissal both as a woman and as a Black woman  a double-barred reality many Black women know all too well from their own lives.

That may explain why, on the day President Joe Biden abandoned his re-election bid and endorsed Harris, some 44,000 mostly Black women across the country got on a call to pledge solidarity with Harris. It was the kind of organic, grassroots call that speaks to genuine enthusiasm and support, and it was followed the next day by another mass call of support from Black men.

For Black women, a solidarity with Vice President Kamala Harris

It is Black women, however, who most acutely feel a sense of solidatrity with the vice president, and it is Black women who have promised to have her back.

Black women interviewed for this story, who hail from various parts of Florida, all said they plan to support Harris. They said they don't simply share her policy aims; they expressed a deep-seated understanding of what it's like to be a successful Black woman and to have everything about you scrutinized and demeaned  everything from the way you look and sound to your intelligence and accomplishments.

Rachel Cohen, a 35-year old, stay-at-home mother of three in Port St. Lucie, said she remembers what she heard after learning she got an early acceptance from the University of Florida.

"I got it because I'm a good writer and a good test-taker," Cohen said, adding that not everyone viewed her acceptance as a product of her talents and accomplishments. "But it couldn't be because of that. I was another check box for a quota. The only reason I got in is because of my race."

Harris, 59, has been mocked and memed by white, often male, political opponents because of how her laugh sounds. Former President Donald Trump has been trying out various attack lines tied to that mockery, including nicknames like "Cackling Kamala" and "Laughing Kamala."

U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, the Ohio Republican tapped by Trump to serve as his running mate, has criticized Harris and other Democratic women as "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable."

Harris gained two stepchildren when she married attorney Doug Emhoff in 2014. The vice president, like an increasing number of professional women in the United States, married later in life and has no biological children.

Rachel Cohen, 35, of Port St. Lucie, poses for a photo in her Port St. Lucie home, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Cohen, a married mother of three, is excited for the potential Democratic nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris, but also feels uneasy due to the amount of political violence, whether its physical or verbal, surrounding the upcoming election.

In endorsing Harris, actress Jennifer Aniston mentioned Vance's "childless cat ladies" dig, posting on a social media account that she "truly cant believe this is coming from a potential VP of The United States."

Aniston has detailed her own fertility struggles and pushed back against the notion that a woman isn't truly successful in life unless she becomes a mother.

Vance lobbed another attack at Harris in a recent campaign speech, questioning if she is sufficiently "grateful" to be a citizen of the United States. Critics saw the comment as an attempt to racially "otherize" the California-born Harris, whose father is from Jamaica and whose mother was from India.

Some GOP opponents have called Kamala Harris a 'DEI candidate'

Other Harris critics leaned more heavily on race in knocking her, including Wisconsin congressman Glenn Grothman, who said Democrats would feel compelled to turn to Harris as the party's presidential nominee because of her "ethnic background."

Some of Grothman's Republican colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives have called Harris a "DEI" candidate, insinuating that the vice president's successes are all tied to an embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion, which they criticize as a pathway to reverse discrimination against white people.

Cohen said Black women alone won't be enough to push Harris past such tactics to victory in November.

"My concern is white women," Cohen said. "White women allowed Hillary (Clinton) to lose. Black women are going to do what we're going to do. This is going to come down to white women, and we'll have to see what Hispanic voters are going to do."

RELATED: Biden quits 2024 presidential campaign. What will impact be for Florida Democrats?

Harris is making a strong play for the votes of women, leaning into criticism of the former president as the person who appointed three of the Supreme Court justices who struck down Roe v. Wade, scuttling abortion rights for millions of women. The vice president is also talking up child care, education and health care policies she hopes will resonate with women.

As national polls show her drawing even with or slightly past Trump, Harris has come under increasing attack not only on the political front but in personal, sexist and racist ways.

"There seems to be a growing comfort and permissability to not only openly question Vice President Harris' qualifications a la 'DEI hire' but also to flirt with the ugliest of tropes about Black female sexuality and professional accomplishment," said Shalonda Warren, a 54-year old West Palm Beach City Commission member. "The silent calculus that accepts this is a threat to the rights of all women."

RELATED: Surge of volunteers makes Harris team bullish on Florida, where GOP still has tight grip

Black women say they've heard varying versions of this criticism in their own lives and seeing Harris endure those barbs publicly binds them to her.

"It's like our humanity and our worth is being challenged," said Robin Reshard, a 58-year old local historian in Pensacola, noting with incredulity the box where the vice president's critics want her to remain. "How dare she rise? You should stay in this lane that we have assigned for you."

Reshard said she's glad that, so far, Harris has kept to her campaign script and has not responded to the racist and sexist pokes.

"I appreciate that this sister isn't doing tit-for-tat," Reshard said. "Ain't nobody got time for that. If you do that, you're taking your eyes off the proverbial prize."

Can Kamala Harris take the heat? Supporters say she can

Kamala Harris and Cyprianna Jackson of Lake Worth. The two women were classmates at Howard University in Washington D.C. They graduated in 1986 as members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Victoria Jones, a 39-year old Cocoa resident who is founder, president and chief executive officer of the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce, said she's not worried Harris can't take the heat.

"To worry is like inviting trouble to a party," Jones said. "Women, especially Black women, have carried this country for hundreds of years. Were the true hidden figures behind many great things but do not receive credit for it. Weve often had to deal with sexism along with racism. As a Black woman involved in politics and economic development, Ive experienced my share of both."

Jones, a registered Republican who has run for office as a Democrat, said sexist fliers were mailed out during her run for office. There have been other painful momemts in her work life as well, she said.

FAU-Mainstreet poll: Kamala Harris behind Donald Trump, but by less of a gap than Joe Biden

"Ive had to have one of my close male colleagues sit in on a meeting with a male businessman who essentially proposed causing issues for me if I didnt back down," she said. "Ive had a male community advocate reach out to shake my hand and once I embraced his hand, he squeezed so hard my hand swelled up. I did file a police report for the incident to have it documented in case I had to defend myself in the future."

Jones said she remembers seeing a picture of Harris seated next to Biden. The caption used a slang term for prostitute in referring to Harris.

"I know how it feels to have those sorts of things hurled at you and to keep walking with grace," she said.

For Black women, a Harris victory could mean a shift for more opportunities

Tanya Burke of West Palm Beach and Kamala Harris in Chicago in September, 2019. Both women graduated from Howard University as part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

That's Harris' charge, said Katrina Long-Robinson, a 48-year old former Westlake City Council member who now works as vice president for public and government relations for a political consulting firm.

"As a mother to a Black daughter, a former educator to young Black and brown students, and a person who works in Black and brown communities, I know the transformative power that representation and role models have," Long-Robinson said. "Vice President Harris very existence in such a significant role provides a powerful role model for young Black women, demonstrating that their voices and experiences matter in national leadership."

The Black women backing Harris said they aren't supporting the vice president simply to satisfy their own political desires. They said they are looking to the future, one where Harris' example could pave the way for more opportunities for girls and young women.

Toward that end, Cohen said she and a friend in Lake Worth Beach plan to host an event on August 1 where girls aged 5 to 12  "future voters," Cohen calls them  will make friendship bracelets that will be mailed to the site of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later in the month. The plan is to have about 100 bracelets made that have a tag with information about the girl who made it.

"Our goal is really to get one to Kamala Harris," Cohen said. "Or to (First lady) Jill Biden. We want them to know there are young girls who are watching, who are aware of what's happening."

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Black women familiar with sexism, bigotry Harris endures in campaign
By Simon Lewis

VIENTIANE (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Washington's concerns over Beijing's actions toward Taiwan and its support for Russia's war in Ukraine as he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday.

Blinken, who earlier called out China for escalating maritime tensions with the Philippines, talked extensively with Wang about Taiwan and Beijing's recent "provocative" actions toward the democratically governed island, a senior U.S. State Department official said.

Those actions included a simulated blockade during the inauguration of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, the official said.

Blinken and Wang agreed to keep making progress on their countries' military-to-military ties, but did not discuss nuclear arms control talks, which China has halted in protest over Washington providing arms to Taiwan, the official said.

"In every discussion, Taiwan is the issue that they care most about. They see it as ... an internal China issue," said the official, who briefed reporters travelling with Blinken.

China's government considers Taiwan inviolable Chinese territory, which Taiwan rejects.

Wang told Blinken that Taiwan was part of China and "was not and will not be a country", and Beijing would counter provocations by forces advocating Taiwan's independence, according to a foreign ministry statement.

He said that though communication channels between China and the United States were open, Washington had intensified its efforts to contain and suppress Beijing.

"The risks facing Sino-U.S. relations are still accumulating and the challenges are rising and ties are at a critical juncture of halting their decline and achieving stability," Wang said.

'NO COMMITMENT' ON RUSSIA SUPPORT

The two talked for one hour, 20 minutes on the sidelines of a regional summit in Laos, in their sixth meeting since June 2023, when Blinken visited Beijing in a sign of improvement in strained relations between the world's two biggest economies.

The two did not set a date for their next meeting, the official said.

Blinken is touring East Asia in a bid to reassure countries close to China of U.S. commitment, despite political uncertainty at home. He travelled to Vietnam later on Saturday and was set to hold security talks alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Japan and the Philippines in the coming days.

Blinken conveyed to Wang that U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, both believed in the importance of stability in the U.S.-China relationship, and that a rules-based order must be upheld, the official added.

Blinken also discussed China's support for Russia's defence industrial base and warned of further U.S. actions if China does not curtail that, according to the official.

Washington has levied sanctions at targets including China-based companies selling semiconductors to Moscow, as part of an effort to undercut the Russian military machine waging war on Ukraine.

"There was no commitment by the Chinese to take action," the official said.

Blinken also raised with Wang U.S. concerns over human rights in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet, and stressed the need for more progress from Beijing on counter narcotics including fentanyl precursors coming out of China.

The two also discussed a recent agreement between Palestinian factions brokered by Beijing, the official said, casting doubt on how effective that deal could be at settling the bitter rivalry between Fatah, which runs the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, which ran the Gaza strip before it launched attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 sparking the current bloodshed.

"We've seen a number of purported reconciliations before that have not proven to bear fruit," the official said.

(Additional reporting by Ryan Woo in Beijing; Writing by Simon Lewis and Martin Petty, Editing by William Maclean, Giles Elgood and Andrew Heavens)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized China for supporting the Russian arms industry at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Laos on Saturday.

Blinken made it clear that the US would continue to take "necessary actions" if China did not end this threat to European security, a US State Department spokesman said.

Since Russia's all-out war against Ukraine erupted in February 2022, Washington has accused Beijing of supplying Moscow with so-called "dual-use materials," like machine tools and electronics, that help Russia on the battlefield.

Blinken also expressed his concern about Beijing's "destabilizing actions" in the South China Sea.

China's foreign minister, in turn, accused the United States of having "intensified its efforts to contain and suppress China."

The risks to bilateral ties would only continue to grow, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which said the relationship between the world's two biggest economies was at a "critical point."

The top diplomats talked on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers' conference in the Laotian capital of Vientiane. Their meeting lasted just under 90 minutes.

Both sides said the ministers recognized that it was important to keep open channels of communication between Beijing and Washington.

Relations between the United States and China have been extremely tense for some time. The US accuses China of human rights violations, unfair trade practices and unlawful territorial claims in the South China Sea. China says the United States is trying to block its development with far-reaching sanctions and punitive tariffs.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over Beijings destabilizing actions in the South China Sea in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, as the two sought to keep communications open despite a deepening rivalry.

Blinken met with Wang in Laos during a trip to Asia against the backdrop of a fierce US presidential election campaign, which has renewed regional scrutiny over what the world will look like with a new administration in the White House.

The two leaders discussed bilateral, regional, and global issues, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement, adding: The Secretary made clear that the United States, together with our allies and partners, will advance our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In the meeting, Blinken also discussed Chinas support for Russias defense industrial base, warning that the US will take appropriate measures if China doesnt end their support, according to Miller.

A statement from the Chinese foreign ministry said that Wang told Blinken the US holds a wrong perception of China and urged a return to a rational and pragmatic China policy. But the statement added that the two would keep up communication.

The first leg of Blinkens week-long visit  which includes stops in Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia  comes amid persistent tensions between the US and China despite efforts by US President Joe Bidens administration to stabilize rocky relations between the two.

Russias invasion of Ukraine, as well as Chinas increasingly assertive moves in the South China Sea and threats toward Taiwan, have in recent years soured the Washington-Beijing relationship.

This week the North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska in what a US defense official said was the first time aircraft from the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.

Chinas continued support of Russia more than two years into Moscows invasion has been a persistent point of tension for the US, its allies and the Ukrainians.

When NATO leaders met this month, a joint declaration labeled Beijing a decisive enabler of Russias war against Ukraine, citing China as giving large-scale support for Russias defense industrial base.

The US and the European Union in recent months have accused China of bolstering Russias defense sector with the export of dual-use goods, and sanctioned dozens of companies in Hong Kong and mainland China for evading the extensive measures imposed on Russia. Beijing has denied supplying weaponry and maintains it keeps strict controls on such goods.

Beijing has sought to position itself as a neutral peace broker in the conflict, despite its deepening political, economic and military ties with Moscow and Chinese leader Xi Jinpings openly close friendship with Russias Vladimir Putin.

Earlier this week, Wang told visiting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that Beijing supported all efforts that contribute to peace  the first time China has hosted a top Ukrainian official since Moscows invasion began nearly two and half years ago.

In contrast, both Putin and Russias top diplomat Sergei Lavrov have been greeted in Beijing multiple times since the invasion.

Kuleba also visited Hong Kong and urged the semi-autonomous Chinese citys government to prevent Russia from using the Asian financial hub to bypass Western sanctions.

Regional scrutiny

Among the countries Blinken will visit on his trip are the Philippines and Japan, both of which have a mutual defense treaty with Washington.

The Philippines has tacked closer to the US since the election of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. against a backdrop of increasingly violent clashes between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.

Before speaking with Wang on Saturday, Blinken urged Southeast Asian countries to work together to address challenges  including Beijings escalating and unlawful actions taken against the Philippines in the South China Sea  at a meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers.

But he also applauded Manilas diplomacy with Beijing over the contentious issue, noting that the Philippines on Saturday completed unimpeded a resupply trip to troops stationed on a navy ship grounded at the hotly contested Second Thomas Shoal.

Such resupply missions had been the source of months of escalating tensions between the Philippines and China, which reached an interim deal last week to smooth deliveries.

We are pleased to take note of the successful resupply today of the Second Thomas Shoal, which is the product of an agreement reached between the Philippines and China, Blinken said.

We applaud that and hope and expect to see that it continues going forward.

During his presidency, Biden has pushed to deepen relations with the Philippines, Japan and South Korea, another mutual treaty ally, with Blinken a mainstay on the diplomatic circuit.

Beijing has bristled at such efforts, seeing it as part of Washingtons campaign to encircle China and contain its rise.

Asia is therefore watching closely for what might come next, especially given recent bombshell developments in the US election campaign.

Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump, who recently survived an assassination attempt, has often viewed Washingtons alliances more transactionally than Biden. His running mate JD Vance has advocated halting military aid to Ukraine in favor of focusing on Taiwans defense.

Meanwhile the Democratic Partys campaign was upended by Bidens decision not to seek re-election, and Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the partys presumptive nominee.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken boards his plane at Yokota Air Base in Fussa

By Simon Lewis

HANOI (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Vietnam on Saturday to pay his respects following the death of Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, underlining warmer ties between the countries a half-century since they fought a brutal war.

Blinken arrived in Hanoi late on Saturday after attending a regional summit in Laos and visited the family home of Trong, a Marxist-Leninist ideologue who as party chief was Vietnam's most powerful figure for 13 years. He died last week aged 80.

Trong's "bamboo diplomacy" trod a delicate balancing act between rival superpowers the United States and Communist neighbour China, helping to elevate Vietnam's ties with its two biggest trade partners.

Blinken greeted Trong's family before lighting an incense stick in front of a shrine displaying the general secretary's photo. He then stood for a moment with his hands clasped in a show of respect.

He wrote a page-long message in a condolence book and during conversations with Trong's family, conveyed the condolences of President Joe Biden.

Trong's two-day state funeral, which ended on Friday, drew more than 250,000 mourners in ceremonies in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and his home in Dong Anh on the outskirts of the capital, state media reported.

'VISIONARY LEADER'

Blinken's brief visit comes at a sensitive time for U.S.-Vietnam relations, which have improved given shared concerns about China's growing regional clout and interest from U.S. investors in a country with an economy that grew an average 5.8% annually during Trong's time in office.

During a visit by Biden to Hanoi last year, the countries upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has promoted Vietnam as a "friend-shoring" destination to shift U.S. supply chains away from China.

The U.S. Commerce Department is due to announce by Friday whether to upgrade Vietnam to market-economy status, something Hanoi has long sought.

The upgrade is opposed by U.S. steelmakers, Gulf Coast shrimpers, honey farmers and members of the U.S. Congress representing them, but backed by retailers and some other business groups.

After visiting Trong's home, Blinken also met Vietnam President To Lam, the former internal security agency chief who has assumed Trong's duties, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Blinken told Lam that Trong was a "visionary leader" who built a lasting bridge between the two countries and showed the world they could move forward despite their difficult past.

In his meeting with the prime minister, Blinken said one of the highlights of the Biden administration was its elevation of its strategic ties with Hanoi.

Readouts of Blinken's Hanoi meetings from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller referred to "a partnership at the highest level."

In the meeting with Chinh, both sides "welcomed the progress the United States and Vietnam have made together in implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," he said.

"The Secretary reaffirmed the United States commitment to working with Vietnam to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region and supporting a strong, independent, prosperous, and resilient Vietnam," he said.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis; additional reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington; Writing by Martin Petty;Editing by Helen Popper and Rod Nickel)
Zoopla chief executive Charlie Bryant says the next iteration of the rental market will comprise more corporate institutional landlords - Heathcliff O'Malley

Becoming a private landlord in Britain no longer makes financial sense, the boss of property listings website Zoopla has said.

Charlie Bryant, who oversees Zooplas parent company Houseful, has warned that individual buy-to-let investors are steering clear of the rental sector amid a combination of tax rises, high mortgage rates and red tape.

In their place will come pension funds and private equity firms, he said, as they seek to capitalise on the lucrative build-to-rent sector.

Factors fuelling the decline of Britains mom and pop private landlord sector include the removal of tax relief on buy-to-let mortgages and the 3pc stamp duty surcharge introduced on second homes in 2016.

These financial headwinds make being a landlord no longer the attractive proposition it once was.

Mr Bryant said: Put that into the context of the potential returns from alternative investments, whether that is bonds, the equity market or, frankly, putting your money with National Savings and Investments (NS&I) and the attractiveness of owning a rental property as an individual private landlord, buying it for yield, is not there.

The numbers back him up.

Figures from UK Finance show that the buy-to-let mortgage sector recently shrunk for the first time since 1996, when bespoke loans for property investors were first introduced.

This shift comes as Sir Keir Starmers Labour Government vows to rip up planning rules to build 1.5m homes across the country, potentially favouring corporate build-to-rent investors that can develop and manage apartment blocks with economies of scale.

Mr Bryant said: Undoubtedly the next iteration [of the rental market] is, particularly with potential planning changes, will be larger, more corporate institutional landlords, under the build-to-rent guise.

The build-to-rent model is already commonplace across the US and Germany, and has been growing fast in the UK.

Across Britain, the number of build-to-rent flats has increased more than 12 times over since 2015, rising from 7,200 to more than 90,000 today, according to JLL property consultants.

Another 90,000 are also in the pipeline as major pension funds such as L&G and Aviva forge ahead with investments.

This is still a tiny fraction compared to the total 4.6m households living in the private rental sector but the trajectory is clear.

Industry experts increasingly believe that build-to-rent will play a crucial role in Labours housing plans, particularly as record levels of immigration drive demand in the rental sector.

Net migration remains high, Mr Bryant said. The UK remains a very, very popular destination for overseas students and migrant labour. We are still a very strong financial centre and therefore we get a lot of expats coming in.

Story continues

To tackle growing demand in the rental sector, Mr Bryant said the Government must build a variety of homes, including social and affordable rent.

Building owner-occupied three-bedroom homes up and down the country is not going to solve the problem, he said.

Houseful is the parent company not only of Zoopla but also of Hometrack, which provides valuation and risk services to almost all of the UKs largest mortgage lenders, and online mortgage broker Mojo Mortgages.

As such, Mr Bryant has seen first-hand how regulations introduced after the financial crisis, such as limits on how many multiples of a persons income a bank can lend, have made it much harder for first-time buyers to qualify for loans.

In terms of potentially reforming the mortgage market, Mr Bryant said banks should open up lending to more first-time buyers by using their rental payment histories as a way of assessing affordability.

Could we take a lesson from some of the other geographies worldwide and be more aggressive on lending? Certainly loan-to-value lending is a lot higher in other geographies than it is in the UK, he said.

In the Netherlands, average LTVs for first-time buyers are above 100pc because they look at the borrower as much as they look at the collateral. I think we could certainly take a leaf out of that.

Crucially, he believes Britain also needs to reform the purchasing process, as too often buyers are caught by housing chains collapsing.

We have this peculiarly English thing about chains and everyone pulling out at the last minute, which can then collapse five other purchases, said Mr Bryant.

The costs associated with that  productivity, emotion, stress  are huge.

This degree of uncertainty can be a crucial factor in deterring sales, he added, particularly for larger corporate buyers.

To streamline Britains crazy buying process, which involves buyers and sellers having to pay large fees to surveyors and mortgage brokers, he recommends a two-pronged approach.

Not only should the Government introduce rules to shorten transaction periods but it should also broaden access to Land Registry data.

Mr Bryant said this would allow everyone involved to see information about a propertys history, including any hidden service charges.

Having been drafted in as chief executive of Houseful since 2018, Mr Bryant has run the company under the ownership of US private equity firm Silver Lake Partners. Six years into their tenure, Mr Bryant insists there are no plans to sell.

Increasingly, for large, growth-oriented private equity firms, they are significantly more focused on how to drive the greatest level of longer term growth, he said. For us personally, we have no specific immediate plans.

What is more pressing for Mr Bryant now is the prospect of new wealth taxes under Labour, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves seeks to raise around 10bn to rebuild public services.

Mr Bryant said this would serve as a deterrent to global investors, including his bosses at Silver Lake.

Clearly investors looking to invest in the UK will be very cognisant of what happens to things like capital gains tax and the extent to which it is attractive to run private equity investment firms in the UK, he said.

As for Zoopla, it is currently tackling a new wave of competition in the UK.

Tensions in the market have heightened ever since US real estate company Costar bought OnTheMarket  the UKs third largest property listing website after Rightmove and Zoopla  last year.

This coincided with plans to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in the site to turn it into a market leader.

Despite this threat, Mr Bryant insists competition is healthy for the online listings market, which increasingly gains ground on traditional estate agents of old.

Yet underpinning his confidence may be the fact that Labours radical shake-up of the property sector, with the creation of 1.5m homes, will drive activity for Zoopla like never before.

I would say the need to build new homes in this country is at least as urgent, or more urgent than it has ever been, said Mr Bryant.

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Blinken warns China of 'taking measures' if it keeps helping Russia's defense industry

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on July 27 that Washington will take measures if China continues to support Russia's defense industrial base, according to U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos, days after his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba held talks with the latter in Guangzhou during his first trip to China since the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war.

Beijing has positioned itself as neutral country but has simultaneously deepened economic ties with Moscow and backed Russia against Western sanctions. It has also shaped up to be Russia's leading source of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry.

China denied it was supplying Russia with arms to use against Ukraine, while the U.S. said that Beijing gave Russia "every support behind the scenes," threatening to impose more sanctions against the country.

"The secretary reiterated serious concern with PRC (People's Republic of China) support for Russias defense industrial base and made clear that if the PRC does not act to address this threat to European security, the United Stares will continue to take appropriate measures to do so," Miller said.

In addition, Blinken "made clear" that Washington, along with other partners, will advance their vision "for a free and open" Indo-Pacific.

After Kuleba's visit to China, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Beijing confirmed it would not supply Moscow with weapons. According to the foreign minister, China is "unshakably" committed to Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Read also: Borrell urges China to leverage influence and persuade Russia to cease its war against Ukraine

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The explosion in solar energy development is all around us, but its about to hit another gear as the approval process continues for a set of projects that will produce more power than homes in Nevada currently use.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has opened public comment on the proposed Esmeralda 7 Solar Project west of Tonopah, about midway between Las Vegas and Reno. If approved, the seven adjacent solar photovoltaic projects would collectively produce up to 6.2 gigawatts of clean electricity  enough to power roughly 1.6 million average homes, according to the EPA Calculator.

The average household in Nevada is 2.6 people, so thats enough power for 4 million people. Nevadas population is currently estimated at 3.2 million people, with about 75% of those living in Clark County.

The Biden administration directed federal agencies to fast-track development of solar, wind and geothermal projects as the government seeks to reduce Americas reliance on fossil fuels. Many of the solar projects are planned on public land controlled by BLM.

BLM said it analyzed the environmental effects of these seven projects together because they would be built adjacent to each other on about 118,000 acres of public land in Big Smoky Valley.

Esmeralda County has the fewest residents of any Nevada county, a major shift from the mining heyday of the early 20th century when Goldfield was the largest city in the state. But now Esmeralda County is the focus of solar development and proposed lithium mines.

And with that focus comes attention to the environmental impact.

Public participation in the environmental review process is vitally important, Battle Mountain District Manager Douglas Furtado said. BLM is committed to responsibly adding more clean energy to the grid.

Shaaron Netherton, executive director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness, said her group and others have serious concerns about the proposal. Among those concerns: nationally significant cultural resources and impacts and impacts on the states most genetically pure population of native desert bighorn sheep.

(Photo: Kirk Peterson/Friends of Nevada Wilderness)

(Photo: Kirk Peterson/Friends of Nevada Wilderness)

(Photo: Kirk Peterson/Friends of Nevada Wilderness)

(Photo: Kirk Peterson/Friends of Nevada Wilderness)

There are over 400 Paleoindian sites in this area. They are 10-14,000 years old, Netherton said on Friday.

A rich and diverse selection of reptiles including the ground snake, California king snake, Great Basin collared lizard and long-nosed leopard lizard are among the animals that would be affected by the massive solar development, she said.

New research is also highlighting new plant species. This is an incredibly rich collection of plants with some being considered for state and federal protection, Netherton said.

Gemini solar project in full operation northeast of Las Vegas

She also pointed to a nearby solar energy zone that has existing infrastructure. That site would make sense, but she questions the location of the new project.

We fully support green energy development, it is the placement and the scope of these projects that we take issue with, Netherton said.

(Photo: Kirk Peterson/Friends of Nevada Wilderness)

Friends of Nevada Wilderness, Conservation Lands Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, the Coalition for Nevadas Wildlife, the Walker River Paiute Tribe and the Yerington Paiute Tribe, and the Coalition for Nevadas WIldlife have severe concerns about the location of these projects.

Netherton also said the projects would place a burden on rural Esmeralda County, which will receive no funding.

Inflation pushes Greenlink powerline costs 68% higher, NV Energy says

The BLM will host one virtual public meeting and one in-person public meeting. The dates, times, location of these meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance on the projects BLM National NEPA Register. Further information on the project and how to register for the meetings is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.

Written comments must be received by Oct. 24, 2024, and reference Esmeralda 7 in the subject line for mailed and emailed comments. Options to submit include:

Online via the Participate Now tab of the BLM National NEPA Register (preferred) at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2020804/510. Click on the Participate Now link.

By mail to BLM Esmeralda Seven Project Manager, 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, NV 89820

Email to BLM_NV_BMDO_P&EC_NEPA@blm.gov

For more information, contact Scott Distel, Project Manager, at 775-635-4093 or 4000.

Also, BLM published the final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Libra Solar Project in Mineral and Lyon Counties. The project includes 700 megawatts of solar production and 700 megawatts of battery storage centered on 5,100 acres in Mineral County.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Boar's Head products to avoid in Maryland due to listeria potential

The Maryland Department of Health is advising consumers not to eat certain deli meats produced by Boars Head because of potential contamination with Listeria bacteria.

A sample collected by the department tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. In collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, the department collected an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of an outbreak investigation of Listeria monocytogenes infections. Further testing is ongoing to determine if the product sample is related to the outbreak. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

Boar's Head liverwurst products to be avoided in Maryland

Boar's Head Provisions Co is recalling all liverwurst products due to Listeria contamination.

Marylanders should avoid Boars Head ready-to-eat liverwurst products produced between June 11 and July 17, 2024., per the department. The following liverwurst products are subject to recall:

3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA. The products shipped to retailers bear sell by dates ranging July 25, 2024, to Aug. 30, 2024, printed on the side of the packaging.

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Boar's Head ready-to-eat deli meat products to avoid in MD

Boar's Head deli meat included in recall due to possible listeria contaminationn.

Marylanders should also avoid the following Boars Head ready-to-eat deli meat products produced on June 27, 2024:

9.5-lb. and 4.5-lb. full product, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head VIRGINIA HAM OLD FASHIONED HAM with sell by date AUG 10 on the product packaging.

4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM with sell by date AUG 10 on the product packaging.

6-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head EXTRA HOT ITALIAN CAPPY STYLE HAM with sell by date AUG 10 on the product packaging.

4-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head BOLOGNA with sell by date AUG 10 on the product packaging.

2.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head BEEF SALAMI with sell by date AUG 10 on the product packaging.

5.5-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head STEAKHOUSE ROASTED BACON HEAT & EAT with sell by date AUG 15 on the product packaging.

3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head GARLIC BOLOGNA with sell by date AUG 10 on the product packaging.

3-lb., or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing Boars Head BEEF BOLOGNA with sell by date AUG 10 on the product packaging.

These products subject to recall were distributed to retail deli locations nationwide. The products shipped to deli retailers bear establishment number EST. 12612 inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.

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Symptoms of Listeria to look out for

Symptoms of Listeriosis may include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur. After exposure, symptoms usually appear within three days to 10 weeks, but most often within three weeks. If you experience these symptoms, speak with your health care provider immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided a map showing where sick individuals lived. Maryland has had six individuals with a known illness, as of July 19, 2024.

For more information, visit cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/delimeats-7-24/index.html.

What is listeria?: What to know about listeria

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Boar's Head recalls 207,000 pounds of deli meats. All to know
Body of missing 61-year-old Fort Worth man found in Jack County, officials say

A missing 61-year-old Fort Worth man was found dead Friday afternoon in Jack County, officials said.

Nkosinomusa Emmanuel Gwalla disappeared July 17, according to a missing person alert from the Fort Worth Police Department. Gwalla was seen driving his Dodge Challenger in the 1400 block of Intermodal Parkway around 10 a.m. His family was concerned he was lost and in danger.

On Thursday, someone called the Jack County Sheriffs Office to report a suspicious vehicle parked near a field. Officials recognized it as Gwallas car from the license plates and began a search of the area, the sheriffs office said on social media.

The search was called off around 10:30 p.m. and resumed Friday morning, officials said. Several search teams, which included the Jack County Sheriffs Office, Jacksboro police and fire departments and the Fort Worth Police Department Missing Persons Unit, combed the rough terrain around the location where Gwallas car had been found.

Around 4:30 p.m., searchers found Gwallas body in a nearby creek, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

We are honored to be able to help return him to his family for closure, the release said.

Jack County is located in north central Texas around 70 miles northwest of Fort Worth.

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Borrell urges China to leverage influence and persuade Russia to cease its war against Ukraine

During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Laos, the EU's chief diplomat Josep Borrell urged China to support the peace process in Ukraine and halt the export of dual-use goods to Russia, which bolster its military capabilities.



Borrell emphasized that China's support for Russia negatively impacts EU-China relations and stressed the existential threat Russia's war poses to Europe.



He also referenced a joint statement by China and Brazil in May, which called for a peace conference but did not address Ukraine's territorial integrity.



Recently, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited China for the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion and met with Wang.



"China has unshakably reaffirmed its respect for the principle of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Kuleba said in a video post on Instagram.



China has positioned itself as neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but has simultaneously deepened economic ties with Moscow and has become Russia's leading source of dual-use goods.



Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to China to use its sway over Moscow to help bring an end to the war.

Read also: Kuleba holds more than 3 hours of talks with Chinese FM

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A 47-year-old New Britain woman is facing charges after police say a Fourth of July backyard fireworks display caused more than $14,000 in damage to her neighbors property.

On July 4, Central Bucks Regional Police responded to two fireworks complaints from a homeowner in the 70 block of Sioux Road.

The couple told police that earlier in the day a man they did not know came to their door to have a conversation about a fireworks display that would be taking place that evening. The couple expressed concerns about potential damage from the display and afterward were under the impression the fireworks wouldnt be set off, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

A New Britain woman is facing misdemeanor and summary charges after a backyard Fourth of July fireworks display allegedly caused $14,000 in damages to her neighbor's property.

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While at the property, the officer reported seeing a large fireworks display taking place directly behind the homeowners property.

As fireworks were discharged, the officer reported seeing, and feeling, debris falling, the affidavit said. The officer also reported the noise was so loud it was hard to hold a conversation.

When the officer walked to the front of the home, a small portion of what appeared to be a mortar was on the homeowners driveway next to a Volkswagen, the affidavit said.

The Sioux Road homeowner told the officer his roof was replaced less than two months earlier and he would be getting an estimate for a full roof cleaning. The man also alleged that an auto body repair shop estimated his three cars sustained nearly $14,000 in damages from fireworks debris.

The night of the incident, the officer went to the home where the fireworks display was taking place in the 60 block of Iroquois Avenue and spoke with a woman who said she was in charge, the affidavit said.

The officer reported the rear of the Iroquois property was covered in debris and there were wood platforms with empty cases of fireworks less than 150 feet from two vehicles parked in the backyard.

The woman is charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief, and three summary charges of discharging fireworks within 150-feet of a building or vehicle.

The New Britain woman is the second person in Bucks County this year to face charges after fireworks fun resulted in property damages.

A 28-year-old Hulmeville man is facing misdemeanor charges after the firework he set off caused more than $4,000 in property damage after setting fire to 10 trees at a Langhorne shopping center.

In Pennsylvania consumers can purchase and use both "Class C" or "consumer-grade" fireworks, which includes firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and other fireworks not exceeding 50 milligrams of explosive material.

But igniting or discharging fireworks on public or private property without express permission from the property owner or within 150 feet of a building or vehicle is prohibited.

Reporter Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at jciavaglia@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: New Britain woman faces charges after police say fireworks fun went wrong
Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) on Friday unveiled an endorsement from the family of Michael Brown, the 18-year-old shot and killed by Ferguson, Mo., police in 2014.

Bush is locked in a close primary race against St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, who defeated a seven-term incumbent in 2018. During his campaign for county prosecutor, Bell vowed to get justice for the Brown family.

In an ad released Friday announcing the endorsement, Browns family spoke about that promise. The ad opens with Mike Brown Sr. and his daughter standing side by side.

After the murder of my son, Wesley Bell promised to pursue justice for my family, the elder Brown says.

His daughter adds, My brother deserved justice.

Six years after Browns death, then-newly elected Bell declined to bring charges against Darren Wilson, the officer who shot the teenager.

At the time, Bell said that although the case represented one of the most significant moments in St. Louiss history, an independent review could not prove that Wilson committed murder or manslaughter under Missouri law.

He never brought charges against the killer, Mike Brown Sr. says in the ad. He never walked the streets of Ferguson with me. He failed to reform the office.

Bush has spoken often of her time as an activist leader in Ferguson after the fatal shooting and has said it, and the aftermath, prompted her to run for office.

The progressive squad member is facing a tough reelection bid. A poll released in June found Bell ahead of Bush by 1 point, and this week the St. Louis Post-Dispatchs editorial board endorsed Bell in a scathing rebuke of Bush.

Still, in her latest ad, the Browns throw their full support behind Bush.

Bell used my family for power and now hes trying to sell out St. Louis, Browns father says. He doesnt care about us.

Browns daughter chimes in, closing out the ad with a resounding, Cori Bush does.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a podcast released Saturday that attacks aimed at Vice President Harris claiming she was hired due to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are a bad look for Republicans.

Asked about the attacks by The New York Times Lulu Garcia-Navarro said on the outlets The Interview podcast, Buttigieg argued they are likely to backfire on Republicans.

Well, I do think that those attacks have been a bad look for Republicans, Buttigieg, who is seen as a possible contender for likely Democratic presidential nominee Harris running mate, responded.

And, you can tell because, when you got somebody like [House Speaker] Mike Johnson [(R-La.)], who is a very, very conservative figure, right, the Speaker of the House, telling his own caucus, like, Hey, cool it, hes basically saying that they are embarrassing the party, and I think acknowledging that they are diminishing the partys chances by indulging in that kind of rhetoric.

And the fact that they cant think of what else to do, besides go right to race and gender, isnt just revealing about some of the ugliest undercurrents in todays Republican Party, its also just profoundly unimaginative, because it means that they cant speak to how any of this is going to make peoples lives better, in other words, certainly not [former President] Trumps campaign or Trumps party.

Earlier this week, Johnson said at a press conference that the upcoming election  is going to be about policies, not personalities.

This isnt personal with regard to Kamala Harris, the House Speaker said of the likely Democratic presidential nominee. Her ethnicity, her gender, has nothing to do with this whatsoever.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), who had previously labeled the vice president as a DEI hire, said Wednesday he regretted calling her that, but it was the truth.

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You likely wouldn't be making a mistake if you invested in Realty Income (NYSE: O). Nor would it be an error to buy Agree Realty (NYSE: ADC). But while they are very similar in some ways, they are notably different in others. Here's why you might want to select one of these high-yield stocks over the other.

Realty Income is the name to beat in net lease

Realty Income is the largest net-lease real estate investment trust (REIT). A net lease requires the tenant to pay for most property-level operating costs. Net lease properties are usually single-tenant assets. Although any individual property is high risk given that there's only one tenant, across a large portfolio, the risks are fairly low. Realty Income owns over 15,400 properties, which is a massive number compared to most of its peers.

Image source: Getty Images.

The REIT's market cap is a huge $50 billion, which is over 3 times larger than its next-closest peer. It is the 800-pound gorilla in the net-lease REIT niche. But it isn't just big, it is also very well run. Realty Income has an investment-grade balance sheet and a 30-year history of annual dividend increases. This is a very reliable dividend stock.

As for the future, growth is likely to be slow given Realty Income's vast size. But the company still has a lot of levers to pull on the expansion front. For starters, its portfolio is spread across retail and industrial assets and it has exposure to both North America and Europe (a market in which the net-lease approach is still relatively new). The company's size and financial strength also give it the ability to take on deals that smaller REITs couldn't manage, including portfolio transactions and buying smaller peers.

If you don't mind a slow-and-steady tortoise, and like to own the biggest and best-run companies, Realty Income and its 5.5% dividend yield will be a good fit in your income portfolio.

Agree Realty is a budding upstart

Agree Realty, with a market cap of just $7 billion, only invests in retail properties located in the United States. The company cut its dividend in 2011 when it owned less than 100 properties and a single large tenant ended up in bankruptcy. Back then, it was the poster child for why a large portfolio is important for net-lease REITs. It is a vastly different company today, with over 2,200 properties. While that's small relative to Realty Income, it is more than enough diversification in the net-lease space to offset both the single-tenant and portfolio-size risks.

Agree's balance sheet is investment grade. And it has raised its dividend annually for roughly a decade. This is where things get interesting and you start to see the important differences between Realty Income and Agree. Over the past 10 years, Agree's dividend has increased by roughly 5.7% a year on an annualized basis. Realty Income's dividend rose closer to 3% a year over that span.

Story continues

While the gap between roughly 6% and 3% may not seem like much on an absolute basis, it is a huge percentage difference. Agree is essentially the fast-growing upstart in this comparison. Given its significantly smaller size, that's a situation that's unlikely to change for a long time. It is also why investors have afforded the REIT a premium price -- the yield is 4.5% or so, a full percentage point below that of Realty Income.

O Dividend Per Share (Quarterly) Chart

All told, this well-run net-lease REIT is going to be attractive to investors focused on dividend growth. It will also be of interest to growth-and-income investors. Realty Income, meanwhile, will probably be favored by those seeking the largest and best-run companies in a sector and the highest yields.

Either one will work, but you might have a preference

Neither Realty Income nor Agree Realty are bad net-lease REITs. The choice between them, in some ways, comes down to the nuances in your investment style. On the other hand, you could just buy both of them, which would give you exposure to both the industry giant and a fast-growing upstart.

Should you invest $1,000 in Realty Income right now?

Before you buy stock in Realty Income, consider this:

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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Sacramento files a lawsuit against Fresno County challenging the recently passed initiative known as Measure A.

The State says this measure bypasses a state law that moved these elections to presidential election cycles.

State tells Fresno County not to suppress voter turnout

The city is working with the state to strike down the measure.

Fresno County says Sacramento should stay out of county business.

I think the county wants to keep it the way that it has traditionally been, because what the assembly bill is the one that changed it. It granted the D.A. and the sheriff a one-time extension of two years, Lisa Smittcamp, Fresno County District Attorney said.

In 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Assembly Bill that changed the California election code to move District Attorney and Sheriff elections to presidential election cycles.

The state says voter turnout for those elections is higher, and getting an inclusive sampling of voters deciding on top county law enforcement is in the public interest.

Opponents say not so fast, they contend that important local contests get buried in the clutter of presidential elections.

Last year Fresno County supervisors voted to put Measure A on the March ballot, moving the District Attorney and Sheriffs election to less noisy election cycles, and Fresno County voters agreed.

Last March Measure A was passed by 55% of county voters.

Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp and Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni say the voters have spoken.

People say to me all the time, well, why wouldnt you just want to keep your job for two more years? Why would you want to have to run? And I dont want to have to run. And what I like about is two years. Sure, that would be great for Lisa in the short term, and it would be great for John Zanoni in the short term. But the long-term effects for the county are really what we have to think about. Smittcamp said.

D.A. Smittcamp says the Board of Supervisors did the right thing by letting voters make the final call.

They put it to the vote of the people. Then the people in Fresno said, no, we want to keep it on the gubernatorial and thats where it should stay, Smittcamp said.

Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni says the noise from presidential contests distracts local voters trying to decide key issues.

As you can see right now with the presidential election thats going on, people lose focus on local issues. I mean, you could see that. I mean, the media is bombarded with, you know, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and people need to listen to what the issues are locally. They need to hear from those that are either elected or running for these positions, Sheriff Zanoni said.

He says voters have spoken and that should be the end of it.

It passed by the vote of the people. I was not out campaigning one way or the other. I didnt spend any money to try to get people to vote to keep it for years. I didnt do anything. I let the people make that decision, Sheriff Zanoni said.

City Attorney Andrew Janz supports Attorney General Rob Bontas lawsuit, striking Measure A.

He says the city of Fresno has a vital interest in Sacramentos lawsuit succeeding.

I dont see it that way. You know, just because the majority of Fresno residents voted for this, you know, were not sure how well they were educated on this on this piece of legislation, Janz said.

While Fresno County officials feel that Measure A empowers voters, the City council wants to make sure the law is constitutional.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Californias Park Fire is now bigger than Phoenix while in Canada a blaze is scorching one of the largest national parks

Californias largest wildfire of the year has burned an area larger than the size of the city of Phoenix, destroyed dozens of buildings and forced thousands of residents to flee their homes as wildfires wreak havoc in the Western United States. Meanwhile, homes and businesses in a popular Canadian resort town were incinerated as a wildfire continued to roar through the area. Heres the latest:

 Californias Park Fire now states 7th largest: Even with Saturdays weather working in favor of firefighters, the massive Park Fire continued to devour huge amounts of land in parts of Butte and Tehama counties, north of Sacramento, California. The blaze has grown to more than 350,000 acres, or 546 square miles, according to Cal Fire, making it the seventh-largest wildfire in recorded state history. Containment for the fire, which is now bigger than the city of Los Angeles, is now at 10%.

 California governor declares state of emergency: Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for both counties Friday. The state also secured a federal grant to ensure there are enough resources to fight the blaze.

 A man is accused of igniting Park Fire: Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, was arrested on suspicion of pushing a burning car 60 feet into a gully, spreading flames that caused the Park Fire, authorities said. The DA says 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. Stout, who has not retained an attorney, will likely face an arson charge, the DAs office told CNN.

 Pilot dies while fighting Oregon fire: A firefighting pilot was found dead in a single-engine air tanker on Friday after going missing the night before while working in the vicinity of the 141,000-acre (221 square miles) Falls Fire burning in the Malheur National Forest, according to officials. The fire, which was 57% contained as of Saturday afternoon, is among a number of large wildfires burning across Oregon. The largest active wildfire in the state is the Durkee Fire, which has scorched about 451 square miles and was 49% contained as of Saturday evening, according to Oregon Wildfire Response and Recovery.

 Fire wipes out many of a Canadian towns buildings: Flames are still out of control in the Canadian Rockies largest national park, according to the Jasper National Park Facebook page. The fire complex sent thousands of visitors, season workers and residents fleeing the municipality of Jasper in Alberta, where flames devastated an estimated 30% of the towns structures. Recent fire activity has been low, officials said Saturday midday. Today will see a return to slightly warmer and drier weather. Some areas, which did not receive rain, may see an increase in fire behaviour in the coming days.

Sherry Alpers checks on her dogs at a center for Park Fire evacuees in Chico, California, on Friday. - Noah Berger/AP

 102 large wildfires burning nationwide: Triple-digit heat and dry conditions across the West this week have made conditions poor for firefighters actively fighting to contain more than 100 large wildfires burning nationwide, including 37 in Oregon and 14 in California. Smoke from wildfires will continue to plague parts of the West (NorCal eastward/ northeastward into Montana), resulting in poor air quality and areas of reduced visibility. Affected residents are urged to stay indoors if possible with windows and doors closed, the National Weather Service said.

Park Fire makes some California residents relive tragedy

The Park Fire, which began Wednesday in the Chico area, has forced thousands of people to evacuate in Butte County, where the states deadliest wildfire, the Camp Fire, killed more than 85 people and destroyed thousands of homes in 2018.

A heavy plume of smoke once again looms over the county as crews battle thick flames that are torching everything in their path. The Park Fire has left graveyards of burned cars and charred, hallowed out structures, video from the Chico area shows.

For Butte County residents, the advancing flames bring with them painful memories of the losses they endured from the Camp Fire six years ago.

One evacuee, Tim Ferguson, told CNN affiliate KOVR he had lost his father in the Camp Fire, and its painful thinking about having to experience more loss this time around.

Weve got our home, and weve been working on it a lot lately, fixing it up, and its just were at the verge of maybe losing all that, Ferguson said.

Lauri Schwein, who lost her home in the Camp Fire, told CNN affiliate KCRA shes on high alert. Im packing up, my dog, my cat, she said. All I can do is wait and watch.

In the town of Paradise, the smoke is enough to bring back the horrors the Camp Fire unleashed when it incinerated much of the town.

It was very impactful, every once in a while we smell smoke or see smoke like that, it does trigger us. It triggers the people here in Paradise. When you go through trauma, thats what happens, Ron Lassonde, the mayor of Paradise, told KCRA.

Paradise is under an evacuation warning, according to the town web site. An EVACUATION WARNING means prepare to evacuate and await additional instructions, under a warning those who need additional time to evacuate should begin evacuating now, officials cautioned.

The Park Fire is burning just three weeks after the Thomspon Fire in Butte County burned more than 3,700 acres, forced people from their homes, and destroyed more than two dozen structures, including houses.

Local officials cautioned it would take some time before people would be allowed back in their homes.

We are no strangers to evacuations in Butte County, said Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea at a news conference Friday. We are constantly looking for the earliest opportunity to get people back in.

The North Valley Animal Disaster Group has rescued 88 animals from the blaze as its members dealt with losses of their own. In 2018, the group managed to shelter over 4,000 animals during the Camp Fire.

When youve been through a big fire and youve lost everything, sometimes the only thing you have left to give is to go help the animals, Vice President Norm Rosene told CNN.

Triple-digit temperatures and high wind gusts have fueled the explosive growth of the Park Fire amid an active fire season in California. An estimated 626,600 acres have burned across the state so far in 2024, compared to 25,254 acres burned by this time last year, according to Cal Fire.

Its been nothing but challenging, Cal Fire Captain Dan Collins told CNN. If we see fires behave like this in July, they may behave even more radically come the fall when the fields are even drier.

A helicopter buckets water onto smoldering fires outside of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, on Friday. Wildfires encroaching into the townsite of Jasper forced an evacuation of the national park. - Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press/AP

Lodge owner in Canadian tourist town sees business go up in flames

In Jasper, a popular tourist town in Alberta, 25,000 residents and visitors were forced to evacuate from a fast-moving blaze that has destroyed 30% of the towns structures, officials said.

Two wildfires converged in the Jasper National Park area, becoming what authorities are referring to as the Jasper Wildfire Complex. It remains difficult to measure exactly how big the complex  which also includes a third nearby fire  is due to extreme fire behavior and thick smoke cover. Together, the fires have swallowed an estimated 89,000 acres, the Jasper National Park said.

An evacuation order remains in effect for Jasper and Jasper National Park, with the vast majority of evacuees being visitors, officials said. Along with about 4,100 residents  and thousands of seasonal workers  who live in the town, 2.48 million people visited Jasper National Park last year.

Out of a total of 1,113 structures in the town, 358 have been destroyed, according to a Facebook post from Jasper National Park. The fire is about 32,000 hectares or 790,000 acres.

The owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper told CNN news partner CTV News that she was shocked when she saw a photo of the 98-room hotel up in flames. It had been in the family since 1961 after her father purchased the property, and she had been working there since she was a child.

As soon as were given the go-ahead, well be in there rebuilding our hotel, Karyn Decore said.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland lost the home that his family had moved into around his second birthday, according to CTV News.

On a tour of the wreckage in Jasper, Ireland said that the loss of his home of 67 years is shattering.

Now its memories of family and fire, Ireland told CNN news partner CBC. So many others are going to go through this same thing.

But he said when I stood back and looked, and saw what remains, I know that the community is still there.

CNNs Raja Razek, Paradise Afshar, Taylor Romine, Kara Mihm and Jillian Sykes contributed to this report.

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As California seeks to curb groundwater declines, farmers in one county fight back in court

A farm manager pauses while tending to young pistachio trees on a farm near Corcoran in 2023. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

With long-term declines in groundwater levels putting thousands of domestic wells at risk and causing the ground to sink in parts of the San Joaquin Valley, state regulators are moving forward with efforts to force local agencies to take stronger steps to begin to rein in chronic overpumping by Californias agriculture industry.

But these efforts have recently run into complications as growers in one area, the Tulare Lake subbasin, are suing to challenge state officials decision to intervene by placing the area on probationary status  a step thats called for under Californias groundwater law when local water managers fail to come up with adequate plans to curb declines in water levels.

The State Water Resources Control Boards attempt to intervene was slowed this month when a judge in Kings County issued an order temporarily putting on hold the states determination and delaying a requirement that farmers begin measuring and reporting how much groundwater they pump.

We're fighting for everybody in Kings County, and we're fighting for everybody in the state of California, said Dusty Ference, executive director of the Kings County Farm Bureau, which sued the state in May over the boards decision.

Ference said his group aims to overturn the states decision and reject measures that farmers view as unreasonable, damaging to the local economy and overreaching beyond the requirements of the states Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA.

We think that it will set precedent, Ference said. We hope that the state more carefully considers whether or not to place a subbasin on probation, and understands that their decisions have real consequences up and down the state.

A worker sets up irrigation lines to water a newly planted almond orchard near Tulare in 2021. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)

The extent to which the case might hinder state-led efforts to manage groundwater will depend on upcoming court hearings.

In the meantime, state officials took a step toward intervening in another part of the San Joaquin Valley, announcing Thursday that they are recommending the state water board also place the Kern County subbasin on probation. They said the areas local plans dont adequately address chronic lowering of groundwater levels, sinking land or impacts to water quality, and that a lack of coordination among 20 local agencies has also been problematic.

The state water board plans to decide whether to intervene in Kern County at a Feb. 20 meeting, after considering whether to take similar measures in two other areas of the San Joaquin Valley, the Kaweah and Tule subbasins. They are among six areas where the state has declared local groundwater plans inadequate.

All of these basins face urgent and irreversible harms occurring due to groundwater overdraft, said Natalie Stork, assistant director of the boards Office of Sustainable Groundwater Management.

A state analysis found that about 230 domestic wells could go dry during a drought, based on water level trends in the Kern subbasin, she said. The analysis also found that plans presented by local agencies could allow for water levels to decline so dramatically that more than 400 wells would go dry.

Land subsidence caused by groundwater depletion is also a major concern, with the ground having sunk as much as 2.4 feet in some areas since 2015, Stork said. Where the ground is sinking at such rates, it can damage canals, roads, levees and other infrastructure.

As water levels drop, harmful contaminants such as arsenic and nitrate can also become more concentrated in water pumped from wells, posing health hazards.

After state regulators determined in 2022 that the Kern groundwater plans were inadequate, the 14 so-called groundwater sustainability agencies in the area began splitting and forming new local agencies, Stork said. There are now 20 different groundwater agencies in the area, and they recently submitted seven separate revised plans.

I think that is a reflection of the management challenges in this subbasin, Stork said.

She said some local agencies have also recently split in the Tulare Lake and Tule regions over the last few months, which is concerning since this will make coordination more challenging.

Craig Branco owns an olive orchard and a rental home near Visalia where two wells went dry in 2021. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Stork noted, however, that while having a large number of separate agencies and plans may complicate coordination, its allowed under the states 2014 groundwater law.

Coordination is critical to sustainable groundwater management, she said. Otherwise actions or decisions in one area could adversely impact another.

In another region, the Delta-Mendota subbasin, 23 separate local agencies recently got together and submitted a single plan covering the entire area, which Stork said is expected to improve coordination.

Read more: Groundwater depletion is worsening worldwide. Parts of California are suffering rapid declines

The state groundwater law, which was signed nearly 10 years ago, requires local agencies in many areas to develop groundwater plans and curb overpumping by 2040.

In parts of the Central Valley, state officials have repeatedly disagreed with local water officials about the pace at which pumping reductions should occur and the adequacy of measures to protect drinking water supplies and combat land subsidence.

As the laws limits on pumping gradually take effect in the coming years, the restrictions are expected to require taking some farmland out of production in the Central Valley, requiring major changes in a farming region that produces vast quantities of nuts, fruits and other crops, as well as cattle and dairy products.

Water flows from a well to irrigate an orchard near Visalia in 2021. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

When Stork was asked during a conference call with reporters about how the Kings County court case could affect state efforts elsewhere, she said: It only applies to the Tulare Lake subbasin, so it doesn't impact our work in other basins.

Edward Ortiz, a spokesperson for the state water board, said the agencys officials disagree with the courts temporary order suspending the requirement for well owners to report how much water they are pumping. He said this requirement is an important part of the probationary process and protects groundwater resources for the benefit of all Californians.

The lawsuit over the decision to place the Tulare Lake region on probation was widely expected after the boards vote following a contentious debate in April. Farmers and representatives of local groundwater agencies had urged the state water board to postpone the intervention and give them more time to improve their plans. But the five-member board found local plans didnt include adequate measures to address declines in water levels or the problem of sinking ground, which has repeatedly damaged levees.

Read more: Their land is sinking. But Tulare Lake farm barons defy calls to cut groundwater pumping

Last year, the long-dry Tulare Lake, which was drained generations ago to serve agriculture, reappeared on thousands of acres of farmland. The lake then receded, and growers have continued relying on groundwater.

The areas large landowners, among them J.G. Boswell Co., pump groundwater to irrigate tomatoes, cotton, pistachios and other crops.

Ference, a citrus farmer, said agriculture generates about $2 billion in gross revenues each year in Kings County and provides 1 in 4 jobs.

Agriculture funds this county and this community. And without it, Kings County becomes a ghost town very quickly, Ference said. What's at risk is our ability to pump groundwater. And without the ability, then we lose our entire foundation.

He said growers agree that changes will need to be made to achieve sustainability and meet the requirements of the groundwater law.

But we have to make those changes in a way that doesn't decimate not only the agriculture industry but the community, Ference said.

Read more: California farming area placed on probation over declining groundwater and sinking land

The Kings County Farm Bureau is asking Superior Court Judge Kathy Ciuffini to issue a preliminary injunction that would put state intervention on hold while the case is heard.

Ference said the state water boards approach is arbitrary and capricious.

They've arbitrarily moved the compliance date from 2040 to today, he said. We've not been given the opportunity to implement a plan and even see if it's going to work.

He said the state plan to impose pumping fees of $300 per well and $20 per acre-foot of water pumped would be far too costly and would go toward funding a police force with unmitigated authority.

Instead, those funds would be better used locally to build infrastructure to help recharge the aquifer, he said.

SGMA is designed for local control, and that's where it needs to stay, Ference said.

The standpipe and pump of an agricultural well are silhouetted at sunset near the community of Sultana in Tulare County. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

The state water board, he said, should allow the process to work, allow us the time to work through implementing plans.

Others argue the state water board was right to put the area on probation.

Locals have had years now to get their groundwater management plans correct, said Nataly Escobedo Garcia, water policy coordinator for the group Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability.

The lawsuit is concerning because it could impede efforts to move toward solutions, Escobedo Garcia said.

I think unfortunately this could really slow down a lot of the progress we've been making as a state, she said.

Read more: California lawmakers reject proposal to curb well-drilling where nearby wells could run dry

Researchers have warned that plans prepared by local agencies would allow water levels to decline significantly between now and 2040, potentially putting thousands of wells at risk of going dry.

Scientists have also found that crops water demands are growing because of rising temperatures driven by climate change, which is contributing to declines in aquifer levels.

Our aquifers are still critically overdrafted. And while 2040 sounds really far away, there is a lot of work that has to go into aquifer recovery, Escobedo Garcia said.

She said further delays could put in jeopardy the regions ability to truly move toward sustainability by 2040, as the law requires.



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
California's Park Fire grows to nearly 350K acres, becomes 8th largest on record

Steep terrain and high winds have caused the Park Fire to spread rapidly, growing to an area of over 307,000 acres in four days. Photo by Dan Reidel/EPA-EFE

July 27 (UPI) -- California firefighters are scrambling to contain the massive Park Fire, which has scorched an area greater than the size of Los Angeles as of Saturday.

As of 11:20 a.m. PDT, the wildfire had burned 348,370 acres across Butte and Tehama counties, which is a drastic increase from the 45,550 acres it had burned through as of Thursday morning.

The steep terrain and winds in the area have created conditions for an aggressively spreading fire, according to Cal Fire. Despite over 2,400 firefighting personnel being deployed to combat the blaze, it remained 0% contained as of Saturday.

By Saturday morning, the Park Fire had broken over 300,000 acres of scorched terrain. It now has grown to become the eighth-largest wildfire in California history and the largest wildfire this year. It has so far razed 134 buildings and continues to threaten another 4,200.

No deaths have been reported.

The fire ignited at 2:52 p.m. Wednesday in the Chico area of Butte County and was allegedly caused by a man pushing a burning car 60 feet into a gully.

Authorities on Thursday arrested 42-year-old Ronnie Dean Stout II on suspicion of arson. He was booked at Butte County Jail and is being held without bail. He is due to be arraigned Monday.

By Thursday, evacuation orders were in place for Butte County and nearby Tehama County.

In Butte County, 52,190 acres have burned, while 255,178 acres have burned in Tehama County.

The fire has forced some 4,000 Butte County residents to evacuate their homes, calling to mind the deadly Camp Fire, which killed more than 85 people in 2018.

Lauri Schwein of Paradise, who lost her home in the Camp Fire, told local news she is ready to leave at a moment's notice.

"I'm packing up; my dog, my cat. All I can do is wait and watch and hopefully get alerts," she said.

Just three weeks earlier, Butte County was plagued by the Thompson Fire, which burned through over 3,700 acres and destroyed more than two dozen homes and buildings.

"We are no strangers to evacuations in Butte County," Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said at a news conference Friday. "We are constantly looking for the earliest opportunity to get people back in."

California has been subject to a hotter-than-usual June, and there has been an excess of fine fuels like grass, leaves and twigs from an unusually wet winter and spring, according to Cal Fire. These factors have led to a more aggressive wildfire season than in previous years.

While the number of fires in the state is in line with the five-year average, the number of acres burned is much higher. Abnormally high temperatures persist in California translate to an even greater fire risk for the rest of the year.
Camden mourning loss of Arkansas oldest police officer L.C. Buckshot Smith, remembering him as the officer who took more people home than to jail

Camden mourning loss of Arkansas oldest police officer L.C. Buckshot Smith, remembering him as the officer who took more people home than to jail

CAMDEN, Ark.  A Camden man known as the oldest police officer to serve in Arkansas is being remembered after officials with the Camden Police Department announced his death Thursday.

Officer L.C. Smith, also known as Buckshot, was 95 at the time of his death. Hed just retired from the police department two years ago as the oldest police officer in Arkansas at the age of 93.

Camden police mourning the passing of former officer L.C. Buckshot Smith

James Woods, owner of Woods Place in Camden, said Buckshot spent every Thursday inside his restaurant with a plate of ribs.

He was kind of like a little celebrity, Woods said.

But his lengthy career in law enforcement, which spanned more than six decades, captured the attention and hearts of people across the world.

We had a lot of people come in doing interviews, Don Banks, owner of Banks World Famous Pawn Shop, said. Lester Holt sent a crew here even.

Oldest police officer in Arkansas retires at 93

When asked what Buckshot made of the worldwide attention, Banks said, Oh, who wouldnt like it? He ate it up! He ate it up.

Banks has lived in Camden since he was 11 years old and knew Buckshot well.

Robert Garner, who was also in the pawn shop Friday, said he hired Buckshot at the beginning of his career in law enforcement more than six decades ago, back when Garner was the sheriff.

According to Garner, Buckshots mind stayed sharp until the very end. Its what gave him a long life and a long career protecting his beloved community.

His servitude to the community is lasting, Garner said. Its his legacy.

Buckshot is known as the police officer who took more people home than he took to jail. Those were his famous words that rang true throughout his career.

Camden police officer turns 90, becomes the oldest active police officer in Arkansas

The men KARK 4 News spoke to on Friday all said his life and legacy points to not only a smiling face and happy personality, but a caring heart and helping hands.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Car crash knocks out power in St. Pete after driver strikes pole

Car crash knocks out power in St. Pete after driver strikes pole

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  An electrical grid in the Disston Heights area in St. Petersburg went out after a vehicle crashed into a power pole on Friday night.

According to St. Pete police, a car struck the pole at the intersection of 30th Avenue North and 49th Street North at around 10:30 p.m.

New changes coming to Florida drivers licenses

Officials said the entire intersection closed after the power went out.

Duke Energy was on the scene working to restore the power, as officers conducted traffic due to the lights being out.

No further details have been 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 WFLA.
The composer Wolfgang Rihm sits in his apartment. Rihm, one of the most influential German composers of the post-World War II generation, died on 26 July at the age of 72, his wife said. Uli Deck/dpa

Wolfgang Rihm, one of the most influential German composers of the post-World War II generation, died on Friday at the age of 72, his wife said.

Born in the western German city of Karlsruhe, Rihm was one of the most frequently performed contemporary composers in Europe. He leaves behind an oeuvre of well over 500 works, including operas and large orchestral pieces, chamber music and music theatre.

"We lost a true institution in the world of music. His works will endure," said Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth in a tribute to Rihm on Saturday.

Rihm made his first attempts at composing at the age of 11. He later studied composition at the Karlsruhe University of Music (HfM) under Eugen Werner Velte and intensively poured over the music of early 20th century greats Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern.

He went to Cologne to study with composer Karlheinz Stockhausen. In 1985, he succeeded his former teacher Velte as professor of composition at the HfM in Karlsruhe.

Rihm had his breakthrough in 1974 at the Donaueschingen Music Festival with the premiere of the orchestral piece "Morphonie."

Rihm's most significant works also include the operas "Die Eroberung von Mexico" (The Conquest of Mexico), "Die Hamletmaschine" (The Hamletmachine), "Dionysos," "Jakob Lenz" and "Proserpina," as well as works from his orchestral repertoire.

"Wolfgang Rihm will be remembered as a creator of musical works with countless layers of meaning," said Astrid Koblanck, chief executive officer of music publisher Universal Edition.
Dr. Cornelius and Caesar from Planet of the Apes were not alone. Two chimpanzees could say mama, according to researchers analyzing old videos.

The discovery about the chimps Johnny and Renata offers intriguing insights into humans closest relatives and the evolution of human speech.

Our analyses demonstrate that chimpanzees are capable of syllabic production, researchers wrote in Scientific Reports, Nature reported. Great ape vocal production capacities have been underestimated. Chimpanzees possess the neural building blocks necessary for speech.

The researchers from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden and the University of Coventry in the UK, said that there was no pattern of the chimps making vocal sounds like mama in nature, suggesting that the species may be capable of auditory learning.

Chimps, our closest living relatives, descended from the same single ancestor species six to seven million years ago. Humans and chimps share 98.8 per cent of the same DNA. But for decades scientists have been unable to explain why humans can speak while other primates cannot.

Now a re-examination of 20th century research and a find on YouTube have led to the discovery of chimps making speech. One video from 2007 showed Johnny at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor, Florida, saying mama, as a woman fed him from behind a cage. Another video from 1962 showed Renata, a chimp in Italy, uttering the same word.

The simian overlords of Planet of the Apes. Archive Photos/Getty Images

The research was designed to re-examine an experiment conducted in the late 1940s, when Keith and Catherine Hayes adopted a chimpanzee named Viki and attempted to teach her words. After years of effort, they said that Viki could say papa, mama, up, and cup, though her speech was far from fluent and lacked vowels after the consonants in the words.

Scientists came to largely dismiss these experiments, citing the trauma inflicted on the animals and the lack of conclusive results. The animals, despite intensive training, could only produce rudimentary sounds.

But in the recordings, unlike Viki, both Johnny and Renata could add vowels after consonants, the researchers concluded, after getting 61 volunteers to listen carefully to the recordings.

Johnny and Renata may not be the only talking members of the ape family. An 11-year-old orangutan in Indianapolis named Rocky can mimic the sounds of human speech, according to another study in Scientific Reports. Rockys sounds are called wookies, a tribute to the fictional aliens in Star Wars.

Recent research has shown other ways that chimps act like humans. Scientists in Uganda observed that even when food is scarce and theyre exhausted, mother chimps prioritize playing with their children.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned the Philippines over the U.S. intermediate-range missile deployment, saying such a move could fuel regional tensions and spark an arms race.

The United States deployed its Typhon missile system to the Philippines as part of joint military drills earlier this year. It was not fired during the exercises, a Philippine military official later said, without giving details on how long it would stay in the country.

China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and dialogue and consultation are the right way, Wang told the Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Friday during a meeting in Vientiane, the capital of Laos where top diplomats of world powers have gathered ahead of two summits.

Wang said relations between the countries are facing challenges because the Philippines has "repeatedly violated the consensus of both sides and its own commitments", according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

"If the Philippines introduces the U.S. intermediate-range missile system, it will create tension and confrontation in the region and trigger an arms race, which is completely not in line with the interests and wishes of the Filipino people," Wang said.

The Philippines' military and its foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wang's remarks.

China and the Philippines are locked in a confrontation in the South China Sea and their encounters have grown more tense as Beijing presses its claims to disputed shoals in waters within Manila's its exclusive economic zone.

Wang said China has recently reached a temporary arrangement with the Philippines on the transportation and replenishment of humanitarian supplies to Ren'ai Jiao in order to maintain the stability of the maritime situation, referring to the Second Thomas Shoal.

Philippine vessels on Saturday successfully completed their latest mission to the shoal unimpeded, its foreign ministry said in a statement.

(Reporting by Kevin Yao; Additional reporting by Neil Jerome Morales in Manila; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Boeing (NYSE: BA) recently released its 2024-2043 commercial market outlook, full of actionable insights to help guide investors in the aerospace sector. Here's a look at a few of them and why they are good news for AAR (NYSE: AIR), Hexcel (NYSE: HXL), and GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE).

Boeing's commercial market outlook

For the sake of brevity, here are the key takeaways from Boeing's commercial market outlook:

Annual fleet growth of 3.2% as the world moves from a fleet of 26,750 airplanes in 2024 to 50,170 in 2043.

The increase in the fleet comprises 20,565 airplanes just for replacement and 23,410 for growth, totaling 43,975 airplanes over the next 20 years.

Passenger traffic is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 4.7%

The widebody fleet will grow at a slightly faster annual rate of 3.65% compared to 3.56% for the narrowbody fleet, with freight planes growing at 2.59% and, interestingly, the regional jet fleet declining at a 1.64% annual rate.

The services market will be worth a whopping $4.4 trillion over the next 20 years.

Image source: Getty Images.

AAR

The outlook noted that due to the difficulty in delivering new airplanes in recent years, the removal rate of airplanes is running at half the normal rate. For similar reasons, the fleet's age has increased since 2019. For example, the average age of the narrowbody fleet is 11.3 years compared to 10 years in 2019, and the average age of the widebody fleet is 11.2 years compared to 9.5 years in 2019.

These numbers spell good news for aviation services companies like AAR. Older fleets tend to require more servicing, and given the ongoing strength in traffic growth, it's fair to expect at least mid-single-digit revenue growth from a company providing parts supply, repair and engineering, and integrated solutions to airlines.

With long-running relationships with airlines like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Air Canada in place and an opportunity to leverage its fixed-cost base into margin expansion as it builds scale, AAR's potential for long-term profit growth is significant.

Image source: Getty Images.

Hexcel

As a provider of advanced composite materials for the commercial aerospace market, Hexcel benefits from an expansion of overall deliveries and a shift to newer models. The aviation industry is trending toward more of the stronger, lighter materials made by Hexcel, as they help improve efficiency and meet emissions goals. That's particularly the case for widebody airplanes.

While delivery delays in 2024 negatively impact Hexcel's near-term prospects, the forecast for 43,975 new planes over the next 20 years is extremely positive for Hexcel because it implies significantly more demand for composite materials.

Story continues

For example, the legacy Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 airplanes have 5% and 10% penetration rates of composite materials, respectively, compared to 15% apiece for the A320neo and 737 MAX. Moreover, Boeing is planning a new airplane for the middle of the next decade, and Hexcel believes the next generation of narrowbody airplanes could have as high as 60% penetration of composite materials.

It all speaks to an extremely bright future for Hexcel.

Image source: Getty Images.

GE Aerospace

Leading aircraft engine company GE's joint venture with Safran, CFM International, provides engines for the Airbus A320neo family and the Boeing 737 MAX. GE also provides engines for the Boeing 777X, the Boeing 787, and the Airbus A330 widebody airplanes.

Whichever way you look at it, more airplane deliveries mean more orders for GE airplane engines. In addition, the forecast for passenger traffic to grow at a 4.7% rate means GE's engines will be utilized more, leading to highly lucrative aftermarket revenue for the company.

Moreover, the implied shift in importance toward narrowbody planes from smaller regional planes also plays into GE's strength in the narrowbody market. Not least, producing more of the same narrowbody engine models (currently the LEAP) should result in margin expansion as GE lowers the engine cost per unit over time. Furthermore, the super growth rate of widebody airplanes, which tend to be more profitable than narrowbody airplanes, also has positive margin connotations for GE.

Stocks to buy?

Investors need to be aware that the commercial aviation industry is cyclical, and the kind of growth that Boeing's forecast calls for won't be linear. Still, the nuances in the forecast are very favorable for AAR over the medium term, Hexcel over the long term, and GE over any time frame you wish to consider.

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Boeing's Latest Outlook Is Great News for These 3 Companies was originally published by The Motley Fool
Mysterious Purpose

China's mysterious Shenlong spacecraft may be doing more than just testing out its spacefaring capabilities, experts warn.

In interviews with Reuters, space defense experts posited that some of the uncrewed Shenlong spaceplane's latest maneuvers suggest that it may have anti-satellite uses as well.

Launched atop a Long March 2F rocket booster  China's only one that is rated for human use, though the Shenlong spaceplane is presumed to be uncrewed  the craft is on its third mysterious orbital mission since 2020. Though we've been able to track the launches as they come, the United States and its allies know little more about the spaceplane now than we did upon its first deployment.

In early June, the reusable spacecraft was seen releasing an unknown object, traveling several kilometers away, and then making its way back to its original vicinity  and not for the first time, either.

According to Marco Langbroek, a space situational lecturer at the Netherlands' Delft University of Technology, having a spacecraft that could interfere with or even capture enemy satellites would be valuable to any country.

"It's obvious that it has a military application, including, for example, closely inspecting objects of the enemy or disabling them," Langbroek suggested. "But it also has non-military applications. Gaining experience with this kind of grab and release is good if you want to for instance... refuel your own satellites."

Military Maneuvers

Notably, the United States military's own secretive X-37B spacecraft, which is manufactured by Boeing and has had seven launches to date, has also undertaken similar catch-and-release experiments. According to Victoria Samson, the chief director of space security at Washington's Secure World Foundation think tank, those similarities can't be overlooked, though she urges caution in the face of concern.

"I don't think that either has a whole lot of military utility, to be honest," Samson said. "I am guessing that both are technology demonstrators."

All the same, the American military is keeping its eye on Shenlong.

"Any space activity that [the Chinese] undertake, we assume has some dual use in the national security realm," said General Stephen Whiting, the commander of US Space Command. "We're always interested in understanding what could that dual use be, and trying to make sure that we have a good knowledge of that."

Indian officials who spoke to Reuters on condition on anonymity echoed those worries.

"The spacecraft in question is definitely alarming," a senior Indian military official said. "Things like this can always have dual purposes."

More on Chinese spacefaring: The Head of NASA Is Being Awfully Catty About China's Amazing New Moon Samples
PORTLAND, Ore. (Portland Tribune)  The clock is now ticking on the proposed residential redevelopment of the former Alpenrose Dairy in outer Southwest Portland.

City planners are beginning to seek feedback on what would be the largest new neighborhood since Forest Heights in outer Northwest Portland. Bureaus involved in the permitting process and affected neighborhood organizations have been asked for responses to the recently completed subdivision application. The Hayhurst Neighborhood Association has scheduled an online meeting to solicit comments for 7 p.m. on July 30. It will also conduct an online survey and compile the results.

PHOTOS: Hong Phat opens 4th Portland store at former Walmart on SE 82nd

Additional public comments will be accepted when a city Hearings Officer takes testimony on the proposal beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 25. Written responses will be accepted until the end of that day.

After the Hearings Officer rules whether the proposal complies with all land use planning requirements, that decision can be appealed to the City Council, which will make its own decision. That, in turn, can be appealed to the state Land Use Board of Appeals, the Oregon Court of Appeals, and, ultimately, the Oregon Supreme Court.

A map of the proposed Alpenrose Dairy redevelopment by AKS Engineering showing major features of Raleigh Crest, the proposed new subdivision in Southwest Portland. Courtesy photo: AKS Engineering

West Hills Land Development wants to build 263 new homes on the 51-acre property just east of Beaverton. The new subdivision will be called Raleigh Crest and include a new street grid, additional connections to adjacent streets, new water and sewer system connections, new stormwater management facilities, a new public park, and more.

Read more at Portlandtribune.com

The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Four civil rights organizations and an Oklahoma law firm said they made a joint request for records Friday, seeking information from the Oklahoma State Department of Education about state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters recent mandate that the Bible be incorporated into classroom teaching.

The groups, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the ACLU of Oklahoma, American Civil Liberties Union, Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law & Justice said their open records request targeted three areas:

The June 27, directive to incorporate the Bible as an instructional support into the curriculum for fifth through 12th grades.

The "complete overhaul of the states social studies standards and the creation of an Executive Review Committee to oversee those revisions.

The memorandum sent to all school districts providing guidance on the implementation of the original directive to incorporate the Bible into classroom instruction.

Megan Lambert, legal director for the ACLU of Oklahoma, said the groups made the request under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. She said the groups were seeking all records related to each event, including records created after Jan. 8, 2023, sent or received by Walters or any other official or employee of the state Education Department related to teaching or using the Bible in public schools, records related to the selection of the Executive Review Committee to oversee the revisions to Oklahomas social studies standards as well as all communications with members or prospective members, and records related to funding or paying for the Bible mandate.

More: At least eight large Oklahoma school districts rebuke Ryan Walters' order to teach Bible

All families and students should feel welcome in our public schools, Lambert said in a media statement announcing the action. Courts have repeatedly ruled that it is unconstitutional for public schools to coerce anyone to support or participate in religion or its exercise."

Lambert said Oklahoma children have the right to attend public school and to access the full range of school services "without having government-sponsored religion imposed on them."

Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks during a school board meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol complex in Oklahoma City, on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

"Freedom of religion means that parents and faith communities  not politicians  have the right to direct their childrens religious education and development," she said.

Walters' spokesman, Dan Isett, said the groups were "out-of-state left-wing activists" that were "dedicated to thwarting academic advancement in Oklahoma as they are wrong about the use of the Bible as an instructional support in our classrooms."

More: Fact check: What does Oklahoma law say about teaching the Bible in public schools?

"Superintendent Walters has been crystal clear that incorporating the Bible provides an invaluable opportunity to deepen students' understanding of historical and cultural developments and deeper understanding of the historical and literary foundations of Western civilization," Isett said in an emailed statement to The Oklahoman.

"These radicals would sacrifice our students knowledge on the alter of their own tyrannical version of atheism as our state religion."

Guidance from Ryan Walters says physical copies of Bible, Constitution, Ten Commandments must be in every classroom

The request comes just days after Walters issued a guidance paper on how schools 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 wrote in a memo to the state's school district superintendents on Tuesday.

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.

Walters' directive has been met with pushback from several of the state's larger districts which announced publicly that they wont be altering their curriculum despite the directive.

Pastor weighs in: I believe forcing public schools to teach from the Bible is wrong | Opinon

Colleen McCarty, executive director of Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, said Walters has made his agenda in Oklahoma clear: partisan rhetoric, Christian Nationalism and a national platform to further his political ambitions.

"Walters track record in actually addressing the real concerns of students and parents is abysmal, she said. Oklahomans deserve a state superintendent who is devoted to providing a quality, accessible and unbiased education to Oklahomas kids rather than unconstitutionally tearing down the wall between church and state.

Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United, said the joint request was made in the public interest, so the organizations and their Oklahoma members "can determine whether those entrusted with the affairs of government are honestly, faithfully and competently performing their duties as public servants."

Public schools are not Sunday schools. Superintendent Walters has repeatedly made clear that he is incapable of distinguishing the difference, Laser said in a media statement. His latest scheme  to mandate use of the Bible in Oklahoma public school curriculum  is a transparent, unlawful effort to advance Christian Nationalism and indoctrinate and religiously coerce public school students. Not on our watch.

The organizations ask that the requested records be provided by Aug. 10, 2024.

Patrick Elliott, director of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, said he was concerned by Walters' push of the Bible in school curriculum. Ryan Walters lacks the legal authority to order schools to do this, Elliott said. Walters is attempting to compromise students education in order to score political points with a narrow set of his Christian Nationalist supporters.

Education reporter Murray Evans contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Americans United, ACLU requesting Ryan Walters' Bible mandate records
Clarissa Ward has reported from famine-stricken Somalia, flood-ravaged South Sudan, Afghanistan as it slipped back into the grip of the Taliban, Iraq, Syria, Myanmar, and from Ukraine, where last year she chronicled Russias ongoing invasion while pregnant with her third child. But nothing she has encountered in her two-decade career prepared CNNs chief international correspondent for the extraordinary challenge of reporting on the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Rolling Stone spoke with Ward about her career, how it has changed since she became a mother, the unique challenges of gaining access to Gaza, and the difference it might have made if more international reporters had managed to get there months ago.

In December, you became the only Western reporter to enter Gaza without an Israeli Defense Forces escort. How is this conflict materially different from others youve covered

Number one, we cant get in. International journalists have not been allowed to report independently on the ground in Gaza. While thats not unheard of, its definitely unusual. In most circumstances that Ive been in the past, you can find a way somehow  embedding with an NGO, sneaking across the border, whatever it might be. We usually find a way to be able to do our jobs: to be on the front lines, and reporting on what were seeing. You have [local] journalists on the ground in Gaza who are risking their lives  and many of them are paying with their lives  to tell those stories. But at the same time, this shouldnt fall to the journalists of Gaza to be the only people covering their story.

We were able to go for one afternoon to visit a UAE-run field hospital, but it never occurred to me in my wildest dreams that we would be having this conversation in July, and I would still be the only international reporting team that has been on the ground. That is pretty remarkable. Its always hard. But this has actually been almost impossible.

This has been the deadliest conflict for journalists, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, since it began collecting data in 1992. How do you reckon with the volume of casualties?

It is profoundly shocking and horrifying. You cant help but wonder with this conflict: How different would it have been if dozens of us, from many different countries, were on the ground from Oct. 8, 9, 10, and onwards? How would that have changed the coverage? How would that have changed the worlds reaction? We know what an impact it made on Oct. 7 to have the worlds journalists there  I was one of them reporting on the horrors that we saw. It doesnt sit well with me that we havent been able to do the same type of reporting [in Gaza].

How did you recognize you were constitutionally suited for conflict reporting?

I am pretty good with the emotional stuff. Im not as good with the courage part of it. Everyone is always like, Oh, shut up. Youre so brave. No, genuinely, I get really scared. I have to work hard to discipline my mind because its very easy to psych yourself out and get into a state of panic. I dont love bullets and bombs  not that anyone loves them, but some people thrive [in that environment]. I am much more naturally adept at the other part of the job, which is being able to sit down with pretty much anyone, and listen to them, and find common ground with them, and tease out a story I think will resonate with people.

Clarissa Ward conducts an interview in Gaza.

How do you establish a rapport with people youre interviewing under challenging conditions?

Youre standing with someone who, if Im there, is probably in one of the most desperate moments of their life. Be a human being first. Dont be that person to be like, Can we start filming you? Its not necessarily our fault, but theres a reason weve been called vultures, right? We come in at the dark moments, and were competing for scraps, and trying to get our story, and trying to make our deadline. And theres a lot of grinding that goes on to make that happen.

The first time you and your husband met, he told you he thought all war correspondents are egomaniacs. Has he changed his mind?

To be the spouse, or the family member, or the friend of someone who covers conflict is a very stressful and challenging thing. And you understand that you can never tell that person, if you love them, to stop doing what makes them happy, and what makes them feel fulfilled, and gives them purpose. He understands Im actually quite cowardly, and also Im pretty sensible.

Has the perspective you bring to your reporting changed as a result of your becoming a mother?

I feel much more emotionally porous. Now, Im, like, weeping all the time. Its become something of a joke, I cant interview someone without getting all bleary-eyed. In the beginning, I found it embarrassing. Now, I dont really give a shit because  you dont want to make it about you, obviously, but  Im a human being.

Joe Biden has been criticized for the U.S. chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. [The day before the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan, August 31, 2021, was the last time Biden had a positive approval rating.] You were there on the ground, whats your perspective on how the exit was handled?

Theres never a good way to leave a country after 20 years of occupation. Rather than offer my own opinions, I come back to the feelings and opinions of the Afghan people. Lets talk about these Afghan women who were told for 20 years that they could dream, that they could be educated, that they could do whatever they wanted to do. They could be judges, they could be lawyers, and be politicians, and be businesswomen, be journalists, be on television  and now they cant even go to school. And now they have to tell their daughters: Youre not allowed to dream anymore. Now, I am not saying for one second, nor is it my job to, that leaving Afghanistan was the wrong decision. What Im saying is: when you make big decisions, you have to be able to sit with the ramifications of those decisions  sit with the pain, and sit with the chaos, and sit with the confusion, and sit with the death, and also sit with the triumph or the success or what may be perceived by many people as a great policy decision. All of these things exist at the same time.

Ward wears a press vest in Israel in October 2023.



Theres such a temptation in our society to just pick and choose what bits of information we want to hold on to. A big part of that is dictated by social media: were in our silos, the algorithm is telling us over and over again: This is what you like, this is what you want to hear. My job is the opposite of that. You think this is the story? Actually, look at that. You think this is right? Actually, listen to this guy. I hope that, on some level in my reporting, people get a feel for that and are willing to just take five minutes to just sit with it.

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In 2021, after Evon Peter left a high-level position in academia, he and his family built their "biggest smokehouse ever,' and spent weeks catching, preparing, and smoking and drying salmon. (Photo by Nanieezh Peter, courtesy of Evon Peter)

In 2021, after Evon Peter left a high-level position in academia, he and his family built their "biggest smokehouse ever,' and spent weeks catching, preparing, and smoking and drying salmon. (Photo by Nanieezh Peter, courtesy of Evon Peter)

In Interior Alaska and northwest Canada, temperatures were in the pleasant 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit range in July, but climate change is affecting nearly every aspect of life, said Gwichin Council International board member Evon Taaaii Peter, who is Neetsaii Gwichin and Koyukon Athabascan.

For one thing, he told ICT, more than 60% of the forest lands of the Alaskan Gwichin nation have burned in wildfires in the past 10 years. As of July 10, 582,000 acres had burned this year in 328 wildfires in Alaska.

I couldnt open the windows of my house for seven days straight, I think, because it would just let smoke billow into my home, which was already too unhealthy for us to be outside. So most of us just had to remain indoorsso theres definitely very real dramatic and in-our-face impacts from climate change across the state, even in (an urban area like) Fairbanks, Peter said.

The fires are contributing to the melting of the permafrost, ground thats been frozen for anywhere from two years to thousands of years. Because permafrost holds a lot of methane and carbon, were also really worried about those further implications due to those forest fires connected to the permafrost thats melting, Peter said. The methane and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming.

ICTs Climate Desk: How climate change is affecting Indigenous communities

He said Gwichin are also having increasing problems with permafrost thawing under infrastructure ranging from sheds to roads to large buildings. For example, he has a smokehouse to dry and smoke caribou, moose meat, and fish every fall. The permafrost melted underneath it and it completely shifted one side down into the earth. It tore the door off of the smokehouse.

So even small structures that arent that heavy and large are being impacted by thawing permafrostBut when you magnify that up to large infrastructure, then the economic impact becomes much more significant when youre talking about renovating or fixing large structures that are on the land, Peter said.

Thawing permafrost is leading to increased erosion and collapse along rivers, streams and other waterways, he said. Plus, their spawning grounds are starting to heat up significantly, making it really challenging for the salmon to be able to make their journeys back up and into the streams and spawn.

When our subsistence resources are being impacted, we end up having to depend on meat or food thats being flown into our communities at a really significant expense. And so theres increased economic impacts due to a lack of access to subsistence resources from climate change that are affecting our people, Peter said.

Climate change effects are affecting mental health and ancient traditions, Peter said, because its shifting the way that we have lived for a long time in relationship with the land. He said traditionally families go to fish camp to harvest and put away fish every summer, but salmon harvests on the Yukon are shut down due to low fish numbers.

He said fish camp is a place for children to learn harvesting and preservation techniques as well as cultural traditions. And its healing to be out on the land. So its not only economic impacts that are happening due to the climate data, but also health impacts among our people as well, he said.

I think that people and especially our government and businesses need to understand how real climate change is and how critical it is that we start taking measures to reduce carbon emissions and to help address the issues of the impacts of climate change on people, because (we are) feeling it significantly up here in the Arctic, Peter said.

National solutions

The Biden administration on July 9 announced the availability of $120 million in new funding to help tribal communities prepare for climate-related environmental threats to their homelands. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Holland, Laguna Pueblo, said the funding can be used by tribes to plan for, adapt to, or respond to these threats by safely relocating critical community infrastructure. The money provides historic levels of funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Climate Resilience program.

In Congress, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, D-New Mexico wrote a bicameral letter with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help communities respond to extreme heat and wildfire smoke. Sixty members of Congress signed the letter.

Extreme heat is a growing environmental justice issue, the lawmakers said. Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States and wildfire seasons are starting earlier and ending later. As extreme heat and wildfire smoke continue to plague our communities, we urge FEMA to be more responsive to communities evolving needs in the face of the climate crisis. The lawmakers urge FEMA to consider making extreme heat disaster declarations, which would open the door for federal aid and funding.

ICT originally published this article. ICT is an an independent, nonprofit, multimedia news enterprise. ICT covers Indigenous peoples.
You can find cocaine-infused red wine and an iron lung at this free Sacramento museum

Uniquely is a Sacramento Bee series that covers the moments, landmarks and personalities that define what makes living in the Sacramento area so special.

Iron lungs are considered obsolete, but you can still find a functioning one, among other medical marvels, in a Sacramento office building.

The Museum of Medical History occupies the first floor of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Societys building, at 5380 Elvas Ave. The museum operates under the society, the oldest membership association for physicians in California, formed in 1868.

The museums artifacts, from the past 150 years, highlight developments in medicine, focusing on the Sacramento region. It is the only medical museum in Northern California  and one of two in the entire state.

About 23 years ago, Bob LaPerriere helped start the museum. The museum began as exhibits displayed in the lobby but has since expanded into multiple rooms.

Prohibition-era whiskey bottles sit on a shelf at the Museum of Medical History in East Sacramento on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Dr. John Vallee, a retired OB-GYN who gives tours of the museum, said doctors during that time sometimes prescribed patients alcohol.

A collection of quinine bottles sit in a display case about disease and antibiotics at the Museum of Medical History in East Sacramento on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

All artifacts are donated, including a few from LaPerrieres personal collection.

Im a retired dermatologist after 26 years, LaPerriere said. As a kid, I collected all kinds of things and started collecting medical things when I could afford to collect them.

At the museum, youll find a collection of artifacts that documents the history of medicine and a large library containing early medical textbooks and journals.

Here are seven artifacts you cant miss:

Iron lung

The first thing youll see when you walk in is the iron lung  or tank respirator  placed next to the entrance of the lobby. The coffin-like cabinet treated polio patients, who were paralyzed in their upper bodies and needed the help to breathe.

The patient was encased in the cylinder with their head exposed.

Mark OBrien, a Berkeley poet, journalist and advocate for the disabled, breathes using an iron lung in March 1997. OBrien, who contracted polio in childhood, died in 1999.

Dr. John Vallee, a retired OB-GYN, shows a tour group of UEI College students an iron lung at the Museum of Medical History in East Sacramento on Thursday. Vallee said the medical respirator could help a polio patient breathe by creating a vacuum around the patients body.

The iron lung cycles air pressure inside the machine to facilitate inhalation and exhalation. In the museums iron lung, the patient is represented by a doll.

The museums iron lung, which still functions, operated in the Sacramento County Hospital, LaPerriere said.

The arms were in the iron lung, so the patient could not lift up a glass if they were thirsty. They could not hold up a book to read it and this was before the days of television, LaPerriere said. It had to be a very difficult life, particularly for people who spent their entire life in there.

The devices were mainly used in the 1940s and 50s  and helped hundreds of individuals survive polio. The first successful vaccine was licensed for use in 1955, leading to a nationwide immunization campaign.

In 1959, according to the National Museum of American History, 1,200 iron lungs were in use.

Cocaine-infused wine

On a glass shelf in the lobby, visitors will find a cocaine-infused red wine called Mariani, which was popular in the 1800s. French chemist Angelo Mariani invented the concoction of coca leaves and wine.

He marketed the beverage as containing remarkable sustaining, stimulating and invigorating powers. A 1898 advertisement in the Sacramento Bee claimed the wine cured ailments, like malaria, lung disease and depression.

An advertisement in the July 5, 1898, edition of The Sacramento Bee highlights Mariani Wine.

The Pope was a big fan. His Holiness Pope Leo XIII awarded a gold medal to the wine, LaPerriere said.

Snake bite first-aid kit

The museum also has first-aid kits in metal tins to treat snake bites. At the start of the 20th century, people would carry the kits with them on walks.

First, users would wrap a device called a tourniquet around a limb to stop bleeding or prevent blood flow. Then, they would make an incision over the fangs and use the syringe to suck out the venom.

But this technique is no longer recommended. In the modern day, you drive as fast as you can to the emergency room and get the antitoxin, LaPerriere said.

First -ray tube in Sacramento

The first x-ray tube in Sacramento is on display at the museum. It has a hand-powered static generator used to run the machine.

You could turn and create high voltage electricity to power the tube, LaPerriere said. When the tube is powered, it emits x-ray.

But to see the image, the X-ray had to hit something fluorescent, like a glass plate or a handheld fluoroscope. To use the fluoroscope, the radiologist would press the device on the patient and look through an opening.

UEI College student Aajanayh Griffin looks at a display of X-rays at the Museum of Medical History in East Sacramento on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Griffin, who is studying to be a medical assistant, said she was interested in seeing the nursing portion of the museum.

But early types of such fluoroscopes offered no protection to the operator. Radiologists were prone to cancer, particularly in the hands, LaPerriere said.

Some of these X-rays took 10, 20, 30 minutes to take, he said. Radiologists might be helping to hold the patients quiet and getting the X-ray at the same time.

Bleeding instruments

During the 19th century, bleeding was a common medical practice  one that dates back to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates explanation of health, called the four humors, consisting of phlegm, blood, yellow bile and black bile. If the humors were imbalanced, people would get sick, he theorized.

Dr. John Vallee, a retired OB-GYN, explains how historical bleeding instruments were used at the Museum of Medical History in East Sacramento on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Vallee said the recreated 1900s doctors office is one of his favorite rooms in the museum because its an artifact that actually lives through what its showing.

A spring lancet lies alongside other bleeding instruments in a display case at the Museum of Medical History in East Sacramento on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Bloodletting was practiced in Western medical history based on an ancient Greek theory that it could help balance the four humors  black bile, yellow bile, phlegm and blood  of the body.

People used bleeding instruments to rebalance their four humors. These instruments included sharp surgical tools, but also leeches.

Leeches suck about 1 to 2 teaspoons of blood. They are still used today after reconstructive surgery to remove excess blood.

Chinese Slipper

Visitors will find a Chinese slipper, removed from the bound foot of a young woman from around 1900. The slipper was taken off by Dr. Cronemiller, a Sacramento doctor who practiced during that period.

Foot binding is a Chinese custom of breaking and tightly binding young girls feet, which changed the shape and size of them. It was painful practice that could result in lifelong disabilities. Regardless, the altered feet, called lotus feet, were considered a status symbol during imperial China, according to the Smithsonian Magazine.

The custom started during the tenth century and was outlawed in 1912 during the Chinese Revolution. But, foot binding did not truly end until the creation of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949.

Medical books

UEI College student Yareli Cabrera points to an artifact in a display case exploring the history of syringes at the Museum of Medical History in East Sacramento on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Dr. Hanns Haesslein, a docent with the museum, said medical students used to be responsible for sharpening and sterilizing syringes.

The museum has about 1,000 medical textbooks from the 1800s and early 1900s, as well as 800 reference books in medical history.

A California State Journal of Medicine from 1910 is notable for its advertisements. One for the Colfax School for Tuberculosis takes up half a page and features a black and white picture of a cabin in a forest.

Each patient has separate cottage, lighted by electricity, with bath, toilet, and hot and cold water, the advertisement reads.

Museum hours and costs

Dr. Hanns Haesslein, right, speaks to a group of UEI College students about how dental practices have evolved over time at the Museum of Medical History in East Sacramento on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Haesslein, a docent at the museum, described the detrimental effects amphetamines can have on oral health.

The museum is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. No reservations are required, and museum tours are available.

Wed like to be a resource center for the public if theyre interested in a specific topic, but in general, for students who are working on projects, LaPerriere said.
Slates guide to the most important figures in politics this week.

Welcome to this weeks edition of the Surge, which wants to begin with a quick reminder that you have until 6 p.m. on Tuesday to get 300 delegate signatures to submit your name for the Democratic presidential nomination. Dont think you have a shot? Certainly not with that attitude!





OK, OK, so which all-time historic politics week that ruined our weekend plans was this one ? Was this the shooting week?  Oh, this was the one in which an incumbent president opted against reelection for the first time since 1968 and Democrats got a new presumptive nominee, yes. Got it. Thats mostly what well write about. But also: There are more middle-aged liberal white men lining up for the Democratic vice presidential nomination than there are for a secret Wilco show. Republicans, meanwhile, are questioning whether they should have nominated the type of person who reads Lord of the Rings with a highlighter for the lady elves names to be vice president.





But first: We did it, Joe.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images.

1. Kamala Harris

The Coconut Revolution.

After three weeks of raw, uncut Dems in Disarraythe likes of which we havent seen in some timethe Dems arrayed themselves with the snap of a finger this week. President Joe Biden on Sunday announced that he would not seek reelection after all. Would this set off a mini-primary to earn Biden delegates votes? Would there be a chaotic open convention from which any Democrat could prevail? No and no, because Biden quickly endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris, and the party fell in line. Within a couple of days, enough delegates had pledged their support to Harris to make her the presumptive nominee. (And youd better believe that after the past few weeks, the Surge isnt dropping that presumptive qualifier again until shes officially secured the nomination.) Harris debut has been a smash. The party is united behind Harris in a way they werent behind Biden this cycle, and Harris speeches have been delivered to packed, raucous audiences this week. All that said: She still enters as an underdog to Trump, whos been leading the race the entire year and just reached his highest-ever favorability in the New York Times/Siena poll following the attempt on his life and the Republican National Convention. Once Harris honeymoon ends, well see the true extent of how much shes improved since her flop of a 2020 presidential campaign. She does give Democrats something that they havent had in a while, though: a chance.

2. Joe Biden

 How we doin bud?

The president was pressured by his own party into announcing he wouldnt run for a second term to the job hed sought his whole life, while secluded at his home with COVID. People have, in other words, had better weeks, and its no surprise that Biden was otherwise shut off from the outside world to recover and seethe until his return to the White House on Tuesday. What does he make of all thats happened? In an address to the country on Wednesday to explain his decision, Biden didnt get all too deeply into the blow-by-blow, nor did he concede that, yeah, hes lost a step or two. He said, however, that in recent weeks, its become clear to me that I need to unite my partymeaning hed determined that he was incapable of doing it. (At least with himself as the candidatehe did unite the party by effectively choosing the candidate moving forward.) It was hard not to pity him as he gave the remarks in the Oval Office, with his family sitting just off-screen. He should look to the brighter side, at least. As Lyndon Johnson knew, once you announce that you wont seek reelection, you no longer have to wear clothes in the West Wing.

3. (Probably) Mr. (Probably) White Running Mate

Who can best make jokes about J.D. Vance?

Harris now gets to choose a running mate through the Democratic version of a quick-turnaround veepstakes: a couple of weeks of tryouts on MSNBC. The ink wasnt dry on Bidens quittin statement before Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was on Morning Joe endorsing Harris and going out of his way to pick on the Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance. The following day, there was Minnesota Gov. Tim Walza favorite of some progressives, among the optionstalking about how people like J.D. Vance know nothing about small-town America. The two leading contenders, though, seem to be Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, both for certain centrist credentials that could cushion Republican attacks against Harris as the worlds most liberal senator ever as well as their help in major swing states.* (Pennsylvania especially is a truly nonoptional swing state for Democrats.) While theres a strong case to be made for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on the merits, Democrats and the Harris campaign may be less inclined to offer an all-woman ticket that tests the American voters longstanding fear of cooties. Who knows? In the end, whichever guests jokes about J.D. Vance most tickle Joe Scarborough will get the nod.

4. J.D. Vance

How different a pick looks a week later.

When Trump selected Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate last week, it didnt seem to matter much one way or another. Democrats were still tearing themselves apart as they coped with near-certain defeat in November, and Republicans were feeling invincible. The Vance pick looks much different now that the race has been reset. Specifically, it looks bad, doubling down on the insularity of MAGA rather than choosing a softer touch. If anyone forgot, Vance only narrowly won the most embarrassing 2022 Senate GOP primary of the cycle and then had to rely on tens of millions of McConnell bucks that could have gone elsewhere to get past a Democrat in a red state under favorable winds for Republicans. Hes not a dynamo. And the reason so many Democratic vice presidential candidates went after him is because its easy. Vances 2021 comments about how America is run by a bunch of childless cat ladies, including Harris, who dont really have a stake in the future of the country earned him scorn far and wide, and theres plenty of vogueish, New-Right thinking out there that hes left dangling around. The Trump team reportedly second-guessed itself this week, acknowledging, in reporter Tim Albertas words, that the pick was borne of cockiness, meant to run up margins with the base in a blowout rather than persuade swing voters in a nail-biter.

5. Mike Johnson

About this disenfranchise thing 

The Surge wanted to spend a paragraph on one of the major talking points that all Republicans have been using since Biden dropped out: That Democratsthe party always blabbity-blabbing about preserving democracywere disenfranchising their own primary voters by pushing Biden to exit the race. We could choose any Republican for an example, but well go with the highest-ranking Republican in government. Having invalidated the votes of more than 14 million Americans who selected Joe Biden to be the Democrat nominee for president, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said in a statement following the Bidexit, the self-proclaimed party of democracy, has proven exactly the opposite. Now, this was a line of argument that Biden and his allies had used, too, as he was fighting for his political preservation. But what Biden recognized is that he lost the argument. Per a CBS News/YouGov poll, 83 percent of Democrats approved of switching out Biden; a New York Times/Siena poll later in the week found that 87 percent of all voters approved of Bidens decision to stand aside. The will of Democratic votersand, apparently, most other votersafter the debate was not that their primary votes be honored, but that Biden be replaced atop the ticket. Democratic leaders, in pressuring Biden to bow out, were acting on public pressure to do so. Sounds a little  democratic, no? Democrats should, however, consider requiring independent brain and speech tests before their next presidential primary season.

6. Tim Burchett

They cant help themselves.

One useful thing Speaker Johnson told his members this week was to focus on Harris record of policy positions over the years, where theres plenty of material to run a campaign against her, and not to make Harris race and gender their focus. Johnson had to say this because high-profile Republicans had obviously focused on her race and gender in their initial responses. They argued that Harris had "slept her way into politics and was, in the words of Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, a "DEI vice president." Trump called her "Dumb as a Rock." Republicans seem to have hardened their impressions of the vice president as oversexualized and unusually dumb. The Surge will leave it to the reader to determine what precisely about Harris brought them to these conclusions, rather than just not liking her for being liberal. But the Surge has covered Congress for a while. Weve staked out many meetings of Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate. Weve covered many campaigns, of Democrats and Republicans, for every federal office and beyond. And man, oh man, there are oceans of sitting politicians, in both parties, who are far dumber than Kamala Harris but whose credentials you never hear questioned.

7. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

More leverage to serve as Trumps vax czar.

The first New York Times/Siena poll showing the race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump showed a fascinating reshuffling of the electorate after a static year. Among other things: Everyone is getting more popular now! Trumps favorability is up to 48 percent, his highest ever in this poll, and Harris is at 46, a 10-point jump since February. Bidens jumped up to 43, too, his best showing since 2022. Among the two candidates, 48 and 46 percent favorability are practically Beatlemania numbers by contemporary political standards. So as the double hatersor voters who disapproved of both major-party candidatesdwindle, so too do the supporters of third-party candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In fact, this poll showed for the first time that Kennedy was drawing more votes away from Trump than the Democratic candidate, probably given Harris improvement over Biden among younger voters. This dynamic might give Kennedy more leverage over his endgame. As the Washington Post has reported, Kennedy had dangled his endorsement for Trump in exchange for a job in the Trump White House overseeing a portfolio of health and medical issues. No deal was struck, because Trumps people understood that it might be unsettling to voters if Kennedy, a genuine kook on the specific issues hed want to oversee, were promised such a job. Has Trump considered simply lying to him?
FORT MOORE, Ga. (WRBL)  Military officials and community leaders gathered at the historic 1918 Club at Fort Moore for an assumption of command ceremony this afternoon.

Col. Jerel J.D. Evans became Garrison Commander of the Maneuver Center of Excellence during an on-post ceremony June 26.

Fort Moores new commanding general Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley was in attendance, alongside Columbus mayor Skip Henderson and Phenix City mayor Eddie Lowe. Evans said he intends to continue fostering strong ties both on- and off post.

He also emphasized the importance of the military family, highlighting Fort Moores uniqueness, being named after husband and wife Hal and Julia Moore.

We do our best every time we have an opportunity to lead our sons and daughters to try to create a culture where we not only take care of the servicemembers, were also taking care of the servicemembers families, Evans said, explaining he and wife Toris mission.

This is not the Evans familys first time on post either. Evans youngest daughter Emma was born on post 12 years ago; her older sister Rihana, 17, attended Fort Moores child development center. The family returns with their 3-year-old, four-pound dog Dion in tow.

Col. Jerel J.D. Evans became Fort Moores garrison commander in a ceremony July 26. (Olivia Yepez)

Evans will oversee organizational matters on post, as well as community relations. (Olivia Yepez)

The ceremony was held at Fort Moores historic 1918 Club. (Olivia Yepez)

Evans said the family is looking forward to getting involved in the Fort Moore community.

Armor guys or Infantry guys, [and] all of our partners, this wont be their first trip to Fort Moore, said Evans, an Armor officer. We build that culture every time they come back, and we want to make sure we build upon something thats really wonderful.

Evans comes to Fort Moore after serving as Executive Officer for the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Chief of the U.S. military training mission in Saudi Arabia for U.S. Army Central Command.

In his role as garrison commander, Evans will oversee organizational matters on post and actively engage with the community. He emphasized creating a healthy on-post culture and community to bolster intense training which will prepare soldiers to protect the country.

Evans said, What we do is so important to our nation and weve got to get it right every single time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Todd Watkins, vice chair of the El Paso County Republican Party, speaks to a gathering of about 100 Colorado Republicans about ousting Dave Williams as the state party chair, on July 27, 2024. (Andrew Fraieli for Colorado Newsline)

A faction of Colorado Republicans intent on ousting party chair Dave Williams gathered Saturday in a church in Brighton to speak out against his leadership, but a last-minute court order barred them from holding an official meeting to finish the job.

Instead they held a rally where party members aired their grievances against Williams, blaming him for causing rifts in their ranks and dragging attention away from elections.

This whole thing is Dave Williams fault, party official Kathleen Chandler told the group of about 100 people.

Williams did not reply to a message from Colorado Newsline.

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A judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order after Williams filed a lawsuit asking the court to prevent Nancy Pallozzi, chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party, and Todd Watkins, vice chair of the El Paso County Republican Party, from misrepresenting official party business. Watkins had called for the Saturday meeting, where he had wanted the partys State Central Committee to vote on whether to remove Williams and other party officials from leadership positions. Party executives had previously determined the meeting would be illegal.

Dave Williams speaks outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 8, 2024. (Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)

According to an executive committee decision document, shared by Williams with Newsline, the meeting would be illegal because party officials were unable to properly verify the names of voting members who signed a petition in support of the special meeting request.

The lawsuit, filed in Arapahoe County District Court on July 18, highlights party bylaws that say if at least a quarter of voting members in the GOPs central committee sign onto a request for a special meeting, the meeting must be called within 10 days of the request and held within 30 days of the call. If the chairman doesnt call a meeting, any voting member can do so, according to the bylaws.

Attendees of the rally Saturday included state Reps. Richard Holtorf, Mike Lynch and Gabe Evans, who is running for Colorados 8th Congressional District seat. They also included Douglas County GOP Chairman Steve Peck and Brighton Mayor Greg Mills.

The job of the chair is to get Republicans elected. And he's not.

 Eli Bremer, on Dave Williams

If youre not getting a net gain of Republicans in our state of Colorado, you have failed as chair, Mills said to the crowd.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Windsor, the states most prominent Republican, chimed in Friday, writing on Facebook about the November election, I stand ready to publicly help and provide support to Republicans up and down the ballot, regardless of whether or not I agree with them on every issue. If Chairman Williams cant do the same and refuses to show candidates he will, Republicans in Colorado and nationally will look in a different direction for leadership over the final 100 days.

A group of Republican congressional nominees, along with state Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, also urged Williams to resign in a signed letter Friday that Colorado Newsline obtained. They implored the State Central Committee to vote to remove Williams if he does not resign. The congressional nominees who signed the letter include Evans, Valdamar Archuleta, Marshall Dawson, Jeff Hurd, John Fabbricatore and Jeff Crank, who beat Williams last month in the 5th Congressional District primary election.

Watkins told Colorado Newsline that the difference between this group and Willams and other party executives is that we want the body to run the party, not the single-mindedness of three people and their extremist points of view.

Eli Bremer, a former El Paso County GOP chairman, speaks to a crowd intent on ousting Colorado GOP Chair Dave Williams. Bremer already announced his intent to run for chair if Williams is removed. (Andrew Fraieli for Colorado Newsline)

The primary complaints from those looking to unseat Williams are that he did not relinquish his position as head of the party when he entered a race for Congress, even though the dual positions created a conflict of interest; that the state party under his leadership eliminated a tradition of neutrality in primary races and instead endorsed Williams and other favored candidates; that the state party spent money on behalf of Williams in his primary race against a fellow Republican; and that the state party under Williams has engaged in anti-LGBTQ and other messaging that could alienate voters.

The day after Williams lost the primary election, the organizers of the effort to oust him submitted a petition and request for a vote on removing him as head of the party.

Eli Bremer, a former El Paso County GOP chairman, has already announced his interest in running to replace Williams as chair, along with Holtorf and Brita Horn, chief of the Rock Creek Volunteer Fire Department in McCoy. Peck has also reportedly announced his interest in running for chair.

Bremer told Colorado Newsline that what sets him apart from Williams is competence.

The job of the chair is to get Republicans elected. And hes not, Bremer said.

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Cambridge Nutritional Sciences (LON:CNSL) Full Year 2024 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: UK9.77m (up 30% from FY 2023).

Net loss: UK328.0k (loss narrowed by 90% from FY 2023).

UK0.001 loss per share (improved from UK0.014 loss in FY 2023).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Cambridge Nutritional Sciences Revenues and Earnings Beat Expectations

Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 8.6%. Earnings per share (EPS) also surpassed analyst estimates by 80%.

The company's shares are down 11% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

You should learn about the 2 warning signs we've spotted with Cambridge Nutritional Sciences.

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Residents of Tooele and beyond may encounter the new Tooele Army Depot commander riding his mountain bike through Settlement Canyon, or camping in the Oquirrhs.

"It's beautiful, I'm super excited," Col. Luke Clover said, sitting in a borrowed desk at one of the installation's gatehouses. The harsh sunlight of late morning scattered off the straw grass and sand outside, giving the room a yellow tinge.

The depot, over 44,000 acres in the west desert, has come a long way since its inception, spurred by the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. What started as "a dust bowl, thousands of acres of sagebrush" became a five-year temporary depot, at one point holding a thousand German prisoners of war during World War II, according to the U.S. Army.

After 80 years, and many shifts in technology and mission, the Tooele Army Depot has established itself as the Department of Defense's western hub for "storage, shipping, receiving, demilitarization and maintenance of conventional ammunition."

In a change of command that happens every two years, former Tooele Army Depot Commander Col. Eric Dennis has moved on to the likely greener pastures of Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs.

But Clover already feels the clock ticking. "Unfortunately, I only get to stay here two years," he said. "There's already a timeline for the planned changeover for commanders."

Christopher Reaves, far right, the command sergeant major of the Joint Munitions Command, passes the Tooele Army Depot flag off to Col. Luke Clover, TEADs new commander, during a change of command ceremony July 18. | Melissa Dabney-Thomas, Tooele Army Depot

Not like a regular installation

The depot is special for a lot of reasons, Clover said. Geographically, the high Utah desert is the perfect place to work with munitions, the biggest mission of the installation. "We don't get as much deterioration of munitions in this type of climate," he said.

The base is far enough away from population centers to allow workers to "produce, receive, store and demilitarize munitions," he said, while being connected to the nation's rail and road transportation network.

But the depot has another special feature  the surrounding community. In the short three weeks Clover's been working, he said, "I can't even count the number of folks that I've met that are like, 'My grandfather worked here, my father worked here, all my uncles and aunts worked here, I'm working here, my kids are working here.'"

He said the Tooele Army Depot is not like a regular installation. "We don't have a lot of military members here," he said. He is one of two uniformed service members who work at the almost 500 personnel-strong depot, primarily Department of the Army civilian employees.

Clover says the reason is they are "higher up in the organic industrial base of the Department of Defense."

"We know that everything we do makes its way to America's sons, daughters, mothers and fathers that are out there serving the county," he said. "Everyone out here knows, 'I need to do the best that I can in support of the brave men and women that volunteer to support and defend this country.'"

Potential for growth

"Right now the plan is not for any increase or decrease in the size of the workforce, or anything mission-wise as far as the installation goes," Clover said. "But we know that there's opportunity there."

The depot was much larger in the 1990s, but then changed its mission. But Clover said, "We have tremendous opportunity to increase the amount of work with munitions ... and we're going to try to sell it to the rest of the Department of Defense."

"You want to bring in additional work because you want to create more jobs and you want to create more benefit for the community," he said, but the process requires a long-term vision.

He is tasked with working toward a strategic plan set by previous commanders, for the year 2042, a century from the founding of the base. It requires predicting the needs of the Department of Defense in terms of technical expertise, equipment, testing parameters, and overall conditions to safely and efficiently conduct their mission, according to Clover.

"How do you eat the elephant one bite at a time?" he said. "We look at taking our bites out of that elephant and setting up the plan on how we take the next bites to reach that vision for 2042."

The new commander said he will work to address the always-present concerns of noise, safety and the base's environmental impacts.

"I might not always be able to solve all the problems or concerns, but I plan on being transparent and clear in the communications with addressing those concerns," Clover said.

The commander has already been observed picking up trash on the side of Commander Boulevard, which may bode well for the depots next two years.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Yellow signs are posted all around Lake Needwood and Lake Frank cautioning people that high levels of blue-green algae have been found in the water. Officials are asking visitors to avoid contact with the water because the consequences could be severe.

Mark and Elisa visited Lake Needwood on Friday. They said it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

I guess Ive been coming here since 2014, Elisa said, kayaking as exercise.

They noticed the yellow warning sign, but that didnt deter them from heading out on the water.

Almost every year that sign goes up, Elisa said.

Montgomery County officials warn about high levels of possibly harmful algae

Mark said theyll be extra careful in the water.

Well probably make a point not to splash either one of us, he said.

Montgomery Parks and Maryland State Health Department officials said blue-green algae can produce toxins when they grow in large amounts. Those toxins could harm people or animals if they ingest too much.

Elisa said a few years ago, she took in lake water while an advisory was in place.

My kayak flipped, and I swallowed a big gulp of water. I was still alive the next day. I was fine, she said.

Contact with the water can cause trouble, too, which is among the concerns Ben Palker has for people who dont look after themselves.

If the cyanobacteria is poisonous, it has toxins, and the fish are eating that, and then people try to eat the fish, that could be really harmful. Or if you get cut in the water, and then it gets into your skin, maybe that could cause something, Palker said.

John Cottet hopes those who decide to be on the water this weekend will do so as safely as possible.

Be careful, he said. I guess if they are in the water, take a shower and protect themselves.

Officials are evaluating samples from both lakes. The yellow warning signs will be removed when they feel theres no potential health threat.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Concerns grow over wildfires getting closer to oil wells in Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  There are new concerns about how close wildfires can get to oil and gas wells in Kansas.

A study from UC-Berkeley found that from 1984 to 2019, there were five times more wells in wildfire burn areas. There are also more people living near wells.

The study finds theres double the number of people living within about two-thirds of a mile of wells compared to 1984 numbers.

Butler County officials said theyve also noticed a significant increase there. They said Butler County is full of oil wells and pipelines.

Its also home to a host of wildfires. In the last three years, there have been an average of more than 300 grassfire calls each year. With more people moving away from the city and into the country, Butler County officials say theyre getting closer to oil wells and burn areas.

Thats something we keep a really close eye on, is where do we have that overlap growing, where if a fire develops, weve got a lot more at risk now. Its not just grass that could burn, it could burn into a housing unit, said Keri Korthals, Butler County Emergency Management Director.

Oil helps fuel fires, so its key for crews to keep wildfires away from that fuel.

Those conducting the Berkeley study also touched on concerns about negative health effects. They said oil and gas fires could release chemicals that could pose serious health risks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The Concho Valley community came together to support Special Olympics Texas in two fundraising events held earlier this week.

According to a social media post shared by Tom Green County Sheriffs Office, on July 23, Texas Roadhouse hosted a benefit night that raised over $4,300 for Special Olympics Texas- Big Country/Concho Valley Area and Special Olympics Texas.

Following this, On July 25, the San Angelo Police Department contributed to the cause with a fundraising event of their own at Texas Roadhouse. According to the Tip A Cop campaign, the department raised $1,705, marking 34% of their $5,000 goal.

Together, the people of the Concho Valley raised slightly more than $6,000 this week for Special Olympics Texas-Big Country/Concho Valley Area.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
The Atlanta Police Department says they have a man in custody for a deadly shooting at a Buckhead gas station on Thursday morning.

Channel 2 Action News reported early on Thursday that a shooting at a Chevron gas station on Morosgo Drive in Buckhead was under investigation by APD after a man was found dead.

The preliminary investigation, and information from witnesses at the scene shared with Channel 2s Steve Gehlbach, said the victim was shot after being involved in a dispute with a security guard at the gas station.

On Friday afternoon, police said 34-year-old Antonio Dean was arrested in connection to the deadly shooting.

The victim has not yet been identified by Atlanta police.

Dean was charged with murder, aggravated assault, possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A previously convicted sex offender has been found guilty of additional child pornography offenses while on supervised release. The guilty verdict was given in court on Friday.

Jarrod Sanford, 43, of Covington, was found guilty of production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and committing a felony offense against a minor while required to register as a sex offender.

Between July and November of 2023, Sanford used a cell phone to take pictures of himself raping a 13-year-old child, according to reports presented at trial.

On November 19, 2023, the Tipton County Sheriffs Office responded to a report about the rape of a child and recovered a phone from Sanfords home.

In the phone, agents with the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force say they found pictures that Sanford had taken during a prior rape of the child. Officials also say Sanfords DNA matched the samples taken from the child victim.

According to reports, Sanford was already convicted of a sex offense. He was on federal supervised release and the Tennessee sex offender registry during the time he committed the additional offenses.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

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In February 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Sanford for child pornography and registry offenses.

On July 25, Sanford was convicted by federal jurors after a four-day trial.

Sanford is now facing a sentence of 35 to 70 years in jail with an additional sentence of up to five years for violating his supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Jarrod Sanfords sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 31.

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Democratic senators backing President Bidens reelection campaign until its final hours were quite angry and hurt by the calls from fellow Democrats on him to end his campaign, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) says in a new interview with Robert Costa of CBS This Morning.

Coons, Bidens top ally in the Senate, described difficult weeks leading up to Bidens decision as the Democratic Party was torn apart by the debate over Bidens future.

Costa said some Democrats felt betrayed by those calls, a point Coons did not dispute.

It was a very hard couple of weeks as folks who felt urgently about this decision increasingly spoke up, first privately and then publicly, and in the last conversation we had of the co-chairs of the campaign and in some conversations with fellow senators who like me were deeply committed to continuing this campaign with Joe Biden as the nominee, were quite angry and hurt, Coons said in the interview.

He really wanted a second term, Coons said of Biden. There were many of us who were very excited about the prospect of another term.

Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday and endorsed Vice President Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. Harris has quickly consolidated support and is a near sure thing to be the nominee in the fall.

Coons is among the hundreds of Democratic office holders now endorsing Harris.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
CHICAGO  The Chicago Police Department has launched an investigation trying to find a 16-year-old girl who went missing from the citys Avalon Park neighborhood earlier today.

CPD said JaNiya Hollis was last seen in the area of East 79th Street and South Stony Island Avenue Friday.

Police describe Hollis as being around 5-foot-5-inches tall, weighing around 130 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and a medium complexion. She was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red Nike sweater, green shorts with white stripes and black Crocs.

If you or someone you know has information that can help CPD safely find Hollis, police ask you to call 911, or reach out to the Area Two Special Victims Unit at 312-747-8274.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHICAGO  A search is underway this weekend for a man who has been missing for six weeks and police say he is not familiar with the Chicago area.

Chicago police say Ariel Childress, a 34-year-old man who may be confused, has been missing since June 15.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officers say Childress has been seen in areas near the 10500 block of South Halsted Street, in Washington Heights, and the 100 block of West 103rd Street in Roseland.

According to police, the missing man, who stands 5-foot-10 and weighs around 180 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair. Childress is also known to have a tattoo on the lower part of his left leg that reads Cash Money.

CPD: Man unfamiliar with Chicago area missing for 6 weeks

A photo provided by Chicago police shows Childress with a beard, however, it is unclear if he had one at the time of his disappearance.

Authorities notified the public about the missing mans disappearance in a news release sent out on Friday evening.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of 34-year-old Ariel Childress is asked to contact the Area Two SVU at 312-747-8274 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Health Insurance Stocks to Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) stands against the other health insurance stocks.

The Healthcare Market: What does the future hold?

2023 posed significant challenges for the healthcare sector as investors adjusted their portfolios to adapt to a higher interest rate environment. This led to the sector underperforming compared to other segments of the equity market, particularly technology and communication services. The disruptive environment has understandably created some anxiety and pessimism about the future. Deloittes annual Health Care Outlook Survey reveals that only 3% of health system executives and 7% of health plan executives have a "positive" outlook for 2024, down from 15% and 40%, respectively, marking a significant year-over-year decline.

On the brighter side, the aging baby boomer generation, which constitutes 20% of the U.S. population, is driving a growing demand for healthcare services and products such as insurance, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and hospital care. Projections indicate a notable increase in healthcare spending over the next decade. In the U.S., the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services forecasts a 5.6% annual growth in national health expenditure between 2023 and 2032. Similarly, in OECD countries, healthcare spending as a percentage of GDP is expected to rise from 8.8% to 10.2% by 2030. Alongside aging populations, the expanding middle class in emerging markets will also contribute to heightened demand for healthcare services.

One of the biggest news stories of the year was the rise of GLP-1 drugs as weight loss treatments, leading to significant outperformance by leading developers Eli Lilly & Company and Novo Nordisk (NVO) compared to their peers. Conversely, many companies experienced a severe downturn due to the post-COVID revenue drop, after vaccine and therapeutic sales neared $100 billion in 2022, resulting in challenging year-over-year comparisons. On another front, BlackRock, Inc. projects that the healthcare sector will have the highest 12-month forward earnings growth across all sectors on a year-on-year basis, with sales growth trailing only the consumer discretionary and information technology sectors.

The State of Health Insurance

Health insurance remains a prominent issue, especially in the United States. In 2022, over 300 million Americans, approximately 92% of the population, had health insurance. While the U.S. healthcare system features a blend of public and private insurers, private insurance comes out on top as the predominant form of coverage. That same year, more than half of insured individuals received private insurance through their employer, while approximately 36% were covered by public insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

As of 2023, the US health insurance exchanges, created under the Affordable Care Act in 2014, market their tenth year of operation. Throughout this decade, the individual market has remained interesting, to say the least, having experienced annual fluctuations in insurer participation, pricing, and plan options. According to McKinsey, consumer engagement significantly increased by 25% from 2020 to 2022, reaching approximately 16 million participants, thus aligning with the enhanced subsidies introduced by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

The global health insurance industry is poised for substantial growth in the coming years. According to a report, the global health insurance market is projected to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2022 to 2030, reaching a market value of $5.28 trillion by 2030.

Insurance house, car and family health live concept. The insurance agent presents the toys that symbolize the coverage.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the best health insurance stocks to buy, we sifted through multiple ETFs and internet rankings. We then analyzed Insider Monkey's Q1 2024 database to select the stocks that were the most widely held by hedge funds. The following companies, ranked by the number of hedge funds holding their shares, provide health insurance services within the United States and/or internationally. Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A doctor holding a clipboard in a hospital ward, discussing patient treatment plan with the nurses.

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC), based in St. Louis, Missouri, is a publicly traded managed care firm that acts as an intermediary for both government-sponsored and privately insured healthcare programs. The company primarily focuses on the Medicaid market, with a significant portion of its membership coming from programs like the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) reported first-quarter profits of $1.1 billion, driven by an increase in membership and premium revenue, thanks to a significant rise in Obamacare enrollment. The companys net income exceeded Wall Street analysts expectations, reaching $1.16 billion, or $2.16 per share, compared to $1.13 billion, or $2.04 per share, in the same quarter last year, while total revenue increased to $40.4 billion from $38.9 billion year-over-year.

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) also raised its 2024 diluted earnings per share guidance floor to more than $5.94 and its adjusted diluted EPS guidance floor to more than $6.80. The growth in the commercial marketplace, particularly Obamacare, contributed to a 4% increase in "premium and service revenues," which rose to $36.3 billion from $35.0 billion in the first quarter of 2023.

Among the largest hedge fund shareholders of Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is Harris Associates, holding shares valued at $1.33 billion.

Oakmark Global Fund stated the following regarding Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:

Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is a large health insurer specializing in three major government-sponsored programs: Medicaid, Marketplace and Medicare Advantage. Each of these programs benefits from long-term secular tailwinds. In Medicaid, states are steadily outsourcing their programs to managed care companies like Centene to help reduce costs and improve care quality. Managed Medicaid penetration has increased meaningfully over the past two decades, and we expect further gains over time. In Marketplace, growth is driven by the trend toward more individuals buying health insurance. Centene holds the top market share in both of these programs and is well-positioned to capitalize on their continued growth. Finally, in Centenes Medicare Advantage business, past missteps will result in losses next year, but we believe Centene can turn its Medicare Advantage segment around and generate positive earnings in the next few years. Centene currently trades for about 9x our estimate of normal earnings power, which we believe is a compelling value for a business that generates healthy returns on capital and is capable of growing EPS at a low double-digit rate.

Overall CNC ranks 7th on our list of the best health insurance stocks to buy. You can visit 10 Best Health Insurance Stocks to Buy to see the other health insurance stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of CNC as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CNC 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.
I was crying all night: Chicago jewelry booth owner loses over $300k worth of jewelry in smash & grab

I was crying all night: Chicago jewelry booth owner loses over $300k worth of jewelry in smash & grab

CHICAGO  A jewelry booth owner lost some of her most valuable pieces Thursday night in a smash and grab crime.

Maria Gil, owner of Jayeria Dos Perlas inside the Super Mall in West Elsdon, told WGN thieves shattered a display case at her jewelry booth Thursday night and stole some of her most valuable items.

According to Gil, one of her employees was closing up the booth for the day when the incident happened.

When the men showed the gun, she was scared and she (ran), too, Gil said.

Person of Interest sought in computer theft from Cook County States Attorneys Office

The three alleged suspects were seen on surveillance video dressed in all black clothing and wearing masks. Chicago police said the suspects used a hammer to break the display case and steal the jewelry before running out to a getaway car.

Gil told WGN the thieves took over $300,000 worth of jewelry.

Yesterday I was crying all night. I was so sad, Gil said. We work hard and its not good people came to get the pieces because were paying all the money we put in our business.

For Gil, Thursday nights incident feels like deja vu. She said two other similar incidents happened last year where people pretended to try on jewelry and ended up stealing it.

He (ran) with the necklace. The price was like $15,000, Gil recalled.

After these incidents, Gil thought about closing up shop for good, but she insists she wont let the thieves take away her passion for running a store and remains determined to keep it open.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines

This is the business I have and this is the business that permits me to eat, to pay my bills, Gil said. If I close, what will I do?

Gil added she and some of the other jewelry booths inside the mall are thinking about hiring their own private security to prevent a reoccurrence of Thursdays incident.

No arrests have been made at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Czech Minister of Defence Jana Cernochova and a delegation from Czechia have visited Ukraine.

Source: Czech Ministry of Defence

Details: During her three-day visit, Cernochova honoured the memory of Czechoslovak legionnaires and soldiers killed in World War II and spoke about the sacrifices of soldiers from Czech lands who fought in the Austro-Hungarian army. Cernochova concluded her visit with a commemorative event at the Zborivska grave, a site associated with the beginning of the Czechoslovak legions engagements on the Eastern Front during WWII.

"We visited places that are closely linked with our soldiers of World Wars I and II. The victims of both great wars and the heroes of the Eastern Front must be remembered even in connection with the current senseless aggression of Putins Russia," Cernochova said.

She also honoured the memory of Ukrainian soldiers who have been killed fighting against Russia.

Cernochova spoke with local authorities about the possibility of Czechia providing humanitarian aid ahead of the coming winter and thanked them for taking care of Czech wartime burials.

On Thursday, 25 July, Cernochova laid flowers in memory of Czechoslovak soldiers from World War II at a cemetery in the village of Sadahura, near the Ukrainian-Romanian border. The delegation, which also included Ales Knizek, director of the Military History Institute, and Robert Speichal, director of the Department for War Veterans and War Graves at the Ministry of Defence, discussed with local authorities the possibility of reconstructing the memorial site.

On Friday, Cernochova visited Staryi Martyniv in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, where over 700 soldiers from Czech lands who were killed in action in 1915 are buried.

The Czech delegation also visited the village of Tsebriv and the place where, according to archives, several hundred fighters from the Austro-Hungarian 75th Infantry Regiment from Jindrichov Hradec, who were killed in combat in 1915 and 1916, are buried. The Czech Defence Ministry wants to work with the local authorities to create a memorial site.

Cernochova laid flowers at a wartime burial in the village of Ozerna where about 50 Czechoslovakian legionnaires killed in 1917 are buried. The legionnaires who died of their wounds sustained in the Battle of Zboriv (1917) are also buried there and in the vicinity of the cemetery.

Background: The Czech Ministry of Defence is preparing to launch its second initiative to supply Ukraine with artillery shells in 2025.

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This is not just a niche, one-off occurrence that happens in a school far away from you; this is something common, says Prof Pudney

Alison*, a teacher at a London state school, recognised the signs of intoxication. But this was different. Her 17-year-old son had been spending a lot of time in his room on his own and was bleary-eyed and lethargic.

Id seen him stoned before after taking cannabis and this was different, she explains.

That evening Alison took her son and daughter to the cinema and her sons condition deteriorated significantly.

He was ravenous. He kept getting up to go and buy more snacks, and he couldnt sit still. He was agitated and restless. He became less lucid, slurring his words and stumbling. His complexion drained and he looked green.

When they returned home Alison searched her sons pockets and found vials of clear liquid designed for use in an e-cigarette or vape. When he recovered enough, she found out that he had bought them from a drug dealer thinking they contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. But whatever the compound was, it was much more potent.

It is likely it was a synthetic drug called spice, also known as mamba and K2. It is increasingly being sold by drug dealers who dupe children into thinking they are buying cannabis. But spice is much more dangerous. It can cause psychosis, chest pains, seizures, extreme anxiety and suicidal thoughts, paralysis, vomiting and diarrhoea. And it can kill. Indeed this horror chemical was implicated in almost half the unnatural deaths of prisoners in UK jails between 2015 and 2020.

Alisons shocking experience is more widespread than most parents realise. In a study published this week by the University of Bath, 596 vapes confiscated from schools in England were tested. They found that 16.6 per cent contained spice.

As the summer holidays begin and children and teenagers spend more time unsupervised with their friends, Prof Chris Pudney, who conducted the research, warns parents not to be complacent.

This is not just a niche, one-off occurrence that happens in a school far away from you; this is something common, he says. He is so alarmed about the growing problem that he has called on the Government to make it a national harm reduction priority.

Earlier this year parents in London were warned in a letter from police officers that vapes containing drugs were being distributed via social media apps including Snapchat.

Inhaling spice through a vaping pen is particularly hazardous for young people, the letter cautions. In some instances, a single dose can prove fatal.

It followed an incident at a school in Eltham, south-east London in which several children were hospitalised after using a vape that was later found to contain spice. One of the victims was left in a coma.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has also highlighted the dangers of spice laced vapes. It advises anyone who has taken drugs and is feeling unwell, or their guardians to seek medical help urgently.

Michael Owen, the drugs and alcohol lead at the PHA, says: For young people the risk of misusing substances is particularly dangerous. The teenage years are vital to healthy cognitive function as an adult, so it is important to maintain healthy behaviour during these years. Drug abuse can impact the brains ability to function in the short-term as well as prevent proper growth and development for later in life.

Substance abuse affects teenagers brain development by interfering with neurotransmitters and damaging connections within the brain, creating problems with memory and emotional development, causing missed opportunities during a period of heightened learning potential, ingraining expectations of unhealthy habits into brain circuitry, and reducing the ability to experience pleasure.

Alison was so concerned by her sons experience that he is now regularly tested for drugs and receives counselling.

I acted straight away because of the intensity of the outcome and the fact that he was doing it in his room on his own. It wasnt a social thing, she says.

Spice is not a single compound, but the name given to a diverse group of drugs called synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (or SCRAs). These lab-made chemicals were first developed by pharma companies in the Seventies as potential therapeutics. But they were shelved because they made test subjects unwell.

Using patents in the public domain, illicit drug makers then started to manufacture them and, because they were easy to transport and did not show up on regular drug tests, they became popular in prisons. Today it is thought they are largely made by clandestine labs in China and India. And as the manufacturing process has been tweaked and changed over time, they have become more unpredictable and harmful.

Spice is commonly sprayed on dried plants and smoked and can also be mixed with vaping liquids.

David Nutt is a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College, London.

These are chemically produced drugs initially designed to mimic THC but theyre much worse than THC, he explains. They are more powerful and were originally too toxic and unpleasant for humans. When they found their way into prisons, all hell broke out. People became very ill and often had heart attacks or seizures because the spice molecules that are used today are probably the only drugs in history that are being used by humans with no testing on animals.

He adds that the spice being sold to children and teenagers today will be dangerously toxic.

Originally SCRAs worked in a similar way to cannabis. But now we dont really know what they do. Weve had this accumulating poisoning of SCRAs. Each time they are banned, they are reformulated. The types used today are classed as third generation. We dont even know if they work in the same way as cannabis anymore. It seems they may not because cannabis doesnt cause people to have seizures. Theyre just molecules that people make and sell.

Under UK law it is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to under 18s. Cannabis is a class B drug, making it illegal to possess, supply, or produce. Synthetic cannabis such as spice is also classified as a class B drug.

Alison advises parents to be vigilant.

Parents need to be much stricter with their children. Talk to them but if youre still suspicious, then search their pockets, search their rooms, she says. Be rigorous. Dont be afraid to take a hard line because thats the only way to protect your child.

She says the signs to look out for are sweet smells, which come from the flavours added to vapes, children spending a lot of time alone in their rooms and changes in behaviour and pallor.

She also warns against complacency.

Children at the school I work in have been caught vaping in the toilets and it is a common problem. The two main problems are screens and vapes. Both are profoundly sabotaging teenage lives, she says.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) advises parents to have brief, open and relaxed conversations with their children if they suspect they may be using drugs.

You could try using cues such as drug issues happening on TV, in the media or personal, social and health education (PSHE) projects at school to start a conversation, it says.

Try to stay calm. It can be upsetting to find out your child is taking drugs, but getting angry and shouting may stop them from speaking to you in the future. Talking to them calmly and when youre both relaxed will encourage them to be open about their actions and stop them from becoming secretive.

*Name has been changed

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Elizabeth Ha created the privacy-minded menstrual tracking app Monthly last year, after failing to find an option that felt safe enough to her following the Dobbs decision. (Courtesy of Elizabeth Ha)

After the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 and abortion was banned in the state of Tennessee, Dr. Danielle Kelvas quit using an app that tracked her menstrual cycle.

It frightened me  I actually got frightened because it tracked me for like, a week, Kelvas said of the Oura Ring feature Cycle Insights. And I thought, wheres this information going?

Immediately following the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization Supreme Court decision which struck down the constitutional right to abortion, data privacy experts cautioned to take a closer look at menstrual cycle tracking apps. Information logged into these apps, or tracked via wearable devices like a Fitbit or an Oura Ring, have the potential to be used in prosecuting those who seek abortions in states which criminalize it.

Kelvas, a former emergency room physician, is a big fan of her Oura Ring. She researched the device  which gives insight to users about their biometric data like heart rate and sleep quality  thoroughly before buying it.

When the company rolled out its menstrual tracking feature, called Cycle Insights, she was excited to try it. But when she started reading more into the terms of agreement, she couldnt find clear cut information about how the data was stored, how secure it was, or if it was encrypted.

Dr. Danielle Kelvas is an Oura Ring user, but opted out of the devices menstrual tracking feature because she couldnt verify its privacy policies. I thought, wheres this information going? (Courtesy of Danielle Kelvas)

States Newsroom reached out to Oura for clarification on its privacy policy for Cycle Insights, but the request for comment was not returned.

Kelvas, 34, lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where abortion is banned, with only the exception of preventing death for the expectant person. The law, a trigger ban that went into effect in August 2022, also makes obtaining or performing an abortion a criminal offense.

So I deleted it, Kelvas said of the app.

Opal Pandya is in the same boat. The 25-year old Philadelphian deleted the app Flo, after reading case studies about data releases to external third parties. She also took note when she started suddenly getting targeted ads on Instagram for products that would help soothe period symptoms shed just logged in Flo.

I realized my data was flowing across multiple platforms, she said.

She didnt feel comfortable with that, and didnt have the time to figure out who had access to that data. The final straw was learning that third-party data could be available to states in prosecuting abortions banned under their laws.

Pandya also opted out of her Apple Watchs cycle tracking after trying it for a while, and has stopped wearing it to bed, as it tracks ovulation cycles via temperature at night while sleeping.

Healthcare privacy has always been something Pandyas been wary of, she said, and while theres benefits of tracking menstrual information, the Dobbs decision showed her there could be serious consequences of that data being vulnerable.

I have always been sensitive about my health information and understand theres a strong distrust of the medical system as a whole, Pandya said. And overturning Roe v. Wade did nothing but solidify and spread that distrust, especially among minority women.

Kelvas, who now owns a medical writing service and is a consultant for software company IT Medical, is acutely aware of those delicacies of navigating menstrual tracking.

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As a physician, she said she cant emphasize enough how important it is that people have access to cycle tracking. Its one of the few tools people have to be in more control of family planning and their reproductive health, as some states attack access to birth control.

But her experience in healthcare IT has highlighted how easy it is for sensitive data to go unprotected. Many people think all healthcare information is protected under the federal privacy law, known as HIPAA. But menstrual cycle tracking apps, along with other healthcare technologies, like texting platforms that patients can use with doctors, are not.

In highly restrictive states, Kelvas said its challenging to navigate your reproductive rights  It doesnt really matter what we do, were always in trouble, she said.

For a lot of women, suddenly becoming pregnant means that they are illegal, Kelvas said. And what do you do after that? You know, for a lot of people, the reality is that they just dont own their uterus anymore.

What data is up for grabs?

There havent been any cases where a menstrual tracking apps data has been subpoenaed yet, but thats probably due to the slow speed of which cases proceed through the court system, said Jake Laperruque, deputy director of the Center for Democracy and Technologys Security and Surveillance Project. There have been few cases of electronic data of any form being subpoenaed yet, but via their terms and conditions, many companies leave themselves vulnerable to having to hand data over to prosecutors or courts.

Laperruque warned that the data that could be used to prosecute abortion cases could be more far-reaching than just whats logged in a period tracking app.

There are a lot of really innocuous seeming data in healthcare  location information, communications, metadata patterns and even information you dont know youre generating, Laperruque said.

If social media apps have access to your location, for example, prosecutors could timestamp your visit at an abortion providers office through the location data of any number of apps.

Data collected by apps, wearables, could potentially now be used by law enforcement or even private individuals, seeking to sue or target people for exercising reproductive choice and seeking out information or care around abortion, he said.

Digital footprints have been used in prosecuting reproductive cases even before the Dobbs decision.

In 2018, a woman in Mississippi was charged with second-degree murder after she gave birth to a stillborn baby at home. Part of the prosecutions case noted that she had researched how to terminate a pregnancy in the past.

Last year, a teenager in Nebraska was convicted for terminating a pregnancy after prosecutors subpoenaed Facebook messages between her and her mother.

How to assess data privacy

For now, most of the responsibility to protect a users data falls on the user themselves, said Andrew Crawford, a healthcare privacy-focused senior counsel with the Center for Democracy and Technology.

It really is incumbent on users to do their homework, Crawford said. And unfortunately, sometimes that means reading really dense privacy policies and looking for keywords.

The terms and conditions of an app or a wearable device need to spell out what data its collecting, what it does with that data and who else may have access. An app may automatically seek access to things like your contacts, your geolocation, or photos, but you may not have to give it those full permissions. Period tracking apps often share information with data brokers, advertisers or third parties that are hard to track.

Users should also pay attention to how an app treats the data it gets. A keyword to look for is encryption, or data thats changed into a secret code that can only be unlocked with a unique digital key.

Data thats stored locally on your device also tends to be safer than data thats stored in a cloud, Crawford said. It would be a lot harder for law enforcement to access encrypted data stored only on your device rather than if they can subpoena a company for it.

Theres always risk as long as data is logged somewhere, Laperruque said.

But police are only going to be able to search your phone if they hand you a warrant and seize the phone, he said.

Most wearable devices that collect biometric data have some encryption aspect. Apples privacy policy says that when your device is locked, all your health and fitness data thats on the device and synced to iCloud is encrypted.

This means that when you use the Cycle Tracking feature and have enabled two-factor authentication, your health data synced to iCloud is encrypted end-to-end and Apple does not have the key to decrypt the data and therefore cannot read it, the company said.

Fitbit and Oura Ring say they use encryption measures, too. All three companies say that they have to comply with subpoena requests by law enforcement agencies.

The cost of your data

App developer Elizabeth Ha, 27, of Los Angeles, built cycle tracking app Monthly in response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision. All of the health data inputted into the app is stored privately on your device, and doesnt enter a database. You can delete your app (and subsequently, your data) at any time, and Monthly does not make your data available to anyone but the user.

Ha had been a long-time user of one period tracker app, but the Dobbs decision and the attention that data privacy was getting at the time, forced her to take a harder look at where she was logging her information.

Once your data gets sent to these data warehouses, its like a little bit of a black box, she said.

She feels pretty secure about her reproductive rights in California, but you never know whats going to happen or who else might need a more secure option, she said of Monthly, which released on the app store late last year.

The field of mobile apps is so new, developing in the last decade or so, she said, and it evolves so quickly. The reason so many period trackers are free is that theyre built by larger companies that can collect and sell your data, Ha said.

For them to be a business, a lot of the business is selling the data, she said.

Many Americans are waiting for a comprehensive, federal data privacy overhaul. The American Privacy Rights Act was proposed in congress in May, which would require covered entities to be transparent about how they use consumer data and give consumers the right to access, correct, delete, and export their data, as well as opt out of targeted advertising and data transfers.

It would also mandate that a covered entity could not collect or transfer to a third party biometric data without the individuals affirmative express consent.

For now, those who wish to keep data related to their reproductive health safe, should be vigilant about the terms and conditions of the devices and the platforms they use.

It just kind of speaks to the importance of both the surveillance and consumer data side of upgrading the laws, Laperruque said. We have to be more protective.

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American flags are displayed during a Memorial Day event at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, May 29, 2023. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News

Utah Rep. John Curtis introduced a bill on Tuesday requiring a federal agency to allow the placement of the American flag on a peak overlooking Provo.

The Star-Spangled Summit Act was referred to the House Natural Resources Committee, where Curtis is vice chair of the federal lands subcommittee, one day before pro-Palestinian protesters in Washington, D.C., were seen burning American flags, replacing American flags with Palestinian flags and defacing public monuments near the U.S. Capitol.

Protesters had declared Wednesday a day of rage over the war in Gaza to coincide with a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who gave remarks to a joint session of Congress while his effigy was burned outside.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle condemned the harassment of Capitol police officers, as well as graffiti with messages like Hamas is coming and the burning of the American flag.

It hurts to see individuals driven by extreme beliefs, desecrate the American flag right here at the United States Capitol, Curtis told the Deseret New on Friday. Perhaps even worse, many of these individuals had such hatred in their hearts that they would cheer on terrorist groups that brutally kidnapped and murdered innocent people.

I have spent my career finding common ground with those I disagree with, but these actions deserve nothing but condemnation, he continued. Our flag is sacred. It symbolizes dedication, sacrifice, and the spirit of America. We must restore hope among our citizens and reinforce that destroying the very system that built the most prosperous nation in history is not the solution.

What is in Rep. Curtis flag bill?

On Friday, Curtis drew attention to his new piece of legislation calling it a bill to respect (the) American flag.

Every summer, for over 20 years, one Utah resident, Robert Collins, performed an informal ceremony to unfurl a large American flag at the top of Kyhv Peak, formerly Squaw Peak, where it could be seen from the valley below, he said.

In 2021, the U.S. Forest Service informed Collins of agency policy prohibiting the placement of any structure on National Forest System lands without a special-use authorization, contract, or approved operating plan.

Curtis, the former of mayor of Provo who now represents the city in the 3rd Congressional District, saw the restriction as an affront to Utahns patriotism as well as just one more example of why county officials should have more control over public lands in Utah.

Utahns pride themselves on being the most patriotic people in the country and it is disappointing that federal policy would hamper such a wholesome local tradition, Curtis said in a statement on Friday. I am proud to recognize Roberts patriotism and resolve this issue so Utahns can see the stars and stripes on the Peak once again.

Curtis bill would mandate the Forest Service to issue a special-use permit for Collins to place a flagpole on Kyhv Peak. The agency would be able to regulate how the flagpole must be maintained and would be able to reissue the permit in the future.

Situations like this are common in Utah where around 70% of the land is managed by the federal government, Curtis said. Nevada is the only state with more land controlled by Washington, D.C.

A recent Bureau of Land Management rule change would allow the agency to lease federal land in Utah to environmental groups for conservation purposes, limiting the land for other uses. Curtis has spoken against the policy and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has threatened to contest the regulations in court.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation has ruled the law enforcement shooting death of a man, who took hostages during an incident at a Sioux Falls gas station, was justified.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's office announced the findings Friday evening, within 30 days of the July 3 shooting.

Daniel Todd Augustine, 26, was fatally shot by a Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office deputy after taking a store clerk hostage and holding a firearm to the clerks head and body, a shooting summary from DCI indicates.

DCI stated the incident began at 3:01 a.m. when the Sioux Falls man entered Get-N-Go, located at 600 S. Minnesota Ave. in Sioux Falls.

Upon entering the convenience store, Augustine immediately fired two shots from a handgun into the ceiling and took the clerk as a hostage, the report reads.

About 3 minutes after Augustine entered the store, an on-duty Sioux Falls Police officer, unaware of the developing situation, approached the building to make a purchase, the DCI summary states. Augustine noticed the officer outside and fired another shot inside the store.

Video surveillance referenced in the investigation states that Augustine fired at the store front window upon the officer's approach and a second shot in the direction of the officer after he met with bystanders to inquire about the noises and damage.

After this, radio dispatch informed the officer of a 911 call coming from the clerk inside the store.

Less than 2 minutes later, the Sioux Falls officer then approached the storefront, the report reads, and made eye contact with Augustine, who had a handgun pointed at the employee. Augustine then "directed" his weapon at the officer and fired a round through the front door glass in the direction of the officer. He then fired a second shot in the "general direction" of the officer.

"[The officer] took cover behind a pillar and then the patrol car," a DCI interview account from the officer states. The police officer then moved to his vehicle's passenger side door, where he fired a single shot into the store.

The DCI report states Augustine ducked behind a counter in response. Augustine then began to use the clerk as a human shield "throughout the next several minutes," holding him in place with his left hand and "oftentimes holding [his] handgun at or near the head and body of the clerk" using his right hand.

Multiple other officers then arrived on scene, the report states, but DCI does not state exactly when police backup arrived throughout the 36-minute ordeal. These officers positioned themselves near the front door of the store, where they began attempting negotiations with the man inside.

One Minnehaha County Sheriff's deputy, designated as "MCSO Deputy #2" in the report, took over negotiations after Augustine asked to speak to a deputy. Another deputy, titled "MCSO Deputy #1," positioned himself and placed a sniper rifle "on the shoulder of a SFPD officer" near the store's entrance about 30 minutes after Augustine's arrival.

Augustine made several demands to the officers, and the clerk who was held hostage told DCI interviewers the man "made comments about his wife and kids being kidnapped."

The report indicates the deputy that fired the killing shot discharged his rifle a few minutes after it was deployed. Augustine was shot once in the upper left lip after the man briefly separated from the clerk.

"MCSO Deputy #2 advised Augustine that if he put the gun down and exited the store, they could fulfill those requests, but again Augustine was not complying," the report reads. "MCSO Deputy #2 continued to attempt negotiations with Augustine; however, he remained non-compliant up until MCSO Deputy #1 fired the shot that struck and killed Augustine."

The Attorney General's release indicates there were about 36 minutes of negotiations with Augustine, but the DCI detailed report indicates that the incident, from Augustine's arrival to his death and the immediate evacuation of the clerk, spanned about 36 minutes. DCI's findings do not state exactly how long negotiations took place or when they began, and the report also does not detail when either deputy arrived on scene.

The Argus Leader has asked the Attorney General's Office for clarification.

The suspect had already fired a gun in the direction of a law enforcement officer, was holding the firearm near the hostage clerk, and was behaving in an erratic manner, Jackley wrote in a Friday press release. The two officers involved were justified in using lethal force in this tense and uncertain situation.

Augustine "made threats to shoot himself" day before police killing

The DCI file stated Augustine had a history of mental illness reports with law enforcement and has made threats to his own life in the past, coinciding with the July 3 incident.

According to DCI, a report made a day before the fatal shooting detailed that Augustine had contacted family and made threats to shoot himself.

Augustine made similar threats during the July 3 hostage situation, the report reads. In an interview with DCI after the incident, the clerk said Augustine made comments "that he would take himself out" if officers entered the store.

"Augustine was mumbling and not making sense with his statements as he held the clerk hostage," the interview statement reads. "Augustine just continued saying that he wanted more cops and the SWAT team there."

According to the clerk, Augustine "made no comment about money, the till or the safe."

The report continues that Augustine was also involved in another incident at a Hartford gas station on June 28, five days before his death. He entered the gas station, jumped behind the clerk's counter, and claimed that his kids were taken.

"Augustine was agitated and made threats toward customers in the store during this incident," the report reads. "Augustine was placed on a mental health hold and evaluated as a result of this incident."

Augustine's toxicology reports showed that his blood tested positive "for a toxic level" of methamphetamine, while urinalysis testing indicated the presence of benzodiazepines, specifically oxazepam.

Augustine had a history with the Minnesota Avenue Get-N-Go. He was arrested in February 2016 for attempting to rob the store, which landed him in prison for several years.

This is the second police shooting deemed justified by DCI in Sioux Falls this year, according to Argus Leader archives.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: DCI rules Get-N-Go shooting justified in Sioux Falls
Homeowners have unique retirement opportunities that renters do not. Among them is the option to sell their homes and move to a smaller, cheaper house  perhaps in a cheaper neighborhood or even a cheaper state  and bank the profit. But that strategy isnt right for everyone.

For You: Im Planning My Retirement: 5 Expenses I Wish I Had Cut Sooner

Try This: The Surprising Way You Can Get Guaranteed Retirement Income for Life

Keep reading to learn how one retiree used the home he already had to achieve financial security in the here and now, rock-solid estate planning for the next generation, and the lifestyle he saved so long and hard to achieve.

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

A Financial Planner Approaches Each Retirement Differently

Stephen Roth, CFP and founder of Limestone Financial Group, has spent 20 years helping retirees maximize well-being vs. wealth. Roth says a successful retirement requires a completely different mindset where you go from accumulating to the opposite.

In nearly all cases, that mindset pushes a pair of concerns to the forefront.

When it comes to retirement planning, the couples and families I work with have two primary goals: maintaining their lifestyle income needs and ensuring their legacy family planning goals are carried out, said Roth. However, there is no cookie-cutter standard that applies to all retired couples or scenarios.

Roth said that no matter your goals, your level of planning and preparation will largely determine your chances of success in achieving them.

Given the uncertainties of the future, thorough preparation allows more time to consider risks and opportunities, leading to smarter choices and options that are instrumental in controlling our environment, he said.

For many retirees, housing is the costliest expense, and their home is their most valuable asset. Therefore, a decision to downsize is an intimately personal choice that can make the perfect retirement possible or become a painful regret.

For one of Roths clients, staying put provided the best of both worlds.

Check Out: Here Are All the Promises Trump Has Made About Social Security If Hes Reelected

Leveraging Equity Through Downsizing Is the Perfect Move (for Some)

Many retirees sell the family-sized home they own, use the windfall to buy or rent something smaller and more manageable for less, and invest the profit in a higher-quality retirement.

Story continues

However, in terms of both money and lifestyle, downsizing is not the right choice for everyone.

Risks and opportunities need to be assessed before rushing into it impulsively, said Roth. Let me share an example from a real situation with a client and why a standard formula cannot be applied to selling your home in retirement from uncertain life expectancy.

A Retiree Starts a New Relationship in His Old House

Roth told the story of an affluent 76-year-old retiree in New Jersey whose wife died nine years ago.

He stopped working at 72 and finds himself in a committed relationship with a lovely woman he met on Match.com, he said. He opts to remain in his North Jersey home instead of selling, downsizing, moving to a cheaper state for retirement or a smaller home with less upkeep and fewer expenses to maintain.

Unlike many retirees, Roths client had the luxury of a choice. Since he could finance his retirement without selling, he could base his decision on whether or not to downsize on wants alone.

With or without the extra cushion from proceeds of a sale, he had sufficient assets to cover his expenses in retirement from carefully planning an income strategy that meets his lifestyle needs, said Roth, who agreed with his clients decision. What if things dont work out romantically with his new partner? Retaining the home allows him to live in it, within a two-hour drive of his adult children and grandkids, plus his partner is in Westchester and close.

Financial Security for Him and His Posterity

Staying put checked all the lifestyle boxes that Roth mentioned, but the choice not to downsize was also a financially savvy play.

Keeping the home as an asset provides exposure to potential gains and profit from owning the investment, said Roth. Historically, performance has been in line with the equity markets so it should appreciate further or be in line with stocks.

Financial security is one of the two concerns that Roth said all his clients share. The other is legacy planning  and the IRS takes a cut when you sell a long-appreciating home, but not when an heir sells it after inheriting it.

The last advantage is the step up in cost basis at the death of the owner to determine the capital gains owed when the home is finally sold by beneficiaries, said Roth. The result is that beneficiaries are taxed at a lower capital gains rate, increasing the net amount transferred as an inheritance.

This two-pronged strategy gave Roths 76-year-old retired client peace of mind, greater control and relationship independence in his golden years.

It provides his adult children protection from their father being a burden on other people as he ages, as well, so it worked out well, said Roth.

In the end, however, that retirees strategy was right only for that retiree.

Personalized planning is important because each retirement journey is unique and influenced by their preferences and future variables, said Roth. It cant be compared with or to another journey.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: My Client Didnt Downsize in Retirement: Why Keeping His Home Was His Smartest Money Move
Decomposing Body Discovered in California After Dog Finds Head and Carries It onto Sidewalk: Reports

Police said the death doesn't appear to be tied to a homicide

Getty Stock image of a dog on a sidewalk

Police in California were able to locate a decomposing body this week after a dog uncovered  and carried  its human head to a nearby sidewalk.

On Thursday, July 25, the Fresno Police Department was called to the area of Nicholas and Florence Avenues after someone spotted the dog dropping what turned out to be a skull on a sidewalk, according to local Fox affiliate KMPH and CW affiliate KTLA.

The dog later carried the head away, per KMPH. After the dog's discovery, officers then located the rest of the body in a shed about a block away, the outlet said.

The Fresno Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for more information on Saturday, July 27.

Related: Senior Dog That Was Found Guarding Owner's Body After His Death Now Looking for New Home at Illinois Shelter

Police told KMPH that the death doesn't appear to be tied to a homicide. They added that the coroner's office will investigate.

An on-air report from KMPH, meanwhile, said that the body found was in the late stages of decomposition.

Footage from the scene showed various crime scene investigators, police vehicles and different evidence identification markers around the sidewalk itself, as the area appeared to be blocked off by police tape while being photographed.

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.

According to the American Kennel Club, some dogs  also known as "cadaver dogs"  are trained to pick up on the smell of death.

Dogs' noses have 200 to 300 million scent receptors  compared to 6 million for humans  and scent regions in their brains are "roughly 40 times larger than ours," per the organization.

While the breed of the dog who discovered the human head on Thursday is unclear, pet care company Wag said that the dog breeds with the best senses of smell include Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Beagles, German Shepards and Labrador Retrievers.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
New research suggests that polymetallic nodules on the deep-sea floor may produce oxygen, a conclusion that could have enormous consequences for mining companies. Above, Gerard Barron, chairman and chief executive of The Metals Co., stands beside a research ship in San Diego, in June 2021. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Researchers say the polymetallic nodules that mining companies hope to harvest from the deep-ocean seafloor may be a source of oxygen for the animals, plants and bacteria that live there.

This discovery of this "dark oxygen" has the potential to rock negotiations happening this month in Jamaica, where a world rule-making body  the International Seabed Authority  is meeting to decide the future of deep-sea mining.

The work was published recently in the journal Nature Geoscience.

"This study is a really good example of how limited our knowledge of the deep ocean currently is, and how much more we still stand to benefit with further scientific research," said Diva Amon, a marine biologist from Trinidad and a post-doctoral researcher at UC Santa Barbara's Benioff Ocean Initiative.

Read more: California and Hawaii lead charge against deep-sea mining of critical metals

The excitement is focused on the potato-sized rocks  or polymetallic nodules  found littered across areas of the ocean floor. These nodules contain minerals, such as cobalt and nickel, that green-energy batteries and technologies require.

For years, companies such as Canada's The Metals Co. have been working to persuade the international governing authority to greenlight their plans to harvest these metallic nodules in the Pacific Ocean's Clarion Clipper Zone  a stretch of sea that spans 4,500 miles between Hawaii and Mexico.

The company has argued that the metals are essential for building technologies that do not rely on fossil fuels. They say the impact mining will have on the ocean floor is not only minimal, but also doesn't compare with the destruction of rainforests and human communities that terrestrial mining inflicts.

But environmentalists, oceanographers and others say that driving large harvesting machines across the pristine, little-known ocean floor  atop and along areas of sediment three and four miles below the surface  could have unforeseen and disastrous consequences. They are urging lawmakers to postpone or ban the industry from digging up one of the last "untouched" ecosystems on the planet.

This new research, which was funded by TMC, suggests the toll of mining the area could be greater than anyone had imagined.

That's because a team of international scientists found that the prized nodules produce oxygen  and may be responsible for enriching this dark, remote ecosystem with one of life's most important elements.

Read more: Unprecedented numbers of gray whales are visiting San Francisco Bay, and nobody quite knows why

Jeffrey Marlow, an assistant professor of biology at Boston University and one of the authors on the paper, said the team leading the research had received funding from TMC to conduct baseline environmental studies, which included sending something to the ocean floor called a benthic chamber.

These structures, which he described as being about 10 feet tall  "think of it as just like an overturned box or something that you jab into the seafloor," Marlow said  are watertight and gas tight, and contain instruments designed to take measurements of the sediment's chemistry and composition.

The sampling method is pretty standard, he said. Scientists measure the amount of oxygen that is lost, or declines, during a 48-hour period as the chamber sits in place on the ocean floor. The decline serves as a proxy for the amount of life down there  as animals respirate, they consume oxygen.

But when they sent the chambers down for this analysis, they noticed that oxygen levels went up, not down.

Marlow said they were certain the machinery was faulty. They tried again and noticed the same results.

"These benthic chamber experiments have been done around the world for decades," he said. "So the technology and everything is pretty well established."

He said they spent days, then weeks troubleshooting.

"We had a couple of redundant ways of measuring it, so we knew that not one of them was failing. Ultimately, we were forced to conclude" that oxygen was being produced.

What the researchers think is happening is that nodules  and the metals in them  are working like a battery, at a chemical level.

"These rocks are made up of minerals which have metals that are ... distributed throughout the rock in heterogeneous ways," he said. "Each of these metals and minerals is able to hold on to an electrical charge in a slightly different way. So essentially, just the natural variation means that there is charge separation ... in the same way there is on a battery."

That means there's enough voltage to take water and "split it open in hydrogen and oxygen."

Read more: Deep sea mining threatens sea life, environmentalists say. California law has a solution

But not everyone is convinced by  or happy with  the study's conclusion.

TMC, which sponsored the research, sent The Times a critique of the paper, stating the research had been rejected by four scientific publications until finding a home at Nature, which the company described as "a journal that has taken a strong view against deep-sea mineral sourcing."

A request for comment went unanswered by the journal's communications team, but the periodical is generally regarded as one of the most prestigious and selective publications among scientists.

TMC also said the methodology was flawed, arguing that the team's findings contradicted other work that had been conducted in the Clarion Clipper Zone, but which used a different method.

"This inability to reproduce the findings with both methods suggests that elevated oxygen levels are in fact an artefact in the data," said the company in a statement. The company noted it was "currently preparing a peer-reviewed paper as rebuttal."

Bo Barker Jrgensen, a microbiologist at Denmark's Aarhus University  who was not involved with the research or on TMC's payroll  said the work elicited more questions than it did answers.

He said he did not "think this discovery is important for our understanding of the ocean in general or for deep-sea mining" and described the research as a "novel and very puzzling process for which the mechanism is still not clear."

The study's authors pushed back on the critiques, stating they too had been puzzled by their findings  but they'd been rigorous in eliminating every other possible scenario.

We were the worst critics of this paper for a long time," said Andrew Sweetman, leader of the Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry research group at the Scottish Assn. for Marine Science, and lead author on the paper. "For eight years I discarded the data showing oxygen production, thinking my sensors were faulty. Once we realised something may be going on, we tried to disprove it, but in the end we simply couldnt."

He said he welcomed more research on the topic and urged other scientists to investigate further.

Following the publication of this paper, I have been approached by other researchers with similar data sets also showing evidence of dark oxygen production that they discarded thinking equipment was faulty, he said.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Vice President Harriss white-hot start to her presidential campaign is prompting questions over how long her political honeymoon can last.

Republicans for days have said Harriss performance in the days since President Biden dropped out of the presidential race and backed her is more of a shooting star than anything sustainable, and with three months remaining until November, they expect her to follow the laws of political gravity and crash back down to earth.

But Democrats are bullish that Harriss first-week success is sustainable and say the idea of a short-lived honeymoon is foolish.

Theres no limit on a honeymoon. She obviously is at this moment the right person to unify the Democratic Party, and when you unify the Democratic Party, that creates a lot of wind in your sails, said Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). Shes got a lot of momentum and I think thats going to keep up for a good while.

You cant fake this. This is real, Hickenlooper continued, pointing to the polls showing voters were frustrated with the choices of Trump and Biden. Well now theyre excited that theyve got someone thats younger and energetic and has that momentum and enthusiasm that makes everyone feel better about their day.

Harris in the past week has seen record-breaking fundraising, an influx of endorsements from Democrats and support from enough delegates to secure the nomination.

As of Tuesday night, the vice presidents campaign said it has raised $126 million since making her bid official Sunday afternoon, with Democrats maintaining that fundraising prowess can keep up.

Democrats have also seen a major uptick in support from young voters since Harris launched her bid. According to an Axios/Generation Lab survey, Harris leads by 20 percentage points with the group, while the president only topped Trump by a 6-point margin.

I dont think shes peaked yet, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) told The Hill.

But there are some parts of her early shock-and-awe campaign that cant be repeated, including the high-profile endorsements from Senate and House Democrats, along with most high-wattage power brokers in the party like former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

And, to be sure, the manner in which the torch was passed onto her was a historic political earthquake. Biden stepped aside under heavy pressure from fellow Democrats and endorsed Harris, creating a level of excitement that some say may not have existed if Biden had never attempted to run for reelection and Democrats had a typical primary process.

Harris does have some smaller arrows in her quiver to keep up the momentum, including the Democratic National Convention and her selection of a vice presidential nominee  though some Democrats believe the impact will be limited.

Its a Harris thing, said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). I think there are lots of potential VP candidates, but were seeing the enthusiasm now in the absence of a VP pick.

The Democratic National Committee expects Harris, if no one challenges her, to officially secure the nomination Aug. 1, pick a running mate in advance of Aug. 7 and head to the convention Aug. 19  setting up for a lively next month for Democrats.

While Harris has had an impressive start, Trump still leads in the majority of polls, including in battleground states, though Harris has closed the gap created in large part by Bidens debate performance.

Republicans think once they are able to get the message across about what they deem are problematic stances by the vice president, including on the border, energy and policing, she will come back to earth.

I think theres a euphoria that its not Biden, said Sen. Mike Braun (R), who is running for the Indiana governorship in November. I think once you start kind of looking at where she comes from on policy, she could do worse than Biden.

Longtime Democratic strategist James Carville warned that excitement over Harris has to be tempered with realism, reminding Democrats that theres still a tough campaign to run. Carville also warned against this kind of giddy elation, among Democrats, adding its not going to be very helpful much longer against Republicans this cycle.

A survey from Emerson College Polling and The Hill on Thursday found Trump narrowly leading Harris in key battleground states but by margins that outpace Bidens polling in those states against Trump. An aggregate of national polls compiled by The Hill and Decision Desk HQ has Trump leading Harris roughly 48 percent to 46 percent, showing Harris still has ground to make up.

Anita McBride, former chief of staff to former first lady Laura Bush, said shes not surprised by the momentum behind Harris because Democrats had time to make up after losing three valuable weeks of intraparty fighting.

But she noted how quickly things change in politics.

Things can change on a dime, and something can happen that changes a campaign, can change the focus of the campaign, can change the coverage of the campaign. Clearly, we saw that in Butler, Pennsylvania, she said, referring to the assassination attempt against Trump.

Absolutely, this is a honeymoon period right now. People are strengthened and more confident because they are unified. Theres not going to be fighting on that convention floor, she said, But, anything can happen. Its just, in politics, every day is an eternity, she added.

Theres also the question of how the debates  if they happen  will impact the political landscape. The debate between Biden and Trump late last month shook up the 2024 race because the presidents poor performance led to calls for him to step aside.

The Trump campaign hasnt committee to any debates yet, but Harris appeared confident on Thursday.

Ill tell you Im ready to debate Donald Trump. I have agreed to the previously agreed upon September 10 debate. He agreed to that previously, she told reporters. Now, here he is backpedaling, and Im ready, and I think the voters deserve to see the split screen that exists in this race on a debate stage, and so Im ready to go.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Democrats hold palpable concerns about whether Vice President Harris can appeal to voters in key battleground states, even as they have united behind her candidacy in the six days since President Bidens exit from the race.

The worries have been hard to see amid the partys elation with Harris, who is widely seen as a huge improvement over Biden.

Democrat after Democrat has come out to endorse Harris, and polls showing a jump in enthusiasm, along with a surge in political donations, have left the party hopeful its base will come out and that young voters will return.

At the same time, Democrats are worried about how strong Harris will be in the key northern states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Without winning those three states, it will be very hard for her to prevail in the Electoral College.

Shes done an amazing job not only uniting the base but exciting the base, but the key question right now is, can she appeal to the voters Democrats have always needed to put us over the top? said one Democratic strategist. I think there is still some concern that she can do this.

Polling released Thursday by Emerson College Polling and The Hill found Harris trailing former President Trump in both Pennsylvania and Michigan, but tied with him in Wisconsin.

There was no guarantee Biden would have won those three states, as Trump had pulled ahead of the president in polling before his decision to drop out of the contest.

But the demographic makeup of the states has long left some in the party worried about Harriss strength there. Its one reason Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) is considered a favorite to be Harriss vice presidential pick.

We need to keep that exuberance going, particularly among young people, but we can never forget we dont win the presidency without probably Pennsylvania, and you dont win Pennsylvania without doing okay in western Pennsylvania, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) said Friday on MSNBCs Morning Joe.

We also need to appeal to that guy whos a hunter in west Pennsylvania who doesnt like Donald Trump and just be conscious of that fact that our job is to expand the coalition, not to do and say things which will turn off, by and large, and I hate to stay this your union-oriented blue collar folks in the Midwest.

A New York Times/Siena poll released Thursday provided a bunch of good news for Harris. It showed her dramatically closing the gap with Trump and surging in terms of enthusiasm among voters.

The question is where those voters are and how that translates to the Electoral College. Democrats have lost two presidential elections since 2000 in which they won the popular vote, and the Times questioned in its political newsletter whether Harris could win the popular vote but lose the Electoral College.

GOP strategists think Harris will have a tougher time appealing to the swing voters of the blue wall states.

Theres a pretty big divide between the Joe from Scranton and the Kamala from San Francisco brand profiles, said Kevin Madden, a longtime Republican strategist who served as a senior adviser on Mitt Romneys 2012 presidential campaign.

Key Democratic donors have acknowledged concerns about Harriss ability to win over blue-collar white voters. It was one reason some were pushing for an open convention in the weeks before Biden dropped out.

At the same time, these donors also saw Biden as facing an unenthusiastic base, and declining support among Black and Hispanic men.

Now we have a new problem: She got what Biden was missing in terms of exciting the base, but now she has to get what Biden had, said one Democratic donor. Biden was popular among old white men and she isnt. So we have a lot of work to do. This is going to be a fight for the moderates and independents, the Nikki Haley voters.

The donor acknowledged Harris has had a tremendous rollout.

We were in hell and now weve made a complete rebound, the donor said. But so far I dont know what her narrative is and how she attracts those voters.

Matt Gorman, a Republican operative who is a veteran of three presidential campaigns, said Harris needs to prove she can win Bidens share of white men.

Shell counter and say she thinks she can win minority voters at a higher rate but its like a see-saw, Gorman said. You need to keep Bidens balance.

In the next 100 days  an incredibly tight time  Harris will have to lure these voters by making her story known and solidifying her message. Democrats say if she does that effectively, shell be able to lure enough of the voters she needs to secure a win in November.

Even in this short period, the vice president still has time to reintroduce herself to voters and to redefine what people think of her, said Democratic strategist Rodell Mollineau. As she talks more about her vision and her record of accomplishment as attorney general, senator and as VP, some of these voters will come towards her.

Remember, this is not a referendum on the VP, Mollineau said. This is a compare and contrast.

In the coming days, Harrisalong with the campaigns surrogates plans to spend more time in the key battleground states. On Saturday, second gentleman Doug Emhoff will travel to Wisconsin for a canvas launch.

Those close to the campaign say they expect Harris to spend a good amount of time in the coming weeks ramping up visits to key Rust Belt states.

On Wednesday for example, Harris appeared in Milwaukee, her fifth visit to the state, in front of a crowd of more than 3,500 people, the largest campaign event to date.

Campaign aides tout Harriss long history of working with labor during her time in California. They also say reproductive rights, an issue Harris has championed in recent months, will be a salient issue in those key states.

In the days and weeks and weeks to come, shell take that message across the battlegrounds, capitalizing on the historic infrastructure the campaign has spent the last year building to reach voters where they are to ensure they understand the choice in this election, Jen OMalley Dillon, the chair of Harris for President, said in a Wednesday memo. While the vice president is poised to build on the 2020 Biden-Harris coalition, Trump on the other hand, has not expanded his support.

Quietly, even amid so much excitement from the base around Harris, Democrats have drawn parallels to another woman who found herself in a similar situation against Trump: Hillary Clinton.

In 2016, Clinton ended up losing the race in part because she was unable to lock up voters in states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

But this time, Democrats say they have learned those lessons.

I dont think anyone took seriously the disconnect between those voters and the candidate, Mollineau said. In 2016, neither the party, nor the media understood the breadth of the discontent many voters were feeling about the state of politics that led us to underestimating the pull of Donald Trump.

I think thats the difference between 2016 and 2024, he added. And I fully expect the vice president to do that work in the next 100 days to make sure the voters are with her on Election Day.  She doesnt have to get all of them. She has to get most of them.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)The New York State Department of Health has given Mount Sinai Beth Israel conditional approval to close its doors on the Lower East Side, a spokesperson for the hospital announced Thursday.

The plan to close one of the only hospitals on the Lower East Side has been met with backlash from residents who have insisted the hospital stay open.

More Local News

We are grateful for the Department of Healths careful and comprehensive review of our proposed closure plan, read a statement obtained by PIX11 News. The 16 Street Hospital of Mount Sinai Beth Isreal will remain open and accepting patients. We will provide more detailed information and updates as we continue to work closely with the DOH and present our position to the court.

The hospital has been under Mount Sinais control since a merger in 2013. Supporters of the hospital say that since the merger, Mount Sinai has been dismantling; removing heart surgery, maternity, rehab, and physical medicine, and reducing pediatric beds.

New York City officials have been trying to keep the doors open, but Thursdays announcement of the hospitals closure was met with disappointment.

There is no substitute for the full-service general hospital that the community would lose with the closure of Beth Israel, read a statement by Lower Manhattan Elected Officials. We are very disappointed in todays announcement and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure that the communities we represent have full access to high-quality health care. We urge Mount Sinai and the Department of Health to proceed with utmost transparency and effective community engagement as this process continues.

An urgent care on 14th street will open and accept all forms of health insurance coverage, including Medicaid and Medicare, and will be open 24/7, a spokesperson for Mount Sinai said.

This story comprises reporting from PIX11 News reporters Kristen Cole and Zhane Caldwell.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An olive green prison uniform replaced the suit and tie that Harvard-educated Carlos Watson wore during his eight-week trial for a multi-million dollar fraud while running a buzzy media start-up.

He no longer bore the flashy smile he maintained before he was convicted and immediately incarcerated in the hellish Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) last week.

Instead, he looked absolutely terrified in Brooklyn federal court on Friday as his hope not to spend another day in the notorious Brooklyn facility dwindled before his eyes; Magistrate Judge Vera Scanlon said she needed more supporting documents and surety signatures before ruling on his renewed bail application.

How the New Oprah Conned Steve Jobs Widow Out of Millions

On Watsons second day at the MDC, a fellow inmate was murdered. It was the second homicide there in six weeks. Watsons lead attorney said at the start of Fridays bail hearing that his client had particular reason to fear for his own safety, being locked up for most of each day in a two-man cell.

He is bunking with a very violent defendant, his attorney Ronald Sullivan told the court. He is under constant fear.

Sullivan added that in 30 years as an attorney he had never seen a white-collar defendant incarcerated between conviction and sentencing. The trial judge had left open the possibility of granting Watson post-conviction bail if he came up with considerable collateral. Sullivan on Thursday submitted a bail package that he said was triple what Watson had posted during the trial.

Ozy Media Founder Unveils His Defense: Blame the COO

There was also a new element whose full value cannot be measured in mere dollars. This was family land purchased in Caroline County and Gloucester County, Virginia, by Watsons great-great-grandfather, David Grandpa Dave Thomas.

A runaway slave, Sullivan noted.

The family had held onto the land through the years. Seven title holders had agreed to put up this legacy to help secure Watsons release. A number of them were connected to the courtroom by telephone in case the judge or the prosecutors wanted confirmation.

One of the prosecutors in attendance repeated the argument that had led to Watson being locked up after the conviction last week; he had flouted court rules and committed perjury on the stand and was generally untrustworthy.

But Scanlon indicated she was willing to consider bail if the package was proven to be enhanced in monetary terms.

Feds Accuse Ozy Founder of Sneaky Last-Minute Move Before Trial

Two of Watsons three sisters, Beverly and Carolyn, were in the courtroom and during lunch set to obtain copies of deeds and appraisals for the Virginia land. They both used laptops with the Apple logo, a reminder that their brothers first big boost in the initially legit media startup Oxy came from Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

Watson and Jobs had become friendly when they tutored disadvantaged kids in the same California high school. She is now a billionaire philanthropist who could have easily put up enough cash to bail out Watson. She had not done so, perhaps because he lied to her after he resorted to fraud to keep a sputtering Oxy going.

Now, Watsons sisters were using the Apple iPhone calculator to total up what they had been able to raise on their familys own means. They kept working the laptops in a frantic effort to get the paperwork so they could free Watson, at least until sentencing, by putting up the property of a runaway slave.

Its the heart, Beverly Watson said of Grandpa Daves land.

But as fast and hard as they worked, the sisters were still not done when the judge ruled that the matter would have to be taken up again on Monday.

It was arranged for Watson to be moved into solitary, away from the difficult cellmate. But the prospect of just a weekend at the MDC filled his face with something his other attorney, Janine Gilbert, immediately recognized.

Pure fear, she said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Gina Carano attends the LA premiere of "The Mandalorian" at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles. On Wednesday, July 24, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett denied Disneys motion to dismiss actress Gina Caranos free-speech lawsuit against the American media giant. | Richard Shotwell, Invision via Associated Press

The House of Mouse is headed for the courtroom.

On Wednesday, July 24, U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett denied Disneys motion to dismiss actress Gina Caranos free-speech lawsuit against the American media giant.

With Garnetts denial of Disneys motion to dismiss on Wednesday, unless a settlement is reached, the two parties are headed for trial.

Gina Carano sues Disney

Carano originally filed suit against Disney back in February. Best known for her role as Cara Dune in The Mandalorian, Caranos lawsuit stems from her firing from The Mandalorian in 2021 after she made several controversial social media posts criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement, questioning the results of the 2020 election and comparing being a Republican in the 21st century to being Jewish during the Holocaust.

At the time of her firing, Lucasfilm issued a statement criticizing her posts, as previously reported by the Deseret News: Her social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable.

In her lawsuit, Carano is seeking reparation for monetary damages and a court order that would require Lucasfilm and Disney to recast her as Dune in The Mandalorian. In a post on X, Carano wrote I am moved to tears. After a brutal 3 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.

the court DENIES defendants motion.



I am moved to tears. 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.



What happened to me was pic.twitter.com/q7r3MLhCEr  Gina Carano  (@ginacarano) July 25, 2024

Disney claims expressive association

In its motion, Disney stated that it makes this motion on the grounds that Disney has a constitutional right not to associate its artistic expression with Caranos speech, such that the First Amendment provides a complete defense to Caranos claims, per Fox News.

But in her ruling, Garnett stated that Disney failed to set forth an impenetrable defense under the First Amendment.

She wrote that Disney failed to establish that employment of Carano, known for her role in The Mandalorian, constituted expressive association, which is protected by the First Amendment, per the ruling.

Expressive association is a legal concept in the United States that refers to the right of individuals to form associations and gather in groups to express their ideas, beliefs, and viewpoints. Disney claiming expressive association means that in hiring Carano, they expected her to promote their goals and values.

But Garnett wrote that Disney didnt have any evidence of that.

Defendants have not identified any evidence  in the Complaint or otherwise  to 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.

Continuing on in her ruling, Garnett wrote that even if Disney could show that they intended to hire actors for purposes of expressive association, Carano had reasonably argued she was fired to divert attention from criticisms of Defendants business dealings and of Disneys CEO, not to fortify Defendants supposed expressive association.

When will Gina Caranos lawsuit trial take place?

As of now, there is no expected or set date for that trial yet. And there is still a chance the two parties could settle out of court.

More on Gina Caranos conflict with Disney
DNA ties KC man to killing of ex-girlfriend who went missing last year, police say

Nearly a year after Ebony Duncan vanished after leaving work in Independence, her ex-boyfriend has been charged with her murder.

Charles Smith-Howell, 42, faces second degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, abandonment of a corpse and two counts of tampering with evidence. The six felony charges were filed in an amended complaint July 17.

Authorities have long suspected Smith-Howells involvement in Duncans disappearance. Police now say in court documents that blood recovered in a car Smith-Howell was driving is an exact match to Duncans DNA.

Cellphone records also place the two together the day Duncan went missing and at the location Duncans body was found, according to court records.

Weeks after Duncan, a 44-year-old mother of three children, went missing in September 2023, police found her body in a wooded area in South Kansas City.

For nearly a year, her family has been waiting for an update in the investigation. They were left to wonder what happened, Duncans 10-year-old daughter Ebony Willaims told The Star last year.

Were all just confused, Williams said, adding that they are longing for closure.

Ebony Duncans disappearance

Duncan was last seen on a surveillance camera Sept. 6 getting inside a silver-colored Chrysler 200 a short distance from her work in the 19200 block of East 37th Terrace, according to court records. After investigating, police came to suspect Smith-Howell may have kidnapped her.

Detectives spoke with one of Duncans co-workers who said an ex-boyfriend sent threatening messages to her. She had been trying to get Smith-Howell to pick up the last of his belongings from her apartment, police said.

According to court records, Duncans daughter told an officer she reached out to Smith-Howell to see if he had seen or spoken to Duncan and was told, I saw your mother last night and Im sorry if something bad happened to her.

Phone records obtained by police allegedly show Duncans phone registering in areas where the Chrysler 200 was spotted by license-plate-reading cameras in the Kansas City area in the immediate hours after she disappeared.

The Chrysler 200 was registered to another girlfriend of Smith-Howell, a witness in the case who was later found by police in Tampa, Florida.

Smith-Howell and Duncans cellphones traveled together on Interstate 70 from Independence to near a residence of his other girlfriend in Jackson County the day she went missing, according to court records. Duncans cell phone stopped transmitting location data on Sept. 7, 2023, the day after Duncan went missing.

Police said the woman they found in Florida said she and Smith-Howell used to be intimate partners and had lived together at an address in Jackson County. It was the same address where Smith-Howell and Duncans phones registered on the evening of Duncans appearance, according to court records.

Police conducted surveillance on the home and followed Smith-Howell as he drove away in a Buick SUV.

A police helicopter tracked Smith-Howell to a parking lot in Kansas City, where he was arrested by the Independence Police Departments SWAT unit on Sept. 14, 2023, a week after Duncan went missing.

A search warrant later turned up a wallet with Smith-Howells IDs, paperwork for the Chrysler registered to his girlfriend and a license plate registered to that vehicle. Police also reported finding a gun magazine loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition.

Smith-Howell was charged with illegally possessing ammunition and was placed in federal custody without bond.

Police found Duncans phone in possession of a homeless woman, who police said was unrelated to the investigation. The woman told police she picked up the phone on a bridge. The inside of the phone case tested positive for human blood, police said.

DNA from Chrysler was exact match to Duncan

Police obtained search warrants for the Chrysler 200 on Sept. 21, 2023, and found blood on the drivers side interior door handle. The blood was sent to a lab for processing and was an exact match to Duncans DNA, according to court records.

During a search on Halloween last year, a K9 cadaver dog discovered heavily decomposed human remains under some brush near East 83rd Street and Hillcrest Road.

An autopsy on Nov. 1, 2023, of the remains discovered a bullet in the shoulder, and according to court documents, the remains were confirmed through fingerprint comparison to be Duncan.

Forensic testing of DNA from a toothbrush obtained from Duncans residence also showed a match, according to court documents. The medical examiner ruled the death to be a homicide.

When the FBI reviewed Smith-Howell and Duncans phone records, they showed cell site connections in the same areas between 6:14 and 6:34 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2023, according to court records. Duncan and Smith-Howells phones both had cell site connections between 7:46 p.m. and 7:53 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2023, in the general area where Duncans body was recovered, according to court records.

Smith-Howell awaits sentencing in federal case

Smith-Howell entered a plea agreement earlier this year on a federal felony charge of illegally possessing ammunition. He pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing in federal custody.

Lawyers requested 14 to 24 months of prison and three years of supervised release in Smith-Howells federal case.

As of Saturday, there are no hearings scheduled in the state case where Smith-Howell is accused of murder.

The Stars Bill Lukitsch contributed.
We recently compiled a list of the 14 Best FMCG Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) stands against the other FMCG stocks.

If you walk into a modern pantry, you're almost guaranteed to find it well-stocked with everyday essentials like toilet paper, soap and toothpaste, beverages, and food. This reflects a simple reality: most consumers prefer to keep these items in ample supply. While consumers will always demand these products, they are not entirely indifferent to price increases during inflation. Instead, they might look to save money by buying in bulk or shopping at big-box stores. Regardless, they will continue to prioritize purchasing these necessities.

Known as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or consumer packaged goods (CPG), these high-demand products are valued for their affordability and rapid turnover. They are considered "fast-moving" because they quickly sell off store shelves due to their regular use by consumers. Although investors typically look towards bonds and cash to manage risk, FMCG stocks offer a defensive alternative that can provide both growth and income. While these stocks may not generate spectacular growth opportunities and can lose value as interest rates rise, they generally decline less than other sectors during recessions. In fact, certain industries, such as food, tobacco, and alcohol, may even experience increased demand during economic downturns. As one of the world's largest industries, the global FMCG sector has seen steady growth over the past decade, driven by the trend of experiential retailing, where shopping is viewed as a social activity. The global FMCG market is projected to reach $18,939.4 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2022 to 2031.

Following low deal volume and value in 2020, the consumer goods landscape saw a significant shift in M&A activity. In 2021, as sizable assets in the sector became scarce and prohibitively expensive, companies strategically moved toward a higher-volume, lower-deal-value approach. According to McKinsey, this trend peaked in 2021 with around 470 consumer goods deals globally. The distribution of M&A activity varied across subsectors regarding volume and value. Food remained the largest category by deal volume, accounting for about 40%, while beverages and durables together made up an additional 30%. On the other hand, in terms of deal value, personal care led the pack with 38%, primarily driven by large spin-offs of pharmaceutical companies' consumer businesses. A notable example includes Johnson & Johnson's $42 billion spin-off of Kenvue last year.

Story continues

As of late May, several major retailers have reported their Q1 2024 earnings, offering valuable insights into the current state of the U.S. consumer's sentiments. With consumer spending accounting for approximately 70% of the U.S. economy, shifts in spending patterns significantly impact growth and employment. Walmart, for example, observed changes in customer behavior, with CFO John Rainey noting in the company's Q1 earnings call:

"Many consumer pocketbooks are still stretched, and we see the effect of that in our business mix as they're spending more of their paychecks on non-discretionary categories and less on general merchandise. This merchandise mix remains a headwind to margins, but its consistent with our expectations."

This indicates that consumers are prioritizing essential groceries over discretionary items like televisions. Walmart's earnings suggest that while overall consumer spending remains steady, those with less disposable income are struggling and continue to seek value in their purchases. In any case, despite inflation and challenging market conditions, people still need to eat and buy essentials, making FMCG stocks more resilient compared to other sectors in the stock market.

Our Methodology

After a comprehensive analysis of FMCG stocks listed on NYSE and NASDAQ using ETFs and internet rankings, we have curated a selection of the 14 top FMCG stocks to buy now according to hedge fuds.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 best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy picks 14 small and large-caps every quarter and it has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

5 Most Popular RTDs in America

A row of factory workers assembling bottles of sparkling soft drinks on a conveyor belt.

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62

Established in 1892, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is a renowned American multinational corporation celebrated for its iconic beverage, Coca-Cola. Beyond its flagship product, the company is extensively involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and promotion of a diverse array of non-alcoholic beverage concentrates, syrups, and, notably, alcoholic beverages within the beverage industry.

Earlier this May, Argus increased its price target for The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) shares from $70.00 to $72.00, while reiterating a Buy rating. The firm praised Coca-Cola's strategic shift towards diversifying its revenue streams beyond traditional sugary sodas. Management's efforts to streamline the business by eliminating over 600 unproductive items in 2019, along with repositioning through product, packaging, and size changes, as well as strategic acquisitions like Costa Coffee, were highlighted as key steps in this transformation.

Furthermore, The Coca-Cola Company reported first-quarter diluted EPS of $0.74, up from $0.72 in the same period last year, exceeding analysts' expectations. Revenue grew 2.9% year-over-year to $11.3 billion, also beating forecasts. The company attributed the revenue boost to a 13% increase in price/mix, despite a 2% decline in concentrate sales.

As of March of this year, Insider Monkeys tracking identified 62 hedge funds with stakes in The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), the same as the prior quarter. The total value of these stakes amounted to nearly $28.5 billion.

Overall KO ranks 6th on our list of the best FMCG stocks to buy. You can visit 14 Best FMCG Stocks To Buy Now to see the other FMCG stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of KO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that under the radar 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 KO 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.
CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A Clovis man found with nearly 30 pounds of pure methamphetamine in his home was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

According to court documents, officers identified 47-year-old Ivan Sigmond as a source of methamphetamine supply in the Clovis area in 2020.

In August 2020, officers obtained and executed a search warrant at Sigmonds residence and found the methamphetamine along with two handguns and an assault firearm.

Sigmond was found guilty on charges of possessing with intent to distribute the methamphetamine on Friday.

The case was a joint investigation between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Clovis Police Department.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala (WDHN)  A Dothan woman was jailed this week after a Houston County Grand Jury indicted her on several counts of insurance fraud.

In early June, Allison Dawn Benton Davis, 53, was indicted on nine counts of insurance fraud in the first degree and two counts of insurance fraud in the second degree.

Davis 11 count indictment claims she defrauded local insurance companies, a Houston County based community college, and other local businesses for around $77,000.

The Houston County Sheriffs Office tells WDHN an investigation into Daviss alleged fraud began around 2022 but was turned over to the Alabama Department of Insurance shortly after.

Houston County Jail records show Davis turned herself in on Wednesday, July 24, six weeks after the indictment. She was released on an $150,000 bond nearly an hour after she was booked.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  One person has died in a shooting incident at an apartment complex in South Nashville Saturday morning.

Officers responded to the 100 block of Tanglewood Court after a resident called in a crashed car at approximately 7:50 a.m. on Saturday, July 27.

Members of gospel group The Nelons killed in plane crash

The victim  identified as 41-year-old Marcus D. Martin  was found dead behind the wheel of the crashed vehicle at Whispering Oaks Apartments, according to Metro police.

Authorities said the investigation shows Martin was returning to his girlfriends apartment before sunrise when shots were fired into the Nissan Altima sedan he was driving. The car hit a tree and came to rest in the driveway of the parking lot.

A portion of Harding Place was closed to traffic in the immediate area and traffic was diverted at Jonquil Drive and Tampa Drive.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

No additional information was immediately released about this ongoing homicide investigation.

If you know anything about this deadly shooting, you are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The driver of a two-vehicle October 2022 crash in Citrus Heights that left three people seriously injured was convicted Wednesday of a felony DUI causing injury and felony vehicle theft.





According to a news release from the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office, the incident began when John Hayden Hart, under the influence of methamphetamine and fentanyl, was driving a stolen pickup truck. Roseville Police attempted to stop him after being alerted to a report of a stolen vehicle at 9 a.m. on Oct. 24, 2022.

This escalated into a chase with Officer Kelly Sibbitt pursuing the suspect without lights or sirens activated. The chase ended when Hart drove into oncoming traffic crashing into a Toyota Camry Solara with three people inside, according to a lawsuit brought against the Roseville Police Department by the family.

This pursuit left the Solara driver and passengers, including a four-year-old, seriously injured and recovering well into 2023, according to the lawsuit.

Photos of the crash from Metro Fire showed a pickup truck that appeared to be split in half, with its front cabin on the ground while its bed and rear end came to rest perched on top of a dividing wall and a residential structure next to the wall.

According to the lawsuit, Hart was driving more than 100 mph, with Sibbitt keeping pace.

There were no sirens nor lights from Officer Sibbitts patrol vehicle to alert and warn plaintiffs or surrounding traffic of the chase, the suit claimed.

The suit alleges that the incident began after Sibbitt got a notice of a possible stolen truck from an automated license plate reader. Roseville police policy states that automatic license plate readers cannot be the only basis for a traffic stop.

The victims were on their way to preschool, and the crash left the child with permanent paralysis to her lower body.

She has only since regained limited movement in her upper body, and the ability to speak and eat. She still requires the use of a trach to breathe, the District Attorneys Office said.

Hart will be sentenced on Aug. 16.
FILE PHOTO: A plane believed to have carried Mexican drug lord Mexican drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" and Joaquin Guzman Lopez arrested in El Paso, is seen in Santa Teresa

FILE PHOTO: A plane believed to have carried Mexican drug lord Mexican drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" and Joaquin Guzman Lopez arrested in El Paso, is seen in Santa Teresa

By Drazen Jorgic

(Reuters) - As a propeller plane on Thursday whirred towards the U.S.-Mexico border to cross illegally, U.S. agents raced to meet it at a small municipal airport near El Paso, Texas, and arrest two men who were part of Mexican drug trafficking royalty.

The son of jailed former Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman planned to give himself up upon landing. The other passenger - legendary septuagenarian trafficker Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada  did not and was duped into getting on the plane by the younger man, according to two current and two former U.S. officials familiar with the situation.

Zambada's arrest followed lengthy surrender talks between U.S. authorities and El Chapo's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the sources said. But many American officials had given up hope on Joaquin turning himself in, and were caught unaware when he sent a last-minute message that he would arrive with a kingpin U.S. authorities had been chasing for four decades.

"El Mayo was the cherry on top," said one U.S. official, who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the arrests. "It wasn't expected at all."

Guzman Lopez had convinced Zambada to board the plane by telling him that they were flying to see real estate in northern Mexico, according to the two current and one former U.S. officials.

Reuters was the first news organization to report the arrests, ahead of a Department of Justice statement on Thursday evening that confirmed the two men had been detained in El Paso. The news agency spoke to current and former officials to piece together a detailed account of the operation.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the two agencies who carried out the operation, scrambled agents from their local El Paso offices and barely reached the airport by the time the private plane was landing, according to a fifth source, a U.S. official who declined to give further details on the arrests.

One worker at the Dona Ana County International Jetport, near El Paso, told Reuters he saw a Beechcraft King Air plane land on Thursday afternoon on the runway, where federal agents were already waiting.

"Two individuals got off the plane ... and were calmly taken into custody," said the man, who declined to share his name out of concern for his safety.

The unexpected arrest of El Mayo, in his late 70s, and the way he appears to have been betrayed by Guzman Lopez, who is about 38 years old, has jolted the Mexican drug trafficking world, triggering fears of a bloody fissure in the Sinaloa Cartel between the two families that control the group's biggest power bases.

Zambada is accused of being one of the most consequential traffickers in Mexico's history, having co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel with "El Chapo" Guzman, who was extradited to the U.S. in 2017 and is serving a life sentence in a maximum security prison in Colorado.

Reuters could not determine why Guzman Lopez betrayed his father's long-time partner, though the four current and former sources said it was likely due to his desire to obtain a more favourable plea bargain deal from U.S. authorities and help his brother, Ovidio, who was arrested and extradited to the United States in 2023.

U.S. authorities have made drug bosses key targets, frequently striking plea bargain deals with them in exchange for information that leads to the capture of other high-ranking cartel figures.

The back-channel communication between American officials and Guzman Lopez was carried out through lawyers, the first official said. Jeffrey Lichtman, who represents both Guzman brothers, declined to comment.

Zambada, who was in a wheelchair, pleaded not guilty on Friday in a Texas courtroom to drug charges, including continuing criminal enterprise, narcotics importation conspiracy and money laundering.

His lawyer, Frank Perez, said on Friday that Zambada did not come to the U.S. voluntarily. On Saturday night, Perez said Guzman Lopez had "forcibly kidnapped" in Mexico and brought him to the United States against his will.

Guzman Lopez is due to appear in court next week in Chicago, where he was first indicted on drugs charges around 6 years ago.

Guzman Lopez is one of four sons of El Chapo - known as Los Chapitos, or Little Chapos - who inherited their father's faction of the cartel. Joaquin and Ovidio have the same mother, while the other two siblings  Ivan and Jesus Alfredo  hail from El Chapo's first marriage.

The brothers have in recent years come under ferocious pressure from U.S. authorities, who have made them their main anti-narcotics targets, portraying them and the Sinaloa Cartel as the biggest traffickers of fentanyl into the United States. Fentanyl overdoses have surged to become the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

Ray Donovan, a former high-ranking U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) official, said the defeats suffered by key Sinaloa Cartel bosses in recent past are mainly down to their embrace of fentanyl, which has risen up the political agenda in Washington as the death told has mounted on U.S. streets.

"The number of Americans dying has put a lot more pressure," Donovan said. "Fentanyl brought them down."

On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden heralded the arrests and vowed to continue combating "the scourge of fentanyl".

NEW GENERATION OF NARCOS

El Chapo's sons are known to be more violent and hot-headed than Zambada, who had a reputation as a shrewd operator that liked to stay in the shadows. Guzman Lopez was also seen as less important than his other three brothers.

The U.S. authorities had a $15 million reward for the capture of Zambada, who co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel in the late 1980s with El Chapo. Guzman Lopez had a $5 million bounty on his head. Both men face multiple indictments in the United States.

The first U.S. official cautioned that there are still many questions unanswered about how or why Zambada, an ultra-cautious and experienced cartel chieftain, found himself on that plane.

Mexican Security Minister Rosa Rodriguez said that Mexico was informed of the detentions by the U.S. government, but that Mexican authorities did not participate in the operation.

Outgoing Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has taken a cautious approach to tackling the powerful cartels, curbing security cooperation with U.S. authorities on fears that the previous U.S.-Mexico strategy of targeting powerful kingpins was triggering more nationwide violence.

In Oct. 2019, Mexico's military arrested Ovidio but were forced to release him after hundreds of Sinaloa Cartel foot soldiers blocked roads and fought running gun battles with soldiers as they to lay siege to the city of Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa. The military arrested Ovidio again in Jan. 2023 and he was extradited in September last year.

Matthew Allen, a former Special Agent in Charge of HSI's Arizona division that built indictments against Guzman Lopez and other Sinaloa Cartel figures, said both Zambada and Guzman Lopez had had periodic conversations with U.S. officials about surrendering over the years.

Allen, who maintains regular contact with former colleagues at HSI, said many traffickers, especially those from the younger generation, realize that giving themselves up, serving some time in jail and then spending their wealth is a better option than risking death from rivals in Mexico or capture by authorities that can lead to lifelong prison terms. Some informants are allowed to enter witness protection programs.

"They're seeing that this way you can do your time and do not have to look over your shoulder for the rest of your life," he said.

(Reporting by Drazen Jorgic in London; Additional reporting by Luc Cohen in New York, Laura Gottesdiener and Ana Isabel Martinez in Mexico City; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
Election Q&A: Get to know your Resort Township Trustee candidates

RESORT TOWNSHIP  Among the millage proposals and county-wide votes, Resort Township will be filling two open trustee spots on the Aug. 6 ballot.

Three candidates are running to fill the two open seats in Resort Township: Nicholas Cononico, Tim Howard and Alfred Welsheimer.

The Petoskey News-Review reached out to all three candidates with the same questionnaire and the same deadline to respond. Nicholas Cononico did not respond by the deadline.

Tim Howard

Tim Howard

Q: Introduce yourself, including your age and profession.

A: My Name is Tim Howard and I am running for Resort Township Trustee. I am 47 years old and was born and raised in Resort Township, where I currently reside with my wife Rhonda and our two children. After graduation from Petoskey High School I attended North Central Michigan College and later Northern Michigan University, where I received my Bachelor of Science degree. I have spent my entire professional career in the energy industry.

Q: Have you previously held an elected position?

A: This is my first time running for a political position through an election process, however, I have held numerous roles of similar capacity. I currently sit on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Oil and Gas Association (past committee chair) and previously served as president of the Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers after serving several years as a trustee. This past January I was appointed to the Resort Township Planning Commission for a two-year term.

Q: Why are you running for office?

A: I am running for office because I strongly believe that you should be involved in the community that you live in. Resort Township is a beautiful place to live and visit and if elected my number one priority would be to prioritize those qualities that make our area unique.

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the township?

A: I feel the biggest challenges facing Resort Township are those of responsible development. Due to the natural beauty of the area and our proximity to the City of Petoskey, a lot of people (both full-time and seasonal) would like to call our township home. A balance is required to provide adequate opportunities for development while maintaining the open space/lake views and agricultural heritage that have defined Resort Township and make it such a unique place to live and visit.

Q: If elected, what would be your main priorities?

A: If elected my main priorities would be to represent my constituents in an honest and ethical manner while keeping the township's best interests at heart. I believe that governing bodies, especially at the township level, should be as transparent as possible with their residents. To that regard, I would work to improve communications between the board and residents of the township. I would also prioritize improving the accessibility of documents such as meeting minutes, township news and events and other relevant items to residents of Resort Township.

Al Welsheimer

Alfred (Al) Welsheimer

Q: Introduce yourself, including your age and profession.

A: Alfred (Al) Welsheimer, 60 years old, lifelong resident of Resort Township. Married for 35 years with two grown sons; one resides in Petoskey and the other in Owasso with our two beloved grandkids. I proudly serve as the current township fire chief, bringing 42 years of dedicated service to our community's fire department.

Q: Have you previously held an elected position?

A: I was appointed approximately two years ago following the resignation of a trustee. As such, I have not been elected but rather appointed to serve in this role.

Q: Why are you running for office?

A: Promoting responsible fiscal management while preserving the rural character of our township. Emphasizing transparency, accountability and ecology preservation in our lakeside community. Over my 17 years of attending meetings, communication has often been a significant issue.

Q: What are the biggest challenges facing the township?

A: Transparency. Collaborative teamwork. Some current members of the township board believe they hold all decision-making power and disregard input from other board members. Over the last 20 years, there has been a pattern of spending without maintaining a sufficient fund balance. It's essential to prioritize maintaining the upkeep of all the trails and parks owned by the township. The township should save for major projects to avoid the need for borrowing money.

Q: If elected, what would be your main priorities?

A: Promoting collaborative teamwork: Working with the planning commission to preserve the rural character of our township. Continuing engagement with Walloon Lake residents to safeguard our lake. Prioritizing blight remediation efforts.

 Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Election Q&A: Get to know your Resort Township Trustee candidates
Elon Musk and several right-wing pundits were quick to vent their fury at the Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony.

The ceremony featured a number of drag-style performances, but the final tableau, of a drag-themed runway performance that bore a striking resemblance to Leonardo da Vincis The Last Supper, really gave MAGA world a conniption. The painting portrays Christ and his apostles as Jesus reveals one of them will betray him.

The number of transgender and drag queens in the performance offended many online, with Musk posting on X that the performance was extremely disrespectful to Christians. Musk is a self-described cultural Christian, and a free speech absolutist.

In another post replying to a side-by-side image of the performance and the da Vinci, Musk added, Christianity has become toothless.

This was extremely disrespectful to Christians  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 26, 2024

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who is a vocal conservative Christian activist, also posted a video from the ceremony with a passage from Galatians that warns against making mockeries of God. The three-time Super Bowl champion was criticized in May for a commencement address at Benedictine College, a conservative liberal arts school in Kansas, where he blasted gay rights and told female graduates they were headed for the kitchen.

Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit, of the spirit shall reap life everlasting.



Galatians 6:7-8 pic.twitter.com/bhCHoO1HXk  Harrison Butker (@buttkicker7) July 26, 2024

Former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis even weighed in, describing the scene as overt pagan and satanic symbolism. She added: Jesus is replaced with an obese woman, while queer and trans figures (including a child!) depict her apostles.

In this scene from the Olympic opening ceremony, the famous painting of The Last Supper is recreated, but Jesus is replaced with an obese woman, while queer and trans figures (including a child!) depict her apostles.



Overt pagan and satanic symbolism. pic.twitter.com/YImWfFDekB  Jenna Ellis (@realJennaEllis) July 26, 2024

Meanwhile, the right-wing social media account Libs of TikTok was also not pleased. The Olympics has basically turned into one long drag show, a post said. The Olympics has gone completely woke.

The Olympics has basically turned into one long drag show.



The Olympics has gone completely woke. pic.twitter.com/bLv3gXQXvz  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 26, 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote in an X post, Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite. Fierte, translating to liberty, equality, fraternity, pride.

The replies to this post were filled with right-wing accounts calling Macron woke.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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The European Unions drug regulator has come under fire for blocking a breakthrough Alzheimers drug that already has market approval in five other countries.

A European Medicines Agency (EMA) committee recommended on Friday that Leqembi, also known as lecanemab, be denied market authorisation in the EU despite the treatment reducing cognitive decline in Alzheimers patients by 27 per cent in a late-stage clinical trial.

The agency said concerns about the side effects of the medicine, including swelling and potential bleedings in the brain, outweighed the impact it has on slowing the progression of Alzheimers disease.

Bart De Strooper, professor of Alzheimers disease at University College London, said that the risk of side effects was overstated.

He told the BBCs Today programme on Saturday that the majority of the drugs negative side effects were observed only on brain scans, and that most patients recorded no symptoms.

Glass half empty approach

When asked why the EMA had taken its decision, Mr De Strooper suggested it was down to European cultural attitudes.

In Europe [they] always look to the half-glass empty and in the States, theyre much more fighting and going forward and trying to do something about the problem, Mr De Strooper said.

All the more dynamic countries in the world do something about this disease and Europe is more thinking about side effects than about the benefits so its really disappointing, he added.

The Alzheimers Society, the UKs leading dementia charity, also criticised the EMAs decision.

Mark MacDonald, associate director of evidence, policy and influencing at the charity, said:

Were disappointed that lecanemab has not met the safety and effectiveness requirements to be licensed in Europe.

While we fully respect the decision, we acknowledge it will be really difficult news for people in Europe who may have been eligible for this drug.

The Alzheimers Society of Ireland also came out against the ruling. In a statement, it said: This news is not what we had hoped for  particularly as Leqembi is already available in other jurisdictions including the United States, China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan.

The clinical trial data under consideration was the same and we are disappointed that the outcomes are different. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Leqembi was developed by drugmakers Eisai and Biogen. Eisai said it intended to ask the EMA committee to re-examine its decision in a bid to win market approval in the EU.

Disappointing decision

Lynn Kramer, Eisais chief clinical officer, said the decision was extremely disappointing, and added that there is a significant unmet need for new innovative treatment options that target an underlying cause of disease progression.

John Hardy, a neuroscience professor at University College London, told the Financial Times that he expected the EMA to reverse its decision, saying that the ruling will be revisited as US clinicians and others gather and report real-world experience.

The UKs drug regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), is yet to make a call on whether Leqembi will receive market authorisation in Britain.

An MHRA spokesman said: We are currently completing a rigorous assessment of the evidence supporting lecanemab in the treatment of Alzheimers disease. Further information will be communicated in due course.

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.
Leadership from the 80th Flying Training Wing and Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training gathered Wednesday for strategic planning at MSU Texas, according to a media release.

The meeting at the Dillard College of Business Administration allowed leadership from the U.S. and senior national representatives from the 14 nations governing ENJJPT to streamline the wings strategic plan, as well as update its mission, vision statements and priorities.

The T-6A Texan II is a single-engine, two-seater aircraft designed to train joint primary pilot training students in basic flying skills common to U.S. Air Force and Navy pilots.

The operational environment that surrounds ENJJPT has fundamentally changed within the last five years," Col. Jeffrey Shulman, 80th FTW commander, said in the media release. "By reassessing our mission and vision and aligning our efforts with current and future threats, we will ensure that ENJJPT remains the cornerstone of NATOs combat air power for decades to come."

Leadership updated the ENJJPT mission statement during the meeting to We train NATO's fighter pilots and the vision statement to Be the worlds premier fighter pilot training program."

Wing representatives identified strategic issues hindering the execution of the ENJJPT mission and focused on solutions impacting the wing over the next two years.

We now have a two-year plan with a six-month evaluation, a clear mission and vision, and established priorities to address emerging threats, Lt. Col. Stephen Bailey, 80th FTW chief of staff, said in the media release. This streamlined strategic plan empowers our airmen to find solutions and overcome challenges.

A tenant at Sheppard Air Force Base, the 80th FTW plays host to the worlds only internationally manned and managed pilot-training program.

Trish Choate is the interim editor for the Wichita Falls Times Record News, San Angelo Standard-Times and Abilene Reporter-News. Contact Trish with news tips at tchoate@gannett.com. Read her recent work here. Her X handle is @Trishapedia.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Euro-NATO joint pilot training program at SAFB updates goals, vision
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Shipping and Container Stocks To Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Costamare Inc. (NYSE:CMRE) stands against the other shipping and container stocks.

Before the invention of the intermodal shipping container, goods were shipped in various-sized boxes that workers had to load and unload from ships manually. This method was inefficient, expensive, and time-consuming, making it difficult to transfer cargo across different modes of transport. The introduction of the first standardized intermodal shipping container in the 1950s revolutionized world trade. Approximately 90% of globally traded goods rely on maritime transportation, and the volume of maritime trade is projected to triple by 2050 due to rising demand. With the growth of the world economy over the past decades, the volume of freight transported by ships has also increased. In 2021, about 1.95 billion metric tons of cargo were shipped globally, up from approximately 0.1 billion metric tons in 1980. Consequently, the global container fleet has expanded significantly. Between 1980 and 2022, the deadweight tonnage of container ships grew from about 11 million metric tons to roughly 293 million metric tons.

However, this growth comes with increasing risks to shipping. Due to its global nature, the shipping container industry is vulnerable to several natural phenomena, including tropical storms, inland flooding, sea-level rise, drought, and extreme heat. According to CNBC, citing a study by RTI, climate change impacts on portsincluding damage and disruptionscould cost the shipping industry up to $10 billion annually by 2050 and up to $25 billion per year by 2100.

Over the past few months, global trade has faced setbacks due to disruptions in two crucial shipping routes. Attacks on vessels in the Red Sea region hindered traffic through the Suez Canal, the primary maritime link between Asia and Europe, typically handling around 15% of global maritime trade volume. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, a severe drought at the Panama Canal led authorities to enforce restrictions, significantly reducing daily ship crossings since October of last year. This slowdown has impacted maritime trade through another vital chokepoint, typically responsible for about 5% of global maritime trade.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) high-frequency transit estimates, trade volume passing through the Suez Canal witnessed a 50% year-over-year drop in the first two months of the year, while trade volume using the Cape of Good Hope detour surged by an estimated 74% above last years level. Meanwhile, transit trade volume through the Panama Canal decreased by almost 32% compared to the previous year. Additionally, data indicates a 6.7% year-over-year decline in port calls to the 70 ports tracked in sub-Saharan Africa for January and February 2024. Similar declines were observed in areas such as the European Union, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with decreases of 5.3%. These reductions likely stem from the temporary effects of longer shipping times. Should these interferences persist, they could temporarily disrupt some supply chains and exert upward pressure on inflation in the affected countries.

Story continues

That said, the global container shipping market, valued at $2.2 trillion, remains up for significant expansion in the coming years. According to a research report, the market is projected to reach $134.03 billion by 2029, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.11% from 2024 to 2029. In addition, the rise of e-commerce has underscored the importance of end-to-end supply chain visibility, prompting shippers to leverage technology for real-time tracking of cargo and tankers. This e-commerce boom is driving the demand for faster and more cost-efficient shipping solutions, with the global e-commerce logistics market expected to experience a CAGR of over 17.8% from 2022 to 2033.

Our Methodology

For our list of the best shipping and container stocks to buy, we selected the following names based on hedge fund sentiment toward each stock. We assessed the sentiment using Insider Monkeys database of 919 elite hedge funds tracked as of the end of the first quarter of 2024. The list is arranged in ascending order based on the number of hedge fund holders for each firm. 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 best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy picks 14 small and large-caps every quarter and it has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A large shipping container vessel with cranes in motion on the open sea.

Costamare Inc. (NYSE:CMRE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14

Costamare Inc. (NYSE:CMRE), a global leader in container ship ownership and charter services, operates as a Greek and Marshall Islands corporation. The Konstantinos Konstantakopoulos-led company recently reaffirmed its commitment to dry bulk fleet renewal and a focus on larger tonnage in the sector. Earlier this year, Costamare Inc. (NYSE:CMRE) announced the sale of nine ships, ranging from 32,400 dwt to 56,670 dwt and built between 2006 and 2012. Five of these bulkers have already been sold, generating net proceeds of nearly $33 million after debt prepayments, while the remaining four are expected to bring in approximately $26 million.

For the first quarter of this year, the company reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.63, surpassing analyst expectations by $0.03. Revenue for the quarter was $470.17 million, significantly exceeding the consensus estimate of $299.92 million. This reflects a substantial improvement in both earnings and revenue, with the reported revenue representing an 89% increase compared to the same quarter last year. This strong year-over-year growth can be attributed to improved charter rates and strategic fleet employment, with Costamare Inc. (NYSE:CMRE) securing 97% and 80% of its containership fleet for 2024 and 2025, respectively.

At the end of Q1 2024, Costamare Inc. (NYSE:CMRE) was included in the portfolios of 14 investors, with total stakes valued at $23.9 million. As of the end of the March quarter, the largest shareholder in the company was Murray Stahl's Horizon Asset Management.

Overall CMRE ranks 9th on our list of the best shipping and container stocks to buy. You can visit 10 Best Shipping and Container Stocks To Buy to see the other shipping and container stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of CMRE 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 CMRE but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion "Opportunity" for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Justice Department has agreed to pay a total of $2 million to settle legal claims brought by former FBI counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok and former FBI attorney Lisa Page over the DOJs release of text messages the pair exchanged.

The agreement ends a lawsuit Page brought, but does not fully resolve Strzoks separate suit, allowing him to continue to press his claims that he was fired in order to please then-President Donald Trump.

On Friday, Strzoks lawyers announced his $1.2 million agreement as attorneys for both sides notified a federal judge in Washington that the privacy-focused portion of that dispute was resolved.

This outcome is a critical step forward in addressing the governments unfair and highly politicized treatment of Pete, Strzok attorney Aitan Goelman said in a statement. As important as it is for him, it also vindicates the privacy interests of all government employees. We will continue to litigate Petes constitutional claims to ensure that, in the future, public servants are protected from adverse employment actions motivated by partisan politics.

Page, who resigned amid the controversy, settled her own Privacy Act claim with the department Friday. Copies of the settlement agreements for Strzok and Page obtained by POLITICO indicate Page is to receive $800,000. The documents state that the U.S. government is not admitting or conceding legal liability.

The evidence was overwhelming that the release of text messages to the press in December 2017 was for partisan political purposes and was against the law, Pages lawyer, Amy Jeffress, said in a statement.

While I have been vindicated by this result, my fervent hope remains that our institutions of justice will never again play politics with the lives of their employees, Page added.

Strzok and Page became the target of Trumps fury soon after the texts became public, showing the two officials disparaging Trump and his supporters. The pair discussed efforts to stop Trump from becoming president and characterized aspects of their work as an insurance policy.

Trump also harbored suspicion about the two because of their roles in the early stages of the FBIs investigation into his 2016 presidential campaigns links to Russia. Trump spent years mocking Strzok and Page in crude terms over their relationship and contending their text messages bolstered claims that the Russia investigation was politically motivated.

Strzok and Page have denied those allegations, saying their private political opinions did not influence their work on FBI matters, and many comments quoted by GOP lawmakers and the press were misconstrued.

During a House hearing in 2018, Strzok said the message about stopping Trump was written late at night, off-the-cuff, and it was in response to a series of events that included then-candidate Trump insulting the immigrant family of a fallen war hero, and my presumption, based on that horrible, disgusting behavior that the American population would not elect somebody demonstrating that behavior to be president of the United States.

Justice Department officials shared the messages with journalists on the evening of Dec. 12, 2017, as copies of them were being delivered to Congress in response to requests from committees there.

Depositions taken during the litigation indicated the release was approved by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who said he hoped sharing the messages with reporters would avoid the most inflammatory messages being taken out of context by lawmakers. Top career officials confirmed they approved the release.

Rosenstein declined to comment on the settlements Friday.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on why the agency agreed to the payments.

However, at a House hearing last month, following indications that tentative settlements had been reached, Republicans pressed Attorney General Merrick Garland about why taxpayer money was going to flow to Strzok and Page.

We reached settlements based on our litigators assessment of whether we can win the case and how much it will cost if we lose the case, Garland said. The Privacy Act doesnt distinguish between people we like and people we dont like, information we like and information we dont like. If somebody in the government discloses personal information protected by the Privacy Act, thats the way the law is.

So, you can go after a president and you get rewarded for doing so, according to the Justice Department? House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) replied.

Its not a question of reward. Its a question of the government paying for violating the law, Garland answered.

The partial settlement in Strzoks suit contains a provision that any damages he may be awarded in the remaining part of his lawsuit will be reduced by $200,000 as a result of the $1.2 million payment he is to receive. Neither Page nor Strzok can seek an additional award of legal fees for the claims settled Friday.
After his texts disparaging former President Donald Trump were leaked, Peter Strzok was removed from the Russian election interference investigation before eventually being fired from the FBI. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

July 26 (UPI) -- The Justice Department on Friday settled a lawsuit with former FBI agent Peter Strzok, who was fired from the bureau in 2018 over what he claimed was a violation of his privacy.

Strzok, an FBI veteran who aided in the investigation of possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, was fired over text messages he exchanged with former FBI attorney Lisa Page disparaging former President Donald Trump.

His lawyers on Friday said the U.S. government agreed to pay Strzok $1.2 million.

Strzok sued the FBI and Justice Department in 2019 alleging they unlawfully disclosed his private text messages.

When the texts came to light, FBI special counsel Robert Mueller removed Strzok from the special counsel's office to a lower-level human resources position before his eventual firing.

"The FBI fired Special Agent Strzok because of his protected political speech in violation of his rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States," the lawsuit argued.

In his texts, Strzok said he was "scared for our organization" if Trump were to take office. As president, Trump repeatedly criticized the FBI, including its director Christopher Wray, whom he appointed.

Trump and other Republicans have since seized on the texts in an effort to discredit the investigation. The former president has made Strzok a frequent target on social media while denouncing the Russia investigation as a "witch hunt."

Strzok still has an ongoing lawsuit with the Justice Department on two other counts, claiming that the department also violated his constitutional rights and that his firing was politically motivated.

He is seeking to be reinstated to the FBI so he can retire with full benefits.

Page, who left the bureau in 2018, also settled a lawsuit with Justice Department alleging it violated her privacy. Her lawyer did not disclose the amount she was awarded, but said it was less than Strzok's payout.

Former FBI Director James Comey and Deputy Director Andrew McCabe were also fired after Trump took office.

The Justice Department in 2021 settled a lawsuit from McCabe alleging he was fired for political reasons. The department reinstated McCabe so he could retire with full benefits and collect about $200,000 in missed pension payments.
Ex-workers say ostriches die in huge numbers at farm south of Boise. What the owner says

It was a frigid weekday morning in January, and Amanda Worman had just made the 20-minute commute to her job at a remote ostrich farm south of Boise. What she saw when she arrived stopped her in her tracks.

For months, Worman, who handled and cared for the ostriches at American Ostrich Farms, had been raising the alarm about the animals living conditions  she said she told her supervisors on several occasions that the birds, most of them kept in outdoor enclosures, had inadequate shelter and would suffer as the winter weather worsened.

She said she asked to move the birds that were underweight or featherless to the farms propane-heated greenhouses. She managed to bring in nearly 100 ostriches before a cold snap pressed in. But dozens of others were left outside, she said.

I was fighting to get them moved, Worman said. And everyone kept ignoring me.

Worman went public with her concerns and contacted the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, which lodged a complaint with the Idaho Department of Agriculture. The department sent an investigator, who reported no evidence of abuse during a visit to the farm and found no deficiencies in a follow-up inspection several weeks later.

A spokesperson for PETA said the nonprofit has since spoken with five other former employees who corroborated Wormans allegations.

The farm denies that animals were abused and suggests that former workers had malicious motives. The company says on its website that its driven by ethical practices and prioritizes humane treatment.

Worman said she was fired for speaking up about the animals conditions. And the farms former animal husbandry manager says she was fired in retaliation for cooperating with the states investigation. They agreed to speak on the record with the Idaho Statesman.

Owner tries ostrich, starts farm

Alex McCoy founded American Ostrich Farms in 2014.

McCoy, 42, spent his early career in investment banking and venture capital before taking on positions in public and private international finance, according to his biography on the companys website. He first encountered ostrich in South Africa in 2012, when weary of an athletes diet while training for an Ironman Triathlon, he ordered an ostrich steak to satisfy a craving. An hour after eating, he ran his fastest 16 miles, the bio says. McCoy started American Ostrich Farms a couple of years later.

Ostriches are native to sub-Saharan Africa. The 120-acre farm in southeast Kuna is one of a couple hundred farms in the U.S. that breed them and raise the chicks, selling the meat, feathers, egg shells, oil and other byproducts after slaughter.

American Ostrich Farms is located miles past the rock pits and state prisons off South Pleasant Valley Road. It sits behind a security gate, with its farmhouse at the end of a long gravel path lined with sagebrush and dry cheatgrass.

American Ostrich Farms is located at 20601 S. Pleasant Valley Road in Kuna.

The ostriches are separated into groups based mostly on age. The farm has about 90 breeding pens, each filled with one rooster and two to three hens, Jessica Jimenez, the farms plant manager, told the Statesman during a tour of the property. Nearby grower pens house dozens of male and female birds deemed too young or unsuitable to breed.

An incubation shed by the farmhouse has the capacity to nurture about 800 eggs. During mating season, which runs from February through late September, one to three eggs hatch a week, Jimenez said.

Behind the enclosures is an on-site slaughterhouse, Sustainable Meats, a subsidiary of American Ostrich Farms that opened in 2022. Thats where the ostriches are processed and packaged into steaks and other products.

Worman, 37, worked at American Ostrich Farms for about six months starting in late August. She said she grew up watching her father, a farrier, trim and shoe horses hooves. She had been living in Kuna and looking for ranch-hand work when she saw that there was an ostrich farm in the area.

I just thought, Oh wow, thats super cool,  she said by phone. I started calling them nonstop for a couple of months and finally talked them into hiring me.

Worman said she was hired at $20 an hour and earned $20.25 by the time she was fired.

She was responsible for documenting the birds condition and that of their enclosures, according to a spokesperson for the farm.McCoy said it was an entry-level position.

Many birds suffered for no reason, former employee says





Worman arrived around 8 a.m. that January day dressed in extra layers. She said she parked her car by the farmhouse, clocked in and began her rounds, which included checking all the birds and making sure they had food and water.

When she got to the breeding pens she found two ostriches sitting on the ground, she said. So she entered the pen, cordoned off by wire and steel posts, and inspected the birds. She said she realized they couldnt stand because their legs and feet were frozen.

You could squeeze their legs and it was like grabbing a frozen chunk of meat in the store, Worman said.

She called the farms animal husbandry manager at the time, Sarabeth Henderson, to evaluate the birds. Henderson told the Statesman by phone that both ostriches had frostbite. One had swelling so severe that the back of its foot split open, exposing the bone.

Over the next few days, their skin started peeling all over, Amanda Worman said. They were bloody, oozy and they were so swollen that  you can see in the pictures  they looked like they were wearing little booties. She added: The bird was literally in so much pain. The only reason he stood up for the picture is because I kind of agitated him and made him stand so that I could get a picture of his foot.

Worman said she helped move the ostriches to a greenhouse, and the bird with severe swelling was treated with antibiotics, but it was too late. It was killed the next day, after its foot became septic from an infection.

She said she asked multiple times for the ostrich to be put down the day she found it, posting images of the birds split foot in a work group chat on WhatsApp.

But McCoy, the owner, said hed seen these guys come back from some pretty bad injuries and didnt want to be too quick to pass judgment, especially for a valuable breeder, according to screenshots of the conversation Worman shared with the Statesman.

It suffered for no reason, like so many of the birds there, Worman said.

She said she found multiple other ostriches that morning that had frozen to death overnight. She said birds that died under those circumstances were often still processed for meat.

McCoy said in an interview with the Statesman that its inevitable that one or two birds a year get frostbite, and that the farm does its best to avoid it entirely. He said that if an ostrich does get frostbite, the animal is put down and not processed at the slaughterhouse.

Theyre dying in huge numbers

Henderson, 41, worked at American Ostrich Farms from September 2022 to March. She said the farm struggled to hire local veterinarians, which made it difficult to provide sufficient care for birds with injuries or ailments. She said she reached out to veterinarians as far away as Washington State University in Pullman and Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon, to help with routine care for the birds and access to antibiotic medication.

She said a lack of adequate shelter contributed to a significant mud problem, which caused the birds to slip or splay their legs, sometimes resulting in injury or death. Worman detailed similar concerns in her complaint.

When the snow melted last winter, the ostriches in the juvenile pens were standing in roughly 6-8 inches of cold slop, without access to dry ground, Henderson said. Because of the conditions, 53 of the 350 breeding birds died between October and March, she added.

Theyre dying in huge numbers, huge numbers, Henderson said.

McCoy could not say how many died last winter.

I dont have exact numbers, he said. We have thousands of birds. From time to time, youre going to have losses. All animal production facilities have losses and we are no different. In fact, we are having our best season yet  our hatch rates are up, our mortality is down.

A breeding enclosure at American Ostrich Farms filled with water and snow.

The oldest ostrich at American Ostrich Farms, which died this year, was 7 years old, Henderson said. Ostriches in captivity have an average lifespan of 50 years, according to the California Academy of Sciences.

Henderson said the ostriches would struggle to stay warm, especially those with feather loss. She said the stress of their living situation at the farm would cause the birds to repeatedly peck and pull at the feathers of another, damaging the feathers or ripping them out entirely.

Bad cases of feather pecking can lead to the back of the bird being stripped of feathers, according to a 1999 study published by a pair of British researchers. One researcher named in the study said the abnormal behavioral problem is initiated by inadequate animal husbandry techniques. The researcher found that feather pecking was frequently observed in ostriches that were kept confined over the Canadian winter.

Once the birds start pecking, its hard to break the habit, the study said.

It would cause the birds to become naked-backed, Henderson said. Theyd have no feathers on them. Birds in general, and this includes ostriches, turkeys and chickens, they dont get very fat. They have a small fat layer, but they rely on their feathers to keep them warm.

McCoy said one possible reason the birds peck one another is because of itchy external parasites, which can be combated by administering antiparasitic drugs like ivermectin annually. He said he recently discovered that a prior manager had neglected to give the birds such medications over the last two years. That has now been rectified, he said.

Birds bred at a young age

Henderson said she grew up in agriculture, working with horses from a young age and raising butcher hogs for the Future Farmers of America, or FFA. She bred horses for years, worked at a ranch in Meridian and coordinated the annual horse show at the Gem County Fair.

McCoy told the Statesman by phone that he hired Henderson because of her experience with other animals. But she said her input was frequently disregarded.

Henderson said the female ostriches were routinely made to breed at 16 to 18 months old, when they werent yet sexually mature. She said employees were told that if a female ostrich could produce an egg, it could breed. According to PBS, ostriches reach sexual maturity at around 3 to 4 years old.

They were babies. They werent ready for breeding, Henderson said. But we were told to put them out, so we put them out in the pens.

She said that with horses and other animals, if the female isnt willing to be bred, it indicates unreadiness and often results in an unsuccessful pregnancy. She added that some of the young ostriches that were placed in the breeding pens last fall had died by the spring. But the practice continued, she said.

A male ostrich moves about its breeding pen near the farmhouse at American Ostrich Farms.

McCoy said that all of the farms breeding hens are over 2 years old. He said its not physically possible for a young, female ostrich to be bred if it doesnt want to breed. He said hes visited ostrich farms around the globe, including in South Africa, Brazil, New Mexico, Texas and California, where he learned the best practices.

Ostriches can run 40 miles an hour, he said. If a hen does not want to be bred, it just moves away. It would run, and that rooster has no way to pin it down. It doesnt have any arms. It doesnt have four legs.

Henderson said the birds often werent able to get away.

She said that in those circumstances the male ostrich would chase the young female until it either stopped out of exhaustion or ran into a fence and fell to the ground. Then, the male would jump on them and rape them, she said.

When youre doing animal husbandry, part of the job is to recognize the emotional needs of the animals, not just the physical needs, Henderson said. Unfortunately, at American Ostrich Farms, they ignore both.

Worker said ammonia fumes would blind the ostriches

Worman said in the complaint that a number of ostrich chicks went blind in the winter because of high levels of ammonia in their enclosure.

Exposure to continuous or high levels of ammonia fumes, a byproduct of the animals urine and feces, is correlated with gastrointestinal irritation and respiratory diseases and a high incidence of contact dermatitis in animals, according to research from Ohio State University.

One of the guys told me, Youre going to get some calloused skin working here, because they go blind every winter, Worman said.

McCoy said these accusations arent true. He said ammonia is a common livestock problem that his farm manages by adding material to the soil or turning exhaust fans up.

It would make no sense for us to not give these birds the best possible care that we can, McCoy said.

Worman also said theres a barn for the ostrich chicks that was in disrepair. She said it received little sunlight, causing mold to grow on the walls and maggots to hatch on the ground. The conditions caused the chicks to huddle together so tightly that some suffocated, she said.

In photos Worman shared with the Statesman, over a dozen chicks were pictured huddled together on a rusted metal grate in what she called the chick barn. In one photo taken inside the enclosure, four young ostriches were seen splayed on the ground, seemingly dead. Another showed maggots, the larva of flies, on top of a black substance coming through the grate.

I pushed to get the birds out of there, because it wasnt healthy, she said.

McCoy denied that there was mold or maggots in the enclosure. He said the farm tested for mold as a preventative measure late in summer 2023, and the results came back negative. He added that the farm tests the soil in all of the enclosures for fungus and other kinds of bacteria.

We want to make sure we have healthy air quality, he said. And weve never found anything that would harm an ostrich.

Amanda Worman, a former employee at American Ostrich Farms, took photos in the winter of 2023-24 of conditions she objected to, posted them on social media and sent them to PETA and the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Her overlay text says: Huddling caused by depression, poor pen conditions, too cold. This is NOT healthy Ostrich Chick behavior. This is them preparing to die. Often crushing and suffocating smaller chicks in the process.

Wormans overlay text says: The results of huddling. This was a DAILY occurrence in Chick Barn which lead to my reasoning for wanting to move the chicks to a NATURAL and healthy environment.

The overlay text says: Fungus and maggots growing and breeding in chick palace. Numerous requests to move them somewhere safer were denied by owner and founder Alex McCoy, resulting in thousands of unnecessary, unethical deaths by suffering.

Rough handling of the birds

Worman and Henderson described how two employees would hit the ostriches with hooks and kick them while yelling expletives, repeatedly thrusting their boots in the animals cloaca, or rear end, to try to lift them up. Some birds would accidentally run into fences as they tried to get away, breaking their wings or skinning their legs, they said.

They said the ostriches would lie down when faced with what seemed like a threat, and that leaving the animal alone for a few minutes was more effective at getting them to move.

One of the things that stood out to me almost immediately within the first month I was there was that once the birds get to a certain amount of stress, they kind of just give up and sit down, Worman said. But the quieter and calmer you are  they get back up and you can move them just fine.

Worman noted these concerns in the complaint with the Idaho Department of Agriculture. She said in the complaint that she sometimes observed other workers stepping on the birds necks to hold their heads down before shooting them. She said others would cut the animals throats while they were still conscious, causing them to cry out and flail while bleeding to death.

There was a lot of rough handling that was unnecessary, Worman told the Statesman.

Ostrich farm denies the allegations

McCoy denied that any animal abuse took place on the farm and said that if it did, his management team would have flagged it. He said American Ostrich Farms has a robust humane handling program at its on-site slaughterhouse, where a USDA inspector is present at all times.

Its just not credible, he said. One of the worst things that you could ever do is hurt a harmless animal. Why would we do that? It doesnt make any sense.

Jess Roth, senior marketing manager at the farm, told the Statesman in an emailed statement that the accusations are without merit. She said PETA neglected to perform due diligence to confirm the veracity of the allegations, which she characterized as false, reprehensible and deeply disheartening.

Roth also said the reports from the Idaho Department of Agriculture prove that the farm practices humane and ethical animal husbandry.

State investigation finds no abuse

In February, Worman contacted PETA and shared her concerns. PETA then filed a complaint March 11 with the Idaho Department of Agriculture, based on Wormans testimony and photos she provided.

In the complaint, Worman said feed for at least half of the birds is poured into mud or broken, leaky feeders, resulting in wet food the birds cant eat. PETA said several of the allegations mirror a complaint it received about the farm over a year ago, which it wasnt able to verify at the time because the complainant became unresponsive. The nonprofit said the existence of the previous allegations lended credence to Wormans testimony.

The complaint was sent to Daniel Chaney, a senior investigator with the department. He forwarded it to Dr. Scott Leibsle, the state veterinarian. Records show Chaney went to the farm two days later, on March 13, for an inspection.

Henderson said Chaney first went to the farm for an inspection March 12 but was refused entry. She said he called her to gain access to the farm that day, but because she wasnt on site, she couldnt let him in. So she messaged the work WhatsApp group chat asking if someone else could let the investigator in. She said Chaney called her back and told her an employee denied him access and asked him to come back the next day. So he did.

McCoy said the inspector wasnt let in because he had arrived around 5 p.m., after nearly every employee had gone home. Only one person remained, and that person was not involved in handling the animals, he said.

In the investigators report, which the Statesman obtained a copy of, Chaney rated the general condition of the animals and the condition of the farm as fair. He wrote that he did not find any sick or injured animals during his visit.

Dozens of ostriches gather in the grower pens for juvenile birds.

Chaney said that while the pens were damp with sandy soil and water pooling in low spots, there were elevated areas where the birds could get relief. Each corral had a three-sided shelter, he said.

He observed that several of the younger, female breeding ostriches had a more pronounced spinal column, which could be indicative of under-conditioning, he said, meaning the birds are thin.

He wrote that the indoor chick-raising facilities were clean and in good repair.

Chaney said there was no strong ammonia smell in any of the enclosures, and there was no evidence of blind birds. He also said he did not see any abuse or mishandling of the ostriches.

Because of the seriousness of the allegations, Chaney conducted a follow-up inspection May 29. In that report, he said that while he toured the farm, a new flock manager described changes that had been made to improve productivity.

The water troughs are now being cleaned regularly and the birds feed has been changed, Chaney wrote. He found no deficiencies in the facility or animal care at this time.

A spokesperson for the department told the Statesman by email that the investigation was closed. Chaney did not respond to a request for comment.

Idaho Department of Agriculture inspector Daniel Chaneys report on his second 2024 inspection of American Ostrich Farms in Kuna, on May 29. He reported no deficiencies in the facility or animal care at this time.

PETA not convinced by report, companys statements

Dan Paden, vice president of legal advocacy at PETA, told the Statesman by phone that PETA had spoken with six former employees of the farm who corroborated the allegations.

Were certainly convinced that these people are speaking the truth, Paden said. Obviously, we object to raising any animals for flesh, but even putting that aside, these animals deserve protection under state law, and were not convinced that theyre getting it.

Paden also said the farm had up to two weeks notice to prepare for a potential inspection, since Worman had publicly raised her concerns about the animals welfare several times on Facebook beginning Feb. 28.

Thats not enough time to hide every problem on the farm, but certainly its enough to kill off the worst-looking animals and tell your employees to be under their best behavior in case a state inspector shows up, he said.

Reporter, photographer tour farm

A Statesman reporter and photographer toured the farm on a hot June day with Roth, the marketing manager, and Jimenez, the farms plant manager.

Each pen appeared to have a small shelter and food and water troughs.

The employees pointed out a male bird in a breeding enclosure near the farmhouse. The bird later picked at the back-end of a female bird, pulling at her feathers with its flat beak. A handful of ostriches in the breeding pens seemed to have little to no plumage on their backs, a sign a feather pecking, according to the British research. Though both genders can be affected, the study said female ostriches are more likely to peck and be pecked.

The Statesman was not able to enter the chick enclosure because of precautionary measures related to bird flu.

Ostrich chicks snack on a plant in addition to their regular food in a pen.

Roth and Jimenez showed the reporter and photographer a group of chicks kept outside in a greenhouse-like structure with an overhead covering.

The Statesman reporter and photographer did not smell ammonia near any of the enclosures during the roughly 30-minute visit. They also did not observe abuse or mishandling of the ostriches.

Worman and Henderson were fired

Roth said Worman was fired for consuming illegal drugs on shift. Worman said she was fired after using a THC vape pen in the bathroom at the farmhouse, even though other employees used the same drug while clocked in and were not fired. She said that prior to the incident, other employees had held private meetings where they conspired to get her fired.

Worman said she now works part time as a ranch hand and walks dogs, cleans homes, mows lawns and does tree removal on the side.

Henderson said she was dismissed for cooperating with the states investigation. Chaney had contacted her with questions, which she answered, and she was let go via email the next day, she said. Henderson said shes been on unemployment since the end of March.

Roth told the Statesman by email that mortality, injury and illness are unfortunately bound to occur in any livestock operation.

Documenting these incidents allows the ranch to identify causes and mitigation measures, as well as to inform treatment plans and track progress, Roth wrote. As one might imagine, it is quite easy to selectively present such imagery in a false or fabricated context, especially when an individual harbors ill intent.

Worman and Henderson said they were spurred by concern for the well-being of the large, exotic animals.

From the first day I walked in, I was bothered by the conditions, Worman said. But I thought, Well, I can make a difference here. I can make a real difference for these animals. I made that my whole mission there. It was heartbreaking.
When people talk to each other, their conversations usually include many fast twists. Humans do not naturally talk in Shakespearean soliloquies, but by regularly interrupting and wildly gesticulating. The conventional wisdom is that our chats will take major turns roughly every 200 milliseconds  and new research in the journal Current Biology reveals that chimpanzees do the same thing.

"Chimpanzees also engage in rapid signal-to-signal turn-taking during face-to-face gestural exchanges" to roughly the same extent as humans, the authors write. "This correspondence between human and chimpanzee face-to-face communication points to shared underlying rules in communication." The authors speculate that this could be due to chimpanzees and humans sharing the same ancestors or because they coincidentally developed similar strategies for coordinating interactions and managing competition to communicate.

The scientists learned this by gathering data on chimpanzee conversations across five wild communities in East Africa, ultimately including more than 8,500 gestures for 252 individuals. The scientists specifically focused on the turn-taking and conversational patterns of their chimpanzee subjects. Ultimately they learned that 14% of communicative interactions included multiple exchanges  from as few as two individuals to as many as seven  of gesticulation and interruption.

Study co-author Dr. Catherine Hobaiter, who works at the University of St. Andrews' School of Psychology and Neuroscience, observed this directly during her research.

"I remember watching two big males in a sort of grooming stand-off, where theyll both end up grooming each other but the goal is not to be the first to groom, as that loses you a little social prestige," Hobaiter said. "They would go back and forth with groom me, no you groom me, no me for ages before one would finally give in and make the first move." Chimpanzees behave similarly when courting each other, as "It can take sustained effort at times for a male to persuade a female he is worthy of her time."

Budongo Conservation Field Station Chimpanzees

Scientists who study chimpanzee communication suspected that these exchanges occurred frequently, but it has been difficult to acquire reliable data documenting it. Like humans, chimpanzees who spend most of their days around the same group of individuals do not need a lot of back and forth in their communication. As a result, "It has taken us decades to have a large enough dataset to really start to investigate this aspect of their communication," Hobalter said.

By contrast, primatologists had plenty of information about physical manifestations of chimpanzee intelligence. For decades, scholars have chronicled chimpanzees as they use tools or play with toys. It is easier to observe those signs of intelligence than something more subtle, like the nuances of communication.

"Our exploration of chimpanzee culture has often been focused on their tool use, but human culture includes so much of our social behavior, our language, songs, dances, fashions . . . were starting to see more and more evidence that other ape species might share that capacity for individual and cultural expression in their communication too," Hobaiter said.

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For scientists to translate and comprehend these chimpanzee cultures, however, they must first understand how they communicate with each other. Fortunately, just as humans follow certain consistent rules when talking with each other, chimpanzees that talk to one another engage in the same basic behaviors.

"We knew chimpanzees exchanged gestures, and we knew that  in humans  conversations across different languages both share a common tight timing, just 200 milliseconds between turns, and show small but consistent cultural differences," Hobaiter said. "Japanese speakers take fast turns. Danes take slower ones."

Until this recent study, however, scientists did not know for sure if chimpanzees would share these timing structures in their own conversations. The chimpanzees did exactly that, right down to showing the slight cultural variations that add spice and enrichment to human cultures.

"We had no idea that wed also see these small but consistent group differences," Hobaiter said. "In our case its the Sonso chimpanzees in north-western Uganda that are the slow turn-takers."

In addition to helping humans learn more about chimpanzees, the study may also help us learn more about ourselves.

"As well as being a great example of another parallel between humans and other apes, its also a good reminder that we sometimes need to look beyond superficially similar behavior to see those shared characteristics," Hobaiter said. "For example, we often compare spoken language with other species vocalizations. But we can express language in many forms, and theres no reason to assume that other species have a vocal-bias in their communication. In chimpanzees the fast-paced turn-taking so characteristic of language is found in their gestures."

She speculated that we might be missing similar communication nuances in other animals: "Could we see turn-taking in color signaling in octopuses?!"
Experts stunned by discovery in kelp forest decades after studying lives of sea otters: 'An impact which cascades through the ecosystem'

Researchers examining a century of ocean maps made an exciting discovery linking sea otter populations to kelp forests: Where sea otters thrive, so do these critical underwater habitats.

The research findings, published in PLOS Climate, indicate that a dense otter population helps kelp forests grow even in spite of environmental threats. According to an article in Smithsonian Magazine, this correlation is due largely to otters' eating habits.

Sea otters have a high metabolism, which causes them to eat about a quarter of their weight in food every day. One of their favorite dishes happens to be sea urchins, which feed on kelp. Otters control the sea urchin population, stopping them from destroying the kelp forests.

After researchers examined kelp maps from the California coast spanning about 100 years, they noticed that while the Northern coast saw a 63% kelp decline and the Southern coast experienced a 52% decline, the Central California coast had a 58% increase. The researchers determined that the main cause for the kelp thriving was sea otters.

Due to the international fur trade, otters were hunted almost to extinction except for a small population that survived along the Central California coast, allowing the kelp to thrive there. This data could provide valuable input for future sustainability work in our oceans.

Kelp forests are a critical part of ecosystems that are home to fish and other marine life that are part of our food supply. The seaweed also reduces soil erosion on land and creates a buffer for rough seas caused by storms.

California sea otters help these underwater forests thrive, and they generate money and jobs through tourism and recreation. Increasing otter populations as a natural method to promote kelp conservation serves as a way to help the economy and keep humans safer by securing a food source and lessening the impact of extreme weather events on our coasts.

Kelp also provides important biodiversity in our oceans and functions as a prominent source for carbon storage. Kyle Van Houtan, lead researcher on the study, advised that human activity can directly affect kelp forests, "and that can have an impact which cascades through the ecosystem."

Conservation efforts help curb the impact of our planet's rising temperatures. Actions like helping an endangered species recover, restoring ecosystems, and increasing otter populations so kelp forests can thrive all move us toward a cleaner, safer future.

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How the rise of surveillance pricing is hitting shoppers at the checkout

The biological textbook The Making of a Fly is not one of Amazons most sought-after titles.

Yet in 2011, the price of the out-of-print manual for insect enthusiasts skyrocketed to $23m (18m), driven by a quirk in Amazons algorithms.

Two booksellers had used the technology to moderately mark-up the book ahead of their rival.

Unfortunately, the system went rogue and sparked an out-of-control price war for the arcane textbook.

Since then, software that controls pricing online has become far more sophisticated, allowing for companies to rapidly alter prices depending on supply and demand.

Internet users have had to come to terms with rapidly changing online prices that vary with supply and demand  so-called dynamic pricing.

Ride-hailing apps, meanwhile, will add surge pricing when interest is high, and retailers will offer discounts to lure consumers back to an item left in their digital basket.

Now, online retailers, data brokers and artificial intelligence (AI) companies are eyeing a new opportunity that regulators have called surveillance pricing: personalised offers based on tiny details that consumers may not even realise the seller has collected.

On Wednesday, the US competition watchdog, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), launched a review of the practice. Companies were now exploiting a vast trove of personal information to charge people higher prices, said Lina Khan, chair of the regulator, as she sought to shed light on this shadowy ecosystem of pricing middlemen.

This opaque system, the FTC claims, includes intermediaries who combine AI and algorithms with personal data harvested about consumers  such as their location, demographics, credit history, browsing history and shopping habits  to target them with individualised prices.

Officials and policymakers are largely in the dark about the industry. If regulators do not have this information, it means researchers do not have this information, says Luc Rocher, of the Oxford Internet Institute, who has studied online dynamic pricing.

While such tools are often used to push personalised discounts to encourage sales, over time these algorithms may learn to maximise profits, he adds.

A UK government study in 2021 said there was little evidence that such granular price discrimination was a generalised activity on the internet. A 2018 survey from Ipsos found that less than 1pc of hotel or airline transactions included price personalisation. Likewise, a CMA study in 2018 found limited evidence of this type of personalised pricing in practice.

However, that is quickly changing. The FTC has asked eight companies, including Mastercard, Revionics, Bloomreach, JP Morgan Chase, Task Software, PROS, Accenture and McKinsey, for information about the growing industry.

Some of those named by the FTC denied engaging in the kinds of practices the regulator planned to probe.

A Revonics spokesman said: Revionics does not develop software that recommends pricing targeted to specific individuals. Revionics does not, in any manner, use individual consumer data. Revionics does not, in any way, conduct operations related to the surveillance of consumers. Mastercard said it was reviewing the FTCs request.

The other parties did not comment. None of the companies is accused of wrongdoing.

In the UK, supermarket shopping apps, which are linked to loyalty schemes, use troves of data on buying habits to offer individualised discounts to boost sales.

Since October, Sainsburys has been using data gathered through its Nectar points scheme to offer personalised discounts to shoppers in its app and online store. Buyers are sent savings on up to 10 items per week.

Earlier this year Tesco launched hyper personalised Clubcard challenges in its app with an AI start-up. These offered customers extra discounts for buying products from different ranges in the store.

In these instances, consumers have clearly opted in to loyalty schemes which mean supermarkets have a clear right to monitor and use their spending data.

On Friday, the CMA said that these UK schemes were unlikely to be misleading and do not appear to be resulting in higher prices for customers not on the loyalty programme. The results to date suggest we are unlikely to identify widespread evidence of loyalty promotions that mislead shoppers, the regulator said.

However, there are concerns about other practices that are less obvious, with fears that people are having their data collected and utilised without realising.

US regulators are keen to scrutinise the middlemen that are developing the technology behind the scenes.

One of these companies, PROS, which works with airline companies, says that it is able to deliver instant, personalised prices, tailored for every unique buying and selling interaction. It charges as much as $14,000 per month for its technology.

In one case study, PROS shows how its technology was used by Air Baltic. When buying a ticket, customers who wanted a single ticket were offered a cheaper price to pick a seat at 14 (12). Customers who wanted two tickets were shown more expensive prices at 19 each.

There is a higher willingness to pay when you have an extra passenger in the request, Justin Jander, a PROS executive, says in the video.

Plexure, a piece of tech from TaskSoftware, is used in apps by giants such as McDonalds and 7-Eleven. Marketing materials show it uses location data to offer personalised discounts on fuel. Plexure boasts that more than 300m people use its technology. Prospect magazine uncovered a slide from Plexure that said it could identify key moments, such as a consumers payday, to adjust prices.

McDonald's is one of a number of business that relies on apps to collect customers' spending data - Paul Thomas/Bloomberg

Ultimately, the FTC is concerned that technology giants and data brokers are harvesting data without peoples consent or awareness.

Andrew Ferguson, an FTC commissioner, wrote in a statement supporting the review that data brokers can harvest our identities, interests, locations, credit histories, medical conditions, sexual interests, and religious and political views.

He added: Consumers are generally unaware that merchants and brokers are gathering those data.

Tom West, a legal adviser at Privacy International, says retailers are quickly adopting this hyper-targeted, hyper-surveillance approach, where data gatherers have not really explained why you are being offered a certain price for something.

Some industries already use vast troves of data to alter prices, even if consumers have little understanding of how this works. Insurers already use a plethora of information sources  from a consumers age and their DVLA record, to statistics on crime or road safety in the local area  to come up with unique quotes for individual drivers.

For now, this sort of practice is relatively small-scale in retail. But regulators fear surveillance pricing could be about to explode.

The massive trove of personal data we generate online has made it possible for merchants to personalise prices for goods that Americans would not usually expect to vary from person to person, the FTCs Ferguson writes.

There is no time to delay a study on personalised pricing if we hope to investigate the practice at its nascency  or, if the practice is already pervasive, to catch up on it.

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Claim:

Associated Press headlines referred to Kamala Harris as Indian American in 2016 then Black in 2020.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

Harris is both Indian and Black. Her father, Donald J. Harris, is a Black man from Jamaica. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was born in Chennai, India. Harris was the first Black person and first Indian-American U.S. senator for California  and the first Indian-American to be elected to the U.S. Senate. Then in 2020, she became the first Black woman and the first Indian-American vice presidential nominee in U.S. history.

On July 24, 2024, an apparent screen capture of a post from former U.S. President Donald Trump circulated online showing two alleged Associated Press (AP) headlines, one from 2016 and the other from 2020. The two headlines centered on Vice President Kamala Harris. The first one said Harris was the first "Indian-American US senator" while the second said she was the first "Black woman" nominated as a presidential candidate's running mate (archived):

Trump just posted this  pic.twitter.com/5Q0Hz79gu9  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 24, 2024

The post had gained 4.5 million views as of this writing, as well as 131,000 likes and 30,000 reshares. In the replies, people reacted with exasperation. "The Democrats love to change things up to suit their needs," one wrote. "It is amazing how the narrative changes with time," another said. A third asked: "So you can change your race depending on the situation?"

The headlines were real.

Trump posted this on Truth Social a few minutes before the X post (archived):

We confirmed that the headlines were authentic. On Nov. 9, 2016, AP posted a story titled, "California's Kamala Harris becomes first Indian-American US Senator" (archived). Nearly four years later, on Aug. 11, 2020, AP reported "Biden picks Kamala Harris as running mate, first Black woman" (archived).

Despite Trump's implication that the headlines were contradictory, they were not.

Harris' parents, who met when they were studying at the University of California, Berkeley, came from different backgrounds. Her father Donald J. Harris, a former professor of economics at Stanford University, is a Black man from Jamaica. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a breast cancer researcher at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, was born in Chennai, India. Both of them became naturalized U.S. citizens and their daughter was born in the U.S., which means she was a U.S. citizen at birth.

While there had been Black U.S. senators before Harris, no Indian-American had ever been elected to the Senate: This is the fact that the AP sought to underscore in 2016. Later, in 2020, she became the first Black female and first Indian-American vice presidential nominee in history.

Sources:

'Biden Picks Kamala Harris as Running Mate, First Black Woman'. AP News, 12 Aug. 2020, https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-election-2020-ap-top-news-race-and-ethnicity-ca-state-wire-5ac8fff8bbe1c70479604e3ff62ecb10.

Donald J. Harris | Department of Economics. https://economics.stanford.edu/people/donald-j-harris. Accessed 25 July 2024.

Ibrahim, Nur. 'Yes, Harris Can Run for US President Even Though Her Parents Are Foreign-Born'. Snopes, 22 July 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/harris-presidential-campaign-foreign-born-parents/.

Igoe, Katherine J., and Danielle Campoamor last updated in News. 'Getting to Know Kamala Harris' Father, a Renowned Stanford Professor'. Marie Claire Magazine, 19 Jan. 2021, https://www.marieclaire.com/politics/a28259825/who-is-donald-harris-kamala-harris-father/.

Kamala Harris: The Tiny Indian Village Claiming Her as Its Own. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9037j47pyzo. Accessed 25 July 2024.

Press, Associated. 'California's Kamala Harris Becomes First Indian-American US Senator'. Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/californias-kamala-harris-becomes-first-indian-american-us-senator-2016-11. Accessed 25 July 2024.

Tabasko, Michael. 'A Fortuitous Connection'. The NIH Catalyst, https://irp.nih.gov/catalyst/29/4/a-fortuitous-connection.

U.S. Senate: African American Senators. https://www.senate.gov/senators/african-american-senators.htm. Accessed 25 July 2024.
After failed assassination attempt, Trump to hold another rally in Butler, Pa.

Donald Trump did not name a venue for the Butler rally, but the Secret Service has reportedly told his campaign to stop holding outdoor events after the assassination attempt on July 13. Photo by Allison Dinner/EPA-EFE

July 26 (UPI) -- Donald Trump on Friday vowed to return to Butler, Pa., to hold a rally in the same town where a would-be assassin's bullet nearly ended his life two weeks ago.

The former president posted on Truth Social that the rally would honor firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the July 13 shooting, along with those who were injured.

"WHAT A DAY IT WILL BE -- FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!," the post read.

Trump did not announce a specific location nor a date for the rally, just telling his supporters to "stay tuned for details."

Trump is scheduled to host a rally in Harrisburg on Wednesday, which will mark his first time in the Keystone State since the assassination attempt.

The U.S. Secret Service has advised the Trump campaign to stop hosting outdoor rallies, according to reporting from the Washington Post.

Trump's would-be killer, Thomas Crooks, got off multiple shots at the Butler rally, one of which possibly grazed the former president's ear, before law enforcement shot and killed him.

The incident led to widespread scrutiny over security failures at the event. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle said Tuesday she would step down after numerous calls for her resignation.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday voted unanimously to establish a bipartisan task force to investigate the attempt on Trump's life.
Fairfax County officer plays key role in arrest of Maryland man involved in child exploitation

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said one of its officers played a key role in the arrest of a Maryland man involved in child exploitation.

FCPD said that on July 18, police got a tip that 68-year-old Joseph Muir Osborne from Maryland allegedly used online platforms to interact in sexually explicit conversations with an undercover officer.

Osborne provided the officer with illegal pictures of underage children. Police also found evidence of him communicating with a minor in Maryland.

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Police, in collaboration with the Frederick County Sheriffs Office, arrested Osborne.

He is facing 25 counts of Distribution of Child Pornography and one count of Distribution of Bestiality.

Osborne is being held at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center on other child exploitation-related charges.

He is awaiting extradition to Fairfax County.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One of the biggest risks facing Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) in recent years has been its exposure to talc lawsuits. The uncertainty around that issue is a key reason why shares of Johnson & Johnson have declined by 9% in the past three years, with the legal cloud weighing heavily on the business.

While the company has set aside billions of dollars to account for lawsuits that allege talc-based products led to people developing cancer, Johnson & Johnson has failed to close out the matter completely. But J&J believes it's finally close to being able to do that.

A new settlement may be approved soon

On Johnson & Johnson's earnings call earlier this month, management provided an update on the talc lawsuits. Chief Financial Officer Joseph Wolk says that claimants will be able to vote on the company's latest proposed settlement. Voting is taking place until July 26 and it will take a few weeks to tally everything up and determine the level of support for the plan.

Johnson & Johnson is committing to pay $8 billion over a period of 25 years, which equates to a present value of $6.5 billion today. It says the deal would address 99.75% of the outstanding talc lawsuits. The company says there is widespread approval, and it believes that it will obtain the 75% support it needs to move forward with the settlement plan. Additionally, Wolk states that the company has settled 95% of payments concerning mesothelioma claims.

Johnson & Johnson has previously made multiple attempts to try and settle these lawsuits through a bankruptcy involving a subsidiary, LTL Management. That has failed in the past. But what's different this time is that the company is allowing claimants to actually vote on the proposed settlement. And by garnering enough support from them, that could potentially make a third attempt at resolving the issue through bankruptcy successful.

Until it's 100% over, there's going to still be some significant risk here

Johnson & Johnson has already set a reserve of $11 billion to deal with the settlements, which means a lot of the financial cost is likely already accounted for and priced into the stock's current valuation.

There is always the potential, however, that a few lawsuits can saddle the company with significant damages. Thus far, those cases have been few and far between. One of the most troubling examples for J&J was a situation in which a Missouri court awarded $2.1 billion to 22 women who said they contracted ovarian cancer from using the company's talc products.

Story continues

This is where settling more than 95% of cases can be encouraging and at the same time misleading. When you're talking about a situation that involves tens of thousands of claimants, that percentage may not necessarily be all that comforting or reassuring to investors, simply because a few particularly troubling cases with potential outsize compensation could be enough to lead to billions more in expenses that are not accounted for in the company's projections.

As close as Johnson & Johnson believes it may be to the finish line, until it's actually there, there's going to be some considerable uncertainty around its full financial costs related to these talc lawsuits.

Investors are better off avoiding Johnson & Johnson stock

Ongoing legal battles are unfortunately nothing new for Johnson & Johnson, and they present a risk for investors. The danger is with the company potentially spending billions on legal bills in a given year, it may not have as many resources as it needs to pursue growth opportunities or to put toward raising its dividend payments.

Until the talc issues are fully resolved and the matter is completely put to rest, investors are better off pursuing other dividend stocks for recurring income; Johnson & Johnson simply isn't worth the risk.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Nearly a year after Ebony Duncan disappeared from her job in Independence, murder charges have been filed against her ex-boyfriend.

Charles Smith-Howell, 42, is charged with second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, abandonment of a corpse, armed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon.

He recently pled guilty to federal firearms charges in this same case but has yet to be sentenced. Hes been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals ever since.

Court documents say on or about September 6, 2023, Smith-Howell knowingly caused Duncans death by shooting her and that he destroyed or concealed her cell phone and car with the purpose to obstruct justice.

Victim dies from injuries following Sunday shooting near 13th, Paseo

Duncan, a 44-year-old mother of three, disappeared on September 6, 2023, after she left her job at a rehabilitation facility in Independence. Her body was found more than a month later on Halloween in a wooded area of Kansas City, Missouri.

The update in the case brings some hope to her loved ones, who say she didnt deserve what happened to her. However, her daughters, including 20-year-old Ebony Williams, think Smith-Howell should have been charged with first-degree murder instead of second.

I feel like second-degree murder is not enough for me, personally, because you have witnesses saying that while shes at work hes going to kill her. Not only did he say it; he did it, she said.

Williams spoke with FOX4 for the first time Friday about her mother. She further explained her frustration with that particular charge because if it was not a colored woman [who was killed], he would get first-degree.

She also shared some frustrations about how the Independence Police Department handled the investigation, particularly their communication.

Williams said media outlets were notified that her mothers body had been found before the detective assigned to the case told them.

We asked them where they found the body, but they refused to answer that question for us. When the article came out [about where she was found] it was like you guys were already told where the body was. I felt like that wasnt fair to us because we should have known that before the public, added Williams.

Standard practice for all law enforcement agencies is to notify family or next of kin about a crime victim before sharing that information with the media.

When it comes to Smith-Howell, Williams said she knew it was him from the beginning. She explained how he would sometimes sit outside her place of employment waiting on Duncan to pick her up from work and that he would sit outside her mothers home without her knowledge.

KCPD attempting to locate 45-year-old man, not seen in two weeks

Before Duncan disappeared, Williams said she was kind of like breaking off from [Smith-Howell], trying to get away. I want to say the day before she [disappeared], she told Charles to come get her belongings from his house.

Duncan would have celebrated her 45th birthday on August 2. Williams is trying to be strong, but its been difficult to lose her mom at such a young age, especially in such a violent way.

It might be different if she died from getting old or an illness, but somebody actually went and killed her, she said.

A trial date has yet to be set for Ebony Duncans murder. At last check Smith-Howell was being transferred from custody in Caldwell County to Jackson County.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Farmers can apply now for drought assistance. Here's how to find the help

This summer has been extremely dry and hot, with little to no end in sight for the counties of Alleghany, Garrett, Washington and Frederick.

Farmers are extremely worried about the D3 (extreme) drought conditions as indicated on the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM). A drought intensity level of D3 on the USDM means conditions are drier than 98% of past conditions resulting in devastating crop losses, pasture losses and water restrictions.

Fortunately, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers relief for local drought-impacted livestock producers through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP), the Tree Disaster Assistance Program (TAP) and the Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).

The Alleghany Multi Agency Farm Tour, including Maryland Farm Bureau and Maryland Farm Service Agency look at a farmer's corn affected by drought. Photo provided by the Farm Service Agency, Maryland State Office

LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses for covered livestock and who also are producers of grazed forage crop acreage of native and improved pastureland.

The grazing losses must occur on land physically located in a county experiencing a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period.

A USDM drought intensity level of D3 at any point during the grazing season triggers producer eligibility for LFP assistance to monthly payments. ELAP covers losses that are not covered under other disaster assistance programs It covers losses due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition including drought.

ELAP provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses and transportation cost associated with transporting feed/forage to livestock and livestock to feed.

Eligible producers are required to complete a notice of loss and a payment application to their local FSA office no later than Jan. 30, 2025, for 2024 calendar year losses.

Tree Disaster Assistance Program (TAP). Those who have trees, bushes or vines that produce an annual crop for commercial purposes, can be eligible for assistance.

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Ornamental, fruit, nut and Christmas trees also are eligible for TAP. In order to qualify, there must be a lose greater than 15% of normal mortality.

The Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) also can provide assistance for drought loss. Eligible crops are those commercially produced for which crop insurance is not available in the county. In most cases a policy must be purchased beforehand. However, socially disadvantaged producers may still be able to qualify for assistance.

FSA employees and Maryland Farm Bureau (MFB) recently toured farms to see the impacts of the extreme drought conditions firsthand.

Farmers affected by the drought in Alleghany, Garrett, Washington and Frederick counties are asked to reach out to their local FSA offices.

More: Maryland Department of the Environment issues drought watch for Western Maryland

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Drought assistance available now from Maryland Farm Service Agency
Speaking before the House Judiciary Committee, Wray said that with respect to former President Trump, theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that  hit his ear. Wrays remarks drew the ire of Trump, who soon after the shooting said he had been hit by a bullet at the Butler, Pa., rally, and has since framed his survival as an act of divine intervention. The former president, in a lengthy post on Truth Social late Thursday, insisted he was indeed hit by a bullet and slammed the FBI as having lost the confidence of the United States. Trump, who nominated Wray as FBI director in 2017, also claimed the agency never even checked! as to what caused his injury. However, Trump has not released medical records, and Wrays comments have increased calls for the former president to prove what caused his injury. Donald Trump is clearly using this as part of his campaign. And if hes lying about whether he was actually shot, thats something that the American people should know, said Rep Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), according to CBS News reporter Scott MacFarlane. Ive waited a while to say this but the burden is now on Trump to show he was shot, Juliette Kayyem, a former undersecretary for Homeland Security, wrote on X. I can condemn the assassination and still demand truth, especially since Trump is now politicizing taking a bullet, she added. Wray has now opened the door; this is not a conspiracy theory. Wray, known for exact phrasing and being careful, didnt say this on accident. He is begging us to ask. The FBI is leading the criminal investigation into the shooting, which killed one rally-goer and seriously injured two others before the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and fierce defender of Trump, sent a letter Friday to Wray pushing him to correct his testimony immediately. I urge you to immediately correct your statement and acknowledge that President Trump was hit by a bullet rather than glass or shrapnel, Graham wrote. As head of the FBI, you should not be creating confusion about such matters, as it further undercuts the agencys credibility with millions of Americans. But no official medical evaluation from a doctor or hospital who treated Trump in the immediate aftermath of the attack has been publicly released. Read the full report at TheHill.com.
FBI now saying it was a bullet, or a fragment of one, that hit Trump's ear

Since the attempt on his life by shooter Thomas Matthew Crooks at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, Donald Trump has maintained that his ear was injured by a bullet discharged by Crooks' weapon, which narrowly missed killing him. And now the FBI thinks so too.

Since the assassination attempt, up until this point, there was a great deal of back and forth as to whether a bullet indeed caused Trump's injuries, or if shrapnel had struck his ear, causing it to bleed and require the use of a bandage for quite some time.

On Wednesday, FBI Director Christopher Wray told representatives during a Congressional committee hearing that he did not conclusively rule out the possibility that Trump was hit by a bullet, but could not be sure. But in a statement that followed days later, the FBI concluded that yes, it was a bullet.

According to The New York Times, "After Speaker Mike Johnson questioned Mr. Wrays comments on Thursday, the FBI said in a statement that it was examining bullet fragments, and law enforcement officials said the bureau was trying to determine whether it was a bullet or a piece of one."

What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle, the FBI said in a conclusive statement.

On Friday, The New York Times published an analysis that strongly suggested Trump was grazed by the first of the eight bullets fired by Crooks.
Theres no doubt an attempted assassins bullet whizzed by former President Donald Trumps head and left him with a bloody ear during a July 13 rally in Pennsylvania. But the FBI says its unsure the Republican candidate suffered a direct gunshot wound.

Earlier in the week, FBI director Christopher Wray testified before the House judiciary committee that theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear.

But the FBI clarified those comments in a statement Friday night, saying that either way, Trump was indeed wounded by a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces.

The 78-year-old politician was rushed off the stage when a 20-year-old gunman fired eight shots in six seconds as Trump was delivering a speech. One man was killed and two others were seriously wounded by stray bullets.

A New York Times photographer seemingly captured the moment a shot buzzed past Trump  possibly grazing his right ear, but not undeniably so. The Times reported Thursday that federal investigators had since asked to speak with Trump to further investigate the nature of his wound.

Bullets fired from AR-15 style guns like the one used in the July 13 shooting travel 3,200 feet per second and often tumble and break into fragments. Those piece can be very difficult to recover.

Dr. Ronnie Jackson, who examined Trump after the shooting, blasted the FBI for questioning what happened in Pennsylvania.

There is absolutely no evidence that it was anything other than a bullet, he said in a statement earlier on Friday.

Jacksons state of Virginia medical license expired in 2020, but The Dallas Morning News said his American Board of Emergency Medicine certification allows him to provide emergency services. Hes an experienced combat medic.

Trump also took a verbal swipe at Wray on Truth Social and insisted he suffered a bullet wound.

No, it was, unfortunately, a bullet that hit my ear, and hit it hard, he wrote on his social platform Thursday.

Trumps wounded ear was quickly adopted as a campaign totem by supporters who bandaged their own ears to show solidarity at the Republican National Convention days after their leader was nearly killed.

Trump on Friday was seen for the first time since the shooting without a bandage on his ear while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His ear appeared intact and did not seem to have any significant scarring.
Declaring that Fresno residents are fed up with the proliferation of homeless camping on sidewalks and public spaces, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and City Councilmembers Miguel Arias, Garry Bredefeld and Tyler Maxwell announced a proposed ordinance to ban such camps within the city.

The ordinance, unveiled at a press conference Friday at Fresno City Hall, comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court decision that civil and criminal penalties for camping in public areas do not represent cruel and unusual punishment for homeless individuals under the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The courts conservative majority voted 6-3 along ideological lines on the ruling.

The high courts decision overturned lower-court rulings that blocked anti-camping laws in western U.S. states including California.

On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order for state agencies to adopt policies to clear homeless encampments on state property. The order encourages local city and county agencies to do the same. Also on Thursday, Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau announced that he will introduce a county ordinance to make camping in public spaces a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Fresnos proposal is for a misdemeanor carrying fines up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

The citys proposed ordinance will be up for discussion at a special City Council meeting on Monday; if it wins initial approval, it would be up for a final vote on Aug. 15 and take effect in mid-September.

Existing city codes state that an individual shall not be cited  unless it is confirmed a bed is available at a shelter or other facility. That language would be removed, allowing a person camping illegally on a sidewalk, roadside, in a park or other public property to be fined and subject to arrest even if there are no emergency shelter beds available.

The people of Fresno have been patient long enough, and their patience has run out, Dyer said. They are fed up. We are fed up. And the state of California is fed up with our unsheltered population that is having a negative effect on our communities.

Simply put, the mayor said, regardless of the availability of bed space (at emergency shelters within Fresno), we will hold our unsheltered population accountable and that could and will include arresting and taking them to jail if in fact they are in violation of the ordinance.

The most recent Point-in-Time report available from the Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care estimated the number of homeless people in the city of Fresno at about 3,200, including more than 1,800 who were unsheltered as of early 2023. Homeless advocates say they believe the actual number of homeless is closer to 10,000.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer answers questions at a press conference about proposed amendments to city ordinances to camping or sleeping on sidewalks or other public spaces a misdemeanor crime, with offenders subject to fines and arrest. He was joined by, from left, City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, Police Chief Mindy Casto, Councilmember Miguel Arias, business owner Edward Noriego, and Councilmember Garry Bredefeld.

What will Fresnos camp ordinance outlaw?

No person may sit, lie, sleep or camp on a public place at any time, the new ordinance language states. Camp shall be defined to include, but not limited to, sitting, lying, storing or placing a tent on a public place. Public place shall be defined to include, but not be limited to, sidewalks, streets, alleyways or other public space.

The proposed ordinance, if ultimately approved, prohibits sleeping or camping in any pedestrian or vehicle entrance to public or private property along a public sidewalk. And another provision states that no person may sit, lie, sleep or camp on a property designated as a sensitive use, including schools, child-care facilities, parks, libraries, government buildings, warming or cooling centers, or existing homeless shelters.

Dyer, Arias, Bredefeld and Maxwell said camping by homeless people on public property throughout the city creates problems for nearby residents and businesses, from verbal or physical harassment to litter and property damage.

What this ordinance will allow us to do is clear the large encampments building up in front of your childrens schools, your neighborhood parks, your local bus stops and in front of our cherished small businesses, Maxwell said.

We want to help (the homeless), truly we do. We have tried our hardest these last four years Ive been on the City Council, added Maxwell, referring to the renovation of run-down motels into emergency shelters or transitional housing, meals, showers, bus rides and other services.

Were here to help you if you want that help, he said. If you dont want the citys help, thats OK, too. But I hope you find that help somewhere else because our schools, parks and businesses are off limits.

Any individual charged with violation of this article, in lieu of being taken to jail may, at the election of the citing officer and with the consent of the individual, be taken to a place that provides social services including mental health, housing or substance-abuse treatment.

Who will prosecute the cases?

The city will rely not on the Fresno County District Attorney to prosecute people arrested for violating the ordinance, instead tasking the Fresno City Attorneys Office.

The $1,000 fine/one year in jail penalties are the maximum that a judge can impose or that a prosecutor can ask, City Attorney Andrew Janz said. But, he added, such cases are historically treated by county prosecutors as petty crimes relative to offenses like rape, assault or homicides.

Im directing my prosecution team to make sure we dont engage in any type of plea bargaining when it comes to these types of cases.  Were going to demand accountability on all of these cases, Janz said. If you accept services, if you accept help in the criminal justice system, then were going to go that route. But he added that his attorneys will seek maximum sentences from judges and juries for those who refuse help.

The ordinance includes a provision that, as an alternative to a fine or jail sentence, the City would encourage the Court to grant diversion or probation with a condition the offender complete a rehabilitation program.

Said Dyer: The hope is that the judge will offer that individual treatment in lieu of jail time, and our hope is that they will take advantage of that. If not, then there are going to be criminal justice system consequences.

Who will be targeted?

The ordinance will be aimed primarily at people who do not comply with orders from officers with the citys Homeless Assistance Response Team, or HART, to move themselves and their belongings from sidewalks or other public property, and who refuse shelter, treatment or services. We want to make perfectly clear for those who return to locations after theyve been asked to leave, who do not heed the warnings of law enforcement or our HART team, our officers will be encouraged to arrest those individuals, Dyer said.

Arias said his focus is on responsibility and accountability. Being poor or homeless is not in itself a crime, nor do we seek to punish poverty, he said. But, he added, the message I want homeless residents to hear today  (is) it is time for you to get clean, for you to get a job, or accept the help offered by family or the numerous churches and organizations.

There is help for you. It may take a while  but it will be a helping hand that will be extended by the city and our numerous organizations, Arias added. In the meantime, though, you will be held to the same responsibility and consequences that the rest of us face for engaging in criminal activity, which will include fines and time in the county jail.

Arias said the city has invested more than $400 million since 2018 for homeless services including shelters, meals, medical services, transportation and heating and cooling centers. We have done everything in our power and everything that money could buy to create support services for those who are willing and able to take that help, he said.

Bredefeld echoed that sentiment. We want to help those who are homeless and truly want help and to change their lives and lifestyle, is said. There is plenty of help available; the city will do everything they can think of to assist those people like weve been doing for years.

But theres a subculture of the homeless who want that toxic lifestyle regardless of the help offered to them, he added. They want to continue to use drugs and alcohol, create unsafe and unhealthy and sometimes dangerous conditions.

He cited his own experience as a clinical psychologist as he stated, its a choice to reject help and to live on the streets.

A game of whack-a-mole

The citys current ordinance, approved by the city council when Dyer was the chief of police prior being elected as mayor in 2020, often creates a situation in which HART officers ask someone to move from a sidewalk or park, only for the person to move a block away and cause problems there. And then it really becomes a game of whack-a-mole, where they just keep moving and moving and moving, Dyer said.

The goal for this is not just removing them from one particular location; its preventing them from camping or laying on sidewalks within the city, whether its in the Tower District or downtown, whether its in a park or in front of a business, he added. Thats the warning. It may not be the same location that theyre violating, but the continued violation throughout our city is whats going to be enforced.

The city also wants to avoid simply driving the homeless out of the city to somewhere else. Our number one goal is not to displace them into another location or jurisdiction, Dyer said. Our goal is to displace them into shelter from the streets and give them the services they need to be productive.

The mayor acknowledged, however, that the city lacks enough shelter beds or affordable housing options to serve all of the homeless. We do know there will be a displacement effect, he said. We cant do what were doing on this ordinance and with our enforcement efforts if we dont have housing on the back end. We have to have housing, and weve been working towards that.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

A homeless man sets back up his tent after the daily clean up sweep enforced by the police department as part of the citya??s no camping ordinance, where they have to take down their shelters, move then can set them back up.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Virginia. Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury.

A federal appeals court has denied a request to expedite a hearing in a case involving the Maryland State Board of Elections and a group with ties to former Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox.

Two groups  Maryland Election Integrity LLC and Missouri-based United Sovereign Americans  asked the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond for an expedited hearing on July 16, just one week after appealing a district court judges rejection of their election security claims.

In a one-page order issued Thursday, the appeals court declined to fast-track the case. It gave no reason for denying the request.

It was the latest in a series of courtroom filings and arguments between the two groups and the elections board.

The case began in March when Maryland Election Integrity LLC and Missouri-based United Sovereign Americans sued the Maryland State Board of Elections in U.S. District Court for Maryland, alleging a number of violations of federal election law.

The group claimed that through meticulous analysis it found at least 79,392 voter registration violations that allegedly included duplicate registrations, registrants with questionable inactive status, and more than 40,000 with instances of a questionable registration date.

Their complaint also claimed that voting system error rates are exponentially above the maximum allowable error rates. Inaccuracy and the specter of fraud have irretrievably damaged the reliability and credibility of results. And the groups said the elections board denied their requests for election reports made under the Maryland Public Information Act.

The lawsuit asked U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher to order the board not to certify the primary election results until the errors were corrected.

But Gallagher, in a May decision, dismissed the lawsuit without considering the allegations.

Despite plaintiffs numerous assertions of problems with Marylands voting system, this court can begin and end its analysis with plaintiffs standing, Gallagher wrote in her opinion.

Gallagher wrote that Missouri-based United Sovereign Americans did not purport to represent any individual members in Maryland.

She added that Maryland Election Integrity, which said it represented two registered Maryland voters  David Morsberger and Kate Sullivan  failed to identify any specific injury to either. Simply alleging that possible election irregularities may have diluted the votes of Morsberger and Sullivan is not enough, she wrote.

Plaintiffs have not shown disadvantage to members of Maryland Election Integrity as individuals because the Amended Complaint lacks any information about whether Kate Sullivan or other members actually voted in any Maryland election, much less how Defendants actions helped defeat their supported candidates or causes, Gallaghers order said.

In short, Plaintiffs allege no concrete or particularized injury to members of Maryland Election Integrity but simply generalized grievances applicable to the community as a whole. Courts routinely find such grievances insufficient to demonstrate standing to sue, she wrote.

In their appeal to the 4th Circuit, attorney C. Edward Hartman III wrote that the district court erred and abused its discretion in finding Appellants failed to establish Plaintiffs were active Maryland voters. He wrote that Gallagher used the wrong legal standard in determining how Morsberger and Sullivan had been affected by the allegations.

Kate Sullivan and David Morsberger are aggrieved when eligible voters are listed on Maryland voter rolls and the registration system is, generally, corrupted on account of Appellees failure to take action to properly purge Marylands voter rolls thus diluting Appellants votes, said Hartman, who added that his clients documented problems with the voting rolls that the board did not act on.

Hartman, an Annapolis-based attorney, previously represented Dan Cox, then the Republican nominee for governor, in a failed 2022 bid to block the early counting of mail-in ballots that year.
LANSING, Mich. (AP)  Federal judges gave final approval to a new map of Michigan state Legislature boundaries, concluding a case in which the court previously found that several Detroit-area districts maps were illegally influenced by race.

In December, the court ordered a redistricting commission responsible for redrawing the states legislative and congressional maps in 2021 to redraw 13 state districts. In a Friday opinion, the panel of three judges approved a redrawn map of the Senate seats bringing the proceedings to a close.

Protesters attend a meeting of Michigans new Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission on Oct. 21, 2021, in Lansing, Mich. The attendees were not in favor of putting majority-Black neighborhoods districts in other districts, where they may have more say over Michigans leadership. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

The court approved new boundaries for seven state House seats in March, which had to be finalized before the 2024 election. The new Senate seats will not bear weight until the chamber is up for election in 2026.

The original lawsuit filed by Black residents argued that the map diluted their voting power. Although nearly 80% of Detroit residents are Black, the panel said the population of Black voting-age residents in the old districts was significantly lower, ranging from 35% to 45% with one as low as 19%.

Redistricting Commission begins mapping sessions

Democrats currently hold a slim majority in both chambers after flipping them in 2022. The partys success was attributed, in part, to legislative maps that were redrawn in 2021 by the states Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.

According to the five-page opinion, the residents do not object to the new map. The judges said the final Senate map was drawn race-blind.

The Secretary of State may proceed to implement the Commissions remedial Senate plan for the next election cycle, the opinion 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 WLNS 6 News.
A federal judge struck down a provision of North Carolinas new abortion law and upheld another on Friday.

The main thrust of the GOP-passed law banning most abortions in the state after 12 weeks of gestation went into effect last July and has not been successfully challenged in the courts.

But abortion providers targeted two provisions of the law, which have been temporarily blocked since September.

In a ruling issued Friday evening, U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles struck down one provision as unconstitutionally vague. The provision had required physicians prescribing medication abortions to document the existence of a pregnancy within the uterus during the early stages of gestation.

But Eagles ruled to keep a second provision in place that required anyone trying to terminate their pregnancy after 12 weeks to have the procedure in a hospital. That provision addresses abortions taking place under one of the laws exceptions for rape and incest, fetal anomalies, or if a qualified physician determines there exists a medical emergency.

For the first provision, Eagles agreed with concerns from abortion providers who challenged the law. They argued that the provision doesnt give guidance on how to satisfy the requirement, and could block physicians from prescribing abortion pills early in pregnancies, when an embryo may not be able to be located using an ultrasound.

In her order, Eagles agreed that the requirement doesnt give physicians sufficient notice of the required conduct, and does not include sufficient standards to prevent arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement. Eagles said the provision violates the due process rights of the plaintiffs.

Granting a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the two provisions from being enforced in September, Eagles said that the restriction on medication abortions didnt provide physicians with a clear standard, was open to differing interpretations, didnt provide reasonable notice of what is prohibited, and could subject physicians to arbitrary accusations that they have violated the provision.

In her ruling on the hospitalization requirement, Eagles sided with GOP legislative leaders who intervened in the case to defend the law.

She said that abortion providers have offered credible and largely uncontroverted medical and scientific evidence that this requirement is unnecessary to protect maternal health and safety and will unnecessarily make such abortions more dangerous for many women and more expensive.

However, she said, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, there is no fundamental right to abortion.

That means that GOP lawmakers only needed to show rational speculation for their legislative decisions regulating abortion.

Eagles said Republican leaders had done so, and abortion providers have not negated every conceivable basis lawmakers had for enacting the requirement.

The lawsuit was filed by Planned Parenthood and a Triangle OB-GYN last June, just weeks before the 12-week ban went into effect.

Abortion providers initially asked Eagles to grant a temporary restraining order blocking the entirety of the new law while the court challenge over specific provisions proceeded. But the judge, nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2010, allowed the law to go into effect, temporarily blocking only the restriction on medication abortions.

Last month, Eagles issued her final ruling in a separate lawsuit filed by another OB-GYN in January 2023, challenging state regulations on medication abortion.

The ruling permanently blocks several requirements under state law for prescribing and administering abortion pills, which Eagles said were preempted by federal law.
Carlisle Companies Inc (NYSE:CSL) showcases robust revenue growth and operating income in its latest 10-Q filing.

CSL's strategic divestitures and acquisitions align with its pivot to a pure-play building products company.

Continued investment in research and development underscores CSL's commitment to innovation and market leadership.

Carlisle Companies Inc (NYSE:CSL), a leading manufacturer and seller of single-ply roofing products and warranted systems, has recently released its 10-Q filing dated July 25, 2024. The company's financial performance reflects a strong trajectory, with revenues climbing to $1,450.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024, up from $1,307.0 million in the prior year. Operating income also saw a significant increase to $377.5 million, compared to $308.6 million in the previous year. Net income surged to an impressive $712.4 million, largely due to a substantial gain from discontinued operations. These financial highlights indicate CSL's solid market position and operational efficiency, setting the stage for a comprehensive SWOT analysis.

Decoding Carlisle Companies Inc (CSL): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Market Leadership and Brand Reputation: Carlisle Companies Inc (NYSE:CSL) has established itself as a market leader in the commercial building industry. The company's strong brand reputation is built on the quality and reliability of its products, which include single-ply roofing systems and a range of moisture protection products. CSL's leadership is further evidenced by its robust financial performance, with a significant year-over-year increase in revenues and operating income. The company's brand strength is a key differentiator in the competitive landscape, enabling it to command premium pricing and maintain customer loyalty.

Financial Health and Strategic Acquisitions: CSL's balance sheet remains strong, with a healthy cash flow that supports strategic initiatives. The acquisition of MTL Holdings LLC has expanded CSL's product offerings and market reach, positioning the company to capitalize on the growing demand for architectural metal systems. This strategic move aligns with CSL's Vision 2030 goals and demonstrates its proactive approach to growth through acquisitions that complement its core business segments.

Weaknesses

Dependence on U.S. Market: While CSL's strong presence in the United States is a testament to its success, it also indicates a potential over-reliance on a single geographic market. With more than half of its total revenue generated within the U.S., CSL could be vulnerable to domestic market fluctuations and regulatory changes. Diversifying its revenue streams across different regions could mitigate this risk and provide more stability in the face of localized economic downturns.

Story continues

Operational Costs and R&D Expenses: The company's cost of goods sold and operational expenses have increased, reflecting the rising costs of materials and production. Additionally, CSL's continued investment in research and development, while crucial for innovation and maintaining a competitive edge, also adds to its expense burden. Managing these costs effectively is essential to maintaining profitability and sustaining long-term growth.

Opportunities

Expansion into New Markets: CSL has the opportunity to expand its global footprint by entering new geographic markets. This expansion could reduce its dependence on the U.S. market and tap into the growing demand for building materials in emerging economies. With its strong brand and financial resources, CSL is well-positioned to explore international growth opportunities, either organically or through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

Product Innovation and Sustainability: The increasing focus on sustainability in the construction industry presents an opportunity for CSL to innovate and develop eco-friendly products. By leveraging its R&D capabilities, CSL can create advanced materials that offer energy efficiency and environmental benefits, aligning with global trends and regulatory requirements. This focus on sustainability can also enhance CSL's brand image and appeal to a broader customer base.

Threats

Market Competition and Price Sensitivity: CSL operates in a highly competitive industry where price sensitivity can influence customer purchasing decisions. The presence of lower-cost competitors and the potential for price wars pose a threat to CSL's market share and profitability. The company must continue to differentiate its offerings through quality, innovation, and customer service to maintain its competitive edge.

Economic and Regulatory Uncertainties: The construction industry is sensitive to economic cycles, and any downturn could negatively impact CSL's business. Additionally, changes in regulations related to building materials and environmental standards could require significant adjustments to CSL's product portfolio and operations. Staying ahead of regulatory trends and maintaining financial flexibility will be crucial for CSL to navigate these uncertainties.

In conclusion, Carlisle Companies Inc (NYSE:CSL) demonstrates a strong market position with significant growth in revenue and net income, as reflected in its latest 10-Q filing. The company's strategic focus on building products, coupled with its robust financial health, positions it well for future growth. However, CSL must address its geographic concentration and manage operational costs to sustain its competitive advantage. Opportunities for expansion and product innovation, particularly in the realm of sustainability, offer promising avenues for CSL to explore. Despite the threats posed by competition and economic uncertainties, CSL's strategic initiatives and forward-looking approach suggest a resilient outlook for the company.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Russian shelling in Donetsk Oblast set fire to a mine with 86 miners inside, the Energy Ministry reported on July 27.



As flames engulfed the pit, 84 workers were taken out while two remained inside to ensure the operation of the mine. The ministry did not report any casualties after the fire was extinguished.



Russian forces also targeted the electricity infrastructure in Chernihiv and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts over the past day. The strikes in Chernihiv Oblast left 2,946 households without power, while energy workers restored power to 8,359 households across Ukraine. As of the morning of July 27, 485 settlements were disconnected from the electricity grid.



Russia continues to bombard Ukraines energy infrastructure, particularly in front-line and border regions. The Energy Ministry says that 9 gigawatts (GW) of energy capacity has been lost, which is half of the power used last winter.



Ukraine has suffered scheduled blackouts since mid-May following several devastating attacks on energy facilities. Under the worst-case scenario, Ukrainians could face 20-hour blackouts in the upcoming winter, according to the Executive Director of Ukraines largest privately-owned energy company DTEK Dmytro Sakharuk



Power outages have also impacted Ukraines miners, who continue to work in front-line regions despite the harsh conditions. In March, DTEK said 1,060 miners were temporarily trapped in the company's mines in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast after a Russian attack caused power outages. All miners managed to escape.

Read also: Ukraines energy situation improving, state grid operator says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Jim Hafer, whose family first settled in Paradise in 1947, has watched his community grow amid towering trees. Hes watched residents lose their homes  and lost his own  when the historic Camp Fire reduced families livelihoods to ash in November 2018.

But the neighborhood has been rebuilt six years after the more than 150,000-acre wildfire swept through the town, burning nearly 19,000 structures and killing 85 people, according to Cal Fire. It was the deadliest wildfire in California history.

Now, with another huge blaze raging just a few miles away, theres renewed fear in Paradise that the brand-new homes, some still under construction, could soon turn to crisps.

Its just a helpless feeling, said Paradise resident Jessica Imrie.

The Park Fire had devastated more than 178,000 acres (278 square miles) in Butte and Tehama counties as of Friday afternoon, Cal Fire officials said. After igniting Wednesday afternoon in what investigators believe to be arson  authorities arrested a man accused of rolling his mothers flaming vehicle down a gully just outside Chico  the new blaze has torched a greater area in two days than the Camp Fire did in its first two weeks.

With 134 homes reported to be destroyed or damaged, and others sure to be counted later, many residents of nearby Paradise are reminded of the destruction the Camp Fire caused to their town less than a decade ago.

Jim Hafer stands outside his home near Oliver Road in Paradise on Friday. Hafer, whose neighborhood was under an evacuation warning for the Park Fire, said he had already put some of his most valuable possessions in his car in case he needed to leave.

Sherry Schlobohm, a Paradise resident for 63 years, said she struggled to escape town the last time flames were at her doorstep.

In 2018, she was stuck in stopped traffic and feared she wouldnt be able to flee in time as the blaze spread closer. When cars finally started moving, Schlobohm said she passed flames on both sides of the four-lane road.

I learned that if I had to evacuate, I could, she said. I could do it safely and get myself out.

Her house off of Clark Road in Paradise was left unscathed following the fire, but trees in her driveway were torched and several homes in her neighborhood burned to the ground.

She said this is the first time since the Camp Fire she felt concerned fire might swallow her community again.

Up until this now, I havent been really worried about it, Schlobohm said. I thought surely God wouldnt let us burn again. But this one worried me.

As of Friday afternoon, multiple areas in Paradise were under an evacuation warning, which raised concerns among some residents, including Schlobohm. Other Paradise residents, like Jerry Burton, felt confident they could weather another blaze.

Burton, who lives in northwestern Paradise, has evacuated for numerous fires over the years, saying its just part of life.

Ultimately, Burton lost the home he and his wife had lived in for 24 years during the Camp Fire.

Burton planned on moving out of the burned town, looking at homes near Fresno and Bakersfield, but those places could go up in flames too, Burton said.

Instead, he and his wife decided to rebuild their home on the same land they have lived on for more than two decades. This time, its more fire resistant, he said, thanks to using stucco for the building and installing his own water lines to protect the home.

Were very happy with the house, Burton said. But with this going on again, it makes you wonder whether you made the right decision.

Burton said his wife was ready to leave when his area went under an evacuation warning on Thursday, but he is planning on staying as long as possible.

I feel pretty confident, I dont think Ill ever leave again, if I dont have to, he said. When I have to, its going to be at the very last minute.

Jerry Burton, who lives on the northeast side of Paradise, describes his experience rebuilding his house at Bille Park in Paradise on Friday. Burton said he has lived in the area for more than two decades and was forced to construct a new home following the Camp Fire in 2018.

Preparing for fire

As Madison Ridenour pushed her 2-year-old daughter, Ava King, on a swing set Friday at Bille Park in Paradise, she tried to not fret too much about a fire she had no control over. At 32 weeks pregnant, she decided the best course of action was to take her toddler to the playground to have some fun on a not-so-normal day.

I am  kind of disassociated, she said. I cannot panic in an emergency  that helps nobody.

She compared this fire to the Camp Fire that sparked orange skies and an apocalyptic feel in Paradise. She said the Park Fire has spooked a community who remember all too well the devastation that occurred last time, but we are not there yet, she said. No fatalities or major injuries had been reported in the Park Fire as of Friday evening.

The soon-to-be mother of two said she had her bags packed and had a place to stay at her grandmothers house in Chico if she received evacuation orders.

Madison Ridenour, left, asks her daughter, Ava King, 2, not to lick pieces of equipment at Paradise Rotary Playground in Paradise on Friday. Ridenour said she was trying to remain calm and let her daughter spend time outside in case the Park Fire gets any closer.

Jessica Imrie spotted neighbors packing up as evacuation warnings were issued. She said the roads in her normally quiet neighborhood turned busy Thursday night as residents drove away, but many decided to remain behind.

We are pretty anxious, she said. I think the whole community is pretty anxious. You can see it.

The area, once covered in trees six years ago, now features dry grasses, but some residents said they felt confident enough to stay. Many have built defensible spaces around their homes, which strengthened their confidence that the Park Fire wont scorch their property, Imrie said.

She noted some people experienced post-traumatic stress disorder from the Camp Fire, which led them to leave as soon as the Park Fire evacuation warnings were issued for the area.

Its just heartbreaking, she said, witnessing her neighborhood empty out again.

She lost her home in the Camp Fire, but decided to rebuild on different land. Over the years, she has slowly watched her neighborhood come back to life. Even though her family didnt return to Paradise after 2018, the towns strong community prompted Imrie to stay.

Theres a feeling that  you cannot replace.

Everyone in town knows each other, she said.
UPDATE (June 27)  Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock provided a statement to FOX31: As the two-term elected Sheriff of Douglas County, and a member of law enforcement for 44 years, I have always denied all claims asserted by Holly Nicholson-Kluth in this lawsuit.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR)  A former undersheriff for the Douglas County Sheriffs Office has settled a federal lawsuit against her former employer for $1.75 million.

The settlement comes after she says she was unlawfully fired in retaliation for political differences between her and the former sheriff.

Colorado Supreme Court has a new chief justice

Holly Nicholson Kluth told FOX31 that no amount of money can change what happened or give her back a career that she loved. She feels justice was served and the settlement shows people she had merit in her allegations.

During Kluths time in law enforcement, she made history as the first female undersheriff at the Douglas County Sheriffs Office.

I started as a patrolwoman in 1989 and I rose up to the ranks of undersheriff in 2014, Kluth said. I loved the law. I love protecting people. I loved making a difference for victims, relating to the community.

New Douglas County Undersheriff Holly Nicholson-Kluth

She served in the position for six and a half years before she was fired in May 2021.

I definitely voiced my opinion about my political affiliations and my political views. I was demoted a short time later I was fired, Kluth said.

Her attorneys claim the reason given was she not living up to the mission, vision and values of the Sheriffs Office.

A few months later, Kluth filed a federal lawsuit against the sheriffs office and former Sheriff Tony Spurlock, claiming she was unjustly fired out of political retaliation.

She said it was something that violated her constitutional rights as well as Colorado law.

Police officers have rights too, and employees have rights, and me as the undersheriff or the captain of the Douglas County Sheriffs Office, I have rights  and those rights were violated, Kluth said. Colorado law, Douglas County policy, they all require due process, and I was fired without due process.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you need to do something about it

She received the settlement after nearly four years.

I believe that this outcome has helped me to show people I was in the right and my allegations were legitimate and justice and the truth has come out, Kluth said.

She said shes thankful the federal court is designed to protect constitutional rights.

Our country was formed on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and all of those laws that protect people and protect citizens from people that should do things against them that are not right, Kluth said. And if you believe that you have been violated, that your rights have been violated, you need to do something about it. You need to fight for yourself and fight for other people that in the future may run into this.

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FOX31 reached out to Douglas County. Through their attorney, the county denied any wrongdoing.

County Attorney Jeffrey Garcia said in a statement: At the direction of our outside counsel and our insurance company, Douglas County agreed to settle this matter, including the denial of any wrongdoing and the settlement amount being paid by our insurance company.

FOX31 also reached out to former sheriff Spurlock. That statement can be read at the top of the story.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Firefighters battled an intense fire at a duplex in Dorchester Friday night.

Firefighters responding to a roaring fire on Intervale Street were greeted by thick smoke.

The Boston Fire Department shared photos on social media of firefighters hosing down the black and charred back porch of the multi-story home.

At Approximately 7:45 companies had heavy smoke and fire in the rear of a 3 story duplex building at 76 Intervale st Dorchester. pic.twitter.com/LYI0g3AY4b  Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 27, 2024

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Firefighters extinguish blaze at buildings in South Boston

Boston Firefighters extinguished a blaze at multiple buildings on East Broadway in Southie on Saturday afternoon.

Fire crews received a call around 2 p.m. for a fire in the back of 587 East Broadway. A 3rd alarm was quickly struck.

Video shows an orange glow of fire at the top of the buildings. Thick black smoke was seen from miles away.

There are no injuries to report and 8 people have been displaced.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This is what the 1st alarm companies saw arriving at the 3 alarm fire on East Broadway st south Boston pic.twitter.com/nOSE2tfsJf  Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) July 27, 2024

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
DENVER (KDVR)  Firefighters were battling a vegetation fire near Interstate 25 in Castle Pines Friday afternoon.

The fire was burning on the west side of I-25 between Castle Pines Parkway and Happy Canyon Road.

Photos: Smoke in Denver from different perspectives

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The fire burned about 2 acres of land, South Metro Fire Rescue estimated.

Crews respond to the scene of a grass fire near Interstate 25 and East Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines on July 26, 2024. (Colorado Department of Transportation)

Crews respond to the scene of a grass fire near Interstate 25 and East Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines on July 26, 2024. (Colorado Department of Transportation)

Crews respond to the scene of a grass fire near Interstate 25 and East Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines on July 26, 2024. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

Crews respond to the scene of a grass fire near Interstate 25 and East Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines on July 26, 2024. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

Crews respond to the scene of a grass fire near Interstate 25 and East Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines on July 26, 2024. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

Crews respond to the scene of a grass fire near Interstate 25 and East Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines on July 26, 2024. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

Crews respond to the scene of a grass fire near Interstate 25 and East Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines on July 26, 2024. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

Crews respond to the scene of a grass fire near Interstate 25 and East Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines on July 26, 2024. (South Metro Fire Rescue)

South Metro said the fire was spreading southwest toward Legae Road, but said as of 2:38 p.m. that the fire stopped progressing, and crews had begun mop-up efforts to extinguish any leftover hot spots.

No structures were threatened and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fires in the West are becoming ever bigger, consuming. Why and what can be done?

Decades of snuffing out fires at the first sign of smoke combined with climate change have laid the groundwork for a massive wildfire in northern California and scores of smaller ones across the western U.S. and Canada, experts say.

These fires are moving faster and are harder to fight than those in the past. The only way to stop future wildfires from becoming so ferocious is to use smaller controlled fires, as indigenous people did for centuries, experts say. But they acknowledge that change won't be easy.

Here are some things to know about the latest fires and why they are so savage:

Blazes scorch hundreds of square miles

The Park Fire, the largest blaze so far this year in California, stood at 544 square miles (1,409 square kilometers) as of Saturday. It ignited Wednesday when authorities said a man pushed a burning car into a gully in Chico and then calmly blended in with others fleeing the scene.

Its intensity and dramatic spread led fire officials to make unwelcome comparisons to the monstrous Camp Fire that fire burned out of control in nearby Paradise in 2018, killing 85 people and torching 11,000 homes.

Communities elsewhere in the U.S. West and Canada also were under siege Saturday from fast-moving flames. More than 110 active fires covering 2,800 square miles (7,250 square kilometers) were burning in the U.S. on Friday, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Fires are becoming bigger and more threatening

Amped up is how Jennifer Marlon, a research scientist at Yales School of the Environment, described the recent fires.

Marlon said there aren't necessarily more wildfires now, but they are larger and more severe because of the warming atmosphere. The big message is that seeing extreme wildfires is just part of a series of unnatural disasters that we are going to continue seeing because of climate change, she said.

Ten of Californias 20 largest fires occurred in the last five years, said Benjamin Hatchett, a fire meteorologist with the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere with Colorado State University, in Fort Collins.

And he noted that the Park Fire was in eighth place as of Saturday morning, even as it continued to spread. He blamed climate change for creating more variability in weather conditions.

We have a lot of very, very wet years and very, very dry years," Hatchett said. "And so we get a lot of this variability that helps to accumulate and then dry out fuels.

Such is the case this year in California, where record-setting temperatures dried up the plant growth that sprung up during recent wetter-than-average years, Hatchett said.

So now we really have a really good setup for having these widespread large wildfires," Hatchett said. "And were starting to push the limits of firefighting resource availability.

These fires don't even give firefighters a chance to rest at night, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the University of California, Los Angeles and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Theyre burning with extreme intensity straight through the overnight and just continuing on into the next day, he said. Were also seeing fires burning over a longer fire season than we used to.

Forests may have trouble recovering

The fires that are burning today are sometimes so severe and hot that they transform forests into a different type of ecosystem, Swain said.

The forest is not coming back in the same in the same way as it was in a lot of regions, Swain said.

Part of the issue is that climate change means that there are hotter conditions as plant life returns. In some cases, trees are replaced with invasive grasses that are themselves flammable.

So the climate change has altered the context in which these fires are occurring, he said. And thats affecting not only the intensity and the severity of the fires themselves, which it clearly is at this point, but its also affecting the ability of ecosystems to recover afterwards.

Snuffing out fires in the past created problems now

In parts of the country, like the Midwest, farmers use fire to control trees, woody shrubs and invasive species. But not so in the western U.S., where fires have been extinguished in their infancy for decades.

The problem now is weve allowed so much fuel to build up in some of these places that the fires burn very hot and intense. And that tends to do more damage than what nature typically will do with a fire, said Tim Brown, a research professor at the Desert Research Institute and director of the Western Regional Climate Center in Reno, Nevada.

Fires were once commonplace in the West because of lightning strikes and indigenous burning, Hatchett said. The practice stopped during colonial settlement, but it now needs to return, Hatchett said.

Thats the only way were really going to get out of this, is to really accept and embrace the use of fire on our terms, Hatchett said. Otherwise were going to get fire on the fires terms, which is like what were seeing right now.

Doing so isn't easy because there are no longer big-open landscapes where millions of acres can burn unchecked, Swain acknowledged.

And thats sort of the conundrum: This is something we need to be doing more of. But the practical reality of doing so is not at all simple, Swain said.

But he said there is no option to address the wildfire risk that doesn't involve fire.

Were going to see more and more fire on the ground," he said. The question is whether we want to see it in the form of more manageable, primarily beneficial prescribed burns, or in these primarily harmful, huge, intense conflagrations that were increasingly seeing.
The first cohort of pilots have completed their training at the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) in Romania.

Source: European Pravda, with reference to the Dutch Ministry of Defence

Details: Romanian pilots were the first to graduate from the training centre; they were deemed combat-ready and can now be deployed.

The Netherlands played an important role in the creation of the EFTC and provided a total of 18 F-16 aircraft.

During the training, the pilots practised various scenarios, flying missions in the dark and training alongside pilots from NATO member states. During the training, they only flew in NATO airspace.

"NATOs strength lies in cooperation. The European F-16 Training Centre is a good example of this. We have a unique way of working at the EFTC in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and Romania. Successful Romanian pilots can now be deployed to ensure the safety of NATO airspace. They will therefore strengthen our security and the Alliances defence capabilities," said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

In the long term, Ukrainian pilots will also be trained to operate F-16 fighter jets at the centre. "I am looking forward to the moment when the first Ukrainian pilots will be trained here. Ukraine has a great need to strengthen its air defence," Brekelmans said.

In addition to the F-16s designed for the training centre, the Netherlands is also donating 24 aircraft to Ukraine. Along with Denmark and the United States, the Netherlands is leading the European effort to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.

Background:

On 2 July, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced that permission has been granted to export 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

On 10 July, the Norwegian government said it decided to provide Ukraine with six F-16 fighter jets, the first of which will be delivered in 2024.

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Fortive Corp (NYSE:FTV) showcases robust revenue growth driven by strategic acquisitions and organic expansion.

Segment realignment and divestiture reflect Fortive's agility in optimizing its business portfolio.

Technological innovation and market leadership in Intelligent Operating Solutions (IOS) and Precision Technologies (PT) segments underline Fortive's competitive edge.

Global economic uncertainties and intense competition pose significant threats to Fortive's market position.

Fortive Corp (NYSE:FTV), a diversified industrial technology company, reported its financial performance for the quarter ended June 28, 2024, through its latest 10-Q filing. With a revenue of approximately $6.1 billion in 2023, Fortive continues to serve a wide array of end markets, including manufacturing, utilities, medical, and electronics. The company's recent financial statements reflect its commitment to growth through strategic acquisitions, segment realignment, and divestitures, ensuring a strong market position and resilience in the face of global economic challenges.

Decoding Fortive Corp (FTV): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Market Leadership and Brand Recognition: Fortive Corp (NYSE:FTV) has established itself as a leader in the industrial technology sector, with a portfolio of well-known brands that command significant market positions. The company's Intelligent Operating Solutions (IOS), Precision Technologies (PT), and Advanced Healthcare Solutions (AHS) segments offer a suite of products and services that are essential to their customers' workflows. This brand strength is not only a testament to Fortive's history of innovation but also provides a competitive edge in acquiring and retaining customers.

Strategic Acquisitions and Segment Realignment: Fortive's proactive approach to acquisitions and divestitures has been a key driver of its growth. The recent divestiture of Invetech, excluding the Motion Solution Business, and the realignment of Invetech from the AHS segment to the PT segment, demonstrate the company's agility in optimizing its business portfolio to focus on more profitable and strategic areas. These moves allow Fortive to concentrate resources on areas with the highest growth potential, thereby strengthening its financial and competitive position.

Weaknesses

Dependence on Global Economic Conditions: As a multinational corporation, Fortive's operations and sales are subject to fluctuations in the global economy. Approximately 46% of Fortive's sales in 2023 were derived from customers outside the United States, exposing the company to risks associated with international economic, regulatory, and political factors. This dependence on global markets could lead to volatility in sales and earnings, particularly in times of economic downturn or geopolitical instability.

Operational Risks: Fortive's complex supply chain and reliance on certain materials and components pose operational risks. Disruptions in supply or transportation, or issues with sole or limited sources of supply, could lead to production inefficiencies, delays, and increased costs. These risks are exacerbated by the company's need to adjust manufacturing capacity to reflect market conditions and customer demand, which, if not managed effectively, could impact profitability.

Opportunities

Technological Innovation: Fortive's growth is partly contingent on the timely development and commercialization of new products and services. The company's focus on technological innovation positions it to capitalize on emerging trends, such as the electrification and connectivity of devices and systems. By continuing to invest in research and development, Fortive can maintain its market leadership and drive future growth through the introduction of cutting-edge solutions.

Expansion in High-Growth Markets: Fortive has the opportunity to expand its presence in high-growth markets, which have experienced accelerated growth in gross domestic product and infrastructure. With mid-teens growth in regions like Latin America and low single-digit growth in China, Fortive can leverage its diversified portfolio to capture increased market share and revenue in these rapidly developing economies.

Threats

Intense Competition: Fortive operates in a highly competitive environment where the ability to innovate and efficiently deliver products and services is crucial. The company faces competition from both established players and new entrants, which could lead to decreased demand and market share. To remain competitive, Fortive may need to engage in price reductions, which could affect its profitability and financial performance.

Regulatory and Compliance Risks: Fortive's businesses are subject to extensive regulation, including healthcare regulations. Non-compliance with these regulations could lead to legal and financial repercussions, damaging the company's reputation and financial statements. Additionally, changes in industry standards and governmental regulations could increase expenses or reduce demand for Fortive's products and services.

In conclusion, Fortive Corp (NYSE:FTV) exhibits a strong market presence and brand recognition, bolstered by strategic acquisitions and a focus on technological innovation. However, the company must navigate global economic sensitivities and operational risks that could impact its profitability. Opportunities for growth in high-growth markets and through technological advancements are counterbalanced by the threats of intense competition and regulatory challenges. Fortive's ability to leverage its strengths while effectively managing its weaknesses and threats will be critical in sustaining its competitive edge and ensuring long-term success.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


A new picture offering the best look to date at a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter armed with GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs has disclosed the use of a special pylon with a mysterious feature in front.

A picture offering the best look to date at U.S.-made GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) loaded on a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter, seen at the top of this story and below, has emerged. The image also shows the use of a special pylon with what may be a white-colored antenna or sensor, which might be tied to an electronic countermeasures system, to hang the four-bomb SDB racks under the MiG-29s wing.

When or where the picture of the GBU-39/B-armed MiG-29 was taken is unknown. Three SDBs are visible loaded on a standard BRU-61/A rack, which is designed to hold up to four of these 250-pound-class weapons. The image looks to have been first posted online earlier today by a user with the handle @air_winged on the Telegram social media network.

@air_winged via X

The Ukrainian military first disclosed it had begun employing air-launched SDBs in May. Prior to that, Ukraine was only known to have received Ground Launched SDBs (GLSDB). That weapon system appears to have performed poorly in combat, at least initially, and it is not clear to what extent it remains in service. Air-launched SDBs have been previously observed under the wings of MiG-29s. There have been claims that Ukraines Su-27 Flankers are also carrying these bombs, but, while plausible, pictures claiming to show this are at best unclear.

First images of a Ukrainian MiG-29 Fulcrum operationally flying with US-supplied and integrated GBU-39 SDB precision glide bombs.



Appears to be carrying four SDBs, under a pair of underwing BRU-61 carriages. pic.twitter.com/Q4KphGlUVf  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 26, 2024

A Ukrainian Su-27 with GBU-39/B SDBs. pic.twitter.com/REx4Dc1bUt     (@TheDeadDistrict) July 13, 2024

Based on the paint scheme worn by the jet in the newly emerged picture, it appears to be one of the 13 Fulcrums Ukraine received from Slovakia last year. In the mid-2000s. the Russian Aircraft Corporation-MiG (RAC MiG), in cooperation with Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems in the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively, integrated a unique upgrade package onto these jets that included enhanced avionics, communications gear, navigation systems, and more.

The MiG-29AS (and two-seat MiG-29UBS equivalent) is a Slovakian upgrade by RSK MiG, together with Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems. New IFF, radio, VOR/ILS, TACAN. Some new Russian cockpit kit and digital camouflage. Ten single-seaters and a pair of two-seaters completed. /26 pic.twitter.com/rBYCw5cB1f  Thomas Newdick (@CombatAir) June 8, 2020

In Slovakian service, the upgraded MiG-29s continued to use standard pylons making the one seen on the SDB-armed example now flying for Ukraine something of a mystery. At the most basic level, some kind of adapter is clearly necessary to mate the BRU-61/A to the hardpoint under the Fulcrums wing. Similar arrangements have been seen on other Ukrainian combat jets as part of the integration of other Western missiles and precision-guided bombs. That integration work is also known to make use of iPads, or similar tablets-like devices, mounted in the cockpit to actually employ the weapons, as you can read more about here.

Ukrainian MiG-29/Su-27 were modified over two years to carrying various Western ammunition.

AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM).

JDAM-ER precision-guided glide bombs.

AASM 250 HAMMER extended-range guided bomb.

GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). pic.twitter.com/LYEXXBNUVR  War Armor (@WarArmor13) May 25, 2024

Then there is the matter of the fairing at the front of the pylon, the purpose of which is unknown. Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s do use special pylons to carry larger Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) glide bombs that have tapered protrusions in front with black-colored antenna/sensors, emitters, or at least an aperture to accommodate one of them, at the tip. However, the protrusions on those pylons extend well forward of where the weapon is attached and out from under the aircrafts wing. The War Zone has previously assessed this is mostly likely tied to the cueing of the GPS-assisted guidance systems on the JDAM-ERs before launch. The SDBs also use GPS-assisted guidance (some later versions also have a laser-guided mode), so the fairing on the pylon might have a similar function, but its position more underneath the wing seems less optimal for this purpose, which would require a good line of sight to satellites in space.

A good look at the pylon Ukrainian combat jets use to employ the JDAM-ER, seen here under the wing of a MiG-29. via X via X

There is also the potential then that the fairing could be an antenna or sensor, and part of a larger electronic countermeasures or electronic support measures system. The War Zone has highlighted in the past how giving Ukraines combat jets additional self-protection capabilities would be highly desirable given the Russian air defense threats they face on a daily basis. Such a system might also be able to help with actively targeting hostile air defense or electronic warfare systems.

Ukraine is known to be in line to get home-on-GPS-jam seekers for its JDAM-ERs in response to Russias very effective use of GPS jamming against Western-supplied precision-guided air and ground-launched munitions. The company that makes the seekers, Scientific Applications and Research Associates Inc. (SARA), has also demonstrated the integration of similar capabilities onto the SDB in the past.

US Air Force SDBs fitted with home-on-jam seekers. USAF GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) with home-on-GPS-jam seekers that were employed in the December 2020 Golden Horde test. USAF

Previous statements from U.S. officials have indicated that the GLSDBs were particularly impacted by Russias GPS jammers, though air-launched examples have reportedly proven to be more resilient. The SDB, in general, has offered Ukraine an important new way to strike targets at stand-off ranges of up to around 46 miles with high accuracy. The bombs also have the ability to penetrate semi-hardened static targets and there are significant stocks of the weapons that can be drawn on among NATO allies.

An SDB seen right before hitting a mock hardened aircraft shelter during a test. USAF

The need for stand-off range in the face of serious air defense threats on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine has made glide bombs of various types increasingly the go-to weapons for the Ukrainian and Russian air forces. Russia has just recently begun employing a massive 6,000-pound-class type based around the FAB-3000 unguided bomb and has also been making use of a smaller design commonly referred to as UMPB D-30SN that is similar in some very broad respects to the SDB.

russian killers announced the launch of the super-powerful FAB3000 in Ukraine.

Thanks to Biden and his insane ban on attacking russian airports, they can launch from just behind the front lines.

If this bomb falls on a hospital or supermarket, both favorite targets of russian pic.twitter.com/1xbyUrVgZr  Jurgen Nauditt (@jurgen_nauditt) July 14, 2024

Another photo, uploaded on the same Telegram channel yesterday, showing an UMPB D-30SN affixed to a rack on the inboard port wing station of a VKS Su-34. https://t.co/NGaxlwE9S1 pic.twitter.com/zlbEOyars3  Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) June 13, 2024

In addition to SDBs and JDAM-ERs, Ukraines glide-bomb arsenal includes French-made rocket-assisted AASM-250 Hammers, which you can read more about here.

As with the pylon Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s use to carry JDAM-ERs, more insights into the one with the mystery fairing that has now been observed in combination with SDBs on their special four bomb rack, may emerge in the future.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Early this morning, sheriffs deputies with the Putnam County Sheriffs Office fatally shot 31-year-old Phillip Allen Baldwin at 12:48 a.m. after he reportedly threatened them with a 9mm pistol, concluding an hour-long series of violent encounters with South Putnam residents. Baldwin, who was armed with a 9mm pistol, succumbed to his injuries.

According to a statement released by the PCSO, the incident began late Friday evening when dispatchers received two distress calls involving Baldwin.

At 11:33 p.m., a woman on Shell Harbor Road called for help, referencing a carjacking. As deputies responded, another call for help came in at approximately 12:36 a.m. Saturday morning from the 300 block of North Second Street in Satsuma. The caller reported a man threatening others with a 9mm pistol. Witnesses at the scene identified Baldwin as an armed individual.

Deputies located Baldwin in the area and, as they attempted to approach, Baldwin made a gesture suggesting he was reaching for the firearm in his waistband, exposing the weapon. In response, deputies fired, striking Baldwin multiple times.

Read: Eye on the tropics: Watching a disturbance in the Atlantic

After the shooting, deputies immediately administered CPR. Baldwin was transported to HCA Putnam Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

All three deputies involved are on administrative leave, under the sheriffs office policy. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the incident, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. This is the first such incident in Putnam County since 2017.

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time. Body camera footage of the incident is currently under review.

Read: Still about 100 drivers down: OCPS needs bus drivers for upcoming school year

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ST. CLOUD  Not only is former President Trump crisscrossing the country, traveling from rally to rally, but so is Uncle Sam. On Saturday, they both stopped in St. Cloud.

Entertainer and voice actor Duane Schwingel has traveled to more than 50 rallies dressed as Uncle Sam. Each time, he is pulled aside by Trump supporters for photos and a laugh.

Uncle Sam always comes to the country's aid when its in need, Schwingel said.

More: Trump speaks in St. Cloud, Sat. Trump will hold St. Cloud rally as GOP eyes Minn. political races

St. Cloud City Council candidate Scott Brodeen posing with "Uncle Sam" at the July 27, 2024 Trump rally.

Schwingel, who resides in Florida, said he isnt paid for his efforts and engages with the crowd free of charge. He said his efforts are funded in part by small supporter donations, a dollar here and there, adding up over time.

I've always been an entertainer all my life, Schwingel said. Now at least, I'm focusing on something important and being a good steward of my town (by supporting a candidate I believe in.)

Schwingel told the St. Cloud Times he decided to go on the trail to support Trump because hes an outsider, not a typical politician. The former presidents business ventures also appeal to the entertainer, saying the president cannot be bought out because he doesnt need the money.

He's an outsider. He's a billionaire, so he can't be bought, Schwingel said. I like that.

Although Schwingel said he hasn't had much time to explore St. Cloud, he said he's enjoyed talking to locals he's met while in Central Minnesota.

Corey Schmidt covers local government for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Uncle Sam has attended 50+ Trump rallies, here's what he has to say
Florida has one of best school systems in the U.S., according to WalletHub

Florida has the 11th-best school system in the country, according to a recent WalletHub study.

The personal finance company compared 50 states and the District of Columbia based on 32 factors, including performance, funding, safety, class size, and instructor credentials.

Florida ranked 11th for quality and 8th for safety.

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Georgia ranked 35th overall. Also overall, Massachusetts has the best school system and New Mexico the worst.

Of note, Florida tied 47th for the lowest median SAT score. It was also 47th for the highest pupil-teacher ratio.

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The Forest Park Pool, a summertime oasis redesigned twice in its 100-year history, was on the budgetary chopping block in 2021, destined to be downsized to a kiddie pool with four short lanes, a water slide and a splash pad.

What could I, a lifelong swimmer whose Masters Team practiced at sunrise, do to keep this aquatic treasure from losing its Olympic-size, 50-meter lanes?

Several months earlier, I had begun writing monthly local history columns for the Star-Telegram. My next story was slated for Labor Day weekend. Instinctively, I knew what to do. I wrote a 900-word column about the hallowed pool and its past. It ended with the words, Labor Day 2021 may be the last chance for a dip into Fort Worths swimming history.

It wasnt long before TV cameras were poolside. A grassroots movement to upgrade, rather than dumb-down, the aquatic site ballooned. Public meetings followed. An online petition gathered 1,472 signatures (and pithy remarks) sent to the email boxes of park personnel and city council members.

Two months ago, two state-of-the-art pools  one for serious swimmers and the other for beginners  opened with racing lanes, backstroke flags, two water slides, well-lit locker rooms, picnic tables and attractive landscaping. Families lined up to enter.

An over head view of the grand re-opening of Forest Park Pool in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday May 24, 2024. (Special to the Star-Telegram/Bob Booth)

There is still power in local journalism to spark significant change.

Before the internet became pervasive, I had spent a decade reporting full-time for the Star-Telegram. In 1997, I left the paper to focus on books, anthologies, academic journals and archival work. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I began submitting Sunday columns and signed a contract to write once every five weeks. It has been flattering to hear readers compliments and fun to dispute their complaints.

Nonetheless, at the age of 77, I am slowing down. I will no longer be writing once a month, just once in a while. It has been a privilege to fill this prominent space in the local section the past three-and-a-half years and to write 40 columns about whatever I chose.

When the pipes burst at my house during Januarys deep freeze, I turned my domestic disaster into a column recounting paralyzing deep freezes over the past century. The research proved cathartic. It put my burst pipes into historic context.

When a friend asked, Whats the story on that eyesore at 411 W. Lancaster Avenue? I looked into it. The eight-story Texas & Pacific Warehouse, an Art Deco landmark owned by a Dallas company, is vacant, crumbling, and deteriorating in place.

Although the Dallas Morning News reprinted my column verbatim and the Fort Worth Report ran follow-up stories, little has happened. Despite the power of the press, demolition by neglect continues.

Half of my columns stemmed from my work as volunteer director of the Fort Worth Jewish Archives. One article profiled Carshons Deli, the kosher-style eatery that dates to 1925. Another column focused on Rabbi Robert Schur, the citys first white clergyman to march for Black civil rights. A retired librarian asked me to write about the annual Jewish womens book fair that from 1958 to 1997 recycled paperbacks and hardcovers. Readers  among them Pulitzer Prize winner Larry McMurtry  drove great distances for these bookshelf bargains.

Another subscriber suggested a column about her aunt, Erma Duffy Lewis, who in 1972 launched the Sojourner Truth Players, the regions first established Black theatrical troupe. That column led to an assignment from the Handbook of Texas Online for a more detailed profile and a bibliography. Another column that caught the eye of the Handbook editors profiled B. Max Mehl, the numismatist on Magnolia Avenue who popularized coin collecting worldwide.

Earlier this year, a law partner of the late Jerry Murad shared an emotional experience. He had once asked Murad, a World War II veteran, to describe his worst wartime encounter. Murad teared up as he recalled the day his artillery unit liberated a concentration camp of starving, emaciated Jewish inmates. They looked like skeletons.

Research into the Second World War continues to uncover surprising human-interest stories. My columns about teenage Holocaust survivors who grew up in Fort Worth always elicited memories from classmates. When Harry Pila, a hidden wartime child, who graduated from McLean and Paschal, published his memoir in 2022, it included engaging observations about Cowtown.

Erika Meyer, another Nazi-era immigrant and McLean graduate, saved her familys letters from Germany. Her son donated them to an archive in New York, and an award-winning memoirist is writing Erikas biography and will visit Fort Worth to conduct research in a year or two.

Harry Pila and Erika Meyer encountered positive, welcoming families in Cowtown.

That was not the case for two Holocaust sisters who arrived at the Texas & Pacific Station in 1941 and received mega publicity. They had a negative experience and left Fort Worth in less than a year. Where did they disappear to? Stay tuned. I am still pursuing their story. The next time I visit this space, the sisters will likely be the subject.

Hollace Ava Weiner, an archivist, author, and historian, is director of the Fort Worth Jewish Archives.
Former AR clerk accused of stealing over $300K appears in court

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A former clerk from Marion, Arkansas District Court, accused of stealing more than $300,000 in court fines, had her own court hearing on Friday.

Megan Goudy was fired two years ago and charged with theft and forgery.

While Goudy was at the Poinsett County Circuit Court, a plea offer and a plea negotiation hearing fell through.

Former clerk accused of stealing $320K from Marion court

I was under the impression she would plea today, that we would dispose of the case. But I anticipated the plea might not go through for various reasons and it didnt, Jimmy Turnbow, Prosecuting Attorney, Poinsett County.

Goudy allegedly misappropriated over $320,000 in court fines while she was a clerk at District Court in Marion Arkansas between 2019 and 2022. A state audit put the amount involved closer to $415,000.

Goudy agreed to plead guilty under Arkansas First Offender Act, make restitution, and have her charges dismissed. But the judge said no, noting it could take twenty years for Goudy to repay hundreds of thousands of dollars.

So I then asked the Defendant if they wanted to plead not under the first offender act and she didnt want to do that, Turnbow said. So we withdrew the plea arraignment and were set for a jury trial.

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Marions Mayor was also at the hearing anxious for a resolution to the case.

My top priority is that the citizens of Marion, Crittenden County, and the State of Arkansas recoup their money, however, that happens. If Ms. Goudy is found guilty in a jury trial, she goes to jail. I hope theres some restitution involved, said Tracy Brick, Mayor of Marion, Arkansas.

If we cant recoup it, she can go to prison, said Chris Crain, City Attorney in Marion, Arkansas.

A jury trial is slated for the October jury term in Marion.

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Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is among GOP peers in six states who challenged President Joe Biden's student debt relief plan in federal court. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Former President Donald Trump endorsed former state Attorney General Derek Schmidt in the five-candidate Republican Party primary in the 2nd congressional district of Kansas.

Trump, who earned the GOPs presidential nomination for the third time, said he was impressed Schmidt was reelected attorney general in 2016 and 2020 by wide margins.

An American First patriot and a true friend of MAGA, Trump said on social media, Derek is now running for Congress, where he will work tirelessly to grow the economy, secure the border, uphold the rule of law, support our veterans, strengthen our military, defend our always-under-siege Second Amendment and champion our incredible farmers and ranchers.

Trump said Schmidt had his complete and total endorsement, and declared that Schmidt would never let you down.

Five candidates entered the GOP primary to select a nominee to run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican who decided against seeking reelection to Congress.

Schmidt, who has consistently led the Republican field by double digits in polling, said he was honored to receive Trumps endorsement.

His strength under adversity like we saw this month in Pennsylvania is exactly what we need to get America running again, Schmidt said. We will secure our border, make daily life more affordable for families and stop federal bureaucrats from overregulating our lives.

In addition to Schmidt, the other Republican candidates on the Aug. 6 ballot are Chad Young, of Lawrence; Matt Ogle of Topeka, Shawn Tiffany of Delavan and Jeff Kahrs of Topeka. The Democratic Party primary candidates are Nancy Boyda of Baldwin City and Matt Kleinmann of Kansas City, Kansas.

The commentary of candidates in the GOP primary has frequently touched on how much each was fond of Trumps leadership and policies.

Kahrs, who worked at a federal agency during Trumps presidential term, has produced advertising that proclaims Trump chose Jeff Kahrs. The line derives from the fact Kahrs was appointed a regional administrator in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after serving in the administration of Gov. Sam Brownback.
Former Steelers lineman Isaiah Buggs sentenced to hard labor for animal cruelty charges

Former Steelers defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs has been convicted of animal cruelty.

Buggs, 27, has been sentenced to a year of hard labor. A Tuscaloosa, Alabama judge ordered him to serve 60 days.

The remainder of the sentence will be suspended pending his behavior, AP reports.

Buggs, who most recently played for the Kansas City Chiefs, is not allowed to have or be around firearms or own dogs or cats.

The Chiefs released Buggs on June 24 after he was arrested in Alabama. He had signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season prior to his release.

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International Paper Co exhibits robust market presence with a third of the North American corrugated packaging market share.

Recent financials indicate a strong balance sheet, yet the company faces challenges in operational efficiency and market competition.

Opportunities for growth are present in emerging markets and through strategic investments in innovation.

External threats include potential antitrust fines and evolving environmental regulations.

On July 26, 2024, International Paper Co (NYSE:IP), a leading manufacturer of packaging products and cellulose fibers, filed its 10-Q report, revealing a detailed account of its financial and operational status. With a significant hold on the North American corrugated packaging market and a presence in Brazil, India, and China, IP stands as a formidable player in the industry. The financial tables from the filing indicate a company with a solid financial foundation, yet one that must navigate through a complex landscape of operational and competitive challenges. This SWOT analysis delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as disclosed in their recent SEC filing, providing investors with a comprehensive understanding of IP's strategic position.

Decoding International Paper Co (IP): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Market Dominance and Brand Power: International Paper Co's commanding share of the North American corrugated packaging market is a testament to its brand strength and operational scale. With over a third of the market under its belt, IP benefits from economies of scale, a broad customer base, and a strong distribution network. This market dominance is supported by a robust balance sheet, showcasing $5.6 billion in debt with a fair value of approximately $5.2 billion, indicating a healthy financial leverage and creditworthiness. Furthermore, the company's strategic investments in its Box Go-to-Market strategy have begun to yield improvements in customer delivery and machine productivity, reinforcing its competitive edge.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives: IP's commitment to innovation is evident in its adoption of the 2024 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, aimed at fostering a culture of performance and innovation among its workforce. The company's focus on sustainability, as seen in its efforts to manage environmental liabilities and invest in eco-friendly practices, not only enhances its brand reputation but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions. These initiatives position IP favorably in a market increasingly influenced by corporate social responsibility.

Story continues

Weaknesses

Operational Inefficiencies: Despite its market leadership, IP acknowledges operational challenges that have hindered its Industrial Packaging volumes, which lag behind the overall packaging market. The second quarter of 2024 saw earnings impacted by reliability and capacity issues, which the company is actively addressing through increased investments and an 80/20 strategic approach. However, these operational inefficiencies have resulted in a performance below expectations, highlighting the need for continued focus on improving operational metrics to maintain its competitive position.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges: IP faces ongoing legal and regulatory challenges, including a significant antitrust fine in Italy and a tax litigation matter in Brazil. The Italian Competition Authority's decision to uphold a fine against IP's subsidiary, despite appeals, and the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service's challenge to the deductibility of goodwill amortization, represent potential financial and reputational risks. These issues underscore the importance of robust compliance and risk management systems to mitigate the impact of such challenges on the company's operations and financial health.

Opportunities

Expansion in Emerging Markets: International Paper Co's presence in emerging markets like Brazil, India, and China presents significant growth opportunities. As these economies continue to develop, the demand for packaging products is expected to rise, offering IP the chance to expand its market share and diversify its revenue streams. Strategic investments in these regions, coupled with the company's established brand and expertise, could lead to increased sales and profitability.

Technological Advancements: The packaging industry is evolving with technological advancements, and IP is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. By investing in cutting-edge manufacturing processes and innovative packaging solutions, IP can enhance its product offerings, improve operational efficiency, and meet the changing needs of customers. Embracing digital transformation and automation can also lead to cost savings and a stronger competitive edge in the global market.

Threats

Competitive Pressure and Market Dynamics: The packaging industry is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. International Paper Co must continuously innovate and adapt to changing market dynamics to stay ahead. The company's recent financials indicate a need to manage debt levels and maintain liquidity to fund operations and strategic initiatives. With a total debt-to-capital ratio requirement of less than 60%, IP must carefully balance its financial obligations while pursuing growth opportunities.

Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Trends: As environmental concerns become more prominent, regulations governing packaging materials and waste management are becoming stricter. International Paper Co must navigate these regulatory landscapes and invest in sustainable practices to comply with new standards and maintain its social license to operate. The shift towards eco-friendly packaging solutions also presents a threat to traditional packaging materials, pushing IP to innovate and adapt its product portfolio to meet these new consumer preferences.

In conclusion, International Paper Co (NYSE:IP) stands as a dominant force in the packaging industry, bolstered by a strong market presence and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. However, operational challenges and legal hurdles pose significant risks that require diligent management. With opportunities for expansion in emerging markets and technological advancements, IP is poised to capitalize on growth prospects. Yet, the company must remain vigilant against competitive pressures and evolving environmental regulations that threaten its market position. This SWOT analysis underscores the complex interplay of factors influencing IP's strategic direction and highlights the importance of a proactive and adaptive approach to ensure long-term success.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Fort Worth ISD board mucks up badly needed strategic plan. What are we doing here? | Opinion

If Hollywood wants to remake The Gang That Couldnt Shoot Straight, may we recommend basing it on the Fort Worth school board?

At its July 23 meeting, the board voted down a strategic plan crafted by Superintendent Angelica Ramsey and her staff. The plan, the result of months of work, represents the administrations comprehensive attempt to improve educational achievement. Two board members, Anne Darr and Kevin Lynch, missed the meeting, and their colleagues expressed a desire to have the full board on record on the plan.

A trustee who supported the plan, Michael Ryan, was a no vote but said the plan would come up again in August. He wrote in an email that he and others wanted each trustee to have ownership of the plan and said he would change his vote when the full board is present.

Still, it points to a growing governance problem in Fort Worth ISD. Board President Camille Rodriguez, who insisted on a vote to have the plan in place for the start of the school year, lamented: I do not know what our next steps are for this school district.

Voters and parents could be forgiven for thinking the same.

The biggest concern is that it looks like the board cant or wont get out of Ramseys way. In less than two years, she has pushed three major initiatives. A staff reorganization came with difficult job cuts, but the board, to its credit, backed Ramsey.

Administrators plans to close some middle schools due to the unrelenting reality of dropping enrollment fell flat with the board, though. Trustees voted not just to keep the targeted schools open but to proceed with expensive renovations, a frightful violation of fiscal discipline. (Ryan predicted that this plan, too, would come back before the board soon.)

And now, Ramseys been stymied in efforts to push the district toward much-needed academic reform. Are some board members souring on her performance already? Her contract runs through July 2026, and a recent evaluation did not yield an extension.

FWISD simply cannot advance with a lame-duck leader. Going back to square one with a new superintendent  if a good one could even be persuaded to take the job amid such dysfunction  will further delay the steps needed to fix the districts years-long academic crisis.

Trustee Quinton Q Phillips of District 3 in east/north Fort Worth, the only member to join Rodriguez in voting for the plan, was fairly blunt about the consequence of the vote.

I dont want there to be speculation about whether or not this is the direction the board wants to go in, he said at the meeting. I want [Ramsey] to be able to go full steam ahead. We talk all the time about accountability. Weve got to let her get to work, then.

Two trustees questioned whether district officials had done enough to communicate with families and solicit input for the plan. Its almost always true that governments can do better at informing the public and getting feedback. But sometimes, this is a go-to complaint to throw sand in the gears.

Fort Worth ISD held community forums and focus groups and sent out a survey. Trustee Roxanne Martinez complained that families, disconnected from schools for the summer, needed a text message to know about the questionnaire.

Sure. Theres always more to be done to communicate better. But the survey drew 3,700 responses. Thats more people than voted when Martinez first won the District 9 seat, which stretches from the north side to the southern edge of the district, in 2021. (Her runoff drew slightly more.) And its more than voted in two rounds combined when fellow complainant Wallace Bridges ran in District 4 (southeast Fort Worth) in 2022.

Bridges had a point that the draft of the plan should have been available to voters before the board decided on it. He questioned Ramseys plan, though, to have school principals lead the efforts to explain the strategy to families. While hes right that Ramsey herself should be front and center as much as possible, isnt it better for parents to hear from principals they know than central-office administrators they dont?

Finally, Rodriguez forced the vote, even though it should have been clear the plan wasnt going to pass. She made her point, but it doesnt exactly inspire confidence in the board.

The strategic plan is not perfect, and it should be adjusted along the way. But it tackles the right issues and sets ambitious goals.

Lets not forget what were talking about here: A district where nearly seven out of 10 third-graders cannot read at grade level. As weve said again and again, Fort Worth ISD needs significant change, and fast.

Every plan could be improved, but I think this one will meet the requirements of the district to improve student outcomes, Ryan told us. We will be continually adapting the plan to meet the ever changing needs of our students. The goals are realistic and meet the focus of the district.

The first step for the board to do that, as Phillips said, is to get out of Ramseys way.

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France arson attacks may be linked to radical groups, says report

Security forces stand at Gare Montparnasse station. A few hours before the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris, unknown persons carried out arson attacks on several facilities on the French high-speed train network. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa

The arson attacks on France's high-speed rail network hours before the opening of the Olympics may be linked to radical left-wingers and groups critical of the Olympics, the daily Le Parisien reported.

A letter claiming responsibility and containing references to ultra-leftist groups was sent to several French and international media outlets, Le Parisien reported Saturday evening.

The alleged perpetrators claimed responsibility for the arson attacks on Friday and suggested that their motive was to disrupt the Olympic Games.

"You call it a celebration? We see it as a celebration of nationalism, a gigantic staging of the subjugation of the population by the states," the newspaper quoted the letter as saying.

Investigators are now looking into whether this is a genuine claim of responsibility or an attempt to falsely claim credit for the attacks.

However, Le Parisien wrote that authorities considered this a serious lead in the case, as the confessional letter - which came via email - was sent through a secure domain name that has been regularly seen in investigations into violent left-wing protest movements.

The arson attacks on critical points of the French high-speed rail network severely disrupted rail traffic shortly before the start of the Olympic Games. French state rail provider SNCF expects traffic to be running normally again from Monday.

As many as 800,000 people were affected by train cancellations as a result of the attacks, SNCF said.
To the Editor:

In 1994, in an effort led by the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and co-sponsors, the Senate passed a ban on assault weapons including the semiautomatic AR-15. Republican members of Congress who did not support such a ban added amendments. To receive a majority of votes, Feinstein agreed to numerous exceptions, including a sunset provision of 10 years.

Six year later, during the 2000 presidential debate between Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush, the Republican candidate was asked if he became president, would he vote in 2004 to extend the ban. He stated that he would.

In 2004, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert refused to allow an extension of the ban to even come to a vote in Congress. He and other Republican leaders feared that if Bush did not vote for the extension, voters would refer to him as a liar. If he voted for the extension, pro-gun voters would not be happy with Bush and possibly not vote in the 2004 election.

Since 2004, numerous mass shooters have used assault weapons to kill too many people, including children in elementary schools.

On July 13, former President Donald Trump was injured in an assassination attempt by a 20-year-old registered Republican, Thomas Crooks, using an AR-15 assault weapon. One rally attendee was killed and two others were injured by that same assault weapon.

Robert Doyle

Franklin

This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Franklin resident says it's time to again consider assault weapon ban
A big rig hauling lithium-ion batteries overturned and caught fire, prompting a full closure of the 15 Freeway between Barstow and Baker on Friday, July 26, 2024.

An overturned big rig and resulting hazmat situation left motorists stranded in the desert just off the crucial interstate between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Here's the latest information:

CHP reports all lanes of I-15 now open, ending traffic nightmare

The northbound I-15 freeway is again fully open as of around 4:30 a.m. Sunday after a two-day closure due to a hazardous materials incident involving a lithium battery fire.

The northbound 15 freeway lanes in Baker had been closed since Friday, July 26, after a semi-truck hauling a container of lithium-ion batteries overturned, blocking the route to Las Vegas just before the weekend.

CHP reports freeway still closed Saturday evening, no timeline for reopening

CHP officials reported at 8:45 p.m. Saturday that there is no timetable set to reopen northbound I-15.

The CHP had hoped to open one northbound lane around noon Saturday. But after a hazardous materials crew tested the air for toxic fumes, authorities determined the situation still dangerous, and the still-burning battery fire remained too volatile.

Authorities advised motorists to avoid northbound travel on the 15 and to seek alternate routes through the 40 Freeway. But there have been reports of traffic delays of nearly two and a half hours on Highway 40 on a 70-mile stretch from Pisgah to Fenner.

A crisis situation is unfolding in the California desert. Thousands of people headed to Las Vegas have been stuck on the I-40 for many hours, running out of gas and water. This is all due to the lithium battery truck fire that closed down I-15 yesterday. pic.twitter.com/PnoQRzd4mX  Las Vegas Locally  (@LasVegasLocally) July 27, 2024

There are no reports of significant traffic slowdowns on southbound 15 for motorists returning from Las Vegas to California.

Detour routes reporting massive backups Saturday morning

Authorities advised motorists to avoid northbound travel on the 15 and to seek alternate routes through the 40 Freeway.

Traffic became so heavy on the 40 Freeway as drivers tried to get around the closure that the CHP issued a Sig Alert for that route.

There have been reports of traffic delays of nearly two and a half hours on Highway 40, a 70-mile stretch of road, from Pisgah to Fenner.

Authorities warned that GPS map devices are giving motorists alternative directions that could lead them onto unpaved dirt roads and trails unsuitable for most vehicles.

The California Highway Patrol issued the following statement: "We apologize for this inconvenience, but everything that is being done is in the interest of public safety. Due to the location of this incident, alternate routes are slim to none. Units are currently working to see if traffic can begin flowing safely, away from the inhalation hazard zone. Remain patient and safe as first responders and emergency personnel work on this dangerous situation."

CHP officials said Saturday morning that they hoped to open one northbound lane around noon. But after a hazardous materials crew tested the air for toxic fumes, authorities determined the situation and the still-burning battery fire remained too volatile to do so.

Northbound 15 remains closed Saturday morning, no re-opening timeline given

The northbound 15 freeway lanes in Baker remained closed on Saturday, July 27, after a semi-truck hauling a container of lithium-ion batteries overturned, blocking the route to Las Vegas just before the weekend, the California Highway Patrol reports.

The CHP reported the lithium battery fire was out at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, but it re-started at about 5:15 a.m., forcing a hard closure of northbound I-15 at Harvard Road. Traffic is being turned around at Field Road. There is no information regarding when the road will reopen.

Southbound lanes of the freeway were reopened about 3 p.m. Friday.

The burning batteries posed multiple threats, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District officials said.

"This product, when involved with fire, can escalate to a thermal runaway, which requires massive amounts of water to extinguish," the agency said in a written statement. "To ensure public safety, a hard closure of both northbound and southbound lanes of the 15 freeway has been enforced. Public safety is of the utmost importance, and keeping the area clear allows emergency responders to manage the situation effectively and prevent potential harm."

CHP officials described the burning cargo as a sealed container holding six "industrial grade lithium-ion batteries."

The hazardous freight weighed an estimated 75,000 pounds, fire officials added. Attempts to move it overnight with heavy machinery were unsuccessful.

Social media posts showed miles of stopped traffic on northbound I-15 all day Friday and Saturday morning.

Motorists have been stranded all along I-15 and I-40, authorities said.

The San Bernardino County Fire Logistics Division brought water to the Clyde V Kane Rest Stop off the northbound 15, south of Afton Canyon Road, for stuck motorists.

We are actively addressing the needs of motorists stuck without water and experiencing other issues, the department posted on X. We strongly recommend that all individuals attempting to travel northbound divert and seek alternate routes as the closure is expected to be extended due to the hazmat and suppression operations related to the truck fire.

What detour routes should motorists take to avoid Baker area

Authorities advised motorists to avoid northbound travel on the 15 and to seek alternate routes through the 40 Freeway.

The traffic became so heavy on the 40 Freeway as drivers tried to get around the closure, however, that the CHP issued a Sig Alert for that route, as well, at 8:45 a.m., logs show.

Authorities warned that GPS map devices are giving motorists alternative directions that could lead them onto unpaved dirt roads and trails unsuitable for most vehicles.

What are lithium-ion batteries?

A lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery made from lithium compounds. The batteries power laptops, cell phones, hybrids, and electric cars.

Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire due to thermal runaway, a chain reaction when a battery overheats and releases energy uncontrollably.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: I-15 Freeway connecting California to Las Vegas now open after fire
A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 29 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting multiple children and a dog, the Fresno County district attorneys office said Friday.

Gage Mason pleaded guilty to all counts and "aggravating factors" against him on June 5, according to the district attorney's office. He will be required to register as a sex offender, prosecutors said.

Gage Mason, 20, pleaded guilty to all counts and "aggravating factors" against him on June 5. (Fresno County Sheriff's Office)

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office launched its investigation into Mason after he was arrested in April 2023, after receiving a report of sexual assaults against minors.

Investigators learned that he had also performed a sexual act with a dog, the Sheriff's Department said at the time. Detectives determined the acts had taken place over a period of years, the department said.

At the time of his arrest last year, Mason was 18 and living in Clovis.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Fresno man sentenced in sexual assault case involving child victims and a dog, DA says

A Fresno man is going to prison for decades for sexually assaulting multiple children, as well as a dog, the Fresno County District Attorneys Office announced Friday.

Gage Mason, 20, was sentenced to 29 years in state prison by Judge Gabriel Brickey and must register as a sex offender.

Mason pleaded guilty to all counts and all aggravating factors on June 5, the district attorneys office said. He initially pleaded not guilty a year ago.

Mason was arrested in April 2023 following an investigation by the Fresno County Sheriffs Office.

After Masons arrest, the Fresno County District Attorneys Office charged the then-18-year-old Mason with attempted rape, lewd acts upon a child, oral copulation with a child under 10 years old and sexual assault of an animal.

The Fresno County Sheriffs Office said Mason performed a sexual act with a dog and that evidence showed that he committed the crimes both recently and several years ago.
Cars drive near headquarters of the Federal Security Service in Moscow

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Saturday it had thwarted a series of planned militant attacks in the southern region of Dagestan, state news agency RIA reported.

The planned attacks were allegedly aimed at police forces and an Orthodox Christian church.

FSB said it had arrested three Russian citizens in the city of Kaspiysk and identified them as members of an international terrorist organization, but did not name it.

It said investigators had seized homemade explosive devices and other weapons.

Islamist violence has flared up again in recent months in the North Caucasus, which in the 1990s and 2000s was riven by wars and insurgencies emanating from Chechnya. Last month, 22 people were killed in simultaneous attacks on churches, synagogues and police checkpoints in two cities.

In March, an attack claimed by Islamic State killed 145 people at a concert hall on the outskirts of Moscow. Russia has arrested the suspected gunmen and a number of alleged accomplices, mostly citizens of Tajikistan, who are currently awaiting trial.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Maxim Rodionov, Editing by William Maclean)
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A 49-year-old Garfield, Kansas, man was rushed to the hospital in suspected serious condition after a rollover crash in Pawnee County on Saturday morning.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said the crash happened at approximately 5:45 a.m. on U.S. Highway 56, four miles west of Garfield.

Members of gospel group The Nelons killed in plane crash

The man was driving east on U.S. 56 when he entered the south ditch. He came out of the south ditch, went across the highway and hit the north ditch, causing his car to roll one time.

He was taken to the hospital with suspected 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 KSN-TV.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Penny Stocks To Buy According to the Media. In this article, we are going to take a look at where NIO, Inc. (NYSE:NIO) stands against the other penny stocks.

Penny stocks are those that trade below the price of $5. These stocks represent companies with smaller market capitalization, high risk, and high volatility. Risk-tolerant investors find potential for above-average returns in penny stocks, however, investing in these stocks requires caution and care.

Expected Trends for Small Cap Stocks

On July 17, Chris Retzler, Needhams small-cap growth portfolio manager, appeared on CNBC where he expressed optimism for the small-cap companies and suggested that we are in a cycle that will prove to be good for many small-cap companies. The Russell 2000 index jumped 3.5% higher on the July 16, hitting the highest levels since January 2022, and was up more than 10% in the previous week. This was one of the biggest rallies investors have seen in the past 4 years.

Retzler believes that small cap stocks have been waiting for a drop in inflation and interest rate cuts. With inflation easing, interest rates are expected to go down as well. He also sees the market broadening, with small companies that have underperformed benefiting from a drop in inflation.

Retzler agrees with Fundstrat's Tom Lees, who sees the Russell 2000 gaining 40% by the end of summer. He believes that the liquidity of small cap companies gives them an edge as it does not take a lot of money to push the stock prices higher, and some expansions by these companies followed by lower interest rates can prove to be good for Russell 2000 companies. We have discussed Tom Lees views on how favorable current market conditions are for small-cap companies in 10 Best NASDAQ Penny Stocks To Invest In.

Moreover, Ryan Detrick, who is the Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group also presented his bullish thesis for small and mid-cap companies. He believes that small and mid-cap are going to lead the market in the second half of the year. While addressing the earnings capability of these companies, Detrick said small-cap companies will outperform large-cap companies in 2025 and 2026. As per estimates, S&P 600's earnings were 4.1% in 2024, whereas S&P 500 earnings were 12.7%. However, moving forward analysts expect S&P 600's earnings to be at 17.7% in 2025, surpassing estimates of 14.2% for the S&P 500. Detrick believes small-cap stocks now look cheap, economic conditions are favorable, and any interest rate cuts that come along the way will further benefit them.

Story continues

Now that we've discussed what experts think about small caps, let's now look at the 10 best penny stocks to buy according to financial media.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the best penny stocks to buy according to media, we aggregated 50 plus penny stocks from financial media websites on the internet. We then selected the top 10 penny stocks that were the most widely held by hedge funds, as of Q1 2024. The list is in ascending order of the number of hedge funds holders in each stock.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? 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).

5 Best Used Cars for Retirees to Buy in 2024

A fleet of eco-friendly electric cars, a symbol of the company's commitment to sustainability.

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19

NIO, Inc. (NYSE:NIO) is a leading automotive company that focuses on designing, manufacturing, and selling smart electric vehicles in China. The companys vehicle line-up is not only restricted to sedans but also includes 5 and 6-seater SUVs. In addition to designing and selling smart electric vehicles, NIO, Inc (NYSE:NIO) also provides home, mobile, and public charging facilities, maintenance and repair, insurance, and used vehicle services.

What sets NIO, Inc. apart from its competitors is the companys ability to address the major pain points of electric vehicle customers i.e. battery maintenance and swapping services. Through its NIO Power operations, the company offers a 3-minute battery swap for a fully charged battery without even the need for the driver to get out of the car. The company has been expanding its battery-swapping operations through several strategic partnerships. NIO, Inc. has partnered with Chinese automakers including Changan, Geely, Cherry, and JAC to develop and expand its battery swap network in China. As a result of these partnerships, the company has installed more than 2,300 swapping stations across the country. Although only a small proportion of these stations are breaking even currently, management believes that this investment is at least 2 years ahead of market demand and will reap benefits once demand starts to pick up.

The companys May 2024 deliveries went up by 233.8% year-over-year, consisting of 12,164 premium smart electric SUVs and 8,380 premium smart electric sedans. However, revenue fell 7.2% year over year during the first quarter of 2024, mainly due to lower average selling prices and a seasonal decrease in delivery volumes. On the bright side, the other sales segment of the business which includes sales of parts, after-sale service and professional power stations was up by 5.2% year over year to RMB 1.5 billion ($206.2 million), indicating a strong customer base.

Should you invest in NIO, Inc. (NYSE:NIO)? Here's the takeaway: Not only is the company expanding its competitive edge of battery swapping facilities through strategic partnerships but it has increased its deliveries substantially over the past year. The company also quoted improved vehicle margins of 9.2%, up from 5.1% during the first quarter of 2023. NIO, Inc. (NYSE:NIO) has potential to run, analysts' 1-year average price target points to a 39% upside from current levels.

The stock was held by 19 hedge funds during Q1 2024 with total stakes worth $79.322 million.

Overall NIO ranks 8th on our list of the best penny stocks to buy according to the media. You can visit 10 Best Penny Stocks To Buy According to the Media to see the other penny stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of NIO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NIO 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.
Three German Eurofighter EF2000s have completed a record-breaking endurance flight for the multirole fighter. Remaining in the air for a total of 10 hours 31 minutes, the trio of combat aircraft flew from Japan to Hawaii today, supported by aerial refueling tankers that included KC-135 Stratotankers operated by private aerospace firm Metrea, a contractor-owned and operated aerial refueling business that recently acquired of 14 KC-135s from the French Air and Space Force.

Three German Eurofighter EF2000s have completed a record-breaking endurance flight for the multirole fighter. Remaining in the air for a total of 10 hours 31 minutes, the trio of combat aircraft flew from Japan to Hawaii today, supported by aerial refueling tankers that included KC-135 Stratotankers operated by private aerospace firm Metrea, a contractor-owned and operated aerial refueling business that recently acquired 14 additional KC-135s from the French Air and Space Force.

The long-distance flight, part of the Pacific Skies exercise, which you can read more about here, began with the three Eurofighters taking off from Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido, Japan  where they had been taking part in the Nippon Skies 24 drill  at 9:02 a.m. local time.

Takeoff! Unsere 3 #Eurofighter sind um 09:02 Uhr in Japan (02:02 Zeit) gestartet. Wird es ein neuer #Weltrekord ? Es konnte der langste Flug eines #Eurofighters am Stuck werden. #Guinesspic.twitter.com/c5kvyqRId4  Team Luftwaffe (@Team_Luftwaffe) July 26, 2024

Multiple refuelings were required to get the aircraft to Hawaii, including tankers flying from Guam, according to the official account from the Luftwaffe.

While eight refuelings were planned, the fourth scheduled refueling wasnt required, with sufficient fuel already having been delivered by the first tanker. The sixth refueling rendezvous was also not required, due to a good tailwind.

Never before has a Eurofighter been in the air for longer than this, the Luftwaffe live-blogged, as the mission came to its conclusion. After 10 hours and 31 minutes, the fighter jet touched down at Hickam Air Force Base in Pearl Harbor at 12:33 a.m. local time. Naturally, we toasted this with a Guinness.

Hier noch ein kleines Video nach der Landung unserer #Eurofighter beim Reinrollen auf den letzten paar Metern. #PacificSkies24 pic.twitter.com/o4Vd4PaXNW  Team Luftwaffe (@Team_Luftwaffe) July 26, 2024

The three Luftwaffe Eurofighter pilots at Hickam after completing their long-duration flight. Luftwaffe

Now they are in Hawaii, the three German Eurofighters will take part in this years Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) international maritime warfare exercise alongside ships from the German Navy, and ships and aircraft from other nations.

Reportedly, the previous longest-duration Eurofighter mission involved an eight-hour and 36-minute flight by U.K. Royal Air Force Typhoons, when they were engaged in operations against Islamic State in the Middle East, on September 23, 2017.

Its unclear how many tankers were involved in supporting the latest Luftwaffe mission, although at least one was provided by Metrea. We have also reached out to the company for more information. A video published by the Luftwaffe shows the Eurofighter flown by the detachment leader taking on fuel from one of Metreas KC-135s, using the probe-and-drogue method.

Und wer wissen will, wie das mit dem Tanken in der Luft an einer KC135 der Firma @MetreaAero ist, der Boss zeigt es hochst personlich in diesem Video.

Dank an Metrea fur die Unterstutzung bei unserem #Weltrekordflug. Ohne Euch ware das nicht moglich gewesen. #Pacificskies24 pic.twitter.com/xMIbZARRm4  Team Luftwaffe (@Team_Luftwaffe) July 26, 2024

Metreas Jon Ty Thomas, head of the companys Air and Space Group, did provide The War Zone with the following congratulatory statement about its Luftwaffe clients:

We are proud to support our partners in the German Air Force as they executed this complex movement from Japan to Hawaii. 10.5 hours is a new record for the Eurofighter. Long flights over the Pacific are never simple, with few divert options and challenging weather. Ausgezeichnet, Luftwaffe! The German Air Force did an excellent job. Im equally proud of our team at Metrea, who prepared and executed this mission with excellence. We look forward to more support for the German Air Force as part of Pacific Skies 2024.

While the duration of the mission itself is an impressive achievement, its just as notable that it was enabled, at least in part, by contractor-owned and operated aerial refueling assets.

The mission comes in the same month that Metrea announced it was to dramatically expand its business with the purchase of 14 KC-135 tankers from the French Air and Space Force.

Transfer of ownership of the KC-135FR tankers to Metrea took place on June 26, according to a company press release, and the company said it planned to have the first of these aircraft flying under its banner within weeks.

One of Metreas ex-Republic of Singapore Air Force KC-135R tankers. Metrea Metrea

Metrea currently operates four KC-135Rs it previously acquired from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

With the French tankers now added, Metreas tanker fleet is by some margin the largest in private hands  in fact, it owns more aerial refueling aircraft than all but four air forces worldwide.

Providing refueling support to German Eurofighters underlines the thinking behind Metreas business model.

Earlier this month, Ty Thomas told The War Zone that the KC-135 had been very deliberately chosen as our platform of choice.

Thomas continued: From the perspective of a receiver, whether its a U.S. military receiver, or a NATO or an otherwise allied receiver aircraft, if they find themselves in a position where they need help from the United States and it includes help in terms of air refueling, what is the most likely tanker thats going to pull out there in front of their receiver? Its gonna be a KC-135. Why? Because the vast majority of tankers in the USAF inventory still remain KC-135s. And will even for probably the next 10 years or so.

A KC-135 from private aerospace firm Metrea refueling Warthogs during an exercise in October 2023 marked the first time a contractor-operated tanker had ever linked up with U.S. Air Force tactical jets. Metrea

For Metrea, supporting the Luftwaffes long-distance flight is just the latest in a series of milestones.

These include the first use of a contractor-owned and operated tanker to refuel an aircraft via boom, the first commercial aerial refueling of any U.S. Air Force aircraft, and the first-ever use of a private tanker to refuel Air Force tactical combat jets (A-10 Warthogs) in April, June, and October 2023, respectively.

Nevertheless, as is so often the case with supporting tanker assets, it will be the German Eurofighters and their pilots and maintainers that win the plaudits for todays record-breaking flight.

Of course, that is hardly undeserved, especially as the mission puts a spotlight on the German Armed Forces increasing focus on the Asia-Pacific theater, a reality thats now reflected across several of Europes NATO nations.

Once again though, todays long-distance flight reinforces the old adage, nobody kicks ass without tanker gas, and its increasingly the case that those tankers are being provided by private contractors as well as air forces.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
German opposition head: Need to prepare better for possible Trump win

Friedrich Merz, Federal Chairman of the CDU, speaks at the election campaign launch of the CDU Saxony and Thuringia. German opposition leader Friedrich Merz believes that Europe needs to be better prepared for a possible second Donald Trump presidency, although the race for the US presidency is more open now, he said in an interview. Jan Woitas/dpa

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz believes that Europe needs to be better prepared for a possible second Donald Trump presidency, although the race for the US presidency is more open now, he said in an interview to be published on Sunday.

The situation has changed since President Joe Biden withdrew and Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, Merz told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, in remarks seen in advance by dpa.

"Kamala Harris has triggered a very strong mobilization on the Democratic side within a very short space of time. This election campaign will now be really exciting," the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader said.

Nevertheless, he believes it makes sense for Europeans to start thinking about a possible election victory for Republican candidate Trump.

"We should have done that eight years ago," he said, referring to Trump's first election victory in 2016. "And this time it would be even more important. Because I assume that Donald Trump will be better prepared to take office if he becomes president than he was during his first term," said Merz.

The US election is on November 5.

Merz confirmed to the newspaper that a group from the conservative Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union group recently travelled to the Republican Party convention - where Trump was formally nominated - at his "express request."

The US is a close partner of Germany. "That has been the case under all US presidents so far. We should therefore look for common ground rather than things that divide us," he said.

The latest polls show Merz's CDU far ahead of current Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats, putting him in a good position to become chancellor in elections in September next year.

Scholz became chancellor in 2021 by forming a coalition with the liberal Free Democrats and the Greens.
Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz speaks during the election campaign launch of the CDU Saxony and Thuringia. Jan Woitas/dpa

Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz sees a potential for his grouping to win "35% or more" of the voter share in next year's national elections, he said in an interview to be published on Sunday.

Merz from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper, in remarks seen in advance by dpa, that one of his goals is "to become by far the strongest parliamentary group. If possible, we should only need one coalition partner."

The conservative Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance should be able to choose between at least two parliamentary groups in the Bundestag with whom they could potentially cooperate, he added.

The CSU is a sister party to the CDU in the southern state of Bavaria. In recent polls, the conservative CDU/CSU group has long been at 30% or slightly higher, ahead of current Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats who are polling at about 16%.

Scholz became chancellor in 2021 by forming a coalition with the liberal Free Democrats and the Greens.

This week we are at 32%. And once key personnel decisions have been made, our support will grow even further, I am sure of that, Merz said.

By "personnel decisions," Merz was hinting at the ongoing internal discussions about the CDU/CSU joint candidate for chancellor.

CSU leader Markus Soder has attempted to run for chancellor before, but was previously passed over in favour of the CDU candidate.

The decision on the chancellor candidacy will be made in late summer, after discussions between party leaders and state chairpersons, Merz said.

Earlier this week, the Cabinet announced that the next German national elections will take place on September 28, 2025.
Gerontocracy's last gasp? What Biden's 2024 exit means for the future of US leadership

WASHINGTON  President Joe Bidens exit from the 2024 presidential race marked a turning moment  and not just for the November election.

In stepping aside, and endorsing vice president Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, Biden ignited fresh hope among voters across the country who months prior were apathetic at the prospect of a rematch between the 81-year-old president and 78-year-old former President Donald Trump.

Some political observers have expressed cautious optimism that Bidens departure from the 2024 race could signal the beginning of the end of Americas gerontocracy, where power has been concentrated among older politicians.

The president during a speech Wednesday declared that the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation, the line a reference to the inauguration of John F. Kennedy, where Americas youngest-ever leader pledged to move the country forward.

By passing that proverbial torch, Biden joined a growing list of elder U.S. officials who in recent years have relinquished power to a rising crop of leaders. At the start of his presidency in 2021, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, then 80, led the House of Representatives. Sen. Mitch McConnell, then 78, led his party in the upper chamber.

Since then, Pelosi has handed leadership of the House Democratic caucus to New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, 53 and McConnell, after a series of freezes, announced earlier this year that he too will resign from his role as chief Senate Republican. According to a Business Insider report, the average age in Congress dipped from 61.7 years old in 2022 to 59.2 years old in 2023.

Ross Morales Rocketto, co-founder and co-executive director of Run for Something, which recruits young progressives to run for political office, described the past few years as a sea of change for American leadership.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: (L-R) Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) reaches out to help Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) after McConnell froze and stopped talking at the microphone during a news conference after a lunch meeting with Senate Republicans U.S. Capitol 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. Also pictured, L-R, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). McConnell was escorted back to his office and later returned to the news conference and answered questions. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

But lets be clear, Morales Rocketto quickly warned. We still have a deep-seated structural and systemic problem that goes far beyond any one individual.

A political awakening

Prior to Bidens poor debate performance, Americans had yearned for months to replace the 81-year-old and his 78-year-old opponent with new, fresher candidates.

But Bidens decision to drop out came only after intense pressure from Democratic Party elites and voters who expressed deep concerns about the presidents mental acuity and ability to win the November election.

The urgent calls for Biden to exit the race stood in sharp contrast to the 2020 Democratic primary, when Biden beat out a field of 16 contenders, many of whom were younger.

That years election featured similar calls for Biden to stand aside, including from Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who urged the then former vice president during an early debate to pass the torch. A grinning Biden responded that he was still holding on to that torch.

Moderator CNN chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper walks onstage ahead of the first round of the second Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season hosted by CNN at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan on July 30, 2019.

Biden ultimately won the Democratic nomination by claiming that, despite his age, he was the most experienced and electable candidate.

That argument didnt hold the same resonance for voters this year after the first debate. More than 70% of Americans didnt believe Biden had the cognitive ability to serve out a second term and polls showed him losing major swing states.

Patricia Taft, the great granddaughter of former President William Howard Taft, said she believes the shift in sentiment over the last four years signals a decline in the appeal of older candidates, and an uptick in demand for younger ones.

Vice President Kamala Harris campaign announcement, for instance, spurred a wave of excitement. Supporter-generated memes celebrating the California native  from Kamala is brat to coconut tree  spread across social media. And within the first 24 hours of announcing her campaign, Harris raised an eye-popping $81 million.

Shes also already polling higher than Biden did at any point in the 2024 cycle.

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) participates in a reenacted swearing-in with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol January 3, 2017 in Washington, DC.

At 59, most people likely wouldnt describe Harris as young. Born in 1964, Harris came of age at the end of the Baby Boomer generation, and at the dawn of Gen X. Scholar Jonathan Pontell describes Harris age cohort  the group caught in between  as Generation Jones. Former President Barack Obama is also part of this group.

But, when compared to Biden and Trump, Harris is closer to the average age for U.S. presidents on the day of their inauguration  55.

Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, said he partially attributes the surge in momentum for Harris to young people being far more excited to have a choice for president that is not limited to two very old men.

Democrats also see new electoral opportunities with Harris as the nominee. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, who was the youngest member of the upper chamber when he joined in 2012, believes that Harris has the chance to make a generational argument about what the future of the country should look like.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he campaigns in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. July 24, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello

The party used to point out Donald Trump's old age as "a defensive counterpoint, Schatz said. "Now we can say: We are the party that can course correct. We are the party that can respond to circumstances.

Cautious optimism

Despite the renewed excitement, political experts say theyre not convinced yet that a true generational change in American leadership is afoot.

Many view Bidens decision not to run for a second term as a selfless act that follows the American tradition of handing over power established by former President George Washington. Biden himself invoked the founders in remarks on Wednesday about his choice, saying they showed us presidents are not kings.

But it doesnt mean that officials in other parts of the U.S. government will follow Bidens lead. Congress today is still older than it has ever been. While former House leaders like Pelosi and Clyburn have stepped down from their posts atop the Democratic conference, they are still both running for reelection at age 84.

The top Democratic leaders in the Senate are all in their mid-to-late 70s, and some will be in their 80s by the time they finish out their terms. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is 73; hell be 79 at the close of his term in 2029. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the second-ranking Democrat in the chamber, will be 83 when his term ends in 2027. Neither has expressed plans to hand over leadership, or retire.

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 23: Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) departs a Democratic Caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on July 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. The former Speaker of the House worked behind the scenes to encourage other members of the Democratic party to enable the President to drop out of the presidential race. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

James Chappel, author of the book Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age, views the older age of U.S. leaders as endemic to our political system. Elected leaders rely heavily on private donations to fund their campaigns. And older voters, who often prefer older candidates, are much more likely to donate, Chappell said, giving leaders of advanced age a leg up in elections.

The closest the U.S. has come to a generational shift in the 21st Century is the 2008 election of Obama, who, like Harris, is a member of Generation Jones. People believed Obamas presidency would usher in the beginning of a new era of political leaders.

Instead, the country elected another Baby Boomer in 2016: Trump.

As much as historians like to look to the past for parallels or answers, politics is unpredictable, said Laura Smith, a history professor at Oxford University. Party elders aren't going anywhere unless pressure or individual context becomes insurmountable.

Experts USA TODAY spoke with said theyre unlikely to know whether Bidens baton pass to Harris marked an end to the gerontocracy until after the 2024 election.

If Trump wins in November, the presidency will merely flow from the Silent Generation  the group that grew up during the Great Depression and World War II  back to Baby Boomers.

That's not really a shift, Pontell said. The U.S. has so far had three Baby Boomer presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Donald Trump.

If Harris does win, Pontell predicted that she could usher in a stretch of Generation Jones presidents  partly because we're at a really good age. Some of her top vice presidential picks, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, 59, and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, 60, are in the same generational cohort.

Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z might just have to wait a little longer.

Contributing: Riley Beggin, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gerontocracy's last gasp? How Biden's exit could alter US leadership.
DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) The 35th annual Troop R Camp Cadet graduation was held Friday in Lackawanna County.

62 cadets graduated from Troop R. The event was held at the Performing Arts Center at Marywood University in Dunmore.

Camp Cadet is a summer camp for boys and girls from Pennsylvania between the ages of thirteen to fifteen. Troop R serves 4 counties in our area; Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Pike, and Wayne counties.

It was held on the campus for 6 days this week at Marywood University. It is staffed with Troopers, local police officers, and many other volunteers.

The goal of Camp Cadet is to introduce participants to the criminal justice system and establish a positive relationship with law enforcement personnel, build self esteem, and integrity.

United Way of Wyoming Valley hosts Helping Kids Thrive Drive

Also at the Camp Cadet graduation, Detectives Jason Heiler and Kyle Gilmartin of the Scranton Police Department were presented awards for their heroic actions the night Gilmartin was shot January 11.

The detectives received a standing ovation at the awards presentation Friday in Lackawanna County.

Camp Cadet is free of charge and open to all youth. The camp focuses on discipline, self-esteem, teamwork, drug and alcohol education, and violence prevention.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
In the week since President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, the internet has been flooded with memes declaring Vice President Kamala Harris brat. Aside from baffling everyone not chronically online, the now-inescapable memes could prove to be a double-edged sword for Harriss candidacy.

The meme itself refers to Brat, Charli XCXs new album released in early June. The pop music singer herself fueled the furor for Harris Monday by tweeting, kamala is brat.

Brat is an energetic assembly of pulsing electronic beats, with silly and serious lyrics about complex friendship dynamics, inherited family trauma, and other decidedly cool girl ideas. The album is doing pretty well chart-wise, but certainly not well enough to garner the confused mentions on CNN and thousands of questions from liberal parents (including my own mom) to their Gen Z children. Even Fox News joined in, clunkily stating that having a brat summer means being messy and bold.

As it has turned out, fate has now aligned so that messy and bold has become convenient branding for the Democratic Party, as it scrambles to mount a presidential campaign for Harris at a moments notice. The memes are a sign of young people actually being excited for a candidatebut the jokes can just as easily come back to bite Harris if shes not careful.

When the album was releasedand before criticism of Biden had hit a postdebate fever pitchinternet users were fondly reminiscing over Harriss quirky catchphrases about coconut trees, Venn diagrams, and existing in the context. Driven by the zeitgeist (the context in which we exist, if you will), college student Ryan Long posted a fan-cam edit of Harris to Charli XCXs new song Von Dutch.

why did I stay up till 3am making a von dutch brat coconut tree edit featuring kamala harris and why cant I stop watching it on repeat pic.twitter.com/hqcmerD1Pb  ryan (@ryanlong03) July 3, 2024

That video went viral, launching a slew of similar edits on X and TikTok. As people started talking more about a potential Harris run, and continued to stream the album, the two concepts collided. And so, Kamalas brat summer began.

Brats most popular song on Spotify, 360, is about being an internet it girlwhich could reasonably be any woman with the right fuck-it attitudewho has captured the cultural imagination. The choruss lyrics, Im everywhere, Im so Julia, refer to actress and producer Julia Fox, who has been totally inescapable on the internet ever since she first appeared on-screen in 2019s Uncut Gems.

Is Harris not similarly inescapable in this exact moment? Is she not, for all intents and purposes, in addition to being a moderate Democratic politician and former prosecutor, sort of an internet it girl?

As 360, Von Dutch, and the rest of the album have steadily risen in popularity and virality, so too has Harris slowly risen to the forefront of political and cultural conversation. The two have coalesced together to form something more ephemeral and powerful than theyd ever be apart: a meme. Her inherent hokeyness plays off Brat coolness in an ironic melange.





Today, brat is shorthand for anything cool that young people like. The sheer number of Harris memes indicates a level of joy and excitement from younger voters previously unseen in this election (or any election, really). And Harris has been quick to capitalize on it.

Already, Harriss team seems to be leaning hard into her meme-ability, and that includes her brat-tiness. The newly minted KamalaHQ account on X used the same font and lime green shade as Brats cover art for its banner photo, and Harris followed Charli XCX on social media following the singers nod.

The thing about having a candidate people are excited about is that you can actually have fun and be creative on socials, because people are going to embrace it, rather than find it embarrassing, Annie Wu Henry, a digital strategist who has worked with Democrats including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator John Fetterman, told The New Republics Grace Segers earlier this week. People dont want to feel bad about politics. They want to have fun, they want to enjoy, they want to be excited about a candidate. There can be creativity and community.

But separately, on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Henry warned against taking the current groundswell of support for granted.

Young folks are incredibly aware of the unique moment and momentum occurring. This excitement to vote FOR a ticket rather against the alternative is something many have not experienced, she wrote. But we are also warning that the continuation of this energy cannot be guaranteed.

Like every internet trend, the joke will changeBrat summer is only a summer, after all, if even that. And when that happens, Harris will have to face the reality that maybe shes just not that brat after all.





To see both the beneficial and detrimental effects of leaning into the memes, look no further than Harriss current boss and predecessor on the Democratic ticket. When Biden first launched his presidential campaign, he was bolstered by a sense of hokeyness similar to Harriss, like a fun older relative.

Part of that was due to being kept out of the spotlight during Barack Obamas presidency, allowing people to project onto him as only the fun parts of his personality came to the surface.

One such projection was the Diamond Joe persona created by the satirical outlet The Onion, described as the handsome guy whos got it good but doesnt take himself too seriously. It made Biden seem approachable and harmless. But as his campaign took off, a former Onion editor released an essay regretting ever giving Biden such a boost.

Instead of viciously skewering a public figure who deserved scrutiny, we let him off easy, Joe Garden wrote in Vice in 2019.

During Bidens presidency, he regularly relied on the Dark Brandon meme, which, rather than portray him as a leftist maverick, quickly came to demonstrate how a curdled joke can damage a presidency when its use falls out of step with the grim actions of an administration.

Earlier this year, Biden tweeted out a version of the meme after the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl, an event that some conservative conspiracy theorists had suggested the Democrats would rig to make way for an endorsement from Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

Just like we drew it up, Biden wrote over a picture of him with red glowing eyes, and his arms crossed.

Simultaneously, Israel launched a U.S.-backed assault on the city of Rafah in Gaza, where 1.5 million displaced Palestinians had been cornered by Israels monthslong offensive. The grossly timed meme only served to highlight Bidens policy on Israel, which has been widely unpopular, particularly among young people.

And in late June, just hours before the debate that would become the death knell for a second Biden term, Biden posted a photo of himself holding a can of Dark Brandons Secret Sauce, a jab at Trumps insistence Biden would be drugged into wakefulness during the debate.

But after Bidens low-energy, faltering performance, many on the internet wondered why he hadnt drunk that secret sauce after all.

Every cool meme must eventually suffer that slow dusk into outdated cringe. Despite the saturation of brat-tiness, when a politician leans too far into a meme, it puts a ticking clock on the jokes actual coolness. By embracing brat summer, Kamala may actually destroy it.





For Harris, engaging young voters and maintaining their current enthusiasm will be more crucial than ever over the next 100 days.

Voters age 18 to 24 make up a significant 40 million potential votes in the upcoming election. In the two days following Bidens endorsement of Harris, Vote.org saw a surge of 38,500 new voter sign-ups, most of whom were 34 and under. One recent poll found that Harris was leading Trump by 20 points among young voters, a significant edge and a seven-point increase from Biden.

Should all that support disappear, Democrats may find themselves in a similar spot to where they were with Biden: careening toward a second Trump presidency.

And the thing is, Harris obviously cant coast on memes alone.

The memes of Harris rely on a few choice clips of gaffes, not political speeches. They were picked in the urgency to feel any sort of optimism about the upcoming presidential election, to hide away from the hyperpolitical discourse and the saturation of messages about a weakening Biden and existentially threatening Donald Trump. Many of Harriss actual policy ideas havent yet hit the internet. Thats about to change.

The more the public hears from Harris, the less brat she will likely seem. The internet created Harriss brat summer ironically, but now, its giving Harris and her campaign a likable brand and apparent fuck-it attitude that they ultimately havent earned.

For instance, Harris is sitting at an important inflection point on how she will choose to deal with the humanitarian crisis and hostage situation in Gaza and Israels deadly military campaign, which has killed nearly 40,000 people.

Bidens steadfast support for Israel drove away many younger voters, and on Thursday, Harris risked doing the same when she condemned the unpatriotic protesters who gathered to oppose Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address to Congress the day before.

Set off by optics concerns over entirely legal flag burnings, Harris has found herself on the same path as Biden, who refused to get behind pro-Palestinian advocates. Already, young people were expressing their profound disappointment.

Screenshot of a tweet

Screenshot of a tweet

By the evening, there was some hope again. After speaking with Netanyahu herself, Harris insisted that Israel has a right to defend itself, and how it does so matters. Harris said shed told Netanyahu about her serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians.

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. 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.

To everyone who has been calling for a cease-fire; to everyone who yearns for peaceI see you, and I hear you. Lets get the deal done.

While she put focus on the suffering of Palestinians and signaled a willingness to engage, Harris made no mention of plans to stop weapon shipments to Israel.





It would be a mistake for Harris to believe that the grassroots enthusiasm she has witnessed from young voters, or being crowned brat, is enough to keep young people on board with her candidacy. She herself acknowledged this on Friday.

In this election, we know young voters will be key. And we know your vote cannot be taken for granted, she said in a video message. It must be earned, and that is exactly what we will do.

Like a meme format, the image of Harris that existed online presented something of a blank slate on which one could project whatever they wanted. The less they knew, the better. This is precisely what made her the perfect fodder for memes, and a great candidate for the girl power movement that could be about anyone.

But soon, voters will demand more. And without a meaningful shift in rhetoric and action on issues such as Israel, her appeal will inevitably begin to shrink.

As Harris takes center stage, its becoming (as Von Dutch describes), so obvious that shes Democrats number one. It remains to be seen if she can stay that way for everyone else she needs to win over.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican known for his anti-trans school policies, has appointed Meg Bryce, daughter of the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, to the Virginia Board of Education. Bryce, an educator in psychology, who critics argue aligns with the mindset of Moms for Liberty, is now the eighth member Youngkin has appointed to the nine-member board.

Moms for Liberty, a group that supports book bans and is hostile toward LGBTQ + youth, has been designated as an anti-government extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center .



Bryce, who holds a Ph.D. in cognitive science from the University of Virginia, teaches psychology, Virginia Mercury reports . Her decision to remove her children from public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a point of contention. Bryce cited her lack of confidence in the schools administration as the reason she withdrew her kids from school.

Bryce previously ran for an at-large seat on the Albemarle County School Board, focusing her campaign on transparency, raising standards, and restoring what she termed common sense to the school district, Virginia Mercury reports. Despite not being a Republican candidate, her campaign found support among conservative voters. She ultimately lost to Democrat Allison Spillman, who pointed at Bryce as favoring book bans and withholding parts of history from students. According to the Daily Progress, Bryce received only 37 percent of the vote.

Related: Antonin Scalia's Daughter Loses School Board Race to Mother of LGBTQ+ Child

During a candidate forum hosted by the Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP, Bryce remarked on systemic racism, suggesting there should be room for disagreement on its existence, the Daily Progress reports. She also addressed the vandalism of her campaign signs with her fathers name, expressing frustration at being reduced to a caricature based on her family ties.

Reactions to Bryces appointment have been polarized. According to ABC News, Youngkins spokesperson, Christian Martinez, lauded her qualifications and commitment to education, noting her advocacy for student-centered policies and common sense as vital for Virginias education system. The board of education develops curriculum and policy measures for Virginias public schools.

However, many Democrats and education advocates have voiced strong objections. Del. Katrina Callsen labeled Bryce as a failed Moms for Liberty candidate.

Callsen wrote on social media, You know whats easier to win than an Albemarle County School Board seat? An unearned appointment to the State Board of Education from Gov. Youngkin. Today starts Meg Bryces term on the Board and while Im disappointed, I am not shocked that the Governor would rather appoint a failed Moms for Liberty candidate over someone that has a record of support for public education.

 (@)

James J. Fedderman, president of the Virginia Education Association, described the appointment as a politically motivated decision that could harm LGBTQ+ students, ABC News reports .

Bryces appointment is framed by recent legal battles over education policies in Virginia. According to Norfolk CBS affiliate WTKR, a York County judge recently dismissed a lawsuit challenging Governor Youngkins Department of Education model policies affecting transgender students.

Many school districts in Virginia have rejected Youngkins controversial Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginias Public Schools for transgender students. The policies mandate that students use bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their assigned sex at birth and require parental permission for any student wishing to use a different name or pronoun at school. Youngkin has faced criticism for these policies, which advocates say discriminate against transgender students.
(Bloomberg) -- The European Unions executive arm is set to miss a target to achieve gender balance among its highest-level members, as national governments around the world and power brokers in Brussels walk away from high-profile equality commitments.

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Political expediency and institutional hurdles have complicated EU efforts to meet wide-ranging gender-parity goals. As well as the European Commissions failure to uphold its equality targets, the European Parliament decided to rescind its own rules among certain committee members.

The failure in the EU to uphold its equality targets mimics a similar trend in the US, where conservative organizations have organized social media campaigns and lawsuits against companies that promote diverse hiring practices. In Europe, nationalist parties have gained support in recent elections, forcing the political center to shift further right.

EU decision makers have a legal obligation to ensure equality between women and men and gender mainstreaming in EU policies. This should start by an equal representation of women and men in all European Parliament Committees, said Jeromine Andolfatto, policy and campaigns officer at the European Womens Lobby. The exceptions granted are disappointing.

Some political groups in the US have attacked efforts by states and companies to expand diversity and equality. Certain companies, such as the worlds top farm machinery maker Deere & Co., have pulled back from diversity measures in the face of conservative criticism. Others have scaled back programs meant to encourage the advancement of the gender agenda and marginalized groups.

The EU backsliding comes even as several of the blocs top institutional jobs are filled by women. Ursula von der Leyen, a former German defense minister, was recently reelected to head the commission; Roberta Metsola was also chosen for a second term as the president of the parliament; and former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas will become the EUs top diplomat.

This past week, the largest group in parliament, von der Leyens center-right European Peoples Party, pushed to revoke a gender balance rule for committee leadership positions. The initiative, which was meant to facilitate the election of one of the vice presidencies in some committees, was adopted with the support of the Green and Liberal parties. The Socialists opposed the move.

In addition to this decision, only nine female lawmakers were elected to lead the parliaments 24 committees and subcommittees.

Gender equality and a balance representation between men and women is a priority for the Progressive family, Socialist President Iratxe Garcia Perez said in an interview. Gender balance is not an option  it is obligatory and without possibility of derogation.

Following her confirmation by the parliament, von der Leyen asked the 27 member states to submit one male and one female candidate from which she would choose one to fill the posts of her college of commissioners, the executive bodys political leadership. She said she would pick the most suitable applicants in pursuit of an equal share of men and women at the college.

But some governments have already publicly said that they will submit a single, male candidate, likely putting college parity out of reach.

Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris already announced that he would send only one candidate to von der Leyen, Michael McGrath, who had been finance minister. Harris argued that McGrath needed to step down from the cabinet role and would need clarity that they are going to be the nominee.

The Czech Republic also intends to send just one name, which will likely be Trade Minister Jozef Sikela, according to a person familiar with the choice who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The government hasnt made a formal decision yet, which could happen by the end of August.

Slovenia also said it would nominate just one person, Tomaz Vesel. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 30.

Von der Leyen said in case of sitting commissioners, countries only needed to submit one name. All the nominees and front-runners from the outgoing commission are male members: Latvias Valdis Dombrovskis, Slovakias Maros Sefcovic, The Netherlands Wopke Hoekstra, Frances Thierry Breton and possibly Hungarys Oliver Varhelyi.

The difficulties inside the institutions to progress on this front contrast with the relevance given to women rights agenda at the very top.

Von der Leyen will keep the commissioner for Equality portfolio she created five years ago and wants a new Gender Equality Strategy after 2025. The roadmap will set out the commissions plan to strengthen womens rights across the board, from the fight against gender-based violence to empowering women in politics and the labor market, across the EU, as well as across the EU institutions, according to her political guidelines.

We cannot leave Europe a better place if too many women are still unable to feel part of it, Metsola said in her acceptance speech on 16 July.

Too many women are still abused, still beaten, still murdered in our Europe, Metsola said. Too many women are still fighting for rights. Too many women still earn less than men for the same job. Too many women still feel afraid. This must become their Europe too.

--With assistance from Zoe Schneeweiss and Kevin Whitelaw.

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NYC Comptroller Brad Lander's is expected to soon announce plans to run for mayor, according to sources, and a big issue he could face on the campaign trial is trying to convince voters to forgive his dismal driving record.

Brad Lander wants to be mayor of New York City, but hes still a blatant traffic scofflaw  despite pledging during his successful run for comptroller to improve his dismal driving record.

The Democratic socialist  who multiple sources expect to soon announce hes challenging Mayor Adams in next years Democratic primary  has racked up six parking tickets since March, giving him a grand total of 133 traffic summonses since 2013, a Post analysis of city records show.

Ten of the tickets were issued to lead-footed Lander for being caught on camera speeding in school zones.

NYC Comptroller Brad Landers is expected to soon announce plans to run for mayor, according to sources, and a big issue he could face on the campaign trial is trying to convince voters to forgive his dismal driving record. Matthew McDermott

NYC Comptroller Brad Lander has racked up 133 traffic tickets  including 10 for speeding in school zones  since 2013. New York Post

Lander has long pushed a green agenda aimed at getting New Yorkers to give up driving and take mass transit, but hes chauffeured daily around the Big Apple by his NYPD security detail as comptroller.

His Totoya Prius, which he uses for personal business, is regularly slammed with summonses.

Eleven of the tickets  including one for speeding  occurred after Lander was sworn in as comptroller in 2022.

However, he failed to disclose any of them publicly  as well as another speeding ticket and a parking ticket received in December 2021  breaking yet another pledge he made after The Post first exposed his horrific driving record.

In all, the citys chief fiscal watchdog shelled out a whopping $5,895 in fines and late fees on traffic tickets since April 2016 and currently owes another $115 for a summons he received July 16 for parking in a No Standing zone, records show.

Payment information before April 2016 was not available.

Although Landers vehicle hasnt been caught on camera speeding or running red lights since The Post exposed his latest speeding ticket in May 2023, he still continues to snub traffic rules by parking illegally near his home in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Landers 2013 Toyota Prius illegally takes up a parking spot in April 2021, forcing a street-cleaning vehicle to go around it. Dan Herrick

Hank Sheinkopf, a longtime Democratic campaign strategist, predicted Lander will have a hard time convincing voters hes not a hypocrite, considering he once championed a law as a Brooklyn councilman to crack down on reckless driving and continues to promote congestion tolling and other initiatives aimed at getting cars off the road.

Hes acts holier than thou, but hes a lawbreaker,  and voters will feel he cant be trusted with our safety, Sheinkopf said. If you cant trust him not to break the law as comptroller, what do you think hed be as mayor? A lawbreaker-in-chief?

Councilman Robert Holden (D-Queens) said, God help us if this guy ever gets even close to Gracie Mansion.

Landers Toyota Prius has racked up more than $6,000 in traffic fines and late fees since 2016. Dan Herrick

Scofflaw-wannabe-mayor Brad Lander continues to endanger lives and break laws, he said. Its bad enough having a do-nothing, performative comptroller; now we have one who flagrantly disregards public safety. Hes a menace to society in his office and his car.

Republican Curtis Sliwa, who lost the 2021 mayoral election, said Lander is among the well-documented, long list of socialists and other far-left NYC pols with anti-car agendas who are menaces behind the wheel.

They hate driving and drivers  except when it comes to themselves, said the Guardian Angels founder, who plans to run for mayor again next year.

After The Post first exposed Landers history of dangerous driving in April 2021, Lander wrote an essay for the transportation-focused Streetsblog NYC website in which he pledged to make public how many parking or moving violations I get each month.

A group of progressive NYC pols  led by Lander (far right)  went on a junket to Denmark in May paid for by a Cornel University entity pushing clean energy initiatives. X @NYCComptroller

Knowing that Ill have to do it will make me slow down and follow parking rules, he added.

He briefly recorded the violations on the City Councils website but stopped after winning the comptrollers race in November 2021.

Lander spokesperson Kat Capossela declined to address Landers failed pledge to reveal all his traffic summonses publicly or his interest in running for mayor.

Instead, she said, Brad has received one speed camera violation since becoming Comptroller, none over the past year, and has paid all of his parking tickets.
Republican Sens. Cynthia Lummis and Tim Scott pledged their resolute support for the cryptocurrency industry at Nashvilles Bitcoin2024 conference Friday  moments before whistleblower and political dissident Edward Snowden warned attendees to be wary of politicians trying to win them over.

Cast a vote, but dont join a cult, Snowden said. They are not our tribe. They are not your personality. They have their own interests, their own values, their own things that theyre chasing. Try to get what you need from them, but dont give yourself to them.

Snowden didn't call out any politicians specifically, but the conference has drawn national attention for its robust lineup of legislators including former President Donald Trump, independent presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and a number of other senators.

"Does this feel normal to you?" Snowden said. "When you look at the candidates, when you look at the dynamics, even the people on stage giving all the speeches, I'm not saying they're terrible at all, but it's a little unusual. The fact that they're here is a little unusual."

Snowden's face was enlarged on a giant screen with his characteristic thin-rimmed glasses, against a two-tone blue background. He spoke over a hushed, packed ballroom at Music City Center with long lines outside still hoping to get inside.

While he didnt specify where he was speaking from, Snowden famously lives in exile in Moscow after leaking documents on highly classified U.S. surveillance programs to journalists and fleeing the country in 2013.

"Do you really believe the two (presidential) frontrunners are what the collective will of this country would choose as the best Americans?," he said. "Does it feel like that? I dont think so."

He appeared virtually to address privacy and cybersecurity concerns around cryptocurrency after Lummis, R-Wyoming, and Scott, R-South Carolina, spoke about their plans to create a wide pathway for Bitcoin innovation in the U.S.

Here are the highlights from what all three leaders had to say about the future of cryptocurrency:

Sen. Tim Scott took the stage as a surprise guest at Nashville's Bitcoin2024 conference on Friday to have a conversation with Sen. Cynthia Lummis.

Republican legislators seek greater Bitcoin acceptance

Both senators identified government regulators as the central problem for Bitcoin in the U.S. today, but Lummis said that could change if Republicans take control of the Senate in the upcoming 2024 election.

Should that happen, Lummis said she believes Scott will be the next chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, which oversees the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Story continues

Leaders in cryptocurrency have pointed to SEC regulations under Chairman Gary Gensler as a problem for their industry. At the mention of Genslers name, the Bitcoin2024 audience erupted in boos.

There are serious people in the way of making sure that American innovation is leading the globe in innovation, Scott said. We have to get rid of the folks who are in the way.

Snowden advocates for stricter U.S. privacy laws

Two key tenets of Bitcoin are transparency and decentralization, which means anyone can view all Bitcoin transactions on a public ledger. Snowden said this kind of metadata could be dangerous in the wrong hands, especially with artificial intelligence innovations making it easier to collect.

It is fantasy to imagine theyre not doing this, he said. There is zero regulation that Im aware of in the United States around this. Nobody is thinking about what these agencies are doing, and were not just talking about the NSA or the FBI.

He added that other countries like China or Russia could be collecting this same data. Snowden said hes afraid the collection of transaction data could happen across financial institutions and ultimately be used against the customers.

How do we secure the transactions of the Bitcoin network? he said. We're running out of time to fix this, and the consequences are about to get a whole lot worse.

"When they have your transaction history they have your life history. Were all running on a treadmill. For what? Right now, were doing it for the likes, trying to get approval, acceptance. We need to start cooperating instead of competing to find our way out of this hole thats not this election  its this system."

Establishing regulatory framework for Bitcoin

Lummis emphasized the need for a codified, clear regulatory framework to protect consumers without stifling the growth of the cryptocurrency industry.

A major debate in the crypto industry when it comes to regulations is whether cryptocurrencies should be legally classified as securities, commodities or currencies. The definite answer is unclear, but Gensler has said he believes a majority of cryptocurrencies are securities and Bitcoin specifically is a commodity.

The banking committee has jurisdiction over the Securities and Exchange Commission, but we've been unable to move the needle, Lummis said. Theyre trying to hoard the definition of what is a commodity versus what is a security, and theyre regulating by enforcement action, not by clear rules. Were going to make the rules.

No Bitcoin Strategic Reserve announcement

Ahead of the conference, reports swept through the crypto community that a federal Bitcoin strategic reserve could soon become a possibility in the U.S., and Fox Business reported Wednesday that Lummis was drafting legislation directing the Fed to buy Bitcoin and hold it as a reserve asset.

However, she did not announce any legislation plans Friday.

Hadley Hitson covers trending business, dining and health care for The Tennessean. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to The Tennessean.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Edward Snowden criticizes political system at Nashville's Bitcoin2024
Whats going on with the water?' Fort Liberty continues chemical testing in Spring Lake

SPRING LAKE  Shirley Hargrove received a letter this month from Army officials telling her there would be a meeting Thursday night concerning the well water at her Spring Lake home.

Hargrove, who worked at Fort Liberty when it was known as Fort Bragg and has lived in Spring Lake for more than 50 years, said she heard something about water years ago, but didnt hear anything else.

The purpose of Thursday nights meeting was to inform Spring Lake residents of testing being done for the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid and poly-fluoroalkyl substances,

Commonly known as PFOA, PFAS, or "forever chemicals," the substances have been linked to adverse health outcomes and are used in manufacturing household products, industrial processes and firefighting foam.

The firefighting foam has been used on the installation since the 1970s for putting out fires, said Paul Humphrey, chief of the Fort Libertys Environmental Division.

Officials are seeking to test the well water of residences within a 1-mile radius of Fort Liberty's Pre-Ranger facility, Pope Army Airfield and Simmons Army Airfield, said Col. Chad Mixon, Fort Liberty's newest garrison commander.

The Army remains committed to taking care of our people and the communities in which we serve, Mixon said.

Paul Humphrey, chief of the Fort Libertys Environmental Division, speaks with residents at an information session about potential chemicals in water hosted by Fort Liberty and the Army on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Spring Lake.

Hargrove said the homes in her neighborhood off Riverside Circle are on well water, and though she stopped drinking it years ago, she still cooks and showers with it.

She said Thursday nights meeting was a wake-up call.

It makes you really stop and think, Whats going on with the water?' she said.

Fayetteville resident Kelly LeGrand also attended Thursday nights meeting because she owns three properties in Spring Lake that have been passed down for generations. She also received a letter telling her about Thursday's meeting.

Up until this week, its the first time weve heard of anything, LeGrand said.

LeGrand said the properties have been in her family for years and relatives in their 80s and 90s live on them, as does one pregnant family member and children.

The water is used for eating, cooking, showering and mixing baby formula, she said.

LeGrand said that while they wait for the Armys results on the water, they will be proactive by using bottled water and boiling the well water.

Its a process just to prepare because we dont know and want to be safe, she said. It's a full education process for everybody.

A map shows one of three areas where officials thing chemicals commonly used for firefighting may have impacted the Spring Lake area.

Fort Liberty's use of chemicals

Humphrey said that in 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency established a lifetime health advisory that the Department of Defense adopted which states that the chemical is a concern when 70 parts per trillion or more are detected.

Humphrey said that since 2016, the Army and Department of Defense have worked toward using non-chlorinated firefighting foam and that officials have started to review records to identify where training or emergency response with the chemicals were used.

Based on the assessments, he said, there are 43 areas of interest where the chemicals were used, with Pope Army Airfield and Simmons Airfield being the main locations where the groundwater could have been contaminated.

Humphrey said that in 2021 officials started reviewing property records and contacted private owners last summer, resulting in 12 wells being tested.

He said that of the 12 wells tested, six had no detectable PFAS, four were below guidelines and two were below the EPAs new maximum contaminant level for community water systems of four parts per trillion.

All 12 properties were below 70 parts per trillion, and four were between 4-70 parts per trillion, he said.

While Spring Lakes well water isnt a community water system, Humphrey said the Army is being proactive.

Humphrey said that if anyone is above the threshold, Army researchers are assessing the best approach, for residents needing an alternative water source, whether its connecting them to a community source, using filtration systems or bottled water.

A graphic shows where Fort Liberty officials are in the process of for testing of chemicals commonly used for firefighting may have impacted the Spring Lake area.

What's next?

Once test results come back, he said, letters will be sent to the private well owners to notify them of the results.

Mixon said Fort Liberty is working with partners like the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Army Environmental Command.

Well remain transparent and continue to get information out, he said.

Spring Lake residents who think they may have impacted water can visit Fort Libertys website.

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fort Liberty seeks more property owners to test water for PFAS
Three members of The Nelons, a Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame quartet, were among seven people killed in a plane crash Friday afternoon in Wyoming.

The news was confirmed by a statement from another daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, a group member not on the aircraft.

More from Deadline

The Nelons co-founder, Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, died in the crash.

The Georgia-based Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and have won 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple song of the year and album of the year awards.

Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jasons parents, Dan and Linda Clark, Nelon Streetman said. We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.

Also killed in the crash were Nelon Kistlers husband, Nathan Kistler, family friend Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie, according to Nelon Streetman.

DEADLINE RELATED VIDEO:

The group was headed to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, according to a statement from Gaither Music Group, the sponsor of the cruise.

The aircraft was identified as a single engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E.

The crash occurred about 1 p.m. in Campbell County, Wyoming, north of Gillette and about 250 miles (402 kilometers) north of Cheyenne, according to a statement from Campbell County spokesperson Leslie Perkins.

The National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Keith Holloway said Saturday that preliminary information indicated the plane crashed following an auto pilot issue during flight.

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Governor Shapiro joining Team Harris in this weekends Volunteer Kick-Off in Carlisle

CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM)  Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro will join Team Harris in a Weekend of Action Kick-Off this weekend in Carlisle.

Just days after Vice President Kamala Harris became the expected Democratic nominee for President, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced he would join the Harris campaign to kick off a weekend of action in Cumberland County to mark 100 days until the general election.

This is the Harris campaigns first weekend of action and comes on the heels of hundreds of endorsements in Pennsylvania.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.

Stay with abc27 for coverage tonight.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WOOD)  The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is a deeply rooted tradition in West Michigan.

Now in its 100th year, the festival is expected to bring hundreds of thousands to Grand Haven.

Business owners have been preparing for an exceptional surge this year.

Coast Guard Festival organizers expecting record crowds for 100th anniversary

Levi Barry, who has worked at Fortinos general store for 10 years, told News 8 that Christmas and the Coast Guard Festival are the two busiest times of the year.

When the last week in July comes around, he knows just what to expect.

Coast Guard brings in thousands and thousands of people, and its really great for the businesses, but its really hectic down here, Barry said. Its really good for us. It just gets really busy.

Fortinos is one of the few Grand Haven businesses with a longer history than the festival itself. The store dates back to 1907 and has been serving Coast Guard Festival patrons from the beginning.

With time has come experience, and preparing for the surge starts months in advance.

Extra things for the pop coolers, extra beer and alcohol, just extra everything, Barry said. Because we can guess at whats going to come, but we dont know. So we just stock up everything that we can.

Kirsten Lehrschall, a Muskegon resident, visited the Coast Guard Festival for the first time on Saturday.

We just moved here about a month ago, and my husband is in the Coast Guard, Lehrschall said. We figured we would come see it, check it out. Weve heard its a thing to do, and its the 100-year anniversary.

The sights and sounds made a quick first impression for Lehrschall and her family.

It seems like its something everyone here is really proud of, and they have a sense of pride about the Coast Guard, she said. Everyone loves the Coast Guard here, so it seems like its a really cool, fun opportunity to come see it.

The festival continues through Sunday, Aug. 4.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A Grandview teen has been charged with murder for allegedly shooting another teen in Raytown in April while allegedly exchanging guns outside a duplex.

Alvphonz K. Spotwood, 16, was charged on Wednesday with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting 18-year-old Raymond Rucker III on April 7. Spotwood was also charged with robbery and two counts of armed criminal action, all felonies, according to Jackson County court records.

A Jackson County judge ruled Wednesday that Spotwood will be tried as an adult.

Officers responded to reports of shots fired around 5:10 p.m. on April 7 in the 9000 block of East 85th Place in Raytown, The Star previously reported. An hour later, Ruckers girlfriend drove him to St. Lukes East Hospital, where police were called when he presented with two gunshot wounds according to court documents.

Members of Ruckers family also accompanied him to St. Lukes, where a Kansas City police officer allegedly overheard them discussing how Rucker was shot while doing an exchange, court documents read.

Rucker was transported to the Kansas City branch of St. Lukes, where he died. Officers believe he was shot outside the home on East 85th Place, where Raytown police found shell casings and blood splatter consistent with Ruckers injuries, according to court documents.

Ruckers girlfriend, who witnessed the shooting, told police that he had met Spotwood to exchange his own handgun for an automatic weapon similar to an AK-47. Another witness also alleged that she had previously accompanied Rucker to buy marijuana from Spotwood, according to court documents.

The witness alleges that Spotwood hesitated in offering his own gun during the exchange, court documents show, causing Rucker to back away from the trade, after which Spotwood shot him with the weapon he had hoped to swap.

Spotwood shot Rucker twice with the AK-47 variant, according to court documents. The altercation was captured on video. Additional videos of Spotwood with the guns involved in the shooting, along with social media messages and identification of the cars Rucker and Spotwood drove to the alleged exchange, led to Spotwoods arrest.

The fact that the shooting was captured on video, and that it took place on a residential street in broad daylight, factored into the decision to charge Spotwood as an adult, according to court documents.

At the time of his death, Rucker was a student at Manual Career & Technical School, an alternative high school program in the Kansas City Public School District. He also worked as a filler at an Amazon fulfillment center.

Rucker had six siblings and was extremely close to his family, according to an obituary shared online. He loved music and enjoyed watching movies with his mother.

[Raymond] was full of life, goofy and a very fun person, his obituary read. He loved his family. You couldnt catch him without his matching belt and shoes and a fresh retwist and hairline  he was small but he did everything big.

According to court documents, Spotwood had previously been charged in Cass County juvenile court for robbery, among other things. He also did a stint at Riverbend Treatment Center, an alternative school in St. Joseph considered to be the highest level of treatment in the Missouri juvenile justice system.

While at Riverbend, Spotwood had a history of getting into physical fights, according to court records. At the time of the shooting, he attended Grandview High School.

Spotwood is scheduled to next appear in court on July 31 for a bond hearing.

Ruckers death was the first homicide reported in Raytown this year, according to data collected by The Star.
Grandview PD searching for suspect in deadly shooting of 19-year-old

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Grandview Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one teenager dead Wednesday, July 24, in the backyard of a home.

According to GPD, officers were dispatched to an area near the intersection of E 119th Street and Delmar Drive in Grandview, Mo. at about 9:40 p.m.

Two hospitalized after unknown suspect shoots into KC home

Upon arrival, GPD said officers found a man, 19-year-old Derrick Judie Jr., unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds in the backyard of a home.

Police said he was taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.

According to GPD, there are no suspects at this time, and the Metro Squad has been called to help with the investigation.

Two hurt, one in critical condition after Friday night Northland crash

If anyone has any information about the shooting, police ask that you call the TIPS hotline at (816) 474-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
VIENTIANE, Laos (AP)  Southeast Asian top diplomats on Saturday condemned violence in Myanmar's ongoing civil war and urged for practical means to defuse rising tensions in the South China Sea during the last of the three-day regional talks with allies including the U.S., Russia and China.

Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith of Laos, which currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), hailed dialogue partners for frank, candid and constructive exchanges on key issues revolving around regional security.

The weekend talks in the Laotian capital were dominated by the increasingly violent and destabilizing civil war in ASEAN-member Myanmar as well as maritime disputes of some of the bloc members with China, which have led to direct confrontations that many worry could lead to broader conflict.

In a joint statement issued at the end of the talks, the bloc said theres an urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and called for all relevant parties in Myanmar to ensure the safe and transparent delivery of humanitarian assistance, to the people in Myanmar without discrimination.

We strongly condemned the continued acts of violence against civilians and public facilities and called for immediate cessation, and urged all parties involved to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, it said.

The army in Myanmar 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.

Thailand, which shares long borders with Myanmar, said it was given ASEAN backing to play a wider role there, including in providing humanitarian assistance in which its already heavily involved. It also said more peace talks have been proposed to include additional stakeholders, especially Myanmars neighbors Thailand, China and India.

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. There are now more than 3 million displaced people in the country, with the numbers growing daily as fighting intensifies between the military and Myanmars multiple ethnic militias as well as the so-called peoples defense forces of military opponents.

ASEAN has been pushing a five-point consensus for peace, but the military leadership in Myanmar has so far ignored the plan, raising questions about the blocs efficiency and credibility. The peace 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 meetings also served to highlight rivalries in the region as the U.S. and China look to expand their influence there. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Vientiane on Saturday after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held direct talks with Wang on Thursday. Washingtons two biggest rivals, Moscow and Beijing, which have grown closer over the past two years, prompting deep concerns about their combined global influence.

Regarding tensions in the South China Sea, ASEAN said it maintains its position on the freedom of navigation over the sea and urged a full implementation of a South China Sea code of conduct, which the bloc has been working on with China for some time.

ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have conflicts with China over its claim 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.

ASEAN foreign ministers also welcomed practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation, in an apparent reference to a rare deal between the Philippines and China that aims to end their confrontations, establish a mutually acceptable arrangement for the disputed area without conceding each others territorial claims.

Prior to the deal, tensions between the Philippines and China escalated for months, with Chinas coast guard and other forces using powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

On Saturday, the Philippines said it was able to make a supply trip to the disputed area without having to confront Beijings forces, the first such trip since the deal was reached a week ago. Blinken applauded it as a success in his opening remarks at the meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers, while calling Chinas past actions against the Philippines  a U.S. treaty partner  escalatory and unlawful.

The United States and its allies have regularly conducted military exercises and patrols in the area to assert their free and open Indo-Pacific policy  including the right to navigate in international waters  which has drawn criticism from China.

Wang said in his meeting with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo on Friday that the deployment of a U.S. intermediate-range missile system in the Philippines would create regional tension and trigger an arms race, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

___

Associated Press journalist Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.
Volunteer Anthony Pisciotta with one of the headstones he helped buy and install.

Two big-hearted volunteers have been scouring city cemeteries to find the unmarked graves of dozens of fallen NYPD officers  and raising money to honor their memory.

Christina Wilkinson, 51, in her role as president of the Newtown Historical Society, last year memorialized a police officer killed on duty in 1927 and laid to rest at All Faiths Lutheran Cemetery in Queens.

She then learned that the officers brother also died in the line of duty and was buried there.

Volunteer Anthony Pisciotta helped find unmarked graves of NYPD cops. Michael Nagle

One of the headstones was installed at All Faiths Cemetery for a fallen NYPD officer. Michael Nagle

She looked for the grave but couldnt find it. A cemetery map finally led her to an unmarked grave.

It opened my eyes to this situation because I just assumed wrongly that the police would have covered that, she told The Post. But during the Great Depression, they didnt have the resources for that and the families didnt have the resources for that.

She started a database that cross-references names in the Officer Down Memorial Page and FindAGrave.com to find cops killed in the line of duty and where they are buried. Shes found 27 fallen officers so far with no grave markers.

Anthony Pisciotta, a volunteer at All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village, offered to help Wilkinson hunt down the unmarked graves.

She knew if anyone could find them, I could, said Pisciotta, 52, whose real job is with MTA Bridges and Tunnels.

He soon located the graves of NYPD officers Henry Immen, Charles Weidig and William Eberhardt.

Officer Charles Weidig, who died in 1930, didnt have a headstone. Anthony Piscotta

He created a GoFundMe.com page for each officer and quickly collected enough funds to have headstones made by an Amish craftsman in Lancaster, Pa. He charged about $450 per stone.

They gave their lives for us and it upset me that heres a guy that died 100 years ago and he still doesnt have a stone and who knows the last time anybody even spoke his name, he said. Its just sad that theyre forgotten.

Patrolman Immen was shot and killed on Feb. 21, 1920, when he attempted to arrest two suspects for burglary in the Bronx, according to his page on the Officer Down Memorial Site.

Christina Wilkinson, 51, memorialized a police officer killed on duty in 1927 and laid to rest at All Faiths Lutheran Cemetery in Queens. Courtesy of Christina Wilkinson

Patrolman Weidig was shot and killed on Nov. 8, 1930, while trying to stop a drug store robbery in Harlem.

He saw three men acting suspiciously inside the store at 118th Street and Lenox Avenue in Manhattan around 10:30 p.m.

Eberhardt died in a hit-and-run in Midtown on Sept. 15, 1931.

Pisciotta is currently researching two law enforcement officers killed while responding to the deadly Civil War draft riots in 1863. Michael Nagle

He and other officers were working on a broken-down police car when they were struck by a drunk driver.

Right now Pisciotta is researching two law enforcement officers killed while responding to the deadly Civil War draft riots in 1863.

They were beaten to death and neither one of them has a headstone, he said. One of them is in Calvary Cemetery, the other one is in Green-Wood Cemetery, he said.
Greenland native joins scientists to bring clean energy to community at 'the end of the world': 'To show what is possible'

Greenland native Toku Oshima is working to bring clean energy to her community "at the end of the world," protecting its way of life and easing the burden of high electric costs.

As detailed by the Washington Post, Qaanaaq residents have been relying on a once-per-year summer delivery of dirty fuel to power their homes. However, changing global temperatures have been threatening their way of life and traditional livelihoods, making hunting more difficult.

With community numbers dwindling and many households allocating more of their budgets for electricity than food, Oshima was moved to take action after listening to a 2015 presentation from Dartmouth College professor Mary Albert about the advancements in renewable energy, including its increased affordability.

"I want to show what is possible," Oshima told the Post, saying she wants to inspire kids in her community to dream big.

Albert visited Qaanaaq after Oshima reached out in hopes of bringing reliable, clean energy to her area. The community's dependence on dirty fuel wasn't just expensive and polluting, contributing to changes in climate negatively impacting the region  it was susceptible to supply chain disruptions that could leave people in the cold.

In 2019, the U.S. National Science Foundation awarded the initiative a $2.6 million grant, and Albert formed a team of researchers to help make Oshima's vision a reality.

The "Qulleq" initiative hasn't been without its challenges. As outlined by the Post, ice can disrupt the functioning of wind turbines; battery life is another key consideration in the cold.

Moreover, the remoteness of Qaanaaq  where residents were forcibly moved to 71 years ago for a U.S. Air Force Base  also meant technicians couldn't travel to the community at will if something needed repair.

Yet, progress is occurring. For one, researchers observed that the homes didn't have adequate insulation. A properly weatherized home can save hundreds of dollars in energy costs. To solve this, Oshima's husband, carpenter Kim Petersen, partnered with Ph.D. student Alyssa Pantaleo, and the pair designed a "modular" structure that they hope to introduce this coming year.

Qulleq researchers also discovered that utility provider Nukissiorfiit could save anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000 annually by enabling Qaanaaq to shut down its diesel generators during the summer months and rely instead on solar power. At the time of the story's publication in March, talks to implement the plan were ongoing.

Albert explained to the Post that her team is keeping an open mind, working with proven technologies, and imagining new solutions to bring the benefits of clean energy to Qaanaaq. One test project provided 400 watts of wind energy (which would heat a "small room").

The lived wisdom of Qaanaaq residents and Oshima's ingenuity have also played a crucial role as Oshima hopes to preserve the community for future generations.

"When you are at the end of the world, you to have to fix many things without help," Oshima told the Post. Now, a mobile, solar-powered version of a fish dehydrator designed by her and Albert is expected to improve operations for fishermen, potentially allowing them to charge more for their catches.

"It's not just for me," Oshima added. "It's for the Arctic. It's for all the cold and dark areas."

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  Police are investigating reports of a group assaulting and robbing a man on board the 2 train in Midtown, Manhattan.

Four people were allegedly harassing other subway riders on the train at about 5 a.m. Saturday morning, according to investigators. The group then began kicking and punching a 41-year-old man before forcing him off the train at Columbus Circle, police say.

More Crime News

At the station, the group allegedly took the 41-year-olds phone and wallet. Authorities say they threw the mans wallet onto the subway tracks before taking off on another 2 train at Columbus Circle.

The 41-year-old man was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and is expected to survive. The investigation is ongoing.

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).

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Key Insights

Significant control over G Mining TZ by retail investors implies that the general public has more power to influence management and governance-related decisions

A total of 25 investors have a majority stake in the company with 49% ownership

13% of G Mining TZ is held by Institutions

To get a sense of who is truly in control of G Mining TZ Corp. (TSE:GMIN), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 50% to be precise, is retail investors. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

And last week, retail investors endured the biggest losses as the stock fell by 9.0%.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about G Mining TZ.

View our latest analysis for G Mining TZ

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About G Mining TZ?

Many institutions measure their performance against an index that approximates the local market. So they usually pay more attention to companies that are included in major indices.

G Mining TZ already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at G Mining TZ's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in G Mining TZ. The company's largest shareholder is La Mancha Holding S.a R.L., with ownership of 18%. With 9.3% and 5.2% of the shares outstanding respectively, Eldorado Gold Corporation and Franco-Nevada Corporation are the second and third largest shareholders.

On studying our ownership data, we found that 25 of the top shareholders collectively own less than 50% of the share register, implying that no single individual has a majority interest.

Researching institutional ownership is a good way to gauge and filter a stock's expected performance. The same can be achieved by studying analyst sentiments. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future.

Insider Ownership Of G Mining TZ

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. The company management answer to the board and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board themselves.

Story continues

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in G Mining TZ Corp.. This is a big company, so it is good to see this level of alignment. Insiders own CA$27m worth of shares (at current prices). Most would say this shows alignment of interests between shareholders and the board. Still, it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a substantial 50% stake in G Mining TZ, suggesting it is a fairly popular stock. With this amount of ownership, retail investors can collectively play a role in decisions that affect shareholder returns, such as dividend policies and the appointment of directors. They can also exercise the power to vote on acquisitions or mergers that may not improve profitability.

Private Equity Ownership

Private equity firms hold a 18% stake in G Mining TZ. This suggests they can be influential in key policy decisions. Sometimes we see private equity stick around for the long term, but generally speaking they have a shorter investment horizon and -- as the name suggests -- don't invest in public companies much. After some time they may look to sell and redeploy capital elsewhere.

Public Company Ownership

It appears to us that public companies own 15% of G Mining TZ. It's hard to say for sure but this suggests they have entwined business interests. This might be a strategic stake, so it's worth watching this space for changes in ownership.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with G Mining TZ (at least 3 which are potentially serious) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Gun that fires bean bags used in apprehension of assault suspect in Athens

Athens-Clarke police deployed a gun described as a less lethal weapon in order to subdue an Athens man who according to a police report was agitated at being confronted by police over his pending arrest.

The incident occurred about 5:20 p.m. Wednesday outside the Inn Between the Hedges motel on Atlanta Highway as officers converged at the location in search of a man wanted on an aggravated assault warrant.

The assault suspect and two other men were at the motel, where police determined one of the men, a 32-year-old resident of Athens, was also wanted on pending warrants. However, the man became uncooperative when police notified him he would be arrested, according to the report.

Police reported this suspect appeared to be looking for an avenue of escape and he might be headed for the motel room the suspects had just exited.

Drugs plea: Oglethorpe County man pleads to crimes that will land him in federal prison

The officer fired one round from the 40mm tactical launcher that struck the man in the hip.

After he was hit, the impact resulted in a change in behavior and he was placed in handcuffs, according to the report.

Police often use stun guns as less lethal weapons to subdue suspects, but the use of 40mm launcher is used less often. Police spokesman Lt. Jody Thompson said Friday that officers have had access to such guns or launchers for more than 10 years.

The weapons are capable of firing bean ball rounds and PepperBall rounds, he said.

Oconee Blotter: Man calls 911 to report drunk wife driving off in U-Haul van

It gives you a distance you cant achieve with a Taser, so you have more distance and more accuracy, he said.

The launcher has been used in the most recent past to subdue a person armed with a knife and another situation in which a person had barricaded himself.

In this case, police were able to arrest the assault suspect without incident. The suspect shot with the launcher was also found in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, so additional charges were filed against him, according to police.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Athens-Clarke police use gun that fires bean bags in arrest
A worker describes the chaos inside a local business that was raided as part of a massive Homeland Security investigation.

As reported on News Center 7 at 11, Myles Smith has worked at Fuyao as a forklift driver for two years. He said he was met by federal agents at 10:15 Friday morning.

I seen the FBI, like Homeland Security, they said go back in that building, we got a warrant to search the place, he said.

Shortly after speaking with agents, Smith saw more arrive.

We couldnt do nothing, we couldnt go nowhere. They said, You got to go to the bathroom. We got to escort you to the bathroom. Basically, had us locked down, shut down, sweating, Smith said.

As News Center 7 previously reported, Homeland Security along with other federal, state, and local agents conducted federal search warrants at Fuyao Glass America and 27 other locations in the Dayton area.

They are investigating allegations of financial crimes and labor exploration.

>> RELATED: Fuyao plant, nearly 30 other area locations raided in massive Homeland Security investigation

A couple of weeks before they came, some of Homeland, I believe, came in and got some of the immigrants that was working there, Smith said.

Smith said once agents made their way inside workers were confined to one area.

I seen them going through lockers, going through the equipment, checking the bathroom, he said.

Smith said agents made everyone fill out cards identifying who they were.

Then they had us all get in four lines, and started to take our cards and IDs and check us out, he said.

Smith said he was close with some of the people detained.

I called them my brothers, so I had a couple of them I was real cool with that theyre not there no more, he said.

Smith said workers were allowed to leave at 2:30 p.m.

He said he was told by bosses that the plant has mandatory overtime beginning Saturday.

News Center 7 has reached out to Fuyao for a comment but has not heard back.

We will continue to follow this story.




An injured Palestinian is transported from a school after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

At least 30 Palestinians were killed and another 100 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school building in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza's Health Ministry said on Saturday.

The building is said to have housed an improvized field hospital, the Hamas-controlled ministry reported. The information could not be independently verified.

The Israeli military said that it had carried out an airstrike on the Khadija school in Deir al-Balah to destroy a Hamas command centre located there.

Fighters from the Palestinian organization Hamas used the building to coordinate attacks on Israeli troops and hide weapons, it said.

Hamas systematically uses civilian objects for its own purposes and uses civilians as shields, it said. This information could not be independently verified either.

The Gaza war was triggered by the unprecedented massacre of more than 1,200 people by Hamas militants and other groups in Israel on October 7 last year.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a major ground offensive, with Hamas authorities saying that about 39,000 people - mostly civilians - have been killed since the conflict broke out.

An injured Palestinian is transported from a school after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians flee from a school where they were taken refuge, after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians flee from a school where they were taken refuge, after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
An injured Palestinian is transported from a school after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

At least 30 Palestinians were killed and another 100 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school building in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza's Health Ministry said on Saturday.

The building is said to have housed an improvized field hospital, the Hamas-controlled ministry reported. The information could not be independently verified.

The Israeli military said that it had carried out an airstrike on the Khadija school in Deir al-Balah to destroy a Hamas command centre located there.

Fighters from the Palestinian organization Hamas used the building to coordinate attacks on Israeli troops and hide weapons, it said.

Hamas systematically uses civilian objects for its own purposes and uses civilians as shields, it said. This information could not be independently verified either.

The Gaza war was triggered by the unprecedented massacre of more than 1,200 people by Hamas militants and other groups in Israel on October 7 last year.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a major ground offensive, with Hamas authorities saying that about 39,000 people - mostly civilians - have been killed since the conflict broke out.

Khan Younis operations continue

The Israeli army called on Palestinian civilians in part of the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip to leave the area immediately.

"Due to significant terrorist activity and rocket fire toward the State of Israel from the southern areas of Khan Younis, remaining in this area has become dangerous," the military said.

The area to be evacuated is located in a zone previously designated as a humanitarian zone by Israel. The borders of this zone will be changed accordingly, the army statement said.

Those affected were told to leave in the direction of another nearby humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi.

The Israeli army call was issued via text messages, telephone voice messages and leaflets, it said.

Israel's armed forces have been fighting militants from Islamist Hamas movement in Khan Younis for weeks as part of its attempt to eliminate the group. The Hamas forces are said to have regrouped in the city.

The Palestinian population is repeatedly caught in the crossfire during these battles. The frequent evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military often drive thousands of people to flee, some multiple times.

Injured Palestinians are transported from a school after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

An injured Palestinian is transported from a school after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
A version of this story appears in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

Democrats substitution of Vice President Kamala Harris for President Joe Biden on the ballot in November obviously resets the presidential race.

It could also have a major impact on House and Senate races. Both chambers of Congress are narrowly divided at the moment; Republicans hold a slim advantage in the House and Democrats narrowly control the Senate. Either chamber could go either way in November.

I went to Simone Pathe, a senior Washington editor for CNN Politics and the author of an occasional series, The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip. Read the most recent version here.

We talked by email about the state of play for the House and Senate and how the shake-up in the presidential race might change things.

Does Harris change the Senate equation?

WOLF: The presidential race got a total reset when President Biden dropped out. Does that reset anything in the battle for the Senate?

PATHE: The extent to which the change at the top of the ticket shifts Senate races will be one of the most interesting things to watch over the coming months.

Remember that a big part of the pressure on Biden to step aside was the warning from Democratic lawmakers about his drag on down-ballot races. So now the big question is whether the Democratic brand itself is toxic or whether that was a particular vulnerability attached to Biden.

Its still early days of this new political reality, but there are some early signals of how Harris as the nominee could be giving Democratic incumbents a sense of relief.

For starters, the new CNN poll released Wednesday shows Harris doing better against former President Donald Trump than Biden did with some key demographic groups  young voters, female voters and Black voters. (The topline showed no clear leader between Harris and Trump, but that in itself could be good news for Democrats given that the margin-of-error finding was closer than some earlier CNN polling of the Biden-Trump matchup.)

You can also look at candidates behavior.

Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, whos running for reelection in a key battleground, didnt attend Bidens first post-debate rally in Madison. But she was very publicly with Harris on Tuesday  greeting her as she boarded Air Force Two and delivering remarks at her rally in Milwaukee.

I was covering Baldwin in Wisconsin in the days before Biden announced he was dropping out of the race, and she was clearly in a bind. Unlike some of her fellow vulnerable colleagues, Baldwin had not called for Biden to step aside, but reiterated that shed heard concerns from her constituents. After Biden exited, she quickly endorsed Harris and called Bidens decision an incredible act of patriotism.

Not everyone has publicly endorsed Harris, though  and thats telling too.

Sen. Jon Tester, the most vulnerable incumbent up for reelection, has not. Hes running in a very different state from Baldwin. (Wisconsin is No. 8 on CNNs list of seats most likely to flip, whereas Montana is No. 2.)

Given Trumps strength in Montana, Tester was always going to have a tough race regardless of who the party nominates for president, and its not necessarily clear that the voter groups among whom Harris is doing better than Biden will help Democrats all that much in a conservative state like Montana, where shell be tarred as a California liberal.

The Senate GOP campaign arm put out a memo this week in which it acknowledged that attacks on Bidens mental fitness didnt necessarily translate to down-ballot races. For that reason, the NRSC (National Republican Senatorial Committee) argued, Harris may be a bigger drag on Senate Democrats because they can paint her policies as extreme. (Calling her a border czar, which, as our colleague Priscilla Alvarez noted, hasnt actually been her role, fits right into the biggest themes of GOP attack ads  the border and immigration.)

Even in a more evenly divided state like Pennsylvania, the GOP Senate nominee is already digging up 2019 footage of Harris to cast her as the most liberal (presidential) nominee in US history.

What about the House?

WOLF: If the Senate map this year favors Republicans, is it fair to say that the House map favors one party or the other this year?

PATHE: The House playing field is very different from the Senates. The Senate map favors the GOP because the seats that are up for reelection are either in Trump states or closely contested battlegrounds.

But in the House, where there are many fewer competitive districts than there used to be, much of the playing field is concentrated in two traditionally blue states  New York and California. (There are others scattered around in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Michigan, North Carolina and New Mexico, among other places.)

The low-hanging fruit for both parties are the races in so-called crossover districts  where a Republican represents a district Biden won or a Democrat represents a district Trump won.

And because Republicans are on defense in more of those crossover seats  and there are so many of them in California and New York during a presidential year  theres an argument to be made that Democrats could pick up the net gain of four seats they need right there.

But of course, its more complicated than that because Democrats also represent crossover districts that they have to defend. So even if they pick up seats in California, for example, they could also lose seats in Maine or Alaska districts, for example, where Trump is likely to win.

What will determine control of the House?

WOLF: The House is just as closely divided as the Senate. What are the dynamics that will affect control of the House?

PATHE: House races are typically more nationalized than Senate races because the candidates are lesser known; therefore, its harder for them to separate themselves from their party and the top of the ticket.

But partisanship isnt everything  thats how we got to the current situation, where Republicans won some New York and California districts in 2022 that voted for Biden in 2020.

Still, the dynamics that affect control of the House are likely to be shaped by the national environment in the fall  what does the presidential race look like? Are economic concerns still top of mind? Is there some new foreign crisis making voters feel uneasy? A lot can happen in three-and-a-half months.

But, of course, candidate quality and fundraising also matter. A bad candidate without money will have a harder time taking advantage of favorable national winds. And on the flip side, strong candidates with independent brands can withstand headwinds.

Can either party count on ticket-splitters?

WOLF: Senate races in Ohio and Montana feature sitting Democratic senators running in states that go reliably red in presidential elections. Is there any indication voters are interested in ticket-splitting this year?

PATHE: Yes, there are lots of indications, with the caveat that there hasnt been much Senate polling that meets CNN standards that captures the tumultuous past month in American politics.

But even before Biden dropped out of the race, Democratic senators were consistently outperforming the top of the ticket. In an era of increasingly nationalized elections, that separation has been one of the most fascinating dynamics of the 2024 election, and there are a few explanations for what could be going on.

Many of these incumbents, particularly Tester and Ohios Sherrod Brown, are very well known in their states.

In Ohio, for example, Browns campaign is running an ad that features voters imitating the senators gravelly voice  it speaks to just how familiar he is there. And in Montana, Tester doesnt hesitate to portray himself as a seven-fingered dirt farmer.

Those strong brands are the theory of the case for how Democrats think they can hold on in those states  especially against GOP recruits that they view as flawed.

And this is where money comes in. Democrats significant fundraising advantage has allowed them to define themselves and their opponents early in the race. Brown, for example, spent a whopping $18 million in the last quarter (which ended June 30).

In fact, as our ace campaign finance team has noted, four of the partys most endangered incumbents  Tester, Baldwin, Bob Casey of Pennsylvania and Jacky Rosen of Nevada  spent at least $10 million during that three-month period.

That could change as Republican recruits  many of whom are wealthy businessmen  put more of their own money into these races and become better known.

Theres also a theory, which would fly in the face of the trend away from ticket-splitting, that some voters who are planning to vote for Trump may be looking for a check on the executive branch and are therefore entertaining voting for Democratic senators. But thats just a theory, and itll have to be tested now that theres a new presidential matchup.

Are these races set?

WOLF: The presidential primary process is over, but were still in the thick of statewide primaries for House and Senate races. What are the looming questions that will be answered in the key states where primaries remain?

PATHE: The top Senate matchups are effectively set, even if there are a few outstanding primaries in Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The biggest-name Republicans in each of those races, for example, has the backing of the national GOP and, more importantly for a primary, Trump.

Remaining House primaries should be a bit more consequential because not all matchups in competitive seats are settled yet.

Where are Democrats on offense?

WOLF: Democrats are expected to lose one Senate seat, in West Virginia, no matter what happens. Is there any race where they are on offense and could conceivably make up for that likely loss?

PATHE: Democrats are really only on offense in two places  Texas and Florida. Both had been at the bottom of CNNs list of seats most likely to flip until April, when Maryland (another GOP target) was added to the list and Florida fell off.

Florida isnt necessarily off the table for Democrats  GOP Sen. Rick Scott, despite his millions, has never won election by more than about a point. And Democrats hope that an abortion measure on the ballot could help former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell defeat him.

But the partys better prospect is in Texas, where Rep. Colin Allred is putting up a formidable challenge to GOP Sen. Ted Cruz. Allreds campaign has repeatedly raised more than Cruzs principal campaign account, and theres been some polling that shows a close contest for a state that votes red. Cruz led by just 3 points, for example, in a recent University of Houston/YouGov poll.

However, weve seen Democratic challenges in red states generate enormous fundraising and energy before  and then fall short at the ballot box. Beto ORourkes 2018 race against Cruz and Jaime Harrisons 2020 race against South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham come to mind.

Democrats argue that Allred  who first came to Congress by flipping a GOP-held seat  is a different kind of candidate, but itll be worth watching to see whether that momentum can translate to votes.

Is there a bellwether race to watch?

WOLF: If theres one Senate race that could be a bellwether for the country as a whole, which one is it and why?

PATHE: Thats a great question  Id say maybe Michigan. Its one of the so-called blue wall states that Trump won in 2016 and Biden won back for Democrats in 2020.

And its also an open seat this year because Sen. Debbie Stabenow is retiring. That means there isnt an incumbent who starts with the clear advantage because of statewide name ID, which I think makes the race a better sample of how the national winds are blowing down ballot.

Still, neither candidate is unfamiliar either  its likely to be a matchup between Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and former House Intelligence Chairman Mike Rogers.

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CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM)  Vice President Kamala Harriss campaign visited the Midstate Saturday, just days after she took over as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.

Hundreds gathered in Carlisle for the campaigns Weekend of Action Volunteer Kickoff.

Governor Josh Shapiro  a top candidate to be Harris running mate  spoke to why he believes she would be a great president.

Harris veepstakes reaches fever pitch

We are now being called upon again to do this work, to fight for real freedom, to stand up for what is right, Shapiro said. To elect Kamala Harris as our next president.

The campaign stop comes just 100 days before the election.

Trump previously won the area by 10 points.

I mean, this is possibly one of the most important elections, at least in my lifetime, Rich Forsman, of Camp Hill, said.

Ive been voting the rest of my time to political action because of the importance of preserving a democracy, Tom Fink, of Camp Hill, added.

Both are volunteers for the Harris campaign.

I got involved in politics after Trump got elected, Fink said.

Ive been volunteering with the Janelle Stelson campaign since January. And since then, Ive gotten kind of dragged into the Harris campaign, Forsman said.

New poll highlights Josh Shapiro approval rating during VP search

Shapiro, Forsman, and Fink all believe Harris would be a great fit for president.

This now makes Donald Trump the oldest candidate in the race, whereas before he was not the oldest candidate in the race. So its up to voters to decide who they want, Christopher Nicholas, a veteran Republican political consultant says. I think it would help the Pennsylvania Republican Party if Shapiro is picked.

Let me tell you something. She is tough as nails. Now, weve seen her stand up for victims. Weve seen her stand up for those whove been harmed. Weve seen her stand up and do what is right, Shapiro said. She is ready to serve as the 47th president of the United States. And every step of the way, Kamala Harris has fought for freedom. She has fought for opportunity, and she has delivered results. Let me tell you something. Thats a hell of a contrast with the guy shes running against Donald Trump.

If youre interested in becoming a volunteer for either side of the political aisle  the Republicans or the Democrats  you can sign up on their website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Will McLelland/Alabama Reflector)

Vice President Kamala Harris has been outspoken about her support for access to abortion and other reproductive rights for years, holding numerous events as part of President Joe Bidens administration long before his monumental decision Sunday to exit the race as the partys nominee for a second term.

She made history in April when she became the first sitting president or vice president to visit an abortion clinic and led a Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour in January, speaking to Americans every month in swing states  Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin  and states with abortion bans  Alabama, Arizona and Florida  about the possibilities of electing former President Donald Trump a second time, such as the passage of a national abortion ban.

Meanwhile, Biden was frequently criticized for what activists viewed as his tepid support for access, often calling him out for his avoidance of directly using the word abortion. And at the Republican National Convention, speakers from within the party and Trump avoided the topic entirely.

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Now that Harris is the likely Democratic nominee, activist groups on both sides of the abortion rights debate have seized the opportunity to put the issue back in the spotlight.

According to reports, nonpartisan voter registration platform Vote.org saw a spike of 38,500 new voters during the 48 hours that followed Bidens announcement to step aside. The organization said 83% of those new registrations were among people between the ages of 18 and 34. The Harris campaign also said it raised $100 million in the first 24 hours, and reported more than 100,000 volunteers nationwide had signed on to the campaign.

Jessica Mackler, president of Emilys List, a political action committee that helps elect Democratic female candidates in favor of abortion rights, said during a press call Wednesday that their donations increased following the announcement as well. On Thursday, the group announced a $2 million program in support of Harriss campaign.

We knew this election would be determined by abortion rights, but now we have at the top of the ticket the countrys most powerful advocate for reproductive freedom, Mackler said. So it is going to put those issues even more front and center, and that is how we win.

But some abortion-rights focused groups, such as those trying to pass ballot initiatives enshrining the right to abortion in state constitutions, say Harriss candidacy is unlikely to affect their campaigns.

Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization decision in 2022 allowing states to regulate abortion access, Harris met with state legislators from Florida, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota to discuss ways to protect reproductive rights, States Newsroom reported in July 2022. Save for Indiana, which has since banned most abortions, advocates in those states launched efforts to restore access through ballot measures.

As many as 11 states could have an abortion-related question on their ballots in November, with five confirmed  Nevada, Colorado, South Dakota, Florida and Maryland. Qualification efforts are still underway in states such as Arizona, Montana, Missouri and Arkansas.

Ballot initiative leaders dont expect to see effects from nominee change

The Fairness Project, a ballot-initiative focused group, has dedicated organizational resources to the initiatives in Arizona, Florida, Montana and Missouri, and also worked to pass the abortion ballot measures in Michigan and Ohio over the past two years.

Kelly Hall, executive director of the Fairness Project, said the idea that there may be more enthusiasm for the initiatives now that Harris is in the race is backwards, especially because the initiatives that will make abortion access a constitutional right dont rely on other factors of the election going in a favorable direction.

The reason we see so much enthusiasm on salient topics like reproductive rights is because theres such a linear relationship between voting and the change you want to see. You dont have to hope that the person wins, and they prioritize your issue, and that you have a friendly Congress, and so on, Hall said. Theres a really direct relationship between, I vote in November, and 30 days later there are abortion rights back in my state.

Ashley All, president of the Kansas Coalition for Common Sense, worked to defeat a ballot initiative in 2022 that would have allowed the state to enact abortion bans in the wake of the Dobbs decision. In the time since, she has worked on five other abortion-related initiatives, including in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Montana.

All agreed that people see abortion access as a medical and personal issue rather than a political one, and while there is an obvious difference to her between the two candidates for president in terms of who will protect access on a national level, the initiatives dont neatly align with partisanship. Some people end up splitting their tickets along ideological lines, voting in favor of an abortion measure but still selecting Republicans for office.

Based on that, I dont think ballot initiatives across the country likely will see a dramatic shift due to the top of the ticket, All said. That being said, there has obviously been a dramatic shift in momentum and excitement since she became the nominee, specifically among women and young people.

Hall said its important for the initiative efforts to remain nonpartisan, particularly because many of them are happening in Republican-dominated or swing states that need bipartisan coalitions to succeed. That means separating themselves from partisan slogans, language and infrastructure. And to the extent that turnout may be larger in the general election because abortion is a motivating issue for voters, Hall thinks it will be a benefit to the Democratic candidate, and not the initiative.

There are not enough people who are going to vote for the Democratic candidate for president living in Missouri to win a ballot measure with just those voters alone, Hall said. So in most of the states where abortion is going to be on the ballot, the measure campaign is having to communicate to a universe of voters that is broader than just the folks who are going to vote for Democrats at the top of the ticket.

Harris speaks out frequently against bans without rape and incest exceptions

Harris has repeatedly said Congress should restore Roe v. Wade, and when asked by Face the Nation in September about when should abortion be limited, she used the same language. Neither Harris nor Biden has used the phrase fetal viability frequently when discussing abortion, even though passing the Womens Health Protection Act would allow abortion up to viability and later only if a patients health or life is at risk, the standard set by Roe.

During her time as Californias attorney general, Harris sued an anti-abortion group that was ordered to pay Planned Parenthood more than $2 million in damages after activists secretly recorded videos of abortion providers. The defendants challenged the decision, but last year, the Supreme Court declined to hear their case. Harris has said she was inspired to become a prosecutor because a close friend in high school was molested by her stepfather. In California, she took on cases about sex crimes, domestic violence and child abuse, CalMatters reported.

Today, she often mentions that several states have abortion bans with no exceptions for rape or incest.

This spring, Trump said the issue should be left to the states, but he hasnt definitively said whether he would veto legislation enacting a national ban or if he would oppose efforts to restrict access to abortion medication at the federal level. In an interview with TIME Magazine three months ago, the GOP nominee said he would release a policy statement on the Comstock Act of 1873, a dormant statute abortion-rights opponents say should be enforced to ban the mailing of abortion pills, in two weeks. Trump has yet to express his opinion on the 19th century law. His running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, once signed a letter urging the U.S. Department of Justice to enforce the act.

Trumps campaign is also closely tied to Project 2025, a blueprint assembled by the Heritage Foundation of the desired agenda for the next Republican administration. That agenda includes banning abortion medication nationwide, requiring states to track more data around who gets abortions and where and ending mandated insurance coverage for emergency contraception.

During a stop in Pennsylvania, Harris said Trump is responsible for the state of abortion rights across the country  14 states have near-total bans, and three prohibit abortion before most people know theyre pregnant. A six-week ban in Iowa is also set to take effect on Monday.

If you want to know whos to blame for where we are right now, a finger can be directly pointed at the former president, Harris said in May, according to Pennsylvania Capital-Star. The former president made it very clear and then did what he intended to do: He said he would pick three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe. And they did exactly as he intended.

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Harris holds her first fundraiser as the likely Democratic nominee as donors open their wallets

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris used her first fundraiser since becoming the Democrats' likely White House nominee to excoriate the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as determined to roll back Americans' freedoms.

Harris traveled to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on Saturday where she was expected to raise more than $1.4 million, her campaign announced, from an audience of hundreds at the Colonial Theatre. That would be $1 million-plus more than the original goal set for the event before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

She told an excited group of supporters that she entered the race as an underdog, while expressing confidence that her surging campaign could defeat Trump.

I will fight to move our nation forward, Harris said. Donald Trump intends to take our country backwards.

Harris also poked at Trump, and his running mate Sen. JD Vance, for lobbing peculiar attacks at her and other Democrats. The vice president appeared to be alluding to a 2021 interview with Vance in which he slammed some prominent Democrats without biological children, including Harris, as childless cat ladies with no direct stake in America.

You may have noticed Donald Trump has been resorting to some wild lies about my record and some of what he and his running mate are saying, it is just plain weird, Harris said. I mean that's the box you put that in, right?

Harris' branding the Republican ticket as weird appears to be part of a concerted effort by her campaign to spotlight some of Trump and Vance's rhetoric as questionable. Earlier this week, the Harris campaign on the social media site X called Vance weird and creepy for some of his stances on women's reproductive rights. Trump, meanwhile, has raised the fictional serial killer Hannibal Lecter from the film Silence of the Lambs in stump speeches.

These guys are just weird, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat who is on Harris' shortlist for vice president, said in an MSNBC interview earlier this week. Theyre running for He-man women-haters club or something.

Supporters for the fundraiser included musician James Taylor and many of the state's Democratic heavyweights, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, former Gov. Deval Patrick and Rep. Richie Neal.

Harris took in more than $100 million in donations in the first 48 hours after Biden quit the race, a presidential record, and aides said she has continued to raise money at a steady clip.

This is a people-powered campaign, Harris said. And we have momentum.

Harris, a former prosecutor in her home state of California, also derided Trump for his legal troubles. She noted his recent conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York, a jury finding the former president of being liable for sexual abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996, and a $25 million settlement paid to attendees of the now-defunct real estate seminar called Trump University.

I've been dealing with people like him my entire career, Harris said. She added, So in this campaign, and I say in all seriousness, I will proudly put my record against his any day.

Harris began her remarks with praise for Biden, who opted to end his reelection bid and endorse Harris last weekend after his campaign fell into a tailspin following his disastrous June 27 debate performance against Trump.

She called Bidens legacy of accomplishment over the past three and a half years unmatched in modern history.

Trump denigrated Harris as a radical left lunatic who wants to defund the police during a keynote address at a bitcoin conference in Nashville on Saturday.

He said she was worse than Biden but was probably his second preference for a candidate to run against after Biden.

Trump told the crowd of bitcoin supporters that he would embrace the cryptocurrency more than the Biden-Harris administration has and vowed to replace the Biden-Harris economic stagnation with an economic boom.

The vice president told supporters at her Massachusetts fundraiser that her economic agenda would sharply contrast with Trump's, who she claimed is squarely focused on lowering tax rates for wealthy Americans and improving the bottom lines of corporations.

Building up the middle class will be the defining goal of my presidency, Harris said. She added, Let us make no mistake, this campaign is not just about us versus Donald Trump. Our campaign has always been about two very different visions for our nation.

Separately, the vice president's office announced Harris would travel on Tuesday to Atlanta for a campaign event, and will head Thursday to Houston to attend a memorial service for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, 74, a longtime Democratic House member who died on July 20.

Jackson Lee, who had pancreatic cancer, helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday.

___

Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report.
BOSTON  Vice President Kamala Harris will rake in $1.4 million for her political operation when she headlines a fundraiser in Massachusetts on Saturday, as Democrats continue to surge financial support to their likely new nominee.

The star-studded event  featuring a joint musical performance from James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax and counting former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick among its hosts  was initially aiming to raise $400,000, according to a person familiar with details of the event and granted anonymity to speak freely.

The haul comes exactly a week after Harris  then still the No. 2 on the ticket, but with rumors swirling about President Joe Biden dropping out of the race  headlined a fundraiser on Cape Cod that raised $2 million, double organizers initial goal.

Several high-profile Massachusetts Democrats will join the Berkshires event, which is expected to draw about 800 people to the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey are slated to speak, as is Rep. Richard Neal, the ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, who represents the area. Taylor will introduce Harris. Other featured guests include historian Heather Cox Richardson.

Democrats have been on a fundraising tear since Biden dropped out of the race. Harris raised $81 million in the first 24 hours alone since Biden ended his bid and endorsed hers. Earlier this week, Future Forward, the flagship super PAC blessed by Biden, said it received $150 million in new commitments from major Democratic donors in the 24 hours since he announced he was stepping aside.

The PAC is spending heavily, too. It has placed nearly $33 million in broadcast and cable ads to run through mid-August in the swing states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact.

Harris will return to Massachusetts under markedly different circumstances than when she was in Provincetown just seven days ago, pitching a Biden-led ticket to deep-pocketed donors anxious about the partys November prospects.

Now she is all but assured to be the Democratic nominee, and her team is actively vetting potential running mates. She has already locked up the support of major Democrats in the state  including Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, with the latter due to meet the vice president on the tarmac ahead of the fundraiser.
(Bloomberg) -- After Vice President Kamala Harris met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, her office quickly dispatched a memo to national security professionals highlighting the new Democratic nominees strong record on foreign policy.

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The 10-page document, which was obtained by Bloomberg, was emailed Thursday as part of a full court press to cast Harris  who has spent much of her career focused on domestic matters  as a foreign policy heavyweight on a week that she began her campaign against former President Donald Trump.

It describes a leader who played an integral role in restoring US global leadership around the world alongside President Joe Biden and underscores her support of an American-led international order, in contrast to Trumps isolationist leanings.

The memo hyping her record comes as Democrats try to neutralize Republican attacks on their new nominee for president and to play up the foreign policy experience shes gained alongside Biden, who has dealt with global issues for decades as a senator.

It added that she offered advice in the White House Situation Room on the toughest decisions  from the US response to Russias unprovoked invasion of Ukraine to Irans missile and drone attack on Israel in April.

The document, sent by Harriss national security advisor Phil Gordon, pointed out that shes met more than 150 world leaders including Chinese leader Xi Jinping, has had six meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and conducted important diplomatic trips to Asia and a historic one to Africa.

Id like to share with you the attached information about Vice President Harriss strong record on foreign policy and national security, Gordon wrote to the national security professionals. I hope this is helpful as you engage with media and other stakeholders who are interested in learning more about the vice president and her important work.

In particular, the memo highlights that she was deeply involved in the Biden administrations response to the assault on Israel last Oct. 7, in which Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and kidnapped about 250 others.

According to the memo, she took part in more than 20 calls between Biden and Netanyahu. But while the paper highlights her engagement with Israeli leaders, it also says Harris has been outspoken in calling attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the loss of innocent life.

She has ensured the suffering of the Palestinians and the Palestinian perspective has remained at the forefront of policy making, according to the memo. She has pressed Israeli leaders hard to protect civilians and increase humanitarian assistance.

On Thursday, after her meeting with Netanyahu, Harris followed up on that pledge with comments that reportedly upset the Israeli delegation.

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 said. 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.

When Trump met Netanyahu on Friday at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, he called Harris a radical left person and criticized her stance on Israel.

Her remarks were disrespectful, they werent very nice pertaining to Israel, Trump told Netanyahu. I actually dont know how a person whos Jewish can vote for her, but thats up to them.

Harris office on Friday evening declined to comment.

The memo appeared as Democrats try to burnish Harriss foreign policy credentials after her career as a prosecutor in California focused on law and order issues.

Earlier this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised her as a leading voice on foreign policy who asks penetrating questions in White House deliberations.

Also this week, dozens of former senior officials signed a letter arguing she would require no on-the-job training because of her experience over the past three-and-a-half years conducting foreign policy from the vice presidents office.

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US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (R) and Brazilian Economy Minister Fernando Haddad shake hands after signing the joint declaration on climate partnership between the Brazilian Ministry of Finance and the US Treasury Department during the G20 Finance Ministers Meeting. Diogo Zacarias/Agencia Brazil/dpa

The G20 finance ministers have agreed to work towards effective taxation of the super-rich following a meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

"With full respect to tax sovereignty, we will seek to engage cooperatively to ensure that ultra-high-net-worth individuals are effectively taxed," the ministers said in a final declaration.

"Cooperation could involve exchanging best practices, encouraging debates around tax principles, and devising anti-avoidance mechanisms, including addressing potentially harmful tax practices," the statement said.

"The fight against hunger, poverty, inequality and the taxation of the super-rich are on the international economic agenda," said Brazil's Finance Minister Fernando Haddad in a post on X.

Although the final declaration does not outline any specific measures, Haddad described it as a "significant step forward."

The concept initially presented by Brazil envisaged that billionaires would pay at least 2% of their assets in tax every year.

This could lead to revenues of up to $250 billion, which could be used to combat hunger and conflict, for pandemic prevention and for climate protection, Brazil said.

The proposal has divided the G20 states, however. While France, Spain and South Africa, among others, expressed their support, the United States is against it.

In Germany, the Finance Ministry - led by a minister from the liberal Free Democrats - has rejected the idea of discussing a tax on billionaires at the G20 level.

Development Minister Svenja Schulze, from the Social Democrats, has on the other hand shown herself to be open to the idea.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (R) and Brazilian Economy Minister Fernando Haddad shake hands after signing the joint declaration on climate partnership between the Brazilian Ministry of Finance and the US Treasury Department during the G20 Finance Ministers Meeting. Diogo Zacarias/Mf/Agencia Brazil/dpa

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (L) takes part in a meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers. Rafa Medelima/G20 Brasil/dpa

A general view of the G20 Finance Ministers' Meeting. Rafa Medelima/G20 Brasil/dpa

A general view of the G20 Finance Ministers' Meeting. Rafa Medelima/G20 Brasil/dpa
Haverstraw man arrested in South Carolina accused of fatal shooting in town on July 1

HAVERSTRAW - The 18-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a Pomona man has been captured in South Carolina, more than 750 miles from the scene of the homicide on July 1, town police said Saturday.

Yandie Martinez faces a second-degree murder charge in the shooting death of 29-year-old Christian Alvarado while driving opposite 9 Fairmount Ave. near West Street.

The intersection of Fairmount Ave. and West St. in Haverstraw on Tuesday, Jul 2, 2024, is the scene of a shooting. Haverstraw Police responding to gunfire, finding the body of Christian Alvarado, 29, from Pomona, on the ground near with multiple gun shots. Alvarado was pronounced dead at Montefiore Nyack Hospital.

Martinez was taken into custody at 1:20 p.m. in Piedmont, South Carolina, Haverstaw Police Chief John Gould said. Piedmont is an estimated 771 miles from Haverstraw or a 12-hour car drive down Interstate 95, according to a Google mileage calculation.

Martinez had eluded town police and other law enforcement agencies since the shooting. Police put out a nationwide bulletin with a wanted poster describing Martinez.

The Saturday arrest resulted from an effort by members of the Greenville County Sheriffs Office Fugitive Apprehension Special Investigations Team, the FBI-Westchester Safe StreetsTask Force, and the FBI-Columbia Division, Gould said.

Gould didn't release details of how authorities located Martinez, his arrest, or if anyone qualified for the $5,000 reward the town offered for information leading to Martinez's capture. He said additional information would be disclosed at a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday in Haverstraw Town Hall,1 Rosman Road.

Town of Haverstraw Police Department is seeking information on a suspect in the shooting death of Pomona man Christian Alvarado, 29, in Haverstraw, NY, on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Gould has said Alvarado was shot multiple times in the torso area while driving, causing the Pomona resident to crash his vehicle into a parked car opposite 9 Fairmount Ave. near West Street.

Officers responding to gunfire reports found Alvarado wounded at 4 p.m. on July 1. They helped remove him from the car as EMS technicians provided medical aid.

Alvarado was later pronounced dead at Montefiore-Nyack Hospital.

Gould hasn't released information on how the police centered on Martinez after the shooting. He has said Martinez and Alvarado knew one another but the reason behind the shooting remained speculative.

"We do not have a motive for the homicide at this point," he said early in the investigation. "We do not know what they were feuding about. We have heard many theories but nothing that can be confirmed."

Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould after being promoted in June 2024

Martinez is being held without bail pending court hearings. If he's in South Carolina, New York would seek his extradition to face charges in Alvarado's death.

The shooting marked the fourth homicide in Rockland in 2024. The others occurred in Stony Point, Spring Valley, and Ramapo. Rockland police investigated four homicides in 2023.

Haverstraw police are also investigating two other unresolved homicides. Eric Quinones, 33, was found shot dead in an apartment complex parking lot on Route 202 in 2023. Andy Urena-Marrero, 23, was shot dead in his yard in 2020.

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com Twitter: @lohudlegal

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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Accused Haverstraw shooter arrested in South Carolina for murder
UPDATED with HBO venue reopening to staff: The HBO Penguin Lounge activation in San Diegos Gaslamp district has reopened to staff, about 90 minutes after being evacuated due to a structure fire in a nearby building.

Patrons were seen entering a side door on E Street around 8:55 p.m. at 919 Fourth Street, the nightclub that is hosting the activation during Comic-Con to promote the upcoming Batman series The Penguin starring Colin Farrell.

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PREVIOUSLY, 7:51 p.m.: Press and attendees at the Bloom Nightclub in San Diego, aka HBOs the Penguin Lounge activation during Comic-Con week, were evacuated Friday night as firefighters battled a structure fire in a nearby building.

Upon exiting the Gaslamp District venue at around 7:30 p.m., attendees were greeted by multiple fire trucks and police on the scene, and two ladders were in use extended to the top of a three-story building nearby. Smoke could be seen billowing into the evening sky.

San Diego Police Captain Adam Sharki told Deadline that the fire started at a building in the 900 block of Fourth Avenue near Broadway. The City of San Diego said the fire began at the Rei Do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse, located at 939 Fourth Avenue, and officials were working to determine it didnt spread before allowing patrons back into the surrounding venues.

We got a police officer update on the fire at The Bloom Nightclub in San Diego pic.twitter.com/zdPkvZ8HTb  Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 27, 2024

The HBO activation, designed to promote the upcoming Batman series The Penguin starring Colin Farrell, is located at 919 Fourth Avenue near E Street. According to police on the scene, the entire block was cordoned off.

Sharki said no further evacuations were planned but warned that Fourth and Broadway was gridlocked with traffic on a busy Comic-Con weekend as firefighters worked the scene.

No cause has been determined, and there were no reports of injuries.

Firetrucks and police officers escort guests as ladder retracts to top of Bloom Nightclub bar no smoke on the scene pic.twitter.com/U61WQElCEC  Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) July 27, 2024

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An air source heat pump on the side of a home being installed in the North East of England

Households that delay getting a heat pump risk being saddled with a 2,000 jump in their energy bill, as the shift to net zero triggers an exodus from the gas network.

Currently less than 1pc of homes have an electric heat pump, according to industry figures, with the Government encouraging people to adopt them as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.

But with heat pump numbers forecast to rise, the energy watchdog Ofgem has predicted the bills paid by those who stick with their gas boilers risk spiralling.

This is because the cost of maintaining the gas networks 174,000 miles of pipes and pumps will be spread across ever-fewer customers.

According to Ofgems modelling, charges for those who stick with gas will rise relatively slowly through the 2020s and 2030s but then jump tenfold in the space of a few years during the 2040s, to at least 2,000 per year and likely continue to rise.

That compares to an average of 170 paid per year in charges by the 23m households with gas boilers today.

The surge in bills will take off when the number of people ditching gas heating reaches a tipping point, according to documents published by Ofgem.

At that stage, gas network costs will become so high that they cause a stampede of disconnections.

Ofgem on Friday insisted the numbers were indicative only and stressed that final decisions about the gas network rested with the Government.

A spokesman added: Our role is to ensure the transition away from natural gas is fair and at the lowest possible cost to current and future consumers.

Final decisions on gas network investment expenditure for the period April 2026 to March 2031 will be taken next year following further consultation.

Ofgem has called for a national conversation about how the shutdown of the gas network should be handled.

The sharp and unsustainable rise in bills risks piling costs on future generations who have had little benefit from the system, it said.

It also raises a potentially thorny regulatory issue for the new Labour Government, which will have to decide how to compensate companies that have invested in and own Britains gas networks.

Under the regulatory asset value (RAV) system, the gas networks are today valued at about 26bn  a sum that must eventually be returned to investors via consumer bills.

The figure can rise if gas network operators put money into their assets by investing in upgrades, such as work to replace metal pipes with plastic ones.

But Ofgem has now warned the networks risk becoming stranded assets in the 2040s, and therefore unable to generate the returns promised by the UK to investors, if large numbers of households suddenly rush to disconnect.

In response, the regulator has proposed accelerated depreciation where the amounts paid back to gas network owners are brought forward and sped up to avoid bill charges becoming too high later on.

As part of this, Ofgem has previously suggested consumers could begin paying at least 43 extra in network charges via their gas bill from 2026. The regulator is still consulting on its potential options.

Michael Liebreich, an independent energy consultant, warned that failing to take action risked pushing those who could not afford a heat pump into poverty.

The average cost of installing an air source heat pump is about 13,000, according to data from industry standards body MCS.

Just under 250,000 heat pumps of all kinds have been installed in the UK to date, the data says.

Mr Liebreich said: Theres no net zero 2050 scenario that does not involve decommissioning most, if not all, of our existing gas distribution pipes.

But as most households shift to electrified heating, this work by Ofgem shows that those left behind would face a devastating rise in bills.

How do we avoid that? This is the debate we must now have.

Alongside the issue of gas network charges, Ofgem has also warned that there is currently no plan for the physical shutdown and decommissioning of the gas distribution networks themselves.

Much of the network runs underneath roads and other key infrastructure and will degrade over time if not maintained, raising the risk of sinkholes and other problems if it is not safely disassembled.

Ofgem has not yet estimated the cost of doing this. But a separate study published by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) last year found it could cost up to 74bn, about 2,600 per household.

A government spokesman said: We are on a mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower to cut bills, create jobs and deliver energy security with cheaper, zero-carbon electricity by 2030.

We will stand up for consumers, working with the regulator to ensure we continue to have safe and reliable networks to meet our energy needs, and keep bills as low as possible.

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Here's what it's like to eat at Cava, the salad chain plotting rapid expansion across the US

Here's what it's like to eat at Cava, the salad chain plotting rapid expansion across the US

Cava is plotting an ambitious expansion across the US. It opened 72 restaurants last year.

I visited the Mediterranean salad chain's first Chicago restaurant and had to wait for an hour to order.

But the ingredients were very flavorful and there was a lot of choice. Here's what my experience was like.

Cava, the Mediterranean build-your-own-bowl chain, is plotting an ambitious expansion across the US.

It opened 72 net new restaurants in fiscal 2023 and expects to open at least 50 in 2024. About 90% of new openings will be in suburban areas, away from the traditional office hubs you might associate with chains like Cava that sell quick, healthy lunches ideal for desk-workers.

At the start of 2022, Cava had 164 restaurants. As of 21 April, 2024, it had 323 restaurants, including the conversion of many Zoes Kitchen locations.

I visited one of Cava's restaurants to see what the hype was about.

I visited Chicago's first Cava restaurant, which opened in Wicker Park in April. Though it had already been open for three weeks by the time I visited, there was a huge line. And this was on a Friday night at 8 p.m.  not exactly when I'd expect to be peak salad time.

A huge line filled the Cava store when I visited in the middle of May 2024. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Cava had been doing a good job of creating a buzz, with ads for the restaurant plastered all over the local Metra station.

Cava had covered the Damen Metro station with ads. Grace Dean/Business Insider

It had worked well: It took me an hour to get to the front of the line. None of the other customers I spoke to knew why the restaurant was quite so popular, other than that it was new.

I had to stand in line for an hour to order at Cava. Grace Dean/Business Insider

William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia joked during Cava's earnings call in May that you need a Disneyland-style fast pass to get into the restaurant.

The restaurant's marketing had clearly paid off. Grace Dean/Business Insider

A handful of people had cottoned on to the fact that they could place online orders to avoid standing in line for so long. They downloaded the app, placed their orders, left, and came back half an hour later  much quicker than the hour I spent standing in line.

The restaurant had dedicated shelves for picking up digital and delivery orders. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Since 2015, Cava's restaurants have had dedicated production lines for pickup and delivery orders, which made up about 37% of sales in Q1, Cava told Business Insider.

Pickup and delivery orders made up about 37% of Cava's sales in Q1. Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

Cava has a walk-the-line format like Chipotle. Customized grain bowls, salads, and pitas make up roughly 85% of Cava's orders, CEO Brett Schulman told BI in May. You can also get "curated" dishes  Schulman said that its most popular is the harissa avocado bowl.

Cava's restaurants have a walk-the-line format. Grace Dean/Business Insider

You can choose greens or carbs as the base of your bowl. I opted for the SuperGreens base, which included raw kale and Brussels sprouts. Other base options include saffron basmati rice, black lentils, and spinach.

Each bowl starts with a base of carbs or greens. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Then came the dips, which surprisingly were layered between the base and the "main." You can choose up to three of the six Mediterranean dips on offer, served with what were essentially ice-cream scoops, and I went for hummus and the roasted eggplant dip. A sign explained to customers what the dips were from in case they were unfamiliar with Harissa, hummus, or Cava's spiced "Crazy Feta."

You can choose up to three of the six Mediterranean dips on offer. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Then came the mains. Some of these incur extra charges, so you must be careful with what you pick  like the harissa honey chicken, braised lamb, and spicy lamb meatballs. When I visited, falafel, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and roasted white sweet potato  four of the seven mains on offer  didn't cost extra.

Some of the mains incurred extra charges. Grace Dean/Business Insider

I opted for half-and-half portions of sweet potato and falafel for my main and topped them with black olives, pickled pink onion, cabbage slaw, and garlic dressing, all of which were free. Cava is also well-known for its pita chips and crisps, the latter of which you can add to your bowl for free.

I chose sweet potato and falafel for my main. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Because I didn't get any of the paid-for extras, I was just charged the base price of $12.05 before tax. With a drink, it came to $17.22 including tax.

My bowl was $12.05 before tax. Grace Dean/Business Insider

My bowl looked monstrous. It tasted great, though. The white sweet potato wasn't as soft as I'd expected, and the pita chips soon became very soggy from the dressing, but other than that I loved my bowl. The ingredients all tasted fresh and were full of flavor.

My bowl wasn't exactly pretty. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Building my own bowl was fun. Everything was full of flavor, and there was plenty of choice of Mediterranean ingredients for meat-eaters and veggies alike. The 30-seat restaurant was so busy that I had to share a table, and the diner sat opposite me told me he'd relocated to Chicago from another state and had been excited to finally see one open in the Windy City.

The restaurant was bustling when I visited. Grace Dean/Business Insider

The Chicago restaurant  Cava's entry into the upper Midwest  "is delivering exceptional results and generating significant buzz," Schulman told investors in May. I wouldn't wait in line for an hour for a Cava bowl again, but I left feeling very full  and pumped full of vitamins.

My meal left me feeling full and rejuvenated. Grace Dean/Business Insider

Read the original article on Business Insider
Medics and residents transport casualties of the Hezbollah rocket strike in the town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights - Jalaa Marey/AFP

Israeli aircraft have carried out attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon following a rocket barrage it said the group had fired at a football pitch in Israeli territory killed 12 people, including children.

Israels air force had overnight struck a series of Hezbollah terror targets both deep inside Lebanese territory and in southern Lebanon, including weapons caches and terrorist infrastructure in the areas of Chabriha, Borj El Chmali, and Beqaa, Kfarkela, Rab El Thalathine, Khiam, and Tayr Harfa, the military said on Sunday.

The rocket barrage killed 12 people, including three children, and wounded 29 others in the annexed Golan Heights, making it the deadliest single attack in Israeli territory since October 7.

The IDF (Israel Defence Force) said Hezbollah was behind the strike, which hit the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-controlled part of the Golan Heights.

A local in the village told The Telegraph the attack was horrible, with dead children lying on the pitch. Idan Avshalom, a rescue worker from the MDA emergency unit in Israel, witnessed severe scenes of casualties and fatalities, destruction, and burning objects on the football pitch.

Emergency services reported 11 dead and many more wounded - Jalaa Marey/AFP

Sheikh Muafak Tarif, spiritual leader of the local Druze community, said: Its impossible to imagine and describe the horrific images of children and their smashed [body] parts strewn on the grass.

Israel Katz, Israels foreign minister, told Channel 12 that Hezbollah had crossed all red lines. We are facing an all-out war.

Isaac Herzog, Israels president, said the world cannot continue to sit in silence in the face of Hassan Nasrallahs terror attacks, which come at the behest of the empire of evil in Iran.

Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, called it the deadliest attack against Israel since the October 7 massacre: We are in an escalating war and tonights incident is a very difficult incident, children have been targeted and those children are Druze Israeli citizens.

Hezbollah denied being behind the attack.

An IDF official told The Telegraph in a briefing that shooting at civilians is part of Hezbollahs warfare, and that some 40 rockets were fired across northern Israel on Saturday.

Basem Naim, an official in Hamas, told The Telegraph that the Gaza-based group was not behind the attack.

An official with the Israeli Defence Force said: 'This is a Hezbollah attack. It's part of their MO, shooting at civilians' - Jalaa Marey/AFP

Benjamin Netanyahus office announced his return to Israel from the US would be brought forward as quickly as possible after the attack in the Golan Heights. The prime ministers office warned that Hezbollah would pay a heavy price for this attack, one that it has not paid so far.

Several Israeli government ministers called for a harsh response. Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister, said Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, should pay with his head, while Nir Barkat, the economy minister, said Israel needs to change the equation in the north and make Hezbollah and the state of Lebanon pay a heavy price.

Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, also called on the government to respond to the attack and put an end to abandonment of the north.

Benny Gantz, who served in the war cabinet until June 9, said he would support the government in any determined and effective response that will restore security to the citizens of the north.

Saturdays attack came after Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon, reportedly killing two Hezbollah members.

An Israeli strike on a school housing a field hospital in Deir el-Balah killed at least 30 people, the Gaza health ministry said - APAImages/Shutterstock

Some 60,000 Israeli civilians have been internally displaced along the border with Lebanon since Hezbollah began its attacks on October 8.

Hezbollah has fired over 5,000 drones, anti-tanks missiles and rockets at northern Israel since then. Over 40 people have been killed in the attacks, including 21 civilians.

Israel has responded to the daily attacks by launching airstrikes at Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, killing over 377 of its members.

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While Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe is best known for his celestial discoveries made in the 16th century  before the invention of the telescope  he was also an alchemist who brewed secret medicines for elite clients. But what exactly Brahe worked on in his alchemical laboratory, located beneath his castle residence and observatory called Uraniborg, has been something of a historical enigma.

The covert nature of Brahes work was common among alchemists of the Renaissance, who kept their knowledge close to the vest. Today, only a few of his alchemical recipes remain. Uraniborg, situated on the island of Ven off the coast of Sweden and named for the muse of astronomy, Urania, was demolished after Brahe died in 1601.

Now, researchers who conducted a chemical analysis of glass and pottery shards recovered from the site where the Uraniborg once stood say theyve uncovered new clues to what took place in the Renaissance scientists laboratory centuries ago.

The five shards studied in the new research were among those found during excavations carried out by another team from 1988 to 1992. Discovered in the remnants of a garden surrounding the site, the fragments were believed to have come from the alchemical laboratory.

Kaare Lund Rasmussen, a professor emeritus in the department of physics, chemistry and pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark, was inspired to study the shards after wondering what insights they might offer into understanding Brahes alchemical work.

As lead author of the new research, he worked with coauthor Poul Grinder-Hansen, senior researcher and museum curator at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen, on the investigation. Four of the shards contained higher concentrations of elements than expected, including nickel, copper, zinc, tin, mercury, gold and lead, the researchers reported Wednesday in the journal Heritage Science.

Shards retrieved from the site where Uraniborg once stood were tested for elements. - Courtesy Historical Museum at Lund University

Gold was one substance Rasmussen already associated with Brahe. In an ongoing effort to understand why the Renaissance scientist died, Rasmussen coauthored a November 2016 study that analyzed some of Brahes hair and bones, and found excessive amounts of gold in his remains.

But the biggest revelation from the glass and pottery fragments in the new analysis  and the source of a separate mystery  was the presence of an element that wasnt even known to scientists of Brahes time.

A surprise among the shards

Rasmussen and his team were stunned to detect tungsten among the elements found on the inside and outside of the shards. During the Renaissance, mercury and gold were commonly used in recipes for medicines to treat a wide range of diseases, but the evidence of tungsten among them is very mysterious, he said.

Tungsten had not even been described at that time, so what should we infer from its presence on a shard from Tycho Brahes alchemy workshop? Rasmussen said.

In addition to serving as Brahe's home, Uraniborg functioned as a scientific center where students across Europe came to live and work. - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Photo 12/UIG/Getty Images

Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele uncovered tungstic acid in the mineral now known as scheelite in 1781, more than 180 years following Brahes death. Not long after, Spanish chemists Juan Jose and Fausto dElhuyar y de Suvisa conducted follow-up experiments that successfully isolated tungsten, described in a paper published in 1783. The chemical element, also known as wolfram, occurs naturally in certain minerals.

Its possible that tungsten appeared in Brahes lab through a mineral, or perhaps he processed one in a way that isolated the tungsten without Brahe realizing it, Rasmussen said.

There is also the chance that Brahe encountered tungsten through the work of German mineralogist Georgius Agricola, who discovered the formation of an unusual substance when he attempted to smelt tin made from tin ore. Agricola named the substance wolfram in his 1546 book De Natura Fossilium.

Maybe Tycho Brahe had heard about this and thus knew of tungstens existence, Rasmussen said. But this is not something we know or can say based on the analyses I have done. It is merely a possible theoretical explanation for why we find tungsten in the samples.

The results of the new study will be of interest to historians and archaeologists alike, said Lawrence Principe, Drew Professor of the Humanities and director of the Singleton Center for the Study of Premodern Europe at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Principe was not involved in the research.

Wolframite, which is closely related to tungsten, is used in lightbulb filament manufacturing. - Wirestock/iStockphoto/Getty Images

As the authors note, the discovery of a tungsten residue is very surprising, Principe said. Tungsten ores are relatively rare and we know very little about how much they might have been experimented with in the early modern period.

Principe thinks that anyone who came across a tungsten ore would have been struck by its extreme heaviness  the name of the element means heavy stone in Swedish  and so might well have tried to smelt gold out of it, which is what I would hazard a guess might have been going on in this case, he said.

An astronomer and an alchemist

Brahe was a dynamic scientist during the Renaissance who became famous after his discovery of a supernova in 1572. Brahe was so well-regarded that King Frederick II of Denmark and Norway offered the island of Ven to Brahe as a place to build his observatory and alchemy lab. The estate served as a home and a scientific research center where students from all across Europe came to live and work, and the alchemy lab in the basement contained a number of special furnaces, according to the study.

The lab was uniquely designed, containing 16 furnaces for heating, producing ash and distilling, with copper pipes that ran outdoors for cooling. A spiral staircase led up to the family living room, called the Winter Room, so Brahe was never far from his experiments.

Rasmussen believes that the king made such a generous gift to Brahe not just because of their good and trusting relationship, but because European kings were more esteemed if they retained famous scientists within their countries  and they didnt want to lose them to other nations. And Brahe himself wrote that the king was eager to support the scientists work in both astronomy and alchemy.

A portrait of Tycho Brahe shows the brass prosthetic the astronomer wore after losing much of his nose in a duel. - De Agostini Editorial/Getty Images

Alchemy, the precursor to chemistry, served two purposes: gold-making and medicine making. Alchemists who focused on the creation of gold attempted through experimentation to make it from less valuable metals and minerals.

Brahe, inspired by the German physician Paracelsus, devoted his time and energy to making medicine rather than gold. Diseases such as the plague, leprosy and syphilis were common at the time, so alchemists like Brahe focused on creating medicinal recipes to treat such ailments, along with fevers and stomachaches, Rasmussen said.

Today we can be a little skeptical about the effects of the Paracelsian medicines of the late 1500s, but at the time it was high-tech and cutting edge, Rasmussen said.

Brahe only shared his treasured recipes with a few people, including his patron Rudolph II, Holy Roman Emperor, who allegedly asked Brahe for plague medicine.

This colored engraving from 1645 depicts Stjerneborg, a second observatory constructed by Brahe 80 miles south of Uraniborg. The round towers protected his instruments from the wind. - Culture Club/Hulton Fine Art Collection/Art Images/Getty Images

Brahes plague medicine recipe was complicated and contained theriac, a remedy for a range of things at the time that could include up to 60 ingredients such as opium, snake flesh, oils, herbs and sulfates. Valuable tinctures could also be added to Brahes plague medicine recipe, including hyacinths, coral, sapphires or potable gold.

Given the amount of gold found in Brahes remains, he may have also taken medicine containing potable, or drinkable, gold.

The new findings provide more questions than answers about Brahes alchemical work, but Rasmussen said he looks forward analyzing a new and larger set of samples from the alchemy lab in the future to seek out more clues.

While it may seem strange that an astronomer who created precise instruments to study the heavens and chart the positions of more than 700 stars would be involved in alchemy, it all came down to Brahes worldview, study coauthor Grinder-Hansen said.

He believed that there were obvious connections between the heavenly bodies, earthly substances, and the bodys organs, Grinder-Hansen said in a statement. Thus, the Sun, gold, and the heart were connected, and the same applied to the Moon, silver, and the brain; Jupiter, tin, and the liver; Venus, copper, and the kidneys; Saturn, lead, and the spleen; Mars, iron, and the gallbladder; and Mercury, mercury, and the lungs. Minerals and gemstones could also be linked to this system, so emeralds, for example, belonged to Mercury.

Brahe and English physicist-mathematician Isaac Newton were some of the canonical figures of the Scientific Revolution who engaged in alchemy, said Principe, the Johns Hopkins historian of science.

This is because, contrary to the rhetoric against alchemy that was popular from the 18th century, alchemy and chemistry were not different things in terms of practices, and so anyone seriously interested in matter and its transformations, and especially having the desire to control those transformations in order to produce things, would naturally have engaged themselves with alchemy, he said.

A legacy of scientific achievement

After King Frederick IIs death, Brahe and the new king, Christian IV, did not have a good relationship. Brahe was known to ignore orders from the king, including those regarding his responsibility for maintaining a fire in the Kullen Lighthouse on the southwest coast of Sweden and safekeeping a chapel containing the remains of the kings mother and father, Rasmussen said. So when Brahe died in 1601, the king and his advisers had Uraniborg torn down so it couldnt exist as a monument to the scientist, and the bricks were repurposed for other buildings.

But Brahes scientific achievements have not been forgotten. He was recognized for making great strides during his lifetime, and those milestones paved the way for future scientists.

While Brahe correctly believed that the moon orbited Earth and the planets orbited the sun, he also thought the sun must orbit around Earth. But it was his assistant Johannes Kepler who developed the laws of planetary motion to understand how the planets orbited around the sun.

Brahe, Kepler, Newton and Galileo Galilei changed the way people understand the world and its place in the universe.

Tycho Brahe was the first of four giants standing on each others shoulders with 25-year intervals from 1580 to 1680, who formulated what can be called the modern view of the world  as opposed to the medieval view, Rasmussen said.

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The Hillsborough County School Board cannot dictate the timing of a property tax referendum, the County Commission argued this week in response to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Hillsborough Circuit Court.

Citing logic, past cases and a Florida Supreme Court opinion dating back more than 70 years, attorneys for the county said it should be clear that the commission had every right to postpone the referendum from November, which the district wanted, to 2026.

Judge Emily Peacock had ordered the county to file this response by the end of business on Friday to follow a timetable intended to resolve the question by Aug. 20. Thats when the Supervisor of Elections will prepare ballots that may or may not include the taxing question.

School district leaders want to ask voters to approve a tax of $1 for every taxable $1,000 in property value, similar to taxes that exist in other districts that compete with Hillsborough for teachers. Without the tax, Hillsborough pays its starting teachers as much as $9,000 less than the others. Schools are soon to open with hundreds of teacher vacancies in the county.

The countys decision to postpone the referendum came after a 4-3 vote, along partisan lines, on July 17.

The school board, after its own 4-3 vote, sued the county on Tuesday.

Fridays response says state law governing this process gives county commissions discretion in the timing.

Lawyers for the county wrote that when the legislature included county commissions in the law, it was not an accident. It was deliberate, they wrote.

Why? the countys filing read. There can only be one answer: to determine the date of the election when calling an election for an ad valorem tax millage referendum.

They argue that if lawmakers had not wanted to give county officials this authority, the Legislature could have simply enacted the statute without a reference to county commissioners by providing that a school board could directly call an election for a property tax. But that is not what the Legislature decided.

The logical reason, they wrote, is that county officials must address the interests of the citizens of the entire county. They argue that the county commissions role is not, as school district leaders have suggested, a rubber stamp.

During the July 17 meeting, county commissioners said they were postponing the tax question because of hardships that residents were already experiencing from rising housing costs.

The legal document refers to a Florida Supreme Court opinion from a case in 1952 involving a special election that was needed because a nominee for the high court had died.

The governor at the time asked if he could call an election, and also if he could decide the date. The court told him he could do both things because the law clearly gave him every particular power necessary or proper for complete exercise or performance of the duty that is not in violation of law or public policy.

The lawyers also looked at two past cases of tax questions to support the schools, one in Hernando County and the other in Indian River County.

In the Hernando question, they wrote, attorneys invoked a 1998 Florida Attorney Generals opinion that said: It is up to the board of county commissioners, not the school board, to determine the date of the referendum. The Hernando school board sued and lost that case, which dealt with a sales tax, not a property tax.

In the case involving the Indian River tax, the school board prevailed after a judge ruled that the Commissioners have no discretion to choose a different date, but must perform the ministerial act of calling for an election as directed by the School Board, including the date requested.

The Hillsborough lawyers, however, believe the Indian River decision was flawed and does not answer the question of why the state gave county commissioners the responsibility of placing the question on the ballot.

Hillsboroughs proposed tax is one of the top issues in this years school board election campaigns.

All four incumbents on the ballot  Nadia Combs, Jessica Vaughn, Henry Shake Washington and Lynn Gray  have said the tax is necessary to place Hillsborough on par with other districts that are vying for a scarce supply of teachers.

People are not going into the classroom, board member Nadia Combs said at a candidate forum Thursday in Odessa. I can tell you my daughter is at Florida State. She has not met one person who is going into education. In her senior year at Steinbrenner High School, she lost her journalism teacher and she lost her math teacher.

Former principal Johnny Bush, who is challenging Gray for her districtwide seat, told the group: If were doing whats best for our kids, were going to take care of those we put in charge of educating them. ... A teacher can go across the bridge and make $8,000 more.

The two other candidates in Grays and Bushs group, Karen Bendorf and Jen Flebotte, say the district simply needs to do a better job managing its finances.

We can do whats right for teachers with what we have, said Bendorf, a middle school teacher.
Historic front page from the Des Moines Register, May 1, 2011: With Guard in Afghanistan

On May 1, 2011, the Des Moines Register publishes a special section of reports and photos by journalists Tony Leys and Rodney White, who embedded for three weeks with an Iowa National Guard unit deployed to Afghanistan.

The Des Moines Register is celebrating 175 years of journalism.

Featured front page

Ten years after 9/11, the war in Afghanistan continues, sustained by dedicated citizen soldiers. Two Des Moines Register journalists spend three weeks embedded with a 2,800-member Iowa National Guard unit, the largest deployment of Iowa troops since World War II. Their coverage continues a Register tradition that when Iowans go to war, the Register goes, too. On May 1, 2011, the Register publishes a special section of Tony Leys' reporting and Rodney White's photographs from that journey. Online content includes a video of the Iowa troops engaged in a firefight.

Each day this month, as the Register marks its 175th birthday, were sharing front pages from noteworthy moments in history.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The Des Moines Register historic front page: With Guard in Afghanistan
This historic SC racetrack is on sale for $5.8M. Heres why

The uncertain future of the beloved Greenville Pickens Speedway took another turn this week when the owner and developer of an adjacent industrial park put the racetrack property up for sale.

Asking price: $5.8 million.

John Shaw of Shaw Realty, the listing agent, said Friday hes received a number of calls about the property in the two days since it was listed.

Much of the property around the speedway was bought or is under contract by RealtyLink, which has begun building a warehouse there, Shaw said.

The tenant is Carolina Handling, a logistics company, that will have 267,000 square feet of office and warehouse space.

RealtyLink intends to have 10 buildings and 4 million square feet of space. The racetrack site was never part of the plan.

The 83-year-old racetrack did not operate during the racing season last year, the first time since World War II that racing was dark.

Racer Jackie Manley spearheaded a fundraising campaign to operate the track but was not able to raise the $100,000 required by former owner Kevin Whitaker, an Upstate car dealer.

The group raised $60,000, which was donated to Shriners Hospital.

Manly could not be reached for comment but a Facebook post on the Real Historic Greenville Pickens Speedway page said, For over a year people have been asking for the price of the Racetrack and if it was for sale or not. Now it is listed and is for sale. Remember, this is a list price and one can always offer a different price. There is always a little room for negotiation when real estate is involved.

The post asked people to not be negative, but plenty of people on Facebook were doubtful it was a good investment. They decried the loss, but wondered if anyone could pull it off.

The Real speedway page said, There are people out there that wouldnt have a problem with this price at all. This cannot be done by just a local guy. This is going to need to be bought by someone in NASCAR or a successful businessman who may love racing. Never say never, and as long as the track is standing, there is always hope.

Greenville Pickens Speedway opened in 1940 as a half-mile-long dirt track. When racing resumed after World War II on Independence Day, fans saw two horse races and a car race promoted by Bill France Sr., who two years later founded NASCAR.

The Blackwell family bought the track in 1955, the same year NASCAR began sanctioning races there. The track, later paved, hosted various Winston Cup races through the years.

Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt and his son Dale Jr.. raced there. Many of the legendary racers names remain painted on the walls surrounding the track.

Shaw believes the track could offer events in addition to racing such as swap meets, concerts and car shows that would make it a more lucrative investment.
An example of one of the Traveling Trunks available from the History Museum on the Square includes a variety of items related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The History Museum on the Square and Great Southern Bank announced a new partnership in support of the museums Traveling Exploration Trunk educational program.

Through this sponsorship, Great Southern Bank enables anyone to borrow the museum's traveling trunks at no cost, furthering access to enriching educational experiences within the Springfield and greater Southwest Missouri community.

The Traveling Exploration Trunks provided by the History Museum on the Square offer local students, community groups and homeschool families a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of Springfield and Greene County. Each of the seven trunks are curated to provide hands-on learning experiences, featuring reproduction items, primary source material and other interactive hands-on educational aids. Covering a wide array of topics and aligned with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education learning standards, these trunks serve as resources for educators and learners alike.

"By partnering with the History Museum on the Square in support of the Traveling Exploration Trunks, we're not just preserving history; we're inspiring the future," said Andrea Brady, community outreach and development manager at Great Southern Bank. "Together, we create a space where children can learn, dream, and be the architects of tomorrow, grounded in the wisdom of yesterday.

Within each trunk, Springfield and Greene County history is brought to life alongside the broader social and cultural context of the time, providing a comprehensive learning experience for all who engage with the program. From clothing and household items to tools, animal pelts and toys, the contents of these trunks offer a tangible connection to the past, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for our shared heritage.

"We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of Great Southern Bank, whose sponsorship of the Traveling Exploration Trunks will make a meaningful difference in our community, said Sean FitzGibbons, executive director of the History Museum on the Square. This partnership not only ensures accessibility to our educational resources, regardless of financial constraints, but also reinforces our collective commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of Springfield and Greene County.

For more information about the Traveling Trunk Program and how to borrow a trunk, visit the History Museum on the Square's website at historymuseumonthesquare.org/trunks or email Whitney Mosley, Education Manager at whitney@historymuseumonthesquare.org.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: History Museum on the Square's traveling trunks now free to borrow
AUSTIN (KXAN)  History, security and politics will all come into sharp focus Monday when President Joe Biden returns to Austin for his first public appearance since shockingly ending his reelection campaign.

Biden will deliver a speech at the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum to mark 60 years since Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. These are remarks he rescheduled after canceling his initial appearance a day after the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.

Bidens withdrawal echoes LBJs exit more than 50 years ago

During an interview Friday, Mark Lawrence, director of the LBJ Presidential Library, answered a question about whether safety protocols at the facility would change during Bidens visit.

Needless to say, an enormous amount of effort and thought is going into security, Lawrence said. Its an effort that involves Secret Service, local police, and many other organizations that have a hand in making these important decisions about how to secure this facility, how to secure Austin in some ways for this visit. And I must say  Im completely impressed by the professionalism of everyone involved in this effort, and Im confident that things will come off in exactly the way that we hope they will on Monday.

The library itself, though, is no stranger to holding high-profile events with prominent guests who require heavy security details. A decade ago, when the library marked 50 years of the Civil Rights Act, Lawrence noted four presidents  Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter  all attended that commemoration.

This time around, Lawrence said the librarys dream guest for the 60th milestone was always President Biden.

This visit has been many, many months in the making, and we were of course thrilled that the stars seemed to align a few weeks ago, though, so that he would appear here, Lawrence said. And now, after some uncertainty, it appears as though this event is going to have even more  much more  significance than it would have.

Hes of course talking about Bidens decision to withdraw from the presidential race and endorse his vice president, Kamala Harris, to become the Democrats new nominee. Lawrence points out how stunningly similar this is to Johnsons decision to drop out of the Democratic primary in 1968.

Here are two deeply political men who pursued the presidency for years, for decades, and they arrive at the pinnacle and then face this very difficult decision to withdraw, Lawrence said. I think we can see from the history of both of these decisions how difficult it was for these individuals, but I think what really runs through these two cases is a really admirable tendency to put the interests of the country ahead of personal ambition. That was the case in 1968, in many ways, and its certainly the case now.

Even though he has not seen Bidens remarks, Lawrence said he anticipates the president to not only address all that happened in recent days.

I imagine that he would connect the likely nomination of Kamala Harris, a woman of color, to the history of the Civil Rights Act and the story of civil rights in the United States over the last 60 years, Lawrence said.

Because of his deep knowledge of Johnsons presidency, Lawrence said the current political moment has one notable difference from the 1968 presidential race.

I think that one of the really interesting distinctions, perhaps between 1968 and our present moment, is the speed with which not only President Biden but the whole Democratic Party establishment came together around Kamala Harris, Lawrence said. In 1968 it was somewhat different. There were other contenders besides the sitting vice president, Hubert Humphrey, for the nomination, and it took a while, took weeks for the party really to come together. Even then it was a very, very controversial decision, so to some extent, I think the Democratic Party has learned from that long-ago historical example how important it is to show unity around the most obvious contender to replace the president whos withdrawn.

KXAN will provide a live stream Monday of Bidens remarks at the LBJ Presidential Library. Those can be viewed on the stations website as well as the KXAN News Facebook page.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Fresnos Mayor Jerry Dyer and other city officials announced on Friday their new proposal to address Fresnos homeless population, in a move fuelled by the executive order signed on Thursday by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsoms executive order called for the removal of encampments on state land and applied pressure on local governments to repeat similar action. The City of Fresnos action follows a similar ordinance announced by Fresno County on Thursday.

Newsom orders California state agencies to start clearing homeless encampments

In June the Supreme Court cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places, overturning a ruling from a California-based appeals court that found such laws amount to cruel and unusual punishment when shelter space is lacking.

For the last five years, we have been seeking a comprehensive approach to a city-wide crisis, said Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias.

Since 2019, Arias says the City of Fresno has invested more than $400 million in giving those who are homeless the support services they need to help lift themselves out of homelessness.

We have done everything in our power and everything that money can buy to create support services to those who are willing and able to take the help, Arias said.

Arias said they had seen great success and that more than 3,000 residents received housing and returned to family members  but reveals that some refuse the help or are not ready for it.

Were going to do something about it, but what is Fresno County going to do about homeless encampments?

Since the Supreme Court ruling went public, Arias said city officials met with the mayor to create a new ordinance that uses the new federal standard for addressing homelessness. The new ordinance will address the remaining homeless residents who engage in criminal activity in a citywide effort, Arias said.

Councilmember Garry Bredefeld said that the ruling established that fining and arresting does not impose on unhouse peoples constitutional rights.

Our constituents expect to live in a city without having to deal with homeless sleeping or camping in their neighborhoods, said Bredefeld. It is time for accountability and this ordinance will bring that accountability.

The enforcement plan, which is set to go into action on September 15, is described as not anti-homeless by Councilmember Tyler Maxwell  but instead designed to help the schools, local parks, bus stops, and small businesses that are being negatively affected by the encampments.

If approved, city officials say the ordinance would provide the City of Fresno with a new policy and more effective enforcement tools to address encampments and unhoused residents who refuse treatment and services.

Mayor Jerry Dyer says the encampments that the city deals with can be extremely dangerous. Dyer says to continue to allow encampments is not something they are willing to do because they know what it leads to.

Simply put, regardless of the availability of the bed space in this community, we will hold our unsheltered population accountable, Dyer said.

He says that would include arresting them and taking them to jail if they are in violation of the ordinance. City enforcement will be focusing on problematic people, described as those who are most defiant, and problematic locations.

We want to make sure the courts have the opportunity to persuade those individuals who have been arrested to seek treatment. In lieu of ongoing incarceration so they can get the help in which they need, Dyer said.

Councilmember Miguel Arias says there will be a special meeting of Fresno City Council on Monday. If the ordinance goes forward it will be effective on September 15.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Heres how hot summer was in Chicago 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 Chicago 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.

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.

Chicago is an urban heat island. So what does that mean?

In Chicago, the picture is complicated. If you grew up in the 1950s, you may remember how hot the summers were that decade. Highs were in the mid-80s, on average, while low temperatures didnt cool down much below the mid-60s. Warm nights like that can be dangerous, health experts warn, because they dont give peoples homes or bodies enough time to cool off.

The 1970s and 1980s were a summer weather rollercoaster ride, with some years having temperature summer seasons followed by heat waves.

The hottest summer in recent memory appears to be 2020, when the average high temperature between June and August topped 86 degrees. Only time will tell if the summer of 2024 will beat that.

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.

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 WGN-TV.
The banquet hall of Michaels on East was occupied on Thursday afternoon by about 125 of Sarasotas elite players in business and politics. City commissioners, government officials and representatives from influential development firms rubbed elbows and enjoyed salmon and black olive salads and iced tea for lunch.

The venue and clientele contrasted with the voters of Sarasotas City Commission District 1, who make up the most diverse and lowest income city residents. Nevertheless, the suit-and-tie crowd was there for a forum that featured the three candidates to represent the district on the City Commission.

Sarasota City Commissioner Kyle Battie at the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club City of Sarasota's District 1 Candidates event at Michaels on East banquet hall on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

District 1 covers much of North Sarasota  Bayou Oaks, Amaryllis Park, Central Cocoanut, and Newtown. It contains Sarasotas only significant Black voting bloc.

The incumbent, Kyle Battie, grew up in District 1. A Sarasota High School graduate, he moved back to the area eight years ago and defeated longtime commissioner Willie Shaw by more than seven percentage points in 2020.

The commissioner used as much time as allowed for him to speak and controlled much of the forum with his comments.

Sequoia Felton began her campaign with endorsements from Shaw and Fredd Atkins, Sarasotas first Black mayor. She has previously served on the citys Human Relations Board.

Sarasota City Commission candidate Sequoia Felton at the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club City of Sarasota's District 1 Candidates event at Michaels on East banquet hall on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

A political newcomer, Felton said she was focused on the overall quality of life for District 1 residents and over development. She kept some of her answers short and did not criticize Battie head on.

I wouldnt say its time to replace Mr. Battie, but you definitely need a voice in District One, Felton said.

Melissa Furman, a longtime flight attendant and resident of Central Cocoanut, said she got into the race because of her concerns over what she said was unbridled development in the city, as well as enforcement of zoning codes.

Battie has far out gained his opponents in campaign contributions. He had raised more than $36,000 as of July 12. Felton has received more than $10,000 in contributions and Furman has raised about $1,642.

The forum was moderated by Kevin Cooper - a Vice President of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board Candidate.

Sarasota City Commission candidate Melissa Furman at the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club City of Sarasota's District 1 Candidates event at Michaels on East banquet hall on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Housing and development dominate forum

Much of the afternoon was spent talking about the most universal issues in Sarasota this election season: Development and the cost of housing.

Sarasota County has consistently been ranked as one of the most expensive areas in Florida for renters. The median price for a home in Sarasota is about $521,000, according to the National Association of Realtors  among the costliest 12% of areas in the country.

Battie defended the citys affordable housing policies through developer incentives and said the issue would be at the top of his agenda during a second term.

Sarasotas Downtown Attainable Housing Density Bonus Program allows developers to build more units than an area is zoned for, as long as at least 15% of these bonus units are attainable to households than make between 80 and 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metro area. This comes out to between about $65,840 and $98,760 a year, according to the University of Floridas Shimberg Center for Housing Studies.

The numbers that we came up with - at 15% - were not arbitrary. They weren't conjecture. They weren't just grabbed out of thin air, Battie said. There were experts that spoke to us at length in our planning department and development department.

Felton and Furman both said the density bonuses did not go far enough to address the cost of rent. The median household income in Newtown is $23,877, about a third of the national median household income, according to the citys 2020 Newtown Development Plan.

Housing should be attainable and affordable for all income levels, Felton said. People who work here should be able to live here as well.

Furman questioned why the bonus density percentage couldnt be higher, up to 20 or 25%. Battie responded that it would cause the developers to lose interest in the incentives altogether.

Two questions from Tiger Bay members were about affordable housing, and both quickly became contentious exchanges between the inquirer, the moderator, and the candidates.

As local attorney Dan Lobeck wound up his question on the efficiency of the attainable housing program, Cooper asked him to keep the question brief.

Im setting it up, Lobeck said.

You dont need to set it up. They know the issues! Cooper said.

I know youre on the opposite side... Lobeck began.

You dont know anything, Dan, Cooper finished.

Battie also sparred with local activist Cathy Cannon Antunes when she also questioned whether the bonus incentives created enough attainable units.

Thats the threshold of which developers will build and give us affordable housing or attainable housing, Battie said. I will take that over the alternative, which is zero, which we have been given (in the past).

Felton argued that the mere construction of more dwellings and apartment buildings would not make housing more affordable in the district.

I'm just worried about infrastructure. There's a lot of condos being built, and people that I know can't afford to live there, so I don't see a purpose of having so many condos, Felton said.

Public engagement, the city manager and gun violence

Off the topic of housing, Felton kept many of her answers short. When Cooper asked about the candidates thoughts about City Manager Marlon Browns job performance, Felton admitted she did not know him very well, but based on her time at the human relations board he seemed like a nice guy.

Asked about the citys public engagement efforts, Felton said she did not know a lot about the issue.

I cant answer that question because I really dont know what the citys doing on that end, Felton said.

Battie spoke as long as he was allowed to by the moderator  both to commend Marlon Brown as the city manager and as a personal mentor, and to laud what he said was the citys transparency with the public.

I do not think there is a development or project that happens in this city that does not listen to the public or have public engagement or workshops or what have you, Battie said.

The candidates shared their most consensus when Cooper referenced a report by the Herald-Tribune on the recent increase of gun violence in Sarasota.

Furman advocated for more patrols by the Sarasota Police Department in high-crime areas. Felton made clear she felt the issue was not specific to Newtown, or even Sarasota itself, but was a broad social ill that needs to be addressed with more community outreach and activities for at-risk youth.

Battie acknowledged that many of the shootings have taken place in his district. The commissioner said there was no simple solution to fix the increase in violence, but it would take a sustained, community effort.

Its going to take effort by committee, by all of us, Battie said. It is not just the police department, not just one person or one community, or one neighborhood, but this entire city.

Christian Casale covers local government for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Email him at ccasale@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @vanityhack

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota City Commission candidates discuss housing costs, development
Thousands of firefighters battling a huge wildfire in northern California received some help from the weather hours after it exploded in size, scorching an area greater than the size of Los Angeles.

The blaze was one of several tearing through the western United States and Canada, powered by wind and heat.

Cooler temperatures and an increase in humidity could help slow the Park Fire, the largest this year in California. Its intensity and dramatic spread led fire officials to make unwelcome comparisons to the Camp Fire, which burned out of control in nearby Paradise in 2018, killing 85 people and torching 11,000 homes.

Paradise again was near the danger zone on Saturday. The entire town was under an evacuation warning, one of several communities in Butte County. Evacuation orders were also issued in Plumas, Tehama and Shasta counties.

Temperatures are expected to be cooler than average through to the middle of the coming week, but that doesnt mean that fires that are existing will go away, said Marc Chenard, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Centre in Maryland.

As of Saturday, the Park Fire had scorched 547 square miles and destroyed 134 structures since igniting Wednesday, when authorities said a man pushed a burning car into a gully in Chico and then fled. It was 10pc contained and moving to the north and east near Chico, the Associated Press reported.

A man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion that he had started the Park Fire by pushing the car into the gully on Wednesday afternoon.

Nearly 2,500 firefighters were battling the blaze, aided by 16 helicopters and numerous air tankers.

Jeremy Pierce, a Cal Fire operations section chief, said firefighters were taking advantage of the cooler weather while it lasts: Were having great success today.

S

Californias governor, Gavin Newsom, has declared a state of emergency for two counties, and authorities have ordered evacuations in four of the states 58 counties.

Horses are evacuated as the Park Fire tears though the Cohasset community in Butte County, California - Noah Berger/FR34727 AP

Extreme weather phenomena from raging fires to severe droughts and heavy rainfalls have swept across the globe in recent years  an impact of climate change.

Some wildfires have been caused by increased lightning strikes and record summer heat, which is creating bone-dry conditions.

Over this past week, the world broke the record for the Earths hottest day ever  twice in a row, first on July 21, then on the following day.

Californias Park Fire was one of 104 active fires burning in the US on Saturday, covering a total of 2,845 square miles, according to the US National Interagency Fire Center.

A hillside burned in a previous wildfire in Tehama County, California - Noah Berger/FR34727 AP

North of California in the state of Oregon, firefighters are scrambling to contain the biggest active fire in the US right now  the Durkee Fire, which combined with the Cow Fire,has burned through 630 square miles.

About 20 per cent of the fire had been contained as of Friday.

In Oregon, one pilot was found dead in a small air tanker plane that crashed while fighting one of the wildfires spreading across the US West.

Fires are also raging in Canadas Alberta province, with flames licking through the Canadian Rockies town of Jasper, prompting authorities to warn of a wall of fire but which reportedly has since been contained.

A man pauses to drink water while evacuating near Paynes Creek in Tehama County, California - Noah Berger/FR34727 AP

So far this year, more than 27,000 fires have burned down more than 5,800 square miles in the US, according to US authorities.

In Canada, more than 3,700 fires have burned down more than 8,000 square miles this year, according to Canadian authorities.

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.
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Saturday Russia's leadership was "hyper rational" and that Ukraine would never be able to fulfil its hopes of becoming a member of the European Union or NATO.

Orban, a nationalist in power since 2010, made the comments during a speech in which he forecast a shift in global power away from the "irrational" West towards Asia and Russia.

"In the next long decades, maybe centuries, Asia will be the dominant centre of the world," Orban said, mentioning China, India, Pakistan and Indonesia as the world's future big powers.

"And we Westerners pushed the Russians into this bloc as well," he said in the televised speech before ethnic Hungarians at a festival in the town of Baile Tusnad in neighbouring Romania.

Orban, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, has sharply differed from the rest of the bloc by seeking warmer ties with Beijing and Moscow, and he angered some EU leaders when he went on surprise visits to Kyiv, Moscow and Beijing this month for talks on the war in Ukraine.

He said that in contrast to the "weakness" of the West, Russia's position in world affairs was rational and predictable, saying the country had shown economic flexibility in adapting to Western sanctions since it invaded Crimea in 2014.

Orban, whose own government has passed a number of anti-LGBT measures, said Russia had gained clout in many parts of the world by cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights.

"The strongest international appeal of Russian soft power is its opposition to LGBTQ," he said.

He added that Ukraine would never become a member of the EU or NATO because "we Europeans do not have enough money for that".

"The EU needs to give up its identity as a political project and become an economic and defence project," Orban added.

The EU opened membership talks with Ukraine late last month, although a long and tough road lies ahead of the country before it can join the bloc.

A declaration at the end of the NATO summit this month said the alliance will support Ukraine on "its irreversible path" towards membership.

(Reporting by Anita Komuves; Editing by Helen Popper)
Idaho is a top mint producer. But a pathogen could force the plant out of the state

Though Idaho may be known for its potatoes, the state exceeds most any other for a much lesser-known crop: peppermint. But across the U.S., mint farmers see a major threat to production thats prompting them to find another business.

Tiny worms in the past decade have been spreading a deadly fungal disease thats wreaking havoc on Idaho mint  a $21 million industry and the second-highest in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Lower mint prices and an increase in microscopic worms that worsen the fungal disease, known as Verticillium wilt, have resulted in a $4 million drop in Idaho peppermint sales last year, according to the USDA. Farmers harvested 12,300 acres of peppermint that same year, which is mostly used to make oil sold to flavor products, the federal agency said.

Joe Weitz, the owner of Western Farms Inc. in Caldwell, Idaho, thinks the outlook for this year might not be much better.

Western Farms Inc. in Caldwell, Idaho, seven years ago harvested around 1,000 acres of mint, but this growing season, they are down to about 400, Weitz said.

It can be difficult and expensive to keep growing mint after the first couple of years, Weitz told the Idaho Statesman.

Fungal disease endangers Idaho mint industry

Mint can be challenging to produce; it grows well on new land, but when diseases settle in, production takes a hit, Weitz said. Once Verticillium wilt infected mint populations in the Midwest decades ago, farmers moved to land where the pathogen isnt present, which is why most mint is now grown in the Pacific Northwest, Weitz said.

Verticillium wilt, which causes wilting leaves, stunted growth and plant death, is now widely spread in Idaho, Weitz said.

The fungus is made worse by nematode infections that are getting worse in Idaho, explained Saad Hafez, a professor in plant pathology at the University of Idaho. Lesion nematodes cause destructive damage to a mint plant, and spread fungus within and between plants. While pin nematodes feed on and weaken plant roots, making them more susceptible to Verticillium wilt infections.

Fungus and nematodes almost always come together, Hafez told the Statesman.

The nematodes also contaminate equipment and spread by wind and irrigation water, Hafez said, meaning they can move from acre to acre or even farm to farm. Once they are introduced to an area, it can be almost impossible to get rid of them or keep them from spreading, he said.

Treating mint pathogens is hard and expensive

Hafez and Weitz agree that while fungi and nematodes can be treated, its not cheap, and nothing lasts or completely solves the problem.

Fumigation, typically done once the mint is removed from the land or before planting, can cost $500 to $600 an acre, Weitz told the Statesman.

Chemical management that can be applied during the growing season can cost up to $3,000 an acre, and while there are chemical treatment options for nematodes, there is not much on the market to treat Verticillium wilt, Hafez said. But regardless of treatment, mint growth drops every year once Verticillium wilt is introduced Hafez explained.

At Western Farms, in acres where the costs have outweighed the benefits for mint growth because of Verticillium wilt, they have rotated in crops like corn and onions while they wait for the fungi to die down  which can take decades.

The best way to protect mint crops is to prevent nematode and Verticillium wilt infections by buying clean crops and sterilizing equipment and soil, Hafez said, although he acknowledges prevention is difficult.

Hafez is one of the only mint researchers in the country. He plans to retire soon, and he worries about the future of mint research.

We will need more research, especially on Verticillium wilt, if we want to continue growing mint, Hafez said. Right now, there are not enough treatment options.

But as demand for U.S. mint dies down, farmers also arent motivated to spend money on fumigation, Weitz explained.

Weitz thinks adding a U.S.-grown mint label to products could restore some of the countrys demand.

I think consumers would want to know where their mint is coming from, Weitz said.
Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family of Sonya Massey, on 26 June 2024 in Springfield, Illinois.

Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family of Sonya Massey, on 26 June 2024 in Springfield, Illinois. Photograph: John OConnor/AP

As vigils for Sonya Massey take place across the US this weekend, a history of unethical and aggressive behavior by the officer who shot her, Sean P Grayson, is emerging. Graysons disciplinary file includes accusations of bullying behavior and abuse of power, according to CBS News.

Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman and mother of two living outside Springfield, Illinois, had called 911 when she thought a prowler was lurking outside her home on 6 July. Grayson and another officer from the Sangamon county sheriffs office were dispatched and arrived at her home. Instead of helping Massey with a possible intruder, Grayson shot her in the face after she moved a pot of water from her kitchen stove at their request.

Grayson, who is white, has pleaded not guilty to charges 0f first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct in Masseys killing. He was fired last week by the Sangamon county sheriffs office and has been jailed without bond.

Related: Sonya Massey killing: family accuse police of attempted cover-up

Captured on bodycam, Grayson can be heard yelling: You better fucking not. I swear to God I will fucking shoot you right in your fucking face. Both deputies screamed at Massey to drop the pot. Massey cowered behind the counter, saying Im sorry twice before Grayson shot her three times.

The 26 July CBS report on Graysons disciplinary file included an audio recording of Graysons previous supervising officers saying, The sheriff and I will not tolerate lying or deception, to Grayson, and officers [like you] have been charged and they end up in jail.

The recordings date back to November 2022 and were released by the Logan county sheriffs office, north-east of Sangamon county, where Grayson had worked from May 2022 to April 2023. The disciplinary file describes Graysons behavior as bullying and an abuse of power, specifically citing a lack of integrity, lying in his reports and misconduct.

Wayman Meredith, the police chief of Girard, Illinois, recalled, He was acting like a bully, over the phone to CBS about Grayson. Meredith spoke about an alleged incident last year, describing Grayson as enraged and pressuring him to call child protective services on a woman outside of the home of Graysons mother. He was wanting me to do stuff that was not kosher, Meredith added.

According to the CBS report, Grayson worked in six different law enforcement agencies in four years.

Why did he even have a job as a sheriffs deputy after those red flags? said Ben Crump, the familys lawyer, at a press conference.

On the same day the CBS report was aired, Kamala Harris called the Massey family to offer condolences, according to family members who spoke to NBC News.

Masseys father, James Wilburn, told NBC News that the vice-presidents call made me feel a lot better today. He added that Harris gave us her heartfelt condolences, and she let us know that she is with us 100%, that this senseless killing must stop.

Harris, the presumptive 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, issued a statement on 23 July following the release of the body-camera footage. We have much work to do to ensure that our justice system fully lives up to its name, she said.
IMPD: No suspect in custody in officer's shooting, but there is no 'ongoing threat'

A police officer was injured in a shooting on the city's far east side Friday and police were searching late into the night for whoever pulled the trigger.

Police said the event unfolded shortly after 8:30 p.m. in the 3600 block of North Wittfield Street, near East 36th Street and North Post Road in the city's Northeastwood neighborhood when officers responded to a "shots fired" call in the area. Police were canvassing the area for potential victims and evidence relating to the call when the shooter then fired at the officers.

Shortly afterward, the immediate area was determined to be not safe and residents were asked to stay inside their homes and avoid the neighborhood. About 11:15 p.m., police said a sweep of the area  including with K-9s  did not surface a suspect, but they did not believe there was an ongoing threat.

Theres a lot that we dont know about this incident. And were hopeful that we will learn more later on, Capt. Shane Foley said during a media briefing at the scene.

Chief Chris Bailey said the injured officer, who suffered gunshot wounds to his abdomen and right arm, was taken to Eskenazi Hospital in stable condition and later underwent surgery.

"He is expected to make a full recovery, although (he) is going to be in the hospital for some days," Bailey added.

Shortly before 1 a.m., during a briefing at the hospital, Asst. Chief Michael Wooley said a house also was hit by gunfire but no residents were struck. Wooley said no officers fired their weapons and body cameras were activated throughout the situation.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey updates members of the media regarding the department's investigation of a shooting where an IMPD officer was shot, near the intersection of East 36th Street and North Post Road, on Friday, July 26, 2024, in Indianapolis.

Police have not released a description of the suspect in the shooting, who remained at large early Saturday.

Right now, officers are all over the city looking for the individual or individuals responsible for what happened, Bailey said.

Anyone with information or video footage of the incident is asked to call 911.

The K9 sweep of the area is complete.



IMPD is not aware of any ongoing threat to the public at this time, however, no suspects are currently in custody.



Media should stage at 36th/N Post Rd just east, but park on the NW corner. https://t.co/Es3zCovZrU  IMPD (@IMPDnews) July 27, 2024

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department vehicle lines the roadway after an officer was shot in the 3600 block of Wittfield Street on the city's far east side. The officer was listed in stable condition shortly after the shooting July 26, 2024.

Second Indianapolis police officer shot this year

The shooting marks the second time an Indianapolis police officer has been injured by gunfire in 2024. In March, an off-duty officer working security at an east side bar on East Washington Street was hit in an exchange of gunfire with at least one suspect. A man who was injured in that shooting died at a local hospital.

The bar where that shooting happened, 11:11 Bar & Grille, located at 9439 E. Washington St., was closed by unanimous vote of the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission.

11:11 Bar & Grille shooting: State shuts down club where 6 people were shot, including off-duty IMPD officer

Bar shooting: Shooting at east side bar injures multiple people including IMPD officer

One IMPD officer has sustained injuries consistent with a gunshot wound and is in stable condition. https://t.co/lHJgwWao0E  IMPD (@IMPDnews) July 27, 2024

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis police officer shot. Suspect still at large
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Ukraine next month, a local media report said, his first visit to the country since its war with Russia began and just weeks after he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Ukraine's embassy in New Delhi said it had no information to share immediately. There was no immediate response from India's foreign ministry.

Western countries have imposed sanctions on Moscow following its all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but "friendly" nations such as India and China have continued to trade.

India has refrained from directly blaming Russia, while urging the two nations to resolve their conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

Modi met Putin just as a Russian missile struck a hospital in Kyiv killing at least 41 people. The Indian leader told Putin that the death of innocent children was "painful and terrifying".

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed unhappiness over Modi's visit, calling it a "huge disappointment and a devastating blow to peace efforts" to see him hug "the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow on such a day".

Russia denied striking the hospital.

The U.S. State Department has raised concerns over India's relationship with Russia especially at a time when it has been seeking to strengthen ties with India as a potential counterweight to an ascendant China.

New Delhi is seeking to deepen its relationship with the West while keeping ties intact with Russia.

The final date of Modi's visit is not yet confirmed, The Print reported on Saturday.

(Reporting by Aditi Shah; editing by Giles Elgood)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Kyiv in August, marking his first visit to Ukraine since Russia launched its all-out war in February 2022.

The visit, still in the planning stages, is expected to occur in the third week of August, likely sometime around Ukraine's Independence Day, according to WION, India's English language news channel, who spoke with several sources in Delhi's diplomatic circles. Earlier this year, President Volodymyr Zelensky extended an invitation to Modi during a telephone conversation.

This month witnessed high-level exchanges between the two countries. External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, as well as National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Yermak, held telephone discussions.

Following these talks, Jaishankar shared on social media that the discussions focused on "further developing our bilateral relationship."

In June, Modi met with Zelensky in Italy during the G7 summit. They discussed the ongoing situation in Ukraine, with Modi emphasizing the importance of "dialogue and diplomacy." He reiterated that India would continue to support a peaceful resolution, according to the meeting's official handout.

This marked the second in-person meeting between the two leaders since the all-out war began, the first being at last year's G7 summit in Japan. Given the closure of Ukrainian airspace, world leaders have been traveling to Ukraine via Poland. It is expected that Modi will follow this route and hold discussions with Polish leadership, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk, ahead of his visit to Ukraine.

Read also: Kuleba calls on Hong Kong to close sanctions circumvention routes for Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Industrial facility on fire in Poltava Oblast after Russian Shahed drone attack

Russia attacked Poltava Oblast with Shahed attack UAVs on the night of 26-27 July, damaging an industrial facility.

Source: Poltava Oblast Military Administration

Details: A fire broke out at the facility and had been contained.

No one had been injured.

Background: Air defence forces shot down all four Shahed attack UAVs over Ukraine, including over Poltava Oblast.

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Two were killed and hundreds were injured after a bomb exploded in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park

Dimitri Iundt/Corbis/VCG via Getty 1996 Olympics bombing

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games are underway in Paris, as the world gets set to celebrate the greatest athletes in the world. But nearly 30 years ago, the world was stunned when a bomb killed two people and injured more than 100 others during the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta.

The infamous bombing sparked a years-long hunt for the suspect, during which authorities falsely named Richard Jewell a suspect, before eventually clearing him of any wrongdoing. The actual culprit wouldnt be caught until years later.

Before Jewell was named a person of interest, however, he was heralded as a hero. Jewell was working as a security guard at the 96 Olympics, when he noticed a green pack sitting under a bench in Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta just before 1 a.m. on July 27, PEOPLE previously reported.

After Jewell and a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent unsuccessfully tried to locate the owner of the pack, the agent reported it as suspicious and a perimeter was created.

A minute later, a man called 911, saying a bomb had been placed in the park and warning, "You have 30 minutes." But the homemade device was mistimed, and the bomb detonated at 1:20 a.m., only several minutes into the evacuation, before many people could leave.

Related: '88 Days of Hell': The True Story of the Atlanta Olympic Bombing and the Wrongfully Suspected Hero at the Center

Two people were killed as a result of the blast. Alice Hawthorne, 44, was in the park with her daughter at the time and was killed by shrapnel. Her 14-year-old daughter, Fallon, survived.

A 40-year-old Turkish cameraman and father of two named Melih Uzunyol died of a heart attack, which authorities said was precipitated by the bombing, as he rushed to take pictures of the scene, PEOPLE previously reported.

111 others were injured, some of whom suffered head and chest injuries. Jewell was not seriously hurt.

Soon after, Jewell was applauded for being the one who discovered the bomb and credited with helping save lives. But the attention would soon sour.

Unbeknownst to Jewell, not even 24 hours after the bombing the chief of the Piedmont College Police Department, where the security guard had previously worked, had tipped off the FBI that Jewell had owned books about making bombs. Authorities then began looking into Jewell.

On July 30, Jewell was interviewed by Katie Couric and he was still considered a hero. But later that day, a report appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that changed everything.

Jim Gund/Sports Illustrated via Getty Richard Jewell

Jewells name had been leaked to a reporter, who wrote that the FBI was investigating him and that he fit the profile they had developed of the bomber.

Though he was never arrested, Jewell became the subject of an intense media storm. After nearly three months, Jewell was finally exonerated when federal authorities said he was no longer a person of interest.

While Jewell filed several libel lawsuits, the FBI struggled to identify the actual suspect.

Eventually, authorities zeroed in on Eric Rudolph, an anti-government terrorist, who placed three more bombs after the Olympic park one, injuring several others and killing a police officer, according to the FBI.

Rudolph was placed on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List in 1998 and he would remain on the loose for five years.

According to the FBI, Rudolph was arrested while rummaging through a trash bin in rural North Carolina in 2003. Two years later he would ultimately plead guilty to several charges related to the four bombings and was given multiple life sentences.

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.

Jewell died in 2007. His ordeal was adapted into the 2019 film Richard Jewell, directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Paul Walter Hauser in the title role. The film itself was not without controversy, due to its portrayal of reporter Kathy Scruggs, who co-wrote the original article naming Jewell as a person of interest.

During his 1996 interview with Couric, before he was publicly considered a suspect, Jewell said he was just trying to do the right thing.

I feel like I am a person that did the job that I was supposed to do, he said. I was in the right place at the right time and used my training in the way I was taught.



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Read the original article on People.
It's one small step for man, millions of steps and a burning torch for mankind.

The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, the world's largest international torch relay in the name of world peace, will be running 79 miles from Dexter to Flat Rock with a stop in Detroit on Wednesday, July 31, in the afternoon, passing the peace torch along the way.

The relay's team of international runners from 10 countries left from New York City in April to embark on a 4-month-long journey running the peace torch across the U.S. and through three Canadian provinces before returning to New York in mid-August. Detroit is the 37th out of 46 stops on this year's 10,000-mile USA Canada route.

The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run team of runners from 10 countries will be passing through Detroit on Wednesday, July 31.

Since its beginning in 1987, the Peace Run has relayed through 160 nations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia to allow people from around the world to express their longing for peace, meeting with schools, youth organizations and local officials along the way.

More: Detroit Free Press Marathon sells out events, expecting record number of runners

After 37 years, the Peace Run says the torch has been carried 400,000 miles  about as much as the distance it takes to run to the Moon and beyond  and has involved over 7 million people and many important figures since its inception. This year, the USA Canada route is expected to involve over 50,000 children from over 1,000 cities and towns.

Before arriving in Detroit, the Peace Run team's last stop was in Michigan City, Indiana, on July 28. After Detroit, they're headed to Toledo, Ohio, on Aug 1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: International relay for world peace to stop in Detroit
Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde in action during the Beach volleyball match of the European Championships. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed reservations around the presence of Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde over a child rape conviction but has also stressed that rehabilitation is taking place. Michael Memmler/Eibner Pressefoto/dpa

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed reservations around the presence of Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde over a child rape conviction but has also stressed that rehabilitation is taking place.

Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison in Britain in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl in 2014. He was 19 at the time and after serving part of his sentence, he was transferred to the Netherlands.

Van de Velde's participation in the Olympics has polarized opinion, and the Dutch Olympic Committee has announced that the 29-year-old, who will be competing with partner Matthew Immers, will be living in alternative accommodation during the event at his own request.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters on Saturday: "To characterize (us as being) comfortable and happy would not be correct. Weve made it clear that weve been in long conversation with the Dutch NOC.

Its a crime that occurred some time ago, 10 years ago. A great deal of rehabilitation is taking place.

Theres very strong safeguarding in place also. I believe the athlete in question is not even staying in the village. We feel the Dutch National Olympic Committee have explained their decision."

The Dutch Volleyball Federation has backed Van de Velde, who according to the federation has sought professional help following his release.

"We know Steven's story," explained director general Michel Everaert. "He is proving to be an exemplary professional and person, and since his return there is no reason to doubt him."

Van de Velde, who has been competing in international tournaments again since 2017, previously said: "I can't undo what happened and I have to accept the consequences. It was the biggest mistake of my life."
DES MOINES, Iowa  Several Iowa firefighters are helping those battling large wildfires across the western portion of the United States.

Every year the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fire Program sends resources, which includes DNR staff, firefighters, and firefighting equipment to areas battling wildfires.

Fire Program Supervisor Ryan Harr said this year has been especially busy across the country.

This year its at a very heightened state of intensity, of fire intensity across the nation. And so those calls come in literally every day to see whos available and what kind of staff are available across Iowa, in the Midwest, to send people out to help, Harr said.

Former Cyclone Carleton suiting up for Canada on the hardwood

On Friday, one of the crews came home to Iowa after fighting fires in Southern California for the past 14 days. Harr said the experience and knowledge that the firefighters gain in other parts of the country is incredibly important.

If those people are going out and building skillsets and learning some of those skills and how other agencies work, they bring those skills back to Iowa to really assist Iowans in our time of need too, Harr said. Its an important, not just experience, but also its kind of a training experience and a way to gain those things that we dont see in Iowa all the time so in a year when Iowa needs all of that kind of help, people are here to help their community.

Harr said he expects to send out crews throughout the summer and into the fall.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Iran, Putins mafia state: How despotic leaders are buying power across the globe

A new book details the efforts by despotic leaders to buy their way to autocracy across the globe.

In 1992, Vladimir Putin who at the time was deputy mayor of the Russian port city of St. Petersburg commissioned a film about himself called Vlast, a Russian word meaning power.

In it, he argued passionately for the West to invest in Russian industry.

After he became Russias president in 2012, he continued to project an image of a leader who wanted to reform the Soviet economic system, and hoped that Russia could become rich, writes historian and journalist Anne Applebaum in her new book, Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World (Doubleday, out now).

But he was also crafting something unprecedented, a new type of authoritarianism that would become the model and inspiration for many other modern dictatorships.

Putins Russia wasnt an old-fashioned totalitarian state.

Anne Applebaum has written the book Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators who Want to Run the World.

Instead, it represented something new: a full-blown autocratic kleptocracy, a mafia state built and managed entirely for the purpose of enriching its leaders, writes Applebaum.

Autocracies havent just made a comeback in recent decades, theyre more prevalent than ever.

According to data from the V-Dem Institute, 72% of the worlds population, or 5.7 billion people, live in countries run by authoritarian regimes.

Thats up from 871 million just 40 years ago.

But todays autocracies arent run by a bad man at the top, writes Applebaum.

The strongman who controls the army and police and threatens his people with violence is a musty stereotype that doesnt capture the spirit of modern autocracies.

Instead, theyre run by sophisticated networks relying on kleptocratic financial structures, a complex of security services, and technological experts who provide surveillance, propaganda, and disinformation, writes Applebaum.

One of the most distinctive features of todays autocracies is their fervor for attaining wealth by any means.

Unlike the fascist and communist leaders of the past, who had party machines behind them and did not showcase their greed, the leaders of Autocracy, Inc., often maintain opulent residences and structure much of their collaboration as for-profit ventures, writes Applebaum.

These corrupt countries work less like a bloc  the unofficial coalition of communist states during the Cold War, for instance  and more like an agglomeration of companies, bound not by ideology but rather by a ruthless, single-minded determination to preserve their personal wealth and power.

The evolution can be traced back to 1963, when German politician Egon Bahr introduced the concept of Wandel durch Annaherung (change through rapprochement).

The Berlin Wall separated East and West Berlin for over 28 years. Sygma via Getty Images

His argument was that if the West could offer trade instead of boycotts, then a loosening of the borders might be possible, writes Applebaum.

The idea blossomed in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union, when reformers believed that industry not ideology would create a new political as well as a new economic order, writes Applebaum.

But while Putins Russia was designed to look like a democracy, it was hardly run like one.

There were no accidental victors in Russian elections, because there were no accidental candidates, writes Applebaum. The semblance of choice was carefully preserved through the emergence of regime sanctioned opponents who never challenged the status quo.

Similarly, the banks appear to function like typical banks, but they are usually just a front for money-laundering operations.

Venezuela took in nearly $800 billion in oil-export revenues, during former Venezuela President Hugo Chavez 24-year reign, according to Anne Applebaum. AFP via Getty Images

Other dictators learned from Putins lead, like Venezuela President Hugo Chavez.

During his fourteen years in power, from 199 to 2013, Venezuela took in nearly $800 billion in oil-export revenues, writes Applebaum.

And roughly $300 billion of that, according to Chavezs own minister of economy and finance, was stolen, making its way into secret bank accounts around the world.

Most disturbingly, autocracies have learned to work together to stay in power, promote their system, and damage democracies, writes Applebaum.

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei speaks during his meeting with students in Tehran, Iran on October 18, 2017. Getty Images

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has remained in power for decades, flush with revenue from his nations vast quantities of natural gas. AFP via Getty Images

Just consider what happened during the autumn of 2023, when Iranian-backed Houthi militants began firing on cargo ships in the Red Sea just weeks after Iranian-backed Hamas militants launched a brutal attack on Israel with support from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev used the global distraction to capture and drive out 100,000 Armenians.

The timing was coincidental, Applebaum argues, but entirely intentional.

This multifaceted, interconnected, self-reinforcing poly-crisis was not coordinated by a single mastermind, and it is not evidence of a secret conspiracy, writes Applebaum.

Most disturbingly, autocracies have learned to work together to stay in power, promote their system, and damage democracies, writes Anne Applebaum (pictured). Maciej Zienkiewicz

These separate but connected moments of bedlam are being carried out by autocratic alliances that are largely transactional, which can shift and change, and often do.

We arent living through a new Cold War, Applebaum insists, but a Cold War 2.0, where there are no Berlin Walls marking neat geographic divides.

What can be done about it? Applebaum suggests that the best way to stop modern autocracies is by beating them at their own game.

We need military and intelligence coalitions that can anticipate and halt lawless violence, she writes. We need economic warriors in multiple countries who can track the impact of sanctions in real time. We need people willing to organize online and coordinate campaigns to identify and debunk dehumanizing propaganda.
Gardner Tanenbaum Holdings has bought Renaissance Robinson, office towers at 119 N Robinson in downtown Oklahoma, and plans to convert it partly to upscale housing.

More upscale housing is headed for downtown Oklahoma City with Gardner Tanenbaum's purchase of Robinson Renaissance, vintage twin office towers at 119 N Robinson Ave., from the Commissioners of the Land Office state agency.

Gardner Tanenbaum paid $10.25 million at auction for the 12-story, 174,140-square-foot, U-shaped office building, built in 1927. The Land Office had owned it since 2014, when it bought it for $8.95 million.

CEO Richard Tanenbaum, who has converted several downtown office buildings into housing, most recently The Harlow, 101 N Broadway, and Medical Arts Building, 100 Park Ave., said floors three to 11 of Robinson Renaissance would be converted to apartments.

The basement food court and the first and second floors will probably remain as is, he said.

"There's not going to be another building on that corner," Tanenbaum said. "It's a fabulous corner, catty-corner from where I live (City Place, 204 N Robinson) and across from where I office (Leadership Square, 211 N Robinson)."

He said the revival of First National Center, 120 N Robinson, with retail, restaurants and residences, as well as other investments and activity left Robinson Renaissance in the middle of growth downtown, but, "It was mostly empty." The building started 2024 with a vacancy rate of 61%, according to Price Edwards & Co.

"We feel like there is going to be a continuous demand for housing," he said, and continued softened demand for leased office space.

History of Robinson Renaissance office building in downtown Oklahoma City

Gardner Tanenbaum Holdings has bought Renaissance Robinson, office towers at 119 N Robinson in downtown Oklahoma, and plans to convert it partly to upscale housing.

According to previous reporting in The Oklahoman:

1927 : The building was called the Perrine Building when it opened.

1940 : The Perrines sell the building to the Queen Lodge of the Odd Fellows.

1945 : The lodge sells it to R.D. Cravens and Ike Hall; in 1950, the name was changed to the Cravens Building.

1950s and 1960s : Building is leased as office space.

1976 : First National Bank & Trust Co., located directly across Robinson, buys the building for expansion.

1985 : National Portfolio and Perrine Acquisition buy the building, renovate it, add an atrium and rename it Robinson Renaissance.

2000 : Robinson Renaissance LLC acquires it for $4.425 million amid the first rush of local investment downtown since the 1980s oil bust.

2014 : The Commissioners of the Land Office buys the building for $8.95 million.

2024: Gardner Tanenbaum buys it for $10.25 million.

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Senior Business Writer Richard Mize has covered housing, construction, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com since 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Real Estate with Richard Mize. You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 6 months of subscriber-only access for $1.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Downtown OKC housing to grow with partial conversion of office towers
Island community joins forces with conservation groups to restore iconic natural wonder: 'We've seen positive changes'

A dedicated group of islanders in Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago is on a mission to save their stunning coral reef.

Anxious to protect their livelihoods and way of life, they've embraced a conservation project to restore what's been lost to atmospheric pollution, overfishing, and human activity, according to the BBC.

It started a few years ago when locals noticed the reef's distress. Warmer sea temperatures were bleaching and killing the coral. Fishermen using dynamite were also destroying it, along with damage from unregulated tourist boats and divers.

The islanders teamed up with the sustainable tourism group &Beyond and the nonprofit Africa Foundation in 2021 and got to work. They created underwater "nurseries" using mesh tables to grow coral fragments. The locals trained as conservation rangers to learn to tend the nurseries and then replant the coral onto the reef after a few months.

The results are encouraging  80% coverage was restored on the "house reef" surrounding Mnemba Island. Artificial reefs made of steel and stone were also created to replenish marine life. It's a win-win, benefiting fishermen while creating new destinations for eco-friendly snorkeling and diving.

"Initially, the area faced significant pressure from tourism, with 200 boats carrying at least 400 guests entering an area of only 200 sq metres [about 8 square miles]," says project coordinator Bakari Jaha. "To preserve the area, the government, along with &Beyond and the Africa Foundation, decided to limit the number of visitors to 80."

The waters around Mnemba are now a protected area. Tourist fees have increased to enhance preservation and boost revenue. Fishing has been suspended around the recovering house reef, too.

"We've seen positive changes. Illegal practices, like the use of dynamite, have decreased, and fishermen have become more knowledgeable about sustainable fishing methods," said local fisherman Mshenga Ally.

The Zanzibar government is so encouraged it plans to expand reef restoration to other threatened areas. While the project can't stop warmer sea currents, those involved hope their methods can be a model to help protect coral worldwide.

"The relationship between the sea and coral is crucial for ocean health. We are allowing sea conditions to restore the reefs to their original state," Jaha says.

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Israel orders clearing of more parts of Khan Younis in southern Gaza

The Israeli army has called on Palestinian civilians in part of the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip to leave the area immediately.

"Due to significant terrorist activity and rocket fire toward the State of Israel from the southern areas of Khan Younis, remaining in this area has become dangerous," the military said.

The area to be evacuated is located in a zone previously designated as a humanitarian zone by Israel. The borders of this zone will be changed accordingly, the army statement said.

Those affected were told to leave in the direction of another nearby humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi.

The Israeli army call was issued via text messages, telephone voice messages and leaflets, it said.

Israel's armed forces have been fighting militants from Islamist Hamas movement in Khan Younis for weeks as part of its attempt to eliminate the group. The Hamas forces are said to have regrouped in the city.

The Palestinian population is repeatedly caught in the crossfire during these battles. The frequent evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military often drive thousands of people to flee, some multiple times.

The Gaza war was triggered by the unprecedented massacre of more than 1,200 people killed by terrorists from Hamas and other groups in southern Israel on October 7.

Israel responded with massive airstrikes and a major ground offensive, with Hamas authorities saying that about 39,000 - mostly civilians - have been killed since the conflict broke out.

Israel is being increasingly criticized internationally in view of the high number of civilian casualties and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

A Palestinian child walks amid the remains of a destroyed building after an Israeli air strike on Khan Younis. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Palestinian women mourn and grief after a number of Palestinians were killed during the Israeli army's attack on Gaza. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

Palestinians mourn and grief around the dead bodies of Palestinians who were killed during the Israeli army's attack on Gaza, at Nasser hospital. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
A Palestinian child inspects the rubble of a school destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Israeli airstrikes hit a school used by displaced Palestinians in central Gaza on Saturday, killing at least 30 people including several children, as the countrys negotiators prepared to meet international mediators about a proposed cease-fire.

Seven children and seven women were among the dead taken from the girls' school in Deir al-Balah to Al Aqsa Hospital. Israel's military said it targeted a Hamas command center used to direct attacks against Israeli troops and store "large quantities of weapons. Hamas called the militarys claim false.

Civil defense workers in Gaza said thousands had been sheltering in the school, which also contained a medical site. Associated Press journalists saw a dead toddler in an ambulance and bodies covered with blankets. Shattered walls gaped and classrooms were in ruins. People searched the rubble strewn with pillows and other signs of habitation.

Gazas Health Ministry said at least 12 people were killed in other strikes on Saturday.

Officials from the U.S., Egypt, Qatar and Israel are scheduled to meet in Italy on Sunday to discuss cease-fire negotiations. CIA Director Bill Burns is expected to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, Mossad director David Barnea and Egyptian spy chief Abbas Kamel, according to officials from the U.S. and Egypt who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the plans.

U.S. officials on Friday said Israel and Hamas agree on the basic framework of the three-phase deal. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his speech to the U.S. Congress vowed to press ahead with the war until total victory.

After the Israeli strike on the school, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said Netanyahu's reception from supporters in the U.S. constituted a green light to continue Israel's offensive.

A deadly new exchange of fire between Israel's military and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon renewed concerns about the war in Gaza inspiring a wider regional conflict.

New evacuation order for part of humanitarian zone

Israel's military on Saturday ordered a new evacuation of part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Younis in the south. The order was in response to rocket fire that Israel said came from the area.

The military said it planned an operation against Hamas militants, including in parts of Muwasi, the crowded tent camp in a zone where Israel has told thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge. Its the second evacuation order issued in a week.

The 60-square-kilometer (roughly 20-square-mile) zone is blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid. Israel expanded the zone in May to take in people fleeing the southernmost city of Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population at the time had crowded.

This is my ninth or eighth displacement, said Mohammad Jaber, who was originally displaced from Rafah. Every time they tell us to go to an area, and it is unsafe. This time, we do not know where to go. He wiped the sweat from his face as children piled neat bundles of belongings on the sand, ready for transport by vehicle or donkey cart.

Gaza Health Ministry officials said the evacuation orders had forced at least three health centers to stop providing care.

Israel estimates that about 1.8 million Palestinians shelter in the zone. In November, the military said the area could still be struck and that it was not a safe zone, but it is a safer place than any other in Gaza.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, said it was difficult to know how many people would be affected by the latest order. These are forced displacement orders," said Juliette Touma, the agencys director of communications, adding that Palestinians have "very little time to move.

Farther north, Palestinians mourned seven people killed by Israeli airstrikes overnight on Zawaida in central Gaza. Parents and their two children and a mother and her two children were wrapped in white burial shrouds as friends and neighbors wept. Al Aqsa Hospital confirmed the count and AP journalists saw the bodies.

Two deaths in the West Bank

In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said a 17-year-old and 24-year-old were killed and 22 other people wounded after an Israeli drone strike in Balata camp in Nablus.

The Israeli military said an aircraft attacked from the air as part of its activity in Nablus. It said terrorists had fired at a military position and a soldier was lightly wounded.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 39,200 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry, which doesnt distinguish between combatants and civilians in its count. The U.N. estimated in February that some 17,000 children in the territory are now unaccompanied, and the number is likely to have grown since.

The war began with an assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took about 250 hostages. About 115 are still in Gaza, about a third of them believed to be dead, according to Israeli authorities.

On Saturday night, Israelis again held an anti-government demonstration in Tel Aviv demanding a cease-fire deal and the return of remaining hostages. Theres a deal on the table and we need to make it happen, and we need to make it happen now, said one protester, Tamir Guytsabary.

___

Metz reported from Rabat, Morocco. Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed.

___

Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) holds a preliminary consultation with his Military Secretary, Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, in the wake of an attack that left 10 young people dead. Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO/dpa

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is cutting his visit to the United States short and returning to Israel in the wake of an attack that left 10 young people dead.

Netanyahu's office said had been briefed on the attack in the town of Majdal Shams, in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The Israeli military blames the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in southern Lebanon for a wave of rocket fire. It said one rocket hit Majdal Shams. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the deaths.

"Immediately upon learning of the disaster in Majdal Shams, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed that his return to Israel be brought forward as quickly as possible," said a post on X from Netanyahu's office.

Netanyahu has been in the US since Monday to shore up support for his war against Hamas in Gaza. He met both candidates for the election in November: Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.
(Bloomberg) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is heading to China for the first time since abandoning the Asian nations flagship investment pact, as she seeks to stabilize ties with Beijing ahead of a volatile US election.

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Meloni, whose government has worked more closely with China than others in Europe, will land Saturday for a trip that will see her meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Her visit comes as Europe braces for a November change in US president that could upend Washingtons diplomatic and trade ties with the bloc.

The Italian leader views Xi as someone who could become an important stakeholder in the Ukraine war if Washington were to pull support, as Republican candidate Donald Trump has threatened, according to people familiar with her thinking.

Since coming to power in 2022, Meloni has sought to pitch herself as a diplomat able to speak to leaders across the ideological spectrum, from Hungarys Viktor Orban to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Her ambitions have grown to include Xi in that group, said one of the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Meloni will need to balance that goal with the EUs tougher stance on trade toward Beijing, as well as tensions over Xis support for Russian President Vladimir Putins war machine. The Italian leader is expected to bring up Moscows invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict during her talks with Chinese leaders, another official said.

We all know there is divergence between the EU and NATO and China on many dossiers, said Giangiacomo Calovini, a member of parliament for Melonis party on the foreign affairs committee. But in moments of high geopolitical tension such as this, its better to have more dialog than less.

The EU has toughened its stance toward China  sometimes at the prodding of President Joe Biden, who has urged American partners to oppose Chinese overcapacity and cut Beijing off from high-tech chips. With Donald Trump now leading polls in the US election, the EU will need to decide how to align itself between the worlds two largest economies.

While the Republican candidate is threatening 60% tariffs on all Chinese goods if he returns to the White House, hes also planning a potential litany of actions against the EU, which could include a broad minimum 10% tariff. That gives Chinas leaders an opening to restore Europe as a buffer between Beijing and Washington, as the EU tries to avoid escalating trade tensions on two fronts.

Europe fears a Trump 2.0 means the EU will further lose its competitive edge and jobs as Trump focuses on luring businesses to the US, said Wang Yiwei, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing. That will complicate EU trade restrictions with China.

The Italian prime ministers trip comes after Rome delivered a major snub to Beijing last year, when Meloni quit Xis Belt and Road infrastructure investment initiative. Italy became the sole Group of Seven nation to join under a previous government, and Meloni pledged to Biden she would exit it.

The Italian leaders visit to China demonstrates that her decision was due to huge pressure from the US, Zhao Junjie, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Institute of European Studies, told the state-run Global Times newspaper.

Melonis outreach can demonstrate to other European nations that the benefits of enhancing cooperation with China outweigh the disadvantages of decoupling from it, Zhao added. The EU has repeatedly said it doesnt intend to decouple from Beijing, but wants to reduce the risks associated with current supply and trade dependencies.

Electric vehicles are also likely to be on the agenda, after the EU moved forward to impose provisional tariffs on EVs made in China that would raise rates to as high as 48%. An EU investigation found that Beijing subsidizes its EV industry to a degree that causes economic harm to the blocs carmakers.

China has threatened to retaliate if the EU moves ahead with the levies, warning that it could target agricultural goods, the aviation sector and cars with large engines. It has already launched a targeted anti-dumping probe into pork imports, and the findings of an investigation into EU spirits are due early next year.

Melonis visit is a step in a good direction, said Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development. But the substance is that its not going to change the reality.

--With assistance from Jing Li and Colum Murphy.

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J.D. Vance has lashed out at actress Jennifer Aniston, accusing her of a disgusting attack for commenting on his description of childless women as cat ladies.

Donald Trumps running mate used an appearance on Megyn Kellys Sirius XM show on Saturday to offer a defense of the resurfaced 2021 comments from an interview with then-Fox host Tucker Carlson in which he referred to Democratic leaders including Vice President Kamala Harris as childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives.

He said at the time, a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made Its just a basic factyou look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOCthe entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children. Harris has two stepchildren with husband Doug Emhoff, and Buttigieg is now father of 1-year-old twins.

The cat ladies slur had prompted Aniston to respond with a post on Instagram to her 50 million followers on Thursday. 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.

Aniston made this intervention on Thursday on her Instagram stories, prompting Vance to call her disgusting on Megyn Kellys Sirius XM show. Jennifer Aniston/Instagram

During his appearance Saturday, Vance went after Aniston unprompted by Kelly. Hollywood celebrities say, Oh, well, J.D. Vance, what if your daughter suffered fertility problems? he said.

Well, first of all, thats disgusting because my daughter is 2 years old.

And second of all, if she had fertility problems, as I said in that speech, I would try everything I could to try to help her because I believe families and babies are a good thing. He was referring to his address to the Republican National Convention.

The childless cat ladies comment has been a political gift to the Harris campaign, and underlines the large reservoir of material available to it from Vances years as a frequent guest on conservative shows. It has now put Vance at odds with one of the countrys most popular celebrities, who has been open about her struggle with fertility, which left her childless, and with a legion of fans.

Vance had tried to smooth over the comment, claiming it was not a criticism of people who dont have children. He added, I explicitly said in my remarks, despite the fact that the media has lied about this, that this is not about criticizing people who for various reasons didnt have kids. This is about criticizing the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-child. He had also called it clearly sarcastic.

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The comments earned him a stinging rebuke Saturday from the ultra-conservative editorial board of Rupert Murdochs Wall Street Journal. In a strongly worded editorial, it compared Vances comments to Hillary Clintons infamous basket of deplorables dismissal in 2016 of half of Trumps supporters. It slammed him for not apologizing, and said he would hurt Republican chances with female voters.

The editorial, which came the day after one warning that Harris could win in November, suggests that Murdoch himself is unhappy with both Vance and Trump. The editorial board is known to closely follow the thoughts of the Australian-born media mogul, 93, who formally handed full control of his empire to his eldest son Lachlan last year but remains intensely interested in the news.

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Just over eight years ago, Donald Trump announced Mike Pence as his running mate. The choice was seen as an olive branch to the insiders of the Republican Party who appreciated Pence as a classical conservative with rock solid right-wing policy views. Pence also represented a salvo for white evangelicals still unsure of voting for Trump. Im a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican  in that order, Pence proclaimed in his acceptance speech. As Richard Land, former president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, told The Atlantic, Mike Pence is the 24-karat-gold model of what we want in an evangelical politician. I dont know anyone whos more consistent in bringing his evangelical Christian worldview to public policy.

Critics railed against Pences record on abortion rights, his opposition to gay marriage, and his response to an AIDS crisis in Indiana while he was governor. Yet, regardless of who you asked, one thing was clear: Mike Pence was a Christian conservative chosen to represent white evangelicals and their allies in the White House.

Just over a week ago, Trump announced J.D. Vance as his running mate for the 2024 election. Vance, a first-term senator from Ohio, has been largely seen as a choice bolstering Trumps outsider image  a young Midwestern firebrand who would bring Silicon Valley money and youthful energy to the ticket. What has gone largely unnoticed is that Vance is a more radical religious politician than Pence, even though the latter was hailed as the Christian candidate. Though Vances Catholicism has barely registered as a driving factor in his political profile, it serves as an interpretive key for understanding why Vance was chosen and how he brings a populist radicalism to a potential second Trump presidency.

In 2019, Vance was received into the Catholic Church. He grew up with exposure to Christian churches, but by the time he entered law school described himself as an angry atheist. However, on Vances telling, Catholicism began to appeal to him because of its intellectual approach to faith and human life. He was also influenced by his first encounter with PayPal founder and leader of the Silicon Valley Reactionary Right, Peter Thiel, who convinced him that social ladder-climbing and endless pursuits of wealth were empty in comparison to living a life of significance and meaning.

Soon after he converted, Vance ran for Senate in Ohio. In 2021, the newly converted candidate spoke to the Napa Institute, a network of conservative Catholics who are known for defying the Pope, largely opposed to the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, and backed by billionaire donors who are sympathetic to a Christian nationalist vision. In his speech, Vance griped that the business community is actively pro-abortion in this country. His solution would be to take active measures against businesses that use their First Amendment rights to express pro-choice positions. If our answer is to continue to give more power to the business community thats combating our values, what were doing is sacrificing the life of the unborn and our future on the altar of these companies. As Rick Pidcock points out, the Napa Institute is such an extremist organization that a petition was launched calling on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to end its affiliation with the group in part because event agendas included a prayer invoking divine continuance on our cause and our people, using the words of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, and questioning the authenticity of the Civil Rights movement.

In the same year, Vance also appeared at a signature meeting for Teneo, an organization started by Evan Baehr  another Thiel acolyte  and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). Talking about the Texas abortion bounty law, Vance complained that virtually every major big corporation in this country felt the need to issue a statement in support of not the unborn babies, but in support of people who might want to abort them. Then he said: If were unwilling to make companies that are taking the side of the left in the culture wars feel real economic pain, then were not serious about winning the culture war.

Baehr, Hawley, and Thiel envision Teneo as a Federalist Society for venture capitalists. Vance is reportedly a member. The organization was fledgling until Leonard Leo stepped in to raise funds. Leo, who according to 2022 filings has served on the board of the NAapa Institute Legal Foundation and the Napa Institute Legal Foundation, is the infamous leader of the actual Federalist Society, who shepherded Trumps three Supreme Court nominees to the bench, stepped in a few years ago. Now Teneo is funded by money from Leos dark money networks, the Charles Koch Foundation, the DeVos family and other big donors. The group is Leos new conduit for imposing his conservative Catholic agenda on American culture and institutions.

During this time, Vance also became close to the Catholic postliberal philosopher Patrick Deneen, who appeared with Vance and Heritage Foundation leader Kevin Roberts (also a reactionary Catholic) in May 2023 to launch Deneens book, Regime Change. At the event, Deneen called for something more radical than January 6th: a complete toppling of the current American order. I dont want to violently overthrow the government, he said. I want something far more revolutionary. Deneen proposes an aristopopulism, in which the virtuous elite provide order and structure to public life in order to ensure the flourishing of the ordinary citizens who cannot provide it for themselves. The benevolent oligarchs are thus tasked with keeping the common good intact so that hoi polloi can enjoy the good life  even if they dont know or believe or experience it as such.

Deneens common good conservatism is a move away from Ronald Reagans conservative fusionism  which combines the conservative Christian foundations of family, faith, and military strength with the libertarian idea that government is not the answer, but the problem  toward an imposition of a certain vision of the common good on all Americans through government. But Deneens view of the common good doesnt include everyone. He opposes gay marriage, wants stricter laws on divorce, denounces CRT, and mocks health care for trans people as absurd. Deneen lauds authoritarian Viktor Orbans Hungary as a place where the state actively cultivates political and moral order. The role of the government, writes political scientist Chelsea Ebin about Deneen and other postliberal Catholics, is not to preserve individual rights and manage competing interpretations of the good but to impose and enforce a singular conception of the good through the regulation of social relations.

Vance has signaled his sympathies with Deneens approach many times  appearing with him publicly and citing his influence. Deneen put out a statement when Vance was announced as Trumps running mate: J.D. combines a dedication to domestic productivity, foreign policy realism, and a deep commitment to strengthening American families and the communities that sustain them. He is a man of deep personal faith and integrity, a devoted family man, a generous friend, and a genuine patriot. Laura K. Field, Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center, told me in an email that intellectually Vance is closest to postliberals and Catholics like Patrick Deneen, Adrian Vermeule, Gladden Pappin, and Sohrab Ahmari. They want to legislate morality (as they conceive of it), and the postliberals generally use the language of the common good to capture this moral objective.

Vance also has a strong bond with Kevin Roberts, the head of the Heritage Foundation and a fellow reactionary Catholic with close ties to Opus Dei. The Heritage Foundation was founded in 1973 by Paul Weyrich, architect of the Religious Right, a radical right-wing movement, and a Catholic who rejected the Second Vatican Council. Weyrichs mission was to revolutionize American politics through what Ebin labels the insertion of Catholic morality into American politics.

As current head of the Heritage Foundation, Roberts is extending Weyrichs legacy. He said in a recent interview that there would be a second American revolution that would remain bloodless if the Left allowed it. Project 2025, published by the Heritage Foundation, is a handbook for the next Trump presidency  and a guidebook for the founding of a new America. It is in essence, Project 2025 is a 922-page blueprint for an American regime change by way of an unchecked executive branch  what one might see as a practical application of the type of common good conservatism articulated philosophically by Deneen. When Vance was announced as Trumps running mate, Roberts said: He understands the moment we are in this country, which is that we have a limited amount of time to implement great policy on behalf of forgotten Americans, someone J.D. Vance personifies. At Heritage, we could not be happier. The admiration goes both ways. Vance wrote the foreword to Roberts forthcoming book, Dawns Early Light.

The influences of Thiel, Leo, and Deneen on Vances approaches to government and policy are clear. Vances 2019 speech at Natcon appeared in print in First Things, the flagship publication of reactionary Catholic thought. Its titled Beyond Libertarianism, and is a reflection on the ways that the government should play a role in shaping American social and cultural life:

We live in an environment thats shaped by our laws and public policy, and we cannot hide from that fact anymore. I think the question conservatives confront at this key moment is this: Whom do we serve? Do we serve pure, unfettered commercial freedom? Do we serve commerce at the expense of the public good? Or do we serve something higher? And are we willing to use political power to actually accomplish those things?

In another era, a conservative viewing government as the answer to human problems would have been unthinkable. But for Vance, the solution to what he sees as the decline of the American dream is more government shaping the country actively in service of a higher power. The common good, in other words, needs to be lawfully implemented upon the nation for it to be ordered rightly. Following Deneen, Vance sees the governments role not as progress toward a society where humans can exercise their rights freely, but where humans are structured by their government in order to live in accordance with Gods divine order.

In 2022, Vance spoke at a conference at Franciscan University with the intellectual luminaries of common good conservatism. On one panel, theologian Chad Pecknold argued that the way toward civic happiness is a public orientation to God through the restoration of Sabbath laws, religious national holidays, and public liturgies.

Vance seems to resonate with such sentiments, even if his rhetoric is more politically measured.

We have to recognize that America is not just a principle. It is a group of people. Its a history. Its a culture. And yeah, part of that story is that people can come and assimilate, Vance said in a 2024 interview at First Things. But if your attitude is that . . . the only thing you need to become an American is to believe that with a little bit of hormonal therapy a man can become a woman, then youre making it so that massive numbers of your own country either need to be re-educated, or need to be cast out of the political community.

As the Catholic theologian Massimo Faggioli puts it, For Vance, Christianity and the church are not the problem but the solution to the ills of the political-religious project called the United States of America.

One of the reasons Vance was chosen to be Trumps running mate is that since entering the Senate in 2022 he has become a reliable MAGA spokesperson. Vance is often better than Trump himself at outlining policies related to Ukraine, trade and tariffs, and reproductive rights. He also seems to be up to the task that Mike Pence wasnt  not certifying the election results if necessary. But he is not simply an instrument for achieving Trumps MAGA coronation. Hes the vanguard of a new religious populism Roberts, Deneen, Leo, and others believe will right the nation.

We are in a late republican period, Vance said to the journalist James Pogue. In doing so, Pogue observes, he evoked the common New Right view of America as Rome awaiting its Caesar. Vance continued: If were going to push back against it, were going to have to get pretty wild, and pretty far out there, and go in directions that a lot of conservatives right now are uncomfortable with.

On a 2021 appearance on the Jack Murphy podcast, Vance reiterated a position from the reactionary monarchist Curtis Yarvin to fire government employees.

I think Trump is going to run again in 2024, said Vance. I think that what Trump should do, if I was giving him one piece of advice: Fire every single mid level bureaucrat, every civil servant in the administrative state, replace them with our people. And when the courts stop you, stand before the country, and say . . . the chief justice has made his ruling. Now let him enforce it.

Yarvin is a self-proclaimed monarchist; the house philosopher of Thiels entourage; and someone who has remarked that the end of democracy would be joyous. He wants an American king to rule a post-constitutional America.

Following the blueprint of Silicon Valley monarchists like Yarvin, Project 2025 architects like Roberts, and D.C. chaos agents like Steve Bannon, Vance favors a unified executive branch that has incredible power over the federal government. In essence, he envisions a chief executive with the power to make sweeping changes to American life through government policy, executive orders, and institutional reform. I think the basic idea is that we have to seize the institutions and make them actually work for our people, he said in a 2023 interview.

In this sense, Vance is not a complement to Trumps MAGA agenda. He is the bridge to something more radical  a religious populism intent on bending the United States into a narrow reactionary Catholic, and perhaps monarchical, order. Trump will, at most, serve four years in the White House, Vance told Ian Ward in March of 2024. There is a big question about what comes after him.

If Trump was crowned the MAGA messiah at the 2024 Republican convention, then it seems Vance is the apostle who will bring forth a conservative vision more extreme than even the MAGA Chosen One imagines.

You know, Jesus played the small rooms until St. Paul came around, Bannon told Ward. It took the zeal of St. Paul to turn Jesus into a headliner.

And Mike Pence, the embodiment of Christian conservatism and Reaganite dreams, can do nothing more than watch from home. When the January 6th mob erected gallows for the then-vice president, they didnt succeed in hanging him. But it does seem that on that day one brand of American conservatism  fusionism  was finally put to rest and a violent religious populism took the throne. This is not a crusade for a Christian nation. Its a march toward American Christendom. Vance is the political symbol of that movement  even if there are growing doubts about whether he was the right pick. For now hes running to be vice president. Someday, he (or someone like him) may try to be king.

God, save us all.

More from Rolling Stone

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J.D. Vances long correspondence with a transgender friend who attended his wedding has been revealedincluding how he spoke about hating cops and disparaged Donald Trump and conservative icon Antonin Scalia.

Sofia Nelson, a Yale Law School contemporary of Trumps running mate, revealed how they corresponded by text and email for years until falling out over his support for a ban on gender-affirming medical treatment for minors.

The dossier of his emails and texts was revealed by the New York Times Saturday, with Nelson telling the paper the release was to highlight Vances shapeshifting from anti-Trump moderate Republican to MAGA culture warrior, accusing him of using his old position to amass money and his new one to amass power.

It is the latest example of a former friend of Vance releasing their correspondence and comes after his Yale roommate revealed the now-running mate once compared Trump to Hitler.

Sofia Nelson, now a public defender based in Detroit, has released the emails after a decade-long friendship with Vance fractured over his support of a ban on gender care for minors. Jacob Hamilton/Ann Arbor News via AP

Nelson, now a public defender in Detroit, also shed new light on Vances wife Ushas political views with the release, revealing a message from Vance in which he said she had no ideological chops and had been offered a Supreme Court clerkship by Democratic appointee Elena Kagan.

Vances rapid conversion from anti-Trump to all in-on the former president has been widely reported and the dossier shows him calling then-Republican primary contender Trump a demagogue in 2015. But the emails and texts show that he was not just anti-Trump in private: he also voiced views which are almost impossible to reconcile with any Republican orthodoxy.

In October 2014, after the police killing that summer of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old Black man in Ferguson, Missouri, caused widespread protests and violence, Vance wrote to Nelson: I hate the police. Given the number of negative experiences Ive had in the past few years, I cant imagine what a Black guy goes through.

Nelsons release of parts of an almost decade-long correspondence between friends is the latest move by people from his past to hit Vance. Megan Jelinger/Reuters

He backed compensation for Black victims of redlining, the practice of withholding financial services from minority areas although he said he stopped short of reparations for African Americans for slavery.

He also attacked the Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia before his death, in an exchange when he told Nelson that Scalia had interviewed Usha Vance about clerkship. Nelson wrote to Vance that Scalia was homophobic and Vance replied: Hes become a very shrill old man. I used to really like him, and I used to believe all of his stuff about judicial minimalism was sincere. Now I see it as a political charade.

The dossier reveals how Usha Vance turned down a clerkship with Antonin Scalia, the conservative iconand that J.D. Vance disparaged the justice and his judicial philosophy as conducting a charade. Brendan McDermid/Reuters

The depth of friendship between the law school contemporaries, who had bonded over being from the midwest and not from privileged backgrounds, was clear. According to Nelson, Vance brought round baked goods after transition-related surgery. That day he said words to the effect of, I dont understand what youre doing, but I support you, Nelson told The Times. And that meant a lot to me at the time, because I think that was the foundation of our friendship. Nelson also attended the Vances joint Hindu and Christian wedding in Kentucky, where his grandparents were from, along with members of their law school circle.

And in 2016, when Vance published his Hillbilly Elegy, he sent Nelson an extract on email and said: Hey Sofes, heres an excerpt from my book. I send this to you not just to brag, but because Im sure if you read it youll notice reference to an extremely progressive lesbian. I recognize now that this may not accurately reflect how you think of yourself, and for that I am really sorry, he wrote. I hope youre not offended, but if you are, Im sorry! Love you, JD.

Other emails show Vance attending Pride in San Francisco in 2015 and telling Nelson: It felt more like a frat party than I expected. But still nice to see a lot of happy people.

The two stayed in touch by Zoom during the early stages of the pandemic but their relationship ruptured when he publicly backed a ban on gender care for minors in Arkansas in 2021.

His campaign told The Times in a statement that it was unfortunate that 10-year-old messages between friends had been leaked. The statement said, Senator Vancehas been open about the fact that some of his views from a decade ago began to change after becoming a dad and starting a family, and he has thoroughly explained why he changed his mind on President Trump. Despite their disagreements, Senator Vance cares for Sofia and wishes Sofia the very best.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Campers and RVs lined up near Bozeman, demonstrating part of the growing homelessness challenges in Montana (Photo provided courtesy of Montana PBS).

As it closed out its court year, the United States Supreme Court issued several significant decisions, including one that approves criminalizing homelessness  or more precisely, sleeping in public.

The dissenting justices thought, quite understandably, that sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime. Therefore, they reasoned, if you do not have a home and no homeless shelter beds exist, you need to be able to legally sleep somewhere. As sensible as that may seem, they did not have the votes to make that position the supreme law of the land. Instead, the majority of the court voted to declare that sleeping in public with a blanket or a shirt wrapped up under your head as a pillow is sufficient justification for a local city to throw you in jail.

Keep in mind that before this ruling, any unhoused person who committed a crime could already be arrested. So, if someone was posing a genuine safety risk to the community, there were already laws on the books that allowed them to be jailed. Moreover, sleeping was already allowed to be outlawed under the previous legal standard. The one caveat was the city that wanted to jail a homeless person for sleeping in public had to show there was a shelter bed available and a person refused it. The Supreme Court said a city no longer needs to concern itself with whether there are other alternative places to sleep. Involuntarily sleeping in public can now be punished with jail time. They made this decision knowing full well that the U.S. has 188,000 fewer shelter beds than people who need them.

This lets politicians off the hook for coming up with real solutions. They can simply do what they do frequently with behavioral health, poverty and other social problems: Make it a crime and use our law enforcement professionals as garbage collectors for problems and people no one else in government is brave enough or talented enough to address.

The first Montanan politician to publicly weigh in on this issue was Attorney General Austin Knudsen who immediately issued a statement crowing support of what he called a huge win. He had the audacity to claim that because the previous legal standard didnt allow for the arrest of people with no place else to sleep that local governments have been unable to address the rampant homeless camps as if criminalizing poor people was the only way to address this issue. He then implied that Missoula and Bozeman were cowards in how they approached homelessness in the past and called on them to enforce the laws that stop Montana streets from becoming camps for the homeless.

Knudsen goes even further than the majority opinion of the Supreme Court went. The court at least gave lip service to jail not necessarily being the right solution for every community and likely should be the last option, but Knudsen wholeheartedly embraces the coldhearted practice.

Unlike Knudsens chiding of certain Montanan communities responses to homelessness, I believe that all communities genuinely want to end homelessness. I believe many try hard to come up with good solutions. I also believe that many communities fail and end up pursuing bad ideas. The approach of jailing unhoused people that was authorized by the U.S. Supreme Court and encouraged by our states top law enforcement official is a bad idea, perhaps the worst idea, both from a moral and logical perspective.

I think a you-vs.-me, left-vs.-right, my-way-or-the-highway approach makes no sense in most situations. As with most complicated issues, I think looking at specifics instead of generalized talking points is a better place to start identifying the contours of the problem and the essential elements of successful solutions. So, lets examine the humanity and real-life situations we are discussing.

Growing up, my father had a mental illness. He never could hold down a job for very long. When I was in the second grade, he and my mom divorced. During this time, he was institutionalized in a psychiatric facility and was later chronically homeless. Sometimes he could afford a cheap apartment, other times he slept in a beat-up old car, and when he lost his car, he slept on the street, or at a shelter. He eventually got some additional training, a job, and housing, but he always had mental health needs and eventually died from suicide.

He was homeless because he had no money and in its place had plenty of grand ideas that didnt match reality. At no point in his life would arresting him for sleeping in a park or his car have helped him get back on his feet. He wasnt avoiding sleeping under a roof because he wanted to save some big fat bank roll for more fun things, he simply couldnt afford housing because he had a mental illness and couldnt hold down a job.

Arresting him for this would simply be kicking him while he was down. It would have made it harder for him to get back up. Do city leaders and state-level politicians like the states top lawyer who want to arrest people without jobs and homes honestly not understand that having a criminal record makes getting a job and home harder, not easier? Or do they just not care?

My dad wasnt remarkable. In fact, his story is pretty typical. On any given day, there are 600,000 Americans who are unhoused. 78% of those people have a mental illness and 75% have substance use disorder. All of them lack a home.

Therefore, I think it makes sense to focus on providing people with the treatment they need, an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities during the day, and a home. Thats how we fix homelessness. It isnt that complicated. Sure, the devil is in the details, like how do we design services and housing in ways that people want them and will access them, and how do we leverage federal, state, and local dollars to fund them. I think we get closer to answering those questions by engaging unhoused people in learning more about the specifics of what their housing and treatment needs are. I think we learn more about our funding opportunities by engaging taxpayers about the values they want their dollars to support  more jail beds or more real beds. And we learn how much they want their elected officials to use their time, connections, and political capital to make those values a reality across our state.

But we cant even get to those conversations if we let policy makers and executive leadership side-step the issue. It is easy to grandstand about wanting to be tougher on the most vulnerable, or otherwise hope voters will buy that your threat of jail is sufficient to scare unhoused people into taking advantage of services and housing that dont exist. Remember, the only thing this new Supreme Court opinion did was allow the jailing of people who sleep in public when other options do not exist. Prior to this new decision, when shelter beds existed it was possible to arrest people who didnt use those beds.

Local governments are reviewing the courts order and making decisions now and in the coming months about whether they start arresting more people who have no place to sleep. Your advocacy will encourage your community to find supportive solutions to end homelessness and not let policy makers embrace a cruel and illogical policy that throws poor people in jail simply for sleeping.
Key Insights

Given the large stake in the stock by institutions, Illinois Tool Works' stock price might be vulnerable to their trading decisions

A total of 13 investors have a majority stake in the company with 50% ownership

Recent purchases by insiders

To get a sense of who is truly in control of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. We can see that institutions own the lion's share in the company with 82% ownership. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).

Since institutional have access to huge amounts of capital, their market moves tend to receive a lot of scrutiny by retail or individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about Illinois Tool Works.

View our latest analysis for Illinois Tool Works

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Illinois Tool Works?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

Illinois Tool Works already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Illinois Tool Works' earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Investors should note that institutions actually own more than half the company, so they can collectively wield significant power. Illinois Tool Works is not owned by hedge funds. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is Briar Hall Management LLC with 8.8% of shares outstanding. Meanwhile, the second and third largest shareholders, hold 8.7% and 7.0%, of the shares outstanding, respectively.

After doing some more digging, we found that the top 13 have the combined ownership of 50% in the company, suggesting that no single shareholder has significant control over the company.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future.

Story continues

Insider Ownership Of Illinois Tool Works

The definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Management ultimately answers to the board. However, it is not uncommon for managers to be executive board members, especially if they are a founder or the CEO.

Most consider insider ownership a positive because it can indicate the board is well aligned with other shareholders. However, on some occasions too much power is concentrated within this group.

Our data suggests that insiders own under 1% of Illinois Tool Works Inc. in their own names. It is a very large company, so it would be surprising to see insiders own a large proportion of the company. Though their holding amounts to less than 1%, we can see that board members collectively own US$230m worth of shares (at current prices). It is good to see board members owning shares, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying.

General Public Ownership

With a 17% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over Illinois Tool Works. This size of ownership, while considerable, may not be enough to change company policy if the decision is not in sync with other large shareholders.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Illinois Tool Works that you should be aware of.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Job Point has a new president and CEO. Here's who the board selected

Job Point after a roughly six-month search has a president and CEO.

John Scalise was appointed to the role July 15 by the Job Point board. While Scalise took on the role on this date, this also means Job Point is in a transition period as former president and CEO Steve Smith officially retires in September.

Scalise is a familiar face at Job Point. He had served as the Rehabilitation Services unit director for nine years.

We are confident John Scalise will do an outstanding job leading Job Point into the future. John has been working in the Social Service field for 32 years. He has dedicated himself to assisting members of his community who struggle with various life challenges. John has served in a variety of leadership roles over his career and is ideal for this position, said Lauren Karr, board chair.

Scalise looks forward to continuing Job Point's growth.

John Scalise is the new President and CEO of Job Point. He started in the role July 15.

"I am humbled and honored to be given this opportunity. Ive been able to watch our great leader, Steve Smith, guide the organization through some challenging times. Ive been allowed to work with the best coworkers, who deeply care about improving the lives of others," he said. "I look forward to the future and believe Job Point will continue to be a leader in our community. We are a strong organization and I am so grateful to be a part of this work family."

Scalise's skill set and the management team already in place means that Job Point can prosper and grow, Smith said.

"I am pleased to see that after careful consideration, the Board of Directors has recognized the incredible talent of our existing team at Job Point and decided to promote from within. John has been a stable and dedicated leader, a champion of growth in his department, and passionate about serving this community in many ways," he said.

Scalise is a Columbia native, graduated from Hickman High School, attended the University of Missouri, and has a degree in recreation therapy from the University of Central Missouri. His more than 30-year career spans a variety of skills, including behavioral health services that included psychiatrist services, case management, therapy for individuals and groups, assertive community treatment, intensive in-home services for youth, and crisis response.

He has worked for the state hospital in Fulton, University Psychiatric Center, and University Behavioral Health and between 2004 and 2015 lived in eastern North Carolina for Pitt County's Crisis Stabilization Program. He returned to Columbia in 2015, joining the Job Point staff.

Scalise has begun working alongside Smith to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Scalise will continue to work with the Rehabilitation Services department and Ticket to Work program to ensure continuity of services until his replacement has been hired, Job Point said.

More: 'This job found me': Job Point CEO Steve Smith plans September retirement

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on X, formerly Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: John Scalise appointed Job Point president and CEO
Joshua Conant, who was known for his love of cars and car shows before his death in November, was honored at a car show in downtown Port Huron Friday.

Mike Mcnutt, who organizes a Facebook page for automobile lovers called "Cruising Port Huron in the 70s 80s 90s," devoted Friday's show to Conant. The group meets once a month from April until September to show off their vehicles in downtown Port Huron.

From left to right, Sandy Schultz, Mark Sanderson, Michael Conant and Sarah Conant with Joshua Conant's 1985 El Camino.

Mcnutt said he knew Conant and his family before Conant died and wanted to support Joshua's Garage, the charity set up in his memory.

"His uncle is one of my good friends. Josh would always go to the race track and car shows with us," Mcnutt said.

Mark Sanderson, Conant's uncle, said he took Conant to car shows since he was a toddler.

Among the cars on display, with a #JusticeforJoshua sticker in its back window, was a 1985 El Camino Conant had owned. He had worked on it with his uncle, mother, friends and others important to him.

Conant's family sold shirts to raise funds for Joshua's Garage.

Mark Sanderson and Sandy Schultz sell shirts for Joshua's Garage, a charity set up in Joshua Conant's memory.

Some of the show's regular attendees knew Conant from their shared love of cars. Gary Zaremea, one of the regular attendees of Cruising Port Huron, had stuck a #JusticeforJoshua sticker on the engine of his own vehicle, a 1970 Doge Coronet 500. He said he knew Conant since he was a child.

Dave Hawks, who attended the show with his wife Jill and brother Bob, expressed support for the Conant family in the aftermath of his death.

"It's a shame nothing's been done about it," Hawks said.

Conant died outside the Roche Bar in the early hours of Nov. 4. Police reports state several bouncers tried to restrain him after an altercation outside the bar. A Port Huron police officer responded and placed Conant in handcuffs, only to then realize Conant was unresponsive and needed medical attention.

A 1970 Dodge Coronet 500 with a #JusticeforJosh sticker attached.

No charges have been filed in the more than eight months that have passed since Conant's death, prompting outrage from his family and others in the community who have used the "Justice for Joshua" slogan to show support for criminal charges. Roche Bar has been closed since Conant's death.

More: Chief Platzer breaks down no-fault decision with response to Joshua Conant's death

Michigan State Police completed an investigation into Joshua's death and submitted it to the Michigan Attorney General's Office in February.

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Joshua Conant honored at Port Huron car show
DENVER (KDVR)  A judge has blocked Colorado Republicans from meeting on Saturday in an effort to oust Chairman Dave Williams.

An Arapahoe County district judge on Friday blocked the meeting at the request of Williams  yet he was ordered to pay a $1,000 security bond before the order is enforced.

Some state Republicans have been calling for weeks for Williams to resign after he came under fire for anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and unprecedented political endorsements on the partys behalf.

Nancy Pallozzi, chairwoman of the Jefferson County Republican Party, was censured by her countys executive committee in June after she called for a meeting to put Williams ouster in motion. Pallozzi made the calls through official and media channels, but party members disputed whether she could make such a request and started an internal challenge.

Political rhetoric will amplify as election season progresses: analysts

The state partys executive committee declared the meeting illegal, but Pallozzi and her codefendant in this case, Todd Watkins of the El Paso County party, continued to publicize the special meeting.

Colorado Republican Party Chairman Dave Williams

While Judge Thomas W. Henderson did not stop Pallozzi and Watkins from using official channels on the issue, he said he agreed with Williams that holding the meeting on Saturday could cause harm to the party should the temporary restraining order not be issued.

That harm would be immediate because, as Plaintiff has articulated at length in his Motion, the leadership of the Colorado Republican Party would be called into question, leaving the party in disarray roughly one hundred (100) days before election day on November 5, 2024, the judge wrote.

RTD police chief on leave, organization says no further comment

Assuming Williams pays the $1,000 bond, Pallozzi and Watkins will be blocked from holding the meeting without proper authorization per the partys bylaws and a final decision of the executive committee.

The order is in place for 14 days or until a motion on a pending preliminary injunction is heard.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FILE - Abortion rights protesters are removed for becoming vocal, May 16, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C., after North Carolina House members voted to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of a bill that would change the state's ban on nearly all abortions from those after 20 weeks of pregnancy to those after 12 weeks of pregnancy. On Monday, June 3, 2024, a federal judge permanently blocked some efforts in North Carolina to restrict how abortion pills can be dispensed, saying they are unlawfully in conflict with the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  A federal judge ruled Friday that a provision in North Carolina's abortion laws requiring doctors to document the location of a pregnancy before prescribing abortion pills should be blocked permanently, affirming that it was too vague to be enforced reasonably.

The implementation of that requirement was already halted last year by U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles until a lawsuit challenging portions of the abortion law enacted by the Republican-dominated General Assembly in 2023 was litigated further. Eagles now says a permanent injunction would be issued at some point.

But Eagles on Friday restored enforcement of another provision that she had previously blocked that required abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy to be performed in hospitals. In light of the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, she wrote, the lawmakers need only offer rational speculation for its legislative decisions regulating abortion.

In this case, legislators contended the hospital requirement would protect maternal health by reducing risks to some women who could experience major complications after 12 weeks, Eagles said. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and a physician who initially sued offered credible and largely uncontroverted medical and scientific evidence that the hospital requirement will unnecessarily make such abortions more dangerous for many women and more expensive, Eagles added.

But the plaintiffs have not negated every conceivable basis the General Assembly may have had for enacting the hospitalization requirement, Eagles, who was nominated to the bench by President Barack Obama, wrote in vacating a preliminary injunction on the hospital requirement.

Unlike challenges in other states like South Carolina and Florida that sought to fully strike down abortion laws, Eagles' decisions still mean most of North Carolina's abortion laws updated since the end of Roe v. Wade are in place. GOP state lawmakers overrode Democratic Gov. Roy Coopers veto and enacted the law in May 2023 . It narrowed abortion access significantly from the previous state ban on most abortions from after 20 weeks to now after 12 weeks. The hospital requirement would apply to exceptions to the ban after 12 weeks, such as in cases of rape or incest or life-limiting fetal anomalies.

Eagles on Friday affirmed blocking the clause in the abortion law requiring physicians to document the intrauterine location of a pregnancy before distributing medication abortion.

Lawyers representing House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger defending the law argued the documentation protected the health of women with ectopic pregnancies, which can be dangerous and when ruptured may be similar to the expected symptoms of a medication abortion, according to the opinion.

But Eagles wrote the medication in a medication abortion doesnt exacerbate the risks of complications from an ectopic pregnancy. And she remained convinced that the law is unconstitutionally vague and subjects abortion providers to claims that they broke the law  and possible penalties  if they cant locate an embryo through an ultrasound because the pregnancy is so new.

The provision "violates the plaintiffs constitutional due process rights," she wrote.

Spokespeople for Planned Parenthood, Berger and Moore didn't respond to emails late Friday seeking comment. Eagles' upcoming final judgement can be appealed.

State Attorney General Josh Stein, a Democrat, abortion-rights supporter and 2024 candidate for governor, was officially a lawsuit defendant. But lawyers from his office had asked Eagles to block the two provisions, largely agreeing with Planned Parenthoods arguments.

The lawsuit was initially filed in June 2023 and contained other challenges to the abortion law that the legislature quickly addressed with new legislation. Eagles issued a preliminary injunction last September blocking the two provision still at issue on Friday. Eagles said last month she would make a final decision in the case without going through a full trial.

North Carolina still remains a destination for many out-of-state women seeking abortions, as most states in the U.S. South have implemented laws banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy  before many women know they are pregnant  or near-total bans.
Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign fundraiser in Pittsfield, Mass., on July 27, 2024. Credit - Stephanie ScarbroughPool/AFP/Getty Images

Outside a campaign fundraiser in Pittsfield, Mass., a supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris held up a simple white sign with crisp blue letters. It read: Trump is Weird.

Inside the packed theater, Harris made clear she was embracing the adjective for her Republican opponents, as the attacks against her ramp up a week into her campaign for President. Both former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, are trying to define Harris, a former prosecutor, as soft on crime and illegal immigration. Vance has also suggested Harris, who is a stepmother, doesnt understand the needs of biological parents, having described her in 2021 as one of the childless cat ladies who want to make the rest of the country miserable too.

You may have noticed, Donald Trump has been resorting to some wild lies about my record, Harris told the enthusiastic crowd at the Berkshires fundraiser. And some of what he and his running mate are saying, well, it's just plain weird. I mean that's the box you put that in.

Harris and her campaign are working to quickly redefine the race, partly by bringing more attention to the idiosyncrasies of Trumps speeches and interviews, which veer from nationalist fervor, to odd anecdotes about sharks and Hannibal Lecter. After a Fox News appearance this week, Harris campaign released a press release that included the rhetorical questions, Is Donald Trump ok? and Trump is old and quite weird?

Read more: How the Olympics Could Help and Hurt Kamala Harris' Campaign

On Friday, Harris' campaign wrote "JD Vance is weird and creepy," on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with a press release highlighting Vance's past statements favoring laws to restrict abortion access.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is said to be on Harris shortlist of potential running mates, was early in deploying weird as an attack on Trump and Vance. These guys are just weird, he said on MSNBC on Tuesday. Theyre running for He-Man women-haters club or something. Thats what they go at. Thats not what people are interested in.

Harris is also now trying to paint Trump as running scared from a debate with her. Trump this week backed out of a planned Sept. 10 debate that had been originally scheduled against President Joe Biden, before Biden dropped out and endorsed Harris.

"You may have seen he just pulled out of our debate, Harris said Saturday at the fundraiser, where she was introduced by musician James Taylor. I hope he reconsiders because we have a lot to talk about.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
FILE - The icon for the video sharing TikTok app is seen on a smartphone, Feb. 28, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  In a fresh broadside against one of the worlds most popular technology companies, the Justice Department is accusing TikTok of harnessing the capability to gather bulk information on users based on views on divisive social issues like gun control, abortion and religion.

Government lawyers wrote in documents filed late Friday to the federal appeals court in Washington that TikTok and its Beijing-based parent company ByteDance used an internal web-suite system called Lark to enable TikTok employees to speak directly with ByteDance engineers in China.

TikTok employees used Lark to send sensitive data about U.S. users, information that has wound up being stored on Chinese servers and accessible to ByteDance employees in China, federal officials said.

One of Larks internal search tools, the filing states, permits ByteDance and TikTok employees in the U.S. and China to gather information on users' content or expressions, including views on sensitive topics, such as abortion or religion. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported TikTok had tracked users who watched LGBTQ content through a dashboard the company said it had since deleted.

The new court documents represent the governments first major defense in a consequential legal battle over the future of the popular social media platform, which is used by more than 170 million Americans. Under a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, the company could face a ban in a few months if it doesn't break ties with ByteDance.

The measure was passed with bipartisan support after lawmakers and administration officials expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over U.S. user data or sway public opinion towards Beijings interests by manipulating the algorithm that populates users feeds.

Intelligence reporting further demonstrates that ByteDance and TikTok Global have taken action in response to (Chinese government) demands to censor content outside of China," Casey Blackburn, a senior U.S. intelligence official, wrote in a filing that supported the government's arguments.

The Justice Department warned, in stark terms, of the potential for what it called covert content manipulation by the Chinese government, saying the algorithm could be designed to shape content that users receive.

By directing ByteDance or TikTok to covertly manipulate that algorithm, China could for example further its existing malign influence operations and amplify its efforts to undermine trust in our democracy and exacerbate social divisions, the brief states.

The concern, the Justice Department said, is more than theoretical, alleging that TikTok and ByteDance employees are known to engage in a practice called heating in which certain videos are promoted in order to receive a certain number of views. While this capability enables TikTok to curate popular content and disseminate it more widely, U.S. officials posit it can also be used for nefarious purposes.

Federal officials are asking the court to allow a classified version of the legal brief, which would not be accessible to the two companies.

Nothing in the redacted brief changes the fact that the Constitution is on our side," TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said in a statement.

The TikTok ban would silence 170 million Americans voices, violating the 1st Amendment, Haurek said. "As weve said before, the government has never put forth proof of its claims, including when Congress passed this unconstitutional law. Today, once again, the government is taking this unprecedented step while hiding behind secret information. We remain confident we will prevail in court.

In the redacted version of the court documents, the Justice Department said another tool triggered the suppression of content based on the use of certain words. Certain policies of the tool applied to ByteDance users in China, where the company operates a similar app called Douyin that follows Beijings strict censorship rules.

But Justice Department officials said other policies may have been applied to TikTok users outside of China. TikTok was investigating the existence of these policies and whether they had ever been used in the U.S. in, or around, 2022, officials said.

The government points to the Lark data transfers to explain why federal officials do not believe that Project Texas, TikToks $1.5 billion mitigation plan to store U.S. user data on servers owned and maintained by the tech giant Oracle, is sufficient to guard against national security concerns.

In its legal challenge against the law, TikTok has heavily leaned on arguments that the potential ban violates the First Amendment because it bars the app from continued speech unless it attracts a new owner through a complex divestment process. It has also argued divestment would change the speech on the platform because it would create a version of TikTok lacking the algorithm that has driven its success.

In its response, the Justice Department argued TikTok has not raised any valid free speech claims, saying the law addresses national security concerns without targeting protected speech, and argues that China and ByteDance, as foreign entities, arent shielded by the First Amendment.

TikTok has also argued the U.S. law discriminates on viewpoints, citing statements from some lawmakers critical of what they viewed as an anti-Israel tilt on the platform during the war in Gaza.

Justice Department officials disputes that argument, saying the law at issue reflects their ongoing concern that China could weaponize technology against U.S. national security, a fear they say is made worse by demands that companies under Beijings control turn over sensitive data to the government. They say TikTok, under its current operating structure, is required to be responsive to those demands.

Oral arguments in the case is scheduled for September.
The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office is investigating an early Friday morning homicide in which a juvenile has been arrested.

At about 2:30 a.m., deputies went to a house in the 6000 block of West Hickory Grove Road on a report of a shooting, said Capt. Randy Pollard, who heads the offices investigations division. They found Rueben Squire, 79, dead, Pollard said. The sheriff's office did not release a cause of death.

As part of the investigation, sheriffs office investigators accompanied by patrol, SWAT and Montgomery Police Department personnel went to Monticello Drive. A juvenile was found, arrested and charged with murder.

More: Montgomery man convicted of capital murder in beating death of his grandmother

The juveniles name was not released. Alabama law bars the release of names of juveniles charged with crimes, even if they are charged as adults.

The juvenile and defendant know one another, but the sheriffs office did not release the nature of their relationship.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery sheriff's office charge juvenile in death
Vice President Kamala Harris talks to the media, Friday, June 25, 2021, after her tour of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Central Processing Center in El Paso, Texas. Harris visited the U.S. southern border as part of her role leading the Biden administration's response to a steep increase in migration. | Jacquelyn Martin

This article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Tuesday and Friday mornings here. To submit a question to next weeks Friday Mailbag, email onthetrail@deseretnews.com.

Hello, friends. Wishing a belated happy Pioneer Day to all. Here is a short essay I wrote for The Dispatch about the holidays meaning to me.

An opening scooplet: Trump will visit Utah for a fundraiser on August 29. Headline guests include Papa John, Glenn Beck and Ken Paxton.

3 things to know

The Big Idea

Kamala Harris, border czar?

The White House and the media are currently locked in a battle over nit-picky semantics  one that could have significant implications for the presidential race.

In recent days, several national media outlets  including Axios and USA Today  have said that Harris should not be labeled the border czar, despite previously reporting that Biden tasked her to oversee the administrations immigration response.

On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declared that Harris was not a border czar, calling the label a false characterization.

The concern over associating Harris with the Biden administrations border response is likely a political one. Polls show that immigration is among the top issues in the election, and voters prefer Trumps immigration policies more than Bidens. Linking Harris to those policies could be a political vulnerability for Harris, the likely Democratic nominee.

But so could this latest effort to rid Harris of the border czar label: According to Google Trends, searches for border czar have spiked over the previous 24 hours.

The idea that Harris oversaw the Biden administrations immigration response  thus the border czar title  likely stems from a March 2021 assignment given her by Biden to work with Central American countries to reduce immigration to the U.S.

As Biden described it, Harris task was to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle, and the countries that can help, need help, in stemming the movement of so many folks  stemming the migration to our southern border.

As the Biden administration prepared to roll back many of the Trump- and COVID-era border restrictions, it announced that addressing root causes in Central American countries would be the center point of their holistic immigration approach. Harris was assigned to lead the effort.

As Harris put it, Migration to our border is also a symptom of much larger issues in the region.

Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., listens as U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan speaks during a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee on oversight of Customs and Border Protection's response to the smuggling of persons at the southern border, Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in Washington. | Alex Brandon

I think that it was pretty clear that at the beginning of the administration, when there was a crisis, the Biden administration appointed Kamala Harris with a task to help secure the border, said Sam Peak, a senior policy analyst at Americans for Prosperity.

Instead of tasking Harris with overseeing border enforcement or migrant processing, which fall under the purview of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Harris assignment was centered on diplomacy with the Northern Triangle countries: El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The strategy was that by decreasing violence and promoting economic growth in those countries, fewer migrants would be incentivized come to the U.S.

If not border czar, then maybe a more accurate term could be Northern Triangle czar, Peak said. But he quickly noted that national media outlets  many of whom are now walking back their previous use of the label  used it generously in 2021. If its incorrect to call Kamala Harris the border czar now, Peak noted, then most of the press that is saying she wasnt the border czar was incorrect before.

A matter of semantics? Maybe. But the fight over terminology  and an attempt to shield Harris from potential political blowback over the administrations record on immigration  may be aiming for the wrong target.

While Central American arrivals once made up a majority of illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border, those numbers have dropped precipitously. In April 2021, the month after Harris was tasked with overseeing the U.S. diplomatic relations with the Northern Triangle countries, Customs and Border Patrol encountered nearly 80,000 individuals from those countries at the southern border; in April 2024, less than 26,000 from those countries were encountered  even as overall migrant encounters stayed level. The effort to slow migration from Northern Triangle countries may have seen results, but it was replaced by increased migration from elsewhere.

Even so, the U.S. has seen a decrease in illegal crossings in the months following Bidens executive order restricting asylum. Illegal crossings at the southern border are now at the lowest level since the fall of 2020. But American public opinion is now showing the sharpest uptick in anti-immigration sentiment since the post-9/11 years, according to Gallup data, and being associated with Bidens unpopular border response could be enough to sink Harris politically.

The more the White House fights the border czar label, the more it may stick in voters minds. That is a reality the nascent Harris campaign must face: if she wishes to run on the Biden-Harris administrations accomplishments, she will have to face voters discontent, too. A more profitable tactic than fighting labels might be arguing why she believes the current border strategy is the right one.

Weekend reads

Are Republicans pleased with VP Vance? Not as well as you might think. A poll of senior GOP congressional staffers and lobbyists found that over three-fourths (76%) dont think Vance is the best pick to help Trump win in November. Alternative candidates that polled better than Vance? Glenn Youngkin, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott and Marco Rubio. See the full crosstabs here. The Canvass RNC recap: Most prefer Youngkin over Vance for VP (Elvina Nawaguna, Punchbowl News)

Jon Meacham, the historian and speechwriter, has as close a window into the Biden presidency as any. In this Q&A, he salutes Biden for walking away from power, something that goes against human nature. By his metrics, Biden is a friend and a consequential President who has gotten a lot more right than hes gotten wrong. An interesting perspective: Was Bidens decision to withdraw heroic? (Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker)

As a clean-shaven BYU grad, Im fascinated by the norms surrounding facial hair and why theyre perpetuated. Here, a lighter look at the history of bearded White House occupants, and how Vance may disrupt a century of bald-faced history: Yes, JD Vances Beard Matters. Heres Why. (Emily Schultheis, Politico)

See you on the trail.

Editors Note: The Deseret News is committed to covering issues of substance in the 2024 presidential race from its unique perspective and editorial values. Our team of political reporters will bring you in-depth coverage of the most relevant news and information to help you make an informed decision. Find our complete coverage of the election here.
If youre a conservative, its not presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris you fear. Its her running mate.

That is, of course, if she chooses the right running mate.

And its beginning to look like she could.

Mark Kelly is on the short list of names for the No. 2 spot, and hes rapidly rising as the popular choice.

On Monday, Karen Tumulty, the long-respected political writer and commentator for the Los Angeles Times and now The Washington Post, wrote that Harris "smartest selection would be Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.

CNNs special correspondent Jamie Gangel said the Harris team had given her names. The first she mentioned was Kelly, who I am told (Harris) likes a lot, knows very well, and as we saw ... he has already come out to endorse her publicly. That happened very quickly, and I know their camps speak to each other quite often.

Mark Kelly's first careers launched him

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is one of the few members of Congress being floated as a vice presidential running mate for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Kellys third career would not bring much to the ticket. Hes a neophyte politician, a first-term senator just beginning to create a record.

Even so, his mind-bending first and second careers as a Navy fighter pilot and a NASA astronaut are his ticket to ride. They earned him entree to the U.S. Senate in his initial run for office.

Those are extraordinary things to have done in ones life, and they bulk up his profile and make him a legitimate contender for the vice presidential spot. If he gets it, he might one day fly wing to the first woman president of the United States.

Kelly fought in aerial combat. He flew multiple space missions. He married a U.S. congresswoman and then devoted his life to her rehabilitation after she was shot in the head and nearly killed.

He has become an evangelist for better gun laws and a safer country, even as he owns guns and shoots for recreation.

Any of that would seem exceptional, but theres something more about him that makes him not only a powerful antidote to what ails Harris and todays Democratic Party, but also makes him a formidable foe to Republicans.

His mom and dad were cops.

Democrats' problem: They went soft on crime

Theres a reason Donald Trump has risen from what seemed certain political death after he refused to accept that he lost the 2020 presidential election and provoked the U.S. Capitol debacle on Jan. 6, 2021.

Across America, you sense that the social contract is broken, that Democratic presidents, governors, mayors and district attorneys have grown far too lenient on those who flout our laws.

A loud and influential minority of progressive Democrats constructed an insidious ideology on the altar of identity politics that they used to club police officers across this country. Wokeness pretends Americas nearly 1 million cops are the real culprits in our society and must be humiliated and defunded.

Who will Harris pick for vice president? Why Shapiro and Whitmer aren't the answers.

That brought us  for a time  soaring murder rates in the nations biggest cities, and the metastasizing vagrancy and tent cities that can never be swept out.

When you do that in big blue cities, you infuriate your own constituents, and moderate Democrats are rising up with independents to recall the progressive district attorneys who created this dystopia.

They demand less crime, cleaner streets and more cops.

Kelly shines in a law-and-order election

And they have helped set the mood for the 2024 election. This is a law-and-order election that favors the Dad party  the Republicans.

Were tapped out on Mom, who sees every malcontent as victim and every victim as child who must be swaddled and smooched by Moms generous big government.

Were done with that. Were done with all the word play and feel-good therapy.

It doesnt work, for starters. It makes the country more angry and more divided. We cant afford it, and there are larger problems on the horizon that need our attention.

There is no way the son of two police officers from West Orange, New Jersey, is ever going to denigrate cops.

His mother, a cop, heavily shaped him

Kelly is particularly proud of his mother, who grew up in the Bronx to become the first woman to pass the physical fitness test at the West Orange Police Department. Soon after, she became its first woman officer.

And she kept that habit of being first, West Orange Police Chief James Abbott told NJ.com in 2012: She would be the first one through the door. She wasnt afraid of anything. Shed be the first one in and she always had your back.

This was the person who had the greatest influence on Kellys life. She shaped him.

Harris' VP options: Republicans, pay attention to who Harris picks for VP. One of them should scare us.

I dont expect that to turn him into the brass band for American police officers, but you can see in him a steadiness that is anchored in traditional American values that are admired by both Republicans and Democrats.

If Kelly were the nominee, America would know there would be someone in the Harris White House who understands police officers and believes in their mission.

When the Trump-Vance campaign accuses Harris of hating cops, Kelly could stand up and say, Im the son of cops, dont educate Americans on something you know nothing about.

Mark Kelly can take on Trump in ways Harris can't

That understanding of law and law enforcement would also bolster Kelly on other fronts.

When the Republicans attack the Biden-Harris record for mass illegal immigration, Kelly could shoot back, Where have you been? Ive lived in border states much of my adult life. Ive fought for a stronger border.

Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store.

We will solve our border problems without surrendering our decency. You have to live in the Southwest to know this, but were not going to deport 15 million people. Thats sheer madness. That would be the real border crisis."

Republicans are giddy at the thought of crushing Kamala Harris in November. They need to get a grip.

If Harris chooses the Arizonan as her running mate, you can call the Democrats soft. But Americans will look at Mark Kelly and see a rock.

Phil Boas is an editorial columnist with the Arizona Republic, where this column originally appeared. Email him at phil.boas@arizonarepublic.com

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kelly should be Harris' VP pick. He's a rock Democrats need
On July 25, 2024, Scott Salmirs, President and Chief Executive Officer of ABM Industries Inc (NYSE:ABM), executed a sale of 25,000 shares of the company. According to the SEC Filing, the transaction occurred at an average price of $55.19 per share, totaling approximately $1,379,750. Following this transaction, the insider now owns 353,391 shares of the company.

ABM Industries Inc (NYSE:ABM) is a leading provider of facility solutions with revenues of approximately $6.5 billion and over 140,000 employees in 350+ offices deployed throughout the United States and various international locations. ABMs comprehensive capabilities include janitorial, electrical & lighting, energy solutions, facilities engineering, HVAC & mechanical, landscape & turf, mission critical solutions, and parking, provided through stand-alone or integrated solutions.

Over the past year, Scott Salmirs has sold a total of 75,000 shares of ABM Industries Inc and has not purchased any shares. This recent sale is part of a broader trend seen within the company, where there have been 11 insider sells and no insider buys over the past year.

Shares of ABM Industries Inc were trading at $55.19 on the day of the sale, giving the company a market cap of approximately $3.457 billion. The price-earnings ratio of the stock stands at 14.42, which is below both the industry median of 17.44 and the companys historical median.

According to the GF Value, the intrinsic value of ABM Industries Inc is estimated at $50.67 per share, making the stock Fairly Valued with a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 1.09. The GF Value is calculated considering historical trading multiples, an adjustment factor based on past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates.

Insider Sale: President and CEO Scott Salmirs Sells 25,000 Shares of ABM Industries Inc (ABM)

Insider Sale: President and CEO Scott Salmirs Sells 25,000 Shares of ABM Industries Inc (ABM)

This insider sale might interest investors tracking insider behaviors as an indicator of the companys future performance and stock valuation. The transaction details and the companys valuation metrics provide a snapshot of ABM Industries Incs current financial position and market perception.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Kamala Harris has virtually erased Donald Trumps six-point lead in the race for US president, according to a new poll.

The battle for the White House is now effectively tied as Trumps six-point lead over Joe Biden was squashed to just two points after Ms Harris took his place as election frontrunner for the Democrats, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Accounting for a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, that puts Trump and Ms Harris neck and neck ahead of the November vote.

Both candidates were fanning out across the US on Saturday, with Trump insisting he will resume outdoor campaign rallies against the advice of the Secret Service, two weeks after surviving an assassination attempt at a fairground in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Black, Latino and young voters all showed greater support for Ms Harris than they did for Mr Biden, 63 per cent to 51 per cent, a finding that could help Ms Harris in crucial swing states, including Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and North Carolina.

However, the poll contained a warning for Ms Harris with her 63 per cent support among non-white voters still below the 73 per cent that voted for Mr Biden four years ago, although above the 51 per cent the president had been registering until quitting the race.

Still, around four out of five voters in both parties now say they are enthusiastic about their candidate. The poll found that 81 per cent of Democrat voters were enthusiastic about Ms Harris, compared to 37 per cent who had expressed the same for Mr Biden.

Pollster Mike Bocian described the change as astounding.

The poll also indicated that support for independent and third party candidates, including Robert F Kennedy Jr, is now hurting Trump more, with Ms Harris pulling one point ahead of Trump with Mr Kennedy in the race.

Last week, Mr Kennedy was reported as making overtures to Trump, offering to throw his support behind the former president, possibly in exchange for a cabinet portfolio if Trump wins in November. The Trump campaign declined the offer.

On Saturday, Trump accused Ms Harris and the media of trying to erase Harriss disastrous record as border czar. They have failed.

At a speech in Florida to rally his religious base, he said she was a bum three weeks ago and a failed vice-president.

Donald Trump leaving his latest really in Florida where he roused a crowd with a speech against Kamala Harris - AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Trump told supporters at the West Palm Beach rally, hosted by the grassroots conservative group Turning Point Action, that if they returned him to the presidency in November, they would not have to vote again.

Christians, get out and vote! Just this time  you wont have to do it any more, Trump said. You know what? Itll be fixed! Itll be fine. You wont have to vote any more, my beautiful Christians.

He added. I love you. Get out  you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you dont have to vote again. Well have it fixed so good, youre not gonna have to vote.

The Trump campaign is also confronting misgivings about JD Vance, the vice-president pick made mere days before Mr Biden abandoned his re-election run. The Journal poll found that Mr Vance was viewed favourably by 42 per cent of people and unfavourably by 44 per cent.

Steven Cheung, a Trump campaign spokesman, denied reports the Republican nominee was having second thoughts about his choice.

President Trump is thrilled with the choice he made with Senator Vance, and they are the perfect team to take back the White House, Mr Cheung told Newsweek. And any reporting to the contrary is nothing but ridiculous fake news from either non-existent sources or individuals who have no idea whats going on.

Mr Vance has been under attack by Democrats over comments he made to Fox Newss Tucker Carlson Tonight three years ago in which he described Ms Harris as one of a group of childless cat ladies.

Ms Harris does not have biological children, but does have two stepchildren, Cole and Ella Emhoff, who call her Momala.

Kerstin Emhoff, ex-wife of second gentleman Doug Emhoff and mother to Cole and Ella Emhoff, called the attack baseless. Ms Harris, she said, is loving, nurturing, fiercely protective, and always present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.

Ms Harriss step-daughter Ella Emhoff, a knitwear designer who lives in Brooklyn, New York, wrote I love my three parents in an Instagram post.

In an interview with Sirius radio host Megyn Kelly broadcast Friday, Mr Vance said women had thanked him for his cat lady comments. This is not about criticising people who, for various reasons, didnt have kids, Mr Vance said. This is about criticising the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-child.

He added: Obviously it was a sarcastic comment. Ive got nothing against cats. Ive got nothing against dogs, Ive got one dog at home and I love him.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Kamala Harris Hasnt Broken From Joe Biden On Gaza. But Skeptics Of The War Watch Her Rise With Hope.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday made her first major statement on the war in Gaza since she became the Democratic Partys presumptive presidential nominee  affirming that she wants to see conditions improve for Palestinians, while still backing the current U.S. approach of simultaneously arming Israel and seeking a cease-fire.

Harris notably offered the U.S. administrations official readout of discussions that she and President Joe Biden held earlier in the day with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

To everyone who has been calling for a cease-fire and to everyone who yearns for peace: I see you and I hear you, she said, detailing a proposed truce that the U.S. has spent months urging Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to embrace. Harris combined common administration talking points  support for Israels right to defend itself and concern for the human toll of its military campaign in Gaza  with the kind of detail she has often used in describing the conflicts effects.

Citing images of dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time, Harris said she told Netanyahu to get this deal done to help Palestinians and free Israeli hostages whom Hamas captured in the Oct. 7 attack that sparked the current fighting.

Biden rarely uses such vivid language in addressing Palestinian distress. Still, rhetoric is for now the chief difference between Harris and him when it comes to the war. As she develops her presidential campaign, managing continuity and contrast with the president on Gaza is likely to remain a top concern for Harris and her team.

Of the two voter groups she needs to woo for a victory in November  committed Democrats and a sizable number of independents  majorities have consistently opposed the U.S.-backed Israeli offensive for months. But stepping out of line with Biden could anger some in the party or spark pushback from ardent supporters of Israel. And all the while, Harris remains a high-ranking official, implicated in current policy as she faces questions about her possible future approach.

The administration took another step to position Harris as a standard-bearer on Gaza in its latest consultation on the war with outside national security experts on Friday. Such sessions are treated as ways to make sure influential voices understand and, the White House hopes, publicly defend the administrations strategy. For the first time since such sessions began, the vice presidents team largely ran that meeting, two people familiar with the discussion told HuffPost, a shift that suggested a focus on demonstrating Harris foreign policy credentials.

As Harris takes a new role on the world stage, the dangers posed by the current Gaza policy have grown.

Polio is now spreading in the Palestinian enclave, the World Health Organization said Tuesday, warning an outbreak of the feared disease will be very difficult to stem because ongoing Israeli attacks have destroyed medical and clean water infrastructure. More than 250,000 people in the strip lack polio vaccines.

On Saturday, the risk of a new and broader war shot up. A rocket strike in Israeli-controlled territory killed 12 youths, sparking Israeli threats against the Hamas ally Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon and has been striking Israeli targets throughout the war in Gaza. Israel has responded with sweeping attacks of its own, and U.S. officials have suspected the escalating tit-for-tat will spur a full-on Israeli invasion of Lebanon and devastation in both countries. (Speaking to Reuters, Hezbollah denied responsibility for the Saturday attack.)

Many humanitarian and global affairs experts say its past time for the U.S., as Israels closest ally, to use its leverage to force a change in Israeli policies in Gaza, seen as driving tensions across the Middle East. They recommend policies like Washington indicating that military and diplomatic support for Israel could end if the country does not take steps such as halting bombing altogether or letting more aid reach Palestinians.

Harris sudden influence already appears to be affecting the Israeli calculus. After Netanyahus meeting with her, Israeli officials told reporters they were surprised by her tacit criticisms, claiming these could help Hamas in cease-fire negotiations by showing daylight between the U.S. and Israel.

Stateside, many political observers are arguing that Harris is open to suggestions for a change from the Biden administrations policy, including by being firmer with Netanyahu. Shes going to be somewhat less supportive [of Israel] than President Biden has been, and I think that a large part of the Democratic Party, especially the younger members of the party, want that, veteran Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said on MSNBC this week. Patrick Gaspard, the president of the liberal Center for American Progress think tank, wrote on X that Harris comments after meeting with the Israeli leader led to him hearing from many who finally felt heard by our [government].

But most signs suggest she will remain cautious about questioning the administrations policy or overhauling U.S.-Israel relations  a position she will need to explain and defend as the November election nears.

She has a responsibility to define where she stands, Mohammed Khader, the policy manager at the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, told HuffPost, identifying policy and institutions as more important than tone shifts.

The Biden-Harris Show

Harris already has a track record on the war in Gaza. It suggests observers are right to hope she will not operate as Biden has, but should also temper their predictions.

The presidents near-total support for Israel is the result of decision-making by an insular group including him and just a handful of advisers. Foreign policy officials have told HuffPost the process has been unlike the administrations handling of other dilemmas, such as the war in Ukraine. They say the White House has also largely disregarded pushback from government experts who believe the policy is harming U.S. interests and potentially violating U.S. and international law by funneling weapons to Israel as it faces allegations of committing war crimes. As internal complaints and public resignations of staff members have mounted, Bidens team has said it welcomes feedback  but has not meaningfully changed course.

Harris aides, however, have consistently been more open to feedback, a U.S. official told HuffPost, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.

Her national security adviser, Phil Gordon, and her Middle East special adviser, Ilan Goldenberg, take input from staff and dont pretend to know all the answers to everything, the official said.

They contrasted the pair with Bidens controversial chief Middle East aide and his national security adviser. Both have been much more reasonable and moderate than [Brett] McGurk [or Jake] Sullivan, the official said. They said Gordon and Goldenberg were particularly effective in devising steps to address the Israeli government enabling violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, saying: Gaza has been all Biden people in every aspect.  Everything gets decided top-down.

Though the two Harris aides do not hold dramatically dissimilar views from most other Biden officials, their more deliberative approach to policymaking and some of their past work suggests they may consider less deference to Israel. Gordon has urged the U.S. to reflect on its dubious track record in the Middle East, and Goldenberg has recommended that Washington boost outreach to Palestinians.

Harris herself has raised Palestinian concerns in policy discussions when she has felt they were overlooked, White House officials told The Washington Post, for a story that quoted an administration official saying the vice president chose to focus on planning among U.S. officials for Gazas postwar fate.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris appears onstage to speak during a session at a United Nations summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Dec. 2, 2023. GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

Conversations with several U.S. officials and outside analysts familiar with policymaking also suggested Harris and her staff have not been deeply involved in the administrations day-to-day choices on the most controversial matters, like responding to Israeli airstrikes on civilian targets or wrangling Netanyahu  raising the prospect that they would have handled these situations differently.

Meanwhile, the vice presidents public comments on Gaza have drawn attention and fueled hope among some opponents of the current U.S.-Israeli policy. In December, she became the highest-ranking official to say Israel should do more to minimize Palestinian deaths. For a March speech, she personally inserted descriptions of inhumane conditions in Gaza, according to the Post, and said Israel had no excuses for restricting aid. White House staff watered down that address, according to NBC News. (Kirsten Allen, Harris communications director, told NBC the report was inaccurate.)

In that speech, Harris called for an immediate cease-fire in what was cast as some of the administrations most forceful public remarks to date and as some of the strongest made by a senior U.S. official about Palestinian lives.

But she was describing the administrations policy at the time, as it attempted to secure a temporary truce.

The episode reflects how wishful thinking and a public hunger for an administration shift have sometimes ignored a basic reality: When it comes to the fundamentals of U.S. policy, Harris has been aligned with Biden since Oct. 7.

She is a long-standing supporter of billions in military aid to Israel from the U.S., and she has not publicly challenged the presidents decisions to advance additional weaponry to the country, including by bypassing oversight from Congress, despite widespread concerns about how American bombs and other equipment will be used.

Nor has Harris weighed in on whether she believes the excessive civilian death toll she has often referenced violates international law, even amid an International Court of Justice case over plausible genocide in Gaza and a debate at the International Criminal Court over arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. Separately, its unclear what she makes of lawmakers, former officials and human rights groups arguing that continued American backing for Israel breaks a U.S. law against providing weapons to a government barring the delivery of American humanitarian aid.

And Harris has not joined other Democrats who have called for halting or rethinking American weapons shipments. In the coming weeks, the administration plans to unveil an $18 billion package of additional arms for Israel, the largest since Oct. 7.

Palestinians inspect the rubble of a school destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, July 27, 2024. Abdel Kareem Hana via Associated Press

Tosome, Harris alignment with Bidens policy so far means its hard to see her as any different.

Her staff members often present the same talking point: Kamala cares about the vulnerable, the unprotected, said a second U.S. official who has worked with Harris team.

The official expressed skepticism about her concern for Palestinians affecting policy. I dont know if its really based on reality, they said. On Gaza, the Harris team doesnt have strong leadership.

Spokespeople for the vice president and the White House National Security Council did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

What Can Be

Advocates for a different U.S. strategy for the war in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict openly hope they can push Harris in a new direction. Some point to personal reasons why she may be more attuned to Palestinians experience.

The vice president is close to her pastor, Amos Brown, whom she consulted last weekend as Biden passed the baton to her in the 2024 election. Per The Washington Post, Brown directly asked Harris in February to help Palestinians, arguing their struggle resonates with that of Black Americans. Black churches have broadly been important centers of support for Democratic candidates, and amid the war, more than 1,000 Black pastors have called for a cease-fire. The move showed a recognition within the Black church that their role [in conversations about the war] is as important as any other voter bloc, said Khader from the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, who is Black and Palestinian.

And Harris, unlike Biden, does not have a long-term personal relationship with Netanyahu, noted Sarah Harrison, an analyst at the Crisis Group think tank. That history is widely understood to have contributed to the presidents reluctance to break more fully with his Israeli counterpart.

She is listening to the next generation in a way that President Biden did not, Harrison said, pointing to young, progressive women close to Harris who have expressed solidarity with Palestinians, notably niece Meena Harris and stepdaughter Ella Emhoff.

Harrison, who has criticized the Biden administrations Gaza approach, is realistic about where Harris stands: She is still going to work within the parameters the Democratic Party has set on foreign policy. Shes not one who tends to rock the boat.

But a Harris presidency could put extra pressure on achieving goals like establishing a Palestinian state living alongside Israel and holding violators of international law accountable, Harrison said.

She could set a different tone for government officials, argued Harrison, who previously worked on laws covering weapons transfers at the Pentagon. That might encourage them to, for instance, apply the same human rights standards to Israel that the U.S. does to other countries receiving American arms.

Matt Duss of the Center for International Policy think tank recently argued Harris could even as a candidate embrace moves like restoring U.S. funding for UNRWA, the United Nations agency serving Palestinians. (Biden suspended the funding after Israeli allegations that workers with the agency were involved in the Oct. 7 attack, for which an independent review said Israel has yet to provide sufficient proof. The U.S. is now the only country to have rescinded funding that has not since reversed the move; lawmakers from both major parties this spring voted to write a one-year ban into American law.)

Closer to home, Harris has the chance to unburden herself from Bidens Middle East agenda in ways that reap political benefits.

For instance, the president putting a U.S.-Israel-Saudi Arabia deal as his top goal in the region may have made his team wary of criticizing the Saudis. But that meant a major line of attack against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was left on the table. Biden should be bashing Trump over his business ties with Saudi Arabia, said Stephen Miles, the president of the progressive advocacy group Win Without War. They should be talking about corruption. But thats not what theyre doing.

Abbas Alawieh speaks during an election night gathering, Feb. 27, 2024, in Dearborn, Michigan. via Associated Press

As she tries to rally support, Gaza will be key for the vice presidents approach to some deeply disillusioned groups of Democratic voters, from students to Arab Americans. For some, simply having a set of new faces to deal with may inspire some hope.

President Bidens team has failed to substantively engage with the policy demands of our Uncommitted movement, said Abbas Alawieh, an organizer with the uncommitted movement, in which tens of thousands of Democrats denied Biden their primary votes in opposition to his Gaza policy. Biden has repeatedly directed aides to reach out to Alawieh and others in his coalition but has not altered U.S. policy on Gaza in response.

Were hoping that Vice President Harris takes a different approach, listening to voters concerns and engaging seriously with our demand for an arms embargo that saves lives and helps achieve a cease-fire and a release of all hostages and detainees, Alawieh added.

With fighting, deaths and U.S. involvement in the war ongoing, those seeking change are tracking Harris moves now, not just her promises for when she may be in the Oval Office  and the final say on shifts that could boost her candidacy remains with the president.

We are clear on how dangerous Trump is, and thats part of why we need Biden and Harris to change course immediately, Alawieh said.

Arguing that its never fair to judge a vice president based on the president they serve, Miles told HuffPost that the work to end the suffering in Gaza cannot wait for another half a year.

The person who can do the most, right now, to secure a cease-fire, release the hostages, and set the stage for a sustainable peace is and remains President Joe Biden, he continued.

Related...
Is Kamala Harris another emperor without clothes? After the Democrats spent so long denying that Joe Biden wasnt up to the job, questions are being asked about whether they are making the same mistake with his successor.

Last Thursday, House Republicans blamed her for the historically high levels of illegal migration from Latin America, labelling her Joe Bidens border czar. This wasnt entirely fair; responsibility for border security sat with the Homeland Security Secretary, while Harris was in charge of boosting the economies of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador in order to blunt peoples reason for moving.

But a failure is a failure is a failure, and attempts to imply that Harris had no role at all are absurd. With migration at the top of concerns for voters, murkiness clings to her culpability in the debacle. When asked why she hadnt visited the border earlier in her tenure, she responded, and I havent been to Europe. She then hurriedly visited El Paso, Texas.

Fast-forward to Friday: were the Obamas adding to the myth of the clothed emperor when they endorsed Harris as having the vision, the character and the strength that this critical moment demands? The fact that this came after five days of silence suggests a certain reluctance. The US media have speculated that the Obama plan for replacing Biden was wrong-footed when the old man anointed Harris. A candidate such as the Arizona senator Mark Kelly had been earmarked for the top spot, but as momentum built around Harris, the Obamas had no choice but to ride the wave.

After Benjamin Netanyahus meeting with Harris in Washington last week, one can see why the couple hesitated. The Israeli leader came away disappointed, according to his aides. The more our enemies see that there is a united stance between Israel and the US, the greater the chances of a deal to release the hostages and the lower the chance of regional war, a diplomatic source told the journalist Lahav Harkov. The greater the gap, the farther away a deal gets and the greater chance of a military conflagration.

Quite. This is the first rule of alliance club. But Harriss snubbing of Netanyahus barnstorming speech to Congress on Wednesday was consistent with a more hostile attitude than that of her predecessor. In March, fury erupted in the West Wing. According to NBC, Harris had planned to make a speech on Israel so antagonistic that National Security Council officials had it toned down.

When she delivered the address, it remained harsher than anything that had come before. To make matters worse, aides felt there was provocation in her delivery. Harris appeared to end a sentence emphatically with the words there must be an immediate ceasefire, contradicting government policy. After a pregnant pause, however, it turned out that this had been a comma, not a full stop. For at least the next six weeks, she added.

Was this the behaviour of a candidate deserving of the raiment of an emperor? In her statement after meeting Netanyahu last week, Harris underlined her support for the Jewish state, backing it up with an anecdote about being a young girl collecting funds to plant trees there. But when asked by CNN if Harris thought of herself as a Zionist, a clear answer from her staff came there none.

Leadership requires more than stories about trees. During the protests against Bibis visit, thugs burnt the Stars and Stripes. Another spray-painted Hamas is comin across the statue of Christopher Columbus in Washington DC. While other leaders condemned this immediately, a statement from Harris arrived after 24 hours. Was she worried about upsetting the progressive wing of her party? And we havent even got on to her dubious record as California prosecutor. That was what blew up her 2020 campaign. She will be under far more pressure now.

Do Democrats really think crowning Harris is their best chance of stopping Trump? Or are they kidding themselves  and the rest of us  once again?

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Is Kamala Harris just in a honeymoon phase? Heres what a political expert had to say

Its been a whirlwind of a week in politics since President Joe Biden announced he was no longer seeking reelection and was endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.

Since then Harris has broken fundraising records as she now goes head-to-head with former President Donald Trump to win the White House in November.

Channel 2s Justin Farmer spoke to political analyst Bill Crane to see if the momentum that Harris is seeing is just excitement.

Crane said there are three indicators to look at. The first is polling.

Were getting polls, and some of the earlier snap polls put her ahead of where Biden was, but still trailing Donald Trump, Crane said.

He said the second indicator is money.

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Her campaign  has raised $100 million since that announcement was made public and she was endorsed by Joe Biden. Its real money and most of those donations are $50 or less, Crane said.

The last indicator is crowd size.

Word is, shes getting younger people and a more diverse audience than Joe Biden was drawing, but most importantly, larger crowds, Crane said.

Harris has received several big endorsements since announcing she was running for president. The latest was from former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle.

Harris is expected to be back in Atlanta on Tuesday for a rally. So far, we have not heard of any events for Trump coming up in Georgia.

RELATED NEWS:
Vice President Kamala Harris' supporters react during a campaign rally at West Allis Central High School in West Allis, Wisconsin, Tuesday. It was her first campaign appearance as the partys presidential candidate, with an endorsement from President Joe Biden. Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images

In her search for a running mate in her presidential bid, Vice President Kamala Harris is said to be eyeing a clutch of contenders with executive experience enhanced by an outside-the-Beltway flavor  at least five governors from the Rust Belt, South and Midwest.

Harris, if nominated by Democrats and elected, would be the first woman to serve as president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president. She joined the U.S. Senate in 2017 after a career in California state politics.

That background may compel her to seek a white governor without D.C. baggage, experts said, a description several reported contenders fit. Most observers expect Harris to choose a man, though Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would also make a strong case.

Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina are seen as top-tier candidates to balance Harris profile. And U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who had a high-profile career before politics as an astronaut and Navy captain, would also complement Harris.

Selecting another woman, most likely Whitmer, may contradict the conventional political wisdom to seek a counterweight, but would allow the Democratic ticket to highlight one of its strongest campaign messages in advocacy of reproductive rights.

But experts told States Newsroom multiple factors swirl around a vice presidential pick, expected in coming weeks as Harris seeks the Democratic nomination in a virtual roll call vote that could come as soon as Aug. 1, following President Joe Bidens decision to not run. She could try for that desired balance, play to her own strengths, or bestow the honor on a swing state key to a win.

Ultimately, Harris selection will send a message about her decision-making as president, said Joel Goldstein, a professor of law emeritus at Saint Louis University and an expert on the vice presidency.

Oftentimes the impact a running mate can have is as much in the messages it sends about the presidential candidate as it is something that the running mate contributes independently, Goldstein said.

Helping the ticket

Presidential nominees typically look for a running mate who will even out perceived weaknesses among different constituencies.

Think of Trump picking Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in 2016, for example, hoping the selection of a mild-mannered Midwesterner with deep ties to the GOPs evangelical community would temper the bombastic New Yorkers reputation among the partys social conservatives.

Or the youthful Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 selecting Biden, whod spent decades in the Senate by then and unsuccessfully sought the presidency, to counter criticisms that Obama was too inexperienced to be commander-in-chief.

Goldstein said a vice presidential pick should not typically be the presidential hopefuls ideological clone so that it broadens the appeal of the ticket to wider populations around the country.

Voters often see women candidates and candidates of color as more liberal than their voting record would reflect, which could lead Harris to favor a running mate seen as more moderate.

Harris has several choices that could reach voters for whom she doesnt have a natural appeal.

Choosing a white male governor from the Midwest or South would provide demographic and geographic balance, Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic campaign veteran and partner with the public affairs firm Bryson Gillette, said.

Walz, who grew up in a town of 400, and Beshear, the popular two-term governor of a rural, red state, would complement Harris roots growing up in Oakland, California, and dealing with Bay Area politics, she said.

Youre covering a lot of bases by picking somebody from a very different demographic background than the candidate, Pearcey said. Which I think is smart.

Playing to a strength

While presidential candidates generally seek a running mate for balance, they dont always, said Christopher Devine, a political science professor at the University of Dayton who has written two books on vice presidential candidates.

A running mate who emphasizes an advantage can also help a ticket, he said.

When its something thats actually a strength of yours, theres nothing wrong with doubling down, Devine said.

In 1992, Bill Clinton, the Arkansas governor, chose another younger Southern Democrat in U.S. Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee, but that helped emphasize the appeal of the youthful New Democrat candidate.

If Harris decides to go that route, Whitmer, who centered her 2022 reelection race on abortion rights, would be the obvious choice, Devine said.

If they see that as a strength that Harris is a better messenger on this issue because shes a woman  which obviously is what the Biden campaign believed  then maybe picking a woman is helpful, he said.

Ready to govern

Most important for Harris is to pick someone voters believe is qualified, Devine said.

Perceptions of a running mates readiness to be vice president or even president can actually affect how voters see the presidential candidates judgment, he said.

Pearcey agreed.

She has to have an eye on ready-to-govern, Pearcey said of Harris. Whos ready to step into the role of vice president and can take on some policy initiatives?

Harris vice presidential pick would also have to be someone voters could see assuming the role of the president if Harris was no longer able to fulfill her term.

Kathleen Dolan, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, pointed to previous vice presidential picks, like the late Sen. John McCains running mate Sarah Palin of Alaska, that left some voters wondering if they were ready to govern.

Dolan also noted that Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, doesnt have the political experience many expect in a vice president. Vance, 39, has been the junior senator from Ohio since 2023 and before that had no political experience.

I think she (Harris) will probably be focused on somebody who has more government experience, probably not somebody quite as young as Sen. Vance, Dolan said.

That could work against Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran a surprisingly strong race in the 2020 Democratic primary, but whose only elected experience is as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Hes been a mayor and hes been a secretary for a couple of years, Dolan said. So he doesnt have the political background.

Candidates for president and vice president also need to be able to work together, experts said.

Part of Harris process for vetting candidates will include her chemistry with each, Thomas Mills, a Democratic consultant, said. Mills noted Clinton and Gores bond was part of their appeal.

There was chemistry between them, he said. And it was pretty clear on the campaign trail.

Two governors under consideration  Beshear and Cooper  have existing relationships with Harris from when all three were state attorneys general last decade.

Why governors dominate

The list of reported contenders, which also includes Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, has more governors than usual. That could be because Harris is looking for someone with a record of delivering results and navigating the political currents in a busy state capital.

It goes to the ability to govern, Pearcey said.

And governors need to balance their states budgets and deliver tangible results gives them a more moderate, practical image, Devine said.

Governors tend to deal with more pragmatic issues and theyre not as mixed up in the most divisive national issues, he said. Maybe voters will see them as more moderate and pragmatic.

And choosing a governor would not be as disruptive for federal politics.

If Kelly, the only member of Congress thought to be in contention, became vice president, it would force Democrats to defend his Senate seat in 2026, creating a swing-state campaign in a midterm election that typically disfavors the presidents party.

Swing state?

Running mates are often chosen to appeal to the electorate of a particular battleground state or region.

That would boost the case for Shapiro, whose nearly 15-point win in the critical state of Pennsylvania in 2022 is a strong part of his resume, as well as Kelly and Whitmer.

But there is actually little data to support the home-state advantage theory, Devine said. And making a choice voters see as politically motivated could backfire, which could come into play for Shapiro, who has been in office for less than two years.

If they are picking Josh Shapiro to win Pennsylvania  like, if he was the governor of New Jersey they wouldnt bother  then I think thats a bad pick, Devine said. If they believe in him because hes perceived as a moderate, then that could be a good swing-state strategy.

Dolan said Harris week-old campaign has differed in which swing states its targeting and that her vice presidential pick would have to appeal to a wide range of electorates.

She said the Harris campaign may be trying to broaden its reach to voters outside the Rust Belt states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania in which Biden invested.

I think they see a potential for different electoral combinations, and that the more diverse populations of places like Arizona or Georgia or Nevada could help in ways that they wouldnt have helped President Biden, said Dolan. Harris running mate would have to reach these additional audiences as well.

Cooper issue

Adding Cooper to the presidential ticket would create a unique challenge in North Carolina.

Under the states constitution, whenever the governor leaves the state, the lieutenant governor assumes the power of that office. That might be a problem for North Carolina Democrats, who describe Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson as a right-wing Republican.

With Cooper on the campaign trail in contested states across the country, Robinson, who is the GOP candidate to replace the term-limited Cooper, would have his hands on the levers of state executive power.

Im tempted to say that it makes him not really a viable candidate, Devine said. Is he that far above the other candidates that its worth just messing up North Carolina politics?

But Mills, who is based in North Carolina, said Robinsons own race for governor would temper the risk of giving him the power of the office. Leading up to Election Day, Robinson will likely be proceeding with caution.

Thats somewhat of a concern, Mills said of the states succession rules impact on Coopers chances. But I dont think its that much of a concern, because it would be an awful risky thing going down the stretch as the gubernatorial candidate for him to look like he overreached.

Asher Hildebrand, a public policy professor at Duke University, also made clear that Robinson probably wouldnt have a major impact while Cooper would be campaigning.

It would be pretty extraordinary for Robinson to do anything that couldnt be undone immediately by Cooper through executive order, Hildebrand said.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer at a March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 3, 2024. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

In her search for a running mate in her presidential bid, Vice President Kamala Harris is said to be eyeing a clutch of contenders with executive experience enhanced by an outside-the-Beltway flavor  at least five governors from the Rust Belt, South and Midwest.

Harris, if nominated by Democrats and elected, would be the first woman to serve as president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president. She joined the U.S. Senate in 2017 after a career in California state politics.

That background may compel her to seek a white governor without D.C. baggage, experts said, a description several reported contenders fit. Most observers expect Harris to choose a man, though Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would also make a strong case.

Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina are seen as top-tier candidates to balance Harris profile. And U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who had a high-profile career before politics as an astronaut and Navy captain, would also complement Harris.

Selecting another woman, most likely Whitmer, may contradict the conventional political wisdom to seek a counterweight, but would allow the Democratic ticket to highlight one of its strongest campaign messages in advocacy of reproductive rights.

But experts told States Newsroom multiple factors swirl around a vice presidential pick, expected in coming weeks as Harris seeks election as the Democratic presidential nominee in a virtual roll call vote as soon as Aug. 1, following President Joe Bidens decision to not run. She could try for that desired balance, or play to her own strengths, or bestow the honor on a swing state key to a win.

Ultimately, Harris selection will send a message about her decision-making as president, said Joel Goldstein, a professor of law emeritus at Saint Louis University and an expert on the vice presidency.

Oftentimes the impact a running mate can have is as much in the messages it sends about the presidential candidate as it is something that the running mate contributes independently, Goldstein said.

Helping the ticket

Presidential nominees typically look for a running mate who will even out perceived weaknesses among different constituencies of their party.

Think, for example, of Trump picking Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in 2016, hoping the selection of a mild-mannered Midwesterner with deep ties to the GOPs evangelical community would temper the bombastic New Yorkers reputation among the partys social conservatives.

Or the youthful Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 selecting Biden, whod spent decades in the Senate by then and unsuccessfully sought the presidency, to counter criticisms that Obama was too inexperienced to be commander-in-chief.

Goldstein said a vice presidential pick should not typically be the selectors ideological clone so that it broadens the appeal of the ticket to wider populations around the country.

Voters often see women candidates and candidates of color as more liberal than their voting record would reflect, which could lead Harris to favor a running mate seen as more moderate.

Harris has several choices that could reach voters for whom she doesnt have a natural appeal.

Choosing a white male governor from the Midwest or South would provide demographic and geographic balance, Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic campaign veteran and partner with the public affairs firm Bryson Gillette, said.

Walz, who grew up in a town of 400, and Beshear, the popular two-term governor of a rural, red state, would complement Harris roots growing up in Oakland, California, and dealing with Bay Area politics, she said.

Youre covering a lot of bases by picking somebody from a very different demographic background than the candidate, Pearcey said. Which I think is smart.

Playing to a strength

While presidential candidates generally seek a running mate for balance, they dont always, Christopher Devine, a political science professor at the University of Dayton who has written two books on vice presidential candidates, said.

A running mate who emphasizes an advantage can also help a ticket, he said.

When its something thats actually a strength of yours, theres nothing wrong with doubling down, Devine said.

In 1992, Bill Clinton, the Arkansas governor, chose another younger Southern Democrat in U.S. Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee, but that helped emphasize the appeal of the youthful New Democrat candidate.

If Harris decides to go that route, Whitmer, who centered her 2022 reelection race on abortion rights, would be the obvious choice, Devine said.

If they see that as a strength that Harris is a better messenger on this issue because shes a woman  which obviously is what the Biden campaign believed  then maybe picking a woman is helpful, he said.

Ready to govern

Most important for Harris is to pick someone voters believe is qualified, Devine said.

Perceptions of a running mates readiness to be vice president or even president can actually affect how voters see the presidential candidates judgment, he said.

Pearcey agreed.

She has to have an eye on ready-to-govern, Pearcey said of Harris. Whos ready to step into the role of vice president and can take on some policy initiatives?

Harris vice presidential pick would also have to be someone voters could see assuming the role of the president if Harris was no longer able to fulfill her term.

Kathleen Dolan, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, pointed to previous vice presidential picks, like the late Sen. John McCains running mate Sarah Palin of Alaska, that left some voters wondering if they were ready to govern.

Dolan also noted that Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, doesnt have the political experience many expect in a vice president. Vance, 39, has been the junior senator from Ohio since 2023 and before that had no political experience.

I think she (Harris) will probably be focused on somebody who has more government experience, probably not somebody quite as young as Sen. Vance, Dolan said.

That could work against Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran a surprisingly strong race in the 2020 Democratic primary, but whose only elected experience is as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Hes been a mayor and hes been a secretary for a couple of years, Dolan said. So he doesnt have the political background.

Candidates for president and vice president also need to be able to work together, experts said.

Part of Harris process for vetting candidates will include her chemistry with each, Thomas Mills, a Democratic consultant, said.

Mills noted Clinton and Gores bond with each other was part of their appeal.

There was chemistry between them, he said. And it was pretty clear on the campaign trail.

Two governors under consideration  Beshear and Cooper  have existing relationships with Harris from when all three were state attorneys general last decade.

Why governors dominate

The list of reported contenders, which also includes Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, is more full of governors than usual.

That could be because Harris is looking for someone with a record of delivering results and navigating the political currents in a busy state capital.

It goes to the ability to govern, Pearcey said.

And governors need to balance their states budgets and deliver tangible results gives them a more moderate, practical image, Devine said.

Governors tend to deal with more pragmatic issues and theyre not as mixed up in the most divisive national issues, he said. Maybe voters will see them as more moderate and pragmatic.

And choosing a governor would not be as disruptive for federal politics.

If Kelly, the only member of Congress thought to be in contention, became vice president, it would force Democrats to defend his Senate seat in 2026, creating a swing-state campaign in a midterm election that typically disfavors the presidents party.

Swing state?

Running mates are often chosen to appeal to the electorate of a particular battleground state or region.

That would boost the case for Shapiro, whose nearly 15-point win in the critical state of Pennsylvania in 2022 is a strong part of his resume, as well as Kelly and Whitmer.

But there is actually little data to support the home-state advantage theory, Devine said. And making a choice voters see as politically motivated could backfire, which could come into play for Shapiro, who has been in office for less than two years.

If they are picking Josh Shapiro to win Pennsylvania  like, if he was the governor of New Jersey they wouldnt bother  then I think thats a bad pick, Devine said. If they believe in him because hes perceived as a moderate, then that could be a good swing-state strategy.

Dolan said Harris week-old campaign has differed in which swing states its targeting and that her vice presidential pick would have to appeal to a wide range of electorates.

She said the Harris campaign may be trying to broaden its reach to voters outside the Rust Belt states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania in which Biden invested.

I think they see a potential for different electoral combinations, and that the more diverse populations of places like Arizona or Georgia or Nevada could help in ways that they wouldnt have helped President Biden, said Dolan. Harris running mate would have to reach these additional audiences as well.

Cooper issue

Adding Cooper to the presidential ticket would create a unique challenge in North Carolina.

Under the states constitution, whenever the governor leaves the state, the lieutenant governor assumes the power of that office. That might be a problem for North Carolina Democrats, who describe Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson as a right-wing Republican.

With Cooper on the campaign trail in contested states across the country, Robinson, who is the GOP candidate to replace the term-limited Cooper, would have his hands on the levers of state executive power.

Im tempted to say that it makes him not really a viable candidate, Devine said. Is he that far above the other candidates that its worth just messing up North Carolina politics?

But Mills, who is based in North Carolina, said Robinsons own race for governor would temper the risk of giving him the power of the office. Leading up to Election Day, Robinson will likely be proceeding with caution.

Thats somewhat of a concern, Mills said of the states succession rules impact on Coopers chances. But I dont think its that much of a concern, because it would be an awful risky thing going down the stretch as the gubernatorial candidate for him to look like he overreached.

Asher Hildebrand, a public policy professor at Duke University, also made clear that Robinson probably wouldnt have a major impact while Cooper would be campaigning.

It would be pretty extraordinary for Robinson to do anything that couldnt be undone immediately by Cooper through executive order, Hildebrand said.
Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris react to her speaking during a campaign rally at West Allis Central High School on July 23, 2024 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Harris made her first campaign appearance as the partys presidential candidate, with an endorsement from President Joe Biden. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

In her search for a running mate in her presidential bid, Vice President Kamala Harris is said to be eyeing a clutch of contenders with executive experience enhanced by an outside-the-Beltway flavor  at least five governors from the Rust Belt, South and Midwest.

Harris, if nominated by Democrats and elected, would be the first woman to serve as president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president. She joined the U.S. Senate in 2017 after a career in California state politics.

That background may compel her to seek a white governor without D.C. baggage, experts said, a description several reported contenders fit. Most observers expect Harris to choose a man, though Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would also make a strong case.

Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina are seen as top-tier candidates to balance Harris profile. And U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who had a high-profile career before politics as an astronaut and Navy captain, would also complement Harris.

Selecting another woman, most likely Whitmer, may contradict the conventional political wisdom to seek a counterweight, but would allow the Democratic ticket to highlight one of its strongest campaign messages in advocacy of reproductive rights.

But experts told States Newsroom multiple factors swirl around a vice presidential pick, expected in coming weeks as Harris seeks election as the Democratic presidential nominee in a virtual roll call vote as soon as Aug. 1, following President Joe Bidens decision to not run. She could try for that desired balance, or play to her own strengths, or bestow the honor on a swing state key to a win.

Ultimately, Harris selection will send a message about her decision-making as president, said Joel Goldstein, a professor of law emeritus at Saint Louis University and an expert on the vice presidency.

Oftentimes the impact a running mate can have is as much in the messages it sends about the presidential candidate as it is something that the running mate contributes independently, Goldstein said.

Helping the ticket

Presidential nominees typically look for a running mate who will even out perceived weaknesses among different constituencies of their party.

Think, for example, of Trump picking Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in 2016, hoping the selection of a mild-mannered Midwesterner with deep ties to the GOPs evangelical community would temper the bombastic New Yorkers reputation among the partys social conservatives.

Or the youthful Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 selecting Biden, whod spent decades in the Senate by then and unsuccessfully sought the presidency, to counter criticisms that Obama was too inexperienced to be commander-in-chief.

Goldstein said a vice presidential pick should not typically be the selectors ideological clone so that it broadens the appeal of the ticket to wider populations around the country.

Voters often see women candidates and candidates of color as more liberal than their voting record would reflect, which could lead Harris to favor a running mate seen as more moderate.

Harris has several choices that could reach voters for whom she doesnt have a natural appeal.

Choosing a white male governor from the Midwest or South would provide demographic and geographic balance, Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic campaign veteran and partner with the public affairs firm Bryson Gillette, said.

Walz, who grew up in a town of 400, and Beshear, the popular two-term governor of a rural, red state, would complement Harris roots growing up in Oakland, California, and dealing with Bay Area politics, she said.

Youre covering a lot of bases by picking somebody from a very different demographic background than the candidate, Pearcey said. Which I think is smart.

Playing to a strength

While presidential candidates generally seek a running mate for balance, they dont always, Christopher Devine, a political science professor at the University of Dayton who has written two books on vice presidential candidates, said.

A running mate who emphasizes an advantage can also help a ticket, he said.

When its something thats actually a strength of yours, theres nothing wrong with doubling down, Devine said.

In 1992, Bill Clinton, the Arkansas governor, chose another younger Southern Democrat in U.S. Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee, but that helped emphasize the appeal of the youthful New Democrat candidate.

If Harris decides to go that route, Whitmer, who centered her 2022 reelection race on abortion rights, would be the obvious choice, Devine said.

If they see that as a strength that Harris is a better messenger on this issue because shes a woman  which obviously is what the Biden campaign believed  then maybe picking a woman is helpful, he said.

Ready to govern

Most important for Harris is to pick someone voters believe is qualified, Devine said.

Perceptions of a running mates readiness to be vice president or even president can actually affect how voters see the presidential candidates judgment, he said.

Pearcey agreed.

She has to have an eye on ready-to-govern, Pearcey said of Harris. Whos ready to step into the role of vice president and can take on some policy initiatives?

Harris vice presidential pick would also have to be someone voters could see assuming the role of the president if Harris was no longer able to fulfill her term.

Kathleen Dolan, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, pointed to previous vice presidential picks, like the late Sen. John McCains running mate Sarah Palin of Alaska, that left some voters wondering if they were ready to govern.

Dolan also noted that Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, doesnt have the political experience many expect in a vice president. Vance, 39, has been the junior senator from Ohio since 2023 and before that had no political experience.

I think she (Harris) will probably be focused on somebody who has more government experience, probably not somebody quite as young as Sen. Vance, Dolan said.

That could work against Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran a surprisingly strong race in the 2020 Democratic primary, but whose only elected experience is as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Hes been a mayor and hes been a secretary for a couple of years, Dolan said. So he doesnt have the political background.

Candidates for president and vice president also need to be able to work together, experts said.

Part of Harris process for vetting candidates will include her chemistry with each, Thomas Mills, a Democratic consultant, said.

Mills noted Clinton and Gores bond with each other was part of their appeal.

There was chemistry between them, he said. And it was pretty clear on the campaign trail.

Two governors under consideration  Beshear and Cooper  have existing relationships with Harris from when all three were state attorneys general last decade.

Why governors dominate

The list of reported contenders, which also includes Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, is more full of governors than usual.

That could be because Harris is looking for someone with a record of delivering results and navigating the political currents in a busy state capital.

It goes to the ability to govern, Pearcey said.

And governors need to balance their states budgets and deliver tangible results gives them a more moderate, practical image, Devine said.

Governors tend to deal with more pragmatic issues and theyre not as mixed up in the most divisive national issues, he said. Maybe voters will see them as more moderate and pragmatic.

And choosing a governor would not be as disruptive for federal politics.

If Kelly, the only member of Congress thought to be in contention, became vice president, it would force Democrats to defend his Senate seat in 2026, creating a swing-state campaign in a midterm election that typically disfavors the presidents party.

Swing state?

Running mates are often chosen to appeal to the electorate of a particular battleground state or region.

That would boost the case for Shapiro, whose nearly 15-point win in the critical state of Pennsylvania in 2022 is a strong part of his resume, as well as Kelly and Whitmer.

But there is actually little data to support the home-state advantage theory, Devine said. And making a choice voters see as politically motivated could backfire, which could come into play for Shapiro, who has been in office for less than two years.

If they are picking Josh Shapiro to win Pennsylvania  like, if he was the governor of New Jersey they wouldnt bother  then I think thats a bad pick, Devine said. If they believe in him because hes perceived as a moderate, then that could be a good swing-state strategy.

Dolan said Harris week-old campaign has differed in which swing states its targeting and that her vice presidential pick would have to appeal to a wide range of electorates.

She said the Harris campaign may be trying to broaden its reach to voters outside the Rust Belt states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania in which Biden invested.

I think they see a potential for different electoral combinations, and that the more diverse populations of places like Arizona or Georgia or Nevada could help in ways that they wouldnt have helped President Biden, said Dolan. Harris running mate would have to reach these additional audiences as well.

Cooper issue

Adding Cooper to the presidential ticket would create a unique challenge in North Carolina.

Under the states constitution, whenever the governor leaves the state, the lieutenant governor assumes the power of that office. That might be a problem for North Carolina Democrats, who describe Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson as a right-wing Republican.

With Cooper on the campaign trail in contested states across the country, Robinson, who is the GOP candidate to replace the term-limited Cooper, would have his hands on the levers of state executive power.

Im tempted to say that it makes him not really a viable candidate, Devine said. Is he that far above the other candidates that its worth just messing up North Carolina politics?

But Mills, who is based in North Carolina, said Robinsons own race for governor would temper the risk of giving him the power of the office. Leading up to Election Day, Robinson will likely be proceeding with caution.

Thats somewhat of a concern, Mills said of the states succession rules impact on Coopers chances. But I dont think its that much of a concern, because it would be an awful risky thing going down the stretch as the gubernatorial candidate for him to look like he overreached.

Asher Hildebrand, a public policy professor at Duke University, also made clear that Robinson probably wouldnt have a major impact while Cooper would be campaigning.

It would be pretty extraordinary for Robinson to do anything that couldnt be undone immediately by Cooper through executive order, Hildebrand said.
WEST ALLIS, WISCONSIN - JULY 23: Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris react to her speaking during a campaign rally at West Allis Central High School on July 23, 2024 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Harris made her first campaign appearance as the party's presidential candidate, with an endorsement from President Biden. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

In her search for a running mate in her presidential bid, Vice President Kamala Harris is said to be eyeing a clutch of contenders with executive experience enhanced by an outside-the-Beltway flavor  at least five governors from the Rust Belt, South and Midwest.

Harris, if nominated by Democrats and elected, would be the first woman to serve as president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president. She joined the U.S. Senate in 2017 after a career in California state politics.

That background may compel her to seek a white governor without D.C. baggage, experts said, a description several reported contenders fit. Most observers expect Harris to choose a man, though Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would also make a strong case.

Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina are seen as top-tier candidates to balance Harris profile. And U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who had a high-profile career before politics as an astronaut and Navy captain, would also complement Harris.

Selecting another woman, most likely Whitmer, may contradict the conventional political wisdom to seek a counterweight, but would allow the Democratic ticket to highlight one of its strongest campaign messages in advocacy of reproductive rights.

But experts told States Newsroom multiple factors swirl around a vice presidential pick, expected in coming weeks as Harris seeks election as the Democratic presidential nominee in a virtual roll call vote as soon as Aug. 1, following President Joe Bidens decision to not run. She could try for that desired balance, or play to her own strengths, or bestow the honor on a swing state key to a win.

Ultimately, Harris selection will send a message about her decision-making as president, said Joel Goldstein, a professor of law emeritus at Saint Louis University and an expert on the vice presidency.

Oftentimes the impact a running mate can have is as much in the messages it sends about the presidential candidate as it is something that the running mate contributes independently, Goldstein said.

Helping the ticket

Presidential nominees typically look for a running mate who will even out perceived weaknesses among different constituencies of their party.

Think, for example, of Trump picking Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in 2016, hoping the selection of a mild-mannered Midwesterner with deep ties to the GOPs evangelical community would temper the bombastic New Yorkers reputation among the partys social conservatives.

Or the youthful Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 selecting Biden, whod spent decades in the Senate by then and unsuccessfully sought the presidency, to counter criticisms that Obama was too inexperienced to be commander-in-chief.

Goldstein said a vice presidential pick should not typically be the selectors ideological clone so that it broadens the appeal of the ticket to wider populations around the country.

Voters often see women candidates and candidates of color as more liberal than their voting record would reflect, which could lead Harris to favor a running mate seen as more moderate.

Harris has several choices that could reach voters for whom she doesnt have a natural appeal.

Choosing a white male governor from the Midwest or South would provide demographic and geographic balance, Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic campaign veteran and partner with the public affairs firm Bryson Gillette, said.

Walz, who grew up in a town of 400, and Beshear, the popular two-term governor of a rural, red state, would complement Harris roots growing up in Oakland, California, and dealing with Bay Area politics, she said.

Youre covering a lot of bases by picking somebody from a very different demographic background than the candidate, Pearcey said. Which I think is smart.

Playing to a strength

While presidential candidates generally seek a running mate for balance, they dont always, Christopher Devine, a political science professor at the University of Dayton who has written two books on vice presidential candidates, said.

A running mate who emphasizes an advantage can also help a ticket, he said.

When its something thats actually a strength of yours, theres nothing wrong with doubling down, Devine said.

In 1992, Bill Clinton, the Arkansas governor, chose another younger Southern Democrat in U.S. Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee, but that helped emphasize the appeal of the youthful New Democrat candidate.

If Harris decides to go that route, Whitmer, who centered her 2022 reelection race on abortion rights, would be the obvious choice, Devine said.

If they see that as a strength that Harris is a better messenger on this issue because shes a woman  which obviously is what the Biden campaign believed  then maybe picking a woman is helpful, he said.

Ready to govern

Most important for Harris is to pick someone voters believe is qualified, Devine said.

Perceptions of a running mates readiness to be vice president or even president can actually affect how voters see the presidential candidates judgment, he said.

Pearcey agreed.

She has to have an eye on ready-to-govern, Pearcey said of Harris. Whos ready to step into the role of vice president and can take on some policy initiatives?

Harris vice presidential pick would also have to be someone voters could see assuming the role of the president if Harris was no longer able to fulfill her term.

Kathleen Dolan, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, pointed to previous vice presidential picks, like the late Sen. John McCains running mate Sarah Palin of Alaska, that left some voters wondering if they were ready to govern.

Dolan also noted that Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, doesnt have the political experience many expect in a vice president. Vance, 39, has been the junior senator from Ohio since 2023 and before that had no political experience.

I think she (Harris) will probably be focused on somebody who has more government experience, probably not somebody quite as young as Sen. Vance, Dolan said.

That could work against Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran a surprisingly strong race in the 2020 Democratic primary, but whose only elected experience is as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Hes been a mayor and hes been a secretary for a couple of years, Dolan said. So he doesnt have the political background.

Candidates for president and vice president also need to be able to work together, experts said.

Part of Harris process for vetting candidates will include her chemistry with each, Thomas Mills, a Democratic consultant, said.

Mills noted Clinton and Gores bond with each other was part of their appeal.

There was chemistry between them, he said. And it was pretty clear on the campaign trail.

Two governors under consideration  Beshear and Cooper  have existing relationships with Harris from when all three were state attorneys general last decade.

Why governors dominate

The list of reported contenders, which also includes Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, is more full of governors than usual.

That could be because Harris is looking for someone with a record of delivering results and navigating the political currents in a busy state capital.

It goes to the ability to govern, Pearcey said.

And governors need to balance their states budgets and deliver tangible results gives them a more moderate, practical image, Devine said.

Governors tend to deal with more pragmatic issues and theyre not as mixed up in the most divisive national issues, he said. Maybe voters will see them as more moderate and pragmatic.

And choosing a governor would not be as disruptive for federal politics.

If Kelly, the only member of Congress thought to be in contention, became vice president, it would force Democrats to defend his Senate seat in 2026, creating a swing-state campaign in a midterm election that typically disfavors the presidents party.

Swing state?

Running mates are often chosen to appeal to the electorate of a particular battleground state or region.

That would boost the case for Shapiro, whose nearly 15-point win in the critical state of Pennsylvania in 2022 is a strong part of his resume, as well as Kelly and Whitmer.

But there is actually little data to support the home-state advantage theory, Devine said. And making a choice voters see as politically motivated could backfire, which could come into play for Shapiro, who has been in office for less than two years.

If they are picking Josh Shapiro to win Pennsylvania  like, if he was the governor of New Jersey they wouldnt bother  then I think thats a bad pick, Devine said. If they believe in him because hes perceived as a moderate, then that could be a good swing-state strategy.

Dolan said Harris week-old campaign has differed in which swing states its targeting and that her vice presidential pick would have to appeal to a wide range of electorates.

She said the Harris campaign may be trying to broaden its reach to voters outside the Rust Belt states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania in which Biden invested.

I think they see a potential for different electoral combinations, and that the more diverse populations of places like Arizona or Georgia or Nevada could help in ways that they wouldnt have helped President Biden, said Dolan. Harris running mate would have to reach these additional audiences as well.

Cooper issue

Adding Cooper to the presidential ticket would create a unique challenge in North Carolina.

Under the states constitution, whenever the governor leaves the state, the lieutenant governor assumes the power of that office. That might be a problem for North Carolina Democrats, who describe Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson as a right-wing Republican.

With Cooper on the campaign trail in contested states across the country, Robinson, who is the GOP candidate to replace the term-limited Cooper, would have his hands on the levers of state executive power.

Im tempted to say that it makes him not really a viable candidate, Devine said. Is he that far above the other candidates that its worth just messing up North Carolina politics?

But Mills, who is based in North Carolina, said Robinsons own race for governor would temper the risk of giving him the power of the office. Leading up to Election Day, Robinson will likely be proceeding with caution.

Thats somewhat of a concern, Mills said of the states succession rules impact on Coopers chances. But I dont think its that much of a concern, because it would be an awful risky thing going down the stretch as the gubernatorial candidate for him to look like he overreached.

Asher Hildebrand, a public policy professor at Duke University, also made clear that Robinson probably wouldnt have a major impact while Cooper would be campaigning.

It would be pretty extraordinary for Robinson to do anything that couldnt be undone immediately by Cooper through executive order, Hildebrand said.

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Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris react to her speaking during a campaign rally at West Allis Central High School on July 23, 2024 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Harris made her first campaign appearance as the partys presidential candidate, with an endorsement from President Joe Biden. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

In her search for a running mate in her presidential bid, Vice President Kamala Harris is said to be eyeing a clutch of contenders with executive experience enhanced by an outside-the-Beltway flavor  at least five governors from the Rust Belt, South and Midwest.

Harris, if nominated by Democrats and elected, would be the first woman to serve as president, the first president of South Asian descent and the second Black president. She joined the U.S. Senate in 2017 after a career in California state politics.

That background may compel her to seek a white governor without D.C. baggage, experts said, a description several reported contenders fit. Most observers expect Harris to choose a man, though Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would also make a strong case.

Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Roy Cooper of North Carolina are seen as top-tier candidates to balance Harris profile. And U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who had a high-profile career before politics as an astronaut and Navy captain, would also complement Harris.

Selecting another woman, most likely Whitmer, may contradict the conventional political wisdom to seek a counterweight, but would allow the Democratic ticket to highlight one of its strongest campaign messages in advocacy of reproductive rights.

But experts told States Newsroom multiple factors swirl around a vice presidential pick, expected in coming weeks as Harris seeks election as the Democratic presidential nominee in a virtual roll call vote as soon as Aug. 1, following President Joe Bidens decision to not run. She could try for that desired balance, or play to her own strengths, or bestow the honor on a swing state key to a win.

Ultimately, Harris selection will send a message about her decision-making as president, said Joel Goldstein, a professor of law emeritus at Saint Louis University and an expert on the vice presidency.

Oftentimes the impact a running mate can have is as much in the messages it sends about the presidential candidate as it is something that the running mate contributes independently, Goldstein said.

Helping the ticket

Presidential nominees typically look for a running mate who will even out perceived weaknesses among different constituencies of their party.

Think, for example, of Trump picking Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in 2016, hoping the selection of a mild-mannered Midwesterner with deep ties to the GOPs evangelical community would temper the bombastic New Yorkers reputation among the partys social conservatives.

Or the youthful Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in 2008 selecting Biden, whod spent decades in the Senate by then and unsuccessfully sought the presidency, to counter criticisms that Obama was too inexperienced to be commander-in-chief.

Goldstein said a vice presidential pick should not typically be the selectors ideological clone so that it broadens the appeal of the ticket to wider populations around the country.

Voters often see women candidates and candidates of color as more liberal than their voting record would reflect, which could lead Harris to favor a running mate seen as more moderate.

Harris has several choices that could reach voters for whom she doesnt have a natural appeal.

Choosing a white male governor from the Midwest or South would provide demographic and geographic balance, Rebecca Pearcey, a Democratic campaign veteran and partner with the public affairs firm Bryson Gillette, said.

Walz, who grew up in a town of 400, and Beshear, the popular two-term governor of a rural, red state, would complement Harris roots growing up in Oakland, California, and dealing with Bay Area politics, she said.

Youre covering a lot of bases by picking somebody from a very different demographic background than the candidate, Pearcey said. Which I think is smart.

Playing to a strength

While presidential candidates generally seek a running mate for balance, they dont always, Christopher Devine, a political science professor at the University of Dayton who has written two books on vice presidential candidates, said.

A running mate who emphasizes an advantage can also help a ticket, he said.

When its something thats actually a strength of yours, theres nothing wrong with doubling down, Devine said.

In 1992, Bill Clinton, the Arkansas governor, chose another younger Southern Democrat in U.S. Sen. Al Gore of Tennessee, but that helped emphasize the appeal of the youthful New Democrat candidate.

If Harris decides to go that route, Whitmer, who centered her 2022 reelection race on abortion rights, would be the obvious choice, Devine said.

If they see that as a strength that Harris is a better messenger on this issue because shes a woman  which obviously is what the Biden campaign believed  then maybe picking a woman is helpful, he said.

Ready to govern

Most important for Harris is to pick someone voters believe is qualified, Devine said.

Perceptions of a running mates readiness to be vice president or even president can actually affect how voters see the presidential candidates judgment, he said.

Pearcey agreed.

She has to have an eye on ready-to-govern, Pearcey said of Harris. Whos ready to step into the role of vice president and can take on some policy initiatives?

Harris vice presidential pick would also have to be someone voters could see assuming the role of the president if Harris was no longer able to fulfill her term.

Kathleen Dolan, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, pointed to previous vice presidential picks, like the late Sen. John McCains running mate Sarah Palin of Alaska, that left some voters wondering if they were ready to govern.

Dolan also noted that Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, doesnt have the political experience many expect in a vice president. Vance, 39, has been the junior senator from Ohio since 2023 and before that had no political experience.

I think she (Harris) will probably be focused on somebody who has more government experience, probably not somebody quite as young as Sen. Vance, Dolan said.

That could work against Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who ran a surprisingly strong race in the 2020 Democratic primary, but whose only elected experience is as the mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

Hes been a mayor and hes been a secretary for a couple of years, Dolan said. So he doesnt have the political background.

Candidates for president and vice president also need to be able to work together, experts said.

Part of Harris process for vetting candidates will include her chemistry with each, Thomas Mills, a Democratic consultant, said.

Mills noted Clinton and Gores bond with each other was part of their appeal.

There was chemistry between them, he said. And it was pretty clear on the campaign trail.

Two governors under consideration  Beshear and Cooper  have existing relationships with Harris from when all three were state attorneys general last decade.

Why governors dominate

The list of reported contenders, which also includes Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, is more full of governors than usual.

That could be because Harris is looking for someone with a record of delivering results and navigating the political currents in a busy state capital.

It goes to the ability to govern, Pearcey said.

And governors need to balance their states budgets and deliver tangible results gives them a more moderate, practical image, Devine said.

Governors tend to deal with more pragmatic issues and theyre not as mixed up in the most divisive national issues, he said. Maybe voters will see them as more moderate and pragmatic.

And choosing a governor would not be as disruptive for federal politics.

If Kelly, the only member of Congress thought to be in contention, became vice president, it would force Democrats to defend his Senate seat in 2026, creating a swing-state campaign in a midterm election that typically disfavors the presidents party.

Swing state?

Running mates are often chosen to appeal to the electorate of a particular battleground state or region.

That would boost the case for Shapiro, whose nearly 15-point win in the critical state of Pennsylvania in 2022 is a strong part of his resume, as well as Kelly and Whitmer.

But there is actually little data to support the home-state advantage theory, Devine said. And making a choice voters see as politically motivated could backfire, which could come into play for Shapiro, who has been in office for less than two years.

If they are picking Josh Shapiro to win Pennsylvania  like, if he was the governor of New Jersey they wouldnt bother  then I think thats a bad pick, Devine said. If they believe in him because hes perceived as a moderate, then that could be a good swing-state strategy.

Dolan said Harris week-old campaign has differed in which swing states its targeting and that her vice presidential pick would have to appeal to a wide range of electorates.

She said the Harris campaign may be trying to broaden its reach to voters outside the Rust Belt states such as Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania in which Biden invested.

I think they see a potential for different electoral combinations, and that the more diverse populations of places like Arizona or Georgia or Nevada could help in ways that they wouldnt have helped President Biden, said Dolan. Harris running mate would have to reach these additional audiences as well.

Cooper issue

Adding Cooper to the presidential ticket would create a unique challenge in North Carolina.

Under the states constitution, whenever the governor leaves the state, the lieutenant governor assumes the power of that office. That might be a problem for North Carolina Democrats, who describe Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson as a right-wing Republican.

With Cooper on the campaign trail in contested states across the country, Robinson, who is the GOP candidate to replace the term-limited Cooper, would have his hands on the levers of state executive power.

Im tempted to say that it makes him not really a viable candidate, Devine said. Is he that far above the other candidates that its worth just messing up North Carolina politics?

But Mills, who is based in North Carolina, said Robinsons own race for governor would temper the risk of giving him the power of the office. Leading up to Election Day, Robinson will likely be proceeding with caution.

Thats somewhat of a concern, Mills said of the states succession rules impact on Coopers chances. But I dont think its that much of a concern, because it would be an awful risky thing going down the stretch as the gubernatorial candidate for him to look like he overreached.

Asher Hildebrand, a public policy professor at Duke University, also made clear that Robinson probably wouldnt have a major impact while Cooper would be campaigning.

It would be pretty extraordinary for Robinson to do anything that couldnt be undone immediately by Cooper through executive order, Hildebrand said.
Key Insights

Institutions' substantial holdings in VAALCO Energy implies that they have significant influence over the company's share price

46% of the business is held by the top 25 shareholders

Using data from analyst forecasts alongside ownership research, one can better assess the future performance of a company

A look at the shareholders of VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) can tell us which group is most powerful. With 57% stake, institutions possess the maximum shares in the company. In other words, the group stands to gain the most (or lose the most) from their investment into the company.

Last weeks 7.5% gain means that institutional investors were on the positive end of the spectrum even as the company has shown strong longer-term trends. The gains from last week would have further boosted the one-year return to shareholders which currently stand at 77%.

Let's take a closer look to see what the different types of shareholders can tell us about VAALCO Energy.

Check out our latest analysis for VAALCO Energy

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About VAALCO Energy?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

We can see that VAALCO Energy does have institutional investors; and they hold a good portion of the company's stock. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at VAALCO Energy's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.

Institutional investors own over 50% of the company, so together than can probably strongly influence board decisions. We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in VAALCO Energy. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is BlackRock, Inc. with 8.3% of shares outstanding. In comparison, the second and third largest shareholders hold about 5.8% and 3.8% of the stock.

A deeper look at our ownership data shows that the top 25 shareholders collectively hold less than half of the register, suggesting a large group of small holders where no single shareholder has a majority.

While it makes sense to study institutional ownership data for a company, it also makes sense to study analyst sentiments to know which way the wind is blowing. There are plenty of analysts covering the stock, so it might be worth seeing what they are forecasting, too.

Story continues

Insider Ownership Of VAALCO Energy

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in VAALCO Energy, Inc.. It has a market capitalization of just US$745m, and insiders have US$14m worth of shares, in their own names. This shows at least some alignment. You can click here to see if those insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

With a 41% ownership, the general public, mostly comprising of individual investors, have some degree of sway over VAALCO Energy. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for VAALCO Energy that you should be aware of before investing here.

But ultimately it is the future, not the past, that will determine how well the owners of this business will do. Therefore we think it advisable to take a look at this free report showing whether analysts are predicting a brighter future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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One of the frontrunners to be Kamala Harris VP pick has been accused of covering up a sexual harassment scandal and being too insecure to be second under a woman.

Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, has consistently topped lists of potential running mates for the Democratic nominee-apparent, someone who had previously shown no hint of providing material for Republicans to latch on to.

But now a Democrat running to be Pennsylvanias state treasurer has launched an attack on Gov. Shapiro on X (formerly Twitter), claiming he would undermine Harris presidency.

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, Erin McClelland wrote on X. She then threw her support behind North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper to be Harris pick for vice president.

She added, I want someone that can speak to rural voters. That is @RoyCooperNC.

Although McClelland did not directly name Shapirowho is on Harris shortlist for vice presidentshe confirmed that her tweet was about him to the New York Post.

Ryan Collerd/AFP via Getty Images

McClelland told the New York Post that Harris should think very strongly about the difficulties that some women experience being in a top-level and ensure that she has men around her who would be satisfied with being second, third or answering to a woman.

According to McClelland, Shapiro is not one of those men.

The sexual harassment McClelland was apparently referring to in her tweet was the departure of his top legislative liaison Mike Vereb, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Shapiros office paid $295,000 in a settlement to a woman who accused Vereb of harassment, but Vereb himself did not resign until months later.

The Daily Beast has approached Shapiro for comment. His office previously declined to comment to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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HOLTON (KSNT)  A few Kansans are using a new beer law to support each others businesses.

Thanks to a new Kansas law allowing microbreweries to sell directly to other businesses, Holtons Willcott Brewing will start distributing to public vendors across northeast Kansas.

Willcott brewing makes beer with all locally-sourced ingredients, and its hitting shelves near you.

In 1874 the turkey red wheat was first established in the state of kansas and that is why we call it 1874, Jennifer Willcott with Willcott Brewing said.

City proposes TPD pay increase to address officer shortage

She said its that unique Kansas wheat that gives the beer its flavor.

The Kansas farmer that supplies the barley for Willcott said its difficult to get it just right, but the effort is well worth it.

It really has to be a very fine-tuned product so that these brewers can use it to make wonderful beer, Lance Tischhauser, Kansas Malt Company Farmer said.

Willcotts first delivery since the law change was to a grocery store just down the street, Cecil Ks Hometown Market.

Chad Bontrager, the owner of Cecil Ks Hometown Market said Willcotts 1874 beer is now one of about 200 locally made products on his shelves.

Does a new proposal have the teeth to bring property tax relief to Topeka?

Being a locally owned and operated grocery store, we really appreciate doing business with other local folks and bringing those products to the people in the community in a way that makes it really easy for them, Bontrager said.

A local beer, made with local ingredients, sold at local grocers.

Its really quite interesting how often we forget about the farmers and the small business owners. I think today marks a time in history, Willcott siad. A time that we really need to take focus on what small business are contributing to our State.

In addition to Holton, Willcott brewing told 27 News you can soon expect to see 1874 popping up in Topeka and Leavenworth.

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.
A Pittsburg, Kansas, couple and daycare workers have been arrested and charged after an infant in their care was found unresponsive, according to police.

Whitney Jo Henderson, 24, and Madison Ann Thompson, 27, were both arrested and charged on Friday, according to the Pittsburg Police Department and court records.

Both women remained jailed Saturday.

The arrests and charges stem from a June 27 incident just after noon where first responders were called about a child not breathing. First responders provided aid to the unresponsive infant who was then transported to the local hospital, stabilized and then later transported to Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

Police said the women were running the daycare facility.

Thompson has been charged with felony abuse of a child, felony aggravated endangering of a child and then misdemeanors for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, court records show.

Henderson has been charged with felony aggravated endangering of a child and misdemeanors for criminal use of a weapon for possessing a firearm while both addicted to and an unlawful user of a controlled substance as well as possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Court records show the women got a marriage certificate in September 2023.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Work crews are making progress in Kansas as they remove the now obsolete toll booths dotting the states turnpike following the arrival of cashless tolling.

Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) CEO Steve Hewitt unveiled the plans for the all-new cashless tolling system in Kansas on April 5, 2024. The new toll system went live officially on July 1, 2024, prompting different reactions from the states drivers.

KTA spokeswoman Rachel Bell told 27 News the removal of old toll booths started almost immediately after cashless tolling went live. Some smaller toll plazas, located at exit 197 and 204, are already gone. These workers will continue to remove the toll booths over the next year-and-a-half until there are none remaining.

At some exits, KTA personnel is doing the work, Bell said. Other locations that require more concrete work are the responsibility of contractors. Contractors will begin in early August.

Heartland Motorsports Park owner shares new auction information

Another change drivers may have noticed while traveling along the states highways are the alterations to the old toll signs that alerted motorists to upcoming toll locations. These signs were adjusted after cashless tolling became active with more adjustments on the way for some signs as the toll plazas are demolished.

Bell said new signage is already up across the 236 miles of the Kansas Turnpike informing drivers about the new cashless tolling system. There are currently no plans to install any additional signage for this.

For a conversion this size, the project has gone very smoothly, Bell said. Work is not done, however. There are still pieces of the conversion process that are ongoing. For example, the billing cycle for transactions taken on July 1 when cashless tolling began will be billed beginning August 1; the DriveKS mobile app is still in review with the app stores. Overall, the new roadside toll collection system has been in place less than a month and our new back office system went live on July 8. It will take some time to fine-tune both of these systems so we anticipate making adjustments as needed.

German-themed festival going strong five years at the Topeka Vendors Market

To learn more about cashless tolling in Kansas and how it works, click here.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
(Bloomberg) -- UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will run the gauntlet between the left of her Labour Party and opposition Conservatives on Monday when she outlines the state of public finances.

Most Read from Bloomberg

In a speech setting the tone for the Britains economy and its politics for the next five years, Reeves is expected to say shes inherited a near 20 billion ($26 billion) shortfall for public services from the Tory government ousted by Labour in this months landslide election win.

That black hole provides the backdrop for her first budget in the autumn, when shes told Bloomberg difficult decisions will have to be made. Whether she and Prime Minister Keir Starmer respond with tax rises or spending cuts, the Tories and the Labour left are poised to pounce.

Its a tricky balancing act, and weeks of internal deliberation have taken place about how to get the speech right, people familiar with the matter said. Starmer has used the first three weeks of Labour rule to blast its shocking inheritance from the Tories in areas from crime to migration, but its harder for Reeves to feign surprise at the fiscal picture given the open books provided by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

The scale of the challenge has been evident for some time, according to Ana Andrade and Dan Hanson at Bloomberg Economics. They concur that some 20 billion needs to be found by 2028-29 to prevent spending cuts in unprotected departments such as justice and local government. Pressures on defense outlays, public sector pay and welfare could see that rise higher still, they wrote, meaning more tax hikes look inevitable.

Thats problematic for Reeves and Starmer, who spent the election campaign repeatedly promising they had no plans to raise taxes beyond a select few, including on private schools, non-domiciled residents and windfall profits for oil and gas companies.

The Financial Times reported that the chancellor will delay various unfunded projects for new road links and hospitals to make up the financial shortfall.

Indeed, the chief concern of advisers working on the speech is to maintain Reevess credibility. There is broad agreement on the strategy of shining a spotlight on the Conservatives record, blaming them for dire public finances and any unpopular decisions Labour might have to make  inspired by former Tory Chancellor George Osbornes approach after the financial crisis.

Yet aides have also stressed the need not to go overboard and claim the public finances are far worse than thought when Reeves told voters she wouldnt put taxes up. Indeed, she admitted in the election campaign that she wouldnt be able to act surprised at what she found.

Some officials argue Labour cant announce sweeping tax rises right away to fund spending demands from the wider party.

Thats what the Tories want Labour to do, a party official said, because the opposition would then spend the whole Parliament accusing them of lying in the election campaign. Party strategists think Tory warnings about Labour tax rises could be one reason for the July 4 result being closer than opinion polls suggested, and Reeves would not want to confirm those suspicions among swing voters, another aide said.

Yet holding the line is not proving easy. Starmer and Reeves find themselves buffeted by pressures from their party to spend more on public services and fund it by raising taxes on the wealthy.

Asked at a Group of 20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday whether she still had no plans to raise taxes on wealth, property or inheritance  as Labour repeatedly said during the election campaign  Reeves failed to reiterate that commitment.

An added risk is if the OBR downgrades its growth forecasts to bring them closer to those of the Bank of England and commercial banks. That would further deplete Reevess headroom, giving her less scope to raise spending.

While she could in theory borrow more in the short term, that would come at the risk of economic credibility. Moreover, shes promised to adhere to fiscal rules meaning debt as a percentage of gross domestic product must start to fall within five years. Shes described them as iron-clad, so any change would suggest her promises are paper thin.

The internal party context of the chancellors speech is a parliamentary clash on Tuesday between Starmer and left-wingers. After seven members of Parliament voted for an amendment calling for more generous welfare payments for parents, the premier responded ruthlessly, kicking them out of his party for six months.

Scrapping the so-called two-child cap on family aid has become an early cause of the left, and many others across Labour also want Downing Street to act. That would cost at least 2.5 billion, according to the Resolution Foundation think tank.

Starmers allies insist they are relaxed about internal discussion and dissent, arguing this small group of MPs had gone beyond that and were acting in bad faith trying to undermine the Labour government.

An aide pointed to the example of Faiza Shaheen, a left-winger replaced as a parliamentary candidate by Labour at the election who then decided to stand as an independent against the party. That showed moves by the left against the partys interests could not be tolerated, they said.

Still, the row led some ministers to privately suggest the premier had been heavy-handed. It risked creating a bigger fight with supporters of left-wing former leader Jeremy Corbyn down the line, one minister said, predicting some rebels could team up with the Green Party and independents who won seats from Labour at the election on issues like Gaza and arms sales to Israel.

Another aide suggested Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, already seen as sidelined by Starmer, would struggle to support her boss in many further fights with the left.

The next flashpoint on the benefits cap is the budget, ahead of which Labour MPs plan to privately lobby Reeves to signal she will scrap it this parliament. Theyre hoping shell raise the cap to three from two children initially, or commit to end it before the next election.

Making the numbers add up while keeping her tax promises is the unenviable task thats been top of Reevess mind ahead of Monday.

--With assistance from Ailbhe Rea, Tom Rees and Philip Aldrick.

(Updates with FT report in seventh paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) has risen to near the top of the list of possible running mates as Vice President Harris considers whom she wants to run alongside her.

Kelly has been sent vetting materials as one of a handful of Democrats under consideration for the role. A veteran and former astronaut, Kelly brings a background that is unique compared to other possibilities being considered.

He also enjoys strong popularity in his purple battleground state of Arizona, one that could help decide the winner of the November election.

I think you need someone thats got national ID and has been tested to a degree, and I think [Kelly] brings that, said Democratic strategist Matt Grodsky, a former communications director for the state Democratic Party.

Democrats have expressed enthusiasm around Kelly since he first won his Senate seat in a 2020 special election to serve the remainder of the late Sen. John McCains (R-Ariz.) term. He was then elected to a full term in the Senate in 2022.

In both cases, he won by a few points and performed better than President Biden in the state in 2020 and now-Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) in 2022.

Strategists and other observers said Kellys ability to perform well in a swing state demonstrates a political prowess that could carry over to other key states outside Arizona.

Kelly served in the Navy and took part in dozens of missions in Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War before being selected as an astronaut for NASA, according to his biography on his Senate website. He traveled into space four times and retired in 2011.

Grodsky said Kellys background gives him a certain legitimacy to be able to speak about issues concerning the military, national defense and foreign policy that other choices dont have and could bring added crossover appeal to the ticket.

That does have appeal across the aisle, with moderate Republicans, independents, people that are in more of that John McCain mold, which I think is crucial not just for picking up Arizona or swing state votes but across the country, he said.

Kelly has brushed off the veepstakes speculation around him but did not rule out being open to serve as Harriss running mate if he were offered the role.

This is not about me. But Ive always, always, when Ive had the chance to serve, I think thats very important to do, he told reporters on Thursday.

Kelly has also caught attention for slamming Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who is the GOP running mate, over various issues, including Vances position on Ukraine and comments the Ohio senator made in 2021 that childless cat ladies were running the country.

Kelly is one of several Democratic names that has received attention about potentially joining Harris, a group that includes Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D), Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D).

Kelly has received praise from some of his Senate colleagues. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) emphasized Kellys ability to bring in voters outside the Democratic base in a key swing state.

Thats a record that you want, somebody whos been able to show that ability to get votes, enthusiasm among Democrats, but also votes beyond that, he said.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) said Kelly is an effective and capable senator whose strong national security background would help in improving Democrats chances in battleground states including Pennsylvania.

Both of Kellys electoral victories illustrated his ability to bring in more voters to his coalition. He was able to flip the populous Maricopa County in 2020, as did Biden that year, after the county voted for Republican candidates for decades.

In 2022, Kelly won reelection by nearly 5 points, carrying two congressional districts that elected Republicans to the House.

Strategists said Kellys record on policy explains his appeal.

Democratic consultant Adam Kinsey, a former executive director of the Pima County Democratic Party in Arizona, said Kelly is in a unique position to be able to discuss the issue of border security as a senator who comes from a border state and pushed for the immigration bill that Senate Democrats and Republicans agreed upon.

It briefly appeared that the legislation had a chance to move forward, but after former President Trump came out against it as a catastrophe waiting to happen, it failed. Democrats have seized on Trumps opposition to the bill as evidence that Trump wants to run on the issue of immigration, a potential vulnerability for Democrats, more than solve it.

Mark is in a great position to expose that, say, Look, I represent the border state down there. Im very aware of whats going on, Kinsey said. And I think it really gives him, it gives Democrats sort of a way to really have somebody whos an expert on the situation speak authoritatively.

Kelly also has a personal connection to political violence, an issue that has gained renewed attention in the aftermath of the shooting at Trumps rally earlier this month. Kellys wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), was shot in the head in 2011 in Tucson, an event that received widespread national attention.

Giffords and Kelly founded a nonprofit organization to support gun control measures soon after the shooting, and Kelly has advocated for measures like enhanced background checks and red flag laws. But he is also a gun owner and sought to position himself as a supporter of the Second Amendment despite his calls for reform.

Theres the narrative that Republicans often try to use against Democrats of the gun grabbers, Kinsey said. Thats not Sen. Kelly. Hes not cut from that cloth, but he is very passionate about gun safety.

At the same time, one potential drawback may be that if elected, Kelly would leave his Senate seat, requiring the governor to appoint an interim replacement and a special election in 2026 that Republicans may be able to win. That could be especially perilous with Democrats already holding such a narrow majority in the Senate.

But he may still be deemed the right choice for the current moment. Kelly was also particularly effective at raising large amounts of money, taking in about $90 million during his 2022 campaign.

Youve got somebody with, frankly, the gravitas, legislative record of Mark Kelly, really compelling backstory and the ability to raise money and match up against these guys on the other side, he looks like the best choice, Kinsey said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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He killed at 20. Now, hes fighting an automatic life sentence

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Kent County judge denied a motion Friday to correct an invalid sentence in a brutal crime spree that killed a church choir director.

Jaheim Hayes-Goree was 20 when he and two other men shot and killed Joseph Wilder, 50, at an ATM near South Division and M-6.

3 men sentenced to life for murder of 50-year-old

The State Appellate Defender Office filed a motion arguing that Hayes-Gorees sentence, mandatory life without parole, is unconstitutionally cruel or unusual.

In 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled automatic life without parole for 18-year-old offenders violated the states constitution.

Justices of the states highest court will hear oral arguments next term on whether to extend that ban to defendants who are 19 and 20 at the time of their offense.

Michigans top court to consider whether to further limit no-parole life sentences

The law is in flux, said Katherine Marcuz of SADO in a motion hearing Friday morning in Kent Countys 17th Circuit Court.

Judge Paul Denenfeld noted the law hasnt changed yet.

I understand that the (Michigan Supreme Court) has granted leave on some of these issues, said Denenfeld from the bench. But dont I have to follow the law as it is, not how it might be?

Marcuz acknowledged the point.

I understand the court is bound by the law as it is, but I need to preserve these arguments in the trial court, Marcuz explained.

Court ruling could give 1986 killer a chance at freedom

Critics of mandatory juvenile life without parole sentences have pointed to research that shows the brain doesnt develop fully until 25.

Efforts by advocacy groups to abolish such automatic sentences have gained significant momentum in recent years.

On May 24, 2022, Hayes-Goree, now 22, Rhishy Manning, 24, and Javonte Rosa, 25, embarked on a five-hour crime spree during which they robbed two businesses at gunpoint and executed Joseph Wilder after he pulled up to an ATM in Byron Township.

Surveillance video shows Joseph Wilder being approached by armed men at a Huntington National Bank ATM on S. Division Avenue in Byron Township on May 24, 2022.

(They) murdered a man in cold blood, said Denenfeld, who presided over the trials. I saw the video at an ATM drive-thru during an armed robbery. Ironically and pitifully, the man wasnt even withdrawing cash. All he was doing was transferring from one account to another  didnt have any cash when they killed him, and wasnt ever going to get cash when they killed him. This crime spree was as brutal and heartless a crime spree as this judge has seen in 40 years.

Killing at ATM caught by surveillance camera

The appellate defender office also argued that mandatory life without parole was unconstitutional because Hayes-Goree has an intellectual disability.

What we have is a report stating that in March 2013 when Jaheim was 11  he was evaluated and he was determined to be mildly mentally retarded. Intellectual disability is how we now refer to it, Marcuz told the judge.

But Denenfeld noted that five more reports, the most recent in 2018, said nothing about Hayes-Gorees intellectual capacity.

Thats really pretty thin, isnt it? Denenfeld asked Marcuz. I mean, the people point out that that was (one) sentence in an evaluation a long time ago, and that, in subsequent evaluations, he has not been found to have intellectual deficits.

Marcuz argued that the state failed to follow up on that specific diagnosis.

I think the lack of further testing and the lack of further discussion after this diagnosis was made is evidence of the states failure to evaluate and protect this young man.

Marcuz said Hayes-Goree became a permanent ward of the state at age 11.

This young man was bounced between (foster) homes and schools and there isnt really any consistent care there, Marcuz said. I also want to point out he did have behavioral and mental health concerns, and sometimes those can be louder and take precedence and mask other intellectual issues.

Marcuz requested an evidentiary hearing to present expert testimony on the issue.

I dont see a point of having an evidentiary hearing on that issue, Denenfeld said. I mean, we already have a pretty significant record that it has never come up again in any diagnosis other than that one single time.

Denenfeld denied the motion.

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What to know about Colorado's new law allowing motorcyclists to pass cars between lanes

A new Colorado law that allows motorcyclists to pass cars between lanes under certain conditions will go into effect on a three-year trial basis starting Aug. 7.

The law, SB24-079, allows motorcyclists to overtake or pass another motor vehicle between two lanes of vehicles under the following conditions:

The other motor vehicle is stopped

The road has lanes wide enough to pass safely

The motorcycle is going 15 mph or less

Conditions permit prudent operation of the motorcycle while overtaking or passing

A motorcycle driver overtaking or passing must not overtake or pass:

On the right shoulder

To the right of a vehicle in the farthest right-hand lane if the highway is not limited access

In a lane of traffic moving in the opposite direction

New law is on trial period

According to the legislation, the law will be repealed on Sept. 1, 2027. Before the repeal, the Colorado Department of Transportation will analyze safety data on the act and issue a report to the state general assembly.

Why the Colorado State Patrol says the new law encourages public safety

Capt. Michael Tafoya, commander of the Colorado State Patrol's Troop 2D, which covers Pueblo, Huerfano, and Los Animas counties, told the Chieftain he believes the new legislation is a "move in the right direction," although he noted that it will take time for motorists to get used to the new rules.

"A lot of those who drive passenger vehicles and those other than motorcycles may not see it as appropriate, they may think motorcycles should have to obey the same laws they should, so it may take time for people to get accustomed to this occurring," he said.

However, the new law will promote safety for motorcyclists, he said.

"When you've got a line of cars and are stopped at a traffic light or whatever it may be, and you've got a motorcycle at the back of those cars, if a motorcycle gets rear-ended, the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries is much greater than if they were in the passenger vehicle. Allowing them to filter through stopped traffic ultimately places them in a much better and more secure position."

"Driving at low rates of speed, such as 15 miles per hour or less on a motorcycle, is more challenging and requires a higher level of skill," CSP Chief Col. Matthew C. Packard stated in a news release. "Newer riders or folks that could brush up on this skill should seek hands-on training before implementing this new practice in real traffic situations."

Are lane filtering and lane splitting safe?

According to the Coloradoan, no significant study has been completed on lane filtering, but due to restrictions on the speed of vehicles, it would be reasonable to expect filtering is safer than splitting, which is when a motorcycle drives between moving vehicles in a lane. Lane splitting is not permitted under the new law.

The most notable research on lane splitting was conducted at UC Berkeleys Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, the Coloradoan reported. The study looked at lane splitting in California in 2012-13 and the results were released in 2015.

Some of the highlights of the study include:

Lane splitting is relatively safe if done in traffic moving at 50 mph or less, and if motorcyclists do not exceed the speed of other vehicles by more than 15 mph.

Motorcyclists going more than 15 mph faster than other vehicles significantly increased the risk of injury.

About 17% of motorcycle crashes involved lane splitting.

Lane splitting reduces rear-end collisions.

A roadside memorial dedicated to Drew Arguello, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Santa Fe Avenue in 2021, reminds passers-by to "Look and save a Life"

Colorado in the '100 most deadly days of summer' for motorcyclists

There have been three fatal motorcycle crashes this year in Pueblo County. Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter told the Chieftain two such crashes were recorded prior to July 24, and a third person was killed July 25, according to Pueblo police.

CSP Troop 2D has recorded six fatal crashes this year, one of which was a motorcycle crash. That figure is a reduction from this point last year, Tafoya said, which he credited to proactive enforcement and greater visibility.

However, CSP warns drivers, particularly motorcycle riders, to be extra cautious, as the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the "100 deadliest days of summer," according to CSP, with July being especially dangerous.

"This year is no exception," CSP officials said in a July 18 news release. "So far, in 2024, troopers have investigated 135 fatal crashes from January 1 through July 16, and 15.5% (21) of those involved a motorcycle. But when the Patrol isolated just the first two weeks of July, the percentages more than doubled, with 16 fatal crashes and 37.5% (6) of those involving a motorcycle."

Riding a motorcycle comes with greater risk than driving a car or truck due to the lack of safety features, including airbags and seatbelts. Riders are simply more vulnerable, Packard stated in the news release. This underscores the responsibility that every rider must assume for their own safety. Receiving ongoing training, wearing protective gear, and adhering to the rules of the road  these are the necessary steps for every rider.

Packard encouraged motorcycle owners to spend time and take training to master riding a motorcycle whenever possible.

It's not the number of years youve owned a motorcycle that builds mastery; its the actual time spent learning how to control, corner, emergency brake, and practice evasive maneuvers, he said. Advanced motorcycle courses are a fantastic way to learn the best techniques without building bad habits while increasing skills to help you enjoy the ride.

More community news: Pueblo City Council 'steadfast' in opposing Black Hills Energy rate increases

Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formally known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: A new Colorado law allows motorcyclists to pass between lanes
Getting married got a Queens woman dunked from her job at Krispy Kreme, she claimed in a lawsuit.

Tumpa Saha, 34, who is Hindu, worked at the Times Square flagship store on Broadway with permission to wear a Shaka  required religious bracelets that show she is married, she said in court papers.

But after nearly two years as a cashier and doughnut specialist, things turned sour for Saha last month when a shift supervisor informed her, I know you were already approved for a religious accommodation by a previous manager, but now the new manager said you have to take off your religious bracelets if you want to keep working, according to a Manhattan Federal Court lawsuit.

Tumpa Saha, 34, alleges the company knew of her need for religious accommodation when she interviewed in 2022, and she would not have taken the job if they had not agreed. Precious  stock.adobe.com

She later received a written notice from an HR rep that her religious accommodation was denied but that she could take on a new role handling trash, she said in the legal filing.

Saha, who is seeking unspecified damages, was fired July 9.

Neither the reps for Saha nor Krispy Kreme returned messages.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for Galenica is CHF152 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Galenica's CHF76.15 share price signals that it might be 50% undervalued

The CHF77.00 analyst price target for GALE is 49% less than our estimate of fair value

Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Galenica AG (VTX:GALE) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Galenica

What's The Estimated Valuation?

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we 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 (CHF, Millions) CHF217.1m CHF238.5m CHF253.0m CHF263.9m CHF272.1m CHF278.1m CHF282.6m CHF285.9m CHF288.4m CHF290.4m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 6.10% Est @ 4.32% Est @ 3.08% Est @ 2.22% Est @ 1.61% Est @ 1.18% Est @ 0.88% Est @ 0.68% Present Value (CHF, Millions) Discounted @ 3.9% CHF209 CHF221 CHF226 CHF227 CHF225 CHF221 CHF217 CHF211 CHF205 CHF199

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = CHF2.2b

The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 3.9%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = CHF290m (1 + 0.2%)  (3.9% 0.2%) = CHF7.9b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= CHF7.9b ( 1 + 3.9%)10= CHF5.4b

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is CHF7.6b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of CHF76.2, the company appears quite undervalued at a 50% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the 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 Galenica 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 3.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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 Galenica

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Healthcare market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Swiss market.

Next Steps:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. 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. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Galenica, we've compiled three important factors you should look at:

Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Galenica . Future Earnings: How does GALE's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Swiss 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
A viral video of Aftandil Sabyrbekov proposing to Lazzat Nurgozhoeva sparked the fury of the president

Kyrgyzstans president has imprisoned his nieces fiance after he staged an embarrassingly ostentatious marriage proposal while deadly mudslides hit the south of the country.

Sadyr Japarov was furious when Aftandil Sabyrbekov, the partner of his beauty queen niece, used a government helicopter for the elaborate wedding proposal last month.

I apologise to the people for my niece, the leader of the former Soviet Central Asian state said in media interviews. She also listens to peoples opinions. I believe that she will draw the right conclusions from this.

When Mr Sabyrbekov failed to issue his own public apology, Mr Japarov lost patience and ordered his arrest a fortnight later on drug-related charges.

Mr Japarov also briefed the media that Mr Sabyrbekov did not love his niece and had only proposed to her because he wanted to build political patronage to protect himself and to hide his illegal activities.

People convicted of drug-related crimes in Kyrgyzstan usually spend years in prison.

Mr Japarov has made a show of admonishing politicians for wasting money since he seized power in a coup nearly four years ago - Richard Bord/Getty Images

The engagement video that sparked Mr Japrovs fury showed the young couple dressed in white flying to a mountainside location on one of only three Kyrgyz Emergencies Ministry helicopters that they had rented for 1,500 per hour.

After hopping out of the helicopter, they strolled down a wooden walkway hand-in-hand and kissed next to a giant white heart as friends clapped and cheered as fireworks exploded in the background.

The video went viral in Kyrgyzstan and infuriated Mr Japarov, who has made a show of admonishing politicians for wasting money since he seized power in a coup nearly four years ago.

His 23-year-old niece, Lazzat Nurgozhoeva, who was Miss Kyrgyzstan 2020, has deleted the video from her Instagram channel but analysts said that Mr Japarov needed to be seen to impose discipline, just as his role model Vladimir Putin had done in December when he punished Russian TV personalities and presenters for their decadent nearly naked Christmas party.

Lots of people discussed the lavish marriage proposal that seemed to use state assets as a sign of high-level corruption, said Erica Marat, a Central Asia expert and associate professor at the National Defense University in Washington. The arrest of his nieces fiance is a move to quell domestic criticism.

People are evacuated to safety by search and rescue teams after heavy rains caused flooding in Nookat on July 1 - Anadolu via Getty Images

Edward Lemon, an associate professor at Texas A&M University, agreed. He said that Mr Japarov wanted to present himself as a man of the people.

In reality, his regime is deeply corrupt. They just prefer their kleptocratic activities to take place outside of the public eye, he said.

Kyrgyzstan is one of the poorest countries in Asia, with an average monthly GDP of 930 per person. Cash sent back by Kyrgyz working in Russia is a major source of income and when David Cameron visited Bishkek in April as foreign secretary, he discussed organising a flow of migrant workers to Britain from Kyrgyzstan.

The West has been trying to woo Kyrgyzstan and the four other former Soviet Central Asian states since Russias invasion of Ukraine, but Mr Japarovs natural authoritarian bent has made this complicated.

This year Mr Japarov has imposed a Kremlin-inspired foreign agents Bill that will give the government more power to interfere with NGOs by forcing those that receive funding from overseas to register with a special government body, and he regularly arrests critical journalists.

Some Western NGOs have already quit Kyrgyzstan, once held up by the US as a beacon of democracy in the region, complaining that it was now impossible for them to continue working under the new rules.

This includes George Soross Open Society Foundations which had given out grants in Kyrgyzstan worth roughly 100 million over 30 years.

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (KLFY)  A 39-year-old Lake Charles man was arrested after a girl, under the age of 13, gave birth early Saturday, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office announced.

Jose L. Montoya is facing two counts of first-degree rape, authorities said in a news release, and was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. His bond has not yet been set.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Office said detectives were dispatched to a Lake Charles hospital around 3 a.m. Saturday concerning a girl, under the age of 13, who had given birth. Authorities said the girl told detectives that Montoya had sexual intercourse with her numerous times over the past two years.

When detectives spoke with Montoya he confirmed the allegations. He also advised detectives the newborn is likely his child, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

The case remains under investigation. CPSO Det. Larry Cormier is the lead investigator on the case.

Latest News

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  I did not kill my son, the father accused of murdering his 2-year-old son told the 8 News Now Investigators in an exclusive interview Friday.

Jacoby Robinson Sr., 24, admitted he failed to protect his children, but said he is no killer. Robinson Sr., along with Diaja Smith, 23, face murder and child abuse charges in the June death of Jacoby Robinson Jr., the 8 News Now Investigators first reported.

Police suspect Smith put Jacobys body in a dumpster and then called 911, claiming he disappeared. Earlier the same day, someone used Robinsons phone to search for how to perform CPR, documents said. A person then looked for bus tickets from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and called using the device.

Smith and Robinson share five children, including Jacoby and the two younger siblings, records said. The Clark County Department of Family Services recorded three prior contacts with the family.

Jacoby Robinson Jr. (KLAS)

Did you kill your son and abuse your children? 8 News Now Investigator Vanessa Murphy asked Robinson from jail.

No, maam, he replied. I dont even whoop my children and I did not kill my son.

Who killed your son? Murphy asked.

Allegedly, my girlfriend did, he said.

Police suspect Smith beat Jacoby and his younger brother with a belt and power cords, documents said. Smith denied ever hitting the children and said Jacoby had suffered a seizure the day before his death, documents said.

Robinson said he heard Smith whopping one of their children earlier in the day of Jacobys death and told her to stop. Later, Jacoby vomited and that he cared for him in the aftermath, Robinson said.

My son he was full of life, Robinson said. He didnt do anything wrong, and I tried to keep him by my side, but Diaja, she didnt she didnt like me babying him too much, and I babied him. He didnt do nothing wrong, and I told her I didnt like whoopings.

Do you wish you called police on her now? Murphy asked.

Honestly, I do wish I called the police on her, but I cant go back, Robinson said.

The 8 News Now Investigators first reported the arrest of Jacobys mother, Diaja Smith, 23; and his father, Jacoby Robinson Sr., 24. (KLAS)

Robinson claims he was trying to come up with a plan to leave with his children but also said he did not know about the severity of the abuse. Photos the 8 News Now Investigators obtained show bruises and scars on both Jacobys body and his younger brothers. Prosecutors note the boys did not have any injuries in photos taken of them in the months prior  when they were in the care of family services.

I saw the photos of your son and your other child, and those bruises and wounds did not look new, Murphy told Robinson. Someone could argue, you had to have seen more, you had to have known about those bruises.

Somebody could argue that, but I wasnt the person that changed my kids, Robinson said. I was the person that took out the trash, cleaned up, I didnt even change diapers, I cooked.

Robinsons two oldest children live in Texas, he said. Records the 8 News Now Investigators obtained show Smith regained custody of the three younger children, including Jacoby, in April.

Robinson said he believes Smith may have suffered from postpartum depression.

I dont know what made her that angry, he said.

Someone could also say theres no excuse no matter what a parent is going through to abuse your kids, Murphy said.

There is no excuse. youre right, Robinson said. There is no excuse for a parent to even whoop their child.

Do you feel like youre protecting her? Murphy asked.

I dont feel like Im protecting her, Robinson said. I dont want to paint her as a bad mother.

But a bad mother is someone whos accused of dumping their child like trash, Murphy said.

Youre right. I dont feel like its protecting, Robinson said. I feel like I cant believe she would do this, and I dont want to trash talk her you know but I do want to let it be known that I wasnt cool with none of that, and I did say something. I did let her know what she was doing at the time is not cool and she should stop it. and I should have been more aware of the severity of it but I wasnt really thinking she was going to beat my son to death.

A photo from the alleyway where police say they found the body of Jacoby Robinson Jr. in a dumpster. (KLAS)

Robinson Sr. pleaded no contest to domestic battery last year, records said. Because it was his first offense, a judge required him to attend domestic violence counseling and pay a fine.

On April 6, 2023, a person called police saying a man, later identified as Robinson, was hitting a pregnant woman, documents said. The woman was identified as Smith. According to the witness, Robinson was yelling at Smith and pushed her to the ground, which caused her pants to rip, documents said.

Smith declined an interview request.

After her arrest, Smith sent a letter to Robinson from jail where she revealed non-public information about the murder, prosecutors said.

I feel so bad because I feel like I wasnt doing the same for you, I was just on autopilot trying not to crash, a detective read from the letter to the grand jury, according to transcripts. [Expletive], why didnt I listen when I said no more whoopings when you told me to stop whooping the kids. I really hope you can forgive me. Love deep down I really do. I cherished every moment with you. I wish I cooked us one last meal. Im sorry I wasnt thinking right.

Both Smith and Robinson remained in jail as of Thursday without bail. Their next court appearance was scheduled for Aug. 8.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
The Opening Ceremonies of this years Olympic Games in Paris included an apparent parody of Leonardo Da Vincis final painting, The Last Supper  and conservative leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, are angry about the depiction, which featured drag queens

Johnson wrote on X, Last nights mockery of the Last Supper was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world who watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

The war on our faith and traditional values knows no bounds today, he added. But we know that truth and virtue will always prevail. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

Last nights mockery of the Last Supper was shocking and insulting to Christian people around the world who watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.



The war on our faith and traditional values knows no bounds today. But we know that truth and virtue will always pic.twitter.com/s88c9ymG9j  Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) July 27, 2024

Johnson was joined in his outrage by former Utah governor Spencer Cox, who insisted, It was a 4-hour long opening with lots of rain and apparently we missed a few things. Im seeing video of a blatant mockery of a sacred event that my faith cherishes (the Last Supper of Christ). I cant wait for the opening ceremonies in 2034 (like 2002) to showcase Utah values and our commitment to building family and community.

Johnson was met with both derision and support. Jason Hinkle of the American Community Party responded, Why dont you express the same outrage when Israel bombs Christian churches in Gaza?

Valentina Gomez, who is running a campaign to become Missouris 41st Secretary of State, replied, A complete mockery of Christianity. My brother is an Olympian, and this was by far the most satanic and disgusting ceremony I have ever seen. Do not defy Jesus Christ.

It was a 4-hour long opening with lots of rain and apparently we missed a few things. Im seeing video of a blatant mockery of a sacred event that my faith cherishes (the Last Supper of Christ). I cant wait for the opening ceremonies in 2034 (like 2002) to showcase Utah values https://t.co/fEw9DbB5Ak  Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) July 27, 2024

Far-right leaders in Europe also seized the moment. To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation. #notinmyname, Marion Marechal wrote on X.

To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a left-wing minority ready for any provocation. #notinmyname



A tous les chretiens du monde pic.twitter.com/GusP2TR63u  Marion Marechal (@MarionMarechal) July 26, 2024

Marechal is the niece of the granddaughter of National Front (now known as National Rally) founder Jean-Marie Le Pen.

Italys Matteo Salvini tweeted, Opening the Olympics by insulting billions of Christians around the world was a really bad start, dear French. Seedy.

Aprire le Olimpiadi insultando miliardi di Cristiani nel mondo e stato davvero un pessimo inizio, cari francesi. Squallidi. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/3RpNvUundd  Matteo Salvini (@matteosalvinimi) July 27, 2024

Not everyone was offended by the show. BBC presenter David Aaronovitch pointed out that the painting has been pastiched, parodied and altered tens of thousands of times.

Oh dear. Everyone has to take offence it seems. The Last Supper as depicted by Leonardo is one of the most famous images in the Western world and has been pastiched, parodied and altered tens of thousands of times. Probably most savagely in Bunuels Viridiana. So maybe down off your high altar? he tweeted in reply to a religious leader.

Oh dear. Everyone has to take offence it seems. The Last Supper as depicted by Leonardo is one of the most famous images in the Western world and has been pastiched, parodied and altered tens of thousands of times. Probably most savagely in Bunuels Viridiana. So maybe down off https://t.co/YQxhfQZnda  David Aaronovitch (@DAaronovitch) July 27, 2024

Good Morning Cape Town host Lester Kiewit welcomed the depiction of the famous painting. One more time: The Last Supper is not a religious symbol, he wrote on X. Its an artists rendition of a biblical story. People must be honest and say its only offense taken because the Paris opening ceremony used drag artists. Slaaaaay! Queens.

One more time: The Last Supper is not a religious symbol.

It's an artist's rendition of a biblical story.

People must be honest and say it's only offense taken because the Paris opening ceremony used drag artists.

Slaaaaay! Queens. pic.twitter.com/LSUgvqC3ij  Lester Kiewit (@lesterkk) July 27, 2024

The post Last Supper Olympics Image Enflames Speaker Johnson, Conservative Leaders: Shocking and Insulting appeared first on TheWrap.
Demography, politics and the unintended consequences of civic reforms have pushed Los Angeles to the left, creating an electorate hostile to Republicans and shaping the prospects of candidates and causes this November and beyond.

That broad, historic trend may get an added boost this election cycle with the emergence of Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumed Democratic candidate for president.

For most of the 1900s, Los Angeles was solidly Republican, in part because its civic elite, including the owners of the Los Angeles Times, built the city as an anti-union counterpart to San Francisco. If San Francisco was a city of docks and labor  and Democrats  Los Angeles was one of suburbs and single-family homes  and Republicans.

That began to shift in the 1960s, but the city still retained enough of that legacy to elect Richard Riordan, a Republican, as its mayor in 1993. The conditions were right: The city had been through a riot in 1992, so Riordans slogan, Tough Enough to Turn LA Around, found purchase in a rattled electorate.

Rick Carusos attempt to replicate that strategy in 2022 fell well short, as the businessman-turned-politician was handily defeated by then-Congresswoman Karen Bass. Some of that was specific to the campaign: Bass was and is a likable personality and an experienced political leader. Caruso had no elected experience and registered as a Democrat just in time for the election, raising questions about opportunism.

Much of it also reflected deep, underlying shifts in the Los Angeles electorate  changes other big cities can expect, as Los Angeles charts future trends in demographics and politics.

The most significant, long-term change in the Los Angeles electorate is the one that the rest of California is beginning to experience and that the rest of the nation can expect in the coming years: Los Angeles has become a predominantly Latino city, and its political behavior increasingly reflects that.

The single biggest thing, said Bill Carrick, a veteran Democratic strategist and leading observer of LA politics, is the growth in Latino voters.

Latinos have become a majority of the population and, increasingly, the lions share of the electorate, and they have tended to vote for Democrats. That trend  with smaller but significant growth in the number of Asian American voters and younger voters  has helped reshape the citys political map, he said. Once reliably moderate, Republican areas of the San Fernando Valley now are solidly Democratic, leaving no significant base of Republican voters left in Los Angeles.

Recent private polling also proves the point. Two surveys conducted in recent weeks  and shared confidentially with me  asked Los Angeles voters to describe themselves politically. Nearly two-thirds called themselves strong Democrats or leaning that way, compared to less than 20% who identified as Republican or leaning Republican.

Changes pulled Los Angeles voters left

Other forces are at work, too. Ten years ago, one of Los Angeles innumerable blue-ribbon commissions sized up the city and proposed a series of recommendations to arrest its decline.

The Los Angeles 2020 Commissions recommendations, contained in its Time for Action report, were mostly ignored  deservedly, because most of the proposals were off the mark  but the city did adopt one. It shifted its election cycle from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years in order to coincide with state and federal elections and thus boost voter turnout.

That, too, was ill-advised in some respects. It has resulted in less focused news reporting on city elections, allowing local candidates to run with much less vetting. News organizations are forced to split their political coverage between state and federal races, with local contests receiving less attention than those at the top of the ticket.

But the change has a more discernible effect: It has moved the electorate to the left.

Within the bigger turnout are more voters who might not have otherwise participated. Those so-called marginal voters tend to be busy working people, younger people, more often liberals than conservatives, so the voting pool has become more liberal.

Rick Jacobs, another shrewd analyst of Los Angeles politics, cited the change in the election calendar at the top of his list of reasons why the citys electorate has shifted in recent years.

Its not a leftward tilt, so much as the new election calendar is more reflective of LAs electorate, he said.

Other changes are having an effect, too. Los Angeles has shifted from being a city of homeowners to one of renters. They tend to be younger, and their interests in communities and services are often different than those of older, more established homeowners.

The media landscape has changed as well. The Los Angeles Times, once a powerful force in shaping local races, has dwindled in circulation and influence. Carrick said its endorsements still matter, but with fewer people who subscribe and even fewer who read the home edition, its picks more often are helpful in supplementing candidate advertising than they are in reaching voters directly.

And Los Angeles no longer has much of a viable political center. Or, if it does, that center now exists somewhere between moderate Democrats and progressives. Mayor Bass would be a liberal in any big city other than LA; here, she is a moderate.

Impact of November elections

As fall elections approach, the electorate  who votes and in what numbers  could determine some of the local races that voters will consider. The November ballot includes a closely watched contest for district attorney, for instance, as well as a proposed sales tax hike for homeless services.

The DA race may or may not play along partisan lines. Incumbent George Gascon will appeal to progressives  he styles himself as a progressive prosecutor  while his challenger, Nathan Hochman, is running as an independent but two years ago ran for California attorney general as a Republican. If the race shapes up in partisan terms, that gives Gascon an obvious edge in a very liberal electorate.

But Gascon has other difficulties, including widespread criticism of his management, reflected in his abysmal approval ratings. He may be an exception to all this, Carrick said.

More susceptible to the areas leftward shift may be the proposed tax increase for the homeless. That proposal would replace an existing quarter-cent sales tax due to expire in 2017 with a permanent half-cent tax. It has qualified for the November ballot.

The tax hike enjoys broad  but not unanimous  support among city and county leaders and organizations. United Way is backing it, for example; BizFed, a group of employers, has come out against it.

Tax hikes are always a challenge, and supporters of the measure had worried that a dispirited electorate might not turn out for President Joe Biden, especially after his disastrous debate performance fueled doubts about his age and fitness for office.

That mood has shifted dramatically since Biden stepped out of the race and Harris, a popular figure in Los Angeles and among voters of color, assumed leadership of her party and its likely nomination.

That, Jacobs said, could boost progressive voter turnout and have implications up and down the ballot, including for the homeless services measure.

Every election brings nuances. Substance, Carrick noted, has a habit of getting in the way of trends.

But the long-term arc of Los Angeles politics is clear. Once an anchor of conservatism, it now is on the cutting edge of progressive politics. That is driven by issues, but also by the electorate itself.

Jim Newton is a veteran journalist, best-selling author and teacher. He worked at the Los Angeles Times for 25 years as a reporter, editor, bureau chief and columnist, covering government and politics.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: LA voters political leftward lurch
In recent years, theres been a boom in the topic of foraging, thanks in part to the influential outdoorsy types whove made sourcing ingredients from the wild a viral phenomenon.

Midwesterners with access to lush woodlands have led the conversation. Take Alexis Nikole, for example. The Columbus, Ohio-based explorer better known as the Black Forager on social media, has amassed millions of followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok for clips of her adventures identifying edible plants, berries and fungi in the wild. For safety purposes, most of Nikoles energetic videos end with the disclaimer: dont die.

Different species of mushrooms found at the For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum during the mushroom hunt by the Mushroom Hunters Club in Burton on June 12, 2022.

Theres also Sean Sherman, a James Beard Award-winning Oglala Lakota Sioux chef based in Minneapolis, who has followed Indigenous wisdom of foraging wild ingredients for fine dining experiences.

In the Detroit area, herbalist Lottie Spady of Earthseed Detroit has shined a light on finding the most nutrient-dense and medicinal plants Michigans bounty has to offer, and retailers like The Mushroom Lab, The Mushroom Hub and Give and Grow Mushrooms help metro Detroiters stock their pantries with a range of locally sourced mushrooms. The latest in the mushroom boom is BeShroomed Farms, a coffee shop starring mushrooms as the key ingredient.

Michigans landscape is flourishing with wild, edible plants and mushrooms are among the most delicious of them all.

By now, most Michiganders are well-acquainted with morels, the delicacy amassed during many spring-summer hunting trips. And while they might not land on your favorite restaurant menus, there are a number of wild mushroom varieties in Michigan that are edible and nutritious.

However, it is important to accurately identify mushrooms that are safe to eat as many can be poisonous  or psychedelic. Which may just be easier than youd think.

Thats why the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Skills Academy is offering a series of wild mushroom clinics.

Beginning Aug. 3, MDNR will host courses that teach participants how to identify, handle, clean, cook and preserve seasonal mushrooms. Classes, which run up to five hours, range between $30-$55 and some offer an opportunity to taste-test foraged shrooms.

Held in Oden, Cadillac, Tahquamenon Falls and Ontonagon  waterside towns where fungi varieties thrive  classes will require some travel plans for those venturing from southeast Michigan. But a lesson in finding the meatiest, tastiest mushrooms in Michigan may be worth the trip.

Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center

Sunday, Aug. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Mitchell State Park

Saturday, Sept. 14, at Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Visitor Center

Visit michigan.gov/dnr to learn more about the Wild Mushroom Clinics series.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Learn how to forage Michigan's wild mushrooms without dying
At least 30 killed in strike on Gaza school

Victims flee from the stricken school in Deir el-Balah where they were taking refuge - APAImages/Shutterstock

An Israeli strike hit a school housing a field hospital Saturday, killing at least 30 people and wounding more than 100.

The Israeli military said it carried out a strike on the school targeting Hamas terrorists operating from there.

A short while ago, the targeting of Khadija school, which had a field medical unit inside it, in Deir el-Balah area, resulted in 30 martyrs and more than 100 wounded, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said in a statement.

Gazas civil defence agency said that the school was housing about 4,000 displaced people who had taken refuge there.

The aftermath of the Israeli strike on Haditha School on Saturday - Anas Zeyad Fteha/Anadolu

The Israeli military said in a statement that the strike was carried out following precise ... intelligence of terrorists operating in a Hamas compound and control centre inside the Khadija school.

In parallel, the terrorists developed and stored large quantities of weapons inside the compound.

The field hospital located inside the school belonged to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, according to hospital director Khalil al-Daqran.

It came after Israel ordered the evacuation of a part of a designated humanitarian zone in Gaza ahead of a planned strike on Khan Younis on Saturday.

The evacuation order was made in response to rocket fire that Israel said originated from the area. The military said it planned an operation against Hamas militants in the city, including parts of Muwasi, the crowded tent camp in an area where Israel has told thousands of Palestinians to seek refuge throughout the war.

The US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel are scheduled to meet in Italy to discuss the ongoing hostage and cease-fire negotiations in the coming days.

Smoke rises from the school which was hit in an airstrike on Saturday - BASHAR TALEB/AFP

CIA Director Bill Burns is expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani, Mossad director David Barnea and Egyptian spy chief Abbas Kamel on Sunday, according to officials.

Its the second evacuation order issued in a week that has included striking part of the humanitarian zone, a 60-square-kilometre (roughly 20-square-mile) blanketed with tent camps that lack sanitation and medical facilities and have limited access to aid, United Nations and humanitarian groups say. Israel expanded the zone in May to take in people fleeing Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population at the time had crowded.

According to Israeli estimates, about 1.8 million Palestinians are currently sheltering there after being uprooted multiple times in search of safety during Israels punishing air and ground campaign. In November, the military said the area could still be struck and that it was not a safe zone, but it is a safer place than any other in Gaza.

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Lee County School Board elections are right around the corner and the District 2 seat is up for grabs. Incumbent Melisa Giovannelli is running for re-election, but candidate Carol Frantz is also running for the seat.

Carol Frantz is a 68-year-old Democrat with three children who were educated in Lee County. She spent 46 years as a radiologic technologist before retiring.

Frantz has a passion for helping others, which led her to found a group at her church. The group makes lap robes for the elderly and baby blankets for mothers and babies.

Her passion for others was evident in her career as a radiologist, as Frantz said she practiced compassion and empathy in her patiemt care.

About the District 2 School Board position

The Lee County School Board operates, controls, and supervises all public schools within the district. School Board members represent all Lee County schools.

A Lee County School Board member makes around $40,000 per year

School Board members serve four-year terms before needing to be re-elected

How much has Frantz raised so far?

Frantz has raised $3,000 toward her campaign so far.

"As this is a grassroots campaign, all contributors are notable," Frantz said.

Who is Frantz running against in the election?

Frantz is up against incumbent Melisa Giovannelli. Whoever wins the primary election on Aug. 20 will hold the District 2 seat on the Lee County School Board.

Here are candidate Frantz's answers to our questions:

Carol Frantz is running for the District 2 seat on the Lee County School Board.

The Lee County School District is expecting significant student growth and may need to build 10 new schools. How would you address the challenges of managing the growth illustrated in the District's new 10-year plan while ensuring all students receive a quality education?

We must actively involve the communities affected by the growth in decision-making processes. This involves listening to community concerns, gathering feedback and ensuring that new school developments meet local needs and expectations.

We must consider the environmental impact throughout the planning stages. Integrating new schools with the existing infrastructure includes evaluating transportation needs and access to utilities.

How would you address concerns about teacher retention and recruitment in Lee County, especially considering that neighboring counties offer higher salaries?

We must address our position at the lower end of the pay scale. Allocating a portion of the funds from the half cent tax toward competitive teacher salaries in addition to building, security, and maintenance, is essential.

Exploring alternative funding streams beyond property taxes and state allocations can provide additional resources for improving teacher compensation. This might include seeking grants, partnerships with local businesses, or finding areas where money is not being used wisely.

Do you believe that the Lee County School District 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?

The Lee County School District has made significant investments into the physical security of schools by upgrading locks, adding fencing, and magnetometers. While these efforts are critical, we must also work inside the building to address issues like bullying and reasons why students and teachers may not feel safe inside the school.

It is imperative that we foster an anti-bullying program that is effective and creates a culture of respect and inclusion. We must promote mental health awareness and encourage open communication to ensure every member of the school community feels valued and protected.

What is your stance on the recent controversy surrounding the Hate Has No Home Here banner displayed in a Lee County classroom? How would you approach similar situations involving potentially controversial materials or displays in schools?

I don't view the words to be controversial. I see them as promoting acceptance and fostering a caring environment in all schools, values that I wholeheartedly support.

In handling situations involving controversial materials or displays in schools, I would be guided by principles of inclusivity, respect and educational benefit. We must uphold a welcoming and supportive school culture for all students and staff.

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?

If parents and community members express dissatisfaction with specific books or materials in school libraries, there is a process in place to address those concerns. Parents have the option to opt out if they find specific materials inappropriate for their child.

We must recognize that each parent advocates for their own child, and no single parent should dictate decisions affecting all students.

I support parental involvement through the Curriculum Advisory Committee. Parents can contribute their perspectives on educational materials and curriculum choices. Parents can collaborate with educators and administrators to ensure library collections and curriculum align with community values and educational standards, respecting diverse viewpoints and a supportive learning environment for all students.

The Lee County School District recently revised its Safe Space designation stickers, removing the rainbow flag and language specifically mentioning LGBTQ+ inclusivity. What is your opinion on this change, and how important do you believe it is for schools to be welcoming and inclusive environments for all students?

It is imperative that schools are welcoming and inclusive environments for ALL students! It is not acceptable that we are making certain student populations feel marginalized.

The removal of the rainbow flag or LGBTQ+ language is a decision that speaks to inclusivity and respect.

As a School Board member, I would foster an environment where every student can be respected, accepted, and able to thrive.

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 Florida State Board of Education has not taken a definitive stance on this issue, which leaves the direction of its use uncertain. We must move forward cautiously as there are potential enhancements to education with the use of AI. However, concerns of plagiarism and academic integrity rise with the use of AI.

There are programs that can be implemented that will detect the use of AI. These may be tools we can use to monitor students' use of AI.

Developing clear policies and guidelines on ethical use of AI is essential.

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?

My view aligns with the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. The United States Constitution explicitly prohibits the establishment of a state religion.

Religious activities belong in a church, synagogue, mosque, or temple. Religious activity at schools in clubs must be voluntary and student initiated. They must comply with legal standards.

What are the top priorities for your district, and what new initiatives will you focus on to improve the local education system?

The top priorities for our district are recruiting and retaining quality teachers and addressing discipline issues effectively. I would focus on initiatives aimed at providing our teachers with a living wage.

I would advocate for more counseling services to support troubled students.

By investing in our teachers and students wellbeing, we create a positive learning environment that promotes both academic achievement and personal growth.

What do you want voters to know about you, and why should they vote for you instead of your opponents?

As a longtime resident of Lee County, I will ensure our public-school students receive an excellent education that prepares them for success in todays world.

With my retirement, I can dedicate time to the responsibilities of a School Board member, unlike my opponent who has a realtor job and is concurrently pursuing a role as Republican Committeewoman.

Unlike my opponent I did not sign a loyalty oath to any political party, allowing me to prioritize the best interests of our students and schools without partisan influence. My experience as a poll worker has shown me the importance of being nonpartisan.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Carol Frantz is running for District 2 seat on Lee County School Board
We live in an age so lily-livered and cowardly on the one hand and so bristlingly aggressive and hostile on the other that it can be hard to know where one trend ends and the other begins. Certainly, both are very much in evidence in the new generation of omnicause protesters  whether their focus is climate change, racism or Israels campaign in Gaza.

When someone upends the laws and norms of civil society or international order, they should be punished, whether they are a criminal, a terrorist or a despotic warmonger like Vladimir Putin. But more and more often, the link tethering flagrant law-breaking to consequences is being destroyed. People seem to think that they should be free to break the law, causing massive inconvenience or even harm to innocent bystanders, and effectively face very little real punishment.

This was evident in the comments from Cathy Gethin, the mother of 22-year-old Cressida Gethin, one of the Just Stop Oil protesters recently convicted for conspiring to block traffic on the M25 in November 2022. Cathy Gethin seemed to complain that it was unconscionable that the sentence means she will not be present at her brothers wedding next summer.

I understand the maternal urge to protect ones child  I can well imagine myself doing all in my power to wiggle my baby off almost any hook out of blind instinct. But its the broader apparent hypocrisy that draws our smirking disregard.

Cressies climate-saviour complex is apparently to be lauded when it inconveniences and endangers everyone else, but God forbid it stops her sipping fizz at family nuptials. Would she and her mother be taking the M25 to the wedding? And if so, would they mind if their way was blocked because people were dangling from the gantries? One suspects they would.

Given four years in prison, Cressida will hopefully have time to reflect on the insanity of her position, and perhaps come to the conclusion that antisocial, messianic behaviour isnt the way to analyse or solve problems.

But at stake is a larger malaise within the process of law and order in Britain today. It goes right to the top  through law enforcement into the highest echelons of government. It manifests in the sense that many crimes arent really worth bothering with, that it doesnt really matter if people get away scot-free.

Take shoplifting, a crime that is essentially ignored with a nudge and a wink from on high, despite inflicting agony on the high street. In the rare event that a thief is caught, they are more likely than not to get away with a caution, barring an act of violence. The police dont bother investigating low-value shoplifting at all.

But the act of theft itself can often be violent, with displays overturned, staff intimidated or threatened, and machines broken. The Co-op supermarket, which wrote a report called Stealing with Impunity, recorded more than 330,000 incidents of shoplifting, violence, abuse and antisocial behaviour in 2023, a 44 per cent increase on the year before.

In fact, 2023 was a year of untrammelled looting across the whole retail sector, causing losses of up to 1.8 billion. To find ourselves with what Paul Gerrard, the Co-ops director of public affairs, recently called a state of lawlessness on the UK high street that has never been seen before requires a certain confidence among the looters and thieves. Theft no longer just presupposes a sense of incredible amorality, but also a risk assessment concluding that nothing is likely to happen by way of consequences.

The Government is not helping to unburden the thieves of their swagger. The police, terrified of appearing insensitive, are reluctant to use stop and search. Allegedly overstretched and underfunded, they dont have much street presence at all  let alone the ability to chase thieves down the street.

Nor do they seem to have the capacity to follow up crimes even when the victim hands them direct evidence. I recently turned over scores of threatening and abusive emails that I had been sent, but received nothing in response from the police, despite even turning up at a station to pursue the case further.

Its been more than a month. Nothing.

Meanwhile, the news about full-to-bursting prisons has been broadcast far and wide  another boon for criminals. There is no room for new offenders, and thousands are about to be set free under Sir Keir Starmers plans to ease overcrowding. We can be sure that fraudsters, thieves, looters, vandals and public nuisance-causers will note this with glee and feel more emboldened than ever.

Hovering over and under all these failings of administration, funding, bureaucracy and poor leadership is the queasy progressive belief that locking people up for committing crimes is just mean. There is a palpable sense that perhaps those who steal and swindle are, in fact, the real victims, held back by inequality, and only trying to live a self-actualised life like everybody else. This is an absurd notion, shamefully grouping hard-working, law-abiding citizens with common criminals. Perhaps our current society can no longer tell the difference.

Just as we are no longer willing to go to war to defend our nation, lest we invoke offensive images of colonial domination  no doubt to the merriment of our enemies  we have also lost our grip on the essential contract of a civilised society: follow the law, or face the consequences.

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Londons Albert Memorial was raised in 1872, by public subscription. A century of neglect necessitated a full restoration in the late 1990s, including re-gilding the statue of Prince Albert. The stonework, with its many representations of arts, sciences and the rest of the world, was also restored. At last one could see what a fine tribute it was to a man who had valued learning and progress above all else; and what a statement of an age when Britain was the worlds principal power.

The memorial is now, like rather too much of our heritage, considered offensive. Or so said a blog (now removed) on the website of the Royal Parks, in which a culture warrior observed that representation of certain continents draws on racial stereotypes that are now considered offensive.

Part of what aggrieved the blogger was a statue of a white woman reading a book to a black man  something happening all over Africa then, as missionaries did Gods work by helping to bring Christianity to the continent. But, as the blogger added, colonialism often relied on the oppression and exploitation of people, resources and cultures. The Anglican communion today has 43 million members in sub-Saharan Africa, 35 million more than in 1970. Is that evidence of oppression and exploitation?

The great lie about the culture wars is that the Right started them. It didnt. It lacked the requisite intolerance to do so. The cult of virtue-signalling, whereby earnest liberals curry favour with their co-religionists by seeking people and things to denounce, is rooted in Orwellian bullying by the Left. Its great project has been to create a nation of self-hating Britons, the hatred fed by disapproval of almost anything done by this country before the Blair administration came to power in 1997 (and one senses, given the Lefts detestation of Sir Tony himself, that that date is moveable).

Thus Mr Gladstone, one of the greatest leaders in our history and a titular Liberal, is detested because his family owned slaves. Sir Winston Churchill is detested because he believed in the British Empire. Edward Colston, a slave trader, is obviously detested, his having given in todays money the best part of 15 million to philanthropic causes in Bristol rewarded in 2020 by his statue being chucked by militant Leftists into the citys harbour. There has been much re-naming of places and institutions founded in Colstons memory and with his money.

The anger in the culture wars is not about present-day injustices, not least because most people in Britain know that they live in a genuinely tolerant and equal society, and only a madman would today condone awful practices such as slavery. But those who support the Maoist or Leninist ideals of class war ruthlessly harness slights against various groups, even anachronistically, to their cause, and few complain.

The unlamented Conservative-led administration of 2010-24 was pitiful at facing down the culture warriors, allowing their bigotry and control freakery to take root. It avoided confrontation in the Civil Service, the NHS, secondary and tertiary education and, above all, in the BBC. The Conservatives either did nothing or, when embarrassed that they had done nothing, over-reacted. Their Act protecting freedom of speech in universities, due to take effect next Thursday, has been suspended, to the delight of the no-platforming zealots of the National Union of Students.

One trusts the existing laws enforcing freedom of expression on campus, which led some Conservatives to deem the Act unnecessary, will instead be used to stop the exclusion of those with legitimate opinions who have as much right to be heard as any Maoist. There can be no more shameful ostracising of people such as the distinguished Oxford theologian Nigel Biggar, whose crime was his entirely reasonable view that not everything about the British Empire was bad; or Kathleen Stock, driven out of Sussex University for voicing rational opinions about gender that offended the intolerant doctrine of the teenage identity politicians.

How Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, reacts to any further attempts to close down speakers at universities who do not conform with the modern equivalent of the Little Red Book will be an interesting, and important, moment.

However useless in defence of such freedoms the Conservative government was, at least it included some  notably the potential leadership candidate, Kemi Badenoch  who were unafraid to stand up to culture zealots and bullies. Will anyone in a Labour administration do that? Or will our institutions, and our ideas of what constitutes our values, be forced in an ever more prescriptive direction, aping the warped earnestness of some politicians, much of the media and most institutions in America?

The signs are not good. Last week Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, refused to commit herself to the notion that womens sport should be played only by women; the deeply discredited militants of Stonewall still seem to dictate transgender policy to the Labour Party. Cambridge University made a heroic stand against intolerance in effectively forcing out its last vice-chancellor, who had demanded that members of the university respect opinions that many of them quite reasonably found preposterous. However, the Government has said nothing as Cambridge appears to have been bullied by pro-Gaza activists into reviewing its investments in arms companies. What if those companies are arming our beleaguered Ukrainian allies against the aggression of the tyrant Putin?

Until we have a coherent opposition, the closing down of opinions other than those deemed fashionable on the Left will continue. Without that opposition, it is down to everyone who believes in free speech under the law to defend it  not just public figures when asked to speak on campuses, or newspaper columnists, but everyone who values liberty. Such a defence clearly repelled the Albert Hall blogger. Otherwise, a long, glorious era that began with the states commitment to freedom of the press in 1695 will come ignominiously to its end.

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An increasing number of Silicon Valley investors and Wall Street analysts are starting to ring the alarm bells over the countless billions of dollars being invested in AI, an overconfidence they warn could result in a massive bubble.

As the Washington Post reports, investment bankers are singing a dramatically different tune than last year, a period marked by tremendous hype surrounding AI, and are instead starting to become wary of Big Tech's ability to actually turn the tech into a profitable business.

"Despite its expensive price tag, the technology is nowhere near where it needs to be in order to be useful," Goldman Sach's most senior stock analyst Jim Covello wrote in a report last month. "Overbuilding things the world doesnt have use for, or is not ready for, typically ends badly."

Earlier this week, Google released its second-quarter earnings, failing to impress investors with razor-thin profit margins and surging costs related to training AI models. Capital expenditures are surging far past what the company had been spending previously, as the Wall Street Journal reports, with this year's total spend expected to surpass $49 billion, or 84 percent higher than what the company averaged over the last five years.

However, Google CEO Sundar Pichai is holding onto his guns, arguing that the "risk of underinvesting is dramatically greater than the risk of overinvesting for us here."

"Not investing to be at the front here has much more significant downsides," Pichai told investors on Tuesday.

Sure, the tech giant has a lot of cash to burn  but seeing any returns on those $49 billion will likely prove far more difficult. With the AI market clogged with products that are still mostly free, the tech costs a lot to run but isn't bringing in much cash.

As such, Google is facing similar challenges to Microsoft and Meta, which are committing vast swathes of their available resources to AI without a clear monetization plan.

According to Barclays analysts, investors are expected to pour $60 billion a year into developing AI models, enough to develop 12,000 products roughly the size of OpenAI's ChatGPT.

But whether the world needs 12,000 ChatGPT chatbots remains dubious at best.

"We do expect lots of new services... but probably not 12,000 of them," Barclays analysts wrote in a note, as quoted by the WaPo. "We sense that Wall Street is growing increasingly skeptical."

For quite some time now, experts have voiced concerns over a growing AI bubble, comparing it to the dot-com crisis of the late 1990s.

"Capital continues to pour into the AI sector with very little attention being paid to company fundamentals," tech stock analyst Richard Windsor wrote in a March research note, "in a sure sign that when the music stops there will not be many chairs available."

Story continues

"This is precisely what happened with the Internet in 1999, autonomous driving in 2017, and now generative AI in 2024," he added.

In a blog post last month, Sequoia Capital partner David Cahn argued that the entire tech industry would have to generate $600 billion a year to remain viable.

While "speculative frenzies are part of technology, and so they are not something to be afraid of," he argued, AI tech is anything but a "get rich quick" scheme.

That doesn't mean he's entirely pessimistic, though.

"In reality, the road ahead is going to be a long one," Cahn wrote. "It will have ups and downs. But almost certainly it will be worthwhile."

But whether AI chatbots like ChatGPT will ever turn into cash-printing machines to recoup these enormous investments remains to be seen. As of right now, the cost of training these AI models and keeping them running is massively outpacing revenue.

How much time does the tech industry have to stop bleeding cash as it pours money into the tech?

If recent reports are to be believed, OpenAI may lose $5 billion this year and run out of cash in the next 12 months, barring further cash injections  an early warning sign that smaller companies already struggling to compete with Big Tech may be snuffed out before too long.

More on the AI bubble: Experts Concerned by Signs of AI Bubble
State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, chair of the Legislature's Revenue Committee. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Some lawmakers sent a warning to Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen on Friday by voting to send the core of his property tax relief proposal to a more unfavorable committee than anticipated.

The Revenue Committee is usually the destination for bills dealing with taxation and property taxes. All introduced bills and policy resolutions must get a public hearing and must be sent to the appropriate committee, per the Legislatures internal rules.

When it came to Legislative Bill 1, introduced by State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn on Pillens behalf, the internally selected, 10-member Executive Board took a different approach. Five of the nine voting members determined the best destination for the 139-page proposal would be the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Their reasoning: It touches various aspects of government overall, not just taxes.

Logically, it could have been sent to 10 different committees, State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar, an Executive Board member, told the Nebraska Examiner. The key for me was that the overarching theme is the authority of government.

Possibly less friendly committee

During debate on a previous Pillen-led tax package this spring, the Government Committee chair, State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska, was the only committee member who voted for the bill. Seven other members opposed or otherwise did not vote for the bill.

State Sens. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island and John Lowe of Kearney are members of both the Government Committee and the Executive Board, where they serve as chair and vice chair.

The committee shift is likely to be short-lived as Aguilar and Lowe both said theyd reverse their votes come Monday. Still, it sends a strong message to the first-term governor, who already faces an uphill climb to get enough votes for the property tax relief ideas hes worked on all summer.

In addition to Aguilar and Lowe, State Sens. Merv Riepe of Ralston, Tony Vargas of Omaha and Slama agreed to the Government Committee pick. State Sens. John Arch of La Vista, Beau Ballard of Lincoln, Eliot Bostar of Lincoln and Mike Jacobson of North Platte voted against.

This is about taxes

Arch, the Legislatures speaker, who sets the daily agenda, noted that there would likely be a committee amendment before LB 1, or any other major tax proposal this special session, makes it to the floor.

He encouraged his colleagues to consider which committee would be the most qualified to craft that compromise to deal with Nebraskas tax issue.

Linehan joined Brewer on Friday in requesting that the Executive Boards vote be reconsidered.

The subject matter of this bill  pertaining to the assessment and collection of taxes  is best heard in the Revenue Committee, Brewer and Linehan wrote in a joint letter.

Linehan has the option to force a floor vote to send the bill to her committee if the Executive Board members do not reconsider. She said she is not the least concerned.

Everybody in the whole state knows this is about taxes, Linehan told reporters, referring to LB 1.

I dont think Nebraskans would be very happy when they find out that a handful of senators have decided that we should go home, enjoy the rest of our summer and not worry about the crisis of property taxes in the State of Nebraska.

Lowe, asked how he would vote Monday, said he has always honored the chairmen.

Slama said even if an introducer has a preferred committee, she and the top-ranking board must look at the text of the bill and not the personalities involved.

Another bucks committee suggestion

Another bill had been suggested, based on its content, to be sent to the Education Committee but ultimately found a home in the Revenue Committee: LB 9, from State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward.

Hughes bill, the bipartisan product of work with four other lawmakers, is an alternative K-12 school funding model to reduce general fund property tax rates for districts over 10 years. It also addresses the main state aid funding formula for the states 244 school districts.

Lawmakers voted 5-3 to send the bill to the Revenue Committee, rather than to the Education Committee.

LB 9 is one of the first bills up for legislative hearings this Monday, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. That will also be the final day of bill introductions for the special session. As of Friday, 35 bills and six constitutional amendments had been introduced so far. The Legislature will not meet Saturday as initially scheduled.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to a joint meeting of Congress in Washington on Wednesday. (Julia Nikhinson / Associated Press)

To the editor: Someone needs to explain to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who criticized those demonstrating against the war in the Gaza Strip, that protests in this country are part of our democratic process. He can call those protesters anything he wishes, but they have more rights on the streets than he does behind the podium addressing Congress.

And what about those thousands of Israelis protesting his policies at home? Are they also "Iran's useful idiots"?

That fact that Netanyahu is milking the Israeli hostage situation to his political advantage does not seem to convince many of his countrymen to ignore his ultimate goal, which is to stay in power and to avoid prosecution or even jail time.

Homer Alba, Glendale

..

To the editor: Vice President Kamala Harris' decision to forego sitting behind Netanyahu in her role as president of the Senate was both boneheaded and, to quote her, wrong on the facts. The visual was clear, a message that will deeply offend tens of millions of moderate voters.

If Hamas is not utterly destroyed, as was Nazi Germany, it will come back and there will be another, even deadlier, war. Many Palestinians will see Hamas as their heroic champion making peace between Israel and the Palestinians less likely.

Hezbollah, with an estimated 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel, will see that Israel caves to world pressure, making regional war more likely.

And, the Sunni Arab world will be less likely to see Israel as a strong partner against our common existential threat, a soon-to-be-nuclear Iran, increasing instability in the Middle East and the risk of war between the U.S. and Iran.

Hal Bookbinder, Oak Park

..

To the editor: Would someone please remind Netanyahu that those protesters he described as "useful idiots" are the same people whose taxes have afforded Israel tens of billions of dollars in aid over the decades?

He often demands more of this aide then feigns gratitude.

Ted Rosenblatt, Pacific Palisades

..

To the editor: An accused war criminal was invited to address a joint session of Congress.

A convicted felon and adjudicated sex offender has a serious chance of becoming our next president.

One of our two major political parties has all but adopted the 900-page Project 2025 manifesto "Mandate for Leadership" to replace democracy with authoritarianism.

What have we become? We need to wake up.

Philip Moynihan, La Canada Flintridge

..

To the editor: Supporters of Israel should be shouting the loudest against Netanyahu and Israel's last nine months of destruction and death in Gaza.

We Americans need to wake up to how our dollars are enabling this craziness. Is this really what we want our legacy to be?

George Albert, Pico Rivera





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
'A light that will forever shine': ASU student who died hiking in Yosemite is remembered

Scores of people gathered Saturday morning at a parochial school in the Valley to memorialize an Arizona State University student who fell to her death two weeks earlier while hiking in Yosemite National Park.

Grace Elizabeth Rohloff was hiking Half Dome with her father, Jonathan Rohloff, on July 13 when the 20-year-old tragically slipped and fell from the California summit, according to media reports.

"Grace was such a light that will forever shine on, no matter if she's here or not," Emilee Swagger said in an interview with The Arizona Republic as she walked to Trinity Lutheran Church & School.

Rohloff was a former student, and her mother, Astraea Rohloff, is the current principal at the elementary school in Litchfield Park, a small city about 20 miles northwest of Phoenix.

Swagger, who has known the Rohloffs for six years and is friends with Grace's younger brother, Tre, remembered Grace for her support during a mental health struggle. She recalled how Grace encouraged her to believe in herself, reminded her that others faced similar challenges, and assured her that God would help her persevere.

"(She) helped me grow as a human to where I am today, and the knowledge that she gave me will help me push on forward," Swagger said under the shade of a tree as ground temperatures rose to 130 degrees.

Jonathan Rohloff told SFGATE that he and Grace were at the peak of Half Dome when a storm hit. While they attempted to descend the 400-foot cable section, his daughter lost her balance and tumbled down.

"Grace was such a beautiful soul," Jonathan Rohloff said about his daughter in an interview with the San Francisco-based news outlet.

Megan Hamburgh was a fellow Laveen Elementary School District principal with Jonathan Rohloff when she said he worked there. The proud dad always spoke highly of her and her love of sports, Hamburgh mentioned to The Republic.

"Just what an incredible person she was," Hamburgh said about the tenor of the reference Jonathan made about Grace.

Streamed via the school's Facebook page, the celebration of life service featured a slideshow of Grace Rohloff as accompanied by the songs "I Can Only Imagine" and "Amazing Grace."

Also in attendance were coworkers from Dutch Bros., where Rohloff had been employed for about 14 months.

"She had a really, really full life ahead of her. We were just very proud of her," coworker Zayra Pimentel told The Republic.

Attendees to a memorial service honoring Grace Elizabeth Rohloff are seen walking July 27, 2024 from Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Litchfield Park.

Identifying himself as one of her managers, Zachary Valora praised Rohloff for her work ethic.

"She was a great worker," Zachary Valora told The Republic. "Very kind, very loving."

As the last few people walked from the school's parking lot to pay their respects to Rohloff and her family, Yulisa Montes paused on the sidewalk to speak with The Republic about her former classmate from Valley Lutheran High School in Phoenix.

"She was very compassionate," Montes said. "I just felt such a deep connection with her 'cause even if we just exchanged a couple of words, she made me feel like a valuable person. That's just the type of person she was."

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU student Grace Rohloff who died hiking in Yosemite is remembered
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ark.  Officials with the Arkansas Board of Corrections said that an inmate died by electrocution in a work-related accident at the Arkansas Department of Corrections Varner Unit Friday.

Corrections officials said that 53-year-old Brian Walker was working inside maintenance, installing lights when they said he apparently touched a live wire.

Inmate dies by electrocution in Benton work release unit

Infirmary staff immediately began using life-saving measures at the scene and Walker was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officials said that Walker had convictions dating back to 1991 for hot checks, DWI 4th offense, theft by receiving, breaking and entering. Walker was serving a 40-year sentence from Pulaski County for a 2007 rape conviction.

This is the second time in July that an Arkansas inmate has died by electrocution in a work-related accident after a July 12 incident in a Benton Work Release Unit.

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A routine part of the job for Southwest Airlines flight attendants is turning into a dangerous mess as a searing summer heat and the airlines beverage management practices have made soda cans volatile mid-flight.

There were more than 100 reports of soda cans exploding on flights in June, Southwest flight attendant union president Bill Bernal told CNN, some of which have injured flight attendants. Bernal predicted nearly three times as many reports of exploding cans by the end of July.

The issue has been happening for years, but this year has had more incidents than normal, he added.

Southwest Airlines wouldnt comment on the number of incidents and injuries or their nature, but confirmed to CNN the issue is occurring.

The hazard is unique to Southwest because the airline doesnt serve perishable items and so it isnt required to have refrigerated trucks or storage, CBS News reported. This can expose the cans to extreme conditions heat at several airports in the hottest parts of the country: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Houston and Dallas.

The cans containing carbonated beverages are under such immense heat-driven pressure they are like little bombs capable of rupturing with the slightest movement, even when they arent being opened, according to Kate Biberdorf, a chemistry professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

I dont want to say that to scare people, but thats really what you should think of them as, Biberdorf cautioned.

Were aware of the issue and have been taking steps to keep onboard beverages cooler, especially in our airports experiencing extreme temperatures, a Southwest spokesperson said in a written statement.

Extreme heat has been plentiful this year as fossil fuel pollution drives more frequent and intense heat waves. Around 100 cities in the US are experiencing their hottest summer on record so far, including Southwest hubs Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Southwest and the union representing its flight attendants told CNN they were working together on efforts to mitigate the issue.

Those efforts include using refrigerated provisioning trucks and trailers for transportation and storage of carbonated beverages and using temperature guns to measure cans and determine if they can be loaded onto an aircraft safely.

Both the short term and long term fixes are actual engineered fixes that should eventually all but eradicate the exploding can issue at Southwest Airlines, Bernal said.

How cans can become little bombs

Extreme heat and carbonation dont mix. Even if the issue goes away at Southwest, it can happen anywhere.

The carbonation in a soda or sparkling water is produced by adding carbon dioxide gas to a liquid base, mixing it together and sealing it up.

The carbon dioxide fights to return to its original gas state, which is why soda and other carbonated beverages are bubbly. Its also why any carbonated drink goes flat when left open for a considerable time  all the carbon dioxide gas leaves the liquid and escapes into the air.

When a can of soda is exposed to heat, the carbon dioxide gas in the mixture separates and expands, exerting pressure on the can from the inside, Kate Biberdorf told CNN.

Soda cans are engineered and designed to handle reaching a pressure level between three to six times the cans normal pressure, according to Biberdorf.

But if that pressure level is exceeded or if theres any small flaw in the manufacturing of the can, it could become a little bomb, Biberdorf explained.

During beverage service, if a Southwest flight attendant handles or opens a can where the pressure has built up close to its literal breaking point, it could easily rupture, Biberdorf said.

Altitude likely isnt a factor, as the cabins of aircraft are pressurized to match conditions on Earths surface.

But whats happening with Southwests cans is the same thing that could happen to any unopened carbonated beverage can left in a hot car.

In the summer, people will store (cans) in the car and its usually ok, but as soon as you start moving, youve added a little bit of extra force  maybe it slams against the side (of the car)  and then it explodes, Biberdorf explained.

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A Miami County corrections officer was arrested this week on a warrant related to a child sex offense in another state.

Kenneth Welbaum, 37, was arrested on July 24 on an out-of-state warrant.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Corrections officer arrested, placed on unpaid leave after off-duty allegations

News Center 7 has learned that he was arrested on a warrant related to a child sex offense.

Court documents filed this week in Miami County Municipal Court indicate that Welbaum is facing a charge connected to a computer-solicit child-sex offense in Virginia.

A spokesperson for the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) in Virginia confirmed to News Center 7 on Saturday afternoon that their department has charged Welbaum with two counts of use of a communication device to facilitate certain offenses involving children.

These charges were obtained following an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) operation by ACPD, the spokesperson said.

As News Center 7 reported on Friday, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) was requested by the ACPD and the Miami County Prosecutors Office to insist on the investigation. BCI then contacted the Miami County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday regarding Welbaums arrest warrant and he was arrested the same day.

>> Fuyao plant, nearly 30 other area locations raided in massive Homeland Security investigation

The alleged actions happened while Welbaum was off-duty, according to Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak.

Welbaum has been placed on unpaid administrative leave during the pendency of this matter, Duchak confirmed to News Center 7 on Friday.

Welbaum signed a waiver of extradition this week, stating he is willing to return to the state of Virginia with the governors requisition or other papers otherwise legal in such cases. At the time of this report, Welbaum is still listed as an inmate in the Shelby County Jail.




In the 10 months since a California developer walked away from plans to buy the Johnston YMCA in NoDa for redevelopment, The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has regrouped and taken a hard look at its overall real estate strategy.

ALSO READ: Big impact: Planned grocery store brings relief to NoDa residents

Alongside our dedicated volunteer board of directors, we have been exploring various options for the future of this campus, said Heather Briganti, YMCA vice president of communications. As we begin to narrow down these options, we will re-engage key community stakeholders to discuss our plans in greater detail.

Metropolitan Republic backed out of its acquisition of the 5.78-acre property at 3025 N. Davidson St. last September.

Read more here.

VIDEO: Big impact: Planned grocery store brings relief to NoDa residents












BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A Lockport man was sentenced to 84 months in prison for distributing heroin that led to the death of a Medina man in 2017, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Accused heroin dealer charged with manslaughter in 2017 overdose

Officials said that between 2017 and 2019, 32-year-old James White conspired with Bruno Haney II, among others, to sell heroin and butyryl fentanyl. White sold heroin, given to him by Haney, on March 24, 2017 to 22-year-old Wade Sargent, who was found dead later the same day after ingesting the narcotic.

Text messages between White and Sargent were recovered on his cell phone from the evening of March 24 in which he requested five doses of heroin from White.

Latest Local News

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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After eight years in the making, London's 4.5bn super sewer was completed in March - Matthew Joseph

The owner of Londons 4.5bn super sewer has warned that crisis-hit Thames Water could withhold tens of millions of pounds from the project.

Tideway Tunnel, which is preparing to hand control of the newly-built scheme to Thames next year, said there is a risk that agreed payments will not be made while the troubled utility giant scrambles to conserve cash.

A failure to make agreed payments would risk damaging international appetite to invest in British infrastructure, at a time when Labour is seeking to work with the private sector on improving public services.

In its annual report, Tideway said: There is a possible risk that Thames Water, given its current financial position, or a special administrator may choose not to pay an element of Tideways revenue.

This would not be consistent with Thames Waters licence and would be expected to lead to a breach and enforcement action.

It comes as Thames seeks to avoid collapse within months. The company only has funding to last until May, and investors have refused to put in extra cash unless regulators agree to demands including a 44pc rise in bills.

The prospect of Thamess failure has already forced Tideway bosses to draw up contingency plans with regulator Ofwat.

The completion of Tideway has been hailed as a rare infrastructure success story in Britain. The 25km (16-mile) tunnel under the River Thames will be the biggest improvement to Londons sewage network in 150 years.

Buried 67m deep, the concrete pipe is designed to ease pollution pressures by redirecting sewage away from the river and into a treatment works in east London.

All major construction work has been completed on the project and it is expected to be fully operational later this year.

Tideway has said the risk of it losing revenue from Thames Water was low. It emerged last week that the utility company is already in breach of its licence after its credit rating was slashed to junk status.

Thames will not own Tideway, which will remain in the hands of Bazalgette, a separate company bankrolled by various institutional investors such as Allianz.

Instead, Thames is expected to pay an annual fee towards Bazalgette for its use of the sewer, which will be funded by a 26 surcharge on household bills.

It has been charged 133.5m by Bazalgette for the current financial year, with a similar fee expected in 2025.

Across the industry, there is growing speculation that Labour will have to bail out the business through a taxpayer-backed special administration regime.

An industry source said: Any special administrator will be obliged to prioritise payments to Tideway.

Story continues

But if there isnt enough money to do everything, then you are going to spend money on water treatment chemicals to treat the water to make sure its safe to drink and you are going to buy electricity to keep pumps running.

You are going to do this before paying Tideway. However, Tideway will definitely come before any bondholder.

Tideway has said it has already sought assurances from Ofwat that its revenues will be protected if Thames chooses not to pay up.

A spokesman said: Tideway is a completely separate, independent company set up to deliver the Thames Tideway Tunnel project.

Thames Water collects revenue from customers on Tideways behalf and passes it to Tideway on receipt. We remain confident that Tideways revenues are well protected given water industry legislation and the licence obligations that apply to both Thames Water and Tideway.

However, the risk to Tideways revenues will increase pressure on Thames Waters bosses, who are under increasing scrutiny amid continued sewage failings.

Sarah Green, the Liberal Democrat MP whose Chesham and Amersham constituency has been affected by pollution over the past year, said Thames Water is internally failing.

Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Green says she has been forced to go public with her criticism of Thames due to the company's lack of cooperation - Jim Dyson/Getty Images Europe

She said: On more than one occasion, Ive tried to reach them and they either havent responded or they have sent me an out-of-office that then directs me to somebody else who is out-of-office.

I think their internal systems are no longer working in the way they need to. And my impression is that there are individuals who are out of their depth. Its painful to watch.

Ms Green said she has been forced to go public with her criticism of Thames because of the companys vacuum of information.

She added: To this day, the chief executive wont meet with me. You want organisations to trust you and work with you but Ive reached the point where I feel like I have to shame them on the floor of the House of Commons.

A Thames Water spokesman said: We are very much willing to meet with Sarah Green MP. We have engaged with her office and have offered her a meeting with our operations director on two separate occasions earlier this year to discuss the specific issues relating to her constituency.

Due to the general election and the rules governing the pre- election period we paused communication and are now picking up any outstanding enquiries we have received from Ms Green and her office.

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Allowing TikTok to continue to be operated by its current parent company could allow the Chinese government to covertly influence US elections, the Justice Department said in a court filing late Friday.

In a federal appeals court filing, prosecutors raised concerns that TikToks algorithm could be used in a secret manipulation campaign to influence the views of Americans for its own purposes.

Among other things, it would allow a foreign government to illicitly interfere with our political system and political discourse, including our elections, prosecutors wrote. The filing added, if, for example, the Chinese government were to determine that the outcome of a particular American election as sufficiently important to Chinese interests.

Allowing the Chinese government to remain poised to use TikTok to maximum effectiveness at a moment of extreme importance presents an unacceptable threat to national security, prosecutors wrote.

The filing is in response to a federal lawsuit TikTok brought against the US government in May in an attempt to block a law that could force a nationwide ban of the app. That law, which President Joe Biden signed in April, says that TikTok must find a new owner by mid-January 2025 or it will be banned from the United States entirely.

The filing Friday marks the first time the federal government has responded to the lawsuit. The legal battle could determine whether US security concerns about TikToks links to China can trump the First Amendment rights of TikToks 170 million US users.

In their lawsuit, TikTok and Bytedance say that US law is unconstitutional because it runs afoul of free speech rights and prevents Americans from accessing lawful information.

For the first time in history, attorneys for TikTok wrote in the lawsuit, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban, and bars every American from participating in a unique online community with more than 1 billion people worldwide.

The lawsuit follows years of US allegations that TikToks ties to China could potentially expose Americans personal information to the Chinese government.

The Justice Department now says that TikTok is misapplying the First Amendment. The statute is aimed at national-security concerns unique to TikToks connection to a hostile foreign power, not at any suppression of protected speech, the DOJ filing reads, adding that ByteDance could sell TikTok to an American affiliate and then the app could run in the US without interruption.

Senior justice officials, in speaking about the filing, said that the Justice Department is concerned about any efforts by the Peoples Republic of China, or PRC, to weaponize technology, such as apps and software that run on phones used in the US.

Story continues

One official said those concerns are compounded when those autocratic nations require and force, as the PRC does, companies under their control to turn over sensitive data to the Chinese government in secret.

Some department officials have already spoken out about the video apps security risks, though not in the context of this lawsuit.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco warned against using the app last year, saying that any company doing business in China for that matter is subject to Chinese national security laws, which requires turning over data to the state, and there is a reason we need to be very concerned.

I dont use TikTok, and I would not advise anyone to do so, Monaco said.

TikTok application collects vast swaths of sensitive data from its 170 million U.S. users, the DOJ filing reads. That collection includes data on users precise locations, viewing habits, and private messages  and it even includes data on users phone contacts who do not themselves use TikTok.

Some of the users that TikTok is gathering data on are teenagers who could become family members or potential future government employees, prosecutors wrote.

The Friday filing makes clear that law enforcement officials believe TikTok could  and has in some instances  taken direction from the Chinese government.

Prosecutors wrote that the proprietary algorithm TikTok uses can be manually manipulated, and its location in China would permit the Chinese government to covertly control the algorithm  and thus secretly shape the content that American users receive  for its own malign purposes.

Law enforcement officials know of one tool used in China, for example, that allows TikTok to suppress certain content on the app. While it is not believed that the tool has been used within the US, department officials said the existence of that technology has sparked major concerns about whether the app could collect, censor or even promote certain content for American users.

Senior officials also expressed concerns about employees abilities to collect bulk information based on a users content that discussed issues like gun control, abortion and religion.

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A look at 'El Mayo' Zambada, the kingpin of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel who is now in US custody

This combo of images provided by the U.S. Department of State show Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a historic leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, left, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, after they were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday, July 25, 2024. (U.S. Department of State via AP)

PHOENIX (AP)  Ismael El Mayo Zambada, the top leader and co-founder of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, eluded the reach of U.S. law enforcement for decades as the criminal organization evolved into the world's biggest manufacturer and smuggler of illicit fentanyl pills and other drugs to the United States.

Zambada, 76, once ran the cartel in partnership with the flashier and better-known kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera, who is serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison.

Zambada and Guzmans son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, were arrested in Texas on Thursday after they arrived aboard a private plane. Zambada was being held without bond Friday after entering a plea of not guilty to a string of drug trafficking charges in federal court in El Paso.

Zambada has been charged in numerous U.S. cases, including one filed in February in the Eastern District of New York accusing him of conspiring to manufacture and distribute fentanyl. Prosecutors said he led one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.

Who is Zambada?

Born in 1948 in the western state of Sinaloa, Zambada has been widely known by his nickname El Mayo, short for Ismael.

Zambada is believed to have started his criminal career as an enforcer back in the 1970s. He later emerged as a major figure in the Juarez cartel until its top leader, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, was arrested in 1989 in the kidnapping and killing of U.S. drug agent Enrique Kiki Camarena by drug traffickers on Mexican soil.

The Juarez organization splintered and Zambada joined forces with El Chapo Guzman, helping transform what was a regional smuggling syndicate into the far-reaching Sinaloa cartel.

For decades Zambada has been the cartels strategist and deal broker overseeing day-to-day operations, protecting the enterprise by avoiding a flamboyant lifestyle and eschewing the most gruesome violence. He used largesse to earn the loyalty of locals in Sinaloa, where kingpins have long been immortalized in ballads called narcocorridos.

He has been like the George Washington of dope in Mexico. A huge figure, said Elaine Shannon, a U.S. journalist and author who first heard about Zambada in the mid-1980s when she was writing her book about Camarenas 1985 killing: Desperados: Latin Druglords, U.S. Lawmen, and the War America Cant Win.

The U.S. government had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Zambadas arrest.

What are the Sinaloa cartel businesses?

The most lucrative trade now is fentanyl, much of it pressed into pills at large-scale operations south of the border involving professional chemists. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say most fentanyl is smuggled into the country through official ports of entry, typically in large trucks carrying manufactured goods or produce.

Once focused mostly on marijuana and cocaine, the cartel has diversified over the years to meet consumer demand. Along with fentanyl, it also smuggles Mexican-produced methamphetamine, heroin made from Mexican-grown opium poppies and small amounts of lower-grade marijuana for parts of the U.S. where pot has not been legalized.

Zambada oversaw the trafficking of tens of thousands of pounds of drugs into the United States, along with related violence, FBI Director Christopher Wray said.

In its 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, the Drug Enforcement Agency calls fentanyl the most urgent drug threat in the U.S. and says it and other synthetic opioids were responsible for about 70% of the 107,941 fatal overdoses in the country in 2022.

The Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement after the arrests.

U.S. officials also blame the Sinaloa organization for much of the migrant smuggling from Mexico into the United States. Record numbers of people have arrived at the border this year, something that has become a major issue in the presidential election.

Who is Joaquin Guzman Lopez?

The son of El Chapo Guzman, who was arrested with Zambada in Texas, is considered one of the lower-profile sons in the family.

A more prominent son, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, also is in U.S. custody and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago in September.

Meanwhile, a son of El Mayo, Ismael Zambada Imperial, pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court in San Diego in 2021 to being a leader in the Sinaloa cartel.

What does Zambada's capture mean for Mexico?

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday that Mexico was still awaiting details about the arrests and was not involved in the operation.

The country's drug kingpins have long had influence inside all levels of the Mexican government, reputedly bribing governors and even entire police forces to look the other way.

Now that Zambada is behind bars, Shannon said, many powerful people in Mexico will be concerned that in a bid for a more comfortable deal, he could cooperate with U.S. authorities and accuse them of collaborating with the cartels.

Theyve all got to be worried, she said. He has paid off literally generations of Mexican politicians. He knows where all the skeletons are buried, more skeletons than Dia de los Muertos.
The loss of her daughter gave an Arkansas mother the chance to give the gift of life to another Natural State woman

The loss of her daughter gave an Arkansas mother the chance to give the gift of life to another Natural State woman

LITTLE ROCK, Ark  In their lifetime, very few people will get to say they were the reason someone got another day on Earth. For one Arkansas woman, though, that statement holds true.

Jaimie Moffett registered herself as an organ donor when she was just 18 years old, but little did she know that more than 10 years later that decision would change someone elses life forever.

Jamie was so full of life, Jaimies mother Heather Hall recalled. She was goofy, she was always trying to make someone laugh.

At the same time, 100 miles away, another woman oddly shares similar characteristics to Jaimie.

I love to make people laugh, Monnett resident Katie Davis said. Were both crazy and fun to be around.

Like Jaimie, Katie is 29 years old with a family of her own. Even though theyve never actually met, Jaimie and Katie are connected for life.

When it all changed

It was Saturday morning, June the 8th, Heather remembered.

Like a movie youve seen a thousand times, she said the moments of this day play over again.

I saw a state trooper pull up about 9:30, Heather recalled. He was looking for Jaimies next of kin. I said, Well, Im her mother, and he said, Well, shes been in an accident.

Jaimie was taken to UAMS in Little Rock, something her mother realized was a bad sign.

Being in the medical field, I knew it was bad, it was real bad, Heather said.

Heather Hall

At the same hospital, Katie Davis was in for yet another appointment.

My liver was pretty much dying off, she explained.

The women were two strangers now just feet apart, both fighting for their lives.

Heather then got the news no parent ever wants to receive.

It was a traumatic brain injury, she said. They had done everything they could, but it was not survivable.

Doctors told Heather her daughter was an organ donor and that she could choose to whom the organs got to go if she knew someone in need.

At the time, Heather said, no one came to mind. Then a chance conversation led to a life-saving decision.

From talking about parking to saving a life

I saw a lady maybe three cars down and she started walking to me, Heather said. She said Hey, can I ask you something? I dont mean to bother you.

The woman was the mother of Katie Davis.

She was like, Hey you know this pink pass? Are we supposed to put it on our rearview mirror, or are we supposed to just hold it? Katie remembered her mother asking.

I said, Im probably not going to need mine after today, Ill try and find out for you, Heather remembered answering.

That brief exchange over parking led to a deeper conversation, and as often happens with parents, the topic turned to their children.

My mom was telling her about me, Katie said.

She said, My daughter needs a liver, shes on the liver transplant list and shes gotten really sick, Heather remembered. I said, Oh, my daughters here to donate her organs.

A few minutes passed and the ladies went their separate ways, but one thing was clear.

I told my mom, Jaimie says were doing this, Heather said. She told the doctors about Katie and her need for a liver. Within hours, tests were being done.

[Doctors said] we think we have a liver for you, Katie recalled. I was like, Me? You have a liver for me?

It turns out that Jaimie and Katie were a perfect match.

The ending of one life meant the saving of another

It had been more than a decade of uncertainty for Kaitie since she was told she needed a new liver.

I waited 10 years, 2 months and 19 days for my transplant, she said.

Katie Davis

Today, Katie is healing and looking toward the future, knowing it wouldnt be possible without her guardian angel.

I just knew that God made me wait so He could plan all this out to have the perfect donor and donor family, she said.

That feeling of providence was also felt by Heather.

The instant, I dont know peace, relief that came over just knowing that it was going to happen, she said. That she was going to be able to help someone that I had met in a parking garage on probably one of the worst days of my life.

Doctors say Jaimie was able to donate organs to seven different people, including Katie. Heather and Katie have been able to talk since the surgery and plan to get together after Katie has healed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Lots of flies were observed on a fly strip in a Modesto taco shop and multiple live flies and dead cockroaches were seen in a local market during health inspections conducted in Stanislaus County in mid July.

These were just some of the violations.

The majority of the 2,400 permitted food service establishments in the county receive two unannounced routine food safety inspections per year, according to the Department of Environmental Resources. The website says inspection reports are scanned weekly.

Food trucks that operate under a Stanislaus County Health Department permit also are inspected by the county, though those are scheduled and done at the departments office.

Dirty conditions at a Stanislaus County restaurant? How to report health code violations

Of the 49 restaurant inspection reports sent to The Modesto Bee on Friday, one was not updated on the site as of Friday morning.

If an inspection listed below needs clarification, business owners can email Modesto Bee reporter Dominique Williams at dwilliams@modbee.com.

Flies and cockroaches among major health violations

Violations were found during routine inspections of the following Stanislaus County food facilities during the week of July 8-14. Only the dates of violations are listed.

The details of the reports do not indicate whether a restaurant passed or failed inspection. Corrective actions may have been made by the business by the time of publication.

The reports are linked. For updates on individual restaurants, search the DER website.

Samaritan Village, 7700 Fox Road in Hughson, had three violations on July 9. The plastic panel in the ice machine had grime accumulation. The exterior surfaces of the kitchen trash containers had grime and stain build up and the walk-in refrigerator ceiling-mounted vent covers had dust build up.

Le Saigon Sandwich Shop, 1645 W. Orangeburg Ave. in Modesto, had four violations on July 10. Most of the equipment and surfaces were found with food grime build up including a dusty air vent, a grimy container in the refrigerator, a soiled soap dispenser and a very sticky floor. A box of frozen food was on the floor of the walk-in refrigerator. A bar of soap was observed on the sink in the restroom (must use a dispenser). Food handler cards were lacking on site.

All violations were noted as corrected during a reinspection on July 17.

Memos Cocina & Tequila Bar, 139 W. Main St. in Turlock, had 10 violations during an inspection on July 10 which was the result of a complaint of food-borne illness. Two of the violations were major. Multiple employees were observed changing tasks without washing their hands. There was black build up in the ice machine and multiple unlabeled containers were in the kitchen. The refrigerator had an ambient temperature of 49 degrees and the sour cream had a temperature of 46 degrees (must be 41 degrees or lower). The two hand sinks in the bar lacked cold water and the dishwasher in the kitchen had a chlorine concentration of 10 ppm (must be 50 ppm). The walk-in condensation pipe was going directly into the floor sink (noted on a previous inspection), an air gap was lacking between the floor sink and the discharge pipe of a two-compartment sink and an air gap was lacking between the floor sink and the discharge pipe of a three-compartment sink. Air gaps must be provided to prevent back siphonage. Multiple CO2 containers were not secured to a structure.

All violations were noted as corrected during a reinspection on July 16.

Medina Market & Grill and Ziadeh Meat Market, 1442 N. Carpenter Road Suite 8 in Modesto, had 10 collective violations during an inspection on July 10 which was the result of a complaint. Ziadeh Meat Market is inside Medina Market. The complaint alleged the presence of pests such as flies and cockroaches as well as poor food handling and sanitation practices. Three live flies were observed within the grill area and one live fly was observed in the market area. One live fly was observed in Ziadeh Meat Market. Two dead cockroaches were observed on the floor of the market where an indoor fogger was found. Two cans of Real Kill Indoor Fogger were found on the stairs and floor of the market. Pesticides must be stored away from food and only pesticides approved for use in food facilities may be used. The rear service door lacked weather stripping and had a gap tall enough at the bottom to allow the entrance of vermin. Bags of rice and onions were observed on the stairs and mothballs were observed on the stairwell adjacent to the bags of food product. Paper towels and toilet paper were lacking in the bathroom.

Kobe Sushi Buffet, 1700 McHenry Ave. Suite L in Modesto, had six violations during an inspection on July 10 which was the result of two complaints of improper hand washing and cockroaches. Three of the violations were major. The soap dispenser was lacking in the mens bathroom and the hot water handles at both hand sinks were not operational. Several containers of cooked foods cooling at room temperature and frozen shellfish were thawing at room temperature. The main exhaust hood was very soiled and had cobwebs. Sanitizer was not detected in the auto dishwasher. Cockroaches were not observed.

All violations were noted as corrected during a reinspection on July 17.

La Reyna Mexican Restaurant, 2101 Standiford Ave. Suite F in Modesto, had eight violations on July 11  one of them major. Re-fried beans were improperly cooled at room temperature. Containers with potentially hazardous foods were stored in the walk-in refrigerator without lids. An accumulation of grease was observed on the baffle blades of the exhaust hood. The interior surfaces of the ice machine were soiled. The walk-in refrigerator was noted at 43 degrees (must be 41 degrees or lower). The three-compartment sink faucet was leaking and the hand-washing sink was obstructed with a plastic container.

All violations were noted as corrected during a reinspection on July 12.

Marias Taco Shop, 2083 W. Orangeburg Ave. in Modesto, had four violations on July 11. Several fly strips were hanging from the ceiling in two rooms with lots of flies. Rice kernels and raw chili peppers were on the floor of the outside storage area. The cutting edge of the can opener was soiled. The food safety certificate and food handler cards were lacking.

One violation remained during a reinspection on July 18.

Other food facilities with three or more, or major, violations at the time of their inspections are:

One to two violations for some Stanislaus County restaurants

According to Stanislaus County, food facilities that had one to two violations, none of them major, are:

No violations for these food facilities

These food facilities had no violations, according to the county:
The Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee voted Saturday to formalize its support for state Sen. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, in his bid to return to congress in the states new majority-Black 6th Congressional District. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

The Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee voted Saturday to formalize its support for state Sen. Cleo Fields, D-Baton Rouge, in his bid to return to Washington in the states new majority-Black 6th Congressional District.

Fields got the state partys official nod alongside U.S. Rep Troy Carter, who is running for his third term in the 2nd District, Louisianas other majority-Black seat.

Also endorsed were Mel Manuel, running to unseat U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, in the 1st District, Sadi Summerlin, running against Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, in the 3rd District and Nick Laborde, running for the open Public Service Commission District 2 seat.

I think that with the talent and the combination of excitement  I think were gonna be able to prepare all our candidates for victory in November, Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines said in an interview with the Illuminator.

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Fields previously served two terms in congress in the 1990s, when Louisiana had two majority-Black congressional districts until Fields district was thrown out as an unconstitutional gerrymander.

Louisiana had a single majority Black district until earlier this year, when the Legislature drew another to comply with a federal court ruling that its congressional redistricting plan adopted in 2022 unconstitutionally discriminated against Black voters.

If elected, Fields will replace U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, who decided against running for re-election after the GOP-dominated Legislature chose his district as a sacrificial lamb to become the new majority-Black seat.

Should he win the 6th District seat, Fields will be slightly senior to Carter in the U.S House, as Fields served two full terms while Carter has served less than a full year of his first term after winning a special election in April 2021 to replace former U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, who resigned to join President Joe Bidens administration.

Both will face Democratic opposition.

Fields, Quentin Anderson and Peter Williams received nominations for the party endorsement, with Fields 95 supporters on the Democratic State Central Committee easily defeating Andersons 45 and Williams four.

A fourth Democratic candidate, Wilken Jones, did not receive a nomination.

Former state Sen. Elbert Guillory, a Democrat-turned-Republican from Opelousas who is also Black, is also running for the 6th District seat. Hes received the Louisiana GOPs endorsement.

Carter will face several Republican challengers as well as fellow Democrat Devin Davis, who received 21 votes for the endorsement to Carters 124.

Davis alleged State Central Committee members were threatened with retaliation if they did not back Carter. In interviews after the meeting, several members disagreed with Davis assessment.

Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis said there were disagreements within the party leadership about how to handle endorsements, but there were no threats of retaliation.

Though the state Democratic Party does not endorse judicial candidates, two candidates for a soon-to-be-vacant Louisiana Supreme Court seat stumped for votes. District 2 on the court was redrawn this year to be majority Black.

Leslie Chambers, a first-time candidate who worked for former Gov. John Bel Edwards and for East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, touted her bipartisanship working on criminal justice reforms in the Edwards administration.

John Michael Guidry, a judge on Louisianas First Circuit Court of Appeals, is also running for the high court seat. He also noted his record of bipartisanship, touting endorsements from labor groups and EAST PAC, a political action committee affiliated with the conservative Louisiana Association of Business and Industry that frequently stymies Democratic priorities in the Legislature.

A third Democrat in the race, Marcus Hunter, was not present.

Elections for Congress, Public Service Commission and the Louisiana Supreme Court will be held Nov. 5. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the two top vote-getters will meet in a Dec. 7 runoff.

All of Louisianas Republican incumbents in Congress, except for U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, will face Democratic opposition.

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Lets stand up and be the Black men who change this country. We built this country, said Bakari Sellers, the former South Carolina representative, on a call.

Lets stand up and be the Black men who change this country. We built this country, said Bakari Sellers, the former South Carolina representative, on a call. Photograph: Rebecca Noble/Reuters

On Monday night, more than 53,000 Black men joined a virtual conference, Win With Black Men, to rally behind the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. During the four-hour call, organizers said the group raised more than $1.3m for the Harris campaign and grassroots voter organizations focused on Black men.

The success of the call, which was inspired by the Win With Black Women call the night before, runs counter to the narrative shaped by recent election polling indicating that 30% of Black men are planning on voting for Donald Trump. Dont let anybody slow us down asking the question: Can a Black woman be elected president of the United States? Raphael Warnock, who represents Georgia in the US Senate, said on the call. Kamala Harris can win. We just have to show up. History is watching us, and the future is waiting on us.

Black voters have consistently been a key voting bloc for Democrats, but experts say inaccurate polling about Black men in particular could be creating false narratives about their leanings this election cycle, mainly the idea that there is a mass shift of Black voters to the Republican party. Win With Black Men, which was hosted by the journalist Roland Martin, said its working to dispel stereotypical notions about changes in Black male voting habits, their refusal to support a woman candidate and their unwillingness to mobilize politically.

People are making a lot of conjectures without actually talking to a large enough sample of Black people to be able to say things with the precision that theyre making it, Andra Gillespie, an associate professor of political science at Emory University, said. Youre not going to be able to detect what is likely to be no more [than] a one- to three-point swing in favor of Donald Trump based on changes in surveys where youre talking to 200 Black people at a time. I cant say with any statistical certainty that that three-point shift is real or not.

Unrepresentative polls can also have an adverse effect on voter habits. People tend to vote if they perceive that an election is close, Gillespie said. So polls that suggest that Trump is going to win easily and that even Black people will vote in droves for him may distort peoples understanding of reality. Ensuring that the public is aware of potential polling inaccuracies is key.

These narratives are also used to kind of confuse Black voters themselves, which can in turn depress Black vote and drive down turnout, said Christopher Towler, founder of the Black Voter Project (BVP), a national polling initiative. It can be used as a mechanism of voter deterrence, knowing that Black voters will play a key role in this election.

Though Gillespie said it will take a few days for new polling that specifically examines how Harris is performing with Black voters, recent mobilization around Harris suggests that narratives about a would-be exodus of this bloc from the Democratic party might have been premature.

The problem comes down to sample size. In surveys of 1,000 to 1,500 voters, sub-sample sizes of Black voters may be anywhere from 150 to 300. In some cases, all people of color are amalgamated into one demographic group. Surveys with such a small sample size create large margins of error.

The issue is the level of precision with which we can make certain types of pronouncements when youre talking to that few people, Gillespie said. The number that comes out in the survey is the midpoint of a range of possible numbers that we think is in the real population because of statistical analysis.

If the sub-sample size is less than 100, she said, the margin of error is plus or minus 10. So if a survey says that 20% of Black voters are going for Trump, the real number based on the sub-sample is between 10% and 30%.

Towler, of the Black Voter Project, said that he began noticing the issue of unrepresentative polling years ago. He started BVP to counteract the industry standard of taping on a couple hundred Black responses to a general survey and using that small sample size as a full picture.

Its really unscientific, Towler said. So Ive worked for years now to try and create data that is reliable, accurate and actually representative of the Black community.

This year, BVP released a large, multiwave, national public opinion survey focused on collecting representative data of Black Americans. Fielded from 29 March to 18 April, with 2,004 Black Americans interviewed, the survey collected a nationally representative sample of respondents from all 50 states. The BVP study found that 15% of respondents would vote for Trump if the election had been held at the time of the survey, a figure much lower than reported by other polls with smaller sample sizes. A survey on the BVP scale is important to garner an idea of what the Black population and Black voting population of the US actually looks like, Gillespie said.

But mainstream beltway polling companies typically lack Black leadership, so accurate polling of Black communities is not a priority, said Towler. Whats more, some pollsters do not see the value in spending more money to survey a population that they estimate will already vote staunchly Democratic.

Black and brown communities exist on the margins in American politics, said Emmitt Riley, president of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists. Mainstream political scientists biases result in pollsters who are not adequately capturing the political behaviors and views of excluded groups.

Many people who study race arent considered to be mainstream political scholars, he said. This has profound consequences for the kind of reporting thats happening, the kind of news stories that are coming out, how you describe whats happening in these communities.

Towler said that pollsters should create surveys that are culturally competent and that ask questions in ways that dont manufacture misleading opinions. Its important when looking at polling of Black people to, one, not only make sure you have polls designed to accurately measure Black opinion, but to also have pollsters who study and understand the Black community, he said.

While polls continue to try to parse out where Black men will place their political support, groups like Win With Black Men and Black Men for Harris are making their loyalties clear.

Lets protect Kamala. Lets be with her like she was there for us, Bakari Sellers, the former South Carolina representative, 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.
Man, 23, arrested in connection to murder of his 82-year-old Vermont neighbor

Roberta Martin was found dead in the woods near her Vermont home. Now, Darren Martell has been charged in connection to her killing (Vermont State Police)

A 23-year-old man faces a murder charge after police found his 82-year-old neighbor dead.

Darren Martell was charged on Thursday with aggravated murder in connection to the killing of Roberta Martin, according to NECN . Martell had been living next door to the victim in Enosburgh, Vermont.

Family reported Martin missing on July 17 after they went to her home to check on her, and she was not there.

Vermont State Police said Sunday that troopers found human remains in the woods near Martins home. An autopsy confirmed they were the 82-year-old woman, according to the report.

Police have yet to detail how the woman died.

Roberta Martin was found dead in the woods near her Vermont home. Now, Darren Martell has been charged in connection to her killing. (Vermont State Police)

Authorities believe Martell broke into Martins residence and sexually assaulted the victim before killing her. (Vermont State Police)

According to the Saint Albans Messenger , authorities believe Martell broke into Martins residence and sexually assaulted the victim before killing her.

When her family arrived at the home, they found the air conditioning pulled out from the window and still running.

Martell was charged on Thursday while being held in jail. He had been in custody since Monday when he was arrested on a charge of lewd and lascivious conduct after police reportedly found him touching himself along the edge of a walking path near a school, according to NECN.

If convicted, Martell faces life in prison.
Man, 64, admits to catfishing girl on Roblox, convincing her to send explicit images

A 64-year-old man from Riverside County has admitted to posing as a 13-year-old boy online and convincing a young girl to send him sexually explicit photos of herself and a young relative.

On Friday, the United States Department of Justice announced that John Mathew Piecuch, 64, of Hemet pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.

According to his plea agreement, Piecuch met a 12-year-old girl from Maryland on the online gaming platform Roblox. He told the girl he was a 13-year-old boy and the two began texting one another outside of the online game.

Piecuch gained the girls trust and eventually persuaded her to send him sexually explicit images of herself, court documents state.

But he didnt stop there.

After the victim sent him images of herself, Piecuch convinced her to take sexually explicit photos of her 5-year-old relative, the DOJ said.

The mother of the victim eventually discovered the text messages on her daughters mobile devices and contacted law enforcement.

Piecuch was ultimately identified as the man on the other end of the line and he was arrested and taken into federal custody where hes remained since August 2021.

Piecuch is expected to be sentenced on Oct. 25, and could face anywhere from 15 to 30 years in prison.

United States Attorney Martin Estrada said he expects the Hemet man will receive a significant prison sentence.

Estrada added that parents need to remain vigilant and keep tabs on what their children are doing online and who they are talking to.

Predators lurk in the shadows and use the internets cloak of anonymity to inflict lifelong trauma, Estrada said in a news release.

The case was investigated by the FBI in conjunction with a Sheriffs Office in the girls home state.

Roblox has come under scrutiny due to its massive user-base and concerns of abuse of the platform by child predators.

Earlier this week, Bloomberg posted a deepdive into the gaming company and its ongoing struggle to keep abusers out.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Man accused of murdering ex-girlfriend after release from Metro jail denied bond

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend days after being released from the Metro jail has been denied bond in a Mississippi court room.

Bricen Rivers was arrested in Nashville in December 2023 after allegedly beating his then-girlfriend, Lauren Johansen.

Lauren Johansen (Courtesy: Dr. Lance Johansen)

He spent seven months in the Metro jail before a series of mistakes led to him being released without a functioning ankle monitor.

The jail let this animal out: Documents outline timeline for accused murderers release

Rivers is accused of immediately going back home to Mississippi and killing Johansen. Her body was found in the back of a car. Her father, Lance Johansen, described the body as brutally mutilated.

Bricen John Rivers (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Johansen, 22, was a college student at Mississippi University, working toward her degree as a registered nurse.

More questions than answers: What court documents reveal about accused murderer

Rivers was denied bond on a first-degree murder charge. He received a $20,000 bond on a grand larceny charge and a $20,000 bond on a tampering with evidence charge, according to News 2s sister-station, WJTV.

According to prosecutors, Rivers stole Johansens vehicle, tried to clean it to hide evidence and took her body across county lines. Investigators said new evidence suggested Rivers killed Johansen in Forrest County. She was found deceased in the back of a car in Harrison County.

Rivers bond in Harrison County for a drug trafficking charge in 2022, as well as kidnapping and stalking charges in 2023, were revoked on Friday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Legal Tricks

A South Carolina man accused of pretending to be a lawyer has just had another allegation leveled against him: that he used AI to write his phony legal documents, local daily newspaper The Post and Courier reports.

The accused, Nathan Chambers, is alleged to have used his father's name to pose as a real attorney  and apparently even went as far as actually representing real clients, in multiple courts, in person.

In keeping up this charade, Chambers had to file legal documents for the clients he was working with. One of these crossed the desk of Judge Danny Singleton, who said in a contempt hearing this week that he found that the wording of the document suggested Chambers might have used AI to write it.

Chambers declined to address the AI accusation, but he did say he was sorry.

"I never meant to cause the court any trouble," Chambers said, per the Post. "As I've 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."

Impostor Syndrome

Chambers had appeared in Singleton's courtroom before. Not as a defendant, but as a supposed lawyer representing another man who, ironically, was also being held in contempt for giving legal advice to his fiancee in an ongoing case.

According to the Post's prior reporting on the saga, Chambers was listed as a contract paralegal in South Carolina. That doesn't really mean much, though, because the state has no requirements for who can say they're a paralegal.

It's also unclear if Chambers' father, who is a real attorney, knew what was going on. The law firm the father worked at, Truluck Thomason, is suspicious that both were involved, and has distanced itself from the pair.

Per the Post, it appears that Chambers has a history of lying about himself. In one LinkedIn profile, he's claimed to have a degree in biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley, which has no record of his name in its attendance records. He has also been charged with impersonating a sheriff's deputy in 2022.

Chatbot At Law

It sure sounds like this guy is a serial liar  but it's less clear if he actually used AI or not.

Devon Puriefoy, a partner at Truluck Thomason, said that Chambers did attempt to access his father's laptop to use Lexis+ AI, an "AI Legal Assistant" made by LexisNexis  but for whatever reason failed.

"We confirmed with our Lexis rep that he did not use our Lexis account," Puriefoy told The Post.

It's possible, of course, that Chambers found another way to use AI. Either way, there's no denying that Chambers has incurred the ire of the judge.

"It's disingenuous to the attorneys that took the time to go to law school, to take the bar exam to become attorneys, to do their work and make a living when you come in and want to be a cheat," Singleton said in the contempt hearing, per the Post. "It's a shame."

More on AI schemes: Someones Sending Out Legal Threats From Fake, AI-Generated "Lawyers"
Karl_Sonnenberg / Shutterstock.com

Americans will elect a new president in November  and it might be Kamala Harris. Since she is currently the vice president, a Harris win might not shake things up as much as a Trump victory, but any new leader inevitably brings some level of change.

Also inevitable is the impact a new president can have on your finances. Now is the time to start preparing for the transition, to safeguard your assets.

Read Next: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes: Heres What That Would Mean for the Economy and Your Wallet

Find Out: 7 Reasons You Should Consider a Financial Advisor  Even If Youre Not Wealthy

Much of the proactive planning will focus on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is due to sunset at the end of 2025, said Steven Calio, CFP, co-founder and financial planner at CSG Financial. It is likely that if Harris gets elected, she will take a similar stance to Biden and not renew a majority of the TCJA.

He said this would increase tax exposure to most families, especially high-earning households with annual incomes of more $300,000. Even if you dont fit into this category, its still a good idea to get your finances in order before Biden transitions out of the White House.

Theres no way to know who will win the presidency until November 5. However, if you think Harris will become the first woman president, here are six financial moves to start making now.

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

Review Tax Strategies

Harris may propose tax changes, potentially increasing rates for higher-income earners, Calio said. Reviewing tax strategies now could help mitigate future tax liabilities, such as maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts, considering Roth conversions, RMD planning or strategically planning the sale of highly appreciated non-qualified assets  investments, businesses, rental properties etc.

If youre a high-earner, it could be a good idea to create a tax plan now that aligns with potential Harris administration tax changes. This way, if she wins the election, youll already have a plan in place to keep your tax liabilities to a minimum.

Learn More: Im an Economist: Heres My Prediction for the Housing Market If Trump Wins the Election

Evaluate Healthcare Options

Harris has supported expanding healthcare access, which could impact insurance markets and costs, he said. Evaluating current healthcare plans and considering options like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) could be beneficial.

Story continues

During her 2019 presidential run, Harris proposed a Medicare for All system that would give all Americans the option to immediately buy into Medicare. She also planned to expand the Medicare system over a 10-year phase-in period.

Its currently unknown what her plans for the healthcare system are if shes elected president. Stay tuned as she announces more about her healthcare platform for this campaign.

Consider Estate Planning

When she ran for president in 2019, Harris proposed a more progressive income, payroll and estate tax for corporations and the top 1% to help fund her Medicare for All plan. Its unknown if her current campaign will take this approach, and even if it does, 99% of Americans would be unaffected.

However, it could still be a good idea to place your attention on estate planning, since the future estate tax situation is unknown. This can provide peace of mind and the potential to maximize your estate.

Potential changes in estate tax laws could affect inheritance strategies, Calio said. Consider accelerating your gifting strategies now  e.g., shifting assets out of the estate using irrevocable trusts, estate freezing techniques, cash gifts to your heirs, etc.  while your estate/gift tax exemption limit is higher.

Evaluate Using Home Equity as a Funding Method

After the sunset provision, interest tied to home debt will be deductible  subject to limits  even if it was not used to buy, build or improve your home  i.e., deductible interest is no longer required to be tied to acquisition debt,' Calio said.

Given this, it could be a good idea to use your home as equity, if youre in search of funding.

These moves are speculative and based on potential policy directions, he said. Consulting with a financial advisor for personalized advice is recommended.

Assess Investment Portfolios

Changes in administration often lead to shifts in market sectors, Calio said. Reviewing and possibly reallocating investments to sectors likely to benefit from Harriss policies  e.g., renewable energy, technology, ESG  could optimize returns.

Additionally, he you need to consider the tax implications of your returns.

You should also determine the extent to which your non-qualified portfolio income might increase your overall tax liability after the sunset provision, he said. Consider whether it may be appropriate to shift more of your allocations to holdings that have favorable tax treatment  e.g., municipal bonds, qualified dividends, long-term capital gains, etc.  or funds with lower turnover  e.g., fewer capital gains distributions  in 2026, but be mindful of the potential tax implications of rebalancing.

Buy Tech Stocks

Further emphasizing Calios advice to assess your investment portfolio, Noah Damsky, principal at Marina Wealth Advisors, agreed that focusing on the technology sector could be a lucrative move.

If [Harris] wins the election, technology stocks are a buy, he said.

So far, signs point to Harris maintaining the Biden administrations China policy if shes elected president, according to Politico. This could be important for tech stocks.

She will not be as tough as Trump on China, so a less contentious U.S.-China relationship will be good news for technology companies that do business in China, he said. She will be less likely to rock the boat and stir trouble that could lead to a trade war.

Therefore, investing in tech stocks could be a good idea, if youre confident Harris will be elected president in November.

Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. For more coverage on this topic, please check out Im a Financial Advisor: 4 Moves Ill Make If I Think Trump Will Win the Election.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Financial Advisor: 6 Moves You Should Make If You Think Harris Will Win the Election
Man arrested in Greenville Co. in connection to New York Homicide

GREENVILLE CO., S.C. (WSPA)  A man was arrested in Greenville County on Saturday, for connection with the homicide that took place on July 1 in New York.

18-year-old Yandie Martinez was taken into custody at 1:20 p.m., in Piedmont, in a collaborative effort with members of the Greenville County Sheriffs Office Fugitive Apprehension Special Investigations Team, FBI-Westchester Safe Streets task force, and the FBI-Columbia Division.

According to the Haverstraw Police Department, officers responded to a call on the report of shots fired on Monday, July 1 to the area of Fairmount Avenue and West Street in Haverstraw, New York.

When officers arrived, units observed a vehicle crashed into a parked car opposite 9 Fairmount Avenue and the driver next to the vehicle on the ground,

According to officers, the victim had multiple gunshot wounds to the torso area.

The victim, Christian Alvarado, was transported to a New York hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Authorities in Northern California arrested a man after allegations he deliberately set a car ablaze and consequently sparked the state's largest fire of the year.

A witness alleged that 42-year-old Ronnie Stout lit his mother's vehicle aflame Wednesday, July 24, and pushed it off an embankment near Chico's Bidwell Park, The Washington Post reported.

"She saw him get into the vehicle, do something in the vehicle, get out of the vehicle, and then push the flaming vehicle down the embankment," District Attorney Michael L. Ramsey told media members Thursday. "  We are here today because of that."

According to the latest updates from Cal Fire, the Park Fire has swelled to 164,286 acres across Butte and Tehama Counties and is 0% contained. It is over four times larger than California's second-largest fire of 2024 and is the state's largest wildfire in three years.

The department has deployed 1,633 personnel to combat the conflagration that has already damaged 134 structures. No fatalities have been reported, though the Post noted that more than 4,400 residents are under evacuation orders and that two people have sustained minor injuries.

Cal Fire's X account wrote the blaze "exploded from a 400-acre fire to a more than 71,000-acre inferno consuming everything in its path" after the first night. Washington Post meteorologist Matthew Cappucci added that it has also produced several fire tornadoes and a smoke plume over 5 miles tall.

Experts have predicted strong gusts and dry conditions until Friday evening, causing the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag warning for critical fire weather. Though the cause of the fire was unnatural, human activity has also likely compounded its severity.

Our dependence on planet-warming gases has contributed to increasingly intense and frequent extreme weather events like droughts and heatwaves, creating more dry vegetation in a state already susceptible to devastating wildfires.

"The fire quickly began to outpace our resources because of the dry fuels, the hot weather, the low humidities, and the wind," Butte County fire chief Garrett Sjolund said at a news conference Thursday.

That makes climate-conscious decisions that reverse Earth's overheating, even small moves like ditching single-use water bottles and plastic food containers or vacationing responsibly, all the more pertinent. Most importantly, though, is supporting actions to tackle wildfires and high-polluting businesses  and to avoid mixing fires with dry areas.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  A man is awaiting sentencing after he was found guilty of crimes against a child younger than 15, according to the Florida State Attorneys Office.

Officials said Johnathan Paul Watson was found guilty of two counts of lewd or lascivious battery by an Okaloosa County jury on July 24 after a multi-day trial.

Chapel Hart sets memorial concert for late Orange Beach restaurant owner (featuring exclusive video interview)

According to a press release from the state attorneys office, the charges come as the 14-year-old victims mom reported Watson to law enforcement after he was spotted alone with the teen.

Further investigation revealed Watson had groomed the victim for months prior to the lewd or lascivious batteries which occurred on Feb. 12, 2022, and Feb. 14, 2022, the press release said.

Watson faces up to 30 years in prison, according to the release. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2024, before the Honorable John T. Brown.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A man who was already in jail is now facing murder charges in the death of a Blue Rapids man whose remains were found earlier this month in Marshall County.

Marshall County Attorney Brad Lippert announced Friday in a written statement his office has charged James Dean Winkenwader, 31, of Waterville, with murder in the first degree in the killing of Camoran Shoptese, 36, of Blue Rapids, on or about July 4, 2024.

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation sues Jackson Co. Sheriff

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Shoptese last seen the night of July 4, in Blue Rapids. On July 10, KBI agents and Marshall County deputies found human remains believed to be those of Shoptese and evidence he was murdered.

KSNT 27 News spoke to Shopteses family, who said he while his outward appearance may have been scary, he had a big heart and would do anything for anyone in a heartbeat.

Winkenwader was already jailed in the Marshall County on a bond violation following a previous arrest for unrelated crimes. His bond is now set at $1 million.

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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A 33-year-old man is in custody charged with with killing his own mother after he told police she attacked him with a wooden stick, and he pulled out his gun to defend himself.

Rhakeem Fields is facing voluntary manslaughter charges for shooting and killing his mother Katrina Fields-Michael, in a dispute over money.

According to police, Fields confessed to shooting his mother three times at their home in the 2700 block of Hickory Villas Drive on Wednesday.

Woman dead, man detained in Hickory Hill shooting

Fields told investigators he and his mother had been arguing about his Supplemental Security Income funds, which he claimed she refused to give him.

We spoke to Fued Eedaha, manager of a local convenience store, who remembered Katrina Fields-Michael fondly.

Yeah she was very nice lady. She had respect for us, she said. She always come in here, shopping.

Those who knew Fields-Michael personally are shaken by her passing. Former coworkers and neighbors gathered at the laundromat where she worked, sharing with us fond memories and photos of happy times together.

Rhakeem Fields is now in the Shelby County Jail without bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Man is charged with murder in Klamm Park shooting case in Kansas City, Kansas

A Kansas City man has been charged with the murder of a teen following a shooting in Klamm Park last weekend.

LaRon Jaka Belcher III, 21, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Branden Jamal Baskin, 18. Baskin lived in Kansas City, Kansas, according to the Wyandotte County Sheriffs Office.

Wyandotte County Sheriffs deputies responded to Klamm Park at 2515 N 27th St in Kansas City, Kansas, around 6:30 p.m. on July 21, The Star previously reported. Deputies found Baskin dead at the park, which is located behind KCK Fire Department Station 14.

Two other suspects, an adult and a juvenile, were arrested after the shooting, The Star reported. Belcher alone was charged with murder.

Court documents indicate that the shooting took place while Belcher was trying to sell or distribute some form of controlled substance.

Belcher was booked into the Wyandotte County Jail earlier this week, according to jail records. A Wyandotte County set his bond at $200,000 at a hearing Friday morning.

Belcher is set to next appear in court on August 6.

Baskins death was the 16th homicide reported in Kansas City, Kansas, in 2024, according to data collected by The Star. At the same time last year, 14 homicides had been reported in the city.
DAVID JENSEN/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock / DAVID JENSEN/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

It remains unclear exactly what former President Trump might do with Social Security if elected this November.

Check Out: Im an Investor  Im Making These Money Moves Immediately If Trump Wins

Read Next: The Surprising Way You Can Get Guaranteed Retirement Income for Life

However, based on his party affiliation, his first administrations tax cuts, and other factors, here are three potential long-term changes to Social Security if Trump is elected  and how to prepare for them  according to experts.

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Privatization of Social Security

Many have suggested, including Politicos Natalie Allison, that certain Republican officials eventually aim to privatize Social Security. So, if Trump is elected in November, and is backed by a Republican House and Senate, privatizing Social Security could well be on the table  at least according to Chuck Warren, political economist and host of the Breaking Battlegrounds Politics Podcast.

If privatization is accomplished, Social Security could look fundamentally different in a decade, said Peter McClosky**, CEO of a health consultation and planning organization. Basically, it would mean workers having more control over their money and retirement investments.

However, said McClosky, that also means they take on more risk.

This could involve an earlier start and more strategic retirement savings for younger people, while those nearing retirement age would have to be more conservative and diversified in investment strategies to avoid risks, he said.

It also leaves open the question of what happens to those who dont save responsibly, or lose their investments through no fault of their own? Who pays if they age out of the workforce? After all, the entire point of Social Security has always been as a safety net for elderly.

Reduced Funding and More Borrowing

While advocates tout that privatizing Social Security would give future retirees control  and potentially higher returns on their retirement investments  others say it would bankrupt the system sooner and increase the national debt.

Studies by the Brookings Institute showed that privatizing even 1% of payroll taxes in 1998, when the privatization proposal was pushed, would have bankrupted Social Security by 2015. This, or more robust plans, would require new taxes  which are unlikely with a Trump presidency, per McClosky  or a slash in benefits to younger workers.

Story continues

Raise Eligibility Age

Because something must be done  and Trump and the Republicans are unlikely to raise taxes, or raise the taxable income cap to include wealthier workers  experts said that one strong possibility would be to raise the minimum age for benefits eligibility.

They could push back the full retirement age for those under 50 years of age by a few years with very little political fallout, said Ben Lies, president and chief investment officer at Delphi Advisers, LLC.

For example, for any American 49 years old or less at the time of the law going into effect, the full retirement age might be changed to 70 or 72, rather than 66 to 67. This would not be a standalone solution because other things would need to be done in the near term to shore up funding for current retirees, but it would help secure the future, in combination with other actions, said Lies.

So, What Should You Do?

If you are nearing retirement age, there is likely not much you can do. That said, your Social Security payments are likely safe, since experts say its political suicide to renege on them.

If you are young, however, take action now. That was the advice from each expert. Younger people, however, should be planning to get Social Security later in life, which means they will likely need to work a bit longer or build a larger pool of assets to bridge the income gap from retirement to Social Security, said Lies.

McClosky agreed, adding that its vitally important to begin saving early and diversify. The future is not certain, especially when it comes to Social Security.

For younger clients, the emphasis on the importance of saving early and utilizing employer-sponsored retirement plans will provide a huge advantage, said McClosky.

Further, he said those in their mid-career should constantly assess their retirement savings so they can adjust their retirement strategies as economic and political landscapes change.

**Names in this article have been changed for privacy.

Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. For more coverage on this topic, please check out 5 Changes That Could Be Coming to Social Security if Kamala Harris Wins the Election.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Retirement Planner: What Social Security Could Look Like In a Decade If Trump Wins In November
Early this morning, sheriffs deputies with the Putnam County Sheriffs Office fatally shot 31-year-old Phillip Allen Baldwin at 12:48 a.m. after he reportedly threatened them with a 9mm pistol, concluding an hour-long series of violent encounters with South Putnam residents. Baldwin, who was armed with a 9mm pistol, succumbed to his injuries.

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According to a statement released by the PCSO, the incident began late Friday evening when dispatchers received two distress calls involving Baldwin.

At 11:33 p.m., a woman on Shell Harbor Road called for help, referencing a carjacking. As deputies responded, another call for help came in at approximately 12:36 a.m. Saturday morning from the 300 block of North Second Street in Satsuma. The caller reported a man threatening others with a 9mm pistol. Witnesses at the scene identified Baldwin as an armed individual.

Deputies located Baldwin in the area and, as they attempted to approach, Baldwin made a gesture suggesting he was reaching for the firearm in his waistband, exposing the weapon. In response, deputies fired, striking Baldwin multiple times.

After the shooting, deputies immediately administered CPR. Baldwin was transported to HCA Putnam Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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All three deputies involved are on administrative leave, under the sheriffs office policy. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is investigating the incident, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. This is the first such incident in Putnam County since 2017.

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time. Body camera footage of the incident is currently under review. A news conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday.

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Man get life in prison for Upstate burglary which left dog dead

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  A Spartanburg man has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a 2022 burglary and attempted armed robbery that left a dog dead.

27-year-old Raekwon Davante Richardson was found guilty of first degree burglary, attempted armed robbery, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

The burglary happened in the early morning hours of October 25, 2022 at a home on Georgia Street in the Clifton community.

The Seventh Circuit Solicitors Office said four men in masks were banging on the door of the home where a couple and their infant child were living.

Richardson kicked in the front door of the home and the victims dog, Tank, bit him in the left leg.

Multiple people in the group then shot the dog as they ran from the porch of the home.

Tank died from his injuries.

Surveillance video at the home capture the four armed men approaching the home with a duffle bag.

The solicitors office said the video also showed Richardson limping away and not putting any weight on his right leg. A roll of duct tape was also dropped by the group as they left.

Richardson was found bleeding on the front porch of a nearby home with a gunshot wound to the right leg and a dog bite to his left leg.

The solicitors office said Richardson refused to name the other men who were with him during the burglary and they have not been identified.

Richardson had previous convictions for assault and battery, burglary, unlawful carrying of a handgun, domestic violence, and attempted armed robbery.

According to the Seventh Circuit Solicitors Office, Richardson received a life sentence due to a state law which allows for a sentence of life in prison without parole when convicted of certain crimes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man was sentenced to 18 years on Friday for carjacking and shooting a woman in Northwest D.C. nearly two years ago.

Tayvon Owens, 31, of Washington, D.C., was convicted of armed carjacking, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and related charges in connection to shooting and carjacking a woman on Newton Street on Dec. 12, 2022.

According to the evidence shown at the trial, Owens approached the woman, who was sitting in her parked car, opened the door, pulled out a gun and demanded she get out of the car.

The woman complied but then tried to use the car door to protect herself.

Broccoli City Festival kicks off this weekend in DC

Owens then went around the car door, shot her in the knee and then pulled her out of the car before jumping into the car and driving off.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) quickly found Owens in the 1400 block of Bangor Street in Southeast D.C.

There, Owens jumped out of the womans car while it was still moving, causing it to crash into a tree.

Owens tried to hide his gun behind his home before being arrested by police.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Man sentenced to life in prison for stabbing, killing man in Southeast Portland bar

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The man responsible for stabbing a man to death at a Southeast Portland bar in 2023 was sentenced to life in prison, the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office announced Friday.

Rahnique Usef Jackson, 25, stabbed 32-year-old Colin Smith at the High Dive bar near SE 12th Avenue and Madison Street on July 2, 2023. Officers responding to the bar found Smith dead at the scene.

Air tanker pilot killed in crash while firefighting Eastern Oregon wildfire

According to police, Jackson fled the bar and was arrested five days later.

On July 22, a unanimous jury found Jackson guilty of second-degree murder, second-degree bias crime, and unlawful use of a weapon. He will serve 364 days for the bias crime charge with a consecutive life sentence for the remaining two chargeswith the possibility for parole after 25 years.

Colin Smith in an undated photo provided July 8, 2023 (Paulina Solis)

Colin Smith and Paulina Solis in an undated photo provided July 8, 2023 (Paulina Solis)

Authorities say 32-year-old Colin Smith was stabbed to death on SE 12th Ave. on June 2 as the search for suspects continues. July 2023 (Portland Police Bureau).

Danielle Smith talks about her brother Colin Smith, July 8, 2023 (KOIN)

Paulina Solis talks about her former boyfriend Colin Smith, July 8, 2023 (KOIN)

KOIN 6 News spoke with the victims family in July 2023. They said Smith, a server at Ox at the time of his death, had gone to the bar with his coworkers when Jackson began to target and harass someone in his group.

When Smith stepped in, investigators said Jackson responded by stabbing him.

Southbound I-5 in SW Washington could face 90-minute delays on Friday

It was a hate crime, Smiths sister, Danielle, told KOIN 6. She was trans, he [Jackson] didnt like it, and Colindefending his friendwas in the way. And thats what happened. Its just tragic.

Court documents detailed that Jackson had been loud and combative toward other patrons, with multiple customers telling him to leave.

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Man shot in east Raleigh dies at hospital. Police investigate as a murder, no suspect

Raleigh police are investigating a death after a man was fatally shot early Saturday morning in east Raleighs King Charles neighborhood.

At approximately 1:55 a.m., police responded to a report of shots fired near the apartment complex Highgate Place.

An additional caller reported hearing shots fired and a vehicle crashing into a tree in the 2400 block of Milburnie Road, police said in a press release.

At the crash scene, officers found a man inside the vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died of his injuries, police said.

The shooting is being investigated as a homicide. A suspect has not been taken into custody.

This is an ongoing investigation, police said.

They did not release the name of the victim.

Anyone with information that might assist the investigation is asked to visit Crimestoppers at www.p3tips.com/89 for anonymous reporting options or call 919-996-1193.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man was shot and killed in D.C. late Friday night, police said.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that it received a report of gunshots in the 300 block of N St. NW. Officers responded just after 10:30 p.m. and found a man who had been shot. He was not conscious or breathing.

Person dies in four-vehicle Fort Washington crash, Route 210 closed

Police said that the victim, 37-year-old Trent Davis of D.C., died there.

MPD asked that anyone with any information call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

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Man shot after starting a fight with deputies near a school, Aiken County sheriff says

A man was shot after starting a fight with South Carolina deputies near an elementary school, the Aiken County Sheriffs Office said.

The sheriffs office responded to a call about a suspicious man near the intersection of Columbia Highway and Beaver Dam Road around 2 p.m. on Thursday.

Deputies found the man near a driveway next to J.D. Lever Elementary School in Aiken County. While talking with the deputies, the man started a physical fight.

The fight stopped when a deputy shot the man. The man was taken into custody, and taken to a hospital in critical condition.

One deputy was also injured in the fight and taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Sheriff Michael Hunt requested that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division conduct an independent investigation into the incident. The investigation is ongoing.
Earlier this month, the Chancel Choir at Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton took part in the Paris Musical Festival commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The visit included performing at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial on July 4.

CANTON  Earlier this month, the Chancel Choir at Christ Presbyterian Church took part in a historic event  the Paris Choral Festival commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of France.

About 75 people made the nine-day trip, said Heather Cooper, Christ Presbyterian's director of music and organist since 2019. Her husband, Britt, is director of the Chancel Choir.

Heather Cooper said the trip took nearly two years to plan.

"Britt and I were looking for that special, life-defining opportunity for this choir to experience together as a group that would be meaningful, powerful, memorable," she said.

The Canton choir was one of several American choirs which performed Maurice Durufle's "Requiem" at the Church of La Madeleine, built in the heart of Paris built during Napoleon Bonaparte's reign. Other ensembles were from Cincinnati, California, Utah, Michigan, Arizona and Alabama.

Heather Cooper

"The spiritual emphasis for us was singing Durufle's 'Requiem,' which is one of the monumental choral masterworks, and a piece that's deeply meaningful to this group," Cooper said. "(Our) choir has sung this piece before. We actually performed the entire program on April 19 here at the church with a chamber orchestra as a prelude to going on the trip. It was a wonderful spiritual experience, combining with others to create a 350-voice choir, with a full orchestra."

60th anniversary event: Learn about the June 6, 2024 commemmoration at Normandy American Cemetery

Durufle was French, but "Requiem" was composed in Latin because requiems are typically written for a Latin Mass, Cooper explained. "So fortunately, for us, we were singing in Latin, which is much more familiar than French."

"I think what sets Durufle apart is that it is profoundly, I would say, achingly, beautiful. It's based on a Gregorian chant, and so there is a lightness, a peacefulness to it," she said. "It has this ethereal quality to it that is comforting when you contemplate the life of someone whom you loved, which is the whole purpose of singing a requiem. It's finding a piece of music that honors the person that we're thinking of when we sing it. It has this uplifting, big, comforting music. It kind of floats, as you're singing it. ... It simply lifts and soars and is just beautiful."

The 350-voice Paris Choral Festival Choir included members of the Christ Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir

The group's itinerary included some of the city's famous sites, including rides on the Seine River and Mont Saint-Michel, which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

On July 4, they visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, joining other choirs in performing "The Star Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful."

"We have members who made the trip who had relatives, uncles, grandparents who were there on D-Day," Cooper said. "For all of us, whether you had a personal connection or whether it was just that historical component, being there, looking at Omaha Beach, looking at the cliffs that were scaled. It just made everything real in a way that history books don't quite convey. It was a deeply impactful experience for all of us."

It was a moment she'll never forget.

"For anybody who's been to Arlington [National Cemetery], you know you feel that same sense of reverence," she said. "It's a beautiful monument and pavilion with maps on either side of it that stretch 30 feet tall. So, we, along with a couple of the other visiting choirs, are singing 'The Star Spangled Banner,' looking out over the graves of the thousands of servicemen there. And you're singing a piece that you've done any number of times, but singing it for your country in a place where so many people sacrificed so much. There were many tears."

The Rev. Ben George, Christ Presbyterian Church's co-pastor, said it was one of his favorite moments.

"The experience was incredibly powerful, especially being in Normandy over July 4th," he said. "The sacrifice of the soldiers 80 years ago was palpable as we heard the 'Star-Spangled Banner' and looked out over the graves. But the moment that caught me the most off-guard was when we arrived at Omaha Beach.

"As soon as my feet hit the sand, tears began streaming down my face. I thought of how easy it was for me to walk to that beach when it was such a difficult journey for those soldiers that fought to get there. My wife, Kate, was especially moved because we had a young man on the trip who had just graduated high school. He was the age those soldiers would have been."

George said the trip deepened members' relationships.

"While the choral performance in Paris was the highlight of the trip, it was powerful to watch the whole group bond through the experience of traveling together," he said. "Through sicknesses, travel frustrations, and the challenges of language, (they) became one group that supported one another, laughed together, and experienced God in another part of the world.

"Our tour guides remarked about how kind and caring our group was throughout all of our travels. It brings me joy to know that our church displayed God's love and grace in both word and deed."

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @cgoshayREP.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Christ Presbyterian Church Choir reflects on Paris D-Day event
Mark Kelly could be Kamala Harris' VP pick. What to know about him, others in the running

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona was among seven people asked to submit personal information as part of the vice-presidential vetting process, indicating he was under serious consideration by Kamala Harris to join her on the Democratic ticket.

Kelly, D-Ariz., is part of a list that reportedly includes Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

All of those people were widely believed to be in the running for the position since Vice President Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee.

Here's what to know about each of them.

Who is Mark Kelly?

Age: 60

Current position: U.S. senator from Arizona, to fill the seat left open by the late Sen. John McCain in 2020 and elected for second time in 2022.

One important thing to know: His background as a former astronaut and naval aviator gives him a platform to challenge former President Donald Trump for his past comments on veterans.

What he could bring to the ticket as vice president: Kelly could give Democrats a boost in Arizona, a crucial battleground state. He is the husband of former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head during a 2011 mass casualty event at a Tucson-area grocery store. Their story could prove powerful as gun violence takes center stage in the 2024 election.

Who is Mark Kelly? All about the US senator from Arizona and Gabrielle Giffords' husband

Possible sticking point: Kelly only has served in elected office for four years and is somewhat unknown outside of Arizona. If he were to join the ticket and win in November, Arizona would hold an election to fill his Senate seat in 2026. That could put his Democratic seat in jeopardy of being flipped by Republicans because Arizona's elections are often so close.

Who is Roy Cooper?

Age: 67

Current position: Governor of North Carolina, in his second term.

One important thing to know: Cooper rose to national attention for opposing a bill that wanted to ban transgender individuals from public restrooms matching their gender identity.

What he could bring to the ticket as vice president: Harris already has a working relationship with Cooper. They both served as their states respective attorney general. Cooper has won six statewide elections in the key 2024 battleground state of North Carolina, including two governor's races, and could help Democrats carry the Southern swing territory.

Possible sticking point: Cooper is one of the oldest candidates on the vice presidential shortlist at 67, and the Harris campaign is appealing to young voters. He's relatively unknown outside of his home state, and could face scrutiny for his decision as North Carolina attorney general to dismiss charges against three Duke University lacrosse players who were accused of sexual assault.

Who is Gretchen Whitmer?

Age: 52

Current position: Governor of Michigan since 2019, winning reelection by double digits in 2022.

One important thing to know: During her two terms as governor, Whitmer has focused on working across the aisle on issues at top of mind for Americans, including job growth, economic investment and infrastructure.

What she could bring to the ticket as vice president: Michigan is a state considered a crucial battleground for winning the White House this year. Whitmer also is an outspoken advocate for abortion rights. A Harris-Whitmer ticket would be the first all-woman ticket in a U.S. presidential race.

Possible sticking point: A woman has never won a presidential race in the United States, making it a risky choice in the eyes of some Democrats. Former President Donald Trump defeated the Democratic Party's first-ever woman nominee in 2016, and he's back on the ballot this year.

Who is Josh Shapiro?

Age: 51

Current position: Shapiro became governor in 2023. He was the states attorney general from 2017 to 2023.

One important thing to know: He gained national name recognition for his quick response to the 2023 Interstate 95 overpass collapse and, more recently, his leadership after the attempted assassination of Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

What he could bring to the ticket as vice president: Shapiro has the highest gubernatorial rating of any Pennsylvania governor in decades, and he could prove to be important in delivering an electoral victory for Democrats in the must-win swing state.

Possible sticking point: Pennsylvania is a battleground, so if Shapiro were to run for the White House and win, Republicans may take control of the governor's office in an election to replace him. Shapiro would also face scrutiny from progressives for his moderate stance on the Israel-Hamas war. Shapiro has not called for a cease-fire, as many activists want, but has expressed support for a two-state solution.

Who is Tim Walz?

Current position: Minnesota governor, in his second term.

One important thing to know: Walz has served two terms as Minnesotas governor and six terms in the U.S. Congress, giving him more nuanced leadership experience than many of the VP contenders.

What he could bring to the ticket as vice president: He has spoken openly about his familys personal experience with IVF treatments and would be a strong champion for reproductive freedom on the campaign trail. He is a former teacher and pro-union Democrat.

Possible sticking point: Walz is relatively unknown on the national scene. He could alienate young, progressive voters due to his steadfast support for Israel. Walz also faced backlash from the other side of the aisle for his handling of riots in Minnesota after the murder of George Floyd.

Who is J.B. Pritzker?

Age: 59

Current position: Illinois governor since 2019.

One important thing to know: His progressive record as governor of Illinois, including proposals for a $15 an hour minimum wage and legalizing recreational marijuana, could appeal to the Democratic Partys left flank.

What he could bring to the ticket as vice president: Pritzker, an heir to the Hyatt hotel chain with a personal net worth of more than $3 billion, is known for raking in millions for the Democratic Party over the years. One of the most outspoken Trump critics in the Democratic Party, Pritzker isnt shy about taking on the former president and would be expected to perform well in a debate against Vance.

Possible sticking point: Harris doesn't need a home state assist from Pritzker. Biden beat Trump by 17 percentage points in Illinois in 2020. The governor has also faced scrutiny for dodging taxes, namely when he removed toilets from his luxury home in Chicago to lower his property taxes in 2018.

Who is Andy Beshear?

Age: 46

Current position: Governor of Kentucky, in his second term.

One important thing to know: Beshear, 46, has bipartisan leadership credentials, having worked with a Republican Legislature to lead his state through multiple disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic, tornadoes and floods.

What he could bring to the ticket as vice president: The twice-elected governor of a deep-red state, Beshear has a proven ability to garner support from a wide coalition of voters, including Trump Republicans and moderates.

Possible sticking point: It is highly unlikely that Democrats will flip deep-red Kentucky, so Beshear probably won't push the Democratic ticket over the edge in his home state. Beshear has never run a national campaign and doesn't have much name recognition from voters outside of Kentucky.

Includes information from Arizona Republic and USA TODAY reporters.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: VP pick: Harris may be vetting these politicians, including Mark Kelly
As any local motorist will tell you, the panhandlers are back at area intersections.

Daytona Beach banned panhandling in selected areas, especially roadsides, back in 2019. That ban was challenged in federal court. Last August, a U.S. district judge temporarily blocked enforcement of the ordinance. And now, the court has voided the ordinance on First Amendment grounds.

Within days after the court had handed down the preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the ordinance, bearded guys with cardboard signs were back at the International Speedway Boulevard/Ridgewood Avenue intersection. Word on the street got out fast.

A panhandler holds his sign on International Speedway Blvd. near Ridgewood Avennue, Tuesday July 23, 2024 as he watches traffic roll past.

The city believed it was on sound legal ground when it passed the ordinance. This was not the usual blanket ban on panhandling like earlier anti-begging ordinances. The limits were based on documented safety concerns and economic impacts expressed by residents at public hearings. City legal advisors tried to balance free-speech rights against the right of residents and drivers to use their public spaces freely and safely.

But this was not enough. The court ruled that the city ban restricted speech based on its message, something courts view with the strictest scrutiny. The challenged provisions are content-based because they apply only to solicitations for charitable donations, the judge ruled.

More: Judge permanently blocks Daytona's anti-panhandling ordinance calling it unconstitutional

More: 'A horrible decision for us': Judge's ruling strikes down Daytona's panhandling ordinance

The rulings were a blow to the citys attempts to control aggressive panhandling on Ridgewood Avenue, around the Boardwalk and Daytona Beach Pier, and on Downtown sidewalks. Before the crackdown, panhandlers sometimes had to take turns working both sides of the traffic at the ISB/Ridgewood Avenue intersection because too many would gather there at the same time during special events. More than once, Ive sat in my car blocked at green lights at that intersection because panhandlers working in the street had stopped traffic.

Back when the ordinance was being drafted, Daytona Beach city commissioners heard a litany of complaints from people who felt bullied by aggressive panhandlers in streets and parking lots. They heard from business owners who lost customers because of aggressive panhandlers. And they heard from businesses that had to hire security guards because customers felt unsafe being pursued by aggressive panhandlers.

More than once, the police chief at the time, Craig Capri, warned that many intersection beggars were not desperate, unhoused people but phonies and frauds. He complained: Some of these are professional con men ... Theyre pulling up in cars when theyre doing it. Which was true, but 80 percent of the people arrested under the ordinance were homeless.

Daytona Beach is hardly the only Florida city struggling to control roadway begging. Port Orange passed a similar ordinance in 2021. Seminole County has had an ordinance banning aggressive panhandling since 2015, but its now facing a court challenge. Jacksonville took a different approach and passed an ordinance last year requiring permits to solicit by the roadside. A homeless advocacy group is now challenging the ordinance in federal court, arguing the permit system is unworkable (which it seems to be) and tantamount to a ban.

A statewide anti-panhandling law was filed in the last legislative session but died quietly in committee and would not have survived court scrutiny if passed.

Its alarming to think we might be stuck with a return to the pre-2019 situation. When walking to the pier meant working your way past aggressive panhandlers yelling at you. When major intersections were slowed by beggars working in the street. When eating at a sidewalk table downtown meant shooing away panhandlers. There is something about a tourist town that draws panhandlers, both professionals and the unhoused.

Daytona Beach will need to decide whether its worthwhile to appeal the ruling. In the meantime, it and other cities must develop new strategies for discouraging and policing aggressive panhandling so people can use their public spaces and roadways without being hassled.

In the meantime, motorists should shift their giving to real charities and stop paying people to stand in roadways with cardboard signs. They are only encouraging them to stay on the streets and, in many cases, subsidizing their drug and alcohol habits.

Roadside beggars wouldnt be there if motorists didnt make it pay and a simple change in motorists habits doesnt require court approval.

Mark Lane is a News-Journal columnist. His email is mlanewrites@gmail.com.

Mark Lane

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Mark Lane: Court puts panhandlers back at Daytona intersections
Sure, how politicians vote on legislation and what they say on the campaign trail are the stuff of intense scrutiny. But that's not the only thing people are following with today's pols.

Retail investors are also paying close attention to their stock picks. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is one such politician, and she's been clicking the buy button in 2024, building out a robust portfolio.

It's not only stocks that represent new holdings for the Republican congresswoman from Georgia. Greene has also demonstrated interest in four of Vanguard's exchange-traded funds (ETFs):

Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (NYSEMKT: VB)

Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEMKT: VO)

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO)

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (NYSEMKT: VEA)

Except for her purchase of shares in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which was valued between $15,001 and $50,000, Greene's acquisitions of the Vanguard ETFs were each valued between $1,001 and $15,000.

The ABCs of Greene's new ETFs

Consisting of 1,403 stocks with smaller market capitalizations, the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF represents a more aggressive investment, offering the potential of greater growth (along with higher risk) than some of the other Vanguard funds that she had purchased, since small-cap stocks often outperform their large-cap cousins.

With weightings of 22% and 16%, respectively, industrials and consumer discretionary stocks are the two most heavily represented sectors in the ETF. Distributions on a quarterly basis give the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF a current 30-day SEC yield of 1.4%.

Another fund that made its way onto Greene's buy list was the Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF, which contains 316 stocks that have a median market capitalization of $31.8 billion. With the exposure to mid-cap stocks that Greene obtained, she gains another growth opportunity though she faces less risk compared to the Vanguard Small-Cap ETF.

Industrials, again, represent the greatest weighting in the fund, about 21%, while tech stocks are second with a 14.5% weighting. With her investment in the Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF, Greene further reinforces her passive income stream with the fund's current 1.6% 30-day SEC yield.

Her most sizable investment was in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which has the stated goal of tracking the return of the S&P 500 index. The fund gives her exposure to the largest of the mega-cap stocks, balancing out the exposure she has with the Small-Cap ETF and the Mid-Cap ETF.

Software stalwart Microsoft, for example, is the largest position, with a 7.2% weighting. Artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse Nvidia and Apple have virtually equal weightings at 6.6%, while Amazon and Meta Platforms represent the fourth- and fifth-largest holdings, respectively.

Story continues

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Mark Woods: There's one thing we shouldn't do with Laura Street Trio anymore  nothing

Update photos of the Laura Street Trio buildings at the intersection of Laura and Forsyth Streets in downtown Jacksonville, Fla. Tuesday, July 23, 2024. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

I moved to Jacksonville in 2001. And while I know some of you have been here much longer, Ive seen a lot of changes in that time. Some good, some bad.

One thing that hasnt changed much is the Laura Street Trio: the three vacant historic buildings  Florida Life, Bisbee and Florida National Bank, also known as the Marble Bank  at Laura and Forsyth streets.

I went through the Times-Union archives the other day. There were stories in 2002 about plans for restoration and development. And in 2004. And in 2007. And on and on.

A story in 2013 said that construction should start in the first quarter of 2014. One in 2017 had a headline that said, Wait might finally be over for the Laura Street Trio. One in 2021 said construction would start in the fall of that year.

Here we are, in the summer of 2024. Still waiting. No sign of anything starting.

Through the years, the Trios owners have changed. Investors have changed. Mayoral administrations have changed. City Councils have changed. Downtown development agencies have changed. Plans have changed. Estimated costs have changed  a lot.

The three buildings have not changed a bit.

Well, thats not quite true.

Steve Atkins, who heads the Jacksonville-based development group that purchased the Trio in 2013, spoke last week at a special City Council committee devoted to the future of downtown. He talked about how these buildings from downtowns past, constructed in the wake of the Great Fire of 1901, have changed in the last few decades.

These buildings  have been basically left open and exposed to the elements for over 30 years, he said. They've been vacant. They are in a significantly deteriorated condition. There are photos that we can show you where the structural elements of some of these buildings, particularly the two towers, are extremely deteriorated and stressed  Those things can be fixed. I can talk to you about how they would be fixed, but it is extremely expensive.

In 2002, after the city bought the Trio, an agreement with Signet Development to turn the buildings into housing with street-level shops, wouldve cost taxpayers $18 million in incentives. That deal, like many that followed, fizzled. By 2021, an agreement called for $26.7 million in taxpayer incentives. In 2023, a more expansive plan called for $64.5 million in taxpayer incentives. And now, the latest proposal from SouthEast Development Group seeks nearly $85.8 million in taxpayer incentives.

So after Atkins described the deterioration of the buildings, City Council member Ron Salem raised a question that created a bit of a stir.

If the buildings have deteriorated to that extent  is it worth trying to put these kinds of dollars into these buildings versus  and I may be shot here but  tearing them down and building something else? he said.

He said that one of his regrets as City Council president was not finding a way to finally get the Trio restored, but at this point, we should discuss other options, including tearing them down.

I think thats a fair debate we should have," he said.

Council member Jimmy Peluso vehemently disagreed, noting that the two taller buildings were designed by famed architect Henry Klutho.

Youve got to be out of your mind if you think that doing new construction on that land would be anywhere near to the importance of what we have there today, he said. There are only so many Klutho buildings left. I mean, that is insane.

New development on the Northbank? Proposed condo tower in downtown would be the tallest between Atlanta and Miami

'Jacksonville's most architecturally significant corner'

In a book that by its very title looks to the past and future  Jacksonvilles Architectural Heritage: Landmarks for the Future  author Wayne Wood gives his view of the significance of the Laura Street Trio.

The buildings at the intersection of Laura and Forsyth streets form Jacksonvilles most architecturally significant corner, he writes, quoting the late architect Bob Browards description of the low-rise Marble Bank framed by the two skyscrapers: Together they form a grouping that is breathtaking in its symmetry and rare in its composition.

He explains that the late preservationist Jerry Spinks coined the term Laura Street Trio to foster awareness and promote the importance of saving all three buildings as a group.

$50 million restoration?

Atkins was asked if there is any risk to public safety with the towers that have been standing there, exposed to the elements for 30 years.

There is, he said. How you quantify that ... its a little more difficult.

He said the Bisbee building, in particular, has had a lot of water damage, partly because of how it is positioned below a slight hill, with big rainstorms flooding the basement, the structural columns absorbing water.

He said it can be fixed. But it's an expensive task. Maybe $50 million for all three buildings, just to get them stabilized and preserved.

Time for change

Buildings rarely are literally priceless. Theres always a price, whether renovating a stadium or restoring historic skyscrapers. So the question isn't simply do we want to restore the Trio? It is: What would it end up taking? And what are we willing to pay? I dont know the answer to that.

But at this point, there is something that would be insane to do much more of: nothing.

We cant just let those buildings stand untouched for another 20 years, deteriorating more with every year. We cant let that key piece of downtown remain unused well past a quarter of this century.

At this point, Id agree with Salem that its fair to have a debate about the future of the Trio. And beyond the debate, what's at Laura and Forsyth streets needs to finally change.

Maybe that takes the city acquiring the Trio again (although that didnt lead to anything the last time). Or maybe it involves something different from what has been proposed in the past, maybe an alternative that isnt a complete demolition or a complete restoration.

I already was wondering about this when a reader sent me a bunch of photos of buildings from around the world. These buildings have kept some of the old and mixed it with the new. Historic meets modern. Hotels, museums and houses that have changed  and now pay tribute to the past while taking their cities into the future.

As the Trio stands today, as it has stood for decades, it doesn't do either.

mwoods@jacksonville.com

(904) 359-4212

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Deterioration and dollars spark Laura Street Trio question
They may not feel ready: Epicenter of UNLV shooting to reopen with new security, familiar tension

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The epicenter of the UNLV tragedy will reopen eight months after a deadly shooting forced its closure, bringing new security features and old tensions to the building.

Frank and Estella Beam Hall was the site where gunfire rang out on the morning of Dec. 6, 2023. The police response potentially saved lives but left widespread damage.

The university says over 130 doors and doorframes were wrecked as officers searched for the shooter who murdered three faculty members and injured a fourth over rejected employment. Access to the building has been restricted since.

Early progress in replacing more than 130 wrecked doors inside Beam Hall as seen in 8 News Now video from January 2024. (KLAS)

Allister Dias said he was working inside the student newspapers office the day of the shooting, in the building directly next door. The work prevented him from attending his 11:30 a.m. class inside Beam Hall. Police say the shooting began at 11:45 a.m.

As a business major, Beam Hall  which houses the business school  was his second home.

A lot of students, including myself, will, to some degree, never have that thought of what happened in there leave our minds, Dias said outside Beam Hall Friday morning.

Outside Frank and Estella Beam Hall, the site of the deadly Dec. 6 shooting where three faculty members were murdered and another was injured. (KLAS)

Dias, along with the rest of the campus community, received a letter from University President Keith Whitfield on Thursday that detailed how the structure is now more secure after upgrades. They include:

Proximity card and stairwell key requirements to access floors three, four and five throughout the fall semester. These floors house faculty offices and where the gunfire took place.

Five video surveillance cameras installed inside the buildings elevator lobbies on floors one through five.

Security desk added to the first-floor atrium, staffed with a uniformed officer throughout the fall semester.

Replaced fire alarm systems on floors three, four and five.

New classroom telephones installed with enhanced emergency notification capabilities.

The newly installed security desk inside Beam Hall that UNLV President Keith Whitfield says will be staffed with a uniformed officer during the fall semester. (KLAS)

Weve made good progress on our road to recovery. But we still have more work to do, and I am committed to doing all that I can to ensure that every member of our university community feels safe, supported, and welcome on our campus, President Whitfield wrote.

Dias, now student body president, is expected to attend his upcoming semesters classes inside Beam Hall. Its unclear if his fellow classmates will.

For me, I of course feel perfectly comfortable going back there, but, you know, to many students, they may not feel ready, Dias said. Students feel a little bit safer because of the renovations. However, I would say that many students have brought their concerns to me regarding UNLV still being an open campus and essentially anyone being able to walk into any campus building at any time.

Beam Halls atrium has undergone changes since Dec. 6. (KLAS)

Whitfield told media after the shooting that the University would not close its campus and will always allow people coming and going. Then, he said the latest technology was how the university would make the campus safer.

I think that theres a lot more discussion that needs to be held, Dias said. I dont think inherently its a one-solution-thing that solves everything.

Whitfield says Beam Hall will reopen on Aug. 13, roughly two weeks before the fall semester and classes begin again.

A total of 350 doors were replaced in other buildings because of similar damage when police evacuated students. The interior space of Beam Hall has also been repainted, redecorated and landscaped.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Meet the 4 Democrats who want to take on US Rep. John James this fall

Getty Images

Four Democratic candidates are vying in the August primary election to take on freshman U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) in November and get one step closer to representing the competitive 10th District in metro Detroit.

Gun safety advocate Emily Busch, former Judge Carl Marlinga, state Board of Education Tiffany Tilley and financial planner Diane Young are running for the nomination.

James will be the GOP nominee in November because he is running unopposed in the district that stretches through Rochester, Rochester Hills and southern Macomb County in Southeast Michigan.

Joel Rutherford, the 10th District Democratic Party chair, said voters will want a nominee who listens to their needs and spends a lot of time in the community, which he believes James does not do.

I think the big problem is is that we have to get someone in there who basically is willing to meet with their constituents and in the tent, willing to listen to the constituents, and like I said, focus more on serving the people in the district, as opposed to serving wealthy people, first and foremost, and thats the situation that we have now, Rutherford said.

The Cook Political report rates the seat as Lean Republican.

All four Democratic candidates made the case for their electability in November. Republicans currently have a small majority in the U.S. House and Democrats have narrow control of the U.S. Senate.

Every candidate said passing abortion protections was a top priority for them if they are elected. Other top issues include gun control, environmental protections and economic policies that will benefit working-class people.

While the 10th District isnt as talked-about as the Tossup seats in Michigans 7th and 8th Districts, it is the best chance Democrats have to flip a seat. In 2022, James won the seat by just 1,600 votes, a margin some Democrats say could easily be overcome with increased voter turnout in a year with a presidential race topping the ticket.

Over 1 million more Michiganders turned out to vote in 2020 than they did during the 2022 midterm election, according to records from the Secretary of State.

Busch says her politics are personal

Busch told the Advance that she never intended to have a career in politics before driving to Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021, to pick up her son who survived the deadly shooting.

She started advocating for gun reform in Michigan afterwards, including an unsuccessful run for the state House in 2022. After her loss, and the narrow success of James in MI-10, she started to think about running for the U.S. House.

The mass shooting at Michigan State Universitys campus in February 2023 made that decision for her. Busch said she wanted to work on Capitol Hill to pass gun control legislation for the whole country.

When the Michigan State University shooting happened, it resonated across the entire state and region, Busch said. So that was the night that actually pushed me off the cliff to run for Congress.

Busch said she hopes to implement Michigans gun control legislation from 2022, which includes safe storage, background check and red flag laws, on a federal level. But she also wants to go further by banning assault weapons and allowing citizens to sue gun manufacturers for the liabilities associated with the weapons.

We have a blueprint here in Michigan, Busch said. We like to say in the gun violence prevention world that everything thats been passed here in our state is the floor and not the ceiling.

She hopes her personal connection to political issues, like gun violence, will inspire confidence in voters about her dedication to passing legislation in Congress. Earlier this month, Busch released an ad where she detailed her own experience with abortion, hoping to cement her support for protecting reproductive healthcare in the minds of voters.

These are very personal issues to me, and I take these things very seriously, Busch said. And I will fight like hell in Washington, D.C. to make change on these two very specific issues.

Fight like hell is a phrase commonly used by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and its also the name of her political action committee. Whitmer has not endorsed in the race, however.

Marlinga hopes his track record in the county will sway voters

Macomb County voters have seen Marlingas name on the ballot quite a few times.

He was elected to serve as a prosecutor from 1985 through 2004. He then was a judge on the Macomb County Probate Court and on the 16th Judicial Circuit Court from 2013 through 2022. And he narrowly lost to James in 2022.

Marlinga said his track record with voters in Macomb County will help him during both the primary and general election.

After decades of doing the right thing for the right reasons, sometimes having some rocky headlines, but as long as you do the right thing for the right reason, you usually come out ahead, he said. And most voters in the county will describe me that way.

He decided to run for the U.S. House after the pro-Trump attacks on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Marlinga said he was struck by the power of the House and Senate, where some GOP lawmakers contested the certification of the election, in preserving democratic practices.

I knew that with my vote historically in the county, and with my then showing in 2022 I knew I was in the strongest position, Marlinga said. And if you can do something to save your country, I think you have the obligation to try to do something to save your country.

After serving as a judge and prosecutor in Macomb County, criminal justice reform is an important issue for Marlinga. He said he worked with younger adults who had been convicted of crimes to remove their record and instituted rehabilitation support so people could avoid committing crimes and ending up back in jail.

If we can get them out to be productive members of society, were safer because theyre not committing crimes, Marlinga said. Their lives are better because theyre not committing crimes.

He is interested in implementing those reforms nationwide.

Marlinga also said he wants to codify Roe v. Wade, the overturned U.S. Supreme Court decision that protected the right to abortion, in addition to supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Its crazy that they [GOP lawmakers] think that they have a part to play, not only in the abortion issue, but in terms of gender identity, all of these things which are so deeply personal, Marlinga said. The government should play no part in [that] whatsoever.

Increasing job opportunities and supporting environmental protections go hand-in-hand, Marlinga said. He hopes to increase production of alternative energy sources, like solar and wind and incentivize the creation of new technologies to generate it in the United States.

We in Michigan are a manufacturing state, he said. We should be manufacturing those things because the world is waiting for them. Europeans love heat pumps. We should be leading the world in manufacturing heat pumps the way that we led the world in manufacturing cars in the 30s.

Tilley hopes to make Michigan education policies national

Tilley has served as the co-vice president on the State Board of Education since 2018, but she advocated for policy changes before running for an elected position.

After losing family members to gun violence, she organized in Detroit to bring in resources aimed at community safety. She said gun safety policy has been a continued priority for her while serving on the State Board of Education.

No other person in this race has that type of background, has that type of experience or even has that type of passion that I have, that Ive brought forth, she said. Ive been fighting for people for over 20 years. Most candidates in the race cant say that.

Like Marlinga, she wanted to run for the U.S. House after seeing James continuous support of Trump following the Capitol attacks on Jan. 6.

To have a congressperson who is supportive of Trump and the threats to democracy was a big factor for me, Tilley said.

Broadly, womens rights are important for Tilley. She said she wants to advocate for abortion rights, in addition to expanding access to affordable and safe health care options for women.

She said abortion animated voters because their bodily autonomy was on the ballot, and she hopes to show people the impact of policy beyond that issue.

That may have been a great motivator for them to vote before and maybe now they dont feel that they necessarily have a personal reason to vote, she said. A lot of voters dont understand how politics affects their everyday lives, but with womens rights, they understood that. They understood, hey, my freedom to make decisions over my body is at risk.

As a member of the state education board, Tilley is also interested in advocating for access to early childcare education throughout the country. Michigan lawmakers, with guidance from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, expanded funding for free pre-K for 4-year-olds in the state. Tilley hopes to take that approach and bring affordable early childhood education across the nation.

Weve made a lot of changes here in Michigan lately, Tilley said. ECE [early childhood education] here has been award winning, and Gov. Whitmer has taken it even further with funding and expansion. But were looking at not having ECE nationally in our lifetimes at the trajectory, the rate that were going, so [I] definitely want to push for that.

She also wants to take her own policies from Michigan in supporting children in the foster care system to the national level. Tilley said she advocated for policies that would help children living in congregate care facilities to graduate high school.

Tilley also wants to support small businesses by providing funding, like grants and loans and only provide tax breaks for companies that are good actors in the community.

Weve given corporations tax breaks, or Trump has given under his administration a lot of tax breaks, she said. So I want to make sure that the everyday working person has the tax breaks they need.

She is also interested in foreign affairs and facilitating peace in various regions in Africa, Gaza and Ukraine. Tilley said the trajectory of violence in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war will result in a genocide, and that she would oppose weapons being sent to Israel.

Israel is a great ally for the United States, and so I know that weve been treading lightly because we want to keep that alliance and relationship, Tilley said. I definitely want to see that continue. However, those conversations need to be stronger on, we need a ceasefire. We need diplomatic solutions. I would not continue to send missiles over. Israel has every right to defend itself. Im definitely for Israel defending itself, but at this moment, where we are right now, we should not continue to fund missiles to go towards killing innocent citizens.

Young is ready to shore up Social Security

Young told the Advance that her background in financial planning would be a needed asset for Congress when drafting up tax and welfare policy.

Im deeply in tune with the issues that everyday people are facing, Young said. From taking care of their children, to how theyre going to fund their retirement, to how critical Social Security and Medicare are to creating a safer and secure retirement for people.

One of her key issues is reforming Social Security by cracking down on large companies and wealthy individuals who dont pay their fair share of taxes. She would also increase the maximum payroll tax on Social Security wages to $400,000 instead of the current $168,000, which Young said wont impact most people in the district.

I only work for my clients, Young said. I dont work for Wall Street. I understand how the tax code is rigged against the average person, and that we need to streamline it and fix our tax code so that its working for all Americans, not just a couple people.

Young also wants to give fewer tax breaks to oil and gas companies and invest in renewable energy sources. She acknowledged that the transition wouldnt happen overnight, but that the shift to creating renewable energy in the United States is important to continue.

We have to do these plans very thoughtfully with all the stakeholders at the table, Young said. But I think its unconscionable for people not to think about the next generation or the young people that are right here now and do something about the challenges that are coming.

She also expressed her support for abortion and reproductive health care.

Young decided to run for the U.S. House after James won the seat by a narrow margin in 2022 because of her background in financial planning and involvement in the community. She has been on the boards of Democratic organizations in the district and founded the Womens Democratic Club at Greater Rochester, in addition to running an unsuccessful campaign in 2016 for the Michigan House.

Im a woman business owner. Ive lived in all three parts of this district. I lived in Rochester, Shelby and Warren. I have really deep roots in this community, she said. I think its going to take a strong leader. Its going to take someone that we can invest in and hold the seat for another decade. Because its going to be a competitive seat for a while.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Three members of the gospel group The Nelons were among seven killed in a plane crash in Wyoming Friday, their management announced.

Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber and son-in-law Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa, were all killed in the crash while en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.

Autumn, Jason and Kellys youngest daughter, and her husband, Jamie Streetman, were not on the plane and arrived safely in Seattle.

Memorial service held for 10-year-old who died in Rutherford County storm

(Courtesy: The Gaither Management Group)

They were brought to a hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief, pledging to support them in whatever needs arise, according to a release.

Autumn and Jamie will now reportedly return home to Kellys brother, Todd Nelon and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead. Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers, the release continued.

Autumn Nelon Streetman released her own statement, which reads:

As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister, Amber and brother-in-law, Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haynie were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday. Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jasons parents, Dan and Linda Clark. We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days. Autumn Nelon Streetman

The Nelons Instagram page posted a video blog of the group prior to boarding the plane in Nebraska .

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The plane crashed at about 1 p.m. north of the town of Gillette near the Wyoming state line.

A distress signal was sent out by the plane before the crash and witnesses later reported seeing smoke columns rising into the air near the suspected crash site, according to the Associated Press.

A wildfire was sparked by the crash and suppressed using aircraft, heavy equipment and engine crews. The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to investigate.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This image provided by the U.S. Department of State shows Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a historic leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel. Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday, July 25, 2024. (U.S. Department of State via AP)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  A new era is coming for Mexicos powerful Sinaloa cartel in the wake of the capture by U.S. authorities of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, the last of the grand old Mexican drug traffickers.

Experts believe his arrest will usher in a new wave of violence in Mexico even as Zambada could potentially provide loads of information for U.S. prosecutors.

Zambada, who had eluded authorities for decades and had never set foot in prison, was known for being an astute operator, skilled at corrupting officials and having an ability to negotiate with everyone, including rivals.

Removing him from the criminal landscape could set off an internal war for control of the cartel that has a global reach  as has occurred with the arrest or killings of other kingpins  and open the door to the more violent inclinations of a younger generation of Sinaloa traffickers, experts say.

With that in mind, the Mexican government deployed 200 members of its special forces Friday to Culiacan, Sinaloa states capital.

There is significant potential for high escalation of violence across Mexico," said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy and Technology at the Brookings Institution. That is bad for Mexico, it's bad for the United States, as well as the possibility that the even more vicious (Jalisco New Generation cartel) will rise to even greater importance."

For that reason, Zambadas arrest could be considered a great tactical success, but strategically problematic, Felbab-Brown said.

While details remain scarce, a United States official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Zambada was tricked into flying to the U.S., where he was arrested along with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of the infamous Sinaloa leader Joaquin El Chapo Guzman. The elder Guzman is serving a life sentence in the United States.

A small plane left Hermosillo in northern Mexico on Thursday morning with only an American pilot aboard, bound for the airport in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, near El Paso, Texas. Mexican Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez said Friday that while one person left Hermosillo, three people arrived in New Mexico.

The flight tracking site Flight Aware showed the plane stopped transmitting its elevation and speed for about half an hour over the mountains of northern Mexico before resuming its course to the U.S.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a vocal critic of the strategy of taking down drug kingpins, said Friday that Mexico had not participated or known about the U.S. operation, but said he considered the arrests an advance.

Later, Lopez Obrador, while talking about where the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels are battling for control of smuggling routes along the Guatemala border on Friday, downplayed the violence that had driven nearly 600 Mexicans to seek refuge in Guatemala this week.

He said, as he often has, that its his political adversaries who are trying to make Mexicos violence appear to be out of control. But those cartels were already fighting each other in many locations throughout Mexico before Zambadas arrest.

Frank Perez, a lawyer for Zambada, told The Associated Press that his client did not come to the U.S. voluntarily.

It appeared the sons of El Chapo Guzman were somehow in on the trap for Zambada, said Jose Reveles, author of a number of books about the cartels. The so-called Chapitos, or Little Chapos, make up a faction within the Sinaloa cartel that was often at odds with Zambada even while trafficking drugs.

Guzman Lopez, who was also arrested Thursday, is not his friend nor his collaborator, Reveles said.

He is considered to be the least influential of the four brothers who make up the Chapitos, who are considered among the main exporters of the synthetic opioid fentanyl to the United States. Joaquin Guzman Lopez is now the second of them to land in U.S. custody. Their chief of security was arrested by Mexican authorities in November.

Guzman Lopez has been accused of being the cartels link for importing the precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl from Asia and for setting up the labs that produce the drug, Reveles said.

Anne Milgram, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration chief, said that Zambadas arrest strikes at the heart of the cartel that is responsible for the majority of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, killing Americans from coast to coast.

During the current Mexican administration, which ends Sept. 30, Mexico has been unable to control the countrys violence. Lopez Obradors decision to focus on alleviating what he sees as the root causes of violence instead of head-on confrontation with the cartels has caused tensions with the U.S. authorities, in particular the DEA.

Felbab-Brown said it has also allowed the cartels to accumulate power that is unprecedented in Mexico's history."

Zambada could now offer reams of information about the cartels operations if he decides to cooperate. He faces charges in multiple U.S. federal courts.

He was the cartels most skilled agent of corruption and the most influential trafficker who has been running extensive corruption networks across many administrations in Mexico, across vast geographic spaces, from the top of the Mexican government to municipal institutions," Felbab-Brown said.

The most important thing to watch is how much intelligence El Mayo will now provide and how much evidence in exchange for better terms," she said.

___

Durkin Richer reported from Washington. Associated Press journalists Christopher Sherman, Alexis Triboulard and Martin Silva in Mexico City contributed to this story.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham took questions related to public safety for six hours at the Las Cruces Convention Center on Thursday, July 25.

Lujan Grisham said she expected to see about 200 people at the event, but over 500 southern New Mexicans, along with state legislators and local government officials filled two ballrooms. The town hall format event was scheduled to last two hours, but didn't end until after 11 p.m.

"I don't recognize my state," Lujan Grisham said during an opening statement. "Mental illness, being unhoused, drug addiction are things that we should be treating. But I want to be really clear that there is an intersection to serious criminal activity in the state."

The town hall occurred at a critical time for both Lujan Grisham and the City of Las Cruces. It was the first of three town hall formats to be held across the state the Governor announced.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham listens to a question from the audience and takes notes at a Public Safety Town Hall Meeting on Thursday night, July 25, 2024, at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

A special session of the New Mexico Legislature earlier this month ended after just five hours on July 18, a disappointment to Lujan Grisham who called the session for lawmakers to discuss a slate of bills focused on public safety. Lujan Grisham asked lawmakers to consider proposals to enhance punishment for felons in possession of weapons; consider competency and involuntary commitment legislation; criminalize loitering on medians; mandate reporting of crime data statewide by all agencies.

More: Las Cruces works to remedy homelessness, in wake of U.S. Supreme Court Oregon decision

Instead, the Legislature passed just one bill: a $103 million piece of legislation meant to support recovery from the Salt Fork and Salt Fires in Lincoln County and the Mescalero Apache Reservation; fund assisted outpatient treatment programs for New Mexico's Administrative Office of the Courts; and pay for the special session.

"I disagreed with the Legislature," Lujan Grisham said. "I called the special session because I think this is so important."

There were several questions from the audience that Lujan Grisham redirected to the failed special session agenda - particularly related to commitment and competency.

"The Legislature has in large part rejected every single proposal, including pretrial detention and I hope they are hearing you," Lujan Grisham said. "I believe we have asked for pretrial detention to stop the revolving door for everyone. The competency, which stops a revolving door for a group of very dangerous individuals who are drug addicted and/or have a mental health issue and I'm not getting very far.

"I have asked for many of these proposals since 2019.  I see no reason not to have these bills already done and already enacted."

America Terrazas asks Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham a question at the Public Safety Town Hall Meeting on Thursday night, July 25, 2024, at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

Lujan Grisham said state statistics show that since 2017, 16,000 cases were dismissed due to competency with 5,000 felony crimes dismissed. Of the felony cases, 3,200 individuals had multiple arrests for felonies.

According to Las Cruces Police Department data, property crime is down 7% through May compared to last year, but there has been a 46% increase in violent crime through May in the City. There were 11 homicides investigated by LCPD through the first half of the year. There were 10 homicides in 2022 and seven in 2023.

Police Chief Jeremy Story on retail theft question. Said the LCPD in August will begin operation in August that will Crack down on all crime, including retail crime, which LCPD will say is not a priority pic.twitter.com/AikprmozRH  Jason Groves (@JPGroves) July 26, 2024

To that end, LCPD Chief Jeremy Story announced an upcoming operation, "Operation Not in Vain" referencing Story's comments in the immediate days following the death of LCPD officer Jonah Hernandez, who was murdered while on duty in February. The joint operation will begin in August and last through the rest of the year.

"We are short on officers, we are short on resources, that is a fact and it's going to take time to fix that," Story said.

"It's a joint operation with our federal partners and the New Mexico State Police and we are going to target every criminal act we can within the city. Part of that is retail theft.  When people know that it's not a safe bet they won't be caught or prosecuted, hopefully that will have an effect."

PHOTOS: See images from the town hall in Las Cruces

Story has also pushed for competency laws at all levels of government, as well as modifications of existing ordinances regarding solicitation and a shopping cart ordinance that City Council is expected to vote on during its Aug. 5 meeting.

The majority of questions or comments expressed broad support of the Governor's initiatives that were not addressed in July.

Also on hand to answer questions were (left to right) Gerald Byers, Dona Ana District Attorney and Senior Public Safety Advisor Benjamin Baker at a Public Safety Town Hall Meeting on Thursday night, July 25, 2024, at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

A handful of residents suggested Lujan Grisham's proposals criminalized the unhoused population rather than providing for more resources or services for mental health programs and housing.

"The bills that I am proposing are narrow," Lujan Grisham said. "These are dangerous individuals and I'm not even suggesting for a minute that it is their fault, but if you are too dangerous, if you have attempted to murder someone or have murdered someone or raped them, you cannot be in my community. I stand by that."

In a joint statement sent prior to the town hall, Las Cruces Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo and District Five Councilor Becky Corran called the town hall a "distraction" from work that is already taking place in Las Cruces and that increased funding from the state could help the city accelerate initiatives such as court diversion programs, behavioral health systems and affordable housing.

You can read our full statement here. In the meantime, we will be working on #RealSolutions that will augment dignity, prosperity and health in our #LasCruces. pic.twitter.com/AkTYFXr5XD  Becky Corran (@beckster6362) July 25, 2024

"One of the most concerning things about the Governors actions is her lack of genuine engagement with the Las Cruces City Council, key staff, service providers, advocates and local legislators," the statement read. "This townhall is a counterproductive effort to rile up even more harmful dominant narratives about our unhoused neighbors in an apparent attempt to shame legislators for uniting in favor of a more thoughtful and intentional process for co-creating a community safety policy package.

"We are glad the Governor is finally taking the time to talk to her constituents in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County, but perhaps this would be more fruitful if she allowed Las Crucens to lead the conversation. Instead, the Governor is coming here with an already formed and failed political agenda that does not center the dignity of those most directly impacted, that exploits the very real safety concerns many of our families are experiencing, that criminalizes those most vulnerable in our community, and that has closed the door on collaboration with experts and advocates."

The next town hall is July 29 at 5:30 p.m., at the CNM Smith Brasher Hall in Albuquerque. The third is scheduled for July 30 at 5:30 p.m., at the Northern New Mexico Community College Event Center in Espanola.

Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459 or jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on X @jpgroves.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Lujan Grisham holds public safety town hall in Las Cruces
Michigans population has stagnated. So have efforts to reverse that trend.

Michigan Capitol | Susan J. Demas graphic

Maybe Michigan really doesnt want to grow its population.

Its been nearly eight months since the Growing Michigan Together Council, commissioned by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, issued a comprehensive report on ways to make Michigan a faster-growing, more prosperous state.

But some say theyre disappointed with the lack of urgency in dealing with the states most challenging economic issue.

One would think the Whitmer administration would have adopted the attitude of lets strike while the iron is hot, after the growth council submitted its report, said Eric Lupher, president of the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan.

I didnt see any of that. Bits and pieces that came out of the report seem to have momentum, Lupher told me. But theyre not moving fast enough, for sure.

Whitmer disbanded the growth council earlier this month, saying its work was complete. Following that move, The Michigan Economic Development Corp. created the Michigan Growth Office, reportedly using four existing MEDC staffers. The office is headed by Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe.

In a news release, the MEDC pointed to a few significant state budget appropriations for fiscal 2025 to promote growth. They include $60 million to aid startup companies, $30 million for college scholarships, $100 million for affordable housing and $75 million to boost public transit.

When the Growing Michigan Together Council issued its report last December, Democratic Co-Chair Shirley Stancato called Michigans stagnant population an unfolding crisis.

Were 49th in terms of population growth and our preK-12 education outcomes are lagging behind faster-growing peer states, said Stancato, who chairs the Wayne State University Board of Governors. While the challenges facing our state are not new, its critical we take action now.

Thats not happening, according to growth council Republican Co-Chair John Rakolta. He told the Detroit News in April that the report sits on a shelf somewhere and it will never see the light of day again.

Longtime demographer Kurt Metzger said the Whitmer administration should be using the report as a blueprint for growth with established metrics and a timeline for accomplishing goals.

Any state investments and expenditures should be tied back to the plan, he told me.

The report focused its dozens of recommendations on how to grow the states population on three broad areas: developing a lifelong education system; creating a transformative economic growth strategy that will establish Michigan as the innovation hub of the Midwest; and building thriving, resilient communities that are magnets for young talent.

Those communities will be walkable, transit-oriented and feature other amenities desired by young, recent college graduates.

Bills introduced by a group of Democratic lawmakers are aimed at funding those things but are stalled in the Legislature.

The bills would appropriate $600 million a year to the states primary economic development pot, the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) Fund, but allocate $350 million of it to transit, housing and placemaking.

This would be a major shift in state economic development incentives, which have traditionally focused on incentivizing businesses to invest in Michigan.

But the House and Senate failed to pass the bills before lawmakers went on their summer break and prospects for passage when the Legislature resumes session in September are unclear. Whitmer is said to be cool to the idea of cutting SOAR funds used to attract business investment.

That is a problem, Lupher said. Whitmer is not championing a change in economic development policy. How long are we going to be chasing low-paying, blue-collar [factory] jobs and not undertaking efforts to create high-paying jobs that require a four-year degree?

Lupher acknowledged that significant population growth isnt going to happen overnight. Michigans share of the U.S. population has been declining for more than 50 years. It will take years to reverse that trend.

But Lupher said this might be the best time for a laser-like focus on population because Whitmer will be a lame duck governor next year.

Maybe thats fair that we havent seen a lot of progress on population so far, Lupher said. But if this is her issue, this year seems like the year to get it done.

Maybe 10 million is the right number. To me its not necessarily growing the population but returning Michigan to a more prosperous state.

 Eric Lupher, president of the nonpartisan Citizens Research Council of Michigan, said of the state's population

Lupher also agreed with my observation that Michigan voters dont seem to think the states stagnant population, hovering for years at around 10 million people, is a big deal.

Affordable housing projects are often scuttled by NIMBYism (Not in My Backyard). And the few places in Michigan that are growing, such as Traverse City, often face backlash to that growth.

Maybe 10 million is the right number, he said. To me its not necessarily growing the population but returning Michigan to a more prosperous state.

The problem, he said, is the age demographic of Michigans population.

In 1980, 60% of the states residents were under 35. That share is expected to fall to 41% by 2045, according to a study prepared for the growth council, unless the state can find more younger people needed to populate the workforce.

If Michigan is in a population, education and prosperity crisis, as Stancato said, then policymakers need to act like it.

Theres a quote often attributed to former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel thats apropos to Michigans challenge, but was actually spoken 20 years ago by Stanford University economist Paul Romer about his fear that the United States was falling behind other countries in educational achievement:

A crisis, Romer said, is a terrible thing to waste.

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Milan McDonalds star employee recognized for serving smiles

An employee at the Milan McDonalds was honored Friday for his hard work and outstanding customer service.

Nate Coleman is the guy you always want to serve you at the restaurant. Hes the epitome of customer service, always proving a smile and jokes for customers.

Nate Coleman (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com)

I just joke and just be me, he told Our Quad Cities News. I like to have fun and Im just very easygoing and outgoing so its like when I see you, hey how you doing boss man, or how you doing chief, or hey miss lady how are you doing. I just interact with them and make them feel like when theyre here, theyre number one.

Coleman received a cake and a one-in-eight jacket that recognizes his hard work.

Im very thankful because sometimes you never know if youre actually appreciated because of the stuff that happens. So I mean, I dont look for recognition, but the fact that I did get recognized, its good, it feels good.

Whenever they order, and I remember what they order, I kinda run it together to make them laugh, he said. Whatever they have, I try to make it fun in front of them, like okay so you got an orange juice and an Egg McMuffin, Im like, Alright my little orange muffin, and they just start laughing like Orange muffin what? So its just the creativity I try to come up with to make it fun and just make it interesting.

He attributes his positivity to being able to leave his problems at the door.

When I come here, whatever I have going on in my life, its cancelled. So I just, I put that aside, and when I clock in I focus on the customers, because thats what its all about, he said.

With his positive attitude, Coleman has become a local celebrity.

When they see me at the window, its funny because they could be going through something bad or whatever, and theyll be like Oh Nate, thats my favorite person, and then Ill just start smiling. Or like when other people are at the window theyll look past to see if Im here.

He hopes to continue to use his positive energy brighten his Mc-customers days.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Ballot measures intended to raise Arizona's minimum wage and eliminate partisan primary elections shouldn't be allowed on November's ballot, three separate lawsuits filed Friday allege.

One Fair Wage, the group pushing a planned ballot measure to raise the minimum wage in Arizona, didn't properly fill out its petitions and turned in numerous invalid signatures, a lawsuit by the Arizona Restaurant Association claims.

The 13-page suit filed Friday against the Raise the Wage AZ measure details eight alleged problems among the collected signatures and the paperwork associated with them. The group estimated it submitted 354,278 valid voter signatures  more than the 255,949 needed to qualify to appear on November's ballot.

One Fair Wage President Saru Jayaraman said in a statement the complaint was "the latest desperate tactic from a deep-pocketed special interest group to thwart the will of Arizona voters."

"Were prepared to challenge this and any other anti-democratic trick they try to use to continue suppressing wages for thousands of tipped service workers across the state, she said.

Also on Friday, the conservative Arizona Free Enterprise Club filed a lawsuit against the Make Elections Fair Act that attacks the constitutionality of the proposed measure. And a group of Democratic lawyers filed an additional lawsuit against the proposed elections act challenging its signatures.

Supporters of the proposed open primary measure turned in petitions with 584,124 valid voter signatures this month, well over the 383,923-signature threshold it needed to make November's ballot as a constitutional amendment.

In their rush to undermine the will of Arizona voters for future elections, the special interests that drafted this measure ignored our laws and our Constitution, Scot Mussi, president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, said in a prepared statement. This egregious disregard for law and order exudes arrogance from these parties and should disqualify their measure from the November ballot.

The lawsuits are among several challenges to citizen initiatives and legislative ballot referrals that opponents of the proposals have made this election cycle.

One Fair Wage held a news conference in June announcing its own lawsuit against a referral in the state Legislature that would codify a new sub-minimum wage option for employers of tipped workers. Proposals on abortion, immigration and judicial retention have also been the subject of legal action.

What do the measures propose?

If voters get the chance to approve Raise the Wage AZ in November, minimum wage workers will see their pay rise to nearly $18 an hour by 2027, then grow even more with annual cost-of-living increases. It would also eliminate Arizona's tipping credit for employers that allows them to pay workers who receive tips less than minimum wage.

Jayaraman pointed out in June the increase would still mean workers don't make a "living wage" in Arizona. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Living Wage calculator, workers would need $24.70 and $20.12, respectively, to support themselves in the state's two biggest counties, Maricopa and Pima.

Opponents of the measure claim it will hurt consumers in the long run and take away an option that allows workers to make more than minimum wage with tips while keeping employment costs down for employers.

A fiscal note on the proposal by the state Joint Legislature Budget Committee says it's difficult for anyone to determine how a minimum wage increase would impact the economy, but suggests it's possible to see a "decline in both employment and business activity" if businesses aren't able to pass the higher costs from the wage increase to consumers or raise productivity.

The Make Elections Fair Act would ask voters to eliminate Arizona's partisan primaries. Any voter would be able to vote in every election, a significant change from the current system in which voters of qualified parties vote only for candidates in their party.

In the July 30 primary election, independent voters must choose a partisan ballot. People registered with parties that don't have candidates, like the new No Labels party that in April quit its goal to field a presidential candidate, can't vote at all in the primary.

Lawsuit over minimum wage measure alleges sloppily completed petitions, bad signatures

Changes by lawmakers over the years to the citizens initiative process codified in the state Constitution have created a number of rules that must be met by groups who want voters to pass a new law.

The lawsuit contends many petitions the group submitted don't have proper registration numbers, don't disclose whether petition gatherers were paid, don't contain accurate dates for when petition gatherers registered to work on the campaign, contain affidavits by signature gatherers that aren't filled out correctly, and are "improperly notarized."

Problems with the signatures themselves include illegitimate or missing signature dates, duplicates and signatures by unregistered voters, the lawsuit states.

The Arizona Restaurant Association wants the allegedly bad signatures and petitions disqualified and to prevent the measure from appearing on the ballot. It also wants reimbursement of attorneys' fees.

Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri, who is named as an individual plaintiff in the lawsuit, said in a statement that the association's analysis of the petitions showed the group turned in "approximately 30,000 fewer signatures than they reported" and that "the petitions themselves are rife with errors."

"We're very confident in this case," said lawyer Kory Langhofer, one of the lawyers for Chucri and the association.

Conservatives, Democrats challenge proposed election measure

The 22-page challenge to the Make Elections Fair Act from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club alleges the measure packs in "twelve different amendments, covering not less than three separate and distinct topics of election law."

Technically, that's not allowed under the state Constitution, which decrees: "If more than one proposed amendment is submitted at any election, the proposed amendments shall be submitted in such a manner that the electors may vote for or against such proposed amendments separately."

The proposed changes would "inject never-before-seen concepts into that venerable document," the lawsuit states. Those include "granting lawmaking powers to the Secretary of State" and "creating a new breed of 'super statutes' that are not subject to ordinary amendment by subsequent legislatures, but can instead only be amended by the Legislature every six years."

As the lawsuit describes it, the act would institute open primaries, eliminate public funding for partisan primaries, and bind the ability of future lawmakers to pass a new law assigning a chosen number of candidates to advance to the general election. The act proposes the latter number be limited to two to five.

The suit alleges the act would also utilize "Rank Choice Voting" for the general election, but that's not quite accurate. The proposal suggests Rank Choice Voting could be a way to sort out how to handle a general election where there are more than two candidates. But it leaves that decision to the lawmakers, or if they decline, to the secretary of state.

Those features amount to multiple amendments of the Constitution that voters should be able to address in separate measures, according to the lawsuit.

Besides the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, an organization that raises large amounts of money for Republican candidates, the plaintiffs in that lawsuit include businesswoman Susan Garvey and John Shadegg, a former Arizona congressman.

At the same time, Democratic lawyers representing three registered voters filed a lawsuit with claims similar to those in the suit against the Raise the Wage AZ measure. It echoes the separate amendment argument, then adds in complaints on signatures, petitioner eligibility and how the campaign describes what the measure would do.

Chuck Coughlin, the political consultant running the effort, said supporters "look forward to prevailing in court."

"It is evident that our opponents, who belong to the entrenched political parties, are desperate to maintain their current power," he said. "The past several weeks have been a testament to Americans that our primary election system is broken. Our partisan primary system suppresses American freedom and shackles Arizonans to the two parties that are failing all of America today."

JP Martin, spokesperson for the Secretary of State's Office, said the signature check for Raise the Wage needs to be completed by Aug. 22.

The verification for the Make Elections Fair measure finished on Friday, he said.

The signature verification process eliminated about 28,000 signatures  leaving more than enough to qualify for the ballot, assuming it prevails on the challenges.

Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Minimum wage, open primaries ballot measures targeted by lawsuits
Miami Beach apartment building landlord gives long-term, elderly residents two months to get out

Forty-two Miami Beach families are scrambling to find a new home after the buildings landlord recently served them with an eviction notice.

Some of these residents have lived at the Riviera Apartments in Miami Beach, Florida for more than 10 or 20 years  and now they have less than two months to get out, according to a CBS News Miami report.

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Milagros Santos has lived in the building for 23 years in a one-bedroom apartment. Living with Parkinsons, she must vacate by August 31.

They don't say anything, everybody needs to move[,] thats it, she told CBS News Miami.

Many of the residents at Riviera Apartments are older and were paying low rent. Unfortunately, this isnt uncommon  and older adults face not just housing insecurity, but a series of financial challenges as they age. Heres more.

Older peoples housing can be precarious (and expensive)

The Riviera Apartments served tenants with a notice on their doors, dated July 2, to let them know that they need to be out by August 31.

The law office of Roth and Scholl, which represents the Riviera landlords and issued the letter, didnt give a reason for the abrupt termination of the tenants residencies. Zeneida Guzman, who has lived at the Riviera for 10 years, believes its due to the areas redevelopment  which can yield higher rent prices now.

We just don't know where to go, we have called places, but the rent is extremely high, she told CBS.

The rent for a studio apartment in Miami Beach averages at $1,870 per month, according to Rent.coms most recent numbers. For older adults living on Social Security, that could eat up close to their whole check, which currently average $1,869.77.

Precarious housing is a common situation for older Americans. Nearly 11.2 million older adult households were cost burdened (meaning they spend 30% or more of their income on housing) in 2021  an all-time high, according to The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard Universitys most recent report on this, Housing Americas Older Adults 2023.

This cost burden can be particularly dangerous for older adults not just because theyre often living on fixed incomes, but because many of their other expenses also go up as they age. Even for those on Medicare, they may need additional support that isnt covered, such as caregiving support (only some of it can be covered) and home improvements (e.g. a stairlift).

Story continues

And as your health needs increase, so do the expense. The median cost for a home health aide is $27 per hour, according to the numbers in the JCHS report. These services often require a client to purchase them in four-hour blocks, which will cost a minimum of over $100 per day.

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)

Can the Miami Beach families do anything?

With all these costs weighing on the Riviera Apartments families, CBS News Miami asked Florida real estate attorney, Fausto Rosales, if they have any recourse.

We see these things all the time, Rosales told CBS News.

Unfortunately, Rosales says the landlord is well within their legal rights to give 60 days notice to the tenants. A recent Florida law dictates that landlords only need to give 30 days notice to tenants in month-to-month rental agreements.

Rosales encourages the Riviera residents to speak to the landlord to see if they can come to a type of resolution.

Guzman said that she would like to see the landlord give them some leeway  especially after living there for so long.

Were asking for a little compassion[,] a little more time, she told CBS News. The ideal time would be three to six months.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
More than 75% of injured Ukrainian soldiers return to service after rehabilitation, Natalia Kalmykova, a deputy defense minister, said on July 27, Interfax Ukraine reported.

Kyiv does not disclose the total number of injured Ukrainian soldiers since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. At least 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed from the beginning of the invasion through late February 2024, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Soldiers who suffered injuries of varying severity can undergo rehabilitation at almost every health care facility, both civilian and military, Kalmykova said.

"We have a very high percentage of high-quality rehabilitation and return to service. Our Western partners, those countries that have never had such experience, such a war, also point this out," she added during a briefing on the sidelines of the Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health in Kyiv.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said at the event that Ukraine and its NATO partners are planning to launch a project to create five rehabilitation centers for Ukrainian soldiers, the Suspilne media outlet reported. Equipped with modern technology, the centers will provide quality treatment to the soldiers, he said.

Mechinkov Hospital, a regional medical center in the city of Dnipro that treats front-line soldiers from Donbas, has received around 29,000 injured troops since the start of the full-scale war, hospital director Sergii Ryzhenko told the Kyiv Independent in June.

Read also: At Ukraines key hospital for wounded soldiers, surgeons work non-stop to save lives

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Stories of kids left unsupervised by Minnesota child-care providers appear nearly every week in state investigative reports.

Child-care workers in Rochester and Montrose left 2-year-olds unsupervised on playgrounds, according to documents posted in mid-July. The week before, a memo described a 3-year-old slipping through a St. Paul center's unlocked gate and walking onto University Avenue. Reports published earlier this month chronicled how a toddler and preschooler were briefly left alone in Brooklyn Park and Chaska classrooms.

Such incidents have increased recently, the Minnesota Department of Human Services warns. The agency issued an alert this month urging child-care centers to take precautions, such as providing more staff training and having workers take attendance more frequently.

"Supervision is an important component of ensuring the health and safety of children so that staff are able to intervene during potentially dangerous situations," DHS Deputy Inspector General Alyssa Dotson said in a statement.

Reports of unattended children often share the same ending: The child is quickly discovered, alone but unharmed, in a classroom or outside.

However, a lack of supervision can put a child in danger and has been a factor that contributed to some child-care centers and family child care providers losing their licenses.

DHS's alert this month focused on child-care centers, which the state is responsible for investigating. People have submitted more reports lately of kids leaving such centers without staff knowledge or ending up unsupervised on playgrounds and in classrooms, hallways, bathrooms and community settings, officials warned.

On average almost 16 reports of potential child-care center neglect, such as lack of supervision, have been assigned each month for investigation, according to DHS data from the past six months.

That is a 38% increase from the average during the previous six months.

Why are reports increasing?

DHS hasn't identified why there have been several cases in a short period of time, Dotson said, noting many factors can contribute to the incidents, including the arrival of summer.

Summertime often brings a lot of changes at facilities, said Ann McCully, executive director of Child Care Aware of Minnesota, which trains provider and helps families search for child care.

There can be new hires and reorganization of classrooms to meet increased demand, as well as more time spent outdoors or on field trips, she said. That could mean staff members are less familiar with kids, creating more chances for potential missed headcounts.

Staff shortages in child care are likely compounding the issue, McCully and others stressed.

"It's one more symptom of the fact that we do not have the workforce that we need," she said. "They are needing to find people quickly. There's a lot of turnover, so the opportunity [for] deeper trainings that we would all like to see  including, I'm sure, the center directors  is maybe not always there."

The state should promote the field and add early childhood education classes for high school students, and speed up its background check process for those applying to work at centers, said Jodie Riek, vice president with the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children.

Center directors are reporting DHS can take three months to do background study, Riek said. And in rural communities, she said would-be workers must drive long distances to get fingerprinted and photographed for the studies.

Along with staffing struggles, providers are seeing more kids with behavior challenges than before the pandemic, said Courtney Greiner, who owns Esko Minis Child Care and Preschool and is a leader of the advocacy coalition Kids Count on Us.

"These teachers are just taking on so much responsibility and doing things that I truly don't think that people that have never done it could even understand," she said. "We're asking them to do impossible things, and then errors are made at the cost of safety and supervision."

Her center had an incident a couple years ago when a child hid behind an outdoor toy after a headcount was taken and was missed as the rest of the class went indoors, she said. The teacher realized the child was on the playground and the center self-reported the situation to licensing officials and retrained staff, Greiner said. Providers are "devastated" when something like that occurs, she said.

Plans for reducing risk

Child-care staff should be aware of the elevated risk during transition moments  such as when a classroom is headed outside  and busy times of day when parents and other visitors are opening entrance doors, DHS noted in its warning. The agency said providers should develop procedures to regularly take attendance during the day, particularly during high-risk times like field trips or before and after transitions.

The challenges with transitions are captured in DHS maltreatment investigations, such as reviews of Tutor Time centers. That business was recently investigated for reports of unsupervised children at both its Lakeville and Brooklyn Park locations. Staff at those locations did not respond to requests for comment.

At the Brooklyn Park location, two staff members  one of whom was new  described an "overwhelming" process to get 11 children ready to go outside and how one 18-month-old was accidentally left in the classroom for six minutes. In Lakeville, a 3-year-old was using a classroom bathroom without staff knowledge for a few minutes when the rest of the group was on the playground.

Staff members at child-care centers must be able to see and hear a child at all times so they can intervene to protect the child's health and safety, state law says. It provides a few exceptions, such as when children of a certain age go to the bathroom or grab items from a locker or cubby with a staff person's knowledge.

When someone reports a provider failed to follow the rules, it spurs a maltreatment investigation, which could lead to an employee being disqualified from providing such services. Often, documents show, DHS warns an employee they will be disqualified if they are responsible for future substantiated maltreatment and issues a correction order for the facility.

In the recent alert to providers, state officials emphasized that child-care centers also need risk reduction plans. The plans are supposed to assess and address risks around supervision, naptime, food allergies and many other situations. State lawmakers recently tweaked the requirements for those plans: Starting Aug. 1 centers must add specific procedures to ensure adequate supervision when a preschooler is using an individual restroom at a center.

"A strong risk reduction plan is key to preventing injuries and ensuing children are supervised," Dotson said.
Funeral Cars Nos. 17-30 by an unknown artist. Original from Library of Congress. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

The headlines were the stuff of nightmares.

One Colorado funeral home owner let the body of a woman decompose for two years in a hearse parked outside a house he rented, while hoarding the cremated remains of dozens of others inside.

Last year, authorities discovered nearly 200 improperly stored bodies at another Colorado funeral home after receiving an odor complaint from neighbors. Investigators later learned that the funeral home had sent fake ashes to families that had paid for cremation services.

The incidents, which led to criminal charges, sparked public outrage and traumatized families already coping with grief. But they also highlighted the states lax regulation of the funeral industry.

For 40 years, Colorado had some of the nations most lenient rules for funeral homes. It was the only state where a professional license wasnt required to be a funeral director. That changed this year.

Amid nationwide workforce challenges, some states have looked to make it easier to work in funeral homes and crematoriums. But after grisly incidents at some facilities, lawmakers in Colorado, Illinois and Michigan have sought to tighten control over this essential but often overlooked industry.

It was just, We have to do something. We have to fix this problem, said Colorado state Rep. Brianna Titone, a Democrat who was among the bipartisan sponsors of a new law tightening funeral home regulation.

With the grief these families went through, it was like they died again.  That trust was broken on a sacred thing.

 Colorado state Rep. Brianna Titone on abuses in funeral homes

People just assume funeral homes are safe and clean, she said, and that the workers embalming, cremating and burying the dead are doing so with care.

With the grief these families went through, it was like they died again. And I dont think a lot of people think about it that way until something like this happens, Titone said. That trust was broken on a sacred thing.

One Michigan lawmaker is trying to change state regulations to ensure bodies are refrigerated as they await burial or cremation. The effort follows discoveries of unrefrigerated bodies decomposing in a Flint funeral homes garage and a Detroit funeral home storing more than 50 infant and fetal remains without families permission.

When a loved one dies, we deserve to know that their remains will be treated with the utmost respect, Democratic state Sen. Kevin Hertel wrote in a local newspaper opinion piece on the legislation he sponsored. As we grapple with grief and trauma, the last thing we should worry about is that a parent, sibling, spouse or child who has passed is neglected in death.

Hertel did not respond to requests for comment. His legislation has not advanced.

In Colorado, one law passed in 2022 expands the states ability to inspect funeral homes and crematories. Another one passed this year requires funeral directors, embalmers and cremationists to be licensed by the state  they must obtain certain academic degrees or have enough professional experience or certain industry certifications.

Its a huge deal, said Faith Haug, the chair of the mortuary science program at Arapahoe Community College, Colorados only accredited program.

Haug, who holds professional licenses in several other states, was surprised to learn that none was required when she moved to the Centennial State a decade ago.

When I first moved here, it was a little insulting, she said, noting that people with extensive education and experience were treated the same under the law as those with none.

While even the states funeral industry supported the legislation this year, it did raise concerns about retaining existing workers who havent had to obtain professional credentials before.

Beginning in 2027, the law requires that funeral directors complete an accredited educational program, pass a national board exam and have work experience.

But the law does give existing funeral directors several options to obtain provisional licensure, including passing national exams or having 4,000 hours of documented work experience.

The biggest concern is just workforce disruption, Haug said. If you dont have different paths to licensure, the fear was that the workforce would essentially collapse.

A tight labor market has pushed some states to expand eligibility for licensed funeral workers. For example, Missouri lawmakers in recent years have sought to expand licensure, which currently requires passing an exam. Proposed legislation would allow workers who have completed an approved apprenticeship to become licensed. A bill passed the state House but did not make it out of the Senate before the end of this session.

Its not easy getting people in the profession, said Chris Farmer, general counsel for the National Funeral Directors Association.

While he said he understands the urge to regulate in some cases, he said all industries include bad actors: Even in the most stringent states, somebodys going to do something bad. You cant prevent it.

Recently, state legislatures have been busy passing measures on new practices such as human composting and so-called water cremation.

Farmer noted that funeral directors perform some 2.4 million funerals each year  and the vast majority of them never result in headlines.

Unfortunately, it is a reactive situation, he said. Funeral service only gets their attention when something goes wrong.

That was certainly the case in Illinois.

A local coroner last year uncovered inconsistencies with cremated remains that dated back years. Authorities said at least 80 families around the country received the wrong remains  some of which had to be exhumed from a national cemetery.

We found that there were families that were impacted from the West Coast to the East Coast and all places in between, said Illinois state Sen. Doris Turner, a Democrat.

Turner sponsored successful legislation this year that requires funeral directors to use unique identifiers on the body, body bag, or any donated body part or organ of the deceased. She said that chain of custody should prevent future problems with funeral homes mixing up remains.

For me, this is probably the most important piece of legislation that I have been able to pass during my time in the General Assembly, she said.

Some families had spread ashes in meaningful places, and one woman told Turner how she had for months talked to an urn in her home that she thought contained the remains of her mother.

Those families later learned that what they had were the remains of strangers.

Those are things that you cant correct, Turner said.

Sheila Canfield-Jones, who lives about an hour outside of Denver, never thought to question the funeral home she found online after her daughter died of a heroin overdose in 2019. The Colorado facility promoted natural funeral services and promised to plant a tree in her daughters honor.

Four years later, the FBI notified her that she hadnt received her daughters cremated remains; shed gotten a box of ground-up concrete.

Her daughters body was among those left to rot inside the Return to Nature Funeral Home for years.

You have nightmares, she said. You think, What did she look like? What did the room look like? There were 190 bodies. There was an infant in there.

Canfield-Jones said the hellish stories and the testimony of affected families were too much for lawmakers to ignore.

We pestered the hell out of them, she said. So they had to listen.

While she believes the legislation was a solid first step in addressing industry problems, she said it will take a long time to rebuild trust. In the meantime, she said, she wouldnt want to be taken to a Colorado funeral home.

If I die tomorrow, Id be in a car going to Kansas, she said. Until all this comes down, I dont know that I could trust anybody. You want to believe theres good people in this industry that do a good job. And Im sure there are. But how do you know?

This story was originally produced by Stateline which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
Missouri GOP candidates break with Trump on abortion. Heres what they say on exceptions

Two of Missouris leading Republican candidates for governor have broken with former President Donald Trump on abortion, saying they dont agree with his call to allow abortions in cases of rape or incest.

Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Sen. Bill Eigel during a TV debate signaled that they support a stricter ban on abortion than the Republican presidential nominee. While Trump has said states will set abortion policy, he has also voiced support for limited exceptions.

Ashcroft and Eigels comments came during a round of rapid questions during the debate, which was hosted by St. Louis TV station KSDK. The moderator stated Trumps position and asked if he was wrong.

I believe that we need to protect all life, Ashcroft said.

Eigel signaled his agreement but didnt elaborate.

Missouris current ban, which took effect when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to abortion in 2022, includes no exceptions for rape or incest. It contains an exception only for medical emergencies.

Ashcroft and Eigels answers put them at odds with the other major Republican in the race, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, who didnt participate in the debate. Last year, Kehoes campaign told The Star that he was open to amending the states ban to add exceptions for rape or incest.

As governor and the father of three daughters, Kehoe would consider approving legislation brought forward by the General Assembly that contains exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother, Derek Coats, the Republicans campaign manager, said in an email last July.

On Friday, Kehoe spokesperson Gabby Picard said in a statement that Kehoe is 100% pro-life and, unlike Jay Ashcroft and Bill Eigel who oppose President Trump, will stand with him to protect innocent life.

Ashcroft and Eigels comments place them to the right of the Republican presidential nominee as Missourians prepare to potentially vote in November on overturning the ban. If voters approve a state constitutional amendment ending the ban, Missouri could be the first state since the U.S. Supreme Court decision where voters have eliminated a ban.

Like Ronald Reagan, I am strongly in favor of exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother, Trump said in a video statement in April outlining his position on abortion.

Abortion vote looms

If Republican voters nominate Ashcroft or Eigel in the Aug. 6 primary election, Democrats are certain to use the comments to attack either candidate. While Democrats, who havent won a governors election since 2012, face an uphill climb, abortion has turned out voters in races across the country.

The two major Democratic candidates  House Minority Leader Crystal Quade and businessman Mike Hamra  both support abortion rights.

The authors and enforcers of Missouris cruel abortion ban are showing their hand. Right now Missourians live under a total abortion ban and the resulting devastation for pregnant Missourians and our families cannot be denied, Mallory Schwarz, the executive director of Abortion Action Missouri, said in a statement.

Data shows that since Missouris ban took effect, thousands of Missouri women have received abortions in other states, primarily Kansas and Illinois. At the same time, Missouri residents are now competing for appointments with residents of other states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, where abortion is also banned.

Missouri residents were already crossing state lines for abortion in large numbers before the ban. Decades of restrictions passed by the Missouri General Assembly steadily chipped away at access, leaving just one abortion clinic, in St. Louis, operating at the time of the Supreme Court decision.

The amendment would enshrine the right to an abortion in the Missouri Constitution, paving the way for abortion clinics to open or reopen in the state.

The Stars Kacen Bayless contributed reporting
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  It was a mixed reaction from many who lived in the neighborhoods surrounding Gaillardia during Republican Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vances Friday visit.

Trump, Vance 2024! One neighbor shouted. Im not voting for him, get out, said another.

The visit was all a part of a private luncheon hosted at the home of Quail Creek Bank owner, Mark Davenport, in the Northwest Oklahoma City neighborhood.

OKLAHOMA NEWS: Edmond couple who disappeared while scuba diving found alive after 36 hours at sea

The Vice Presidential candidate flew in around noon on Friday and landed in a Trump/Vance airplane at Will Rogers Airport.

At the airport was Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt who was captured shaking hands with the candidate outside of his plane.

JD Vance comes to Oklahoma for fundraiser

JD Vance comes to Oklahoma for fundraiser

A motorcade with a mix of Oklahoma City police officers, and what looked to be Secret Service, made its way north.

The area had to be blocked off as the group entered through the west entrance.

On the flyer thats been passed around online, the luncheon allowed for a person to buy a ticket to private event, for $5,000. The flyer also said that someone who wanted a photo with Vance and a ticket would have been $15,000.

The flyer said that the price went all the way up to $100,000 if someone wanted to be a committee host too.

In attendance were said to be the Governor Kevin Stitt, Senator Markwayne Mullin, and Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

The motorcade stayed around for about three hours before leaving again where Vance is expected to fly to another state for another event.

News 4 spoke with neighbors who were driving by and asked questions.

If you were to stand in front of J.D. Vance right now, and as an Oklahoman ask him anything, what would it be?

Stop taking away womens rights.

Trump, Vance 2024!

I dont like J.D. Vance. Im voting for Kamala Harris.

Oh Im all for him, said one man, Jordan, who held a sign that read God Bless J.D. Vance. I think he is a family man. Hes been through similar experiences as me. Im glad hes here.

Im not for him. I didnt like his movie (Hillbilly Elegy), said another neighbor.

The election is a few months away.

The Democratic National Convention is a few weeks away and the nominee for their party is expected to be announced.

While its not officially announced, many officials have said current Vice President Kamala Harris should take the spot.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mom of 3 Dies After Being Hit by Car Near Mississippi Restaurant: Truly Heartbroken

"Her legacy of kindness will live on through the countless lives she touched," read a GoFundMe description of Marcie Errington

GoFundMe Marcie Errington

A mother of three children was struck and killed by a car near a restaurant in Mississippi on Saturday, July 20, authorities said.

The incident occurred on MS-43 near the Sunset Grill restaurant in Rankin County and is under investigation, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) said in a news release shared with PEOPLE on Friday, July 26.

The pedestrian, Marcie Errington, 41, of Crystal Spring, Miss., was hit by a Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound. She died at the scene from her injuries, the MHP added.

Related: Minnesota Teen Fatally Struck by Car While Riding His Scooter

The driver of the Silverado, identified by authorities as Donnie Taylor, 67, of Brandon, Miss., was unhurt in the collision.

No additional details were offered from the MHP.

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According to a GoFundMe set up on behalf of her family, Errington was a nurse and a devoted mother to her three sons.

We are truly heartbroken at the loss of our sweet Marcie, read the fundraiser description. She was such a radiant gypsy soul who loved nature, animals and children... Her sons were the center of her universe, and her every action was a testament to the profound love she had for them.

Related: 12-Year-Old Girl Hit and Killed By Car While Running from Separate Crash

The GoFundMe described Errington as thoughtful, selfless, compassionate, and genuinely caring - everything that made her such an amazing momma and nurse.

Marcie's impact on our lives is immeasurable, the description continued. She taught us the true meaning of love, empathy, and perseverance. Her legacy of kindness will live on through the countless lives she touched, both human and animal. We are devastated by her loss, but we celebrate the beautiful person she was and the extraordinary life she lived.

Kelly Johnson, a friend of Errington's, remembered her as outgoing. When you think of a Gypsy Soul, thats what you think of as Marcy, she loved anything that breathed, Johnson said, NBC affiliate WLBT reported.

Related: N.Y.C. Pedestrian Killed After Being Struck by 2 Cars Near His Home

Errington was employed at Pedicare Nursing Agency. The news of her death sent a shock to Erringtons colleagues, said Melissa Flanagin, the agency's founder.

There was a time of denial where we didnt want to believe that that had really happened to our Marcy, Flanigan told CBS affiliate WJTV. When we learned, and it was confirmed that it was her, we were just heartbroken.

Johnson told WLBT that the GoFundMe will help Erringtons children.

Theres a lot of bills and things that have, you know, accrued and you know, just life," Johnson said. "Its mainly to take care of those children to make sure they have what they need.

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Read the original article on People.
One of the killers wanted for a double fatal shooting at a Brooklyn migrant shelter  part of a violent Venezuelan migrant gang war that has left three dead  has been charged, police said Friday.

Jorge Said Benitez Villa, 26 and homeless, was charged Thursday with two counts of murder in the deaths of two fellow Venezuelan migrants, police said.

Enny de Jesus Urbina Mendez, 21, died shortly after the Sunday night shooting after being rushed to Bellevue Hospital. The second victim, Francisco Fuentes Rangel, 59, was shot in the head and taken to NewYork-Presyterian Methodist Hospital, where he died Tuesday. Police announced his death Friday.

The 59-year-old guy had nothing to do with it. He only sit down drinking and enjoying, one witness, who wanted to be identified only as Angel, told the Daily News after the shooting. There were two guys on motorcycles with masks on. Its scary.

Police said Benitez Villa was the wheel man in the double murder.

As Villa pulled up on a moped in front of the shelter  on Ryerson St. near Park Ave. in Clinton Hill  his passenger got off, opened fire, then got back on the moped, with the two driving off.

But as they escaped, Benitez Villa crashed about six blocks away near Park Ave. and Taaffe Place and was seriously injured, police said. He is still hospitalized, with his arraignment not yet scheduled. The shooter, a recent Venezuelan migrant still being sought, ran off.

Seven minutes earlier, in a related murder, a gunman opened fire from a blue vehicle. killing Arturo Jose Rodriguez Marcano, 30, two blocks away at the Steuben Playground near Flushing Ave. and Steuben St.

The shootings happened amid growing tensions between the Venezuelan-based Trend de Aragua and a splinter gang, Anti-Tren, police sources said.

Mendez is a Venezuelan national who came to the U.S. about a year ago through San Diego. Since moving to the city, he has been arrested repeatedly for shoplifting, mostly in Manhattan, cops said.

Beginning as a prison gang in Aragua, Venezuela, Tren de Aragua has quickly become a transnational criminal organization that is expanding throughout the Western Hemisphere, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

The gang is known for human smuggling and sex trafficking as well as money laundering and drug dealing.

Last month, Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, who was arrested for shooting two Queens police officers after being caught zipping the wrong way down a one-way Queens street on a scooter, admitted to authorities that he is a member of Tren de Aragua. He told authorities it wasnt a big deal for gang members and police in his native country to shoot at each other.
DENVER (KDVR)  There are new calls for the leader of the Colorado Republican Party to step down.

On Friday, sources shared with FOX31 a letter signed by Republican congressional nominees and the state Senate Republican leader, all asking Dave Williams to resign as party chair.

Judge blocks meeting to oust Colorado GOP chair

The process to remove Williams as chair started in June after he called for all pride flags to be burned. Since then, Williams has not backed down from that rhetoric but also lost his race for Colorados 5th Congressional District. Before losing in that primary, Williams was caught using money meant for the party on his own campaign mailers.

Republicans made moves to oust him following the Republican National Convention, but Williams has found several ways to stall the process seeking to remove him as chair.

Now, prominent Republicans are saying they have had enough. Colorado Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen signed onto a letter along with six Republican congressional candidates, including Jeff Crank, who won the primary in the 5th District, asking Williams to leave his post.

Its time that state party leadership who work for the benefit of the party replace leadership that has used the office for personal purposes, Lundeen told FOX31 in a statement.

Colorado Republican Party Chairman Dave Williams

Boebert releases statement on Williams

FOX31 political analyst Michael Fields said Republicans in Colorado and beyond want a leader who can help win some highly coveted congressional seats.

You think about CD3, CD8, close races, ones that need a lot of attention, that you need to be working very closely with the state party in supporting. I know thats not happening right now. Even nationally, the National Republican Congressional Committee isnt working with the state party here because of issues that they have with them. So, I think they look at this and say we need everybody rowing in the same direction, we need everybody on the same page, we need unity, Fields said.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert did not sign the letter with the other Republican congressional nominees, but she did put out a statement on Facebook:

The past month of public dissension and infighting in the Colorado Republican Party has been embarrassing to watch as we have a golden opportunity this November to flip seats at every level of government. Instead of uniting and focusing our message on securing our border, unleashing American energy, and getting President Trump back to the White House, weve seen lawsuits, threats, and censures, resulting in a failure to come together fueled by all sides of the party. This isnt about competing policies or ideologies; this is about a failure from Chairman Williams to lead after our Primary Election and simply reach out to candidates and organizations throughout Colorado and beyond to offer support, mend bridges, and present a clear gameplan of how we can win together in November. An attempted, and likely contested, change in leadership at COGOP just 100 days out from Election Day will be disruptive and damaging, but Chairman Williams has put himself in this situation. I stand ready to publicly help and provide support to Republicans up and down the ballot, regardless of whether or not I agree with them on every issue. If Chairman Williams cant do the same and refuses to show candidates he will, Republicans in Colorado and nationally will look in a different direction for leadership over the final 100 days. U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, CO-03

FOX31 reached out to the Colorado Republican Party. Their vice chair said Boebert received erroneous information, and they are supporting nominees.

The Colorado Republican State Central Committee planned to hold a meeting on Saturday with plans to take a vote on Williams leadership as chair. That meeting may be in limbo after a judge granted a temporary restraining order in Williams favor, but Fields believes Williams time as chair will come to an end soon  whether the committee meets on Saturday or not.

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There are already four people running to replace him. So, there are those alternatives out there. I think its moving in that direction. The question is when will it be recognized? Will a vote happen that gets rid of him now? Will it happen later? I would be surprised if at the end of the year, we are sitting here and he is the chairman still, Fields 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 FOX31 Denver.
Mosquitos in Boston test positive for West Nile Virus, health officials say

West Nile Virus was detected in nine mosquitos in multiple neighborhoods in Boston.

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) announced on Friday that mosquito test samples obtained from Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Roxbury, and West Roxbury tested positive for West Nile Virus.

According to health officials, the virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

There are currently no confirmed cases of West Nile in Boston but health officials are urging residents to protect themselves.

The best way to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus is by avoiding mosquito bites. BPHC recommends the following strategies:

Avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

Wear long clothing and high socks to keep mosquitos away from your skin.

Use EPA-approved insect repellents like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.

Make sure screens in windows and doors fit properly and do not have any holes.

Regularly empty out and clean bird baths, unused flowerpots, and other vessels containing standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Flip over unused kiddie pools and dispose of old tires, which are also known to collect rainwater that attracts mosquitoes for breeding.

Regularly clean out gutters and remove any debris or blockages.

We encourage all residents to protect themselves from insect-borne infections like West Nile Virus by wearing insect repellant and long sleeve clothing when spending time outside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active, said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. We are working closely with our partners at the State to monitor mosquito test samples and keep residents updated about the risk of West Nile.

Most people with West Nile Virus do not experience any symptoms, but in some cases, people will experience a headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and body aches which can last for a few days or several weeks.

Elderly patients and small children are more likely to be severely affected by the virus.

On Tuesday, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project said West Nile had also been found in mosquitoes in Worcester.

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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North Korea's GDP grew 3.1% in 2023, according to central bank estimates.

The Bank of Korea cited economic cooperation with Russia as one factor.

Both countries have deepened ties amid the war in Ukraine.

North Korea's growing trade ties with Russia are paying off, helping end a three-year downturn, according to the South Korean central bank.

The bank's annual report, cited by Bloomberg, found that North Korea's 2023 GDP grew 3.1% in real terms. Aside from ending years of contraction, the data marked the largest expansion since 2016.

Since North Korea does not offer official data, indicators tracked by its southern neighbor are relied on instead.

"Most experts assess the rebound in 2023 to be temporary, but there are also positive factors, such as the possibility of further growth in trade with China and expansion in economic cooperation with Russia," a Bank of Korea official told reporters, quoted by Reuters.

The latter point refers to ties that have formed between North Korean and Russian leadership. As Western sanctions have amassed against both countries due to their geopolitical hostilities, the two powers have instead turned to one another.

Last month, Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new mutual defense pact, expanding economic and trade cooperation.

It amplifies a pivotal arms trade relationship that's formed between Pyongyang and Moscow through 2023, despite Western concerns.

The US first accused North Korea of providing ammunition to Russia in September 2022, a move that has helped Moscow maintain its war in Ukraine. This lifeline has only deepened  while ammo delivery estimates vary, they're likely to number in the millions.

Both countries have denied that arms shipments are occurring.

For its contribution, the new partnership has earned North Korea food and economic materials, and these have likely stabilized prices and boosted manufacturing. Data showed that industrial output expanded by 4.9%, notching a seven-year high.

Growth was also spurred by easing COVID restrictions, improving trade with China, and good weather conditions, the bank official told reporters.

The Bank of Korea highlighted increased trade volumes, which rose 74.6% in 2023 to $2.77 billion.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Motorcyclist killed in collision with vehicle at Millcreek intersection

MILLCREEK, Utah (ABC4)  A motorcyclist was killed Friday night after colliding with a vehicle at a Millcreek intersection, according to Unified Police.

The accident occurred at 3900 South and Highland Dr., police said. A motorcyclist was reportedly heading northbound on Highland Dr. when they turned to go westbound on 3900 South.

At the same time, a vehicle was heading southbound on Highland Dr. when the driver went through a green light. While going through the intersection, the driver reportedly collided with the motorcyclist.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially registered in Azerbaijan

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead on scene.

Further details on the circumstances of the crash have not been made available at this time. The identity of the victim has not been released.

No further information is currently available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
UPDATE: Mount Lebanon police say Kane Jordan was found safe.

The Mount Lebanon Police Department is asking for help from the public in finding a missing teenager.

Police say Kane Jordan, 15, walked away from his home on Saturday morning and hasnt been seen since.

Kane is described as standing 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. He has curly blond hair and blue eyes.

Kane was reportedly last seen wearing a purple long-sleeve shirt and blue swim trunks with palm leaves on them.

Anyone who sees Kane should call 911.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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PA Attorney General files lawsuit against local contractor accused of not completing work Demolition of Saw Mill Run Boulevard bridge scheduled to begin soon, detours announced Boil water advisory issued for part of Greene County VIDEO: A tremendous loss: Beloved Pittsburgh Allderdice teacher, coach dies unexpectedly DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  A search is underway for a suspect who fled a hit-and-run crash in Mt. Juliet Friday afternoon.

The four-vehicle crash happened on South Mt. Juliet Road near Graves Crossing at 4:30 p.m. Mt. Juliet police described the incident as an injury crash but no details were provided on how many people were injured nor how severely.

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Suspect from July 26, 2024 hit and run (Source: Mt. Juliet Police Twitter)

The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Donte Bell Jr. of Nashville. Bell fled from the scene of the crash and abandoned his vehicle on Central Pike near John Wright Road.

2021 Nashville booking photo of Donte Bell Jr. (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department via Mt. Juliet Police Department)

2024 Nashville booking photo of Donte Bell Jr. (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department via Mt. Juliet Police Department)

Mt. Juliet officers located the abandoned vehicle and with the assistance of K-9 Citron, conducted a search of the immediate area.

Inside the vehicle, officers found handgun magazines and marijuana, according to a release. Investigators believe Bell was picked up by an unknown individual and taken back to Nashville.

In October 2021, Bell was arrested in Nashville for reportedly shooting his girlfriend and leaving her in parking lot with a broken leg.

During the arrest, officers found a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his front pants pocket and $1,549 in cash. Officers searched his Jeep and found another loaded pistol, three bags of marijuana and a digital scale, according to investigators.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Bell is now wanted for leaving the scene of a crash with injury, driving with a suspended license, unlawful possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department at 615-754-2550. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling 615-754-TIPS (8477) or through the Mt. Juliet Police Department website at http://www.mjpd.org.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. (WBTW)  The Georgetown County Sheriffs Office is part of a multi-agency searching looking for a missing boater.

Details remain limited, but personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, Midway Fire Rescue and state Department of Natural Resources are involved.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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Taliban and Palestinian flags; Screenshot of Inna Vernkiov's tweet and video outside a Brighton Beach home; man standing outside Brighton Beach home displaying Taliban and Palestinian flags

A Muslim family came under fire this week for brazenly hoisting a Taliban flag outside their Brooklyn home  only to remove the terror symbol after being called out by a local pol and grilled about it by The Post.

Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (R-Brooklyn) posted an online video Tuesday showing herself outside a Brighton Beach home and ripping its occupants for displaying what has been the Afghanistan flag since the Taliban seized control of the country in 2021.

We have terrorist supporters living amongst us, says Vernikov in the video, which also shows a Palestinian flag flying below the black-and-white Taliban banner outside the Brighton 5th Street home.

A Muslim family came under fire this week for hoisting a Taliban flag outside their Brooklyn home. J.C. Rice

Councilwoman Inna Vernikov posted an online video Tuesday showing herself outside a Brighton Beach home with a Taliban and Palestinian flag. X @InnaVernikov

However, a 28-year-old man living at the home claimed later Tuesday his family had no idea the flag was connected to the Taliban, which hosted al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin-Laden, in Afghanistan in the years leading up to 9/11.

Were not behind any agency or any agenda, or nothing like that. Were normal, average New Yorkers, said the man, insisting they raised the banner as a profession of faith all Muslims follow.

A 28-year-old resident claimed he had no idea that the flag had any connection to the Taliban and were sharing a profession of faith all Muslims follow. J.C. Rice

However, minutes later, the mans father and another relative removed both flags, claiming they received death threats over the councilwomans post. They said flags previously flew for two months without incident.

Vernikov cheered on the homeowners decision to remove the flag and stressed people shouldnt support terrorism.

Its a slap in the face to every American, military member, and otherwise who was murdered under that flag, Vernikov said.
NASA just scored a badly needed win: The best potential evidence of alien life yet

NASA's Perseverance rover has found potential evidence of ancient microbial life on Mars.

Scientists must bring the rock to Earth for further study, but three key features make it promising.

The discovery is a crucial win for NASA after a series of budget cuts and mission setbacks.

NASA has snagged a chunk of rock on Mars that could someday prove to be the first clear evidence of alien life.

To be clear, NASA is not declaring that it's discovered Martian life. Rather, its Perseverance rover has drilled a sample from a rock with attributes that could have come from ancient microbial activity, the agency announced Thursday.

To confirm their suspicions, scientists would need to bring the rock sample to Earth and study it in more detail.

"This is exactly the kind of sample that we wanted to find," Katie Stack Morgan, a lead scientist on the Perseverance mission, told Business Insider.

3 key features could point to alien life

"Cheyava Falls" (left) shows the dark hole where NASA's Perseverance took a core sample. The white patch directly beside the hole is where the rover abraded the rock to investigate its composition. NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS

The rock, nicknamed Cheyava Falls, has three critical features:

First, white veins of calcium sulfate are clear evidence that water once ran through it.

Second, the rock tested positive for organic compounds, which are the carbon-based building blocks of life, as we know it.

Third, it's speckled with tiny "leopard spots" that point to chemical reactions that are associated with microbial life here on Earth.

A reddish Mars rock, nicknamed "Cheyava Falls," contains leopard spots that could point to ancient microbial life. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

However, both the organic material and the leopard spots could have come from non-biological processes. That's why scientists need to study the sample more closely on Earth to know for sure.

The rover has reached the limit of what it can learn about the rock.

"We're not saying there's life on Mars, but we're seeing something that is compelling as a potential biosignature," Stack Morgan said.

A biosignature is any feature that points to the presence of life.

"This is a very significant discovery," she added.

It's a much-needed win for the space agency. In recent months, NASA has taken hit after hit from budget limitations and technical errors across missions.

NASA needs this win

Earlier this year, the agency's first attempt to return to the moon since 1972 failed. The NASA-funded Peregrine moon mission, by the company Astrobotic suffered a fuel leak shortly after launch, forcing it to return to Earth and burn up in the atmosphere. (The next attempt, a mission by the company Intuitive Machines, also funded by NASA, successfully landed on the moon.)

Then, new budgeting decisions came down. NASA's budget proposal for 2025 effectively defunds the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which is still a highly productive and functional mission.

And just last week, NASA officials announced they were scrapping the VIPER moon rover that the agency has already spent $450 million to build. NASA plans to disassemble it and reuse some of the parts for future moon missions.

Meanwhile, two astronauts have been stuck on the International Space Station for 51 days because the NASA-funded Boeing spaceship that carried them there is leaking helium and having thruster malfunctions.

Even Perseverance wasn't spared. In April, NASA announced it was canceling its $11 billion plan to send a follow-up mission, called Mars Sample Return, to collect the rover's tubes of Martian rock and carry them back to Earth. That was the plan that could've brought scientists the Cheyava Falls rock sample.

Instead, NASA is asking companies to step in and propose their own cheaper, faster versions of the mission.

Those aren't light sabers, they're Perseverance's sample tubes, stashed on the Martian surface. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

The Cheyava Falls rock especially needs the extra studying.

"This rock is also one of the most complex rocks we've seen on the surface of Mars. There is a lot going on in this rock," Stack Morgan said.

Is it aliens? Check the CoLD scale

For now, this discovery is just a "step one" on the seven-step "confidence of life detection" (CoLD) scale.

The CoLD scale is a rough rating of scientific confidence in any potential alien-life discovery.

The CoLD (Confidence of Life Detection) scale helps scientists research whether a signal could indicate life. NASA/Aaron Gronstal

"We've taken us up to the start of that scale, and I think that's what the rover was sent to Mars to do," Stack Morgan said.

A possible biosignature can climb to higher levels of confidence as evidence builds. For example, if scientists can confirm that known non-biological processes didn't create the leopard spots, the Cheyava Falls rock might ascend to step two or three.

But they need to get the sample to Earth first. And NASA needs to figure out how to do that.

"We're hoping that our most recent sample can play into the conversation about whether this effort is worth it," Stack Morgan said. "And we believe that it is."

Read the original article on Business Insider
NASA says it can ask SpaceX to bring Boeing astronauts home if needed, as they reach 51 days on the space station

NASA says it can ask SpaceX to bring Boeing astronauts home if needed, as they reach 51 days on the space station

A NASA official said SpaceX's Crew Dragon is the "backup option" to bring home two astronauts in limbo.

Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore flew to the space station aboard Boeing's Starliner but got stuck.

NASA and Boeing are troubleshooting and trying to bring them back on the glitchy Starliner spaceship.

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stuck on the International Space Station for nearly two months due to thruster issues and helium leaking on Boeing's Starliner spaceship.

It's looking more and more like SpaceX may have to step in and bring them home. The company's Crew Dragon spaceship has been successfully flying astronauts to and from the ISS for years.

"We have two different systems that we're flying," Steve Stich, the manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, said in a press briefing on Thursday. He was referring to the Boeing Starliner and SpaceX's Crew Dragon.

"Obviously, the backup option is to use a different system," Stich added. "I would rather not go into all those details until we get to that time, if we ever get to that time."

SpaceX got astronauts to space a lot faster than Boeing

A Crew Dragon approaches the International Space Station with astronauts on board. NASA

The Commercial Crew Program funded SpaceX and Boeing to develop their respective spaceships into reliable astronaut vehicles for NASA.

SpaceX did it much faster and cheaper. Crew Dragon completed its first astronaut flight in 2020. Starliner is fumbling its own first astronaut flight right now.

Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, even posted about the disparity on the day of Williams' and Wilmore's launch.

Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, took a stab at Boeing when it first launched Starliner. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

"Too many non-technical managers at Boeing," he wrote on X.

How long Boeing's astronaut crew has been stuck

When the astronauts arrived aboard Boeing's Starliner spaceship on June 6, they were supposed to stay on the space station for about eight days.

Their mission is a test flight, after all, and they are the spaceship's first crew. The point was just to fly there, leave the spaceship docked to the station for a week for testing, and return to Earth, proving Starliner was up to the job.

"We kept saying 'eight-day minimum mission.' I think we all knew that it was going to go longer than that. We didn't spend a lot of time talking about how much longer," Mark Nappi, the vice president and program manager of Commercial Crew Program efforts at Boeing, said in the briefing on Thursday.

"It's my regret that we didn't just say, 'We're going to stay up there until we get everything done that we want to go do,'" Nappi said.

Boeing's Starliner spaceship, which Williams and Wilmore flew on, docked at the space station 262 miles above Egypt. NASA

NASA had pre-ordained a maximum of 45 days for Starliner's stay, based on how its batteries might perform in space.

As of Friday, the astronauts and their spaceship had been on the station for 51 days.

Now NASA says Williams and Wilmore might stay there until mid-August while Boeing's troubleshooting continues. The agency has extended the 45-day battery waiver to 90 days.

"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," Stich said in the briefing.

NASA's plan to bring the astronauts home

It was the second press conference in about a week where NASA announced there was still no return date.

That's because the agency is testing a spare Starliner thruster at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico and hasn't finished yet. Engineers have been replicating the thruster issues that developed while Williams' and Wilmore's ship was on its way to the space station.

The next step is replicating the return journey, Stich said, to see if Starliner's thrusters could safely bring the astronauts home.

"NASA always has contingency options. We know a little bit of what those are, and we haven't worked on them a whole bunch, but we kind of know what those are," Stich said. "But right now we're really focused on bringing Butch and Suni home on Starliner."

In the meantime, both NASA and Boeing have repeatedly said, Williams and Wilmore are safe.

"Someday Starliner could be a backup to a Dragon mission," Stich added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
NATO has selected AIrbus, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin Sikorsky to provide concept studies for the Next Generation Rotor Craft.

NATO, seeking to replace its aging fleet of helicopters, awarded three contracts on Friday to provide parallel concept studies for a new medium-lift, multirole rotorcraft. The alliance hopes to field that aircraft beginning in 2035.

Airbus Helicopters, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky, and Leonardo were each awarded 13-month contracts to provide those studies under NATOs Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program.

Dubbed Concept Study #5, the goal is to provide a broad range of potential concepts to help participating nations choose what kind of vertical lift platform they want in the future. The NGRC program initiative began in 2022 and includes France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It was initially created with 26.7 million ($28.98 million) dedicated to defining the future of their helicopter fleets. The United States and Spain are currently acting as observers.

The contracts will provide perspectives on potential platform concepts aiming to identify and exploit cutting-edge technologies to meet operational and supportability capabilities, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the alliances purchasing unit, said in a statement. They will also seek innovation in digital design and development processes and advanced materials and manufacturing.

A RAF Puma helicopter from 230 Squadron flies in formation with a Chinook (27(R) Squadron) over RAF Cosford. UK Ministry of Defense

In parallel, these three contractors will provide valuable, independent perspectives on potential integrated platform concepts that can meet the NGRC challenge, aiming to identify and exploit cutting-edge technologies to meet the NGRC operational and supportability capabilities, as well as seeking innovation in digital design and development processes and advanced materials and manufacturing, according to NSPA.

A significant amount of the medium multi-role assets currently in service by Allies will reach the end of their life cycle in the 2035-40 period and beyond, with the subsequent need for replacements, according to NATO. The alliance currently flies AW101s, UH-60 Black Hawks, Super Pumas and NH90s.

An NH-90 helicopter assigned to the French Navy Aquitaine class frigate Provence (D652) lands on the flight deck of the Ticonderoga class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) during a bilateral exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Flewellyn/Released

These existing inventories are all based on designs dating back to the previous century, NATO stated. The aim of the NGRC initiative is to respond to this upcoming requirement, in a timely and cost-effective manner, while concurrently leveraging a broad range of recent advances in technology, production methods, and operational concepts.

At this stage in the process, NATO is agnostic when it comes to the choice of a traditional helicopter or non-traditional rotary aircraft. The alliance does, however, have many required attributes that the ultimate winning design must have, according to procurement documents.

Included among many others is that the fly-away cost should be no greater than 35 million ($38.05 million) and the cost per flight hour should optimally be 5,000 ($5,400) but no greater than 10,000 (($10,870) based on 2021 values.

In addition, the aircraft must be optionally crewed with a remotely piloted option. They need to perform a wide range of missions and rapidly switch between configurations. The future rotorcraft need an optimal cruising speed of 220 kts or more and be able to team with drones, launch and recover smaller drones, and operate drone swarms as well.

Airbus is partnering with RTXs Collins Aerospace and Raytheon businesses and MBDA on a concept it said will likely be based on its innovative Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft (RACER) high-speed helicopter. That design replaced the traditional tail rotor with a pair of propellers on either side of the aircraft.

RACER is a civilian aircraft funded by the Clean Sky program from the European Commission and Airbus doesnt see converting it into a military one. However, it will incorporate the lessons learned from that design into what it will present to NATO, the company said in a statement.

The hybrid concept however could be used for a military platform after significant development studies, the company stated. At the core of our offer, there will be a next-generation rotorcraft (NGR). We think this aircraft should be able to fly fast and go far.

Of note is that the concept art provided by Airbus features the traditional rotor plus propellers to the rear on either side of the aircraft plus a tail rotor. It also features hardpoints for missiles and other stores on both sides of the fuselage. In addition, the rendering also includes four armed drones accompanying the aircraft.

Airbus will present a concept based on its RACER high-speed helicopter. Airbus rendering

Lockheed Martin Sikorskys concept will be based on the Sikorsky X2 compound-pusher, rigid-rotor technology demonstrators with input from lessons learned from Lockheed Martins S-97 Raider.

With more than $1 billion invested and 15 years of testing and flying, X2 rotorcraft, Sikorskys X2 aircraft are demonstrating mission relevance, Andy Adams, vice president of Sikorsky Future Vertical Lift, said in a statement. The S-97 Raider technology demonstrators rigorous flight test program continues to provide critical data that correlates to a virtual prototype and enables Sikorsky to experiment with the unique capabilities that an X2 Technology rotorcraft can provide.

Lockheed Martin Sikorskys concept will be based on X2 technology. Lockheed Martin rendering

Leonardo, which is partnering with Bell, will pitch a tilt-rotor concept. Bell worked with Boeing to create the V-22 Osprey, which has long been in service with the Air Force, Navy and Marines despite numerous problems. The companys V-280 Valor has posted hundreds of flight hours in its flight test campaign and notched more than the 280 knots speed it was named for and designed to achieve.

The requirements set under the NGRC initiative imply capabilities that would best be delivered by a fast rotorcraft architecture, also including high speed and long range, Bell said in a statement. Our proposal will be developed around advanced tiltrotor concept studies, leveraging the solid and established experience of the Leonardo consortium team. These studies will benefit from the collaboration among the key leading industry players grouped in our consortium, including Bell, General Electric, Hensoldt, Leonardo DRS, MBDA Italia, NLR, Rolls Royce and Safran. The team is committed to delivering strong conceptual solutions to fulfill the operational requirements expressed by NATO.

The Valor demonstrator during a test flight. Bell The Valor demonstrator during a test flight. (Bell)

The NATO Study #5 contract award breathes new life into the aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin Sikorsky.

In February, the U.S. Army canceled one of its highest-profile aviation programs, the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA). The companys Raider-X prototype was one of two finalists for that contract. Bells 360 Invictus was the other prototype in that program. You can read more about that in our deep dive here.

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martins SB-1 Defiant lost out to Bells V-280 Valor in the competition for the Armys Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. The fact that Bell is now moving forward on the U.S. Armys future medium-lift helicopter could give it a major leg up a final competition for this new helicopter, especially considering how risky new rotary-wing technology can be. Also of interest is that no mention is made of the SB-1 Defiant, which is the bigger brother of the Raider-X, an aircraft much closer in size and capabilities to what NATO is looking for here.

The contracts awarded today are part of a five-phased NATO study effort to develop a rotorcraft that can meet its future needs.

Vertical multi-role capabilities play a crucial role in the force structure of NATO Allies, NATO said in its justification for the NGRC program. Within this context, medium multi-role helicopters offer a large degree of versatility. Their operational use incorporates a wide range of missions, including tactical operations.

Those missions include insertion and extraction of Special Operation Forces; transport of small and medium-sized cargo and troops into, out of, and within operational theaters; medical evacuation; search and rescue; and anti-submarine warfare.

The size of the medium-lift rotorcraft allows them to take off and land in topographically restricted areas, such as forest glades or mountain ranges, adding to their operational flexibility, NATO added.

There is still a long way to go in this program and it will be years before a down select for one particular concept is made. Even getting to that point will be a challenge as all multi-national aircraft development and procurement efforts are fraught with pitfalls. There is also huge upside in scale and commonality to be realized if successful. Still, todays contract awards represent a significant step in an attempt to realize a new common NATO medium-lift helicopter.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Nazi orders for Jews to wear a star were hateful, but far from unique  a historian traces the long history of antisemitic badges

Growing up in Belgium, Id hear the story of how my grandparents married during the Nazi occupation. It was not a time for celebrations, particularly for Jewish families like theirs. Naively, though, they thought marriage would protect them from being separated should they be deported. So in June 1942, they went to city hall with their loved ones  decorated, as my grandmother would say, with yellow stars.

Hearing that story as a child, I imagined them in dark clothes with shiny stars, each one a human Christmas tree  a celebratory image that only existed in my brain. Her most vivid memory of that day were the looks in peoples eyes: stares of curiosity, pity and contempt. The yellow star had transformed them, in onlookers eyes, from joyous newlyweds into miserable Jews.

Decades later, I completed a Ph.D. on the history of forcing Jewish people to wear a badge. My grandmother called to congratulate me  and, I soon understood, to unburden herself of a story shed never told before.

When the Nazis issued the law forcing Jewish Belgians to wear a yellow star in May 1942, my grandmothers future father-in-law declared that he would not wear it. The whole family tried to persuade him otherwise, fearing the consequences. But it was in vain, and in the end, my grandmother stitched the star on his coat.

I could hear her voice trembling on the phone as she told me she still could not forgive herself. Their wedding two weeks later would be the last time she saw him: He died in 1945 after being released from a transit camp and a detention home for elderly Jews, spending two years in terrible conditions.

Although the yellow badge has come to symbolize Nazi cruelty, it was not an original idea. For many centuries, communities throughout Europe had forced Jewish residents to mark themselves.

Yellow wheels and pointed hats

In lands under Muslim rule, non-Muslims had been required to wear identifying marks since the Pact of Umar, a ruling attributed to a seventh-century caliph, though scholars believe it originated later. These were usually a yellow belt, called zunnar, or a yellow turban.

In Europe, forced markings for Jews and Muslims were introduced by Pope Innocent III at the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215. The pope explained that it was a means to prevent Christians from having sex with Jews and Muslims, thereby protecting society from such prohibited intercourse.

However, the pope did not specify how Jews or Muslims dress had to be different, resulting in various distinguishing signs. Ways to make Jews visible in the cities and towns of medieval Europe abounded: from yellow wheels in France, blue stripes in Sicily, yellow pointed hats in Germany and red capes in Hungary to white badges shaped like the Ten Commandments tablets in England. Since there were no large Muslim communities in Europe at the time, except for Spain, the regulation only applied to Jews in practice.

A manuscript illustration of Englands expulsion of Jews in 1290 shows figures wearing badges shaped like the Ten Commandments tablets. British Library/Wikimedia Commons

In northern Italy, Jews had to wear a yellow, round badge in the 15th century and a yellow hat in the 16th century. The reason typically given was that they were unrecognizable from the rest of the population. For Christian authorities, unmarked Jews were like gambling, drinking and prostitution: All represented the moral failings of Renaissance society and needed to be fixed.

Pretext for persecution

However, as I explain in my book, Jews were often arrested for not wearing the yellow badge or hat, sometimes while traveling away from home in places where no one knew them.

Clearly, then, Jews were recognizable from Christians in other ways. The true aim of forcing Jews to wear emblems was not merely to identify them, as authorities claimed, but to target them.

My research showed that laws imposing a badge or hat functioned as means to threaten and extort Jewish communities. Jews were willing to pay considerable sums to retract such laws or soften their provisions. For example, Jews requested exemptions for women, children or travelers. When communal negotiations failed, wealthy individual Jews tried to negotiate for themselves and their families.

Jews in pointed hats receive confirmation of their privileges from Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII, in the Codex Trevirensis from around 1340. Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Badge laws were frequently reissued, which has led scholars to conclude that their enforcement was inconsistent; after all, a legal directive that is steadily applied does not need to be reimposed. But with the risk of arrest and extortion hanging over the heads of Jewish communities, and their willingness to pay or negotiate to avoid these consequences, badge laws had adverse effects on Jewish life even when not enforced.

In the Duchy of Piedmont in modern-day Italy, for example, Jewish communities banded together to pay additional taxes, sometimes several times in the same year, to receive exemptions from wearing the Jewish badge. Although the Jews cohesion was remarkable, it had a high cost, as these communities ended up ruined and leaving the duchy.

When Italian Jews asked authorities to cancel or at least amend badge laws, they were not primarily worried about being recognized as Jews. The problem was being mocked or attacked. Violence had accompanied badge laws since their inception: Just a few years later, Pope Innocent III wrote to French bishops that they needed to take every possible measure to ensure that the badge did not expose the Jews to the danger of loss of life.

Yet harassment continued. Sometime in the 1560s, for example, the governor of Milan received a a letter from Lazarino Pugieto and Moyses Fereves, bankers from Genoa, explaining that bandits had robbed them after recognizing them as Jews. In 1572, Raffaele Carmini and Lazaro Levi, representatives of the communities of Pavia and Cremona, wrote that when Jews wore the yellow hat, youngsters attacked and insulted them. And in 1595, David Sacerdote, a successful musician from Monferrato, complained that he could not play with other musicians when wearing a yellow hat.

In the past, no one noticed me

Centuries later, the yellow star had the same effect.

Max Jacob, a French-Jewish artist and poet, wrote of experiencing a vision of Christ, and he converted to Christianity in 1909. During the Nazi occupation of France, he was nonetheless classified as a Jew and forced to wear the yellow star.

Max Jacob, French poet and painter. Sasha/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In the prose poem Love of the Neighbor, he wrote about the deep shame he experienced.

Who saw the toad cross the street? he asked. No one had noticed it, despite his clownish, grimy appearance and weak leg. In the past, no one noticed me in the street either, Jacob added, but now kids mock my yellow star. Happy toad! you do not have a yellow star.

The Nazi context differed significantly from Renaissance Italys: There were no negotiations or exceptions, not even for large payments. But the mockery by children, the loss of status, and the shame remained.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Flora Cassen, Washington University in St. Louis

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Flora Cassen does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
In NC politics, the governor has often been Jan to the legislatures Marcia. Until now.

North Carolina Republicans have a legislative supermajority, which is great news if youre a Democratic governor who needs to slip out of the office on a Friday afternoon to crank the siren at a Carolina Hurricanes fan event.

For more than a year  since Rep. Tricia Cotham changed from a D to an R  Gov. Roy Coopers job has had the pizzazz of instant oatmeal.

Attend ribbon-cutting and dirt-shoveling ceremonies here and there, get snarky with Republican lawmakers and occasionally call into the Joe Ovies & Joe Giglio podcast to talk about the Canes and ACC sports.

His legislative agenda is like a Pilates class a lot of repetitive stretching followed by silent wincing. First, present an annual budget that is summarily ignored. And then veto Republican-backed bills that get overridden like a point guard driving the lane on Armando Bacot.

In Brady Bunch parlance, the governor has been Jan and House Speaker Tim Moore his Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.

But politics can have the feel of a sitcom or a high-number cable channel reality show. There are twists that can turn silent sufferers into TikTok trenders.

Suddenly, Roy Cooper overshadows the legislature

Thats how the instant oatmeal life of a Democratic governor overshadowed by a Republican legislature in a so-called swing state suddenly became avocado toast.

For the past week, The News & Observer audience has been fixated on stories about Cooper, his campaign record and whether hell be the vice presidential pick after Kamala Harris officially becomes the Democrats nominee for president.

Kyle Ingrams NC Reality Check story titled If Harris picks NCs Cooper for VP, would that hand the governors job to Mark Robinson? drew a lot of interest and conversation, according to our audience analytics.

And when Cooper held a press gathering on Thursday, The N&Os Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan reported how he demurred and dodged the veep question but dropped a Hollywood-style diss on the other dude who wants to be vice president.

Gov. Roy Cooper answers questions from reporters during a Harris campaign event in Raleigh on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Cooper is on Vice President Kamala Harris short list of potential running mates.

Its a bit surreal how 67-year-old Cooper has been thrust into the trendy stratosphere of young adults disguised as potential voters.

NC Gov. Roy Coopers lengthy career in public service: A life in photos

Harris  at 59 and within a few years of being Social Security eligible  is comparatively a meme queen and brat (both good things apparently) in a social-influencer environment that wont be mistaken for public-policy discussions on C-SPAN.

The age issue and Raleigh

Ageism factors heavily into Americanism these days. And Raleigh helped weave this current discussion.

President Joe Biden was in Raleigh for a June 28 campaign stop one day after his debate with former President Donald Trump. I know Im not a young man, Biden said in an N&O story about the rally. I dont walk as easily as I used to. I dont speak as smoothly as I used to. I dont debate as well as I used to, but I know what I do know. I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong, and I know how to do this job. I know how to get things done.

Then, on July 20, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi came to Raleigh and addressed state Democrats. Pelosi reportedly had advised Biden that he could lose and hamper down-ballot races. The N&O story by Dawn Vaughan had this prescient headline: In NC, Nancy Pelosi says: Elections are about what you are going to do next.

Former Democratic U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi checks her phone before the North Carolina Democratic Party Unity Dinner at the Raleigh Convention Center Saturday, July 20, 2024

The next day, 81-year-old Biden withdrew as the Democratic nominee for president.

The Americanist view leans heavily on respecting wisdom and experience  until we dont. Our impatience explains the shot clock, the pitch clock and even instant oatmeal. Were in a hurry to know whats next. Thats our politics.

And that is why our governors future is more intriguing than his tie selections and sock choices.

The Coop has become colorful. At least for now.

Bill Church is executive editor of The News & Observer. He prefers slow-cooked oatmeal with blueberries and a bit of butter.
Dong Yuhui (second from left) seen during a livestreaming session in Chongqing earlier this month. [Photo/China Daily]

Shares of East Buy Holding Ltd, the livestreaming arm of education company New Oriental, plunged more than 20 percent in Hong Kong on Friday on news that its top influencer Dong Yuhui has resigned on Thursday.

Shares opened 15 percent down and continued to fall to close at HK$9.5 ($1.2), down 23.39 percent.

Earlier on Friday, Yu Minhong, founder of New Oriental, said during a shareholder meeting that he will not be involved in any business or equity interests related to Dong's eponymous venture Time with Yuhui, which operated under East Buy. Yu assured that no well-known influencers will establish independent workshops under East Buy.

Yu said East Buy will collaborate with 800 New Oriental teaching locations to open offline stores to invite consumers to experience products and services sold on its livestreaming channels.

On Thursday, East Buy announced that Dong decided to step down from his roles as an employee and a senior manager of an affiliated entity of the company, effective Thursday.

The company cited Dong's career aspirations and his desire to manage personal time as reasons for his departure. Dong later said in an online post that his exit, together with the independent operation of Time with Yuhui, were mutually agreed upon, based on the current situation and development plans.

Also on Thursday, New Oriental agreed to sell, and Dong agreed to purchase, 100 percent equity of Time with Yuhui for nearly 76.6 million yuan ($10.5 million). The latter saw a net profit of 141 million yuan in less than a year of establishment as of June 30, which Yu said he had requested the board and the compensation committee to give to Dong as a reward. Yu also said he offered Dong the money needed for Time with Yuhui's purchase.

Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation's e-commerce research institute, said the primary conflicts between top streamers and companies centered on pricing and quality control, affecting both the brand's long-term growth and the streamers' reputations.

Following the departure of star streamers, e-commerce operators need to shift toward diversified development. This includes training professional streamers, boosting self-broadcasting capabilities of brands and leveraging artificial intelligence technology.

Dong became a top social media influencer around mid-2022 during a livestreaming session organized by East Buy. Following his rise to fame, East Buy's Douyin followers skyrocketed from 1 million to 20 million within a month.

East Buy's revenue also surged from 601 million yuan in 2022 to 4.51 billion yuan last year. In the first half of this year, the company reported a revenue of 2.79 billion yuan.
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to investors, even if it currently lacks a track record of revenue and profit. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. A loss-making company is yet to prove itself with profit, and eventually the inflow of external capital may dry up.

In contrast to all that, many investors prefer to focus on companies like Fortis (TSE:FTS), which has not only revenues, but also profits. Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide Fortis with the means to add long-term value to shareholders.

View our latest analysis for Fortis

Fortis' Earnings Per Share Are Growing

If you believe that markets are even vaguely efficient, then over the long term you'd expect a company's share price to follow its earnings per share (EPS) outcomes. That makes EPS growth an attractive quality for any company. Fortis managed to grow EPS by 4.7% per year, over three years. While that sort of growth rate isn't anything to write home about, it does show the business is growing.

One way to double-check a company's growth is to look at how its revenue, and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins are changing. This approach makes Fortis look pretty good, on balance; although revenue is flattish, EBIT margins improved from 26% to 28% in the last year. Which is a great look for the company.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. For finer detail, click on the image.

While we live in the present moment, there's little doubt that the future matters most in the investment decision process. So why not check this interactive chart depicting future EPS estimates, for Fortis?

Are Fortis Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Investors are always searching for a vote of confidence in the companies they hold and insider buying is one of the key indicators for optimism on the market. This view is based on the possibility that stock purchases signal bullishness on behalf of the buyer. However, small purchases are not always indicative of conviction, and insiders don't always get it right.

Although we did see some insider selling (worth CA$454k) this was overshadowed by a mountain of buying, totalling CA$1.9m in just one year. This adds to the interest in Fortis because it suggests that those who understand the company best, are optimistic. Zooming in, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by President David Hutchens for CA$1.3m worth of shares, at about CA$52.34 per share.

Story continues

On top of the insider buying, it's good to see that Fortis insiders have a valuable investment in the business. To be specific, they have CA$29m worth of shares. That shows significant buy-in, and may indicate conviction in the business strategy. Even though that's only about 0.1% of the company, it's enough money to indicate alignment between the leaders of the business and ordinary shareholders.

Should You Add Fortis To Your Watchlist?

One positive for Fortis is that it is growing EPS. That's nice to see. On top of that, we've seen insiders buying shares even though they already own plenty. That should do plenty in prompting budding investors to undertake a bit more research - or even adding the company to their watchlists. What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Fortis (of which 1 is significant!) you should know about.

Keen growth investors love to see insider activity. Thankfully, Fortis isn't the only one. You can see a a curated list of Canadian companies which have exhibited consistent growth accompanied by high insider ownership.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

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
(Courtesy of iStock/Getty Images Plus)

LINCOLN  An alternative tax relief measure to be considered by state lawmakers would exempt from property taxes the first $100,000 of a Nebraskans home value.

State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha described his homestead exemption proposal as targeted tax relief to Nebraska homeowners and not, as he said, big out-of-state property owners such as Ted Turner and Bill Gates.

If we are serious about giving relief to homeowners, and not large wealthy landowners, this is a possible solution, Cavanaugh said on social media.

He introduced Legislative Bill 22 Friday, the second day of the special legislative session called by Gov. Jim Pillen to try to alleviate property tax burden for Nebraskans. The Legislature will be entertaining and debating various ways to achieve that goal.

Cavanaugh told the Nebraska Examiner that he sought to focus on the problem people are talking about: Nebraskans, including older people on fixed incomes, who are getting priced out of their own homes because property taxes are rising so high.

He said state funding would cover the loss resulting from the exemption laid out in LB 22, which he estimated might cost roughly $900 million the first year. He estimated that it would offer an individual household in Omaha a $2,200 annual break.

Possible ways to cover the cost, Cavanaugh said, could include pausing income tax cuts or repealing the Perkins County Canal project and directing funds toward property tax relief. The Legislature appropriated $574 million in 2023 toward the controversial canal initiative, still in its planning phase, that would ensure Colorado sends water Nebraska is owed based on a century-old South Platte River Compact.

LB 22, Cavanaugh said, is aimed at owner-occupied homes. (Separate legislation, he noted, has been introduced already that aims to provide relief to renters.)

He described his proposal as a more universal homestead exemption that would not replace, but rather add to the current Nebraska homestead exemption program. The existing program is a property tax relief program only for certain categories of homeowners, including income-eligible people over 65 years of age, qualified disabled individuals and qualified totally disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.

This would be meaningful tax relief to most Nebraskans, Cavanaugh said.

State Sen. Jen Day of the Omaha area on Friday also introduced a proposal related to homestead exemptions. Her Legislative Bill 30 focuses on expanding benefits to certain other levels of disabled veterans and surviving spouses.

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Citizens of Omaha Nebraska protest the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade provided women the right to choose to have an abortion

The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld a state law banning most abortions after 12 weeks and restricting gender-affirming care for transgender people under 19.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and its medical director, Dr. Sarah Traxler, had sued over the law. They were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Nebraska, and Powers Law. They argued that the law, Legislative Bill 574, violates the Nebraska constitution, which stipulates that any piece of legislation should deal with one subject only.

Lancaster County District Court Judge Lori Maret dismissed their suit last August, and they appealed to the state Supreme Court. The high court ruled Friday that the law doesnt violate the constitution because both of its subjects deal with health care.

Because the suit was filed at the state level, the Nebraska Supreme Courts ruling is the final word on it. Asked if there were plans to file a federal suit, ACLU of Nebraska Executive Director Mindy Rush-Chipman said in a Friday press conference that various options were under consideration.

The trans care restrictions had been subject to a filibuster led by Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh, who vowed to block every bill pending in Nebraskas one-chamber, officially nonpartisan legislature in order to keep the anti-trans measure from passing. However, her fellow lawmakers eventually overcame that filibuster. The legislature folded the 12-week abortion ban into the anti-trans bill and passed the combined measure in May 2023. Republican Gov. Jim Pillen signed it into law within days. The abortion ban took effect immediately, and the trans care regulations went into effect October 1.

The anti-trans provisions ban surgery, both genital and nongenital, for the purpose of gender transition for anyone under 19. An earlier form of LB 574 would have banned puberty blockers and hormone treatment as well as surgery. Genital surgeries are almost never performed on minors. However, the legislation gave the states chief medical officer, appointed by the governor, the power to regulate use of puberty blockers and hormones.

Under Nebraska Chief Medical Officer Timothy Tesmer's regulations, patients under the age of 19 are required to undergo 40 gender-identity-focused contact hours of therapy before receiving puberty blockers or hormone therapy. These counseling sessions are supposedly meant to "be clinically objective and non-biased," but are explicitly required to not merely affirm the patients beliefs. Patients have to undergo further counseling while receiving the treatment.

Mental health counseling is always a part of gender-affirming care, but these regulations go far beyond what health professionals normally recommend and put up barriers to care, especially for low- and middle-income families, Abbi Swatsworth, executive director of OutNebraska, said in the press conference. OutNebraska has partnered with the Trans Youth Emergency Project to help Nebraska families access care, both in the state and elsewhere.

Planned Parenthood officials pointed out that abortion is still legal in Nebraska up to the 12th week of pregnancy. After that, an abortion may be performed only if the pregnancy results from rape or incest, or if it poses a threat to the pregnant person's life. A coalition called Protect Our Rights is seeking to put a measure on the November ballot that would write abortion rights into the Nebraska Constitution. The coalition has gathered 207,000 petition signatures out of the 123,000 it needed to get the question on the ballot, and the secretary of state's office is in the process of verifying them.

Anti-abortion activists are trying to put a measure on the ballot as well. It would amend the state constitution to ban abortions after the first trimester except in cases of a medical emergency or if the pregnancy was caused by incest or sexual assault.
State agencies received an executive order on July 25 directing them to clear homeless encampments on public property across the California, allowing local governments to more swiftly sweep tent cities in the coming weeks.

Gov. Gavin Newsoms order comes in the wake of the Supreme Courts Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling on June 28, which gave state and local governments the green light to enforce anti-camping ordinances even when there are insufficient shelter beds to accommodate each homeless person under their jurisdiction. Many Northern California cities quickly issued their support for municipalities newly-expanded powers, with officials stating they were considering next steps to sweep public property and respond to the needs of homeless people ousted from their encampments.

City governments pursuing encampment clearings expressed gratitude for the executive order, as assistance from state agencies will speed up the removal process and save them funding. But homelessness advocacy groups reacted with dismay, expressing concerns that the order will deprive hundreds of thousands of homeless people of their property, leave them without spaces to live and encourage police departments to criminally penalize them.

It was strange seeing Californias liberal governor backing the ultra-conservative Supreme Court majority, but it is even more perverse to see him go full throttle in criminalizing poverty, wrote Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Fund, which oversees the organization Housing Is A Human Right. Governor Newsom, where do you expect people to go?

Folsom

Folsom police Chief Rick Hillman said that the departments homeless outreach (HOT) team will continue to work on clearing the 13 known encampments still standing after weeks of tent city removals. The HOT commenced operations on July 1, and it has since swept about half a dozen encampments, according to Hillman.

He stressed that the citys approach to engaging with tent city residents usually does not involve arrests or legal penalties, unless a resident is determined to destroy some areas with debris and garbage. Instead, he said, the HOTs goal is to connect them with resources when their encampments are dismantled. Before clearing an encampment space, police meet with residents and post a 72-hour notice listing tools for assistance, in addition to coordinating with the volunteer group Jakes Journey Home to help them access resources like temporary housing, social security cards and mental health services. Hillman added that the HOT has helped four former homeless encampment residents secure housing in the past month.

The tents of a homeless encampment are concealed deep within the Willow Creek sensitive habitat area, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, in Folsom on Friday. Camps on state-owned land would be directly affected by Gov. Gavin Newsoms new executive order.

Tanja Steiner, who has lived homeless in Folsom for four years, gives her dog Tarzan a kiss as she moves her belongings in a cart Friday on their way to a recycling center on Sunrise Boulevard.

Its not just bringing in crews to take everything away, Hillman said. Our goal is to continue to keep our areas in their clean, natural state that they were in and to offer people services and get people help, rather than get people into the criminal justice system.

But it may take some time to take down the remaining 13 encampments known to the city. Efforts to remove tent cities have often posed financial challenges for Folsom: their hired contractors charge thousands of dollars to clear each encampment, a process that usually takes several days. Gov. Newsoms order will likely save the city tens of thousands by sending state agencies to perform clearings instead of these companies. Hillman said he believes that state agencies will assist the city in their efforts to accommodate the needs of homeless people, beyond facilitating encampment removals.

Chico

In the wake of the Grants Pass decision, Chico city manager Mark Sorensen lauded the ruling. But given the stipulations in a 2022 federal court settlement between the city and a group of homeless people in Warren v. Chico, the city could not yet use the Supreme Court decision to enforce anti-camping laws, he noted in a July 1 statement.

At the time, Sorensen wrote that the federal court order resulting from Warren v. Chico severely restricts and delays the City of Chicos ability to enforce a variety of historically normal, reasonable and common laws to achieve public safety and public health objectives, and to properly maintain public spaces.

The terms from the settlement are still in place, so regardless of the executive order, Chico will be unable to move forward with encampment removals until a federal court strikes down or modifies the Warren v. Chico stipulation. Following Gov. Newsoms order, Sorensen stated that within the next two weeks, the city of Chico expects to find judicial relief from the Warren v. Chico order by filing a motion pursuant to Rule 60 of the Federal Rules Procedure, which allows federal courts to review and correct mistakes in past orders related to oversight and omission issues.

Placer County

Chris Gray-Garcia, the Placer County deputy director of communications and public affairs, wrote that the county is continuing to evaluate the effects of the U.S. Supreme Court decision on existing services and plans to continue enforcement of its camping and personal property storage ordinance.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance regulating encampments in 2022, which allowed camping by necessity in permitted areas when sufficient shelter space was unavailable. The legislation also authorized encampment clearings based on health and sanitation needs in public spaces.

According to Gray-Garcia, the countys mobile temporary shelter at Placer County Government Center in North Auburn has effectively curbed camping on public land. The mobile shelter, which debuted in 2023 after a 70-tent encampment was removed from the site, consists of an open space where about 50 tents equipped with cots and bedding are organized in lines. The lot is located next to a county facility providing referrals to social services, in addition to warming and cooling centers during extreme weather conditions.

In early 2024, Placer Countys Point-in-Time survey recorded 366 unsheltered homeless individuals still living in the county.

Are communities ready for the sweeps?

Scott Silverman, a California addiction recovery counselor who works with homeless people, said that large shelters must focus on helping individuals develop paths to self-sufficiency in order to prevent their return to encampments. He added that some people may opt to live in encampments because they feel unsafe or unsupported in shelters. Since the executive order states that California agencies must request outreach services from local providers  without any directives requiring such provisions to be secured before encampments are cleared  Silverman predicted that many communities may be unprepared to shelter and provide services to upwards of thousands of homeless people.

Youre dealing with a very vulnerable population, and they decided they want to live outside because either A., they dont want a structured environment; or B., there arent structured environments where they can live where they feel safe, Silverman said. Its going to create a tsunami of unhappiness and in many cases put a lot of people in harms way.
Next generation Air Force refueling tanker sought by the 128th will be at Air and Water Show.

The annual Waterstone Bank Air and Water Show kicks off Saturday, and will include an appearance by a KC-46A Pegasus -- a next generation tanker that officials hope to bring to the 128th Air Refueling Wing at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport.

Leaders of the 128th hope the appearance of the KC-46A will boost enthusiasm for the mission of the air refueling wing, and highlight a move to upgrade the aircraft the facility uses.

Here's what to know about the appearance of this huge aircraft at the show.

What is the 128th Air Refueling Wing?

128th Air Refueling Wing is part of the Wisconsin Air National Guard Base located at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The wing participates in national and international missions, and provides critical aerial refueling services for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.

Since 1977, the operations have been conducted using the KC-135 Stratotanker.

What do tanker planes do?

These planes allow fighter jet pilots to refuel their aircraft midflight, saving time and optimizing distance covered.

What's wrong with the old model?

Officials say the 10 KC-135 tankers at the base are outdated and lack the capabilities available on the newer aircraft. The Stratotankers were built between 1955 and 1965.

"The biggest risk to aging aircraft is metal fatigue and corrosion," said Col. Charles Merkel, commander of the 128th. "We do a great job managing that, and the airplanes are very safe to fly, but age is always a concern."

What features does the KC-46 offer?

The KC-46A Pegasus, or KC-46 for short, offers increased cargo and fuel capacity. The tanker can store 212,000 pounds of fuel and 65,000 pounds of cargo. It can hold up to 58 passengers, and the plane's tough exterior allows it to weather even the most difficult conditions.

"The KC-46 brings better integrated avionics, increased situational awareness, built-in self-protection systems, and increased cargo capacity," Merkel said.

How would the addition of the KC-46 boost the community?

The annual economic impact of 128th on the community totals $83 million and the base employs about 1,650 people. Attaining the KC-46 would cement the base's flying mission in Milwaukee for years to come, Merkel said.

Securing the tanker will also boost the economy in the short-term, he said. If the KC-46 is obtained, the base will need updating to host the tanker, such as a larger aircraft ramp and new hangars. That new construction would provide an estimated $250 million impact to local construction workers, the 128th says.

There are 15 other military bases vying for the new model, and the 128th will learn later this year if it places within the top five candidates.

"I'm confident that the base will continue on in the future if we don't get selected, but we don't want to pass up on the opportunity," Merkel said.

When will the KC-46 fly during the Air and Water Show?

The tanker will fly between 2:45 and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. By exhibiting the KC-46 during the airshow, Merkel hopes to build awareness and increase local support.

"It's such a great opportunity to get out there and show the public what we do."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New refueling tanker sought by 128th Air Wing will fly at Air Show
KENSINGTON  Authorities have identified the man shot and killed July 22 after an hours-long standoff with police at a home on Olivia Lane in Kensington.

Anthony J. Previte, 29, of Kensington, was armed when he was fatally shot in a police-involved shooting, according to the state attorney general's office.

The shooting took place hours after officers responded to Olivia Lane at about 12:05 p.m. Monday, July 22, to follow up on a mental health call from the previous night. According to the state police, Kensington officers received information about a male in the home criminally threatening another occupant.

Police have identified the man shot and killed July 22 after an hours-long standoff with police at a home on Olivia Lane in Kensington.

The Seacoast Emergency Response Team and the Strafford County Regional Tactical Operations Unit responded. A multi-hour standoff followed, and police warned the public to shelter in place due to a "possible barricaded person with a firearm."

Shortly after 10:30 p.m., during an "ensuing encounter with the armed male," six police officers discharged their firearms, and one officer discharged a less-lethal munition, according to the state's attorney general's office.

Police said life-saving measures were attempted at the scene, but Previte died from injuries sustained.

The state attorney general's office announced Friday that an autopsy on Previte was conducted by Chief Medical Examiner Jennie V. Duval.

Duval determined that the cause of his death was gunshot wounds to the head and chest, and the manner of death was homicide. As used by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another.

The state's attorney general's office said the investigation by the New Hampshire Department of Justice, with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police Major Crimes Unit, is ongoing. The identity of the officers using deadly force will not be disclosed until formal interviews take place. Interviews, they said, are expected to take place in the next five to 10 business days.

"The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain actively under investigation," according to a release from the state's attorney general's office.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH AG identifies man killed in police-involved shooting in Kensington
Veterans, like the Chelsea Pensioners, are commonly asked to give blood because they normally know their blood type, having been tested during service - Max Mumby/Indigo

Military veterans are being urged to come forward to assist with a national shortage of O negative blood.

Health chiefs are appealing to those with such backgrounds because they normally know their blood type, having been tested during service.

NHS Blood and Transplant is currently urging anyone with O-type blood to come forward.

There is a particular shortage of O negative blood, with a warning issued on Thursday when there was less than two days supply left.

The crisis has been fuelled by the recent cyber attack on London hospitals, which has left hospitals unable to match blood types as quickly as normal.

As a result, hospitals are relying heavily on O negative blood, which can be used by anyone.

Officials are also seeking to boost supplies of O positive blood, which can be used by men and women past child-bearing age.

Health officials say the shortages are being exacerbated by high numbers of unfilled appointments as the summer holidays get underway.

NHS Blood and Transplant is now launching a drive targeting military veterans who already know they are O negative.

Mark Chambers, Director of Donor Experience at NHS Blood and Transplant said: We urgently need O negative donors to book an appointment to donate.

Were especially appealing to military veterans who already know they have the life-saving O negative blood type. We call these vital donors our first responders and urge more veterans to come forward and join our volunteer force.

On Thursday health chiefs issued an Amber Alert because blood shortages had reached unprecedented levels, with just 1.6 days left of O negative blood.

NHS trusts have been told to restrict the use of all O type blood to essential cases, while donors are being urged to come forward and book appointments.

Some operations may be delayed to manage limited blood stocks and reduce demand for transfusions.

There is a particular shortage of O negative blood, which can be given to any person of any blood type - ALAMY

Hospitals have been told that planned surgery should only be delayed if it is lower priority - with the delay used to provide treatment for anaemia, reducing the chance of a transfusion being needed when the operation goes ahead.

By Friday stocks of O negative were back to two days supply, but NHSBT said much of this was because hospitals had reduced their usage of blood.

A spokesman for NHSBT said there had been a fantastic uplift in calls and bookings in the aftermath of the appeal which should make a difference in days to come.

NHS Blood and Transplant said the appeal on Thursday saw an extra 13,000 appointments booked within 24 hours.

However, 40,000 appointments remain available between now and September.

The spokesman urged those unable to get an immediate appointment to keep checking availability in coming days, weeks and months, saying there was a need to keep this momentum to sufficiently sustain stocks.

The amber alert is the second to be issued by NHS Blood and Transplant.

In October 2022 it said blood stocks were low because of staff shortages and a change in donor behaviour in the wake of the pandemic which meant donors were less likely to travel to centres.

However, donor numbers have fallen following NHSBTs decision to scrap the system of walk-in donation in 2017, along with the use of bloodmobiles, which used to visit high streets and workplaces

NHSBT said fewer donors were needed, and that it aimed to better target appeals to the types of blood that was needed, with fewer small sessions.

However as a result donors often have to travel further and many complain about struggles to navigate online booking.

The latest figures show around 800,000 active donors, compared with 850,000 when the changes were introduced.

The Health Secretary on Friday said the NHS app should be changed to tell patients their blood type and target those who can help when stocks are low, the Health Secretary has said.

Wes Streeting said he was really worried about national shortages of O negative blood, which have forced hospitals to restrict their use of it.

He is to meet with health officials to examine ways to change the NHS app so that blood type is automatically stored on the app, once it has been recorded.

The Health Secretary said he had tried to find out his blood type after the appeal for blood in the wake of the cyber attack on London hospitals, only to find it was not recorded on the app, nor held by his GP, despite having undergone repeated blood tests.

Mr Streeting found out he was unable to give blood, because of his recent history of kidney cancer.

But he said the NHS should make changes, so that such information is routinely stored, enabling mass targeting of the population when particular blood stocks run low.

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FILE PHOTO: A general view shows the damage at a camp for displaced people after an attack by suspected members of the Islamist Boko Haram insurgency in Dalori

By Camillus Eboh

ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian courts convicted 125 Boko Haram Islamist militants and financiers of a series of terrorism-related offences in a mass trial this week, the attorney-general's office said.

A Boko Haram insurgency has killed thousands of people and displaced millions since it began in 2009, creating a humanitarian crisis in northeastern Nigeria and putting pressure on the government to bring the conflict to an end.

Kamarudeen Ogundele, the spokesman of the Attorney-General's office, said in a statement late on Friday that "they were convicted of charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, and cases relating to International Criminal Courts (ICC) criminality".

The last mass trials of Boko Haram suspects took place between 2017 and 2018, where 163 people were convicted and 887 set free.

Ogundele added that from the previous convictions, 400 defendants who had completed their sentences were moved to a rehabilitation centre known as Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State, northeast Nigeria "for rehabilitation, deradicalisation and subsequent reintegration".

Boko Haram kidnapped more than 270 girls from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok in April 2014, an attack that sparked outrage and gave rise to the global "#Bring Back Our Girls" campaign, though more than half of the girls have returned, many as mothers of multiple children.

The breakdown of the latest convictions showed that 85 peeople were convicted for terrorism financing, 22 for ICC related crimes, while the rest were convicted for terrorism.

(Reporting by Camillus Eboh, Editing by William Maclean)
City of Nixa hires new director of communications

The City of Nixa has announced the hiring of Summer Rascoll-Jones as the new director of communications, according to a press release. Rascoll-Jones will begin her role in Nixa on Aug. 5. She will be tasked with leading Nixa's communications departments through public information, media relations, community engagement and marketing.

Summer Rascoll-Jones

A native of New Orleans, Rascoll-Jones has been in the Ozarks off and on since 2009. Her family moved as Hurricane Katrina refugees, which sparked her passion for crisis communication and city government.

Rascoll-Jones holds a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism and political science from Missouri State University. After five years in TV news as a reporter and news anchor, she earned her master's degree in communications from Drury University in 2019. She has worked in healthcare, training and development, recruitment, internal communications and marketing. She has also taught public speaking at Ozarks Technical Community College.

Springfield Police Department honors three promotions

On July 17, the Springfield Police Department recognized the promotions of three professional staff members.

(Pictured left to right) Dawn McGrath, Deborah Simpson, Whitney Layton.

Promoted to Investigative Services Specialist were:

Dawn McGrath

Deborah Simpson

Promoted to Crime Research Analyst was:

Whitney Layton

Free SBDC business workshops coming to Stone County

The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp, designed with aspiring entreprenuers and new small business owners in mind, has successfully graduated nearly 130 entrepreneurs across southern Missouri since December. Now, the program is coming to Stone County Sept. 19 through Nov. 14.

This program is so impactful to our participants as they navigate how to start and grow their business, said Sandra Smart, business consultant and technology and commercialization specialist at the Missouri SBDC at MSU.

Participants will:

Join a peer network of small business owners;

Learn from successfuly entrepreneuers and guest speakers;

Discover resources that they'll need to start and grow a business;

Find best practices for business planning.

In the program, participants learn foundational knowledge and skills about starting and growing a business. Topics include:

Market research and analysis;

Protecting your business and intellectual property;

Financial management and protections;

Marketing channels and reaching customer segments;

Building, compensating, and managing your team;

Accessing capital.

This program will be held on Thursday nights at the Table Rock Chamber of Commerce in Branson West at 16407 State Highway 13. You can sign up for this Early-Stage Business Boot Camp online by visiting efactory.missouristate.edu/bootcamp.

Lake Regional welcomes CFO Littleton

Lake Regional Health System has welcomed Paula Littleton to serve as the organization's chief financial officer, effective July 22.

Paula Littleton

Littleton, a CPA and certified health care professional, has 20 years of health care experience. Before joining Lake Regional, she served as CFO of critical access region for Saint Luke's Health System, overseeing the financial operations of four nonprofit hospitals. She previously worked for 14 years for MU Health Care, earning the role of senior director of finance and controller.

Health care finance requires leaders who have strong critical thinking skills and the ability to pull teams together to work toward common goals, said Kevin McRoberts, CEO of Lake Regional. We are pleased to have Paula join our leadership team as we work to meet our mission to provide exceptional health care while ensuring a sound financial future.

Three retire after serving long careers with SPD

After long careers serving the Springfield community, three officers are retiring from the Springfield Police Department.

Those retiring are:

Lt. Tonya Price . Price retires with more than 25 years of service at SPD. She began her career with SPD in 1998 as an intern and then as a police services representative before joining the 45th police academy in May 1999. She was promoted to corporal in 2008, where she served on patrol as a Major Crimes Investigator, in the Financial Crimes Unit, and as Special Events Coordinator in the Community Services Section. In 2014, Price was promoted to sergeant. She returned to patrol and then moved to supervise the Professional Standards and Crime Analysis Unit. Price was promoted to lieutenant in 2020.

Lt. Jeremy Anderson . Anderson began his career as an officer with the Webb City Police Department and the Newton County Sherriffs Department before joining SPDs 50th police academy in 2002. Before promoting to corporal in 2010, Anderson served eight years on patrol. As corporal, Anderson was assigned to the Property Crimes Unit and selected to the Traffic Sections Leaving the Scene of an Accident Unit. When he was promoted to sergeant in 2015, he was selected as the Traffic Section supervisor. In 2020, Anderson was promoted to lieutenant where he briefly served as a patrol commander before being selected as the Traffic Section commander. Anderson retires with more than 22 years of service at SPD.

Cpl. Kevin Brown. With two years of experience as an officer in Aurora, Brown was hired by SPD as part of the 48th police academy. Graduating in 2001 as class valedictorian, Brown spent five years on patrol training officers and frequently worked as a Major Crimes Investigator. Brown was promoted to corporal in 2007. He has served in the Financial Crimes Unit, as a member of the Homicide Response Team, as well as a member of the Secret Service Task Force, and as a hostage negotiator. He was assigned to the Internal Affairs Unit in 2015, where he would spend the remainder of his time at SPD. Brown retires with more than 23 years of service at SPD.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Police Department notes promotions, retirements
The AtWorks staffing agency celebrated its grand opening in Panama City with a July 25 ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, local business leaders and friends. The agency aims to connect talented individuals with administrative, light industrial, manufacturing and warehouse job opportunities.

Ashley Russell, owner of the new agency, emphasized their commitment to personalized service and community growth.

Ashley Russell, owner of AtWork Panama City, is seen at her new office in Panama City, Fla., July 25, 2024. AtWork is a staffing franchise for empowering job seekers and facilitating company growth. (Tyler Orsburn/News Herald)

Ever since moving to Panama City, I knew I wanted to open a business that would positively impact my new community, said Russell. AtWork will allow me to fulfill my aspirations of entrepreneurship, all while supporting local business growth and connecting qualified candidates to rewarding positions. Our location will play a vital role in nurturing the health of Panama Citys growing economy and job market.

For more information, AtWork Panama City is located at 2101 Northside Drive, Suite 201. And their phone number is (850) 740-5900.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: New PC staffing agency offers employment solutions for local businesses
On the first day of her job maintaining signals for NJ Transit, Mariah Cruz said her boss warned her that she was one of the few women in the department  and could experience some problems.

If you have any issues with any of the guys, come to me first, dont go higher up, its going to be a lot of paperwork for me and itll probably give you a bad name if the guys are going to judge you for it, so just come to me and well just figure it out from there  and that was Day One, Cruz recalled in a recent interview.

That supervisor, Bobby Jones, Jr., ended up being the very cause of the problems he had warned about, Cruz alleges.

Story continues below photo gallery

She filed a complaint with NJ Transits Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action office, detailing more than a dozen alleged incidents between 2018 and 2023, accusing Jones of sexually harassing her, making inappropriate comments and constantly reminding her that he was tracking her on cameras and with GPS.

After a five-month investigation, including interviews with multiple witnesses, Cruz said she received a letter from NJ Transit substantiating her claim that Jones violated the agencys sexual harassment policy, and that "appropriate action" was taken.

Jones remains employed by the agency.

Cruz shared her story in exclusive interviews with NorthJersey.com and provided documents and emails to support her allegations.

Cruz, who recently left NJ Transit after six years, said she wanted to go on the record in hope that more exposure would inspire other women or men who have experienced harassment or retaliation to come forward.

Her story aligns with those of more than 20 current and former NJ Transit employees who have sued the agency over allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, racism and retaliation against colleagues in recent years, along with accusations that the agency has not done enough to prevent harassment.

Its been so frustrating trying to fight the good fight, Cruz said. I just care about the men that I work with and I care about myself and I care about the other women who havent been able to speak up or did speak up and didnt go anywhere.

Jones, a longtime employee at NJ Transit, did not respond to an email, call or voicemail left on his cellphone. NJ Transit declined to comment or provide answers to questions about the case, saying it was a personnel issue.

He always wanted me to be alone with him

It started with weird comments, Cruz said, such as Jones telling her that if she couldnt make a good cup of coffee how could she expect to find a husband, or how guys find it hot when girls like her listen to metal music and wear work boots.

He always wanted me to be alone with him, so he would send the other guys off, and then it would be me and him running to meet the guys somewhere, Cruz said.

On one of those occasions after just five months on the job, Cruz and Jones were walking up a hill to troubleshoot a cable when he yelled down to her, Hey, get your cute ass up here, according to Cruz.

Shortly after that, another incident took place between Cruz and Jones in front of about 10 peers digging a trench for a new cable.

I was taking my break, had my gloves in my butt pocket and was just kind of resting on my shovel, and Bobby  who was just in the background, he wasnt doing anything  walks over, grabs my gloves out of my butt pocket, grazes my butt in the process, throws the gloves on the ground and just walks away, Cruz said. He didnt do this to anyone else before or after.

The incidents piled up over the years, with Jones inquiring whether she spent the night with coworkers after a fishing trip, and if she was into some freaky [expletive] after breaking up with an ex and seeing someone new, Cruz said.

Coworkers started noticing, too, overhearing some of those comments. One of them told her that Jones had bragged to him about watching her location from the truck GPS, which Cruz later reported in her complaint.

The NJ Transit investigation

Cruz said that after enduring this for more than four years, she tried to report the matter to NJ Transits human resources department.

She called HR in February and March of 2022, according to phone records obtained by NorthJersey.com, but said she never got calls back.

Her coworkers kept encouraging her to report the incidents, and in April 2023 she filed a five-page complaint with NJ Transits EEO office.

I feel extremely vulnerable, paranoid, and violated constantly even at a distance from him, she wrote of Jones in the complaint, obtained by NorthJersey.com. I work the second shift, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., by myself. I am constantly afraid of him showing up where I am.

Naeem Din, NJ Transits chief EEO officer, conducted the first intake interview with Cruz, then assigned LeShawn Pruitt in his department to handle the remainder of the investigation.

Five months later, Cruz received a letter from Din substantiating her claim that Jones violated the agencys sexual harassment policy, which states that NJ Transit is "committed" to enforcing a "zero-tolerance policy."

The letter didnt say what Jones punishment would be, and Din would not tell Cruz what  if any  consequence Jones might face. But in January 2024  three months after her claim was substantiated  Jones reported to NJ Transits Newark headquarters and was gone for a few days before returning to supervising, Cruz said.

How can I be assured Im safe?

After the investigation, Cruz emailed Din and Pruitt several times asking if Jones was barred from contacting her, and voiced concern about what assurances NJ Transit could provide to ensure she and other coworkers who cooperated in the investigation would be safe working with Jones.

I hear from the guys hes already starting to target them and as far as I go I still work second shift alone, with him having full access to my location, Cruz wrote in an email in October 2023.

In the event it was decided the suspension was all that was needed, how can I be assured Im safe now?" she asked Pruitt in a separate email. "How was a very small corrective action such as that fair for the years of harassment, stalking, and intimidation from him while someone can be caught with a phone and be out for 30 days?"

Din replied that appropriate action was taken and if another incident occurs or if any retaliation takes place to report it.

Cruz said she tried to take her case to the states Division on Civil Rights, but the matter was declined because it only takes on cases within 180 days of the last incident of discrimination, which had already elapsed by the time NJ Transits investigation concluded and the presumed suspension took place.

Cruz also sought help from NJ Transits employee assistance program and went to therapy to manage the anxiety and depression she experienced from the alleged harassment.

I still struggle with deep anxiety and will quickly have to practice the coping mechanisms I learned in therapy in the event he calls me, let alone tells me to meet him," Cruz wrote in the original complaint. "Even when Bobby isnt around I am anxious because I fear him showing up where I am due to my GPS in the truck.

Cruz said the anxiety only grew when she had to work with Jones again once the investigation ended.

By February 2024, Cruz started looking for a new job. She left NJ Transit in June, giving up a job she had hoped would become her long-time career.

She said she had wanted to leave for years. "I just wasnt in a position where I could, and I still held out hope that Transit would help in some capacity, even if it was just to move him across the line like to North Jersey or something," Cruz said. "But when that didnt happen I was like, OK, Im entirely not protected.

A long list of lawsuits, settlements

Cruz's experience likely mirrors that of other NJ Transit employees who havent publicized their accusations through the public civil and criminal court systems, said Nancy Erika Smith, a Montclair-based attorney who has represented multiple NJ Transit employees in similar circumstances.

Smith has also represented clients in other cases of national significance, including Gretchen Carlson in the sexual harassment case against Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes.

Shes not alone," Smith said of Cruz. "And many of those other victims will turn into cases because they give you no choice," Smith said of NJ Transit. "If they had just fired the harasser, wed still have a good worker. Instead we have a liability.

In the last three years, NorthJersey.com has reported on 11 lawsuits involving 20 male and female NJ Transit employees across rail, bus and police departments who have filed cases  some of which were settled  accusing coworkers of sexual harassment, sexual assault, racism and retaliation.

The 20 plaintiffs also accused NJ Transit of doing little or nothing to protect them. In almost all the cases, the accused continued to work at NJ Transit, and had little or no consequences. And the accusers had to work with their alleged harassers during and after EEO investigations.

That was the case for a rail car cleaner who sued in 2021 after her complaint of sexual harassment by her male supervisor was substantiated and was told he would be assigned a different shift than hers and that he would have to comply with a no contact order  but he continued to show up on the same shift as her, according to court documents.

In another case in 2021, six female bus drivers alleged that an NJ Transit bus supervisor masturbated in front of them, stalked them, forced his genitals on them, and forcibly touched their private parts while on the job.

He remained employed by NJ Transit until five days after NorthJersey.com published an article about the allegations and 10 days after four of the women filed the first lawsuit  years after multiple complaints about him were made, according to court documents.

He was hired at NJ Transit in 2007, after being fired a year prior by the Hudson County Corrections Department, where he was also accused of sexual harassment and assault, leading to a $2 million settlement.

Since the first high-profile harassment case at NJ Transit was settled in 2009, NorthJersey.com has tracked eight lawsuits brought by NJ Transit employees accusing coworkers of harassment and retaliation. State taxpayers have had to pay for $17.7 million in settlements. That doesnt include the costs for NJ Transits attorneys, and there are probably many more cases, Smith said.

Our tax dollars and the settlements is the beginning of it," Smith said. "What do we pay those law firms? What do we pay the (attorneys general) who oversee this crap?"

"And we pay the lawyers who defend the harassers, Smith said.

Smiths first settlement with NJ Transit was in 2016, a case that involved seven black employees accusing the agency of covering up racism, paying black employees less than white counterparts, and retaliation.

The settlement required the agency to have an ombudsman, conduct a comprehensive cultural assessment and other conditions to try to change the culture, but in the 12 years since, Smith isnt convinced a change is coming any time soon.

In 1994 the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in Lehmann versus Toys R Us that "employers must take prompt and effective remedial action," Smith noted. "Employers have an obligation to provide women with a workplace free of sexual harassment."

NJ Transit does neither and nothing ever happens because the same people are always in control, she said.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Transit worker files harassment complaint in latest lawsuit
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is taking The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) to court over unfair labor practices.

In a lengthy complaint signed on Thursday, the NLRB outlined how GWUH fired nurse Angelo Estrellas because of his union campaign activities.

It also detailed how GWUH installed surveillance cameras to monitor employee activity in breakrooms, convened employees to attend meetings without assurances that attendance was voluntary and removed posted union flyers in allowed public spaces.

The NLRB said employees were also threatened with loss of benefits, discipline and discharge.

Unfair labor complaints filed against George Washington University Hospital as nurses try to unionize

In March 2023, the D.C. Nurses Association (DCNA) initially filed complaints with the NLRB after DCNA said nurse Estrellas was fired for supporting a union.

DCNA Executive Director Ed Smith said at the time nurses were overworked, understaffed and wanted respect.

For years, when nurses tried to raise complaints or tried to get management to help them do their jobs properly, either equipment issues or staffing issues, it fell on deaf ears, Smith said.

In May 2023, nine D.C. councilmembers signed a letter calling on the hospital to reinstate the nurse it fired, refrain from illegal conduct that violates employees rights to organize and hold a fair and free election in a neutral location.

On July 1, 2023, it was announced a majority of nurses voted to unionize, electing DCNA to represent them.

In Thursdays court filing, the NLRB said the General Counsel is seeking an order requiring the hospital to remove or disable the video surveillance system at the facility, or for any video surveillance cameras that are narrowly tailored to address legitimate business needs, tell employees how theyre being monitored and why, as well as assuring employees information wont be used to interfere with, surveil or prevent employees from engaging in union and other protected activities.

The General Counsel is also seeking an order requiring the hospital to send a letter to Angelo Estrellas apologizing to him for his firing and any hardship or distress it caused.

They also want a letter that Estrellas can send to any credit reporting agency that may have reported any delinquent or collections activities.

Finally, the NLRB said in the event he declines reinstatement to his former job, GWHU should make Estrellas whole including, but not limited to, payment of front pay for a reasonable period following any decision by him to decline a valid offer of reinstatement.

GW has until Aug. 8 to respond to the NLRB.

A hearing will happen on Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
No matter what: $40,000 donated to support these good causes in Fresno

No matter what: $40,000 donated to support these good causes in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A pair of $20,000 checks were handed over to a pair of good causes in Fresno on Friday.

Fresnos The Artist Tree made its largest donation ever with a $20,000 check to the Fresno Arts Council and another $20,000 check to the Poverello House.

Poverello House CEO Zack Darrah says the Poverello House would not survive without the continued support of businesses like The Artist Tree.

The Poverello House has been serving the needs of those experiencing homelessness and addiction in this community for 51 years now, Darrah said. We are just blessed to have these partnerships and relationships with people who care about Fresno.

The Poverello Houses Zach Darrah (left) and The Artist Trees Courtney Caron (right)

With recent ordinances from the State of California, the City of Fresno, and Fresno County all set to impact the homeless population, Darrah says donations, like the one made by the Artist Tree, will allow the Poverello House to continue helping the unhoused community.

Darrah adds that the Poverello House will continue working with legislators to find an ultimate solution to the homelessness issue in Fresno.

The State of California, the County of Fresno, the City of Fresno, we partner with all three of them to do amazing work for people experiencing homelessness in our community, Darrah said.

We work together with these folks and were going to continue to do so for the good of those experiencing homelessness in our community, no matter what happens.

Homeless now accountable in Fresno as city unveils new ordinance

According to Darrah donations like the one made by The Artist Tree are just one part of what helps make the Poverello House work. He says partnerships with local groups like the Fresno Arts Council are equally important.

The Fresno Arts Council also received a check for $20,000 to go to the councils Art Haven Program, which provides unhoused people with the means to learn how to create art  and then sell art.

Members of the Fresno Arts Council and The Artist Trees Courtney Caron

Fresno Arts Council Executive Director Lilia Gonzales-Chavez says the $20,000 will go directly toward funding the Art Haven program, including paying the programs art teacher Gema Lopez.

Lopez says its overwhelming to see the Artist Trees support and belief in the program  as well as the arts council.

[The unhoused] are also a part of our community, Lopez said. very many times theyre forgotten and overlooked, and Im so grateful that theyre being recognized that this program is being recognized.

Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea says recognizing and investing in the unhoused community is a symbol of the citys dedication to all people in Fresno.

Continued investments for the unhoused population is critical, especially now more than ever, Perea said. So even in the hardest of times, our city will continue to invest in the unhoused population.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(FOX40.COM)  A California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate who was stationed at a facility to combat fires and floods escaped on Friday, according to the Nevada County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies said the inmate was identified as 45-year-old Arnel Arienda and reportedly walked away from the Cal Fire Washington Ridge Conservation Camp in Nevada City. He is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, 183 pounds, with a shaved head and possibly wearing gray or orange clothing.

Officials said they issued a CodeRED, a high-speed mass notification system service that allows mass delivery of emergency or time-sensitive messages to be sent via text, email, landline, cell phone, RSS, social media, or a mobile application push message, to the surrounding area.

A team of CDCR staff and sheriffs office personnel said they are in search of Arienda. Anyone who sees him is advised to call 911. The Washington Ridge Conservation Camp can be reached at (530)265-4623.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  An Allegan County woman who repeatedly passes herself off as a nurse  despite no formal training, can now add another title to her embellished resume  wanted felon.

Leticia Gallarzo, 49, has convictions in two states for impersonating a registered nurse. She was supposed to appear in a federal courtroom this week for sentencing but was a no-show.

An order revoking her bond was signed Tuesday.

It is clear that to date she has had zero respect for the law, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald M. Stella contends.

She is an extreme danger to the public, Stella wrote in a federal sentencing memorandum. It is just a matter of time before her antics truly injure someone.

Stella says a prison term of slightly more than six years is warranted, noting Gallarzos pattern of criminal behavior, including four convictions of impersonating a nurse in Texas.

She got 14 months in prison in Texas, and then had more time tacked on for identity theft and shoplifting, court records show.

After being released from federal supervision in the Texas cases, Gallarzo got a nursing job in western Michigan using the identity of an actual nurse in 2022.

Woman accused of posing as registered nurse  again

The lack of qualifications did not deter her, Stella wrote in a sentencing memorandum, noting that Gallarzo acted as a nurse and supervised other nurses.

The ruse included false diplomas from Davenport and George Washington University.

After police caught up with her and charges were filed, Gallarzo pleaded guilty to identity theft and making false statements related to health care.

Woman indicted for posing as registered nurse

The pleas came in November.

Gallarzo  in violation of bond  left Michigan in January. Using a fake Illinois drivers license, she got a job as a physician assistant in Park Ridge, administering Botox and weight loss shots to patients, court records show.

Co-workers were suspicious; Gallarzo did not use proper medical terms. . . and always seemed very nervous, records show.

The attorney representing Gallarzo notes that while Gallarzo is not a registered nurse, she has had formal training as a medical assistant and as a nurse, as well as years of on-the-job experience in the medical field.

She cares about patients and did not put them in any danger, Britt M. Cobb wrote in a sentencing memorandum. Any risk, under the circumstances, is speculative rather than actual.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
"The Working Families Party is committed to the pursuit of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the safe return of all hostages, and lasting peace in the region," Working Families party Co-Directors Jasmine Gripper and Ana Maria Archila wrote in a statement.

New York politicians are furious at the liberal Working Families Party for making the extraordinary move of voting to endorse an anti-Israel bill at their convention earlier this week.

Pro-Israel Democrats were shocked by the partys decision to boost the Not On Our Dime Act, which would force New York-based non-profit organizations to stop lending support to the Israeli military and the countrys settlement efforts.

Its become more of a Democratic Socialists party, Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Queens) told The Post in an interview Friday.

Weprin has sought the WFP line in the past, but said he didnt seek the endorsement this year as he doesnt agree with the partys shift towards very left positions.

Assemblymember Chuck Lavine is President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators. Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine

At this point I wouldnt seek the Working Families Party endorsement and dont want it because of some of their very left positions and clearly some of their anti-Israel positions and something like this would certainly be one of them, he said.

Assemblyman Chuck Lavine (D-Nassau), president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, concurred.

Far be it from me if they think targeting Jewish non-profits who feed the poor and clothe the homeless is a winning strategy, Assemblyman Sam Berger wrote. Facebook / Sam Berger

I refuse to seek the WFP line, said Lavine, who has sought the partys endorsement in the past.

The [Not On Our Dime] bill is, and will remain, dead as a doornail, Lavine said in a statement.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan), who is on the WFP ballot line, said he was vehemently against the proposed anti-Israel legislation.

I oppose the bill in no uncertain terms and have made this known to the WFP leadership, he said.

Freshman Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens)  who ran as a moderate and never sought the WFP ballot line  also ripped the decision.

Im not sure why WFP is so focused on foreign affairs and fringe legislation rather than helping their own districts, he said, but far be it from me if they think targeting Jewish non-profits who feed the poor and clothe the homeless is a winning strategy.

The vote at last weekends convention was a voice vote, meaning it came with no specific tally.

WFP officers will decide later this year whether to make the endorsement of the Not On Our Dime Act part of the official party position.

The Working Families Party is committed to the pursuit of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the safe return of all hostages, and lasting peace in the region, Working Families party Co-Directors Jasmine Gripper and Ana Maria Archila wrote in a statement. Working Families Party

The legislation is sponsored by Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Queens), a member of the Democratic Socialists of America rumored to be thinking about joining the growing field of candidates looking to run for mayor next year.

This Saturday, the New York Working Families Party convened its State Convention, gathering hundreds of members, allies and affiliates to make critical, time-sensitive decisions given the national political cycle, New York Working Families Party co-directors Jasmine Gripper and Ana Maria Archila wrote in a statement.

The Working Families Party is committed to the pursuit of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the safe return of all hostages, and lasting peace in the region, they continued.

Spokespersons for both the state Assembly and state Senate said leadership had no intent of bringing up the legislation for a vote.
NYC magnet fishers who reeled in a $100K safe are squatting in relatives home: suit

A couple who went viral after using a magnet to fish a safe stuffed with $100,000 out of a Queens lake are deadbeat tenants squatting in their relatives house, according to their landlord.

Barbie Agostini and her partner, James Kane, allegedly still havent paid more than $15,000 in back rent to Barbies younger sister, Kathleen, who claims the couple has for months refused to leave the duplex apartment shes been renting them in Jamaica, Queens.

This despite the couples magnet-fishing windfall they reeled up in Flushing Meadows Corona Park May 31, with Kane estimating 40% of the water-logged cash was still intact.

Landlord Kathleen Agostino accused the couple of owing her more than $15,000. google

The frustrated landlord said the couples lease ran out in October  and fears their newfound celebrity will mask what she called their bullying behavior.

Im just terrified theyre going to be Americas sweetheart, Kathleen Agostini told The Post.

She began eviction proceedings against the couple at the 84th Road building in January, according to Queens housing court records.

The couple, who most recently paid $1,300 a month in rent, allegedly refused to let the landlord make plumbing repairs for leaks caused by the corrosive chemicals Kane used to clean objects they reeled up with magnets, the sister claimed.

The damage caused the ceiling above her first-floor bedroom to collapse, she said.

Kathleen accused Kane damaging her propertys plumbing with corrosive chemicals he used to clean objects the couple discovered while magnet fishing. News Licensing / MEGA

Kane insisted the leak was not their fault, and claimed the landlord has harassed them and doxxed them online, according to court records.

Kathleen fears her tenants will not pay up or leave until a judge orders them to.

If [Barbie] has a position where she doesnt have to pay rent, no one is making her leave, it makes no difference to her, she said.

John Francis, an attorney for Kane and Barbie Agostini, told The Post the court had ordered Kathleen to assess and fix the property, and allowed the couple to remain in their unit until the legal dispute was settled.

The landlord has claimed she cant make the necessary repairs due to financial hardship, but also has rejected rental payments from the couple, he added.

As a result, the property is in a state of disrepair despite the tenants granting access to the landlord for repairs, Francis said.
FILE - Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a news conference at the New York City Emergency Management Department on Friday April 5, 2024 in New York. New York City's mayor on Saturday issued an emergency order suspending parts of a new law intended to ban solitary confinement in local jails a day before it was to take effect, citing concerns for the safety of staff and detainees. (AP Photo/Brittainy Newman, File)

New York Citys mayor issued an emergency order Saturday suspending parts of a new law intended to ban solitary confinement in local jails a day before it was to take effect, citing concerns for the safety of staff and detainees.

Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency and signed an order that suspended parts of the law that set a four-hour time limit on holding prisoners who pose safety concerns in de-escalation confinement and limit the use of restraints on prisoners while they are transported to courts or within jails.

The four-hour limit could only be exceeded only in exceptional circumstances." In those circumstances, prisoners would be released from de-escalation confinement as soon as practicable and when they no longer pose an imminent risk of serious injury to themselves or others, according to the mayor's order.

Adams also suspended a part of the law that prohibited jail officials from placing a prisoner in longer-term restrictive housing for more than a total of 60 days in any 12-month period. His order says jail officials must review a prisoner's placement in restrictive housing every 15 days.

It is of the utmost importance to protect the health and safety of all persons in the custody of the Department of Correction and of all officers and persons who work in the City of New York jails and who transport persons in custody to court and other facilities, and the public, Adams wrote in his state of emergency declaration.

Adams had vetoed the City Council's approval of the bill, but the council overrode the veto in January.

City Council leaders did not immediately return messages seeking comment Saturday.

But council spokesperson Shirley Limongi issued a statement sharply criticizing Adams.

Each day Mayor Adams Administration shows how little respect it has for the laws and democracy, it sets more hypocritical double standards for complying with the law that leave New Yorkers worse off. In this case, our city and everyone in its dysfunctional and dangerous jail system, including staff, are left less safe. The reality is that the law already included broad safety exemptions that make this emergency order unnecessary and another example of Mayor Adams overusing executive orders without justification, the statement said.

The bill had been introduced by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who argued solitary confinement amounts to torture for those subjected to lengthy hours in isolation in small jail cells.

Williams and other supporters of the new law, including prominent members of New Yorks congressional delegation, have pointed to research showing solitary confinement, even only for a few days, increases the likelihood an inmate will die by suicide, violence or overdose. It also leads to acute anxiety, depression, psychosis and other impairments that may reduce an inmates ability to reintegrate into society when they are released, they said.

Adams has insisted there has been no solitary confinement in jails since it was eliminated in 2019. He said solitary confinement is defined as 22 hours or more per day in a locked cell and without meaningful human contact. He said de-escalation confinement and longer-term restrictive housing are needed to keep violent prisoners from harming other prisoners and staff.

Jail officials, the guards' union and a federal monitor appointed to evaluate operations at city jails objected to parts of the new law, also citing safety concerns.

The law places a four-hour limit on isolating inmates who pose an immediate risk of violence to others or themselves in de-escalation units. Only those involved in violent incidents could be placed in longer-term restrictive housing, and they would need to be allowed out of their cells for 14 hours each day and get access to the same programming available to other inmates.

Adams' state of emergency declaration will remain in effect for up to 30 days or until it is rescinded, whichever is earlier, with 30-day extensions possible. The order suspending parts of the new law will be in effect for five days unless terminated or modified earlier.
Grocery store display of Flamin' Hot Cheetos - Scott Olson/Getty Images

Flamin' Hot Cheetos have inspired countless memes, spin-off flavors, instant mac and cheese, and even Crocs and womenswear clothing lines. Now, the credit for the iconic flavor's creation are the subject of a lawsuit. PepsiCo is being sued by former executive Richard Montanez for the company's denial of his alleged invention of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The lawsuit was filed on July 18 in California Superior Court for discrimination, fraud, and defamation for an undisclosed amount, reports the Associated Press. As of Thursday, PepsiCo declined to commention the situation.

Notably, the claims of the involved parties have substantially evolved over time. Long before his purported invention, Montanez allegedly began his tenure at PepsiCo (Frito-Lay parent company) in 1977 as a janitor. The story goes that, one day while he was on shift, a Cheetos machine broke down. Montanez decided to bring home some of the unflavored snacks rather than scrapping them. After experimenting in his kitchen with different seasonings, he pitched his snack to PepsiCo CEO Roger Enrico in 1991. Per Montanez's lawsuit, the idea for spicy Cheetos was his, and the 1991 meeting was the last time the company ever involved him in the snack's product development. Flamin' Hot Cheetos hit the market in 1992. By the 2010s, Montanez was a public speaker for PepsiCo and relayed his story in speeches. A rags-to-riches-style movie titled "Flamin' Hot" was made about Montanez's side of the story in 2023. However, by that time, the company contradicted his claims.

Read more: 25 Most Popular Snacks In America Ranked Worst To Best

A Decades-Long Controversy Just Got Even Spicier

Richard Montanez and his wife Judy Montanez - Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

In a controversial 2021 Los Angeles Times article, PepsiCo substantiated that Montanez was not the true inventor of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, and that the company came up with the "Flamin' Hot" name. Spicy Cheetos were already being tested and sold in the Midwest at the time Montanez pitched the same idea across the country in California. PepsiCo released a formal statement saying it "can't draw a clear link between" these simultaneous occurrences, via NPR. Montanez had retired from PepsiCo in 2019, three years prior to the article's release, and following a company-wide investigation of his claims about sole inventorship in 2018.

According to PepsiCo, crediting one person as the lone inventor would be inaccurate. It was a team effort, and the level of Montanez's involvement is in dispute. As fellow Frito-Lay employee Lynne Greenfeld told the Los Angeles Times in the 2021 piece, "It is disappointing that 20 years later, someone who played no role in this project would begin to claim our experience as his own and then personally profit from it." There's a lengthy statement about Montanez on the official Frito-Lay website, which praises him for "rising from the ranks of an hourly employee to an executive" and playing "a key role in accelerating the growth of our Flamin' Hot Brand and other brands particularly through his Hispanic marketing efforts." Quoth the company, "He will always be a member of the PepsiCo Family."

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  A school safety agent was arrested in Manhattan on Friday morning, according to police.

Sylvia Brown, 54, was taken into custody just before 12 p.m.

The off-duty New York City employee was charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, authorities report.

The details on what led to Browns arrest was not immediately made clear.

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).

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  An officer with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) was treated for minor injuries after a suspect allegedly assaulted the officer during an arrest.

According to CSPD, shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday, July 26, officers responded to a trespassing call in the 200 block of East Cimarron Street, near the intersection with South Nevada Avenue. CSPD said the suspect had caused damage to property, and was known to trespass at the location. When officers arrived, the suspect was not immediately located.

About half an hour later, the officer who responded to the trespassing call found the suspect in the 200 block of South Cascade Avenue and tried to contact the suspect. The suspect tried to run, and in the process, assaulted the officer, CSPD said.

The suspect, later identified as Alexander Bucspun, was taken into custody after the arrival of additional officers. Bucspun was taken to the hospital for medical clearance before being booked into jail. The officer who was assaulted was also taken to the hospital for treatment of minor 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 FOX21 News Colorado.
President Russell M. Nelson welcomes Haji Allahshukur Hummat Pashazade, left, and other leaders including Sheikh ul-Islam and Grand Mufti of the Caucasus, to the Church Administration Building on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was notified by the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan this week that their registration process, underway since the second half of 2023, had concluded successfully. According to a church statement, this registration provides for a body that is officially recognized by the government of Azerbaijan to act for the Church in the Baku area  which is the capital of the country.

In 2019, the church was similarly recognized in Kuwait, which gives the church, according to Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the ability to open a bank account as a church, to rent or own property and to seek visas for humanitarian volunteers.

According to a 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom by the U.S. government, 993 registered communities were operating in Azerbaijan by early 2023  956 identifying as Muslim, 26 Christian, eight Jewish, two Bahai, and one ISKCON (Hare Krishna). That included 2,253 mosques, 16 churches (and 26 Christian prayer houses), seven synagogues, and 10 religious education institutions.

Jews settled in Azerbaijan over 2,500 years ago, and have experienced unique religious tolerance there as a people, with an estimated 12,000 Jews in the country and the only Jewish-majority town outside of Israel and the United States. Most of the estimated 280,000-450,000 Christians which make up between 3.1% and 4.8% of the countrys population are Russian Orthodox, Georgian Orthodox or Armenian Apostolic, with smaller Catholic and Protestant communities. Currently, there is a small group of Latter-day Saints that meet regularly in the capital city.

Public domain geographic map of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is considered one of the more secular Muslim-majority countries, with 97% of the population identifying as Muslim. The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, established in 1995, protects religious freedom. Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, according to the constitution. It also declares: Everyone has the right to freely determine his own approach to religion, to profess individually or together with others any religion or to profess no religion, and to express and disseminate his beliefs concerning his approach to religion.

This freedom extends to the performance of religious rituals as long as they do not disturb public order and are not contrary to public morals.

The United States recognized Azerbaijans independence in December 1991, with the fall of the Soviet Union. Beginning in 1997, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in humanitarian efforts in Azerbaijan, providing relief aid, wheelchairs, clean water and education projects to various communities. Since that time, more than 70 humanitarian projects have been supported by Latter-day Saints  sometimes in partnership with other organizations, including the Stirling Foundation.

Since 2015, a more direct, respectful and cordial relationship between the church and Azerbaijan officials and religious leaders began to develop  with a 2022 pamphlet published by the church, called Muslims and Latter-day Saints: Beliefs, Values, and Lifestyles, encouraging Latter-day Saints to appreciate commonalities in the commitments of both faiths.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints summarized: Both Latter-day Saints and Muslims have sincerely held beliefs like faith in God, prophets, scriptures and holy places. We share common values like the importance of family, chastity and helping those in need. The lifestyles of followers of both faiths include practices such as prayer, fasting and protecting our physical health.

In March 2023, one of the most prominent religious leaders of the Caucasus, the Grand Mufti and Sheikh ul-Islam, met President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors in the First Presidency, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, at church headquarters in Salt Lake City  discussing common interests including religious freedom, peace and cooperation.

Left to right: President Dallin H. Oaks; Sahib Novruz oglu Nagiyev, deputy chairman for the State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Khazar Ibrahim, ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States of America; President Russell M. Nelson; Haji Allahshukur Hummat Pashazade, Sheikh ul-Islam and Grand Mufti of the Caucasus; Ravan Hasanov, executive director of Baku International Multiculturalism Centre; President Henry B. Eyring; and Elder David A. Bednar in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 2, 2023.

This leader subsequently invited church leaders to visit the country of Azerbaijan as his own visit to Utah concluded. The following spring, on April 30, Elder Bednar met the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev  along with the chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, Ramin Mammadov.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meets with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on April 30, 2024. Other representatives of the church attended that meeting, including Elder Jack N. Gerard, second counselor in the Europe Central Area of the Church.

The leaders explored common interests, and the process of the church registering in the country. In that meeting, President Aliyev remarked on Azerbaijans contributions to intercultural and interfaith dialogue  highlighting the countrys history of fostering harmonious coexistence between representatives from different religions  with the nation acting more like a unified family.

While in Azerbaijan, Elder Bednar participated in the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue that was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 1 through 3. The event was co-organized by Aliyev and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. The conference followed the theme, Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity, and gathered more than 1,000 representatives from governments, international organizations, religious groups, scholars and civic society leaders from all over the world  including Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, who had visited Salt Lake City previously.

Several religious leaders, including Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, participate in one of the meetings included in the 6th World Intercultural Dialogue Forum held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in May 2024. Source: Russian Orthodox Church website.

In his address at the conference, Elder Bednar mentioned that in his visits to more than 110 nations as an apostle, the commonalities I have observed among peoples of diverse backgrounds, faith traditions and cultures are truly remarkable. Our commonalities should be more powerful than our differences.

In the wake of the churchs registration being approved, Elder Jack N. Gerard, a General Authority Seventy, expressed gratitude to members of the government of Azerbaijan for their help in the process. President Aliyev, Chairman Mammadov, Sheik ul-Islam and many others were instrumental in this wonderful outcome for the church and their actions show that together we can all promote harmony, regardless of religion or cultural background.
Ohio woman charged with clogging jail toilet, warrant issued for her arrest

An Ohio woman was charged with clogging a jail toilet, and a warrant has been issued for her arrest.

26-year-old Dasia Chappell, of Cleveland, was accused of intentionally clogging a toilet while she was in jail and causing a flood that damaged the facility, CBS affiliate WOIO reported.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court records obtained by News Center 7 show that Chappell failed to appear for her scheduled arraignment two times in less than a month.

She was indicted on one count of vandalism on June 10, according to court records.

Chappell purposefully flooded the Solon Detention Facility on May 27 while she was being held at the jail, according to police.

>> Had us locked down; Worker describes nerve-wracking scene as Homeland Security raids Fuyao plant

Corrections Officers said she stuffed a towel and toilet paper into the toilet of the cell that she was in and repeatedly flushed it.

The overflowing toilet caused the female dormitory, jail lobby, and master control hallway to flood, CBS affiliate WOIO reported.

Investigators said the resulting water damage interfered with jail operations.

Court records show Chappell posted her bond of $5,000 and was released from jail following the flooding incident on May 30.

Her bond was forfeited after she missed her second court date and a warrant was issued for her arrest on July 25.
Oklahoma Superintendent Unveils Guidelines For How To Teach The Bible In Schools

This article was originally published in Oklahoma Voice.

OKLAHOMA CITY  Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters issued guidelines Wednesday for how teachers should include the Bible in public school curriculum that include requiring analysis of biblical stories and art.

And amid a growing swell of pushback from districts, he warned there would be consequences for school districts that dont comply.

Grade-level specific guidelines apply to students in fifth through 12th grades. They require students to analyze literary elements of biblical stories and to identify how those have impacted Western culture. For high school students, it entails assigned essays on the Bibles role in literature, history and culture. Pieces of art and music inspired by the Bible are also required to be taught.

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Every classroom must also have a physical copy of the Bible, the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Ten Commandments.

The Bible is indispensable in understanding the development of Western civilization and American history, Walters said in a statement. To ensure our students are equipped to understand and contextualize our nation, its culture, and its founding, every student in Oklahoma will be taught the Bible in its historical, cultural, and literary context. As we implement these standards, our schools will maintain open communication with parents to make sure they are fully informed and full partners in their kids education.

Walters announced the inclusion of the Bible in state curriculum during a June State Board of Education meeting, but Wednesday was the first time his agency announced specific guidelines regarding their inclusion.

In the weeks since Walters announcement, some of the states largest districts have said they will not comply.

Following the announcement, Rick Cobb, superintendent of Midwest City-Del City Public Schools, said in a statement that it is not appropriate to mandate the Bible to be in classrooms or instruction.

Related

New Curriculum Sparks Texas-Sized Controversy Over Christianity in the Classroom

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled this summer that selection of instructional materials is a matter of local control, Cobb said. I hope that remains the law and continues to be our practice.

Walters said he will ensure all districts comply.

Some Oklahoma educators have indicated they wont follow the law and Oklahoma standards, so let me be clear: they will comply, and I will use every means to make sure of it, he said.

Mixed reaction and questions about legality

The new guidelines drew mixed reactions.

Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of state-church watchdog group Freedom From Religion Foundation, said the guidelines are unconstitutional.

Its just absurd, Gaylor said. And hes just signaling as fast as he can, as loud as he can, that he expects schools to brainwash children in the Christian religion.

While the group is working with a coalition of other organizations to determine a plan of action, Gaylor said they are taking time to digest the material.

Gaylor said it would be appropriate for a properly trained teacher to offer an optional class to high school students on the Bible.

But what hes saying is every single teacher is to be given a Bible, and thats just simply unconstitutional, Gaylor said. What about giving every teacher the Quran? What about giving every teacher Richard Dawkins blockbuster book, The God Delusion?

Chuck Stetson, CEO of the NewYork-based Bible Literacy Project, said he commends the guidelines and wishes they would be implemented in every public school nationwide.

This is educational instructions [to] the public schools, and its perfectly legal, and its what kids need to know, Stetson said.

The organization provides textbooks on the Bibles literature and influence. Stetson said the guidelines have similarities to the organizations textbooks.

Not including the Bible in public schools disadvantages students, he said.

For example, in Shakespeare, there are over 1,200 biblical references in the 38 plays of Shakespeare, Stetson said. My contention is that if you dont know the Bible, you cant possibly know Shakespeare and what hes talking about.

Stetson said the Bible is the most-read literary book in the world, and students miss out on literary and historical context when the Bible is not taught.

However, Stetson said he was unsure how the additions to curriculum could be implemented in lower grade levels.

Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and X.
Oldest federal judge, 97, embroiled in battle with bench trying to suspend her

A committee has recommended US Circuit Judge Pauline Newman, pictured, be suspended for another year amid concerns of her mental health (REUTERS)

The oldest federal judge is fighting to keep her office as her fellow justices say she must be suspended due to concerns about her mental health.

US Circuit Judge Pauline Newman, 97, was appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1984. Newmans fellow justices on the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit unanimously voted to sideline her in September, Bloomberg Law reports. The vote came after Newman refused to undergo medical testing and provide medical records as concerns arose about her mental health.

Affidavits prepared after more than 20 interviews with Court staff reflect consistent reports of deeply troubling interactions with Judge Newman that suggest significant mental deterioration including memory loss, confusion, lack of comprehension, paranoia, anger, hostility, and severe agitation, the Judicial Council wrote.

A committee has recommended US Circuit Judge Pauline Newman, pictured, be suspended for another year amid concerns of her mental health (REUTERS)

Now, a special committee of Newmans fellow judges has recommended the Judicial Council extend Newmans suspension. On Wednesday, the special committee called for her suspension to last another year or at least until she ceases her misconduct and cooperates such that the Committee can complete its investigation, whichever comes sooner.

Her misconduct is thwarting the investigation and making it impossible for the Committee adequately to perform the important function of determining whether she is fit to perform the duties of her office, the committee wrote.

Greg Dolin, Newmans attorney, told The Indepedent they plan to fight the recent recommendation.

We believe it is wholly unlawful, unsubstantiated, and as we have said before, is an abuse of power, Dolin said.

Newman tried to challenge the initial suspension handed down in September, arguing it was unconstitutional, Bloomberg Law reports.

This district court took and accepted at face value the governments side of the story, which included, I hate to say, some plain falsehoods about how the investigation had been run, Newman told Bloomberg Law. There was nothing resembling the Judicial Conference rules for how an investigation should be done.

However, she lost that legal challenge after a judge dismissed the case earlier this month. Newman said at the time she had two medical evaluations, but the Judicial Council questioned their validity, according to Bloomberg Law.

Dolin told The Independent they have filed a notice to appeal the dismissal with the Washington, DC Circuit.

The 97-year-old is a key figure in the world of intellectual property law and has been dubbed the heroine of the patent system. Her former clerk, Brian Abramson, told Bloomberg Law earlier this month that he has seen her still performing well.

She is clearly cogent and able to articulate very complex points of law and capable, Abramson said.

Shes been maintaining a fairly steady speaking schedule at conferences and events, he continued. Every time she speaks she captures very eloquently the state of the law, the complexity of the issues that are before us, her concerns about the direction of the law, and its ramifications for innovation and the good of the people.

This story was updated on July 29 to include comment from Newmans attorney.
Once again, the idea of America lies in our hands this election | Opinion

Donald Trump, the Republican nominee in the most consequential presidential election since 1860, has doubled down on democratic and constitutional rejectionism. His running mate, JD Vance, abandoned earlier descriptions of Trump as Americas Hitler, in favor of characterizations of him as a heroic, even messianic, once and future president of the United States.

Amazingly, Trump is unapologetic about having attempted to overthrow the duly elected government of the worlds greatest democracy. Republicans now join, enthusiastically, in his demanded sedition. A Trump-dominated U.S. Supreme Court offers the shield of immunity to his crimes. He prepares to pardon his co-conspirators and lay waste to the constitutional guardrails found inconvenient during his first go-round.

Gene Nichol

Abraham Lincoln claimed that As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide. Donald Trump readies to put Lincolns prediction to the test.

The Republican agenda is replete. According to Project 2025 and speakers at the RNC, millions of undesirables are to be rounded up, placed in detention centers and deported. Women are to forfeit control of their bodies and health in favor of a patriarchy and a religion embraced by a prideful, power-hungry minority.

Black Americans are to be further burdened in the exercise of their electoral, dignitary and opportunity-based rights. Lesbian, gay and transgender folks are seeing progress dialed back. And low-income citizens will face bold cuts to meager support programs while subsidies for millionaires and billionaires again explode.

Our slow, grudging steps toward a pluralistic, multiracial democracy will be permanently halted in favor of an un-American, white, Christian nationalism. So much for government of, by and for the people.

Despite all this, its hard for supporters of a nation-defining democracy not to feel a surge of optimism. National Democrats seem to have shaken off their perennial sense of learned helplessness. President Biden has, after much, and apparently much-needed shoving, stepped aside with a grace worthy of George Washington.

Vice President Kamala Harris may not prove to be a perfect candidate. But the countrys enthusiasm is palpable. And it is impossible to think she wont be better than an 81-year-old Biden, or, beyond obviously, a rambling, truthless, hate-infused Trump. A near certain Democratic defeat is (shockingly) avoided.

Democracy has received a blessed, possible, reprieve. And it is hard to imagine a more glorious victory, in the long annals of the American struggle for freedom, than Trump and his white nationalists being vanquished by a brilliant and fearless Black woman. History beckons.

I cant help but love that Biden closed out his Oval Office address Wednesday night by saying The idea of America lies in your hands. It reminded me of Barack Obamas claim that America is a place where you dont have to look a certain way, its fealty to a creed that matters.

Its no surprise that JD Vance took issue in his GOP acceptance speech with the notion that America is an idea. For Vance, were more of a tribe, a lineage, a pedigree. He thinks, apparently, that Lincoln and Martin Luther King, as well as Obama, got it wrong. Imagine, if you can, an argument with Lincoln, King and Obama on one side and Trump and Vance on the other. That pretty much sums it up.

So now were ready, at long last, for our great fight as a people. Republicans, on cue, have opened with racist and sexist taunts against the new Democratic presidential candidate. As Winston Churchill put it in a decidedly different, but equally vital, context: You do your worst and we will do our best. Perhaps it may be our turn soon; perhaps it may be our turn now.

Contributing columnist Gene Nichol is a professor of law at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
'Once-in-a-lifetime caper': How did the U.S. catch 'El Mayo,' the Sinaloa cartel's top boss?

Front pages of Mexican newspapers on Friday report the capture of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in Mexico City. (Rodrigo Oropeza / Getty Images)

Even among Mexican cartel bosses  a bunch known for lavish wealth, daring escapes and extreme brutality  Ismael El Mayo Zambada stood out.

He was a longtime partner of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, and together they built the Sinaloa cartel into a global empire. Taking on an almost mythic status, he is rumored to have judges, generals and even presidents of Mexico in his pocket.

And despite more than four decades on the run as one of the worlds most wanted fugitives, he had never spent a single night in jail.

Until Thursday.

Zambada, 76, was arrested at a private airport near El Paso, along with El Chapos son Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the Department of Justice announced. On Friday morning Zambada pleaded not guilty to an array of drug, weapons, money laundering and conspiracy charges, including trafficking the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl that has fueled a U.S. epidemic of overdose deaths.

A judge ordered Zambada detained with no bond and set a Wednesday court date to determine next steps.

The stunning turn of events has sparked fear and uncertainty in Sinaloa, the Pacific coast state where Zambada had been credited with brokering a fragile peace between rival cartel factions. And it has generated a torrent of rumors and speculation about how exactly U.S. authorities managed to capture a man who traveled with a heavy security detail and so routinely outfoxed his pursuers that some people called him ghost.

Zambadas lawyer, Frank Perez, denied reports that his client had turned himself in.

I have no comment except to state that he did not surrender voluntarily, he said. He was brought against his will.

Read more: She sang for 'El Chapo.' Now the cartel kingpin's lawyer wants to be a ranchera star

According to sources familiar with the situation who were not authorized to speak publicly about the arrests, Zambada was duped into boarding the plane that brought him to U.S. soil.

Epic, once-in-a-lifetime caper, said one law enforcement source who works in Mexico. The old man got tricked.

If Guzman Lopez played a role in the operation, U.S. officials have not discussed it publicly. The 38-year-old leader of the Sinaloa cartel faction known as Los Chapitos is facing a federal indictment on drug, money laundering and firearms charges.

Rosa Icela Rodriguez, Mexicos security secretary, said the Mexican government did not participate in the operation, and didnt know the details of the arrests.

You ask if it was a delivery, if it was capture, she told reporters. That is part of the investigation and part of the information that we would be expecting from the government of the United States.

Mexican authorities said they were notified around 2:30 p.m. Thursday that the two men were in custody. U.S. authorities subsequently sent photos of the pair, which were released with partial redactions in a Mexican government report Friday.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in an undated photo. ( U.S. State Department via AP)

Zambadas hair was still dark, but he appeared gaunt and scowled at the camera. Joaquin Guzman Lopez appeared heavyset, with thick stubble on his jowls.

Mexicos report said the small jet carrying Zambada and Guzman Lopez had departed from the city of Hermosillo around 8 a.m. local time Thursday and landed about 2 hours later.

U.S. law enforcement officials celebrated the arrests, which President Biden said would help save American lives.

Read more: Soldiers and civilians are dying as Mexican cartels embrace a terrifying new weapon: Land mines

Experts on the drug trade, however, said the detentions are unlikely to affect the day-to-day business operations of the Sinaloa cartel  and could end up sparking a bloody conflict as members battle to fill a new power vacuum.

The capture of Zambada spelled a likely end to the long and storied career of a drug kingpin whose trajectory has been closely intertwined with the rise of narcotrafficking in Mexico.

In the Netflix docudrama series Narcos: Mexico, which depicted his rise to power, he was portrayed as handsome, rakish and a cool customer  traits those who have known him say are accurate. His origin story begins in the late 1980s, when Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, then Mexicos most important cocaine trafficker, sat down with several of his proteges  including Zambada  to divide control of different drug routes.

Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo is shown in 1989. (Associated Press)

But a few years later, a battle for territory broke out between Felix Gallardo and Zambada, who forged a partnership with El Chapo and an ex-cop-turned-trafficker named Juan Jose Esparragoza Moreno. The Sinaloa cartel was born.

As appetites for drugs exploded worldwide, so did the business of his Sinaloa cartel, which authorities say is active on six continents and reaps billions of dollars in profits annually.

When Bloomberg named Zambada to its Billionaires Index in 2018, it put his net worth at $3 billion.

While other kingpins flaunted their wealth, Zambada lived a comparably modest life tucked away in the safety of the sierra, where he generated goodwill among locals by building roads and churches.

Read more: Inside the world of the ultra-wealthy Mexicans who own exotic animals

He gave just one interview, in 2010, to the famed journalist Julio Scherer Garcia.

In the subsequent article, published in Proceso magazine, Scherer described a dizzying series of car rides and stays at safe houses before he was finally taken to meet Zambada in a rustic building where they sat down together to eat lunch.

The journalist wrote that Zambada was built like a fortress and wore blue jeans and a T-shirt. He lived with his wife, five girlfriends and a collection of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Zambada said he wasnt interested in fame or luxuries. The mountain is my home, my family, my protection, he said.

Over the years, many of the traffickers who Zambada had started out with began to fall  killed by rivals or ensnared by law enforcement. But Zambada himself seemed untouchable.

Several members of Zambadas family have already faced justice in the United States, including his brother and three of his sons. The other Zambadas all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and have seen their cases resolved, sometimes with relatively short prison sentences.

Police officers and journalists stand near a haul of 1.8 tons of methamphetamine in Madrid on May 16. Spanish police said they dismantled a major methamphetamine distribution network of the Sinaloa cartel in the bust. (Manu Fernandez / Associated Press)

Brother Jesus El Rey Zambada, who testified as a cooperating witness against El Chapo, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in 2019 and has since been released, appearing publicly to promote his attempts to launch a music career .

Ismael Zambadas son Vicente Zambada Niebla, 49, also testified against El Chapo, describing the fierce loyalty between the kingpin and his father. He said the two men long pooled their resources to fund drug shipments, battle rival cartels and bribe Mexican officials.

The cooperation of El Mayos relatives against El Chapo led to tensions in the Sinaloa cartel. The arrest of El Chapos son Ovidio Guzman in late 2019 led to cartel gunmen flooding the city and holding civilians hostage, a spasm of violence on the minds of many locals after this weeks arrests.

Read more: DEA investigated for hiring agents who failed lie detector tests, report says

Miguel Angel Vega, a journalist who covers organized crime for the Sinaloa newspaper RioDoce, said the mood in Culiacan, Sinaloas state capital, is tense.

War is about to break out, Vega said. It looks like things are going to get ugly again. This time its going to be worse. Last time, it was within the same factions. Now were talking about two different factions.

In its 2024 Threat Assessment, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration described the Sinaloa cartel as one of the most violent and prolific polydrug-trafficking cartels in the world, responsible for the smuggling of fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S.

The report said daily deliveries range from smaller packages carried by human mules to thousands of pounds commingled with legitimate trade goods carried by tractor-trailers.

The cartel has several factions. El Mayos and Los Chapitos are reputed to be the most powerful, with thousands of heavily armed sicarios, or assassins, controlling territory that stretches the length of Mexico.

DEA Administrator Anne Milgram talks during a news conference in Los Angeles on June 18, when the Justice Department announced a 10-count superseding indictment charging Los Angeles-based associates of the Sinaloa cartel. (Jamie Ding / Associated Press)

The groups stronghold is in Sinaloa, where El Mayo has long been said to freely roam Culiacan and the surrounding mountains. He has a reputation as a peacemaker who has sought to end wars and avoid violence that attracts attention from the government and is bad for business.

As for the flow of illicit drugs to the United States now that the Sinaloa cartel has lost two leaders, experts said little would change.

Read more: How many people work for the Mexican drug cartels? Researchers have an answer

Cecilia Farfan-Mendez, a researcher at the Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, said that while Zambada was a mythical figure, the Sinaloa cartel has a deep bench of eager workers who would ensure that their product continues to be trafficked north.

There are a lot of middlemen and middlewomen, she said. Its an organization that is extremely resilient to these kinds of disruptions.

Thats what happened in the past, when El Chapo was arrested. Violence broke out in Sinaloa state and elsewhere and a faction aligned with Zambada battled another one backing the Chapitos.

But day to day, the drug market didnt change, she said.

Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, head of the Sinaloa cartel, is escorted to a helicopter in Mexico City following his capture in the beach resort town of Mazatlan in February 2014. (Eduardo Verdugo / Associated Press)

She also questioned how much of a leadership role Zambada had in recent years. The DEA said he was sick with diabetes, and Farfan-Mendez believes he had stepped back.

To say he was in control of everything is incorrect, she said.

One of his sons, Ismael Zambada-Sicairos, born in 1982 and known as Mayito Flaco, is a fugitive in Mexico, wanted by the DEA for his alleged leadership role in his fathers operation.

Eduardo Guerrero, a security expert with Mexicos Lantia consultant group, said Zambada had largely retired from the business.

Zambada knew that he would be arrested soon, and besides that he was very sick, said Guerrero. For a few months now he hasnt been involved in the operations of Sinaloa.

In his 2010 interview, Zambada was eloquent and incisive, speculating about what would happen if he was one day killed or captured.

After a few days, wed see that nothing had changed, he said. The drug problem involves millions. If the bosses are locked up or killed, their replacements are already waiting.

Hamilton reported from San Francisco and Linthicum from Mexico City. Times staff writer Patrick McDonnell in Mexico City contributed to this report.





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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
One of the biggest cartel busts in recent memory began with an act of betrayal

How did an alleged cartel kingpin who evaded capture for more than half a century end up in the hands of US federal agents?

According to officials, it started with an act of betrayal.

Details are still emerging about what led last week to one of the most significant and stunning cartel busts in recent memory.

US officials whove spoken with CNN say a key player in the operation to arrest Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael El Mayo Zambada was another major cartel figure who was arrested beside him.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of the sons of convicted cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, duped Zambada and orchestrated their arrest, officials told CNN.

Zambadas lawyer described what happened in harsher terms Sunday, accusing Guzman Lopez of kidnapping.

Joaquin Guzman Lopez forcibly kidnapped my client. He was ambushed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed by six men in military uniforms and Joaquin. His legs were tied, and a black bag was placed over his head, attorney Frank Perez said in a statement sent to CNN.

He was then thrown into the back of a pickup truck and taken to a landing strip. There, he was forced onto a plane, his legs tied to the seat by Joaquin, and brought to the U.S. against his will. The only people on the plane were the pilot, Joaquin and my client, Perez added.

U.S. officials had previously told CNN that Zambada, 76, thought he and Guzman Lopez were flying to northern Mexico to look at real estate. But instead, the officials said, their small private plane landed north of the border near El Paso, Texas, where US authorities were waiting on the tarmac.

So far, we havent heard Guzman Lopezs account of what happened. The 38-year-old is expected to appear in federal court Tuesday in Chicago, his attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, told CNN.

Lichtman said in an email Saturday that hed appear in court with Guzman Lopez and added, Im looking forward to seeing Joaquin and working on the case with him. He declined further comment.

Zambada pleaded not guilty to all charges in his first federal court appearance Friday. Sundays accusation from his attorney was the latest twist in a case that seems to get murkier with each account that emerges.

One cartel expert told CNN hes dubious of some details officials have shared.

It would not surprise me at all if the story changes from today to tomorrow, or next week, said InSight Crimes Steven Dudley, whos spent more than a decade investigating drug trafficking and organized crime.

And as reporters pressed for answers in a contentious press conference Friday, Mexicos president suggested he, too, has many questions about what occurred.

The government of the United States has to give a complete report. It cant be just general statements, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said. There has to be transparency.

This much is clear: The arrests of Zambada and Guzman Lopez mark a major development in decades-long efforts to capture and prosecute alleged cartel bosses. And the details revealed so far about what led to this dramatic moment offer a telling glimpse into the inner workings of what authorities describe as one of the worlds most notorious and nefarious criminal enterprises.

The front pages of Mexican newspapers showed the news of the capture of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. - Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP/Getty Images

Authorities had closed in on El Mayo before

It wasnt the first time authorities had Zambada in their sights.

In a 2010 interview with the Mexican magazine Proceso, Zambada said Mexicos military had come close to capturing him at least four times before.

I fled through the highlands, where I know the branches, the streams, the rocks, everything. They catch me if I am still or if I am careless, like El Chapo, he said.

At the time, Zambada told Proceso that fear about being captured weighed on him constantly.

Im terrified that theyll lock me up, he said.

That 2010 interview was one of the last known public appearances for the notably lower-profile Zambada. His name surged into international headlines in 2018 and 2019 during the high-profile trial of Guzman, whose lawyer argued that Zambada was the cartels true leader.

Lichtman, the defense attorney, also represented the elder Guzman and alleged at the time that Zambada had bribed the Mexican government to frame El Chapo and remain free to run the cartel.

In 2021, US authorities raised the reward for information leading to Zambadas arrest to $15 million.

Over the years, Zambadas storied ability to evade capture was referenced in narcocorrido ballads about him. The 2022 corrido Senor Zambada, performed by El Fantasma and Enigma Norteno from Zambadas perspective, includes the lines: I know very well that they want to catch me, that the government wanted to lock me up. But they are going to keep wanting that, because no matter how much they look, they are not going to find me.

His elusive reputation also caught the attention of his enemies, former Drug Enforcement Administration agent Mike Vigil told CNN.

Mayo Zambada, prior to (Thursday) and over 50 years of involvement in the drug trade had never been captured, never served any time, Vigil said, so he is highly respected even by his rivals.

Dudley of InSight Crime pointed to this aspect of Zambadas past when he told CNN en Espanol he was skeptical of accounts that painted the Sinaloa cartel leader as an unwitting victim who was tricked into being captured.

Im not 100% convinced thats what happened. I see in El Mayo Zambada a person whos older. Hes 76. I see a person whos also experienced, a person who knows exactly when and from where any deception is coming, Dudley said. Thats why hes never stepped foot in a jail until yesterday. So I have my doubts. That is to say, I think that were still missing information.

Officials say they exploited a rift in the cartel

Officials who spoke with CNN said Zambada boarded a plane with Guzman Lopez Thursday thinking theyd be inspecting property together near the border. Zambada didnt realize US investigators had exploited a rift in the Sinaloa cartel, one official said, and that Guzman Lopez was in fact helping with Zambadas capture.

A long-simmering power struggle between Zambada and El Chapos sons, also known as the Chapitos, was about to boil over.

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations, which led the operation, were skeptical at first when Guzman Lopez made the offer, an official familiar with the operation told CNN.

But as the plane they were flying in landed at the Santa Teresa airport near El Paso, Texas, on Thursday, federal agents were waiting.

One worker at the airport told Reuters that he saw a Beechcraft King Air land Thursday afternoon on the runway, where federal agents were already waiting.

Two individuals got off the plane and were calmly taken into custody, said the man, who declined to share his name out of concern for his safety.

It seemed like a pretty calm, arranged thing, he added.

The entire operation, one source told CNN, went off surprisingly smoothly given the gravity of the arrests and the disruption it could cause to drug trafficking from Mexico.

Now that Zambada and Guzman Lopez are in US custody, authorities are ready to make the case against them.

Both Zambada and Guzman Lopez face charges in the US for allegedly leading the cartels criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement after the arrests.

Top US officials trumpeted the arrests as a major victory. But some analysts were more measured in their assessment of the potential impact.

Its a historic capture, of course, and symbolic. But is it going to create a collateral effect or have an impact on drug trafficking? I really doubt that, Dudley said. As much because El Mayo had pulled back already from the day-to-day operations, and the world of drug trafficking is really now a different world from when he started. Its much more decentralized. Its much more like a franchise. There are contractors, subcontractors, other contractors. There are many parts that can be easily replaced.

Speculating on what could happen next, Mexicos president pointed to Zambadas own words in the 2010 Proceso interview. If he were captured or killed, Zambada said that effectively nothing would happen. In the world of drug trafficking, he said, whether capos are locked up, dead, or extradited, their replacements are already out there.

Experts say theres little doubt that these arrests, like past high-profile kingpin takedowns, will spur a new wave of violence as rival groups vie for territory and power.

And no matter what new details emerge about how they happened, the surprising and dramatic arrests wont soon be forgotten.

CNNs Ione Molinares, Fidel Gutierrez, Abel Alvarado and Amanda Musa contributed to this report.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  At least one person is injured after an alleged shooting in the Brewery District Friday night.

Police blocked off a scene at South Wall Street and West Beck Street following reports of gunshots in the area around 9:09 p.m., according to dispatchers. Multiple officers responded to the scene, closing off the lot next to Tonys Italian Ristorante. Caution tape appears to stretch across the street to another parking lot as well, crossing West Beck Street.

(NBC4 Photo/Jackie Gillis)

(NBC4 Photo/Natalie Fahmy)

(NBC4 Photo/Natalie Fahmy)

According to dispatchers, one person went to a nearby hospital with a gunshot wound. They were in stable condition at last update.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Police had not shared information on the cause of the shooting, any other victims or a possible suspect as of 10:30 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
One of my favorite stocks in the consumer staple space, Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM), just reported strong second-quarter results and raised its full-year guidance once again. The stock is up over 16% year to date and sports a nearly 5% yield.

Let's take a look at the tobacco company's most recent results and why the stock still looks like an attractive investment option.

Zyn continues to lead the way

Zyn continues to help power Philip Morris' results, with volumes for the nicotine pouches rising more than 50% to 149.9 million cans. Heated tobacco units (HTUs), which include its IQOS system, meanwhile, rose 13% to 35.5 billion units.

Traditional cigarette volumes edged up 0.4% to 43.5 billion units. However, the company did lose some cigarette market share in the quarter, falling 40 basis points to 23.6%.

Overall, organic revenue, which excludes currency impacts and acquisitions, rose 9.6% to $9.5 billion. Adjusted EPS in constant currency climbed 10.6% to $1.77.

On an organic basis, combustible tobacco revenue grew 4.8% driven by a high-single-digit increase in pricing. Smoke-free product revenue jumped 18.3%, also organically.

Gross margins increased by about 70 basis points to 64.7%. The company said that smoke-free gross margins rose by 220 basis points, while combustible gross margins increased 50 basis points. It was the first improvement in combustible gross margins after seven straight quarters of declines.

Image source: Getty Images.

Looking ahead, Philip Morris forecast 2024 organic revenue to grow by between 7.5% to 9%, up from a prior outlook of 7% to 8.5% growth. It is projecting adjusted EPS of $6.33 to $6.45. Excluding currency, it is projecting adjusted EPS of between $6.67 to $6.55, representing 11% to 13% growth, up from previous guidance for 9% to 11% EPS growth.

Management now expects volume growth of 1% to 2%, up from a prior outlook of 0% to 1% growth. It guided the company to generate about $11 billion in operating cash flow on a spending of $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion in capital expenditures (capex), mostly for increasing capacity in the U.S. for Zyn.

For Q3, it is looking for adjusted EPS of between $1.77 and $1.82.

This was an excellent quarter from Philip Morris all around. Zyn continues to show strong growth despite experiencing some supply constraints, while IQOS has been performing well in its key European markets while gaining traction in Japan. The company also said that, while it's in its early days, its VEEV vaping brand has already become the closed-pod leader in five European markets and is on its way to profitability. The company will also be testing IQOS in its first U.S. market, Austin, Texas, in Q4. It expects to receive full FDA authorization in the second half of next year.

Story continues

Just as importantly, Philip Morris is also starting to see improved gross margins. Zyn and IQOS have better unit economics and gross margins than traditional cigarettes, but the company also has begun to see a recovery in combustible gross margins as well.

The company pays a $1.30 quarterly dividend, which is good for a forward dividend yield of 4.7%. The company's projected $11 billion in operating cash flow easily covers the approximately $8 billion in dividends it pays out each year.

Is now a good time to buy Philip Morris stock?

Philip Morris has the unique quality of being a growth stock in a defensive industry. Zyn and IQOS remain solid revenue growth drivers that also come with higher margins. Zyn appears to have a long runway both in the U.S. as well as expansion into other markets. Meanwhile, the company has a solid opportunity in front of it with IQOS in the U.S. after buying back its rights. Given that the company doesn't sell cigarettes in the U.S., these would be all new users for the company.

Looking at valuation, Philip Morris trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of under 16 times based on 2025 analyst estimates, as well as a PEG (price/earnings-to-growth ratio) ratio under 1. Given its both defensive and growth qualities, as well as its lack of cigarette exposure to the declining U.S. market, that looks like an attractive valuation in my book.

While the stock has performed well this year, I do not think it is too late to buy the name at current levels.

Should you invest $1,000 in Philip Morris International right now?

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Geoffrey Seiler has positions in Philip Morris International. The Motley Fool recommends Philip Morris International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Philip Morris International Just Raised Guidance Again. Is Now a Great Opportunity to Buy the Stock? was originally published by The Motley Fool
One inmate dies, second revived with Narcan at Sacramento jail, fifth in-custody death since May

One inmate died and another inmate was revived after a suspected fentanyl overdose occurred Friday at the Sacramento County Main Jail, marking the fifth death of an incarcerated person in sheriffs jail custody in nearly three months.

The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office announced late Friday that guards responded around 11:15 a.m. to an eighth-floor cell in the downtown facility and found two unresponsive cellmates.

Both inmates were removed from the cell, and deputies immediately began to administer first aid, said Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a spokesman for the Sheriffs Office. Narcan was also administered to both inmates multiple times, as staff continued first aid until Fire Department personnel arrived.

Gandhi said in a news release that one of the inmates was revived and began to breathe on his own before he was briefly hospitalized. After being treated the man was released back to Main Jail custody.

The second man, identified only as a 40-year-old, was pronounced dead at the jail, Gandhi said. His identity was expected to be released by the Sacramento County Coroners Office.

He was the fifth inmate to die while in Sacramento sheriffs custody in the last 11 weeks. The three other inmate deaths occurred on May 5, May 12 and June 8 at the downtown facility; another man died June 28 at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center near Elk Grove.

Understaffing was listed in reports last year as a factor in inmate deaths. As a result of the low staff levels, Sacramento County is violating a 2019 federal class action settlement that provides requirements for the jail to improve medical and mental health care for inmates.

With the latest death, a total of 30 inmates have died in Sacramento jail facilities since the start of 2021.

Gandhi said deputies would complete a thorough inmate death investigation in accordance with department procedures and state laws, a standard procedure for an inmates death. That report would likely take months to be released.
One person dead after being hit by 2 vehicles, including Milwaukee Police squad car

One individual is dead after being struck by two vehicles this morning, including a Milwaukee Police Department squad car.

Police responding to a hostage situation around 2:30 a.m. Saturday struck a body lying in the roadway in the 1400 block of West North Avenue, according to the news release.

The person, 57, had previously been struck by a black SUV that fled the scene prior to the police squad hitting the body, police said. The individual died at the scene.

The officers involved  a 38-year-old man with more than four years of service and a 25-year-old man with over six years of service  will be placed on administrative duty until an investigation is complete.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is assisting in the investigation.

Milwaukee Police continue to seek information on the black SUV and its driver. Anyone with information should contact MPD at 414-935-7360. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or via the P3 Tips app.

Milwaukee County has seen 10 fatal crashes involving a pedestrian in 2024, according to preliminary data from the state's Department of Transportation. This data does not appear to include this morning's crash. The preliminary data shows 24 fatal crashes involving a pedestrian in the county in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: One person dead after being hit by 2 vehicles, including MPD squad
One says America is stupid, the other it is great. Amazing contrast between Trump and Biden

The difference between Trump and Biden startling

On Wednesday there was quite a contrast with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Trump said that America is a stupid country.

President Biden said that America is the greatest country in the world.

Trump said Vice President Kamala Harris hates Jewish people. Her husband is Jewish.

It's time for newspapers to fact check all candidates on what candidates say. They shouldn't be allowed to say anything without being held accountable.

Dave Waller, Grove City

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he campaigns in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. July 24, 2024. REUTERS/Marco Bello

Whatever happened to "Love thy neighbor?"

We are in a crisis of faith.

"Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses longing to be free." These are the words on Lady Liberty, but there are those who would rather close their doors than help those in need or those who are poor.

They'd rather build a wall between themselves and others than reach out to help their sisters and brothers.

Whatever happened to "Love thy neighbor" and "What Would Jesus Do?" or "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you?"

Open your hearts and your minds and embrace all humankind and take a stand to love one another and see each other as sisters and brothers. We are all God's children so let's all help everyone no matter who they are or where they come from.

Ann Fewell, Pataskala

Trump's alleged feeling about people with disabilities alarming

President John F. Kennedy had a sister, Rosemary, who was born with an intellectual disability.

While in office he established the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development from which many effective programs to help those with intellectual and physical disabilities and their families were generated and financed.

How did Donald J. Trump deal with the issue while in office? Trumps nephew, Fred Trump III, has a severely handicapped child who suffers from infantile spasms, a seizure disorder that affected his physical and cognitive development.

More: Donald Trump's nephew alleges his uncle said disabled Americans 'should just die'

Fred wrote in an upcoming memoir ("All in the family: The Trump's and How We got This Way") that during Trump's White House days his uncle told him in the Oval Office that severely disabled people  including Freds son  should just die. "Those people . . . "The shape theyre in, all the expenses, maybe those kinds of people should just die."

Hmm. Trump would have fit right in 1930s Nazi Germany. We must thank Fred Trump III for coming forward at this critical time with this little facet of the gem which is Donald J. Trump.

Richard D. Back, New Albany

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Trump says Harris hates Jews. Does he know who she married?
Kamala Harris has one job: Persuading currently undecided, indifferent, or loosely Trump-attached voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to vote for her rather than Donald Trump (or Robert F. Brain Worm Kennedy Jr.).

So what will change these peoples minds? Well, that is the $10 billion question. But if theyre like other swing voters whove been surveyed and focus-grouped and interviewed in the past, the answer is something like: They want to vote for someone who isnt too partisan but also isnt necessarily in the center of every issuelefty economic ideas do fine with themand who seems like someone you could have a beer with but who also possesses a certain presidential dignity and vitality. Someone strong but unifying, as well as practical and possessing an intrinsic ability to improve the economy.

The top priority for Harris is convincing people that she is that person herself, of course, with her own words and advertisements. But she also gets to pick a vice presidential nomineeand according to some of the political-science research into the matter, that choice will likely be more important as a signal about herself than as a play to win any given state.

With this in mind, the choice is clear: She should select Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear as her running mate.

The most important thing to know about Beshearand the only thing Harris would really need voters to know about himis easy to explain. He is, despite being a Democrat, popular in Kentucky, a state that Donald Trump won by 26 points in 2020. (Beshear won reelection in 2023 by 5 points, and his approval rating in Morning Consults latest data was 67 percent.) That would be the purpose of this pick: associating herself with one of the rare politicians in the contemporary U.S. who can honestly say theyve been a uniter rather than a divider.

Nearly as important, though, is how Beshear has done it. Some Democrats in red statesWest Virginias Joe Manchin comes to mindmake their reputation by picking high-profile fights with national party leaders and denouncing certain ideas as too liberal. Theres a strong utilitarian argument that this is a good thing for the party overall: It needs senators from West Virginia and Montana and Arizona however it can get them, and given the Republican assault on election administration, it needs as many Democrats in swing-state governors mansions as it can get too. But those figures are less than ideal vice presidential choices because theyve alienated groups whose participation in the presidential campaign is essential. If Harris chose Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, it might bother the major unions; if she chose Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, it would put off critics of Israels conduct in Gaza.

Beshear has not madeor has not been forced to makeany of these kinds of friendly-fire compromises in order to prove his independence. For one, he has the good fortune of being the son of another former governor, Steve Beshear, who was also popular in the state despite being a Democrat. Republicans hold a supermajority in the Kentucky Legislature, which means that they can override (Andy) Beshears vetoes of legislation. Because he literally cant stop Republican ideas from being turned into law if theyre popular enough, he doesnt have to make as many tough calls as someone in a more evenly split state might.

That said, he has taken liberal stands on policy when less confident Democrats might have gone wobbly. He vetoed a bill that would have banned minors from receiving gender-affirming care, describing it as an attack on children of God that would limit parents freedom to make medical choices. (The veto was overridden.) He made the protection of Kentuckys (limited) abortion rights a central issue in his reelection campaign, although he does support what he described as reasonable restrictions on late-term abortions.

Theres more. Beshear rejected calls to impose work restrictions on Medicaid eligibility, restored voting rights to 175,000 ex-felons through executive order, has been unwavering in opposing the diversion of public education funds to charter schools, and publicly declined the Trump administrations offer to stop resettling refugees in Kentucky. He also walked a United Automobile Workers picket line in 2023, which is not the easiest gesture to make in a state whose economy is heavily affected by automakers decisions about where to locate manufacturing plants. (He seems to be doing well on that front too, at least according to Business Facilities magazine and Site Selection magazine.)

You might be asking: OK, sure, but is he good on TV? Its a subjective question, but if Beshears appearances in recent weeks and the tape from one of his 2023 debates are any indication, hes good enough. Hes perhaps not the loosest presence, but he does a smooth job of moving discussions toward the points he wants to talk about without being evasive and shows command of details without getting lost in them. (His success in Kentucky, local observers say, is in part attributable to his reassuring presence on camera during COVID and in the wake of a series of natural disasters that have befallen the state.)

The debate was held during the peak of Ron DeSantisstyle attacks on supposed LGBTQ indoctrination of students by public-school teachers and librarians. Beshear prepared a deceptively plainspoken deflection. Ive heard it over and over across the state, he said when the issue of inappropriate instruction was brought up. Peoples kids arent being exposed to things through the classroom or through librariestheyre being exposed to them through my opponents commercials. A solid zinger but also, if youll notice, a good way to avoid having to discuss what teachers in conservative Kentucky should be telling middle-school students about human sexuality. (You might call it a Teachers Are Making Our Children Gay by Using Inclusion Policies as a Trojan Horse for Their Diabolical Grooming Vs. No They Arent approach.)

When it comes to being sensible and down-to-earth, Beshear walks the walk, and he talks the talk. His opening debate statement quoted from the Book of Psalms, then listed the construction of a Margaritaville as one of the signature accomplishments of his term in office. What else could Kamala Harris want?
President Joe Biden departs after speaking about the banking system in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, March 13, 2023. | Andrew Harnik

President Joe Bidens decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential contest is becoming  in the sense of complimentary to him, reflecting well on him. That is a term rarely, if ever, used in todays extraordinarily cruel and ugly political rhetoric.

True to form, former President Donald Trump reacted with a series of crude personal insults, including the statement that Biden never should have run. Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, now the Republican vice presidential nominee following last weeks national convention, has chimed in that the president should resign immediately.

The first statement is low-grade invective typical of the source; the second is bizarre. Biden, along with our other presidents, took a formal oath to serve, and has a professional if not legal obligation to continue the work of the office until the completion of his term.

Presidential resignation does have precedent. President Richard M. Nixon resigned on Aug. 8, 1974, culminating the Watergate crisis. The Watergate building complex was the site of a burglary effort by White House operatives.

Whether Nixon knew about this criminal action in advance is unclear. Clearly captured on his then-secret office taping system are his comments about covering up the crime. Other acts included illegal campaign contributions, dirty tricks against political opponents and a separate break-in of the office of the psychiatrist of Daniel Ellsberg, who had made public the secret Pentagon Papers documenting the history of the Vietnam War.

News of the Watergate break-in during the 1972 presidential campaign did not have any significant impact. President Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew were reelected in a historic landslide. Agnew was later forced to resign because of corruption.

Nixons second term was plagued by Watergate from the start. When his impeachment by the House of Representatives  and conviction in the Senate trial to follow  became certain, senior Republican senators, including conservative icon Barry Goldwater, R-Ark., told Nixon he lacked the votes to survive in office. Nixon resigned, saving the nation and his family an extraordinarily painful ordeal.

Nothing like this confronts our nation today.

Watergate is, in a sense, a capstone of the tremendous chaos, violence and fear that gripped the United States and our politics through the 1960s and into the 1970s.

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, opened a decade of turbulence. The remarkable stability of the Eisenhower 1950s ended.

One result was the unexpected announcement by President Lyndon B. Johnson not to seek reelection to the White House. This is a precedent for Bidens decision, contrary to some comments that his action is unprecedented. Johnson made the announcement on March 31, 1968, at the conclusion of a speech about de-escalation in the Vietnam War.

In early 1968, the Viet Cong launched attacks across South Vietnam during a truce. The Tet Offensive resulted in a military victory for South Vietnam and the United States, but Hanoi nonetheless achieved a political victory in the U.S.

Anti-war Sen. Eugene McCarthy, D-Minn., came close to defeating Johnson in the New Hampshire primary. Johnson opposer Sen. Robert Kennedy, D-N.Y., entered the race. Johnson also faced health concerns.

Kennedy was assassinated in early June. Vice President Hubert Humphrey secured the nomination and narrowly lost to Nixon in November.

Humphrey entered no primaries, but dealt directly with state party leaders and organizations. In consequence, both political parties made primaries the primary means of presidential nomination.

What our nation confronts today is nothing compared to the violence and instability of that earlier time.

Arthur I. Cyr is author of After the Cold War. Contact acyr@carthage.edu.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on July 27 accused the U.S. of blowing up the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines and claimed that a third party is needed to end the war in Ukraine.

Russia blamed the U.S. and U.K. for blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia and Germany in September 2022. Investigations have so far failed to find conclusive evidence, and both Denmark and Sweden dropped the case in February 2024. The German investigation is still ongoing.



While some Western countries have pointed fingers at Russia, some German investigators have linked the explosions to Ukraine, accusing a crew of Ukrainians of carrying out the sabotage, but did not say whether it was officially authorized by Kyiv. Ukraine has denied any involvement.



Addressing an audience at a camp in Baile Tusnad, Romania, Orban chastised Europe for heeding Washingtons demands. He said that Europe has left behind its own interests, claiming that sanctions have damaged Europe while high energy prices harm the economy.



"The fact that we are silent about the undermining of the Nord Stream gas pipeline, that Germany itself is silent about the obvious act of terrorism carried out under American leadership against its property, and that we do not investigate, do not try to find out, and do not raise this issue legally (...) is nothing but an act of humility," Orban said.



The nationalist Hungarian leader took direct shots at Poland for its close relationship with the U.S.

He said that Warsaw has rejected the Visegrad Group, a block of four Central European countries including Slovakia and Czechia, to join a new political axis that is more aggressive towards Russia.



The new center of power and axis now looks like London, Warsaw, Kyiv, as well as the Baltic and Scandinavian countries," he said. (The Poles) read morals to us, criticize us for our economic relations with the Russians, and they themselves shamelessly conduct business with them and buy oil through intermediaries, refueling the Polish economy."



Since taking the presidency of the European Commission, Orban has amped up attempts to stand as a negotiator between Moscow and Kyiv. In July, he embarked on a peace tour and met with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.



Orban has publicly spoken in favor of Trump and claimed the presidential candidate will stop funding Ukraine and hold peace talks if elected.



During his speech, Orban claimed peace can only be brought from the outside. He said that both Ukraine and Russia believe they can win and are unwilling to negotiate.



Orbans visits sparked criticism from the EU and President Volodymyr Zelensky. The latter said that NATO and the EU can resolve the war without Orban.



Budapest is often seen as Russias key ally in the EU. Orban has repeatedly blocked aid to Ukraine, pushed for negotiations, and frequently spouted Kremlin talking points.





Read also: Orban will continue his so-called peace mission after criticism from EU, Bloomberg says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Over 75% of wounded servicemen return to service  Ukraine's Ministry of Defence

The Ministry of Defence says more than 75% of wounded soldiers return to service after rehabilitation.

Source: Nataliia Kalmykova, Deputy Defence Minister, at a briefing on the sidelines of the First Annual International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health, dubbed A Warrior: Life, Health, Combat Capability, reports Interfax-Ukraine news agency

Quote from Nataliia Kalmykova: "We have a very high percentage of quality rehabilitation and return to service. This is also noted by our Western partners, those countries that have never had such an experience, such a war as ours. These are over 75% of the wounded [who return to active duty]. They have suffered injuries of varying degrees of severity."

Details: The deputy minister noted that almost every healthcare facility has multidisciplinary teams and rehabilitation programs today.

Quote from Nataliia Kalmykova: "As soon as treatment begins, rehabilitation begins immediately. This is not something that happens later. And rehabilitation is now implemented in all civilian and military institutions."

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Many Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A) insiders ditched their stock over the past year, which may be of interest to the company's shareholders. When analyzing insider transactions, it is usually more valuable to know whether insiders are buying versus knowing if they are selling, as the latter sends an ambiguous message. However, when multiple insiders sell stock over a specific duration, shareholders should take notice as that could possibly be a red flag.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

See our latest analysis for Agilent Technologies

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Agilent Technologies

The Senior VP and President of Order Fulfillment & Supply Chain, Henrik Ancher-Jensen, made the biggest insider sale in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for US$2.0m worth of shares at a price of US$138 each. So we know that an insider sold shares at around the present share price of US$137. We generally don't like to see insider selling, but the lower the sale price, the more it concerns us. Given that the sale took place at around current prices, it makes us a little cautious but is hardly a major concern.

In the last year Agilent Technologies insiders didn't buy any company stock. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

I will like Agilent Technologies better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of undervalued and small cap stocks with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Agilent Technologies Insiders Are Selling The Stock

The last three months saw significant insider selling at Agilent Technologies. In total, Senior Vice President of Human Resources & Global Communications Dominique Grau sold US$2.0m worth of shares in that time, and we didn't record any purchases whatsoever. This may suggest that some insiders think that the shares are not cheap.

Does Agilent Technologies Boast High Insider Ownership?

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Agilent Technologies insiders own 0.3% of the company, currently worth about US$110m based on the recent share price. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders.

Story continues

So What Does This Data Suggest About Agilent Technologies Insiders?

An insider sold Agilent Technologies shares recently, but they didn't buy any. Looking to the last twelve months, our data doesn't show any insider buying. While insiders do own a lot of shares in the company (which is good), our analysis of their transactions doesn't make us feel confident about the company. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. While conducting our analysis, we found that Agilent Technologies has 1 warning sign and it would be unwise to ignore it.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Palm Harbor man charged with DUI after crashing into car with 3 children inside, police say

Palm Harbor man charged with DUI after crashing into car with 3 children inside, police say

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Palm Harbor man was charged with driving under the influence after he allegedly crashed into a car with three children inside on Friday night in Clearwater Beach, according to police.

The crash happened at about 9 p.m. in the area of Mandalay Avenue and Papaya Street.

Elementary school principal arrested for DUI, fleeing Hillsborough deputies, officials say

Don Carr, 63, was allegedly driving his Dodge Durango south in the northbound lanes when he crashed into a Mazda SUV, police said.

The driver and the three children in the Mazda SUV were not injured, police said. Carr was booked into the Pinellas County Jail after being evaluated at a hospital.

Carr was charged with DUI with property damage, police said. He was also cited for driving the wrong way and careless driving.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 hillside burns as the Park fire tears though the community of Cohasset in Butte County, Calif., on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Noah Berger / Associated Press)

Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, as temperatures in Butte County simmered around 106 degrees, a man pushed a burning car down a gully in Chico in what authorities say was an act of arson.

Within minutes, the flaming vehicle ignited tall grasses that had sprung up in the wake of a wet winter but dried out in recent weeks. Soon, live oak trees and grapevine were burning, and wind-driven embers were shooting down canyons and the along ridges of the Lassen foothills, catching new vegetation as they touched down.

By nightfall, the Park fire had grown to 6,000 acres, and by the following morning its size had expanded sevenfold. As of Sunday, the fire had surpassed 353,000 acres  the largest so far this year in California  with no containment and few signs of slowing down.

Experts say the fire's explosive growth is due to a perfect storm of hot, dry conditions, combustible vegetation and a landscape that hasn't burned in decades. The remote terrain has made it challenging for crews to gain access to the blaze's swelling perimeter, and the firefight could be long and arduous as they struggle to gain a foothold.

"This is really the first fire in the past several years in California that I would call extraordinary  and that's not a good thing," Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA, said in a briefing. "This fire is a big deal, and it has done some pretty incredible things."

Indeed, the fire and its massive smoke plume have already exhibited rare and erratic behavior, including "super-cell thunderstorm-like characteristics" replete with large-scale rotations, Swain said. On Thursday, footage captured by AlertCalifornia wildfire cameras appeared to show the blaze spewing tornado-like vortices, sometimes referred to as fire-whirls or firenados.

"At this point the fire is kind of creating its own weather, and that can be pretty unpredictable," said Courtney Carpenter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento. Really big, explosive wildfires can create thunderstorms; they can make whirling fire plumes that can mimic tornadoes."

The #Parkfire in Butte County has now surpassed 164,000 acres. Take a moment to watch this powerful video and consider how you and your family are prepared for the threat of wildfire. For more information on the Park Fire visit: https://t.co/f2Jx3YA3kh pic.twitter.com/RiWlxhTLan  CAL FIRE Chief (@CALFIRE_CHIEF) July 26, 2024

The Park fire's thunderstorm characteristics haven't yet sparked lightning  though Carpenter said that's still possible given its "explosive fire growth" and extreme behaviors. She noted that smoke from the blaze has already reached Oregon.

Fortunately, the fire's rapid rate of spread has so far marched it north and east  stretching across northern Butte County and a growing portion of Tehama County  into a relatively remote mixture of grass, brush and timber and away from the threatened communities of Cohasset and Forest Ranch. But Swain said it is almost certain to become several times larger than it currently is, and will probably be a several-hundred-thousand-acre fire before it is contained.

"This is a fire we're going to have with us for weeks, if not months," he said. "This may be one of those fires that starts in midsummer and burns into mid-autumn ... and it could end up posing more of a threat to communities later on."

Read more: Massive Park fire sparked by man pushing burning car into a gully, officials say

The fire has already carved a path of destruction. Chief Garrett Sjolund, of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's Butte County unit, said "numerous structures" have been burned, including 134 buildings destroyed and an additional 4,000 under threat.

Ignited within Chico's city limits, the fire has had an overwhelming favorable path, experts said pushed by dry, southerly winds that moved it away from the city center.

However, officials have been worried about the community of Cohasset, where they initially feared a repeat of the 2018 Camp fire, which razed the nearby community of Paradise and killed 85 people  the deadliest wildfire on record in California. During that blaze, dozens of people were trapped on the area's limited roadways while trying to escape.

"Cohasset was particularly concerning to us because  there is really only one way out and that is a narrow, windy road," said Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea. "It is hard to traverse, so we wanted to get those warnings out as quickly as we could."

About 4,000 residents have been evacuated from Cohasset, Forest Ranch and parts of northeast Chico, along with several rural areas in southern Tehama County.

While the dry winds that drive fire weather conditions in the area typically come from the north, a less frequent pattern brought them from the south this week and sucked up all the Bay Area moisture they usually carry with them, said Carpenter, the weather service meteorologist.

"Things have been really dry for the last month  and hot  and that's why we're seeing those critical fire conditions," she said.

The area was been under a red flag warning, signaling dangerous weather that supports rapid fire grow, both Thursday and Friday.

That pattern has pushed flames into wilderness that has been untouched by fire for decades, if not longer  making it ripe with thicker vegetation and dead and dying brush, which ignites easily and fast.

"There's tremendous amounts of live and dead fuels," said Dan Collins, a spokesperson for Cal Fire's Butte Unit. He added that the Ishi Wilderness area and some parts of Cohasset "have zero to little fire history" on record.

The region's rugged topography is hampering firefighting efforts, with steep cliffs, expansive canyons and few roadways throughout the national forest.

Thats one of the big challenges, just getting folks [to the fire lines] due to the remote area," Collins said.

Read more: Has California addressed the failures that led to the deadly Camp fire five years ago?

The blaze isn't the only Western wildfire of concern. Cal Fire is battling more than 20 active fires in the state, while crews in Canada are combating an 89,000-acre blaze in the Alberta province that has already leveled portions of the historic resort town of Jasper. Experts say many of the fires have been fueled by the persistent, record-setting heat wave that has blanketed the West for weeks.

Residents from the Chico area are watching the Park fire's movements with anxiety.

"It's been a pretty restless time for us," said Don Hankins, a professor of geography and planning at Cal State Chico who is also on the Butte County Fire Safe Council.

The Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve where he conducts much of his research has already burned, with cameras indicating that nearly all of its infrastructure has been lost, including an 1870s-era barn, Hankins said.

Though the blaze has some echoes of the Camp fire, the community of Cohasset has prepared in recent years for a potential fire, Hankins said, including fuel-reduction projects and prescribed burns to help clear some of the combustible material that lies between the town and the wildland.

"But unfortunately, with the wind on this, and the scale of these projects, it's not necessarily enough to make a difference" if the fire continues to burn out of control, he said.

The days and weeks ahead are likely to see more acreage added to the fire as crews contend with rugged, volcanic topography and persistent hot and dry conditions.

"The outlook is that it's not going to be easily contained," Hankins said. "We've got a long season ahead of us before the rainy season comes, and that's really going to be the ultimate thing to curtail any of these fires that are happening across the West right now."

Sjolund, the fire chief in Butte County, said he's hopeful an expected drop in temperatures and increase in humidity this weekend could assist in fighting the Park fire  and others across the region.

Its kind of a moving target with the way the weather patterns are coming in, he said. This fire is moving very rapidly and very quickly."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Climate scientist Daniel Swain says Butte County has become a poster child over the past decade for what can happen when a warming climate triggers extreme summers and winters.

The Record Searchlight reached out to Swain before the Park Fire started for insights on the record-breaking heat that enveloped the North State this summer.

The number of days in which the high temperature in Redding reached at least 110 degrees set a record this year. Redding's daily high temperature in July reached 110 degrees 12 times, as of Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Swain said, too, winters have become warmer overall and that has caused an increase of what he calls precipitation whiplash  more rain falling in the winter months and less precipitation in the spring and fall.

He said Butte County, especially the area around Oroville, is a bit of a poster child for this weather phenomenon.

This whiplash potentially means less water available throughout the year due to less precipitation in the spring and fall and year-round warmer temperatures, Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA's Institute of Environment and Sustainability, said in an email to the Record Searchlight.

With the Camp Fire (2018), Bear Fire (2020) and Dixie Fire (2021), Butte County has experienced an incredible alternating sequence of historic/catastrophic wildfires and drought, Swain said.

The Park Fire, which started Wednesday afternoon in Chicos Upper Bidwell Park in Butte County, in a matter of days rose to become one of the state's top 20 largest wildfires in its history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

MORE: Park Fire evacuation warning issued for southern Shasta County as Lassen Park HQ evacuates

The massive smoke plume from the fire could be seen all the way down the Sacramento Valley as far south as Dunnigan.

Brent Wachter, a meteorologist for the Northern California Geographic Coordination Center in Redding, told the Record Searchlight that the moisture level in live and dead fuels  limbs, pine needles, leaves, sticks and other plant material on the forest floor  are at low levels because of the record-breaking high heat this summer. The center provides fire weather information for fire agencies throughout the region.

Heavy smoke billowing from the Park Fire is visible along Route 32 mid-afternoon on July 26, 2024.

Wachter said the rainy weather during this past winter and spring hatched another fire danger problem in Shasta, Butte and other North State counties.

"The other game changer, and it's certainly being experienced on the Park Fire, at least initially, is the amount of dead grass that we have. We had a really big green up period in late winter and early spring. And it left us with an abundance of dead grasses, and it's very continuous," Wachter told the Record Searchlight on Thursday.

Meanwhile, climate change and Reddings location at the northern tip of the northern Sacramento Valley, fueled the catastrophic 2018 Carr Fire, Swain said. Redding is surrounded on three sides by mountains, so there is nowhere for the heat to go during long, hot summer days.

Winds during North State heat waves can create a blow torch effect, which Swain said fueled the Carr Fire, along with record heat and low vegetation moisture.

In a warming climate, places in and near the northern Sacramento Valley will likely face three major threats that are unfortunately pretty familiar for residents already: increasingly intense/prolonged heatwaves, more severe wildfires, and increased flood risk during wet years and from increasingly moist individual winter storms, he said.

David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. Hes part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on X, formerly Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Park Fire shows how extreme weather can cause major wildfire threats
Firefighters, aided by improving weather conditions, began to get a handle Saturday on the Park Fire, now the seventh-largest wildfire in California history at over 350,000 acres, as it continued to rage across an area the size of Los Angeles, burning over a mostly emptied-out swath of the Sierra foothill.

Cal Fire spokesman Rick Carhart said the fire doubled in size before its third full day of activity, but crews reported progress as the blaze raced north toward Shasta County and more-populated areas such as Shingletown. Dozens of mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders remain in effect across Butte and Tehama, as well as Shasta and Plumas, two more counties potentially in the fires path.

The fires fierce cadence grew and sputtered by mid-afternoon as firefighters worked to reinforce control lines. By 11 a.m., the fires size jumped 40,000 acres from early Saturdays assessment of 307,368 acres as flames spread at a rate of 5,000 acres an hour. Cal Fire said most of the gains over 24 hours were in Tehama County, where roughly 300,000 acres have charred; Butte Countys burn area was a little more than 50,000 acres, officials said.

But by 7 p.m., the fire grew incrementally to 353,194 acres (551 square miles) from 348,370 acres and containment jumped to 10%.

Carhart said the Park Fire continued to burn aggressively as extreme fire behavior supercharged flames while winds and terrain triggered significant fire growth, even creating a fire whirl Thursday night in the area of Forest Ranch. But Saturdays weather would give firefighters a chance to slow down a blaze that has burned through terrain at 8 square miles an hour or more in the past two days.

It feels much different today  that lower temperature and a little increased humidity... Carhart said. Well take advantage of every opportunity as we can to make gains.

On Friday night and into Saturday, the fire crossed Highway 36 before crews and dozers were able to contain the fire toward the east as personnel worked all night in the area of Paynes Creek, a community of several dozen homes 20 miles east of Red Bluff, where at least one home was destroyed.

Flames climb an embankment off Highway 36, northeast of Red Bluff in Tehama County, during the Park Fire on Saturday.

Firefight in Tehama County

By daybreak, hills on both sides of the roadway were completely burned over and smoldering. Uphill from Highway 36, ash continued to float through Lanes Valley Road as crews toggled between ranches to battle hot spots as dark smoke blotted the morning sky.

Park Fire map

Sources: U.S. Department of the Interior, IRWIN, FIRIS, NIFC, NASA, NOAA and Esri

Residents of Paynes Creek were breathing a sigh of relief. Neighbors who stayed to protect their property checked in on one another.

Diane Staser said at one point in the night her home was surrounded by fire, but the fire breaks she and her husband dug days ago held firm.

Thank the Lord, she said. At first we thought we were good but at one point there we were sure wed lose it.

A volunteer firefighter, she and her neighbors took pains to protect their homes and businesses: installing tin roofs, clearing brush, digging fire breaks and laying hoses.

Weve been through four fires now. Were not leaving, she said. This is all we have, and Ill fight for it religiously. Were not going to be homeless.

A chimney stands on Saturday amid the remains of a farmhouse burned in the Park Fire near Paynes Creek on Highway 36.

Flames also reached Manton, a community of 300 people about five miles south of Shingletown on a flat expanse of Tehama County home to wineries and a wild horse sanctuary.

We have structure defense going out there last night, with a lot of good work, Assistant Chief Jed Gaines said during a morning operational briefing. He added that calmer, cooler conditions allowed strike teams, some of whom had worked a double shift, to go direct on dozer lines as the fire laid down around Highway 36.

East of Paynes Creek into Mineral, firefighting crews dispatched from around the state were deploying deeper into northern stretches of the fire.

Were keeping up to the best of our ability, said Battalion Chief Mark Seastrom from Ventura County, whose crew was tasked with patrolling the highway. But the truth is we havent seen fire like this in some of these areas for the last 25 years.

Firefighting force swells to 2,500

Meanwhile, fire lines stayed put along the Highway 32 corridor in Butte County, where crews have worked to keep flames from more homes in the Forest Ranch area, a hamlet of about 600 homes straddling a rise between Big and Little Chico Creeks and several miles from Paradise, that was ravaged on Friday. Officials said several spot fires that jumped the roadway were put out quickly, as the flames tried to cross control lines in the area.

Fire crews make their way through smoke from the Park Fire on Highway 36 northeast of Red Bluff in Tehama County on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

Still, at least 135 homes have been leveled by the blaze, a figure expected to rise dramatically as teams work to assess the damage.

The priority for firefighters, officials said in a morning briefing, was to keep the blaze boxed in  north and west of the Skyway in Paradise and south of Highway 44 around Shingletown. Crews have been able to keep the fire backed down on the western flank, Gaines said, a fire line running parallel and several miles away from Highway 99 between Chico and Red Bluff.

Nearly 2,500 personnel including an additional incident management team are now on the fire, which prompted an emergency declaration from Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday afternoon for Butte and Tehama counties, as well as the Gold Complex of fires in Plumas County.

More than 5,000 residents in Butte, Tehama and Shasta counties remain under some form of evacuation.

The fire is moving toward Shingletown, population 2,000, at the gateway to Mount Lassen. Many here heeded the evacuation warning and, by Saturday afternoon, only a few stragglers remained in town.

The general store was functioning as a community and information center, offering food for people stopping amid the rush downhill.

Manager Seanna Baker said she closed up Friday to let her workers evacuate themselves but opened up the store Saturday morning. Shes offering free ice and water to whoever needs it but cant afford it.

Were staying open as long as we can, she said. I was born and raised here we all have to stick together as a community.

Chris Wedgworth, a 25-year resident of the historic lumber town, said hes keeping an eye on fire apps to decide when to load up his five dogs in his truck.

We have almost everything in the pickup loaded, he said. Obviously, its bad but it doesnt feel very bad quite yet.

Better weather expected amid dangerous plumes

Despite the improved conditions Saturday, firefighters were cautious about the prospects to gain traction on containment, given the high fuel loads on the fires northern tier.

There are areas out there that have no fire history, a lot of dead and down (fuel), and a lot of logging slash, said Battalion Chief Scott Weese. That could keep the fire moving at an explosive pace, demonstrated on Thursday and Friday afternoons as the fire made significant charges through the Ishi Wilderness and other parts of the Lassen National Forest.

Smoke from the Park Fire fills a valley near Highway 36, northeast of Red Bluff in Tehama County, on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

The heat signature is huge, Weese told firefighters during the morning briefing. Yesterday, it burned 150,000 acres. We saw multiple plumes  four to five plumes  exaggerating this.

The fire continues to burn north into lighter fuels out of the deeper forests where it raced for three days, but the mixture of dry grass and brush in Shasta County  similar to the conditions in Butte County where the fire began  could prove difficult for firefighters in the days ahead.

A firefighter with the city of Monterey hoses down smoldering rubble in Cohasset on Friday, July 26, 2024. A group of firefighters put out hot spots to prevent fires from further damaging remaining structures in the area.

Still, firefighters have some help in the way of burn scars from the 2021 Dixie Fire  which ultimately torched almost a million acres to the east of Parks fire line  as well as the best weather since the fire began Wednesday afternoon when authorities said a man pushed a vehicle on fire down an embankment in Chico.

We had a fair amount of cool and moist air moving into the central North Valley this morning, said fire meteorologist Jeff Tonkin at the morning briefing. He said that humidity improved by 10% to 15% from a day ago, bumping the forecast humidity to 25% through most of the fires perimeter.

So a more moist day today, he said, adding high temperatures were expected to top the lower 90s: Temperature-wise, were going to see about a 10- to 15-degree drop in temperatures this afternoon.

Winds will also moderate from days past, he said. Conditions on the northern half of the fire were expected to be 4 to 6 mph with some gusts to as high as 15 mph as winds shift from the south to the west.

After hearing the weather report, Weese told crews that Saturday would be the best day as far as weather conditions that were going to experience this week for battling the fire.

A plume-dominated fire is very dangerous, he said. This one we have multiple plumes working together. Very dangerous situation out there.

The Bees Hannah Poukish, Camila Pedrosa and Michael McGough contributed to this story.
Past 6 months have had the most traffic deaths in nearly a decade with 61 pedestrians killed since January: study

More than 60 pedestrians were killed in car crashes during the first half of 2024 -- a 27-percent increase over the same period last year.

The past six months have been the deadliest for traffic fatalities across the Big Apple since the launch of the Vision Zero program nearly a decade ago.

The latest data, compiled by Transportation Alternatives, shows 61 pedestrians were killed by cars during the first half of 2024  a 27% increase over the same period last year.

Eight were killed while walking through the proposed congestion relief zone.

The past six months have been the deadliest for traffic fatalities across NYC since the launch of the Vision Zero program, according to reports. Paul Martinka

Twelve cyclists died after being struck by cars.

Approximately 51 drivers have been killed behind the wheel since the start of the year, a record high for New York City.

Midtown Manhattan has been the deadliest area for pedestrians, with 74 people killed since 2019.

In the first two quarters of 2024, traffic violence killed a New Yorker every 34 hours, or 5 times a week, reads a statement on the latest figures. Brooklyn had its deadliest first six months since Vision Zero was adopted in 2014.

During the first half of 2024, traffic crashes killed 127 people, a Vision Zero-era record, according to a new analysis from Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets. transalt

61 pedestrians were killed by cars during the first half of 2024  a 27% increase over the same period last year, reports say. Peter Gerber

Our leaders are failing New Yorkers, said Elizabeth Adams, interim co-executive director for Transportation Alternatives.

By canceling congestion pricing, Governor Hochul has left New Yorkers behind on congested, dangerous streets, she added.

Back in May, a 5-year-old boy mowed down by a car near a Queens playground become the 2,500th New Yorker to be killed in a traffic incident since Vision Zero was launched in 2014 by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Midtown Manhattan has been the deadliest area for pedestrians, with 74 people killed since 2019. Peter Gerber

Transportation Alternatives said implementing congestion pricing, adding bike lanes, and daylighting more intersections must happen to decrease traffic-related deaths. Gregory P. Mango

At the time, de Blasio vowed the program would eliminate fatal crashes entirely by 2024.

Transportation Alternatives said implementing congestion pricing, adding bike lanes, and daylighting more intersections  removing parking spots towards the end of roadways, improving visibility in crosswalks  must happen to reduce traffic-related deaths.

At the current rate of fatalities, 2024 is on pace to be the deadliest year for traffic violence in the Vision Zero era, which should alarm all New Yorkers, added Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. This is not the direction we should be moving in, and as a city, we must not reverse the important progress we have made over the past decade to become a safer city.

Added a Department of Transportation spokesperson: One traffic fatality is too many. Under Vision Zero, the city has approached traffic safety holistically through the engineering of our streets, public education, and enhanced traffic enforcement. Weve installed a record amount of pedestrian space and protected bike lanes; dramatically expanded automated enforcement programs targeting reckless driving; and launched new educational campaigns around the most dangerous behaviors on our streets.

Over the next year, the city will improve visibility at 1,000 intersections citywide while also reducing speed limits on hundreds of streets, thanks to Sammys Law.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A fire destroyed a church on Tuesday, but questions are now arising about if it was a faulty air conditioning system or if it was something else.

WREG spoke with the owner of the building and the pastor of the church who told two different stories about what was happening before the blazes broke out.

ORIGINAL STORY: Church fire results in $1.1M loss, MFD reports

A pile of rubble is left where Revival Temple Ministries once stood. But just 2 weeks before these flames broke out, a WREG photographer, at the request of Pastor James Moore, toured the church to see what the pastor called ongoing maintenance issues with toilets, ceilings, and floors that he says the landlord wouldnt fix.

This is the AC Unit that is supposed to control the left side of the sanctuary that has not been fixed. We have asked for this to be fixed, the pastor said.

Two weeks later the church went up in flames. The building is owned by FP Memphis LLC and they have an office right next door.

WREG reported on FP Memphis just 2 years ago when our Problem Solvers confronted the owner Todd Frankel about another problem property in the same area and 30 failed inspections we found at some of the 17 properties he owns.

 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.

I come in here. I have taken an area that was a  and turned it into whats a very good area, Frankel said.

Frankel talked to WREG by phone from California on Friday about the church fire, disputing the claims that he ignored maintenance requests.

There was nothing that was out of working order in the property, Frankel said.

In fact, Frankel says he was in the process of evicting Revival Temple and Pastor Moore.

He always was late on his rent, Frankel said. And would promise us the rent and he wouldnt pay it. Then it rolled on a few months he was overdue on his rent.

But the pastor tells a very different story saying that his church was never behind on rent.

We made the agreement to pay half at the beginning and the other half at the end. Before the next month comes in, the pastor said. Our church was never behind.

The Memphis Fire Department says the fire was caused by a malfunction in the AC unit and was accidental.

But Frankel said he had a new air conditioning installed a year ago.

The unit was not installed by an AC Company. The unit was installed by the maintenance team of FP Memphis, the pastor said.

Its a new system that came in 12 months ago, Frankel said. I do not know what he is talking about. We spent a lot of money on that and it was installed professionally.

Frankel says now he wants the fire investigated.

I can tell you though that arson has become the number one potential reason for the church burning down, Frankel said.

WREG asked the Fire Department and ATF if the fire is being investigated as possible arson but we are waiting to hear back. The building owner also says the church was subleasing to another church and that is not allowed in the lease.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The press preview of the San Diego Comic-Con activation for HBOs The Penguin was evacuated on Friday night after a fire seemingly broke out on the roof of a neighboring building. It has since reopened.

Roughly an hour and a half into the event, security came rumbling through the various rooms of the Iceberg Lounge, herding attendees out the door. The fire started at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time and was active for roughly an hour.

A steakhouse kitchen vent caused the fire, the City of San Diego media relations division told TheWrap. The activation reopened at around 9:20 p.m. local time.

Local police further confirmed a fire, but flames could not be seen. However, the area near the corner of E Street and 4th was hazy with smoke. The building was quickly cordoned off, with many emergency vehicles responding. Additionally, water could be seen covering the streets from an unknown source, while fire alarms continued to ring.

Were here at 904th Ave. in downtown San Diego. The Fire Department is busy working a structure fire here on the block. As you can see, theres a lot of assets on scene for both police and fire and the fire is still active and thats why theyre not able to speak right now; theyre busy working the fire. There are no additional evacuations at this time, an officer told TheWrap. We are asking people in vehicles to stay away from the area, take alternate routes.

Emergency Services at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Evacuees at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Smoke rises at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Inside the Iceberg Lounge, pre-evacuation

900 Block at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Emergency vehicles at San Diego Comic-Con 2024

Roughly 100 invited guests were taking part in the secret 44 Below room hidden within the Iceberg Lounge when the lights suddenly turned on, with attendees promptly being ushered outside.

It took a moment for people inside the event to realize the evacuation was real, as the activation was themed around The Penguins nightclub, so a fake raid would make sense for the universe of Batman.

According to a bouncer at Bloom nightclub, there was no damage done to the interior of the building.

Head here for all TheWraps coverage of San Diego Comic-Con 2024.

The post The Penguin Iceberg Lounge Activation Reopens After Emergency Evacuation at Comic-Con appeared first on TheWrap.
Key: Navy - D+5,000 or more, Blue - D+1,001 to D+4,999, Light Skyblue - D+1 to D+1,000. Light Salmon - R+1 to R+1,000, Red - R+1,001 to R+4,999, Maroon - R+5,000 or more. (Map by Nick Field via Daves Redistricting)

A high-water mark, or an indication of a red tide in November? Thats the key question as we examine the Pennsylvania Republican Partys latest voter registration gains.

I actually originally chose this moment because its about halfway between my last update in April and the states voter registration deadline in October. Instead its a chance to chronicle what the trends were right before the Democratic Presidential nomination shifted from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris; as well as track how this new Harris/Trump race does or does not move the numbers over the next three months.

Back in April, the Democratic registration advantage statewide stood at D+397,241. Today that lead dwindles to D+360,982: as Dems lost 2,214 registrants, while Republicans gained 34,045 and Independents added 41,475.

Where did those GOP gains come from, and what does that tell us about the race ahead? Lets dive into the numbers and try to find out.

A quick note: I explore our changing voter trends by tracking the gains one party accumulated in registrations over the other party. For example, R+500 means that the Republican Party gained a net 500 more registered voters in that county than the Democratic Party did over this period, while D+500 indicates the opposite.

Central

Blair: R+513

Bradford: R+310

Cameron: R+6

Centre : R+48

Clearfield: R+431

Clinton: R+147

Columbia: R+290

Elk: R+183

Huntingdon: R+107

Juniata: R+69

Lycoming: R+380

McKean: R+116

Mifflin: R+211

Montour: R+17

Northumberland: R+242

Potter: R+51

Snyder: R+101

Sullivan: R+62

Tioga: R+149

Union: R+44

Its been a relatively sleepy summer out here in Central Pennsylvania, but the excitement is sure to come back in the fall when students return to Penn State and Bucknell Universities. So if theres any renewed Democratic enthusiasm among young people, we should see some signs there. Conversely, if the War in Gaza is still ongoing, well likely witness plenty of protests as well.

Northeast

Carbon: R+441

Lackawanna: R+875

Luzerne: R+1,376

Monroe: R+557

Pike: R+289

Schuylkill: R+531

Susquehanna: R+156

Wayne: R+283

Wyoming: R+128

Ever since Donald Trumps 2016 upset, when Hillary Clinton lost enough votes in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre corridor alone to cost her the entire commonwealth, Ive kept a close eye on this region. Native son President Joe Biden was supposed to get back to those Obama-level margins here, but he ended up securing only a modest three- point improvement in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.

At the same time, without Trump on the ticket, Democratic statewide candidates did quite well here in 2018 and in 2022. So it remains to be seen whether Harris can perform on par with them there against Trump.

Moreover, it appears Luzerne County is on track to flip from a Democratic plurality to a Republican plurality by the time we get to October. The Dem advantage is down to just 1,370 there, a far cry from their 45,467 margin when I started tracking all this back in May 2015.

Northwest

Clarion: R+179

Crawford: R+400

Erie: R+919

Forest: R+16

Jefferson: R+228

Mercer: R+570

Venango: R+203

Warren: R+176

Speaking of cities where Harris may need to improve upon Bidens performance, we also have Erie. The lakeside county is a bellwether of the commonwealth, supporting the statewide winner in every Presidential election since 1992. As a result, its bound to be visited several times by both partys candidates over these next 100 days.

South Central

Adams: R+372

Bedford: R+209

Cumberland: R+193

Dauphin: R+545

Franklin: R+550

Fulton: R+93

Lancaster: R+1,168

Lebanon: R+348

Perry: R+147

York: R+1,319

I like to call Lancaster and York The Big Red Machines of Pennsylvania, as they represent the most populous red counties in the commonwealth. In the Trump Era, however, these counties began to drift leftward, to the point that Josh Shapiro nearly won Lancaster during the 2022 gGubernatorial election.

Therefore, if Harris loses ground in the rural areas of Central, Northeast, Northwest and Southwest Pennsylvania shes got a chance to make up some of that lost ground in the South Central portion of the state. To wit, Harrisburg and its neighboring suburbs in Dauphin and Cumberland Counties are a prime opportunity for her here.

Southeast

Berks: R+1,487

Bucks: R+1,974

Chester: R+268

Delaware: D+75

Lehigh: R+1,228

Montgomery: R+194

Northampton: R+1,248

Philadelphia: R+4,396

For all intents and purposes, this region may be the ballgame. Thats why Republicans must be thrilled with their gains here, highlighted by their flip of Bucks County, which returns to a GOP plurality for the first time since the spring of 2008. Remember, Biden won Bucks by four and a half points in 2020, and Harris almost certainly has to improve upon that margin.

The one blue dot on this entire map is here in Delaware County, the sole county to see Democratic registrant gains since April. On the other hand, Pennsylvania Republicans saw their largest numerical growth in Philadelphia, a place where Democrats should obviously be running up the score by this point in the election season.

Southwest

Allegheny: R+2,083

Armstrong: R+405

Beaver: R+704

Butler: R+859

Cambria: R+686

Fayette: R+867

Greene: R+230

Indiana: R+342

Lawrence: R+498

Somerset: R+314

Washington: R+998

Westmoreland: R+1,805

The voter rolls in this Appalachian region of Pennsylvania just continue to get redder and redder. The Southwest famously fueled Trumps victory in 2016, yet four years later Biden was able to chip away at Trumps margins in counties like Beaver, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland. So Trump will be looking to reverse those trends and put up monster numbers here against Harris.

Meanwhile, any Harris win will depend in part on running up a massive tally in Pittsburgh and the rest of Allegheny County. Four years ago, Biden posted an impressive 146,761 vote margin here, the third-highest in history behind only FDR in 1936 and LBJ in 1964. Shell likely need an even better performance in the Steel City to carry PA.

The suburbs will be pivotal

In 2020, Joe Biden took back the Keystone State by outrunning Hillary Clinton in the Commonwealths suburbs and  to a lesser degree  the states rural regions. So even while Donald Trump performed better in Philadelphia, his 44,292 vote victory in 2016 became a 80,555 vote loss in 2020.

With Harris at the top of the ticket now, those trends will likely reverse, with Trump looking to replicate his 2016 rural margins, while Harris seeks to reach Obama-level support in the cities. As a result, this contest will likely come down to the suburbs.

The recent high-water mark for a Democratic margin out of Philadelphia was Barack Obamas 492,339 vote advantage in 2012. For comparisons sake, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden racked up 475,277 and 471,050 margins in 2016 and 2020 respectively. Democrats are hoping that with another Black nominee at the top of the ticket, theyll be better able to close that gap.

Perhaps more important, however, will be the Dems advantage in the collar counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery. After Obama posted a 123,327 vote lead here in 2012, Clinton grew it to 188,353, while Biden expanded that advantage to 293,094. Given the circumstances, Harris simply must match and improve upon Bidens numbers here.

So its worth pointing out that the best recent performance in the Philly suburbs was by Josh Shapiro in the 2022 gubernatorial contest. In a race with less turnout than a Presidential election, Shapiro put together a 388,273 vote performance, besting even Ed Rendells 374,243 vote advantage during the 2006 blue wave.

So if Shapiro does indeed win the Veepstakes, the Philadelphia suburbs will be a key reason why.

Yet Pennsylvania isnt just the City of Brotherly Love and its suburbs. For example, now that Biden is out of the race, Erie and Scranton are especially tempting targets for the Trump-Vance campaign. Conversely, the Hispanic voters in the Lehigh Valley cities of Allentown and Reading present an enticing opportunity for the Harris team.

Ill have more on all this when we reach the voter registration deadline in October, but for now well wait to see how a suddenly unsettled race unfolds.
Sam Altman's Dream Of A Universal Basic Income Is One Step Closer With The Help Of Open AI

Imagine a world where everyone gets the same basic income with no strings attached. Sounds far-fetched, but OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is one step closer to achieving this goal with the help of OpenAI.

Altman and a nonprofit research organization, OpenResearch, have been studying the effects of a no-strings-attached universal income, and the results have been positive. Over the past several years, more than 150 local studies have explored a universal $1,000 salary, but the largest of these pilot studies came from OpenResearch.

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According to Bloomberg, the study has been distributing $1,000 monthly to people in Illinois and Texas to help with basic needs and expenses for three years. Researchers released their findings and concluded that the $1,000 "can be used to address recipients' specific needs, is responsive to changing demands, and creates the possibility for increased agency."

Altman's universal income theory, backed by AI, could not come at a better time as millions of Americans are struggling to pay for basic necessities like rent and food amid the rising cost of living. ABC News reported that a recent Harvard study revealed that around half of American renters are heavily burdened by the cost of housing. Harvard found that middle-income renters are the hardest hit. For example, nearly 40% of households earning $45,000 to $74,999 were rent-burdened.

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Sarah Saadian, the Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Field Organizing at the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, told ABC News, "More and more households that are struggling to pay rent are living just one sort of financial shock away from facing evictions and, in worst cases, homelessness."

The three-year study examined how unconditional cash could help struggling households pay for housing. Elizabeth Rhodes, OpenResearch's research director, explained that the idea of the study was to provide flexibility in participants' spending. She said, "Cash is flexible. Its an imprecise instrument if your goal is to move one outcome for everyone, but it moves some or many outcomes for everyone."

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The study began in 2020 with 3,000 participants in Texas and Illinois. Each participant was given $1,000 in cash per month and told to spend it however they wanted. Despite the freedom to spend the money on whatever they chose, the study found that participants used it to fund basic expenses like rent, food and transportation, rather than on vices like alcohol. Participants increased their monthly spending by $310, but on essentials. The study also explored how unconditional cash could affect low-income participants' employment decisions, and the results were also positive.

Story continues

Results revealed that participants could make more flexible employment decisions that align with their goals and values, rather than just accepting the first job available with poor pay.

One participant of the study revealed in an interview, "Because of the [cash transfer] and being able to build up my savings, I'm in a position for once to be picky," and added, "I don't have to take a crappy job just because I need income right now. I have the opportunity to hold out and try and find the right fit." The results showed that participants worked 1.3 hours less per week, leaving them with more leisure time, which can be beneficial for their physical and emotional well-being.

So far, the results have been positive and have shown that a basic universal income can help lower-income families afford the basics. However, there have been results indicating that this additional cash has had no significant impact on physical or mental health. But with OpenAI constantly learning and evolving, Altman's dream is not as far away.

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(FOX40.COM)  A person was found dead inside a home in Modesto on Thursday morning after the citys fire department extinguished a fire that spread from one home to another.

The Modesto Fire Department said on Facebook around 2:30 p.m. that the incident occurred on Concord Avenue, about a half-mile northwest of Roosevelt Park.

Park Fire: Californias first fire to reach 100,000+ acres since 2021

First arriving firefighters encountered heavy fire and black smoke engulfing a residence, with flames spreading to a neighboring house, the fire department said. A second alarm was requested, bringing a total of seven engines, two trucks, two battalion chiefs, the Deputy Chief of Operations, and the Fire Chief to the scene.

Firefighters said they were able to successfully prevent the fires spread but found one person dead inside one of the homes. We extend our deepest condolences to the affected family, the agency said.

The Modesto Fire Department said no further details about the incident or victim are available at this time and an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Petersburg: 'No comment' on report of intoxicated firefighter driving truck that hit a car

PETERSBURG  City officials are refusing to comment on reports that a city firefighter who reportedly hit a parked car last week while driving a fire truck was intoxicated at the time.

Aaron Michael Hinspater, 34, of North Chesterfield, was listed in court records as blowing a .145  almost twice the legal intoxicated limit in Virginia  on a breathalyzer test police gave him after the July 23 incident on Sycamore Street. Multiple media reports say he admitted to drinking 18 beers before getting behind the wheel of the fire truck.

The fire department was in the middle of a training exercise on Sycamore Street when the truck ran into the car. No one was inside the parked car.

Hinspater has been charged with driving while intoxicated and released on a $1,500 bond. No court date was immediately available.

Hinspater, who has been with the Petersburg Fire Department for nine months, was placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

Late Thursday, the city released a four-sentence statement confirming that an unnamed firefighter was involved in a vehicle accident, adding that the firefighter involved was placed on admin leave as per protocol. It did not acknowledge the intoxication.

Asked by The Progress-Index Saturday for comment about whether the incident or whether it could affect future enforcement of city policy for first responders' cognitive abilities while on duty, a city spokesperson replied, No additional statements at this time.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg firefighter admits to drinking alcohol before shift accident
Philippine forces sail to hotly disputed shoal without incident for first time since deal with China

FILE - In this handout photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a Chinese coast guard ship uses water canons on a Philippine Coast Guard ship near the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, South China Sea as they blocked it's path during a re-supply mission on Aug. 5, 2023. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP, File)

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine government personnel transported food and other supplies Saturday to a fiercely disputed shoal occupied by a Filipino navy contingent but closely guarded by Beijings forces in the South China Sea and no confrontations were reported, Philippine officials said.

It was the first Philippine government supply trip to the Second Thomas Shoal, which has been the scene of increasingly violent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine forces, since the Philippines and China reached a deal a week ago to prevent clashes, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said in a statement.

"The lawful and routine rotation and resupply mission within the Philippines exclusive economic zone is a credit to the professionalism of the men and women of the Philippine navy and the Philippine coast guard and the close coordination among the National Security Council, Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department said, without providing other details.

A top Philippine security official told The Associated Press that the Chinese and Philippine coast guards communicated for coordination Saturday, and their ships did not issue two-way radio challenges like in the past to demand that each other's ships leave the shoal immediately.

Also, for the first time at the shoal, Chinese coast guard ships did not shadow or block the Philippine vessels as they had repeatedly done in the past, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authorization to discuss the delicate issue publicly.

Chinas coast guard said the Philippine ship delivered daily necessities in accordance with a temporary arrangement reached between China and the Philippines.

The China Coast Guard confirmed it, supervised and managed the entire process, spokesperson Gan Yu said in a statement posted online.

The deal was reached by the Philippines and China after a series of meetings between the two country's diplomats in Manila and exchanges of diplomatic notes aimed to establish a mutually acceptable arrangement at the shoal  which Filipinos call Ayungin and the Chinese call Renai Jiao  without conceding either sides territorial claims, Philippine officials said.

The deal has not been made public by either side.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the news that the resupply mission was completed without a confrontation.

"We applaud that and hope and expect to see that it continues going forward, said Blinken, who was in Laos for a meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a group that includes the Philippines.

China's coast guard and other forces have used powerful water cannons and dangerous blocking maneuvers to prevent food and other supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel at Manilas outpost at the shoal, on a long-grounded and rusting warship, the BRP Sierra Madre.

In the worst confrontation, Chinese forces on motorboats repeatedly rammed and then boarded two Philippine navy boats on June 17 to prevent Filipino personnel from transferring food and other supplies, including firearms, to the ship outpost in the shallows of the shoal, according to the Philippine government. The Chinese seized the Philippine navy boats and damaged them with machetes and improvised spears. They also seized seven M4 rifles, which were packed in cases, and other supplies. The violent faceoff wounded several Filipino navy personnel, including one who lost his thumb, in a chaotic skirmish that was captured in video and photos that were later made public by Philippine officials.

China and the Philippines blamed each other for the confrontation and each asserted their own sovereign rights over the shoal.

The United States and its key Asian and Western allies, including Japan and Australia, condemned the Chinese acts at the shoal and called for the rule of law and freedom of navigation to be upheld in the South China Sea, a key global trade route with rich fishing areas and undersea gas deposits.

In addition to China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have been locked in separate but increasingly tense territorial disputes in the waterway, which is regarded as a potential flashpoint and a delicate fault line in the U.S.-China regional rivalry. The U.S. military has deployed Navy ships and fighter jets for decades in what it calls freedom of navigation and overflight patrols, which China has opposed and regards as a threat to regional stability.

Washington has no territorial claims in the disputed waters but has repeatedly warned that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under an armed attack, including in the South China Sea.

___

Associated Press writer Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and diplomatic writer Matthew Lee in Vientiane, Laos, contributed.
Theres a tangible chance to make a change here," the recent Stanford University graduate told The Wall Street Journal

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Phoebe Gates

In addition to being an outspoken champion of women's health and reproductive freedom, Phoebe Gates is donating millions to abortion rights groups.

In a recent Wall Street Journal article, the publication highlighted a new wave of influential women taking a stand against after the Supreme Courts overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling in 2022.

Phoebe, the 21-year-old daughter of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and philanthropist Melinda French Gates, told the outlet she plans to give millions to abortion rights groups this year  and the recent college graduate said that it was her mother who influenced her to take action in a major way.

Upset about Roe v. Wade being overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, Phoebe recalls her mother asking her, "What are you going to do about it?"



Related: Phoebe Gates Embraces Mom Melinda at Gates Foundation Event  and Gets Shout-Out from Dad Bill

Phoebe previously opened up about this moment in an essay published for Vogue in 2022.

When youre Melindas daughter, its easy to be passionate about reproductive health. My mom is my hero. Shes a brilliant reformer who travels around the world advocating for gender equality, Phoebe, then 19, wrote.



When the decision was announced, Phoebe argued that if more people could just be reminded of what a pre-Roe America looked like, minds would change  but French Gates, 59, had a different point of view.



More people agree with Roe than they did 50 years ago, she recalled her mom telling her. Women won the argument, but we still lost the policy battle.



She was rightas moms are, annoyingly, most of the time, Phoebe continued. The problem was never that we didnt share enough compelling stories or appalling statistics.It was about power. The wrong six people were in positions of authority. And they are why women lost the right to choose.

Phoebe went on to share that she hoped the final legacy of the decision was that it created a whole generation of pissed-off young people who will devote our lives to winning back a womans right to choose. This time, for good.



ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Melinda French Gates and Phoebe Gates

Over the years, Phoebe has frequently used her social media platform to support reproductive freedom  including at the polls  and most recently, in a June 24 Instagram Reel, she sat down with her mother the mother-daughter duo sat down to discuss a women's right to make decisions about their own body.

Tell me what its been like to have the rollback of reproductive rights happen during your lifetime, the mother of three asked her youngest at the start of the clip.

I think unsurprising, but disappointing, Phoebe responded.

Related: Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates' 3 Children: All About Jennifer, Rory and Phoebe

Two years ago today, Roe v. Wade was overturned and my daughters generation lost a fundamental right that I grew up with, French Gates captioned the joint social media post. I sat down with @phoebegates to talk about how this has affected her generation, the importance of reproductive freedom, and why this years election is so critical.

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In addition to funding groups that help women in need, like Just the Pill, Phoebe told WSJ that she's working with activists to figure out how to make informed giving decisions.

Theres a tangible chance to make a change here," said the young activist, who is also the co-founder of Phia, an upcoming fashion-tech platform.

Related: Phoebe Gates Addresses 'Misconceptions and Conspiracy Theories' About Her Family and Boyfriend

Of course, supporting women's rights runs in the family.

At the end of May, French Gates pledged to give $1 billion over the next two years. In an op-ed for The New York Times, French Gates said she will give the money to people and organizations working on behalf of women and families around the world, including on reproductive rights in the United States."

"With the rollback of womens rights and headwinds to social progress in the U.S. and around the world, Melinda believes that now is the time to provide urgent capital to people and organizations fighting to protect and further equality and remove the barriers that hold women back," read a press release from French Gates' Pivotal Ventures.

Among the groups that French Gates is supporting with this pledge are the National Womens Law Center, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Center for Reproductive Rights.



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Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower recently returned home after a deployment for the history books.

The aircraft carrier sailed on the front lines of the Red Sea fight against Houthi attacks.

Photos show the Ike's twice-extended deployment in the Middle East.

A US Navy carrier and its strike group returned home earlier this month after a grueling nine months fighting Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.

During the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower's twice-extended deployment, the carrier bore the brunt of the fight in the Red Sea as its air wing and destroyer squadron fended off relentless Houthi attacks and struck inside Yemen, in the process notching some firsts in warfare.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, left the Middle East on June 22 and returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk on July 14. The Red Sea fight has attested to the combat power of carrier strike groups while still increasing strain on a fleet that can't fight this way forever.

USS Theodore Roosevelt, also a Nimitz-class carrier, is en route to replace the Ike Carrier Strike Group in the fight against the Houthis.

Photos captured operations on and off the storied aircraft carrier during its historic nine months at sea.

Virginia, USA

The Eisenhower deployed from Norfolk last October. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anderson W. Branch

A week after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, the Pentagon deployed the Ike and its strike group as a show of power and support for Israel.

Alongside the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, the Ike Carrier Strike Group was the second one sent to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to deter escalation in the Israel-Hamas war.

The crew aboard the Ike manned the rails as it departed its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on October 13, 2023.

Mediterranean Sea

Ships from the Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Groups sailed in a show of force in the eastern Mediterranean. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Mattingly

While transiting the Mediterranean in early November, the Ike participated in a photo flyby with the Ford and other warships, including Italian frigates, operating in the region in a "show of force" in the eastern Mediterranean.

Gulf of Aden

US Navy sailors embrace on the flight deck aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Gulf of Aden. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Janae Chambers

While the Ike was initially deployed to the eastern Mediterranean as a show of force against Hamas, the Pentagon later shifted the carrier's focus to defending key shipping lanes and international vessels from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels off the coast of Yemen.

Gulf of Oman

US Navy aviators walk near F/A-18 aircraft on the Ike's flight deck in the Gulf of Oman. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jorge LeBaron

In November, the Ike briefly moored in the Port of Duqm, Oman, for a three-day visit  one of the few port calls the carrier made throughout its monthslong deployment.

Thanks to supporting vessels in its strike group, including the replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha, the dry cargo ship USNS Alan Shepard, and the fast combat ship USNS Supply, the Ike was able to sustain itself for long stretches of time with minimal port calls.

Persian Gulf

US Navy sailors prepare for a replenishment-at-sea aboard Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Rodriguez

In late November, the Eisenhower and its escorts entered the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first time a Navy carrier had been present in the maritime flash point since carrier USS Nimitz in 2021.

While it was "conducting routine flight operations" in the Persian Gulf, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, then-commander of US Naval Forces Central Command, said an enemy drone flew dangerously close to the carrier.

No injuries or damages were reported in the November 2023 incident.

Cooper said the unmanned aerial vehicle, which was "visually identified as Iranian," came as close as 1,500 yards to the Ike, violating safety precautions directing drones to stay at least 10 nautical miles away from the vessel.

"This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by Iran risks US and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately," NAVCENT said in a statement at the time.

Southern Red Sea

The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely, part of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, launches a Tomahawk missile at Houthi targets in the Red Sea. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word

But the near-brush with the Iranian UAV was the first of many encounters the Ike and its fellow warships would have with Houthi drones and missiles as 2023 came to a close.

The destroyers USS Laboon, Mason, and Gravely, all of which deployed with the Ike, defended and assisted several commercial ships targeted by the Houthis.

The Navy destroyers collectively took out dozens of drones, as well as multiple land attack and anti-ship ballistic missiles, launched by the Houthis.

During the last weekend of December, the Ike and destroyers Laboon and Gravely responded to a distress call from MV Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-registered, Danish-owned cargo ship that came under fire from Houthi rebels in the southern Red Sea.

USS Gravely shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles, while Navy helicopters embarked on the Eisenhower "returned fire in self-defense" as Houthi militants attempted to board and seize the commercial vessel, CENTCOM said in a statement at the time.

The Gravely and helicopter squadron sunk three Houthi small boats and killed 10 crewmembers  the first time the US Navy killed Houthi fighters since the Red Sea conflict began.

Red Sea

An airman inspects ordnance on an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. US Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Janae Chambers

As the conflict in the Red Sea continued to escalate into the new year, F/A-18 fighter jets aboard the Ike supported the Navy destroyer squadron and the British warship HMS Diamond after Houthi rebels launched "complex" airstrikes on ships in the Red Sea.

Two cruise missiles, one ballistic missile, and 18 Iranian drones were shot down in the combined effort that took place in early January, which was seen as a final warning to the Houthis to stop threatening international shipping vessels.

Cmdr. Benjamin Orloff, commanding officer of the Rampagers, an F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron attached to the Ike, said the operations in the Red Sea required an "incredible amount" of collaboration, innovation, and ingenuity to "come up with new tactics, to tweak systems that we already have, in order to optimize our employments."

"We developed an awful lot from this fight that I think has an incredible amount of applicability to current and future conflicts around the globe," Orloff told USNI News.

Strikes inside Yemen

An F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jet takes off from Ike's flight deck. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zachary Elmore

The US and UK launched a series of retaliatory airstrikes against the Houthi militants in mid-January.

Armed forces led by the US and UK, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, used more than 100 precision-guided munitions on more than 60 Houthi targets in Yemen.

A little over a week following the intense multinational strikes, the US continued to pummel Houthi targets, including an underground storage site and key missile and air surveillance locations.

Capt. Marvin Scott, commander of Ike's Carrier Air Wing 3, acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the Ike operating at the front lines in the Red Sea.

"It was something we really haven't seen  for a carrier strike group to be close to that kind of fight  really since World War II," Scott said earlier this month, referring to the high-tempo combat environment that took place in the Pacific theater.

"We responded precisely, violently to degrade their capability, destroying their methods to wage war  essentially, their one-way attack UAVs, their anti-ship ballistic missiles, their anti-ship cruise missiles," he added. "That's what we've been targeting to get them to stop targeting merchant vessels and the Red Sea."

Souda Bay, Greece

The Eisenhower pulls into port in Souda Bay, Crete. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word

In late April, the Eisenhower traveled back to the eastern Mediterranean and moored at US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay in Greece for four days to refuel, resupply, and rearm after more than 150 consecutive days at sea.

Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, said the long-awaited port visit was "well-deserved."

"The sailors of Carrier Strike Group 2 have worked tirelessly for six months straight to keep us operating on station in the most challenging, dynamic combat environment the Navy has seen in decades," Miguez said in a statement.

Though the carrier strike group was nearing the end of its scheduled seven-month deployment  the standard duration for US carriers  Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin extended their operations in the Red Sea as the conflict showed little signs of slowing down.

Northern Red Sea

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group steams in formation with the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and other Italian warships in the Red Sea. Official Italian Navy photo

The Ike and its accompanying destroyers continued to operate in the northern Red Sea off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The group participated in a photo exercise with Italian navy vessels, including aircraft carrier Cavour and guided missile frigate ITS Alpino, as well as French anti-air frigate Forbin.

En route to the Mediterranean

US Navy officers salute during a change of command ceremony aboard Eisenhower in the Red Sea. US Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kalvin Kes

In mid-June, the Ike also hosted a change-of-command ceremony.

Rear Adm. Kavon Hakimzadeh, who previously commanded the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, relieved Rear Adm. Miguez as commander of CSG-2.

"Words cannot express how honored I am to have served among these battle force warriors," Miguez said during the ceremony, adding that the Ike strike group delivered "decisive combat power to preserve freedom of the seas."

The battle's tally

Sailors wait to moor the Eisenhower in Souda Bay, Greece. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew Eder

Austin announced that the Ike strike group would stay in the Red Sea for a little while longer after extending their deployment for a second time in June, underscoring their critical role in deterrence efforts.

After nearly nine months of battling the Houthis in the Middle East, a Navy tally released in mid-July reported that the Eisenhower and its attached warships and aircraft fired nearly 800 munitions, including Standard Missile interceptors, Tomahawk strike missiles, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-surface weapons.

The Ike CSG's aircraft logged more than 27,000 flight hours over 12,000 sorties, according to Lt. Cmdr. Lauren Chatmas, a Navy public affairs officer.

A few weeks after the deployment extension, the Pentagon deployed the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East.

The carrier and its cruiser returned to Souda Bay for another brief port visit in preparation for the long journey home. The destroyers in the strike group were initially set to remain in the US 5th Fleet, USNI News reported, but have since returned to their respective homeports at Naval Station Norfolk and Mayport.

Ionian Sea

A fighter jet is seen aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp with the Ike seen beyond. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sydney Milligan

In late June, the Eisenhower briefly operated in the the US European Command area of responsibility, where the carrier participated in the final photo flyby of its deployment.

Virginia, USA

A US Navy sailor assigned to USS Eisenhower embraces his wife after the aircraft carrier and its crew returned from a nine-month deployment to the Atlantic. US Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Giovannie Otero-Santiago

After 275 days at sea, USS Eisenhower returned to its homeport following its historic, twice-extended deployment.

Sailors and crew aboard the Ike came back to a tearful homecoming, reuniting with their loved ones after enduring nine months of intense combat.

President Joe Biden addressed sailors over the intercom, commending the ship's crew for their service.

"You're part of the greatest navy  this is not hyperbole  the greatest navy any nation has ever, ever put to sea," Biden said. "That's a fact."

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ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  An Elmira man was arrested after police say he broke into a home and threw a Molotov cocktail into a room a child was sitting in.

Tamilselven Thangadurai, 42, was arrested early on Saturday morning after police investigated a reported arson. According to the Elmira Police Department, Thangadurai forcefully entered a home on the 400 block of West Fourth Street shortly before 10 p.m. on July 26 and threw a Molotov Cocktail at the living room wall. An 8-year-old child was sitting on the couch when Thangaduri allegedly broke in and threw the incendiary device.

Sayre woman arrested, allegedly threw Molotov cocktail at someone

Police say that part of the wall and floor caught on fire. The resident and their neighbors quickly put out the fire and then called the police. No one was injured in the fire. The Elmira Police Department, the Elmira Fire Department, and New York State Fire Investigators started investigating the reported arson that night.

Later that night at about 2 a.m., people who were talking to Thangaduari near Walnut Street and West Second Street flagged down Elmira Police Officers. They told the officers that Thangaduari was making concerning comments.

Officers took Thangaduari into custody and found two Molotov cocktails hidden in his jacket. He was then charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree arson, both of which are class B felonies. Thangaduari is being held at the Elmira Police Department while awaiting arraignment.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  In an update Friday, the Austin Police Department identified a man accused of stabbing and killing another man Wednesday.

APD said 34-year-old Alex Trevino was arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of 23-year-old Javier Antonio Navarro Quesada.

Mugshot of Alex Trevino (Mugshot provided by APD)

Police said this case was being investigated as Austins 36th homicide of 2024.

PAST COVERAGE | 1 dead, 1 detained following incident in southeast Austin

On the day of the incident, officers responded to a shoot/stab hotshot call at 2101 Burton Drive. At the scene, first responders found Quesada with injuries consistent with a stab wound. Life-saving measures were performed; however, Quesada was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation showed the altercation between Trevino and Quesada was a result of a vehicle that had been stolen.

MAP: Where have Austins homicides occurred in 2024?

Anyone with information regarding this incident was asked to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Police launch death investigation after missing KC man is found dead on Saturday

Police are launching a death investigation after a missing Kansas City man was found dead Saturday.

Brice Gabbert, 45, was found dead near Gladstone Boulevard and North Brighton Avenue, police said, after a news release announced he was missing Friday.

In the release, Kansas City Police said Brice had last been seen around 2 p.m. July 12 near Independence Avenue and Prospect Avenue when he left work on foot. His family was concerned for his safety and well being.

Police had asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact 911 immediately or the KCPD Missing Persons Unit at 816-234-5043.

Capt. Jake Becchina, a spokesperson with KCPD, said there does not appear to be any signs of foul play.

The medical examiner will make the final determination of the cause and manner of death, he said.
Head teacher Emma Pattison, 45, and her daughter Lettie, 7, are believed to have been shot dead by husband George Pattison, 39 - John Wildgoose/Epsom College

A police officer watched bodycam footage believed to show the head teacher of Epsom College and her family after they were shot dead.

The bodies of head teacher Emma Pattison, 45, and her daughter Lettie, 7, were found in the grounds of the prestigious school on Feb 5 2023.

Mrs Pattisons husband, George Pattison, 39, is believed to have shot them both before killing himself.

Officer Baseer Ahmed viewed at least part of footage linked to a case that generated a significant amount of local and national interest, a misconduct panel ruled.

Surrey Police has not confirmed which specific footage was viewed but the date matches when officers were called to Epsom College.

A hearing on July 1 this year found that Mr Ahmed accessed the footage of the serious incident in East Surrey on Feb 7 2023 while his boss, Ch Supt Budd, was on annual leave. Mr Ahmed insisted he did not watch it in its entirety. He is now banned from policing.

Emma Pattison, 45 and her seven-year-old daughter Lettie - FAMILY HANDOUT/PA

He told the panel that he had accessed the footage for a legitimate policing purpose and in carrying out his role as a staff officer but it was found there was no reason for him to have watched the footage.

The misconduct panel judged that Mr Ahmed breached the standards of policing by accessing the footage, and concluded that he would have been dismissed for his gross misconduct had he not already left the force in Dec 2023.

Clare Harrington, head of the panel, said: Mr Ahmed accessed the body-worn footage without a policing purpose, contrary to the relevant policies and without specific instructions to do so.

It is important to remember the high standards that members of the public rightly expect police officers to adhere to, the extremely difficult circumstances being faced by family members in this particular case and the likely effect that unnecessary viewing of the footage would have on them.

[Mr Ahmed] made the decision to access the footage, thereby failing to maintain the highest standards of behaviour expected of him.

The context of the misconduct was a very distressing and high-profile case which was known to Mr Ahmed to be the focus of much public attention and scrutiny.

Following careful consideration, the panel is satisfied on balance that if Mr Ahmed had remained a serving officer, he would have been dismissed for the misconduct as we have found it.

Unacceptable breach of trust

Following the panels decision, Supt Andy Rundle, Surrey Polices head of professional standards, said Mr Ahmeds behaviour was not acceptable.

The public rightly expects that police officers behave at all times with integrity and respect, he said.

Ex-officer Ahmed breached this trust when he looked at body-worn footage of a crime scene, despite having no policing purpose. This behaviour is not acceptable, and a thorough professional standards investigation was launched.

At his misconduct hearing the chair conducting the proceedings found that the allegation did breach the standards of professional behaviour at a level of gross misconduct and had he still been a serving officer, he would have been dismissed.

He will also be placed on the College of Policing barred list. We are supportive of the hearings decision and hope that it demonstrates how seriously we take misconduct issues as a force.

Thankfully, the majority of our officers and staff come to work each day to protect the public and abide by the standards of professional behaviour.

An inquest into the Epsom College deaths is due to take place on Tuesday.

It is not the first time police have come under fire for the misuse of bodycam footage at crime scenes.

A Nottinghamshire Police Special Constable was dismissed after he viewed body-worn video footage of Nottingham attack victims Grace OMalley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber. Paranoid schizophrenic Valdo Calocane killed the pair in the early hours of June 13 2023.

The force launched multiple misconduct cases against officers related to the case.

Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar were killed by Valdo Calocane on June 13 2023 - NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE

An investigation found that 11 members of staff had viewed material relating to the case who did not have a legitimate reason to do so.

Officers also shared WhatsApp messages describing how the two university students, who were stabbed to death after a night out, were proper butchered.

Dr Sanjoy Kumar, Graces grieving father, told The Telegraph at the time that the messages were as barbaric as the crime itself.

Earlier this year, Cameron Hanson, a 33-year-old officer with Lancashire Police, and Kirstie Hanson, his police colleague wife who was also 33, were jailed after they shared video footage taken at a murder scene.

Hanson attended an address in Oct 2021 and found the body of 45-year-old James OHara. He recorded the discovery on his body-worn video, but later sent his wife audio messages about the incident and used his personal phone to take videos of Mr OHara.

Hanson and Kirstie Hanson were jailed for 32 and 18 months respectively.

Earlier this month the mother of two murdered sisters revealed that she attempted suicide after two Metropolitan Police officers who photographed their bodies and shared them via WhatsApp were released from prison.

Mina Smallmans daughters Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, were killed by Danyal Hussein while they were having a picnic in a park in Wembley in June 2020.

Deniz Jaffer, 49, and Jamie Lewis, 34, were both jailed after pleading guilty to misconduct in public office, but later appealed and were released early.

Ms Smallman told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that their early release led her to attempt suicide, saying: I knew they were coming out [of prison] but the whole trauma of their journey and the effect of when they appealed and applied to go to an open prison  The journey kept going back, forward, back, forward.

I thought: You know what I dont want to be here. Actually I have had enough, I have had enough of everything. And yeah, I attempted suicide.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Police say a couple who drove a stolen car from Houston, Texas, to Memphis was arrested after they were pulled over for having a fake drive-out tag.

Keyenyn Brue, 20, and Zakiyah Bailey, 20, both from Houston, were arraigned Friday on two counts of property theft and violating the seatbelt law. Bailey was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

MPD said officers spotted the 2022 Hyundai Accent near Alcy Road and Bridgeport Drive in South Memphis early Thursday morning and stopped Brue because he was not wearing a seatbelt and the temporary Texas tag on the vehicle was not real. They said Brue was also driving without a license.

The 2022 Hyundai Accent was reported stolen nearly a month ago out of Houston. Officers said they also found a stolen gun and marijuana inside the vehicle.

Bailey told investigators she didnt know when Brue came in possession of the car and gun.

A man who answered the Texas phone number Brue gave police said he was a friend and he didnt know why Brue was in Memphis or anything about the stolen car.

I just got a call from somebody who said he had been arrested, said Alex David. We dont know what hes charged with or anything.

Bailey and Brue are both being held on a $5,000 bond. They are scheduled to be back in court on Monday for a bail review hearing.

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Americans are flocking to the South for jobs, lower taxes, and more affordable housing.

But by some economic measures, the South has some of the poorest states in the nation.

The six states with the lowest GDP per capita are all in the South.

The future of the US economy might be in the South  but some states in the region are at risk of being left behind.

What constitutes the Southern region of the US is up for debate, but the Census Bureau defines it as 16 US states  including Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia  plus the District of Columbia.

In June, the financial services company WalletHub ranked the 50 states and DC across three categories: economic activity, economic health, and innovation potential. Twenty-eight metrics, including the share of fast-growing firms, the unemployment rate, and entrepreneurial activity, were used in the analysis.

Five of the 10 states with the lowest rankings were located in the South: Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kentucky.

Additionally, the six states with the lowest GDP per capita  the size of a state's economy, divided by the number of people living in the state  are all in the South: Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, and Kentucky. GDP per capita is one indicator that's used to gauge economic prosperity and living standards across the US  it's calculated using the latest state-level GDP data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and population estimates from the Census Bureau.

In some ways, the Southern economy is booming. Cities like Houston, Dallas, Miami, and Nashville could be poised to become economic powerhouses as more companies invest there and create jobs. Additionally, warmer weather, lower taxes, cheaper housing, and job growth have persuaded many Americans to move South in recent years  boosting the region's labor force and consumer spending.

However, some economic measures show the South is lagging behind other regions of the US. And even if some of the region's cities and states prosper in the years to come, other areas could miss out on the economic boom.

Workers in Southern states tend to have lower wages

An analysis of 2021 current population survey data published in July by the Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank, found that workers in the South earned less than those in other regions.

The median Southern worker earned $20.30 an hour, compared to $21.05 in the Midwest, $22.08 in the West, and $23.81 in the Northeast. Additionally, the analysis found that 22% of Southern workers earned less than $15 an hour, compared to 17% in the Midwest, 12% in the Northeast, and 10% in the West.

Story continues

The Economic Policy Institute pointed to low minimum wages and unionization rates in Southern states as two factors keeping pay down.

Of course, workers in some Southern states earn less than others. In July, the Economic Innovation Group, a centrist think-tank, published an analysis by Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a nonresident fellow with the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Using US Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the analysis highlighted the average annual wages across US states as of 2022.

Mississippi had the second lowest average annual wage in the US at roughly $60,000  only Hawaii ranked lower. Texas was the only Southern state in the top 10, ranking 8th with an average annual wage of about $80,000.

The South's low unemployment rate is misleading

In recent years, the South has had a low unemployment rate compared to other US regions. But an analysis published in June by the Economic Policy Institute called the low jobless rate "misleading."

That's because only people who are actively looking for work are counted in official US unemployment statistics. And there's evidence to suggest many Southerners have given up looking or faced obstacles to employment, Chandra Childers, senior policy and economic analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, wrote in the analysis.

As of 2022, the share of people aged 25 to 54 with jobs was lower in the South than the rest of the US, according to the Economic Policy Institute's analysis of Current Population Survey data. That so-called prime-age employment rate  an oft-cited indicator of labor force strength  was 78.9% in the South, 79.2% in the West, 80.6% in the Northeast, and 81.9% in the Midwest.

It's possible these figures could change as more updated data becomes available. But if people in the South are less likely to have jobs than people in other regions, then the region's low unemployment rate doesn't tell the full story.

There are reasons to be optimistic about the South's economy

To be sure, it's not all doom and gloom for the South.

A thriving economy needs people to work jobs and spend money, and the South is boosting its population in all sorts of ways.

While the US has experienced a population slowdown in recent years, the South has the highest birthrate of any region. And when people are born there, they often don't leave. Eighty-two percent of native-born Texans still resided in the state as of 2021, the highest rate in the US, according to a Dallas Fed analysis published in August 2023. North Carolina and Georgia rounded out the top three.

Many Americans not born in the South have moved there as well. Between July 2022 and 2023, the states with the largest population growth were all located in the South: Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Only two Southern states  Louisiana and West Virginia  were among the eight US states that saw their populations decline between 2022 and 2023.

Overall, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic about the future of the South's economy. However, it's still a work in progress, and some states are thriving considerably more than others.

Have you moved into or out of the South over the past few years and are willing to share why you relocated? Or, are you a Southerner who is willing to talk about the influx of new residents? If so, reach out to this reporter at jzinkula@businessinsider.com.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Two teenagers were hurt in a rollover crash Thursday night, and the Commerce City Police Department said it could have been avoided by simply not getting behind the wheel if youre not licensed to do so.

Police believe the driver was speeding and lost control of the vehicle while crossing train tracks in the 5200 block of Vaszuez Boulevard.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The vehicle rolled over and landed on its side in the opposite lanes of traffic.

The 17-year-old driver was not licensed to drive, according to police. Both the driver and a 19-year-old passenger were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Both occupants were hurt in the crash. Police say the driver was ejected from the vehicle and was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but is expected to survive.

Colorado traffic fatalities are down so far in 2024

This all could have been avoided, starting by doing the very first thing we wrote at the top of this post simply not getting behind the wheel if youre not licensed to do so, CCPD said in a post on Facebook.

Click it or ticket, or risk death

The Commerce City Police Department is urging the public to wear seatbelts as failing to do so could be deadly.

The Colorado Department of Transportation recently released data behind hundreds of deaths on Colorado roads so far this year. According to CDOT, 294 people were killed on roads in the Centennial State in the first six months of 2024, and 90 of them were not wearing seatbelts.

While traffic fatalities are down compared to last year, the department is continuing its efforts to reduce deaths on Colorado roads. One such effort is underway now  the Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement period began Monday and will last through Aug. 2.

This summer Colorado State Troopers are doubling down on our education and enforcement of seat belt use because we know that the decision to buckle up can save your life. If these numbers arent a wake-up call, a citation may be the reminder you need to be responsible with your life and those you transport, said Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, in a release.

CDOT issues warning for Click it or Ticket: 50% of unbuckled occupants die in crashes

CDOT reports that the state average for surviving a crash without wearing a seatbelt is 50%.

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Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, is quickly gaining on former President Donald Trump among Hispanic voters, a new poll shows.

While majorities of Hispanic voters have supported Democrats in the past, many have recently been moving towards the Republican Party.

Some polls have indicated that Trump was gaining on President Joe Biden among this group of voters before Biden decided to step aside as the Democratic nominee.

However, a new New York Times/Siena College poll sees Harris leading Trump by 19 percentage points among Hispanic voters  57 to 38 per cent. In June, the same pollster found that Biden was leading among Hispanic voters by a single point  45 to 44 per cent.

Biden dropped out of the race on Sunday, July 21 following nearly a month of increasing calls for him to go after his disastrous debate performance on June 27 in Atlanta, where hen appeared frail and confused, and lost his train of thought on several occasions.

Compared with Biden, Harris is gaining against Trump after Democrats were quick to coalesce around her campaign. She has secured enough delegates to claim the nomination at the Democratic National Convention next month. Her candidacy has generated significant enthusiasm among Democrats after most voters have been saying for months that they didnt want a Trump-Biden rematch.

Donald Trump during the RNC earlier this month (EPA)

Before she became the presumptive nominee, Harris was polling about as well, or slightly behind, Biden. But since ascending to the top of the ticket, Harris appears to be winning over some who werent supporting the president.

Among registered voters, the New York Times/Siena College poll found a tied race with Harris and Trump each getting 42 per cent. In the survey of likely voters, Harris leads by one point  44 to 43 per cent.

Meanwhile, third-party and independent candidates are losing support. Robert F Kennedy Jr, who got nine per cent in the June poll, got five per cent this month. Similarly, Jill Stein of the Green Party got two per cent in June but less than one per cent support in July.

Support among Hispanic voters is vital for Harris to win in a number of swing states, particularly Arizona and Nevada.

Harris is still behind Bidens 2020 result among Hispanic voters. The president beat Trump by 33 points  65 to 32 per cent  with Hispanic voters in the last election, a Times exit poll revealed. In 2016, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won Hispanic voters by 36 points  65 to 29 per cent.
VIRGINIA BEACH  Armed with magnifying glasses and small jars, about a dozen Portsmouth middle schoolers dug into the sand Wednesday at the Oceanfront. Squatting, they used the jars to collect samples and dump them into plastic bags, where they could spread out the sand and examine it. Those collecting water samples ran into the ocean with their bottles.

The students were looking for microplastics as part of the weeklong Camp Answer environmental science program. The camp allows students to study a community problem and develop solutions. This year, they were studying littering.

This is a camp that brings out thinkers and doers, said Monique Taylor, who has taught Camp Answer for four years.

Taylor takes students to sites and on neighborhood walks to track litter and check for microplastics  tiny bits of plastic that result from degraded plastic items such as bottles. They can be harmful to wildlife and aquatic animals. The students use an app  Marine Debris Tracker  to log the litter. They bring samples back to the classroom to check them under a microscope.

One of the biggest hits is when they check food from fast food locations.

Once theyve seen it  oh boy, the spark is now here, she said.

Malik Jones, 12, said as he pulled apart a chicken nugget under a microscope and saw strings of microplastics inside. He had one word for the discovery: Disgusting.

Studies have found that microplastics can get into processed food through conveyor belts, packaging or workers clothes. The Churchland Middle School student said he feels motivated to encourage people to stop littering.

Waters Middle School student Alisia Staton, 13, signed up for the camp so she could do something productive during the summer. Alisia enjoyed the experiments and contributing to a solution by picking up trash during their neighborhood walks.

The students have made a poster showcasing their findings, which will be featured on the divisions website and used to help spread awareness about the impact of littering on the environment.

The camp has also sparked longer-term interest, including for Daijha Riddick, a sophomore at Chesapeakes Western Branch. Riddick attended Camp Answer when she was a middle schooler in Portsmouth and she now, after graduation, wants a career as a water quality specialist. She came back this year as a volunteer.

I see myself in them, she said.

During camp, students also made reusable lunch bags from beeswax to minimize their use of disposable plastic sandwich bags. Janae Washington, a 13-year-old at Churchland Middle School, said the activity helped her understand the importance of using alternative materials. She looks forward to sharing the idea with her friends and family.

Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com
Growing up, Danny Case became interested in fossils through his father, an amateur paleontologist.

Starting at age 10, he says he began taking trips with his father and his father's friends to hunt and collect fossils, first on the East Coast and then, as he got older, across the United States.

By his early teens, Case was a serious fossil collector, spending a couple of weeks digging in the desert or by rivers and creeks.

Today, in his home in Reno, Nevada, Case has a collection of more than 2,000 fossils -- mostly teeth from a variety of species, about 10% of which he believes are from various dinosaurs. Hunting and collecting fossils, or buying them at auction, is a passion that has never left him.

MORE: New horned dinosaur species discovered 'largest and most ornate' of its kind ever found

"You're holding a tooth that's 125 million years old, you feel small, you feel insignificant when we realize how big this world is and was, and how diverse it was," he told ABC News.

But whether Case or others should have these fossils in their private collections in the first place has been the subject of debate for decades.

Recently, the debate sparked public interest after a nearly complete stegosaurus skeleton named "Apex" sold for a record-breaking $44.6 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York on July 17 to hedge fund billionaire Kenneth Griffin.

PHOTO: Press preview for 'Apex' The 150-Million-Year-Old Stegosaurus at Sotheby's auction house, July 10, 2024. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The practice of private buyers acquiring dinosaur fossils has been fraught with controversy. Some say private buyers obtain fossils legally and there is nothing wrong with displaying them in private collections, while others say fossils are pieces of natural history and should only be displayed in museums and research institutions.

"I'm fundamentally ... opposed to fossil sale. Most of the world's countries protect their cultural and biologically cultural remains as unique and part of the public domain and I wish we would do that," Dr. Paul Sereno, a paleontologist and archaeologist at the University of Chicago, told ABC News. "We should appreciate this as our unique history in the United States, make sure that these specimens remain in museums and in the scientific realm for our next generation."

The turning point

Curators and paleontologists told ABC News they believe a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton named "Sue" was the catalyst behind dinosaurs being sold for exorbitant prices.

Sue was discovered on private land by the dinosaur's namesake -- Susan Hendrickson, a volunteer with the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research (BHIGR) in South Dakota, according Peter Larson, president of the group who helped excavate Sue.

A long court battle ensued not long after with the landowner, the excavators and the U.S. government all claiming to own Sue. Eventually Sue was declared to be real estate and the property of the owner of the private land, Maurice Williams.

Williams decided to sell the skeleton and contacted Sotheby's to put Sue up for auction. She sold in 1997 for $8.4 million to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

MORE: Large fossil footprints point to discovery of new 'megaraptor' dinosaur: Study

Larson told ABC News that the sale of Sue is "ironic" because BHIGR, which produces fossil and geology exhibits for museums around the world, had been planning to place the fossil in a museum.

He and others say the sale of Sue forever changed people's minds on how much dinosaur fossils could be sold for.

"The sale of Sue was a turning point, I think, [for] the commercial sale of fossils," Spencer Lucas, a curator of paleontology at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, told ABC News. "No fossil had, as far as I know, been purchased for so much money, and was so widely advertised."

"So, one of the things that happened is before Sue was sold, people [came] here all the time to the museum, maybe 100 people a year, to show me or the other curators fossils, and to find out what they are, how important they are," he continued. "After Sue was sold, there was another question asked by these people. It was always, 'What is this fossil worth?' or 'Will the museum buy this fossil?'"

Since then, other fossils have sold for millions, including another mostly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, nicknamed "Stan," which was sold at auction in October 2020 for a then-record of $31.8 million. Officials in Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism told National Geographic they have the dinosaur and that the skeleton will be displayed in a new natural history museum set to open in 2025.

Experts say that most public institutions, including museums and research facilities, don't have the money often required for the auction of large-scale items like dinosaur skeletons.

To acquire Sue in 1997, the Field Museum received monetary assistance from McDonald's Corp., Ronald McDonald House Charities, Walt Disney World, the California State University system and individual donors.

"These kinds of fossils that are being sold commercially, for the most part, the only way public institutions will get them is if somebody buys the fossil who has the money and then gives it, donates it to the institution," Lucas said. "Frankly, I can't think of a museum that has a budget that would allow it to spend millions and millions of dollars on a dinosaur fossil."

PHOTO: Sue the T. Rex at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois. (Antonio Perez /Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Researchers said the sale of Apex is likely going to drive up the price of dinosaur fossils being sold commercially, making it even harder for museums or other public institutions to acquire them.

"If somebody will pay $44 million for a dinosaur skeleton, what will the next dinosaur skeleton sell for? It will act as an encouragement to the commercial and private fossil collecting business, because obviously, there's much more money to be made selling fossils than was made previously," Lucas said. "Selling fossils is a lot like selling art, and the price is really what will the market pay."

Researchers have suggested not only will Apex's sale lead to an increase in the number of commercial paleontologists trying to find fossils but potentially a rise in the number of illegal traders as well.

"Will it be a dramatic, notable bump? No, but I think it just increases people's idea, and often unfounded, that a bone on their property is worth millions of dollars," Sereno said.

Benefits of private collection

Despite the debate swirling around the idea of private buyers, both collectors and researchers say there might some benefits of private collection.

Case said he sees his collection as research teaching materials used to educate the general public on fossils.

MORE: 'Jurassic World Dominion' closes chapter on epic dinosaur series. What it got right, and wrong, about the science.

He said he writes two daily posts on Facebook, one concerning the fossil of the day and the other on a daily shark tooth, including a biography of the particular species.

"I like and enjoy being able to educate people that don't know, don't care so much, are new to the hobby," Case said. "Opening people's eyes up to the bigger picture has always been one of my things...For me, it's a learning and teaching tool."

Case said his fossils have all been legally acquired, either through discovery or at auction. Even though he views the fossilized teeth he owns as research tools, he said they only have so much academic worth to museums.

"Fossils in a museum usually are skeletal fossils in museums," he said, indicating his collection is mostly made up of separate teeth. "The academic worth of these teeth, in a museum situation or even from a paleontologist's point of view, are isolated. Everything that I have, for most part is identified down to species level, so there's nothing new. There's nothing discovered in my collection."

Larson said that the biggest value of fossils is when they're able to be showcased, which can educate people on the evolution of Earth or inspire young children to go into science and paleontology. He said this is true regardless of if they're on display in a museum or in a private collection.

PHOTO: Fossils of theropod dinosaurs. (Danny Case)

"If [young people] see [fossils] in some rich person's home, they can still get that same experience," said Larson. "And if a person is going to spend that kind of money, they're not just going to say, 'Well, I'm tired of this dinosaur that I just paid $44 million' or 'I'm just going to throw it away.' They're not going to do that; they're going to give it to an institution or something like that and it will be that fossil will be there for people to see in the future."

Griffin has indicated that he intends to explore loaning the specimen to a U.S. institution, saying in a statement after the sale that "Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!"

Sereno said one positive of Griffin buying Apex is that the hedge fund billionaire saved the fossil from exiting the U.S. and ending up in the hands of a foreign bidder.

Other countries rich with fossils, including Canada and Mongolia, say fossils are the property of the government and make it illegal to buy and sell fossils. However, there are no such laws preventing their sale in the U.S. if found on private property.

"We can't protect fossils from disappearing, leaving the scientific realm, if they are found on private land," Sereno said. "And so, this is a discussion that ultimately we may never have in the United States, because we have a long tradition of private property," Sereno said.

However, researchers may still have a way of studying dinosaur bones that are being housed in private collections.

MORE: Meet the Megalosaurus, the name given to the 1st dinosaur 200 years ago

Almost any time a dinosaur fossil is collected, they undergo a CT scan. This allows the bones to have a digital backup and allows researchers to collect data on the dinosaur's body and how it looked and functioned.

Larson said even if the original bones end up in a private collection, as long as they've been scanned, and all the digital data has been stored, that means it can be accessed by researchers, scientists, students and others.

The role of the auction house

While there are questions that surround whether there should be private acquisition of dinosaur fossils, there are varying opinions of the role auction houses play.

In the case of Apex, Sotheby's hired the commercial paleologist Jason Cooper, who discovered the stegosaurus skeleton, to look for fossils.

Some say auction houses do not have a legitimate reason to reject a fossil for auction as long as it's acquired legally.

"That's just a business; the auction houses are a business there," Larson said. "They're in business to sell people's items and to make money from that and these are all legally collected fossils. There's absolutely nothing wrong with putting them up for auction."

PHOTO: Acheroraptor temertyorum tooth, a small Raptor from Montana. (Danny Case)

Others are more critical and say the auction houses are playing an active role, further perpetuating the practice of putting a fossil up for auction rather than donating it.

"They have an aegis and a drive to make money, and so they are not only going to sell it for the highest price, but they do other unscrupulous things that would be easy for them to check," Sereno said.

Sereno said he has seen fossils up for sale at an auction claiming to be from Niger, except there is a national law in Niger making it illegal to sell fossils -- meaning either the fossil was acquired illegally or it's a fraudulent fossil.

"It doesn't take much to check the legality of what you're selling, but they don't do it, and no one enforces it," he said. "So, I would say it's an active role, and they should take more care to respect the laws of our country, but the laws of other countries as well."

Should private collectors be allowed to own dinosaur fossils? Sale of 'Apex' renews debate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
As Republicans aim to inject more religion into public schools, the landscape of private schooling could change.

Red states are adding chaplains to district health programs, requiring the Ten Commandments in every classroom and mandating that the Bible be taught in lesson plans  increasingly offering a Christian education at a public school price.

The new measures are being litigated in the courts, but a future where they are found legal could mean a significant shift in private school enrollment.

All this is predicated on these things not being struck down in court and actually being implemented in the public schools. If theyre actually implemented in the schools, I do think youll see more kind of progressives and just, generally, non-religious families seeking out private schooling, said Neil McCluskey, director for the Center for Educational Freedom at CATO Institute.

Louisiana was sued almost immediately after its law mandating the Ten Commandments was signed, with the state-ordered posters on hold amid the legal challenge.

Florida and Texas have not faced any lawsuits over their shift to allow chaplains to work as school counselors, but but one could be waiting in the wings as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said he would not allow individuals from the Temple of Satan to participate in the program.

Oklahoma has also not yet faced a legal challenge over its new requirement to integrate the Bible into school lesson plans, but a push in the state to establish the nations first openly religious charter school was struck down last month.

While some say these moves are clearly unconstitutional, experts admit it is a ripe time to push them.

If we didnt have this extreme shift to the right with the U.S. Supreme Court, that would be a very easy question. Yes, [the laws] would be struck down [] but the current Supreme Court has not shown a lot of hesitancy in reversing earlier precedent, and so all bets are off, said Kevin Welner, professor at the University of Colorado Boulder in the School of Education,.

And clearly thats what the legislators are thinking. Theyre thinking, Well, sure, theres precedent, but the Supreme Court could easily overturn it, and I guess I would think the odds are that the court would, Welner added.

If such laws are upheld and more states follow suit, experts say enrollment in private schools could be shaken up in multiple ways: Families with students currently in private Christian academies could decide public schools are now an acceptable  and much cheaper  option, while those seeking to avoid Christian indoctrination might flee to private institutions.

The states passing these laws are also in favor of the school choice movement, with many instituting education savings accounts (ESAs), which give parents a certain stipend to pursue education options other than their area public school.

Currently, at least five states have implemented universal ESA accounts and multiple others have some version of the program on the books.

I do think that in the context of the growth of taxpayer-funded private school, in other words, voucher laws [] I guess Ill say with public schools, theres incentive for those parents now to take taxpayer money and take their kids out of public schools and go to private, secular ones, Welner said.

I think its going to be true to some small extent. How much that happens probably depends on how much religion is infused into the public schools, but its an easier exit because of taxpayer-funded vouchers. It might increase the number of people who leave because of objections to the infusion of religion in public schools, he added.

McCluskey notes, however, that most private schools tend to be religious.

And then the ones that arent religious tend to be the higher cost independent private schools, so there would have more difficulty if youre looking for non-religious schooling options. he said. At least in the short term, if there were clear growing demand for private options that were not religious, I think youd see more supply grow.

There are approximately 30,000 private schools in the United States, with around 5.5 million students in attendance as of 2021.

The largest group of private schools is Catholic institutions at 33.4 percent. Secular schools come in second at 25.5 percent, and the rest are religious but non-Catholic.

I think you would see some people going to the public school whove been in private schools, McCluskey said. That said, I dont think youd see a big exodus because a lot of private schoolers, at least from the ones I hear from, [] want an education that is heavily religious. So not just theres some praying and some Bible reading, but that its sort of suffused in everything.

Christian schools, for their part, say they are encouraged to see some religion back in public schools, but emphasize their approach is completely different.

While I do believe that people need to be shaped by an objective standard of law, like the Ten Commandments, unless were directly engaging the students to help anchor them in the world God has created, then all theyre learning is content, information or propositional ideas, said Michael Phillips, headmaster at Smith Prep, a Christian school in Florida.

And I dont think education, and I dont think most Christian educators believe that propositional information is the end of education. So just by introducing those elements into a public school, for example, doesnt mean that the public school is doing what is right by that information, if all theyre doing is giving them information to regurgitate out, Phillips 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.
Labour's costings for VAT plans assume that an exodus of pupils from private schools would be offset by demographic change - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Labours private school tax raid could flood state schools, the Governments own figures suggest.

The partys costings for its VAT plans assume that any exodus of pupils from private schools to the state sector would be offset by a dramatic demographic change.

Labour has relied on research conducted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) last year, which found that overall pupil numbers in England will fall by 700,000 by the end of the decade.

The IFS concluded that the state sector could easily accommodate extra pupils as a result of the fall in pupil headcount, which was predicted to fall on average by 100,000 a year from 2025.

But the latest official figures, released by the Department for Education (DfE), reveal the total number of pupils will rise by almost 25,000 by the start of next year when compared with 2023. In total, there will be 260,000 more pupils in English schools by 2028 than previously predicted, after the DfE revised up its projections last week.

While the DfEs forecasts only go up to 2028, it means there would have to be a sudden drop of around 525,000 pupils in the two years to 2030 to meet Labours projections.

It has raised fresh fears the Governments controversial VAT policy could overwhelm classrooms and place additional pressure on stretched state schools.

Damian Hinds, the shadow education secretary, warned the revised numbers would mean fewer places for pupils squeezed out of private schools by the tax levy. This just goes to show Labours education tax will flood pupils into the state sector, when the capacity to accommodate them is just simply not there, he said.

Time and time again Labour have covered their ears and ignored the warnings that this policy simply does not add up. Even with data from the education department itself confirming this, Labour are still pressing ahead fuelled solely by misguided ideology.

Mr Hinds suggested the Government could be forced to hike taxes to ease the burden on state schools, despite the party repeatedly ruling out increases.

It means the only way theyll be able to make up the shortfall is by raising taxes, leaving pupils, teachers, schools and ultimately taxpayers paying the price. The Conservatives will hold them to account, he said.

The Government is facing renewed pressure to spell out how it will implement its plans to start charging 20 per cent VAT on private schools after it emerged the controversial policy could come as soon as January 2025.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, did not rule out the possibility when asked about the reports on Monday, saying: Weve been clear about our position for some time. We want to move as quickly as we can.

Last week, The Telegraph revealed state schools in some parts of the country are already being overwhelmed with queries from private school parents who cannot afford fee hikes prompted by the plans.

Schools in Surrey received almost 600 queries from private school parents in the space of two weeks last month.

In London, one council has discussed introducing bulge classes in some state schools  a measure to add an extra class to a year group often taught in a prefabricated building or Portakabin.

Another has identified two academy schools which could be increased in size to accommodate an influx of pupils and another school which could reverse its decision to decrease the intake by 300 pupils.

Labour has denied suggestions the policy will see a mass exodus of private school pupils flooding the state sector. Ministers have pointed to IFS analysis suggesting it could see up to 40,000 pupils switch to state schools in the short term.

The IFS said the new national pupil forecasts meant that overall student numbers would likely fall at a slower rate than it had assumed in its 2023 purport.

It insisted its projections for the number of private school pupils fleeing the sector as well as the tax revenues the policy can be expected to bring were unchanged by the new national pupil forecasts.

Labour hopes its VAT raid on private schools will raise around 1.6bn, which the party has pledged to spend on improving standards in state schools. It includes plans to recruit 6,500 new teachers, 8,500 mental health specialists for schools and 1,000 careers advisers.

But any move that increases pressure on state schools risks triggering a revolt from teaching unions.

One union boss previously urged Sir Keir Starmer to think through the consequences for state schools, and another did not rule out strike action if there were changes to teachers working conditions.

A government spokesman said: Education matters and is at the heart of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity so every child gets the best start in life.

Ending tax breaks on private schools will raise revenue that will be invested back into essential public services, including helping to deliver on our pledge to recruit 6,500 teachers.

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.
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, often described as the architect of Project 2025, has ties to the far-right and secretive Roman Catholic group Opus Dei.

Roberts acknowledged in a speech last September that  for years  he has visited the Catholic Information Center, a K Street institution headed by an Opus Dei priest and incorporated by the archdiocese of Washington, on a weekly basis for mass and formation, or religious guidance, The Guardian reports. Opus Dei also organizes monthly retreats at the CIC.

Related: Project 2025 co-author Mike Howell accused of hypocrisy after photo emerges with friend in drag (exclusive)

In his speech, which can be viewed online, Roberts talked about banning contraception, which he said will be the most difficult goal for him and his allies to achieve. But they can win this and other fights with a strategy of radical incrementalism, passing legislation that gives them some of what they want and can be built upon, he said. The same approach can be used for abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality, Roberts said.

A Duty to God & Country: How to Manage Conflicts Between Culture & Conscience www.youtube.com

Project 2025, a blueprint of what far-right activists want from the next conservative president, has much in common with Opus Dei, Gareth Gore, who has written a book about Opus Dei, told The Guardian.

Like Project 2025, Opus Dei at its core is a reactionary stand against the progressive drift of society, he said. For decades now, the organization has thrown its resources at penetrating Washingtons political and legal elite  and finally seems to have succeeded through its close association with men like Kevin Roberts and Leonard Leo. Gore further called Opus Dei a political project shrouded in a veil of spirituality.

Leo is the former executive vice president of the Federalist Society, a right-wing group that influenced Donald Trumps judicial choices, and is now cochair of its board. He is a funder of many conservative causes, including the campaign against Bud Light for its marketing partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

Leo likewise has connections to Opus Dei and the Catholic Information Center. In 2022, he received the centers John Paul II New Evangelization award. In his acceptance speech, he called his opponents vile and amoral current-day barbarians, secularists, and bigots and said they were in the hands of the devil, The Guardian reports. Pope John Paul II elevated Opus Dei to a special status in the Catholic Church, while Pope Francis has revoked some of its privileges.

Opus Dei does not release the names of its members, and a spokesperson told The Guardian, Opus Dei is an institution of the Catholic Church that tries to help people come closer to God in their work and everyday lives. Opus Deis aims are purely spiritual and it does not endorse or have any opinion on any political project of any kind.

But they are secretive, so while they are not [outwardly] part of this [Project 2025] per se, it is not surprising at all that some of their members are part of it, Massimo Faggioli, a professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University, told the publication. They see this moment in politics  and the possibility of allowing woke ideology to win  as fundamentally changing the nature of America, western civilization, and Christianity.

Project 2025 includes plans to fire as many as 50,000 career federal employees and replace them with people who have unquestionable loyalty to the president; restrict access to contraception; possibly implement a national abortion ban; cut federal health care programs; and remove a variety of protections for LGBTQ+ people.

It urges the next conservative president to basically ignore the 2020 Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court decision banning anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in the workplace, calls on the federal government to deprioritize what it dubs LGBTQ+ equity and promote so-called traditional families, and rails against the toxic normalization of transgenderism.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has claimed he doesn't know anything about Project 2025, at the same time saying he disagrees with some of its provisions. However, his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, is friends with Roberts and has written the foreword for Roberts's forthcoming book, Dawns Early Light: Taking Back Washington to Save America.
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Penny Stocks To Buy According to the Media. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Talkspace, Inc. (NYSE:TALK) stands against the other penny stocks.

Penny stocks are those that trade below the price of $5. These stocks represent companies with smaller market capitalization, high risk, and high volatility. Risk-tolerant investors find potential for above-average returns in penny stocks, however, investing in these stocks requires caution and care.

Expected Trends for Small Cap Stocks

On July 17, Chris Retzler, Needhams small-cap growth portfolio manager, appeared on CNBC where he expressed optimism for the small-cap companies and suggested that we are in a cycle that will prove to be good for many small-cap companies. The Russell 2000 index jumped 3.5% higher on the July 16, hitting the highest levels since January 2022, and was up more than 10% in the previous week. This was one of the biggest rallies investors have seen in the past 4 years.

Retzler believes that small cap stocks have been waiting for a drop in inflation and interest rate cuts. With inflation easing, interest rates are expected to go down as well. He also sees the market broadening, with small companies that have underperformed benefiting from a drop in inflation.

Retzler agrees with Fundstrat's Tom Lees, who sees the Russell 2000 gaining 40% by the end of summer. He believes that the liquidity of small cap companies gives them an edge as it does not take a lot of money to push the stock prices higher, and some expansions by these companies followed by lower interest rates can prove to be good for Russell 2000 companies. We have discussed Tom Lees views on how favorable current market conditions are for small-cap companies in 10 Best NASDAQ Penny Stocks To Invest In.

Moreover, Ryan Detrick, who is the Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group also presented his bullish thesis for small and mid-cap companies. He believes that small and mid-cap are going to lead the market in the second half of the year. While addressing the earnings capability of these companies, Detrick said small-cap companies will outperform large-cap companies in 2025 and 2026. As per estimates, S&P 600's earnings were 4.1% in 2024, whereas S&P 500 earnings were 12.7%. However, moving forward analysts expect S&P 600's earnings to be at 17.7% in 2025, surpassing estimates of 14.2% for the S&P 500. Detrick believes small-cap stocks now look cheap, economic conditions are favorable, and any interest rate cuts that come along the way will further benefit them.

Story continues

Now that we've discussed what experts think about small caps, let's now look at the 10 best penny stocks to buy according to financial media.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the best penny stocks to buy according to media, we aggregated 50 plus penny stocks from financial media websites on the internet. We then selected the top 10 penny stocks that were the most widely held by hedge funds, as of Q1 2024. The list is in ascending order of the number of hedge funds holders in each stock.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A psychotherapist conducting an assessment in a virtual video session.

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27

Talkspace Inc. (NYSE:TALK) is a behavioral healthcare company that provides affordable and accessible mental healthcare services through its online platform across the United States. The company connects psychiatrists and psychologists with individuals and enterprises, through text, audio, and video-based psychotherapy.

Talkspace, Inc. operates through three segments, namely the payer segment, DTE (Direct to Enterprise) segment, and the individual subscriber (consumer) segment. Within the payer segment, the company partners with major US health insurance providers such as Aetna, Cigna, and Optum to provide services to insured members of these insurance plans. Under the DTE segment, the company contracts directly with organizations such as enterprises, education organizations, and government entities to provide online mental health services to members of these organizations. Some of the major clients in the DTE segment include Google, the University of Kentucky, and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Lastly, the consumer segment of the company includes individual subscribers from various socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, and races, who pay out-of-pocket to get mental health services.

Talkspace Inc. (NYSE:TALK) was held by 27 hedge funds at the end of Q1 2024, up from 19 hedge funds during the previous quarter, with stakes worth of $106.06 million. The company posted a successful first quarter this year, with revenue increasing 36% year over year to $45.4 million. Revenue growth was mainly driven by a 92% increase in the payer category and a 14% increase in DTE revenue. The company reported an adjusted EBITDA of $0.8 million, making Q1 2024, the first quarter of adjusted EBITDA profitability in the 13-year history of Talkspace Inc. (NYSE:TALK).

Talkspace is capitalizing on the growing need for affordable mental health services through its strategic partnerships and is expanding its provider network. The company has launched its health collective marketplace, a growing suite of whole health digital providers and services, and has already partnered with healthcare providers and wearable technology companies including Aura, Evernow, Conceive and Fit On.

While strategic partnerships are lucrative, whats more noteworthy is the companys effort to jump into new verticals. With substantial growth in the payer segment, the company is now aiming to expand its covered lives thereby increasing its capture rate and utilization. Talkspace Inc. expects to expand its network with Medicare, a segment with an opportunity of more than 65 million lives. The company will go live in multiple states within the next few months adding more than 10 million lives to its coverage at launch and will further expand its network to all 50 states later this year.

Is Talkspace Inc. (NYSE:TALK) a good investment, given that its consumer segment took a hit?

Yes, the consumer segment revenue of the company took a hit and the revenue declined by 29% year over year during the quarter. However, it was all in line with the companys strategic focus of increasing its covered lives. It is important to elaborate on what the covered lives mean for the company. For Talkspace, "covered lives" means individuals who are eligible to receive mental health services through their insurance plans, i.e. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), or other benefit programs. So, the decrease in consumer revenue stemmed from the increase in lives covered during the previous quarter making more members qualify for the coverage, thus reducing the need for them to pay out of pocket.

For risk-tolerant investors, Talkspace Inc. presents an attractive opportunity. The company has vast coverage with over 131 million Americans having access to its services The companys full-year guidance is promising, with revenue expected to be between $185 million and $195 million and adjusted EBITDA projected between $4 million and $8 million. Analysts hold a consensus Buy opinion on the stock and their 1-year median price target of $4 represents an upside of 74% from current levels.

Overall TALK ranks 3rd on our list of the best penny stocks to buy according to the media. You can visit 10 Best Penny Stocks To Buy According to the Media to see the other penny stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of TALK as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TALK 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.
MADISON, Ala. (WHNT)  After serving two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, flooding and sewer issues have ruined the return home for army veteran Raymond Sanchez, and his wife Ciera.

The couple reached out to News 19 saying the property manager, Pathlight Property Management, had ignored their pleas to make repairs that have plagued the home.

Scam Alert: Huntsville Utilities warns of scam targeting older customers

Issues with the HVAC system, water leaks and raw sewage are so bad that they say their young children cant play in the yard.

The problems started not even a month after moving into this house, Raymond Sanchez explained.

Soon after our story aired discussing those issues, Pathlight contacted the Sanchez family with a resolution. The company agreed to terminate the rental agreement, reimburse the Sanchez for 3 months rent and pay for the moving expenses.

I would like for this company to publicly acknowledge what exactly they put my family through, said Sanchez.

While acknowledging their irresponsibility, Pathlight Property Management sent a statement to News 19 that reads:

Pathlight Property Management takes pride in serving our residents needs and is committed to providing an exceptional experience for every resident. Pathlight Property Management takes pride in serving our residents needs and is committed to providing an exceptional experience for every resident. The Sanchez familys experience did not reflect this, and we clearly fell short of the high standards to which we hold ourselves. Our team is working with Mr. Sanchez to expedite solutions to the issues identified and determine how we can best support him and his family. Pathlight Property Management Spokesperson

Madison County detective released from hospital following on-duty wreck

Raymond Sanchez is thankful that something is finally being done.

I just want to really say thank you to News 19 for really bringing this story to light. I think you guys are my saving grace and I would like for this story to reach throughout the whole United States, said Sanchez.

Sanchez and his family will be moving into their new home in the coming days, and he says he doesnt want anyone to have to go through what he and his family faced over the past 10 months.

For me and my family to fall victim to this for this long, and for them to try and explain to me that there was a lack of communication is just wrong, Sanchez said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ROCK HILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlottes water department is looking to increase its water withdrawal from the Catawba River basin for households to use and return a portion of that wastewater to a separate basin.

It is called an inter-basin transfer

Officials want 63 million gallons of water every day to store away for a reliable water supply for the future. Its an increase from the current daily maximum of 33 million gallons.

That water wouldnt be returned.

Were concerned about the impacts for our growth potential down the road and were also concerned about the impacts this will have on communities up and down the river basin during drought conditions, said Executive Director of the Western Piedmont Council of Government Anthony Starr. So, the most significant drought that everyone thinks about was about 15 years ago when there was another inner basin transfer request being discussed, and we were in severe drought conditions at that time. And it was close to impacting operations of our public water systems up and down the Catawba River. And so we know that is just a matter of time before we have another extraordinary drought situation like that again.

Starr says the more of these transfers that happen, the greater the difficulty is to come through those drought seasons.

UNC Charlotte autonomous shuttle needs improvements, state study shows

He says leaders believe these inter-basin transfers should be temporary, especially once they get so large as what Charlotte has operated and proposed.

And they should be building the infrastructure in the basin or the area thats going to receive the water instead of withdrawing more and more water out of the river for the transfer out of the river basin. It isnt a sustainable, environmentally sustainable practice, Starr said.

But officials say this has been planned since at least 2010. Charlotte Water currently takes about 116 million gallons per day from the Catawba River basin but the system returns about 100 million gallons of that. The highest peak transfer in 2023 was 26 million gallons.

In a statement sent to Queen City News in May, water officials say the 30 MGD  which would not be fully used for several decades  likely represents less than one percent of the water which flows from the Catawba system today. So, we are preliminarily talking about a relatively very small amount of water that was projected more than a decade ago. At [the] bottom, CLT Waters IBT proposal is exactly on track with where Catawba River stakeholders predicted we would be more than a decade ago.

Starr believes Rock Hill neighbors would be significantly impacted by drought conditions because theyre downstream from the withdrawal. It could limit the amount of water households use if a drought becomes too severe.

And some are just finding out about the request.

I think thats very concerning. I wasnt aware of it until now. The population has just seems like it doubles constantly around here so water is definitely a concern, said Charlotte Proffitt, a Rock Hill neighbor.

Rock Hill city manager and chair of the Catawba Wateree Water Management Group, Jimmy Bagley, says hes not ringing the alarmjust yet.

Business owners: Drainage issues damaging property, causing accidents off Wilkinson Blvd

He wants Charlotte Water to discuss solutions with its stakeholders before fully requesting the water.

I think a prime directive all of us should have is if were taking water out of the basin, we should try to do as much as we can to put it back. And that way down below us can use it. So whether were returning against the wastewater plants or however, I think thats ideal, Bagley said. We all know its a finite resource, and at some point, theres just not going to be enough to give everybody everything they want. So the question is how do you allocate that? he asked.

Its unclear how much this would impact local customers water bills. It could lead to the more water you transfer out of the river system, the greater concentration of pollutants are left behind. And so that and could theoretically increase the treatment cost of of water plants downstream from where they are withdrawing water, Starr said.

There will be another public input meeting at 6 p.m. in Rock Hill at Dutchman Creek Middle School.

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ANDERSON CO., S.C. (WSPA)  A horse found near Sullivan Road and Pearman Dairy Road has tested positive for rabies.

Five people have been referred to their health care providers and 30 equines (horses and donkeys) will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act.

The horse was submitted to the University of Georgia Veterinary diagnostic laboratory on Wednesday and was confirmed to have rabies.

If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with the Anderson County horse or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPHs Columbia office at (803)-896-4680.

You can also contact the Anderson office at (864)-372-3270.

South Carolina law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies and revaccinated at a frequency to provide continuous protection from rabies using a vaccine approved by the department and licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Livestock are susceptible to rabies and all livestock with USDA-approved rabies vaccinations should be vaccinated.

Contact information for local Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc.gov/rabies.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
As racist and sexist attacks fly, Republicans grapple with how to take on Harris

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks to the women and men's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Champion teams at the White House in Washington

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks to the women and men's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Champion teams at the White House in Washington

By Helen Coster, Alexandra Ulmer and David Morgan

(Reuters) - Republican nominee Donald Trump has called her "crazy," "nuts" and "dumb as a rock." Republicans in Congress disparage her as a diversity hire. Right-wing activists and trolls have smeared her online with racist, sexist and sexualized barbs.

The attacks on Kamala Harris, the first woman and first Black and South Asian person to serve as U.S. vice president, have intensified in the days since she consolidated support to become Democrats' likely presidential nominee.

The demeaning racist and sexist attacks threaten to distract from the Republican Party's concerted effort to focus on Harris' policies. Trump allies, including some members of the "Black Americans for Trump" coalition, warn that disparaging Harris could hurt him in his outreach to Black voters, a crucial demographic in the Nov. 5 presidential election.

In interviews with nine Republican lawmakers and 11 Black Republican women who back Trump, eight said personal attacks on Harris should be avoided. While guarded in their comments and emphasizing their continued support for Trump, several expressed worry over the tenor of the attacks and whether the onslaught could harm Republicans at the ballot box.

"I think there is a way to critique her without going underneath her clothes," said P Rae Easley, a Black conservative radio show host in Chicago and a member of the "Black Americans for Trump" coalition, a loosely organized group of Black allies backing Trump.

Several members of Congress echoed her sentiments.

"I'm going to oppose Vice President Harris because of what she's done, not who she is," said Representative Dusty Johnson, who chairs the 75-member Republican Main Street Caucus. "Some of this ugliness is unbecoming of a great country."

Others said the attacks on Harris' personal life were no different than Democrats attacking Trump over his personal and family life.

"It's a nasty fight. Democrats have a tendency to play victim," said Madgie Nicolas, co-chair of Haitians for Trump and the Faith and Freedom Coalition's national director of African American voices.

The tension suggests Trump campaign efforts to tie Harris to President Joe Biden's record  particularly on immigration, crime and the economy  risk being overshadowed by personal attacks that show no signs of slowing.

"Going after Kamala Harris as a 'DEI hire' is breathtakingly stupid," said Republican pollster Whit Ayres, who has worked on campaigns for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and others. "It's going to backfire," Ayres said, adding that Harris had an "incredible array of far left-wing policies" that could be targeted.

DEI stands for "diversity, equity and inclusion" initiatives aimed at increasing representation of women and people of color in the workforce to address longstanding inequities and discrimination. The term "DEI hire" is now used to suggest a person is not qualified for their role and has been chosen on the basis of their race or gender.

Ayres said the disparaging rhetoric would alienate women and "anyone who isn't far-right."

The Trump campaign did not directly respond to questions about whether it had discussed trying to tone down personal attacks on Harris.

Trump's inflammatory rhetoric has emboldened people with racist beliefs to express them, according to rhetoric experts, critics and past public opinion polling.

The former president has a history of attacking political opponents, including other Black women in power such as Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting his election interference case in Georgia, and U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, the judge assigned to the federal case against him for attempting to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

At a rally in North Carolina on Wednesday, Trump did not go after Harris on gender or racial grounds. Instead, he painted a potential Harris presidency in apocalyptic terms.

"She is a radical left lunatic who will destroy our country," Trump said.

Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said voters would reject Harris not because of her race and gender, but because of her failed policies.

A spokesperson for Harris, whose nascent campaign has generated a groundswell of grassroots fundraising and activism, said she is staying focused on her work.

"These attacks are backfiring and even Republicans know it," said Sarafina Chitika.

LEWD COMMENTS

Online attacks against Harris were ramping up even before Biden dropped out on Sunday, according to researchers and a Reuters review of posts on the X platform, although exact data is hard to come by.

Some of the recent posts refer to sexual acts and speak of Harris' past relationships in lewd terms. Others disparage her for not having biological children, echoing a comment Trump running mate JD Vance made in 2021, when he criticized Harris and other Democrats as "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives."

Harris has two stepchildren with her husband, lawyer Doug Emhoff. Emhoff's ex-wife on Wednesday called such attacks "baseless" and described Harris as a "loving, nurturing, fiercely protective" co-parent.

Disinformation researchers say the online attacks do not appear to be coming from a specific epicenter and are now so prevalent that most accounts are merely "amplifiers" of already-existing narratives.

U.S. Representative Michael Cloud, a member of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, defended Republicans who have disparaged Harris as a "DEI hire."

"Those were Biden's words, actually," Cloud said.

Biden has not called Harris a "DEI hire." At a campaign appearance with Harris in May, he spoke of the values of DEI and having a diverse administration. "And it starts at the top with the vice president," Biden said.

Trump has nicknamed Harris "Laffin' Kamala," mocking her laugh, and "Lyin' Kamala," claiming she tried to hide Biden's aging from the public. At a Sunday rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the former president called her "crazy" and "nuts."

Kelly Dittmar, a political science professor at Rutgers University, said the nicknames appeared to be playing into stereotypes about women's voices and emotions, as well as seeking to emulate African American pronunciation.

"The actual laughing and cackling goes back to tropes about not wanting to hear women's voices," Dittmar said. "It's not the laugh itself. It's to characterize her as annoying. I think the nicknames are trying to cue the fact she's Black."

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who attended a closed-door meeting this week where party leaders urged members to concentrate on policy issues, told Reuters on Thursday that he had not spoken to Trump or the Trump campaign about how to message regarding Harris.

"This campaign will be about policies," Johnson said. "And I think everybody will be discussing that in detail, and I think we'll win on that basis."

Easley, the radio show host, said she suggested to Trump campaign officials they engage Black allies more to counter Harris "without the veil of racism being attached to it."

She and several other Black Republican women who spoke to Reuters said they did not like the personal attacks, with some noting their own experiences confronting higher standards and expectations as Black women, or having their qualifications questioned.

"As a Black woman myself, I don't appreciate when people start saying because of the color of your skin, that makes you a DEI hire. I don't think that's fair to anyone," said Corrin Rankin, vice chair of the California Republican Party, who said she met Harris when they both worked in San Francisco.

However, Rankin said she felt Biden's vow to pick a woman or person of color as his running mate in 2020 had allowed that term to take hold.

Other Trump allies warned that his attacks could alienate some voters.

"I am hoping that his advisers will encourage Trump to pull it back," said Camilla Moore, chair of the Georgia Black Republican Council. "Because it could hurt in the long run."

(Reporting by Helen Coster, Alexandra Ulmer and David Morgan; Additional reporting by Stephanie Kelly and James Oliphant; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Daniel Wallis)
Despite unexpected weather, Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long made the most of this years Governors Day at the Delaware State Fair on Thursday.

Carney and Hall-Long met with members and ambassadors of the Delaware 4-H Teen Council, as well as state officers with the state Future Farmers of America, who gave them a tour of each of their exhibits, from fresh flower displays to the power of using green energy.

The number of exhibits was extraordinary, Carney later said. Were talking about really productive integrity for our young people.

Next stop was at the Dover Building, where they observed arts and crafts projects, including wildlife photos, crochet creations and homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Carney then signed a couple of farming bills into law after touring the Agriculture Commodities Building.

Essentially what they do is that they underwrite or provide government assistance for insurance programs, Carney said of the bills. In order for farmers to stay in the business, and not sell their farms for residential development, they have to be profitable.

State officials overseeing the signing of House Bill 87 and House Bill 392, included Rep. William J. Carson and Sen. Russell Huxtable, the bills' sponsors.

Then, after touring the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Carney and Hall-Long presented the 2024 DNREC Awards.

This included two student leaders named DNREC Environmentalists of the Year and three finalists of the Youth Fishing Tournament.

While the sudden downpour prevented them from honoring recipients outdoors, Carney, an avid fisherman, presented trophies to the winners of the June 1 fishing tournament.

Gov. John Carney, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin present the winners of the statewide Youth Fishing Tournament at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Rain canceled several traditional events, including the egg toss.

My favorite way to start the day was with the egg toss, Carney said.

Governors Day is an opportunity for me, the governor of the state, to celebrate our number-one industry, Carney said. And today  is my opportunity as governor to show the agricultural industry and all these family farmers how important it is what they do.

Related: Check out the scenes from the second week of the Delaware State Fair

Campaigning at the fair

Governor's Day at the fair is also an opportunity for candidates for local and state offices to meet with voters.

Carney has announced plans to run for Wilmington mayor to focus on strengthening the city because the state cant be successful unless the city of Wilmington  our business hub  is successful as well.

Carney also hopes make further strides in education, affordable housing and socioeconomic development for the city, and aims to keep staying focused on talking to people and getting their support for the next few months.

Fairgoer Khristina McDowell of Bridgeville said she wholeheartedly supports him in the next phase of his political career.

McDowell, a teacher in the Seaford School District  whose classroom Carney visited  cited Carney's modesty and ability to connect with others.

I think hes just very approachable, down-to-earth [and] humble, McDowell said. You can easily talk to him, no matter if he is the governor  and I like that, and I think thats important.

Betty Sperati of Wilmington also feels that Carney has done a very good job addressing and tackling crucial issues throughout the First State, including gun control, reproductive rights and education.

Hes just really good at what he does, Sperati, a fifth-generation Delawarean, said. He pays attention. He listens. And Ive been very happy with him.

While many residents are excited to see Carney in the mayoral seat, others, like Brad Trutt of Magnolia, are a little more skeptical.

Im kind of surprised that he would go from governor to mayor, Trutt explained. [It] seems like a step down.

More: John Carney launches mayoral run, saying Delaware's success depends on Wilmington's success

Carney's legacy and next move

Carney officially announced his plans to run for mayor of the city of Wilmington this past April, after current Mayor Mike Purzycki announced he would not seek reelection.

Carney will finish his second term as governor on Jan. 21, 2025. Before being elected to the highest office in the state in 2017, Carney served in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms.

Throughout his tenure, Carney focused on issues related to climate change and workforce shortages and has prioritized initiatives to connect education, small business support and affordable housing.

Carneys challenger in the Wilmington mayoral race Democratic primary is former city Treasurer Velda Jones-Potter, who announced her campaign in March 2023.

Jones-Potter previously ran in 2020, but lost to Mayor Purzycki.

An in-depth look: Who is running for office in 2024? Our updated list of Delaware candidates, announcements

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Governor's Day at state fair connects politicians with future farmers
Rapper faces prison for trying to board LAX flight with loaded semiautomatic pistol

A rapper faces prison time after he attempted to board a flight with a loaded pistol at Los Angeles International Airport.

Tiwan Raybon, 36, of Douglasville, Georgia, also known as Fat Money was sentenced Friday to 20 months in federal prison, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Raybon arrived at LAX and attempted to board a flight headed for Atlanta. He was selected for a routine luggage inspection by Transportation Security Administration officials.

Inside Raybons carry-on luggage, security officials discovered a Glock 9mm-caliber semiautomatic pistol and several rounds of ammunition.

Raybon then fled from TSA officers after the discovery, authorities said.

At the time, investigators said Raybon was in illegal possession of the pistol after being previously convicted of multiple felonies and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in Cook County, Illinois.

Southern California family files lawsuit after young father shot and killed by police

Raybon was later arrested and indicted by a federal grand jury in L.A.

In April 2024, he pleaded guilty to one federal count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On Friday, he was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison.

It is unlawful for a person convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to ship, transport, receive, or possess a firearm or ammunition, FBI officials said. In addition, firearms are not permitted at checkpoints or in the secure area of airports, including in carry-on luggage or onboard aircraft.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
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.

Read Next: Here's Kamala Harris' Record on Veterans and Military Issues

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.

Related: Feds Arrest Former Navy Europe Commander Alleging Bribery Scheme that Led to $500,000 Civilian Salary
The news that Sir Keir Starmer discussed a bilateral youth mobility scheme with the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez should come as little surprise. While the Government has played down the idea, it is understood that Sir Keir did not explicitly reject the Spanish proposal.

The UK already has youth mobility agreements with Australia, Canada and New Zealand, among others. Some might argue, therefore, that a similar agreement with an EU member state would be unobjectionable. But even if this particular plan never comes to fruition  Brussels is unlikely to allow Spain to strike a bilateral deal with the UK on migration  the wider direction of travel, both in the EU and the UK, can hardly be missed.

Sir Keir has sought to reassure voters that he has no intention of taking the UK back into the EU. He has ruled out returning to freedom of movement, the single market or the customs union. As with his policy on tax, however, the Prime Minister has been careful to use lawyerly language that still leaves him with considerable room for manoeuvre, creating space to break the spirit of his pledges while still leaving him able to claim that he has kept to his word.

The Government does not need to go to the lengths of rejoining the single market or the customs union to effectively neuter Brexit and return the country to the EUs orbit. It has been clear that it is seeking new deals on illegal migration, trade and security. But it has been opaque about what it would be prepared to give up in return.

In many of its deals with nearby countries, the EU has sought to export parts of its rulebook in exchange for greater access to its markets. It is unlikely to deviate from this pattern in negotiations with Britain, and Labour figures have signalled that they would be receptive to such an alignment in a range of areas.

Sir Keir has already taken unilateral steps to keep Britain close to the bloc. The Product Safety Bill, announced in the Kings Speech, would give the Government the power to alter regulation to manage divergence with the EU  in other words, potentially to copy and paste changes made by Brussels into our laws.

Both forms of alignment would limit Britains ability to take full advantage of the freedoms granted by Brexit, denying us the potential to strike deeper trade agreements with fast-growing economies around the world, or to adopt forms of regulation better suited to our own circumstances.

It is a concerning prospect. By striking an array of smaller deals, Labour may make it all but impossible to unpick the web of agreements binding us to the EU in the future. This should be vigorously opposed.

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UPDATE: This article has been edited to account for a Saturday morning update from Vegas Pet Rescue Project.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Reba, the English Bulldog found inside a sealed plastic tub in 110-degree heat, passed away Saturday, according to the nonprofit who was caring for her.

She went into sudden cardiac arrest from the DIC blood clotting condition she developed as a result of the severe heat stroke and shock, Vegas Pet Rescue Project posted on Instagram. The only saving grace is that it was sudden and she felt no pain.

The heartbreaking development comes after the dog was found inside a plastic tub near a dumpster in the Las Vegas heat.

She has fought and fought and fought, Megan Tomlinson, Volunteer Rescue Coordinator for Vegas Pet Rescue Project, said on Friday.

Reba was discovered Thursday evening near Maryland Parkway and Flamingo Road, taped up in a tote bag that was inside a plastic tub next to a dumpster.

Photos show the plastic tote Reba the dog was found taped up inside during 110 degree weather in Las Vegas. (Vegas Pet Rescue Project)

Photos show the plastic tote Reba the dog was found taped up inside during 110 degree weather in Las Vegas. (Vegas Pet Rescue Project)

A couple of folks were going through the parking lot, Tomlinson explained. They heard the whimpering of a dog.

Tomlinson said those people got her out and took her inside a nearby automotive parts shop. Employees rinsed her down with cool water, tried to regulate her body, and then took her to the Veterinary Emergency Group in Henderson for care.

Tomlinson said Vegas Pet Rescue Project, a nonprofit animal rescue, stepped up to help, adding that to see any dog in such a horrible state is difficult.

Emergency veterinarian and Interim Medical Director at Veterinary Emergency Group, Dr. Keith Mihansky, said when Reba got to his team on Thursday, she needed IV fluids, oxygen, plasma infusions, and minute-by-minute care just to stay alive.

Unfortunately, when Reba came to us, Dr. Mihansky said. She was in a really critical state.

He said Reba was severely dehydrated and suffering from heat stroke, which is especially dangerous for English Bulldogs, who have shorter noses and flat faces with narrow, twisted airways.

The breeds are extremely susceptible to heat-associated injuries, he explained. Because of how hard they work just breathing on a normal day.

Reba the dog receiving treatment after she was found inside a taped up plastic tote during 110 degree weather in Las Vegas. (Vegas Pet Rescue Project)

Reba the dog receiving treatment after she was found inside a taped up plastic tote during 110 degree weather in Las Vegas. (Vegas Pet Rescue Project)

Dr. Mihansky also spoke on the heartbreaking experience of treating an animal that has been abused to this extent.

Its one of the most difficult things that we deal with, he said. Having to see that people treat these innocent animals in such a terrible way sometimes.

On Friday, officials told 8newsnow.com that Reba would most likely have to continue around-the-clock observation at the Veterinary Emergency Group for at least another week. As such, Vegas Pet Rescue Project was asking the community for help with donations.

The non-profit organization is also working with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to track down who is responsible for this animal cruelty.

Please call in if you saw even anything, Tomlinson said. Even the smallest detail might help us find who did this.

A spokesperson from LVMPD said the case is being investigated as the torture, abandonment, or starving of an animal. Her rescuers want justice for Reba, a dog that they say never deserved anything other than kindness.

We just love her, Tomlinson said on Friday. We love her already.

Vegas Pet Rescue Project is now offering $17,500 for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for Rebas death.

For those who are interested in helping to fund Rebas care, a donation page is available on the Vegas Pet Rescue Project website. Anyone with information on what might have happened to Reba is asked to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department at (702) 828-3111.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rachel Reeves

Taxpayers are holding their breath as Rachel Reeves prepares to unveil a 20bn black hole in the public finances.

The Chancellor is expected to announce the funding gap in a speech on Monday, blaming pressure on the NHS, prisons and schools.

It has fueled fears that a slew of tax rises in the Autumn Statement are on the way, as the Government attempts to balance the books.

Labour has already pledged to increase VAT on school fees and a tax crackdown on non-doms.

However, it has a manifesto pledge not to raise National Insurance, income tax or VAT, but has refused to say which other taxes could be raised to provide funding for public services.

To raise sufficient funds, ministers are now thought to be considering changes to rules on pension savings, inheritance taxes and capital gains.

Pensions

Civil servants have already drawn up proposals for a flat 30pc rate of pension tax relief for the Chancellors review, The Telegraph understands.

It would mean that higher rate payers would be hit with an effective 10pc tax charge on their retirement contributions for the first time.

The plan would affect up to six million higher and additional rate taxpayers, costing the wealthiest savers around 2,600.

Pension contributions are tax deductible. This means that basic rate payers get a relief equal to 20pc of their payments to cancel out the income tax that would otherwise be due.

Higher rate payers  those earning more than 50,270  get relief of 40pc, and most additional rate payers earning more than 125,140 get 45pc.

These rules cost the Exchequer more than 50bn each year.

A 30pc flat rate would raise the equivalent of a 2.7bn increase in tax, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has said.

Ms Reeves has previously spoken in favour of restricting relief on pensions but has insisted she has no plans to change the current regime.

Labour may choose to target the tax-free lump sum instead, experts have warned. Currently, pensioners can withdraw 25pc of their pension pot without paying tax. This lump sum amount was frozen at a maximum of 268,275 under the Tories in 2020-21.

Capital gains

The Chancellor was also being lobbied by other Labour members in the run up to the election to align the rates of capital gains tax with those of income tax.

The Governments own tax adviser the Office for Tax Simplification, a now-disbanded government agency, previously recommended the same tax rise, while the Liberal Democrats also advocate for the policy.

Capital gains tax is charged at 10pc or 18pc for basic rate taxpayers, and 20pc or 24pc for higher or additional rate earners.

Story continues

During the general election campaign, the Lib Dems claimed their plan to align the rates would raise 5.2bn. However, according to analysis by HM Revenue and Customs, raising the higher and lower rates by 10 percentage points would cost the Exchequer 3.5bn by 2027-28, as taxpayers would adapt their behaviour to avoid some of the rise.

Another option open to Labour is to start charging capital gains on assets passed on when people die  on top of inheritance tax, experts have said.

Currently, there is no capital gains tax due on death. Instead, any gains or losses accrued up to that date are effectively wiped out.

However, families do have to pay inheritance tax at 40pc on the value of an estate above the threshold of 325,000  the nil-rate band  or 1m for a couple passing their home to their children.

Analysis by accountancy firm RSM has now shown that this double tax hit could result in effective tax rates for grieving families of over 50pc.

Investors have already suffered from changes to investment profit tax rules. The annual tax free allowance for capital gains tax was cut from 12,300 to just 3,000 under the previous government, making it much easier for investors to incur a liability.

Inheritance

Another option for Ms Reeves is inheritance tax. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones told a public meeting in March that Labour could use inheritance tax to redistribute wealth and address intergenerational inequality.

At 40pc, Britain already has one of the highest death tax rates in the OECD.

The number of families paying the charge will hit nearly 44,000 a year by 2028-29, up from 33,000 this year, according to official forecasts. In total, almost 200,000 will pay the tax over the next five years.

But the number could be even higher if Labour chooses to increase the tax burden.

Currently, homeowners can pass on 500,000  or 1m if they are a couple  as long as they leave their house to their children. Labour could choose to cut or lower this exemption, widening the scope of inheritance tax.

The Chancellor has also been urged to abolish inheritance tax relief for shares in fast-growing companies in order to raise an estimated 1.6bn a year for the Treasury.

Scrapping business relief on inheritance tax would raise 1.4bn, while increasing the standard rate from 40pc to 41pc would raise a total of 460m by 2027-28, according to HMRC analysis.

There is also a risk that Labour extends the scope of inheritance tax to cover pension pots, which are currently protected, experts have warned.

Under current rules, if someone dies before the age of 75, any of their unused pension is inherited tax free. For anyone who dies after this age, income tax applies at the point the beneficiary withdraws the money.

Analysis shows that families inheriting a 100,000 pension  roughly the size of the average pension pot for a 55 to 64 year old  could be stung with a 65,000 tax bill if tax were applied on death.

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This article was originally published in North Dakota Monitor.

North Dakota tribal schools need better support  especially when it comes to serving low-income students, Shayla Davis, a member of Superintendent Kirsten Baeslers Student Cabinet, told a crowd of tribal educators Friday.

There should be no gaps in education, Davis, a 2023 graduate of Devils Lake High School and member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, said.

Davis and other advocates for Native education gathered at the North Dakota Capitol on Thursday and Friday for the Department of Public Instructions 10th annual Indian Education Summit.

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The two-day conference  which included speeches, presentations and breakout sessions  drew about 200 attendees, according to the Department of Public Instruction. The goal is to strengthen tribal education in North Dakota, according to the agencys website.

For Davis, that means giving all students the opportunities they need to succeed. She said she could name more than 50 teachers that positively impacted her. But not all Native students in North Dakota have been as lucky, she said.

I realized the socioeconomic challenges that were keeping other students just miles away from the same important educational opportunities we receive at Devils Lake High School  the same opportunities that truly made me the person that I am today, Davis said.

She encouraged schools to find creative ways to serve students in need. She pointed to a Cass County nonprofit started in 2019 that created a school food and supply pantry for students.

I believe that this can be done in tribal schools, Davis said.

Davis also urged teachers to provide more opportunities for education on tribal history and culture.

We must know who we are and where we come from, she said.

Teachers and administrators that work in Native communities had similar feedback for the state, Ellie Shockley, a researcher for the North Dakota University System, said at a Friday breakout session.

Shockley worked with the Department of Public Instructions Indian and Multicultural Education Office to conduct the states 2023 survey on Native student needs.

The survey was taken by teachers and administrators at 35 North Dakota public schools with high Native populations, Shockley said. Overall, schools reported making an effort to engage with Native communities and to integrate tribal culture into the classroom, but still felt there was still considerable room for improvement.

A number of respondents advocated for adding classes that enhance understanding of Native American culture, Shockley said. She said the responses also highlighted issues faced by Native students, like school attendance and poverty.

One bright spot is that respondents agree that Native American language instruction is commonly incorporated into daily and weekly activities, Shockley said.

Schools seemed to be less familiar with state resources related to Native education, however.

The survey found just 50% of teachers and 72% of administrators were aware of the Department of Public Instructions Native American Essential Understandings project. The project, launched in 2015, works with Native elders to develop educational resources on Native history and culture in North Dakota.

The results also indicate schools may be struggling to implement a new requirement for K-12 schools to teach Native history adopted by the state Legislature in 2021. Shockley said just 75% of teachers and 89% of administrators were aware of the legislation. Much fewer  57% of teachers and 67% of administrators  said they were aware of educational resources published by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction related to the bill.

A textbook on the history of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe on display at the Indian Education Summit at the North Dakota Capitol on July 19, 2024. The Department of Public Instruction is leading a project to update and reprint the textbooks, which date back to the 90s. (Mary Steurer/ North Dakota Monitor.)

In a separate presentation, representatives from the Department of Public Instruction shared updates about an ongoing project to update a series of five 90s-era textbooks on the history of North Dakota tribes.

Four of the textbooks focus on the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Spirit Lake Nation, respectively. Another provides an introduction to the history of North Dakota Tribes. The series was authored by representatives of the tribes and published by the state roughly 30 years ago.

Lucy Fredericks, director of Indian and Multicultural Education for the Department of Public Instruction, is leading the effort to reprint the books in partnership with groups including the Indian Education Coalition, United Tribes Technical College, North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota.

The Indian Education Coalition is currently working on making revisions to the textbooks, as well as writing about 30 pages of new material detailing the last three decades of each tribes history, Fredericks said. She said the books will be free to teachers and schools across the state.

This definitely will be authentic, because its coming exactly from the tribes, she said.

The project is funded by a grant through the federal CARES Act, said Fredericks.

The original textbooks did not include a history of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. Nick Asbury of the Department of Public Instruction said the agency would be open to adding another textbook dedicated to the tribe.

North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com. Follow North Dakota Monitor on Facebook and X.
After recent thefts on trail, NCCo police urge residents to remain vigilant

After recent crime along the Jack A. Markell Trail, New Castle County police advise all using the path to remain vigilant.

New Castle County police announced on July 27 that it has recently investigated several thefts and attempted thefts along the popular spot where residents can often be seen walking, biking and running.

ICYMI: The 5 best places for summer hiking in Delaware

The following safety tips were shared by the agency:

Keep your valuables out of sight.

Travel with a partner when possible.

Be cautious of unfamiliar individuals or activities.

If you notice anything suspicious, immediately call 911.

Provide as detailed of a description as you can to police if you report an issue.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Police share how to stay safe on JAM Trail after recent thefts
Religious leaders and community members in Middle Georgia are trying to implement Bible instruction for students in Twiggs County.

Daniel Wright, pastor of Jeffersonville Baptist Church, said the optional initiative will allow Twiggs County public school students to be taught biblical concepts with parental consent.

Were living in some strange, difficult times today, and we want to be able to teach our children right and wrong, Wright said. We want to help families support teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The religious instruction would come through LifeWise Academy, a Christian nonprofit organization that provides free biblical education for public school students off campus during regular school hours. The program launched in 2019.

Lifewise Academy operates under released time religious education regulations, which require the program to be privately funded, parent-permitted and off school property. The law stemmed from a Supreme Court ruling in 1952 that allowed public school students to leave campus during school hours to attend religious services.

LifeWise Academy currently has a running program for elementary students in Cartersville  about 40 miles northwest of Atlanta.

The great thing about the instruction is that it will take place during school hours, which is the key because of how difficult it can be for students to juggle extracurricular activities before or after school, Wright said.

Elly Worsham, a private school teacher in Hancock County, said she signed an online petition to help launch the program for Twiggs County students because she believes it is critical to offer an optional, Christian education in a public school setting, where there is more regulation on what can and cannot be implemented.

The LifeWise curriculum also focuses a lot on conduct and how you deal with things in life, Worsham said. I think that can have a great impact on our school system because therell be lessons on discipline issues and maybe some people dont receive that at home.

The petition, which needed at least 50 signatures to start the preliminary process, currently has 70, but the community is still able to sign, Wright said.

This would require approval from the Twiggs County Board of Education first.

School officials said the group will present a logistics plan for the programs implementation at the next scheduled board meeting on Aug. 13 for questions.

The approval process comes at a time when a recurring national debate about religion in schools has resurfaced, particularly after Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters mandated that all public schools use the Bible as a regular teaching tool.

Although Wright said he wants to see Georgia legislation pass biblical teaching in public classrooms, LifeWise Academy is strictly volunteer.

This is not our way of pushing this onto the kids in any way or violating parental rights. It is a program that would require consent from them, he said.

More about the process, program

A steering committee made up of Wright, Pastor Brian Mclean of Dry Branch, a LifeWise representative and other community stakeholders are working to obtain official approval from the Twiggs County Board of Education, Wright said.

We believe that Lifewise is a great opportunity to reach our community and have a great connection with the schools, he said.

The committees next goal is to recruit a program director and a method of transportation for students, Wright added. It is looking to launch a LifeWise Academy pilot program in January, starting with Jeffersonville Elementary School and possibly working up to additional grades.

Wright said the off-campus instruction would initially take place at his church, where students would receive instruction from approved volunteers, including pastors and teachers.

The curriculum has a character education component, where students can learn about forgiveness, gratitude and respect, said Christine Czernejewski, a spokeswoman for LifeWise Academy.

In the upcoming school year, we will be serving over 30,0000 students in more than 500 schools across 27 states, a testament to the demand for our program, Czernejewski said in an email. There are 25 other districts in Georgia that have started the process of launching a LifeWise.
Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry, left, sits with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill as Gov. Jeff Landry speaks on opening day of a legislative special session focusing on crime, Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry, left, sits with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill as Gov. Jeff Landry speaks on opening day of a legislative special session focusing on crime, Monday, February 19, 2024, at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. (Hillary Schienuk/ The Advocate, Pool)

Fourteen Republican attorneys general argue that a federal judges interpretation of the Voting Rights Act in a ruling that overturned Louisianas legislative maps was unconstitutional.

The attorneys general, led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, stated their case in an amicus brief filed Wednesday in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans for the case Nairne v. Ardoin.

States deserve fair notice regarding how to draft redistricting laws that comply with federal law, the brief reads. Yet under the District Courts free-wheeling approach, members of the Louisiana Legislature could never guess ahead of time what facts might  in a courts view  trigger a (Voting Rights Act) violation and thus might justify presumptively unconstitutional race-based districting.

Jared Evans, an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund that represents Black Louisianians in redistricting lawsuits, said the attorneys general, several of whom are defending their own states from Voting Rights Act lawsuits, are trying to turn Louisianas legislative redistricting lawsuit into test case to weaken the landmark civil rights legislation.

Their case focuses on Section 2 of the act, which prohibits voting laws or procedures that purposefully discriminate on the basis of race, color or membership in a language minority group.

They know that if Section 2 is upheld, there are a lot of states that need to have additional minority Black districts in their house maps, but also in the congressional map, in the state school board maps and all of the other political boundaries, Evans said in an interview. Every case that is going to get under Section 2 going forward with the Supreme Court is a test case to see if they can further poke holes in Section 2 jurisprudence.

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In February, U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick of the Middle District of Louisiana ruled in Nairne v. Ardoin that maps Louisiana lawmakers drew two years ago to update the boundaries of their own districts do not give Black voters a fair opportunity to elect their own representatives. Plaintiffs in the case are Black voters who challenged then-Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, Louisianas top elections official.

In her ruling, Dick, a federal court appointee of former President Barack Obama, gave the state a reasonable period of time to approve new legislative districts that do not violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Dick did not specify in her ruling what a reasonable period of time is or the number of majority Black districts necessary to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Plaintiffs have said the state should add six in the Louisiana House and three in its Senate. Currently, 28 out of 105 House seats are majority Black, as are 11 of 39 Senate seats.

In the months since the ruling, Republicans have ramped up their efforts to weaken key parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Building off a 2023 ruling in the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals based in St. Louis that only the federal government can seek an enforcement ruling under the Voting Rights Act, Republican attorneys general and voting officials have sought to intervene in lawsuits brought by voters, such as Nairne v. Ardoin.

In April, Louisiana filed a brief in the case asking the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to hear an appeal on the basis that there is no private right of action under the Voting Rights Act. That means that voters would not have the legal standing to sue over their rights being violated.

The court denied the state a hearing before the full court, but litigation is still ongoing before a three-judge panel in the 5th Circuit.

The 8th Circuits ruling is not legally sound, Evans argued.

Section 2 has been upheld and private groups have been allowed to bring cases since the Voting Rights Act was reauthorized 1984, and so this is another attempt to weaken the Voting Rights Act, Evans said.

Much of the 14 attorney generals brief relies on a footnote in Dicks ruling.

On the 84th page of the 91-page document, Dick writes the following in a footnote: Dr. Washington pointed out the subliminal message of the Sheriffs Office being housed on the same floor as her Registrar of Voters Office.

The footnote references a government building in an unnamed parish where the sheriff and the registrar are headquartered on the same floor, which Alice Washington, a Black voter in Louisiana, cited as evidence of voter suppression.

The 14 attorneys general mocked this idea at several points in their brief:

The Voting Rights Act is concerned with the right to register, vote, and participate in politics  win or lose  not on whispers from parish buildings.

Perhaps if those walls could literally talk, the District Courts interpretation would not be hopelessly indeterminate, the brief continues

 But bad vibes cannot be the test for vote dilution, the attorneys general also wrote.

Evans pushed back on their arguments.

Given the history that minorities have with law enforcement and over-policing and police brutality, having to register at the same place where law enforcement is housed is a form of voter suppression and intimidation, Evans said.

Im not sure what theyre trying to brag about or what theyre trying to imply, he added.

Marshall, Alabamas attorney general, was joined in the brief by his counterparts in Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who is a defendant in Nairne v. Aucoin and did not join the brief, declined to provide a comment for this report.

At a status report in June, legislative leaders told Dick they did not have immediate plans to draw new state House and Senate maps.

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Some Republicans are openly having second thoughts about former President Donald Trumps choice of running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

The senator has received negative attention after old clips resurfaced of him calling some Democrats, including Vice President and presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, childless cat ladies and arguing that people with children should have more influence over the future of the country than those without children. The vice president has two stepchildren.

Harris, who would be the first Black South Asian woman president, has seen massive influxes in fundraising since President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race and threw his support to her. Over the weekend, her campaign announced that theyd raised $200 million over the seven days since Bidens exit, with the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue crediting her with driving multiple broken fundraising records during her first week atop the Democratic ticket.

She also secured enough delegates to claim the nomination at the Democratic National Convention next month within days, averting what could have been a messy fight when the party returns to Chicago for the first time since the tumultuous 1968 convention after then-president Lyndon Johnson withdrew from that years race.

The Trump campaign picked Vance just days before Biden revealed his exit, at a time when Trump was riding high after surviving an assassination attempt. But now, GOP influencers and prominent party figures are wondering if the ex-president made the right call.

Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator, recently said on his show, If you had a time machine, if you go back two weeks, would [Trump] have picked JD Vance again? I doubt it.

I think he probably would have picked someone like [Governor] Glenn Youngkin from Virginia in an attempt to broaden out his base, he added.

There was clearly zero vetting of JD Vance. Clearly a vibes pick by an overconfident Trump that is proving to be a disaster, former Trump White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah Griffin wrote on X after The New York Times revealed that Vance wrote I hate the police in an email after the killing of 18-year-old Black man Michael Brown by a white officer in October 2014.

Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) holds a campaign rally at Radford University on July 22, 2024 in Radford, Virginia (Getty Images)

Given the number of negative experiences Ive had in the past few years, I cant imagine what a Black guy goes through, he added at the time.

Wisconsin Republican strategist Bill McCosten told Politico that Of the people that were mentioned as finalists, he had the most risk, because he had never been vetted nationally.

He added, Doug Burgum ran for president, he had been vetted, mostly. Marco Rubio has run for president, he had been vetted. JD Vance hadnt. So there was risk in the pick. And were going to see over the next 102 days how he stands up to the bright lights of a national campaign.

A member of the House Republican caucus anonymously told the outlet: Find me one publicly elected official in the Senate who is pushing JD Vance other than [Utah Republican Senator] Mike Lee. Ill wait.

This week, an NPR/PBS News/Marist College poll found that 28 per cent of registered voters hold a favorable view of Vance and that 31 per cent have an unfavorable view  41 per cent were either unsure or havent heard of him.

A Pennsylvania Republican strategist, Joshua Novotney, told Politico that Vance was not chosen to get a leg-up in some area, he was chosen as someone who Trump trusted and wanted to serve with.

Appearing on Fox & Friends on Thursday morning, Trump was asked if he was still 100 per cent behind JD 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 previously 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.
Republicans, pay attention to who Harris picks for VP. One of them should scare us.

Vice President Kamala Harris has a difficult decision in front of her. Now that she has secured enough delegates to become the Democrats nominee for president, she has to choose her running mate.

The Harris campaign has reportedly requested vetting materials from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. There are also reports that U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker are under consideration.

Names like Tim Walz and Roy Cooper strike me as uninspired picks out of the gate. Walz, 60, has immense baggage from his time presiding over the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots that ravaged Minnesota. Cooper, 67, simply falls victim to his own age, which Democrats should seek to avoid in contrast with JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee who turns 40 next Friday.

Harris' campaign officials seem to be learning from their opponent's mistake and is genuinely pursuing a VP choice that will expand the coalition behind them, unlike Donald Trump's decision to select a MAGA protege in Vance.

Im a conservative who doesnt plan on voting for Trump in November. However, if I were, some of these names would concern me a lot more than others. One in particular should worry Trump and conservatives hoping to win back the White House.

Republicans can beat Harris on policy: Biden is out, but Trump, GOP won't have to change their message. Harris isn't much better.

Vice President Kamala Harris, now the likely Democratic presidential nominee, delivers the keynote speech at the American Federation of Teachers' convention in Houston on July 25, 2024.

J.B. Pritzker : While Im a bit biased as a former Illinois resident (a conservative one at that), my view is that Pritzker is a generic, wealthy politician who has overseen high unemployment, higher taxes and some of the most totalitarian COVID-19 policies in the nation. He adds no benefit of being beloved in a swing state and is vulnerable on all the issues I outlined above, as well as many more. Republicans would likely dismantle Pritzker on his record as governor, and he has few pros to make up for that fact. They should want Harris to pick him.

Pete Buttigieg: He would be a remarkably weak choice. Many argue that his being a gay person is the reason why, but I actually dont see that as a major difference-maker for Democratic voters anymore. Instead, I think his stint as a failed mayor of South Bend, Indiana, or going on paternity leave amid a nationwide supply chain crisis he had responsibility for gives Republicans very real talking points. Warranted or not, his job following the 2020 primary cycle was to remain in the background, and he failed at doing so. Trump and other conservatives would have plenty of material to go after him with.

Conservatives should worry about these two options

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is one of the few members of Congress being floated as a vice presidential running mate for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Andy Beshear : The governor of Kentucky could pose some unique issues for the Trump campaign if he were selected. He was able to secure reelection last year in a state that Trump won by more than 20 points in 2020, even as conservatives won up and down the ballot. He maintains high approval, with more than two-thirds of Kentuckians having a favorable view of him. Beshear is only less of a threat to conservatives because of a couple of drawbacks. Hes not from a swing state, it's unclear how he polls outside of Kentucky (where his family is a political dynasty) and he comes from what has been described as a silver spoon upbringing. None of this contrasts well with Vance, who is a political outsider who bootstrapped his way into the spotlight and is a senator in Ohio, a swing state.

Mark Kelly: This is an interesting choice for Democrats. He entered politics very recently, winning his Senate seat from Arizona in 2020. He markets gun control as one of his top issues, as well as expanding abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. While I obviously disagree with his politics, I cant deny that Kelly, a badass astronaut and family man, is a really cool dude. He served as a Navy pilot during Operation Desert Storm and then became an astronaut, flying missions to the International Space Station. He stayed with NASA for 15 years before retiring to care for his wife, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011.

The Trump campaign should be afraid of Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro

Vice President Kamala Harris and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro visit the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia on July 13, 2024.

Josh Shapiro is the only elite choice Democrats have, and he is almost too perfect of a choice.

Though he has only served as governor of Pennsylvania for a little over a year, he is a popular governor of an essentially must-win state for Democrats. He ran his campaign for governor as a moderate, and his actions as governor have done nothing to refute that. He is seemingly as uncontroversial as anyone in this race.

Who will Harris pick for VP? Why Shapiro and Whitmer aren't the answers.

One important consideration is his pro-Israel stance, which some progressives will view as a betrayal of the campaign. However, more than 70% of American Jews identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, and 89% have a favorable view of the Israeli people.

Not alienating this population is an important consideration for Democrats, and balancing Harris questionable stances on the matter is the right path forward for their party.

The biggest strength Shapiro has, besides his favorability in Pennsylvania, is how he stacks up against Vance. The governor is smart and articulate and would fare well in a debate with the GOP vice presidential nominee. Shapiro also has far more experience in politics, allowing himself to contrast against Vance in a unique way.

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Frankly, Im not sure why Shapiro would accept the position. A loss on this ticket would somewhat tarnish his political stock for 2028, an election in which he would have a fair chance at the Democratic nomination for president if he were to pursue it. However, if willing, he is the best choice that Democrats have now.

The Democratic Party really only has three choices, and each would pose his own unique challenges for Donald Trump. If I were the Republican presidential nominee, however, I would dread the pick of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and hope he chooses to save his chances for 2028.

Dace Potas is an opinion columnist for USA TODAY and a graduate of DePaul University with a degree in political science.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who will Harris pick as her VP? Why Trump is worried about Shapiro
Deep within the boundaries of Czechia's Bohemian Forest National Park, where a robust wild boar population roams free, there's something else lurking too  toxic chemical contaminants.

What's happening?

After assessing the internal organs of 30 boar specimens culled from annual population control measures, researchers from the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen, Scotland, and the University of Graz in Austria found something highly concerning: high levels of chemicals, according to reporting by the Environment Journal.

Specifically, they found PFAS  the enduring class of chemicals known as "forever chemicals."

The research teams targeted boars to assess general levels of "background" PFAS in the park's environment since boars tend to consume nearly anything that they encounter, including plants, animals, and soil.

But the findings were sobering. The boar contained "significantly higher quantities of PFAS in their bodies than would legally [be] allowed to be sold under European Union law," the Environment Journal reported.

Why is this so concerning?

PFAS have been associated with a number of health risks for individuals and the environment that are exacerbated by the fact that many never break down  or, not at least on any human-scaled timeline.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS have been correlated with increased risk of reproductive issues, certain cancers, developmental delays, cholesterol issues, hormone interference, liver damage, and more.

"Wild boar meat and offal is consumed by humans," said research team member Viktoria Muller, per the Environment Journal, calling it "a cause for concern."

"The high concentrations we found suggest deeper investigation is needed," she added.

This is hardly the first time that worrying PFAS levels have been found in surprising areas. From wild otters in England to ski slopes in Austria, forever chemicals lurk nearly everywhere around the globe, having been manufactured for consumer products and potentially taking thousands of years to break down.

Another reason for the concern is that these levels go far beyond what researchers expected for general "background" PFAS levels. This suggests, as Muller said, that more research is needed.

What's being done about this?

Broadly, the need to reduce PFAS manufacturing rests with large companies. The more that people learn about the dangers of these "forever chemicals," the more pressure can be put on corporations and governments to stop permitting their production.

For the average person who wants to avoid PFAS as much as possible, a good way to start is by opting for homegrown foods, plastic-free consumer goods, and natural cleaning products over chemicals whenever possible.

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Researchers make troubling discovery after examining fish species closer to urban areas: 'We need to understand more'

A study has revealed that fish living closer to a city had more microplastics in their bodies than those found in a rural area, Phys.org reported.

What's happening?

The outlet explained that researchers in New Zealand collected adult mottled triplefins at three sites around Dunedin, a city of about 130,000 people on the country's South Island.

They found that fish collected 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) and 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) away from the city center ingested significantly more microplastics than fish collected at a site 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) away. In fact, the fish collected at the furthest site, a rural area called Purakanui, took in 8.5 times less plastic than the site closest to the city center and 6.3 less plastic than the other site in Port Chalmers.

Overall, the fish sampled near the city center and Port Chalmers had much higher amounts of microplastics in their guts compared to other commercial fish species studied in New Zealand.

"The concentration of microplastics in sediments and ingested by the triplefins here in Otago are similar to the microplastic levels in the highly polluted Venetian Lagoon," research supervisor associate professor Sheri Johnson said, per Phys.org. "We need to understand more about why Otago sediments and marine life have so much higher concentrations of microplastics."

Why is this study concerning?

This study adds to a growing body of research detailing the pervasiveness of microplastics in our environment. For instance, one study found that the tiniest microplastics  those under 53 micrometers in size  are the most abundant pollutants in our seas.

Many common plastic chemicals found in these microplastics have been linked to harmful effects when ingested by sea creatures. These tiny plastic particles can work their way up the food chain into humans through seafood, and we even inhale and ingest them through other sources like water, beer, and salt. In fact, one study found that the average adult takes in about 2,000 microplastics annually through salt alone.

Though we do not know all of the health impacts of microplastics, there is evidence that they could be linked to various lung disorders, serious pregnancy complications, and dementia, among other illnesses.

What's being done about microplastics?

It is essential that we cut down on plastic use if we want to slow the amount of microplastics polluting the environment. Some governments, like in England and France, have already banned plastic cutlery for most fast-food and takeout meals. Plus, Los Angeles banned Styrofoam takeout containers and California banned plastic produce bags from grocery stores.

Meanwhile, scientists are finding new ways to break down plastic such as using hungry wax worms. Plastic alternatives are also gaining traction.

You can help by cutting your own plastic use at home and investing in reusable items like metal razors and nonplastic sandwich bags.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
Air Lock

With two NASA astronauts still stranded in space for weeks, officials at the space agency have insisted that the troubled Boeing Starliner, plagued with technical issues, can take the two explorers back to Earth.

So, why haven't they already?

An unnamed retired astronaut tells The Atlantic the obvious truth that NASA has been dancing around since the beginning of this space boondoggle: it's just too risky right now.

"Of course they dont feel comfortable putting them in the vehicle," the retired astronaut told the magazine, referring to the Starliner, which transported the astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) back in June and is meant to return them back home. "Otherwise they would have put them in it already."

Expect Delays

No date has been set for a return trip, with the earliest date now pushed back to August. To explain away the delay, NASA officials have said repeatedly that they want to test and troubleshoot the Starliner capsule before committing to a return trip.

The trouble started when helium leaks were discovered on Starliner prior to takeoff. They opted to launch anyway, and on its journey toward the ISS, it started experiencing additional leaks and malfunctioning thrusters.

Boeing has gotten the brunt of the negative press, not least because the company's airplanes have been in the news for falling doors and other quality control issues, casting a pall over its space efforts as well.

But NASA shouldn't escape scrutiny, the Atlantic article argues, and the space agency has been less than forthcoming with issues surrounding the Starliner, which has been ill-fated from the start of its development with various technical issues and aborted launches.

Boys Club

For its part, NASA is eager to have a second option for ferrying astronauts into space beyond the more battle-tested Dragon capsule manufactured by SpaceX.

But even setting aside the Starliner, NASA 's relationship with SpaceX, headed by mercurial tech billionaire Elon Musk, has had its own fair share of headaches.

While SpaceX missions into space have been successful, the commercial space outfit has seen death and injuries to personnel, not to mention Musk's purported drug use and inappropriate relations with women staff.

One of those female staff members, a flight attendant, sued Musk for exposing his penis to her, resulting in a $250,000 payout to quiet down the scandal.

There's been no answer from NASA on these issues, but with American dollars being used for these missions, there's no question that the space agency needs to be more transparent.

More on Boeing Starliner: Boeing's Starliner Stuck at the ISS Until at Least August, NASA Admits
We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Penny Stocks To Buy According to the Media. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Tetra Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI) stands against the other penny stocks.

Penny stocks are those that trade below the price of $5. These stocks represent companies with smaller market capitalization, high risk, and high volatility. Risk-tolerant investors find potential for above-average returns in penny stocks, however, investing in these stocks requires caution and care.

Expected Trends for Small Cap Stocks

On July 17, Chris Retzler, Needhams small-cap growth portfolio manager, appeared on CNBC where he expressed optimism for the small-cap companies and suggested that we are in a cycle that will prove to be good for many small-cap companies. The Russell 2000 index jumped 3.5% higher on the July 16, hitting the highest levels since January 2022, and was up more than 10% in the previous week. This was one of the biggest rallies investors have seen in the past 4 years.

Retzler believes that small cap stocks have been waiting for a drop in inflation and interest rate cuts. With inflation easing, interest rates are expected to go down as well. He also sees the market broadening, with small companies that have underperformed benefiting from a drop in inflation.

Retzler agrees with Fundstrat's Tom Lees, who sees the Russell 2000 gaining 40% by the end of summer. He believes that the liquidity of small cap companies gives them an edge as it does not take a lot of money to push the stock prices higher, and some expansions by these companies followed by lower interest rates can prove to be good for Russell 2000 companies. We have discussed Tom Lees views on how favorable current market conditions are for small-cap companies in 10 Best NASDAQ Penny Stocks To Invest In.

Moreover, Ryan Detrick, who is the Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group also presented his bullish thesis for small and mid-cap companies. He believes that small and mid-cap are going to lead the market in the second half of the year. While addressing the earnings capability of these companies, Detrick said small-cap companies will outperform large-cap companies in 2025 and 2026. As per estimates, S&P 600's earnings were 4.1% in 2024, whereas S&P 500 earnings were 12.7%. However, moving forward analysts expect S&P 600's earnings to be at 17.7% in 2025, surpassing estimates of 14.2% for the S&P 500. Detrick believes small-cap stocks now look cheap, economic conditions are favorable, and any interest rate cuts that come along the way will further benefit them.

Story continues

Now that we've discussed what experts think about small caps, let's now look at the 10 best penny stocks to buy according to financial media.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the best penny stocks to buy according to media, we aggregated 50 plus penny stocks from financial media websites on the internet. We then selected the top 10 penny stocks that were the most widely held by hedge funds, as of Q1 2024. The list is in ascending order of the number of hedge funds holders in each stock.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A technician in a jumpsuit working on a pumping system in an oil and gas well.

Tetra Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23

Tetra Technologies Inc. (NYSE:TTI) is an energy services company that helps oil and gas companies with the fluids and water management needed for drilling and maintaining oil and gas wells. The company operates through two main business segments, the Completion Fluids & Products Division and the Water & Flowback Services Division.

Tetra Technologies Inc. (NYSE:TTI) manufactures and sells clear brine fluids, additives, and other related products and services to oil and gas well drilling companies under its Completion Fluids & Products Division. They also produce liquid and dry calcium chloride and ultra-pure zinc bromide under the same segment and market it to battery technology companies in the United States and internationally. On the other hand, the Water & Flowback Services Division segment offers water management services including frac flow back, production well testing, and other related services to onshore oil and gas operations.

What makes Tetra Technologies Inc. unique is its ability to capitalize on offshore and deepwater activities. The companys adjusted EBITDA grew by 11% year over year to $22.8 million in Q1 2024, mainly driven by strong Completion Fluids & Products adjusted EBITDA margins of 28.1% and 15 offshore deepwater operations that the company serviced during the quarter. The company has also been working in the TETRA CS Neptune family of novel completion fluids, which is an environment friendly and cost-effective alternative to zinc brines. The demand for high-value bromine-based Completion Fluids that include TETRA CS Neptune has increased globally. Therefore, the company has made strategic investments in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and the North Sea, which will grow the companys CS Neptune pipeline further. In addition, the companys TETRA PureFlow ultra-pure zinc bromide, which is used for stationary battery and energy storage applications, gives Tetra Technologies Inc. a competitive edge in the global transition towards renewable energy and presents an opportunity for revenue diversification.

Is TTI presenting an attractive entry point? The stock is currently trading at 13 times its forward earnings estimates, a 65.54% discount to its 5-year average. Moreover, analysts expect the company to grow its EPS by 11.5% this year. On the Street, 6 analysts hold a Buy opinion on TTI and their 1-year median price target of $7.50 implies an upside of 99.47% from current levels.

Overall TTI ranks 4th on our list of the best penny stocks to buy according to the media. You can visit 10 Best Penny Stocks To Buy According to the Media to see the other penny stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of TTI as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TTI but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Read Next: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
The Richardson Family Murders: How A 12-Year-Old Helped Murder Her Family with Her 23-Year-Old 'Boyfriend'

Jasmine Richardson and her adult boyfriend Jeremy Steinke were arrested the day after the brutal killings

Google Maps Richardson family home

It was a crime that shocked the small Canadian city of Medicine Hat, Alberta.

On April 23, 2006, the bodies of Marc Richardson, 42, and his wife Debra, 48, were found in the basement of their split-level home, the CBC reported.

Both parents had been viciously attacked. Marc was stabbed 24 times and Debra was stabbed 12 times, per CBC. Their 8-year-old son Tyler was found dead in his upstairs bedroom. The boys jugular vein was severed and he had stab wounds to his chest and face, according to the outlet.

The case took a shocking turn when the couples 12-year-old daughter Jasmine, who is not named in Canada because of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and her 23-year-old high school dropout boyfriend Jeremy Steinke were arrested in Saskatchewan the following day for the brutal slayings, per Global News.

Authorities believed Jasmine hatched the murderous scheme because her parents disapproved of Steinke, who was 11 years her senior, according to Global News.

"I have this plan, she allegedly emailed Steinke, a self-proclaimed 300-year-old werewolf who wore a vial of blood around his neck, who she met at a punk rock concert earlier that year, per The New Zealand Herald. It begins with me killing them and ends with me living with you."

Jasmine allegedly left the basement window open for Steinke so he could enter, according to The Herald. He entered around 5 a.m. and killed Debra first before attacking Marc. Before he died, he allegedly asked Steinke, who was wearing a mask, "Why?"

Steinke allegedly responded, Its what your daughter wanted, per The Herald.

After the slayings, the couple was seen canoodling at a house party, according to Global News.

At trial, the Crown hinted that the killings could have been inspired by Steinkes favorite movie Natural Born Killers, the Oliver Stone directed story about a serial killer couple (played by Juliette Lewis and Woody Harrelson) who kill her parents before going on a three-state murder spree, per Global News.

Jasmine was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder after a jury deliberated for three hours in the Court of Queen's Bench in Medicine Hat, CBC reported.

She was thought to be the youngest person in Canada convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder, per CBC.

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Jasmine received a 10-year Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS) sentence in 2007, the maximum for youth offenders between 12 and 14 years old, per Global News.

The following year, Steinke, who changed his name to Jackson May, received a life sentence, with eligibility for parole after 25 years, per Global News.

"He said he was extremely remorseful," Steinke's defense lawyer Alain Hepner said, per CBC. "If he could take it back, he would, but he just couldn't speak. He actually did say those things. I think it's an apology. I definitely think that's what it is."

Jasmine spent four years in a psychiatric institution and four and a half years under conditional supervision in the community before she was released in 2016, per The Herald.

At her final sentencing review before she was released, a judge told the then 22-year-old that she had met all her rehabilitation goals.

I think your parents would be rather proud of you, the judge said, according to CBC. "Clearly you cannot undo the past; you can only live each day with the knowledge you can control how you behave and what you do each day."



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Read the original article on People.
Roanoke man arrested after drug investigation leads to seizure of over 59 lbs. of alleged Methamphetamine

ABINGDON, Va. (WFXR) The Washington County Sheriffs Office reports a Roanoke man was one of two individuals arrested after an extensive drug investigation, which led to the alleged possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine on Wednesday, July 24.

According to the sheriffs office, deputies conducted search warrants at two locations in Washington County in connection to the investigation. The first search warrant was conducted during a traffic stop, where approximately four pounds of alleged methamphetamine and one ounce of alleged fentanyl were located and found in the vehicle.

The second search warrant was served at a residence in Abingdon, where deputies allegedly located and seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a firearm.

The Washington County Sheriffs Office reports search warrants were also obtained for a residence and a storage locker in Roanoke and Salem. Served warrants led to the seizure of 59 pounds of alleged methamphetamine, with the street value estimated to be worth $1.9 million.

Two men charged for allegedly robbing woman at gunpoint at Pizza Hut

As a result of the search warrants, the Washington County Sheriffs Department arrested 45-year-old Tyrone Robert Irving from Roanoke and 29-year-old Brock Dalton Widener of Abingdon. They were charged with:

Irving:

Possession with Intent to Distribute of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine

Conspiracy with Intent to Distribute of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine

Possession with Intent to Distribute of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Fentanyl

Possession with Intent to commit an act of terrorism Possess a weapon of terrorism, controlled substance, Fentanyl

Widener:

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 a convicted felon

Both men are currently being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority without bond.

Stay tuned to WFXR News for any updates on this story.

(courtesy, Washington 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 WFXRtv.
Routine call strands Tacoma PD officers in elevator, Tacoma Fire to the rescue

In the early hours of February 8, the Tacoma Fire Department was called to rescue Tacoma Police Department officers and a resident stuck in a residential elevator.

Footage captured on Sergeant Thirys body camera was released Friday showing officers of the Tacoma Police Department needing rescue after the elevator they were riding got stuck.

The night began with officers responding to a personal dispute call in a residential building in Tacoma.

At the end of their call, the five officers and a resident can be seen boarding the elevator to head down to the lobby.

Shortly after the door closed, the elevator stopped before reaching the ground level.

Patiently waiting for the elevator to respond, Officer Campbell can be seen bouncing, as if trying to dislodge the elevator, and said, Sometimes it takes a little.

Before he could complete his sentence Officer Brown, in a nervous tone said, Stop it! Hes freaking out.

Within 2 minutes, Sergeant Thiry made the difficult call to ask for help from the Tacoma Fire Department. Priority please, said Officer Horton while nervously laughing.

When Tacoma fire crews arrived 20 minutes later, they found five officers and a resident trapped about two feet above the ground.

The sounds of relief can be heard throughout the elevator at the sight of the doors opening and seeing their rescuers.

Heroes are here, Officer Brown said as she hopped onto stable ground.

Taking the stairs next time, Officer Campbell said.

A small hit to the ego of the officers and some bragging rights for the firefighters.
Five civilians have been injured, including an 11-year-old child, as a result of Russian airstrikes on Kurakhove and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office

Details: On 27 July, the Russian army conducted three airstrikes on Kurakhove. Four civilians were injured as a result of the attack with guided bombs, likely KAB-250, on the central part of the city.

Three women, aged 19, 40, and 58 and a 50-year-old man, who were in a residential neighbourhood, were taken to hospital with multiple shrapnel wounds. All of them were provided with qualified medical care.

In addition, the Russians attacked the town of Myrnohrad, presumably with FAB-500 with UMPC (unified planning and correction module). An 11-year-old girl who was in the yard of a household was wounded by the munitions. The child was diagnosed with a blast injury and a cut wound on the forearm.

In the settlements, apartment residential buildings and houses, educational institutions, a car and a transformer substation were damaged.

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Russian air defense units intercepted 21 Ukrainian drones late on July 26 over the southern border region of Bryansk, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed.

The regional governor said 12 drones were downed in the space of an hour. There were no casualties or serious damage. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the reports.

Bryansk region borders Ukraine's Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts to the south.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine to the southeast, reported that three drone attacks and several shelling incidents had shattered windows and caused additional damage to buildings.

Ukrainian forces have frequently targeted Russian border regions, especially Belgorod, to diminish Russian attacks within Ukraine's borders.

On July 22, an oil refinery in the Russian town of Tuapse on the Black Sea coast caught fire after over 75 drones targeted multiple Russian regions overnight. A source in Ukraine's military intelligence service (HUR) confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that the refinery strike was carried out by the agency.

Russian Telegram channels reported that the attack also started a fire near the Morozovsk airbase in Rostov Oblast.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian losses in Ukraine causing serious problems for recruitment, HUR says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian forces have captured the village of Vovche in Donetsk Oblast, the crowd-sourced monitoring website DeepState reported on July 27, though the news has yet to be officially confirmed by Ukraine.

Moscow's troops are attempting to break through Ukrainian defenses in the area, and the sector near Pokrovsk in the western part of Donetsk Oblast has become the hottest part of the front in recent weeks.

Speaking to Liga.net, a Ukrainian news site, on July 26, the commander of the 47th Mechanized Brigade stationed in the area said Vovche had fallen to Russian forces along with the nearby village of Progres.

When asked to confirm if Russia had taken Vovche, a spokesperson for the 47th Mechanized Brigade told the Kyiv Independent on July 27 that "according to DeepState, (it has been) captured."

A spokesperson for the Khortytsia group of forces did not comment when approached by the Kyiv Independent, but an update from the group on Telegram on the morning of July 27 listed Vovche among several areas where it said Ukrainian forces had stopped Russian assaults.

In his daily address on July 26, President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke generally about fighting in the Pokrovsk sector, which he described as "the main target of Russian attacks."

"Everything necessary will be done to strengthen our positions and our capability to inflict significant losses on the occupiers," he added.

He did not refer to the situation in Vovche.

Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said earlier this week that Russia continues to push toward Pokrovsk despite suffering heavy losses.

Moscow's troops are also reportedly attempting to develop an offensive west of the occupied and deserted cities of Avdiivka and Marinka to make their way toward Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.

Russia captured Marinka in December 2023 and Avdiivka two months later after both cities were largely destroyed in heavy battles.

"Russia threw a lot of forces into the capture of the village of Ocheretyne, so they can rush the Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka highway from there" to capture this vital route, Voloshyn said.

Last week, Ukraine confirmed its withdrawal from the village of Urozhaine in the southwestern part of Donetsk Oblast "to preserve the lives and health of our personnel" due to the village's complete destruction by Russian forces.

Read also: Land on fire: Russias offensive in Donetsk Oblast brings destruction to new towns (Photos)

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
How Russias summer offensive is failing  and what that means for Ukraine

A home burns in the Donetsk after a missile attack by Russia on July 21 - Anatoli Stepanov/Getty

It could have been a war-winning blow.

With Ukraine short of men, ammunition, and trenches, Russia this spring launched its biggest offensive operation since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

But with around two months of the summer left, it has failed to achieve its most ambitious goals: there has been neither a grand Russian breakthrough nor a general collapse of the Ukrainian front line.

The gains the Russian military made have come painfully slowly and at immense cost: the British Ministry of Defence said last week that Russia had suffered casualties of 1,262 and 1,162 per day in May and June respectively  the highest of the conflict.

Yet Russian forces continue to advance, sometimes at an alarming pace.

On Wednesday the Ukrainian journalist Yuri Butosov sounded the alarm about a critical situation near Pokrovsk, where he said the Russians had managed to take four miles in one week.

Russian troops pushing forward in Ukraine on July 21 - AP

The city of Myrnohrad is 14 km [9 miles] away. A total of 14, he wrote. If the enemy is allowed to enter Myrnohrad, they get a zone of concentration and accumulation, and will be able to attack Pokrovsk itself.

The Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration is the last area of defence before the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Deep State, a Ukrainian war blog, reported that a chaotic withdrawal of one of the infantry brigades in the same area had led to the near-encirclement of the 31st separate mechanised brigade near the village of Prohres.

The worst case scenario has probably been averted, but its still on a negative trajectory, said Michael Koffman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, who recently returned from a research trip to the front lines. Ukraine is going to be losing more territory over the coming months.

The battle

At the start of this campaign, there were some dizzy predictions of a Russian blitzkrieg running all the way to Kyiv. That is now off the table.

But Russia still has one overriding territorial objective: the capture (liberation, as the Kremlin calls it) of all or most of Donetsk region.

Ukrainian troops manning a US-made Howitzer on July 24 - Scott Peterson/Getty

We know that because it is one of Vladimir Putins stated war aims, and because everything Russia has done on the battlefield so far is clearly directed at that goal.

Factors of timing, opportunity, and political considerations play into that goal.

If and when peace talks begin  and the Russians clearly hope a Donald Trump victory in November will put them in a good position to start them  they will seek to hang on to whatever they occupy when the guns fall silent.

If by that time they hold the remaining Donbas cities by that time  Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Pokrovsk  they could sell such an outcome as a victory at home.

It is also apparent that Russia currently has an advantage in men, equipment, and ammunition that may erode by the end of the year. They need to use this window of dominance while they can.

The plan

The plan the Russians went with has all the hallmarks of Gen Valery Gerasimov  multiple efforts up and down the front (critics say Gerasimovs other calling cards are massive losses, pointless dispersal of effort, and a lack of urgency that prevents him from exploiting opportunities staring him in the face  although that may be unfair, as we shall see).

The main prongs included: an offensive across the border from Belgorod region to the northeast of Kharkiv to draw Ukrainian reserves from Donbas; a thrust towards the Oskil river south of Kupiansk to threaten Kharkiv from another direction; and two main attacks further south, from Bakhmut towards the hill-top town of Chasiv Yar, and from Avdiivka towards city of Pokrovsk.

The Ukrainian 49th infantry on exercise earlier this month - Anatoli Stepanov/AFP

Over the past month or so, a subsidiary attack has developed on Niu-York and Toretsk, between the battles for Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk.

There have also been assaults further south aimed at threatening Kurakhove, which anchors the Ukrainian position there.

Kharkiv

The May 10 assault on Kharkiv was the first direct cross-border offensive at scale since 2022, and had two objectives: to establish a buffer zone to prevent Ukrainian strikes and raids into Belgorod region, and to divert Ukrainian reserves from the main front in Donbas.

The first has clearly failed. Despite initial success, the Russians quickly ran out of steam and began losing ground.

Theyre now boxed into two separate lodgements around the town of Vovchansk and the hamlet of Lukyanske, which extend only a few miles into Ukrainian territory.

The second objective was more successful. Ukraine was forced to divert several brigades and battalions from elsewhere on the front line to contain the threat.

Russian troops camouflage a Yars missile system during exercises - Reuters

The shortage of mobile reserves is telling: the recent Russian gains towards Niu-York, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk are all characterised by a lack of Ukrainian replacements to reinforce the line.

Donbas

The strangest  and most Gerasimov-ish  thing was the failure of the Russians to exploit that success.

Its now clear that the Russians launched the Kharkiv offensive about a month before it was planned, said Mr Koffman.

The idea of the early start was to take the Ukrainians by surprise. It did  but it also took the Russians by surprise. The 4th army corps, assigned to the operation, had not yet finished training and there was a lag of about a month before assaults really got going in Donbas.

In fact, as the Kharkiv operation began to falter, the Russian high command ended up peeling troops out of Donbas to send north, said Mr Koffman.

Its a delay that may have saved the Ukrainians from collapse.

Pokrovsk and Chasiv Yar

The battles in Donbas have never really stopped since winter.

But since 10 May  the day the attack in Kharkiv began  the Russians have advanced at most four miles towards Pokrovsk, roughly the same towards Prohres and 3.37 miles to Niu-York.

They made just two miles in their offensive on Chasiv Yar before stalling along the canal on the eastern side of the town.

Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk, pictured on July 24 - Anatoli Stepanov/AFP

The situation is this: the Russians have selected a brutal tactic, very similar to the one they used in Bakhmut: they are sending a lot of people, losing a lot of people, at the same time gaining a few metres and a couple of streets in some villages and so on, said Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former Ukrainian defence minister who runs the Centre for Defence Strategies, a Kyiv-based think tank that tracks daily battlefield developments.

Essentially it is extremely slow movement, but there is movement, he added. We are working on that  I cannot tell you exactly what is going to happen, but we are trying to get some capabilities to prevent that in the long run.

But in the short run, since we only have the opportunity to hit in the immediate proximity of the Russian forces that is what they are doing.

But over time, those advances add up.

It may not have moved far, but the tip of the salient pointing at Pokrovsk is now just two and a half miles from the critical highway linking that town with Kostiantynivka and the strategic towns of Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, Sloviansk.

It is already under fire and effectively abandoned as a supply route.

If the Russians can capture Niu-York and Toretsk, they will threaten Chasiv Yar from the South and Kostiantynivka from the south-east.

That will put them a step away from threatening Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and jeopardising the entire Ukrainian position in Donetsk region.

Tactics

One reason for recent Russian success is a preference for concentrating attacks on weaker Ukrainian units.

The assault on Torestk and Niu-York, which began about a month ago, coincided with a Ukrainian decision to swap the relatively strong brigade holding the area with a weakened unit that was then in Chasiv Yar, said Rob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a US think tank.

The attacks to the east of Pokrovsk reported by Mr Butusov and Deep State may also reflect such opportunism.

This stage of the war has also been characterised by slow movement and very small infantry actions.

Russian attacks now often involve as few as six or eight men trying to sneak across no-mans-land and gain a trench foothold.

That is a result of a problem both sides in the war face: crossing no-mans land with a traditional armoured assault  as the Russians tried at Vulhedar and Avdiivka, and the Ukrainians attempted in Zaporizhzhia last summer  simply results in a lot of disabled armour.

The Russians have come up with two solutions to the problem this year. One is the turtle tank, a lumbering, up-armoured beast that resembles a moving barn and is designed to absorb massive amounts of fire as it clears a route across no-mans land.

The other dispenses with armour altogether: putting soldiers on motorcycles to ride as fast as possible at the enemy in the hope of not being hit. When  or if  they reach enemy lines they ditch the bikes and fight in the trenches as infantry assault teams.

These are imperfect, jerry-rigged adaptations to the battlefield conditions, not wonder-weapons.

A russian jet launches glide-equipped bombs over Ukraine on July 24 - Anadolu

One unit I spoke to said the Russians will attempt an armoured attack, and when that fails they try motorcycles and all terrain vehicles. And then when theyre resupplied with armour, they try another armoured assault, said Mr Lee.

The bottom line is that there are no good options for attacking a heavily fortified position.

But these improvised techniques can still deliver gains, especially when backed by glide bombs, which Russia has begun to use intensively on the frontline.

The glide bombs have become more accurate, not less, said Mr Koffman. Theyre very powerful psychologically: they take out whole positions and with a single strike can destroy a building it would have taken weeks for artillery to reduce in the battle for Bakhmut.

Balance of power

The most pessimistic predictions about this summer were based on critical Ukrainian shortages of men, shells, and prepared defensive positions.

Each of those problems has begun  albeit belatedly  to be addressed.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, signed a bill overhauling conscription rules in April.

The numbers drafted are secret, but sources familiar with the matter said it had raised several times more troops in a month than previously. They will begin to reach the front in large numbers in the coming months.

Also in April, the United States Congress approved a much-delayed military aid package, shortly before the attack on Kharkiv.

The arrival of that kit has already reduced, but not eliminated, Russias superiority in ammunition. F-16 fighters are expected to appear this summer.

This all means Russias battlefield dominance is likely to be eroded by winter.

And Moscow has its own headaches. Russia is not running out of armoured vehicles, but its stocks are dwindling.

It has also recently increased the salary offer for military volunteers, suggesting it may be facing recruitment problems. It may have to reduce the tempo of its operations at some point.

What next?

The dangers of the next few months remain acute.

Alexander Syrsky, the Ukrainian commander-in-chief, acknowledged this week that the Russians enjoy an advantage in equipment of 1:2 or 1:3 in their favour.

Mr Butusov, the Ukrainian journalist, complained that the crisis on the Pokrovsk front is partly because defences have not been built and there is no unified command in the area.

And many of Ukraines reserves are still pinned down near Kharkiv.

In short, Russian advances are likely to continue at least until September.

But the battle of Donbas, bloody as it is, may not be the deciding factor in the war.

Increasingly its clear whoever controls the next 20km [12 miles] of Donetsk is not going to change the strategic picture in this war, said Mr Koffman.

The attrition that matters is not attrition of military resources at the front, but attrition and damage inflicted by both sides on one anothers ability to wage war and damage each other.

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Russia is using Chechen 'TikTok soldiers' on the front lines and to train its troops, highlighting the 'desperation' in its military: UK intel

Russia is using Chechen 'TikTok soldiers' on the front lines and to train its troops, highlighting the 'desperation' in its military: UK intel

Pro-Russian Chechens are back on Ukraine's front lines, the UK's Ministry of Defence has said.

Chechen units, once mocked as "TikTok" troops, are now filling gaps left by the Wagner Group.

Chechen personnel are also training Russian troops, but the training's effectiveness is in doubt.

Pro-Russian Chechens, famed for their social media appearances, have been "pressed back into frontline service" in Ukraine, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

The MoD estimated in May that there were around 9,000 troops fighting in pro-Russian Chechen units in Ukraine.

While some have been fighting in the country since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and the war in the Donbas began, Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, dispatched extra fighters as Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

Chechen units faced heavy losses in the early stages of the conflict, with many sent to carry out rear and security operations, where they quickly picked up a reputation for their "social media antics," the MoD said.

The troops' interest in social media appears to have been influenced by Kadyrov, who has been a prolific poster on several platforms, including Telegram and Instagram.

But Chechen forces have found themselves back in the line of fire since the mercenary Wagner Group ceased carrying out any significant operations on the front lines last year.

The Wagner Group has been effectively disbanded over the last year since the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in August.

Harold Chambers, an expert on Russia's North Caucasus regions, told Business Insider that with the dismantling of the Wagner group, Kadyrov's men (sometimes called Kadyrovtsy) were able to "step in" and fill that gap.

"They have also taken a couple ex-Wagner commanders," he said  including some who previously criticized the Kadyrovtsy for their cowardice.

Some Russian soldiers receive just up to 10 days of training

Besides providing personnel, Chechnya is also helping train Russian soldiers.

The MoD said in May that the Russian Special Forces (Spetznaz) University in Gudermes, Chechnya, had trained around 42,000 Russian troops since 2022  citing figures from Chechnya's leadership.

The MoD said that trainees receive only up to 10 days of training at the university, "bringing the effectiveness of the training and institution into doubt."

This shows the "desperation and resource strain within the Russian military," the MoD added.

Chambers told BI that despite its status as a "cannon-fodder-production factory," the university remains "extremely important" for Kadyrov.

"Symbolically, it provides the basis for Kadyrov's contribution to the war effort," attracting "federal officials and foreign delegations," he said.

"Financially, it secures sizable new funds," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A news conference held in Shanghai on Wednesday briefs journalists on the preparations for the seventh China International Import Expo, which is scheduled for November. [Photo/China Daily]

Preparations are in full swing for the seventh China International Import Expo, which is set to take place from Nov. 5 to 10. With the countdown now at 100 days, the expo's progress and highlights are being revealed, celebrating past milestones while promising innovations and fostering new global partnerships this year.

International participation

To build momentum and engage a global audience, the CIIE Bureau has launched a worldwide promotional campaign, including roadshows and story collection initiatives.

These efforts aim to highlight the expo's role in fostering international trade and cooperation, inviting more attendees from around the world.

To date, the seventh CIIE is set to welcome more than 50 countries and international organizations at the Country Exhibition. This year's expo will also see first-time participants, including Norway, Benin, Burundi and UNICEF.

These nations and organizations are gearing up to present their unique cultural and economic offerings through meticulously designed exhibits. Emphasis will be placed on bilateral cooperation achievements, demonstrating the enduring friendships and collaborative efforts between China and these parties.

"The Country Exhibition has become a platform where countries can improve their global image and increase their international presence," said Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau. "Countries from five continents are set to be a part of the exhibition this year, with strong engagement from those involved in the Belt and Road Initiative."

Global innovation

"Participating in the CIIE is very rewarding, as it gives us the chance to introduce our latest innovations to Chinese consumers," said Bernd Wagner, CEO of WS Audiology China, during a pre-expo supply-demand matchmaking meeting on July 24.

Over the years, companies from 173 countries and regions have made appearances at the CIIE and carried out tentative transactions worth $424.23 billion. More than 2,400 products, technologies and services have debuted at the annual expo.

The 2024 Enterprise and Business Exhibition continues to be a cornerstone of the CIIE, featuring six main areas: food and agricultural products; automobiles; the intelligent industry and information technology; consumer goods; medical equipment and healthcare products; and trade in services.

Innovation is to be the buzzword for this year's Business Exhibition as the expo will, for the first time, feature a special section for new materials. This area is to spotlight cutting-edge technologies and advancements and promote innovation and development in the sector.

The New Materials special section will feature newcomers like Aptiv and Alstom, highlighting the growing influence and rising popularity of the CIIE.

Moreover, the automobile exhibition area is being curated with a focus on inviting exhibitors from the autonomous driving sector, the low-altitude economy and new energy storage solutions, showcasing the key elements of future mobility.

Meanwhile, this year's health and elder care zone  committed to displaying the world's leading healthcare products, technologies and services for the elderly  aims to unlock new momentum and develop the "silver economy".

According to the CIIE Bureau, more than 360,000 square meters of the business exhibition area has been booked, outpacing that of the sixth edition. A greater number of professional visitors are expected to attend the expo and mix with more potential trade partners this November.

More than 150 global companies have signed up for seven consecutive years, continuing the story of mutual cooperation and success. Global Fortune 500 companies like Mitsubishi Corporation and tech company NTT will make their first appearance at the trade fair this year.

Besides industry giants, small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to find ample opportunities at the CIIE.

Sun said the expo will assist targeted matchmaking events, helping SMEs connect with potential buyers and partners. The exhibition layout has been optimized to enhance the visibility and effect of SME booths, ensuring each receives the attention they deserve.

The newly expanded African agricultural products subsection is set to become another big hit this year. This section will spotlight unique offerings from these countries, promoting greater economic inclusion and showcasing the rich diversity of global agricultural products.

Advocating globalization

Continuing its tradition of leadership philosophy, the seventh Hongqiao International Economic Forum will take place alongside the CIIE, with a strong focus on promoting inclusive and beneficial economic globalization and topics including artificial intelligence, new energy storage, industrial growth and sustainability.

One of the forum's highlights will be the release of the World Openness Report 2024, followed by an international seminar. This report, a flagship publication of the Hongqiao Forum, will provide in-depth analysis and insights into global trends and policy recommendations for fostering a more inclusive world economy.

This year's CIIE and HQF Gala will continue to precede the opening ceremony. The gala will offer enhanced services such as early information disclosure to facilitate networking with forum guests. Media interactions will also be introduced to increase visibility.

"The Hongqiao Forum not only fosters trade and economic exchanges but also conveys a positive energy of openness and development to the world," said Einar Tangen, senior fellow of Taihe Institute. He looks forward to the seventh Hongqiao Forum promoting the concept of openness, sharing development opportunities and bringing more inspiration to the world.

With the 100-day countdown to the seventh CIIE underway, more than 30 early birds such as L'Oreal, Honeywell and Jaguar Land Rover have reserved their exhibition space for the eighth CIIE in 2025 at a signing ceremony, covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters.

"The CIIE is once again ready to offer unparalleled opportunities for businesses, nations and organizations to showcase their achievements, forge new partnerships and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous global economy," Sun said.
In light of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, one might assume that aerospace/defense giant Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) would be a darling on Wall Street. Yet, Lockheed Martin stock gained little ground in 2024's first half.

Then July came around, and suddenly Lockheed Martin stock's trajectory went from horizontal to vertical. This raises the question of "Is it too late to invest?" and, just as importantly, "What sent the stock soaring?" As it turns out, Lockheed Martin's Street-beating results and optimistic outlook suggest that a sustained share-price rally may be in store.

The jets that didn't fly (yet)

It's not difficult to figure out why Lockheed Martin stock flew in July. The primary catalyst was the company's second-quarter report, which certainly had some positive highlights.

Lockheed Martin's deliveries of a well-known aircraft wasn't one of those highlights, though. The company delivered no F-35 combat jets in Q2 and, due to required fixes of technical issues, Lockheed Martin has had $10 billion worth of those jets sitting outside of a factory, yet to be delivered.

Of course, this doesn't mean the F-35s won't be delivered, and Lockheed Martin delivered other aircraft types during the second quarter. Rather than focus on recently delivered F-35s (or the lack thereof), forward-looking investors might take note of Lockheed Martin's Q2 order backlog of $158.34 billion, which isn't very different from the company's $160.57 billion backlog from the year-earlier quarter.

In any case, Lockheed Martin already started delivering updated TR-3 F-35 combat jets to the U.S. military and anticipates delivering 75 to 110 F-35 jets during 2024's second half. So, upcoming quarterly reports shouldn't have a goose egg in the column for F-35 deliveries.

A sunny outlook for dark times

Despite the lack of F-35 deliveries, international conflicts ensured that Lockheed Martin would still fare well in the second quarter of 2024. Large-scale Pentagon contracts for missiles to be sent to Ukraine helped Lockheed Martin grow its revenue by 9% year over year to $18.1 billion, beating Wall Street's call for $17 billion. Turning to the bottom-line results, Lockheed Martin earned $6.84 per share, thereby beating the analysts' consensus estimate of $6.46 per share and showing improvement over the $6.73 per share earned in the year-earlier quarter.

Perhaps most encouraging, Lockheed Martin raised its full-year 2024 financial guidance. Specifically, the company lifted its net sales outlook range from $68.5 billion to $70 billion previously to $70.5 billion to $71.5 billion currently. Additionally, Lockheed Martin hiked its 2024 earnings per share (EPS) guidance range from $25.65 to $26.35 previously to a currently expected range of $26.10 to $26.60.

Story continues

With that, Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet maintained an optimistic tone and made sure to remind investors of Lockheed's "backlog of nearly $160 billion, greater than two times annual revenue." The subtext, no doubt, is that the fiscal figures should only get better for Lockheed Martin.

Whether Lockheed Martin actually meets its hiked full-year guidance remains to be seen. The winds of war can shift at any given moment, and so can Lockheed Martin's outlook for the back half of 2024.

Still, until proven otherwise, it looks like Lockheed Martin's future prospects are bright, or at least brighter than they were before. Therefore, it's not too late to pick up a few shares of Lockheed Martin stock with hopes of peace but expectations that nations won't resolve their disagreements anytime soon.

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Russian attack on Sumy kills teenager, 12 more people injured, mostly children  photos

One child was killed, and 12 civilians were injured, including 6 children, as a result of the Russian attack on the city of Hlukhiv in Sumy Oblast.

Source: Sumy Oblast Prosecutors Office

  ,  

Aftermath of a Russian attack on Hlukhiv.

Photo: Sumy Oblast Prosecutors Office

Quote: "Investigation materials indicate that the enemy used prohibited methods of warfare and struck the centre of Hlukhiv in the Shostka district with a multiple launch rocket system at around 12:40 on 27 July 2024.

As a result of the attack, 13 civilians were injured, including seven children. Shortly thereafter, a 14-year-old boy died in the hospital."

Details: Additionally, apartment buildings and houses, an educational institution, a shop and vehicles were damaged.

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The village of Moskalivka in Kharkiv Oblast, the lower one marked in red. Map: DeepState

A civilian woman was killed in a Russian attack on the village of Moskalivka in the Chuhuiv district of Kharkiv Oblast.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram

Quote: "Enemy forces shelled the village of Moskalivka in Chuhuiv district around 17:00 [Kyiv time]. A private house was damaged.

Sadly, a woman, aged around 70, was killed. Information about her is being confirmed."

Details: The available information suggests that four private houses were damaged in the attack.

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Russian soldiers are relying heavily on their personal cellphones to wage war in Ukraine even though it risks getting them killed

Russian soldiers are relying heavily on their personal cellphones to wage war in Ukraine even though it risks getting them killed

Russian soldiers are heavily relying on their personal cellphones to conduct operations in Ukraine.

Former US military officers say this practice shows a lack of secure communications options or discipline.

It also leaves Russian troops vulnerable to attacks  which Ukraine has taken advantage of before.

Russian soldiers appear to be heavily relying on their personal cellphones to conduct military operations in Ukraine, using them for tasks like coordinating strikes and navigating the battlefield.

Former US military officers say this trend underscores a lack of secure military communication options or discipline and leaves Russian soldiers vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks. Kyiv has previously used cellular data to then launch deadly strikes on Moscow's positions.

Recognizing the problem, the Russian government is actively working to clamp down on this trend. Its lower house of parliament, the State Duma, recently proposed an amendment that would allow its soldiers to be punished for using their personal phones while fighting in Ukraine.

"Wearing gadgets while serving in a special operation zone will be considered a gross disciplinary offense," Russian state media reported on Monday, saying "this follows from the amendments supported by the State Duma Committee on Defense."

According to the conflict analysts at the Institute for the Study of War think tank, the amendment has widely been criticized by Russian military bloggers, who suggest that punishing soldiers for using their phones would interfere with battlefield operations, logistics, and command and control given the extensive use of personal devices on the battlefield.

Russian military officers look at their smartphones while walking past the Kremlin in Moscow in April 2024. Photo by Contributor/Getty Images

The analysts wrote in an assessment Tuesday that "Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian servicemembers significantly rely on their personal devices to transmit target coordinates to call for fire from Russian artillerymen and drone operators, to navigate frontline areas, and to coordinate between units."

The dangers of personal phones

Dan Rice, a former US Army artillery officer who previously served as a special advisor to Ukrainian military leadership, said relying on phones speaks to a shortage of adequate, secure military communications for Russian soldiers.

This sort of thing has long been a problem for the Russians. "Realistically, the Russian military not enforcing 'no cellphone use' is because they will receive tremendous backlash," Rice, now the president of American University Kyiv, told Business Insider. "So they allow it, knowing use of unsecure civilian cellphones will result in more Russian deaths and mission failures."

Mark Cancian, a defense expert and retired US Marine Corps colonel, said the ideal thing to do is to use custom-designed  and highly secure  military systems for communications. But this is expensive, whereas everyone already has their mobile phone, making that an attractive option, even if it's risky.

"This behavior says two things about the Russian army. On the one hand, it is adapting to circumstances on the battlefield, using civilian applications where military applications are not working," Cancian, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, told BI.

Ukrainian soldiers prepare a BM-21 artillery vehicle in its fighting position in the Donetsk region in July 2024. Photo by Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images

"On the other hand," he said, "there are a lot of vulnerabilities which the Ukrainians are certainly exploiting."

For instance, Ukraine can pinpoint the location of a Russian soldier through their cellular data. Multiple phones being used in a general area could give away larger troop activity, making it a possible strike option for Kyiv.

One such incident occurred at the very end of 2022, when Ukraine launched a devastating precision strike against Russian troops gathered in Makiivka, in the eastern Donbas region. Moscow then blamed the high death toll on its own soldiers, saying that Kyiv found their location thanks to their cellular data. There might have been other contributing factors, though.

The other risk for Russia, Cancian explained, is that soldiers will send information across channels unencrypted, leaving the data vulnerable to interception by Ukrainian forces. He said that even though there are encryption apps are available, troops are sometimes just sloppy.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency, the HUR, regularly publishes audio of purported interceptions from calls made by Russian soldiers. However, Russia is not alone in its cellphone usage; Kyiv's forces have also used their mobile devices during the war. But Moscow is supposed to be at a higher level as a major power.

A screen grab captured from a video shows Russian forces launching rockets toward Ukrainian positions in the Donetsk region in March 2024. Russian Defense Ministry/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images

With both sides using enemy phones to aid in their targeting, US Army officers have been warning American troops of the dangers that these personal devices could bring to the battlefield.

"It's extremely difficult to get the troops to give up their phones and internet devices because this generation of young people has organized their lives around their phones and the connections that the phones can bring," Cancian said.

"The United States military will face these same challenges in its next conflict," he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Russian Air Force Su-34 bomber plane crashed during a training exercise in Volgograd Oblast, Russian state media Ria Novosti reported on July 27.



The crew successfully ejected from the plane and there were no fatalities, Ria Novosti said, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. The crash is thought to be due to a technical malfunction.



Residents of the region shared photos and videos on social media of smoke billowing over a forest.



The Russian Su-34 is a Soviet-era medium-range fighter-bomber. The Ukrainian military reported shooting down multiple Su-34 jets in the spring of 2024.



Plane and helicopter crashes have become more commonplace in Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of Western sanctions.



Two days before the incident, a Russian Mi-28 attack helicopter crashed in Kaluga Oblast in western Russia, killing those onboard.



In June, another Russian Su-34 crashed in the mountainous region of North Ossetia during a training flight. There were no survivors.



In both cases, investigations pointed to technical malfunctions.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Nelson Acosta

HAVANA (Reuters) -Havana residents watched from shore on Saturday as Russian warships arrived for the second time in as many months, in a visit that Cuba called routine.

Cuban authorities fired shots into the air to signal their welcome, while curious fishermen watched from Havana's waterside promenade as the ships advanced up the bay. Russian residents were also among the few up early to see the fleet's arrival.

The patrol ship Neustrahimiy, training vessel Smolniy and support vessels, all from the Baltic Fleet, are scheduled to depart on Tuesday.

A brief statement by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces described their arrival as routine.

A Russian nuclear submarine, frigate and support ships in June also flexed Moscow's muscles in the port of Havana, less than 100 miles (160 km) from Florida.

"Russia's deployments in the Atlantic pose no direct threat or concern to the United States," a U.S. Northern Command spokesperson said, adding the command monitored all approaches to North America.

Tensions between the United States and Russia have increased since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Russian naval activity - though routine in the Atlantic - has ratcheted up because of U.S. support for Ukraine, U.S. officials say.

Simultaneously, relations between Cold War allies Russia and Cuba have markedly improved as the Communist-run country battles an economic crisis it charges is due mainly to U.S. sanctions.

High-level contacts between the countries have increased to a level not seen since the fall of Cuba's former benefactor, the Soviet Union, with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel visiting Moscow four times.

Russia has sent oil, flour and increasing numbers of tourists to the Caribbean nation, which is short of cash and goods. Citizens suffer through daily power outages and other travails, resulting in scattered protests and record migration.

Ana Garces, a 78-year-old retiree, told Reuters she remembered the Soviet Union was the only country to help Cuba during the 1962 missile crisis, the peak of tensions with Washington when the world teetered on the brink of nuclear war.

"We are very grateful," she said. "Why should we not receive it with open arms? This is friendship. All kinds of ships have entered here."

"It shows how other countries do support us and takes away a little of the world's mentality about our country," added her husband, 71-year-old retiree Rolando Perez.

(Reporting by Nelson Acosta and Marc Frank; additional reporting by Reuters TV and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Diane Craft and Rod Nickel)
Analysing the change in the mission of the central grouping of Russian troops in Donetsk Oblast, experts from the Institute for the Study of War have indicated that the Russians are attempting to exert pressure across the entire front line to prevent Ukraine from seizing the initiative on the battlefield.

Source: ISW

Quote: "The Russian military command is currently attempting to maintain consistent offensive pressure throughout the front to prevent Ukraine from contesting the battlefield initiative, and tasking the Central Grouping of Forces with grinding offensive operations along a longer front is more in line with this effort than tasking the grouping with achieving tactically significant gains through relatively rapid manoeuvre."

"The Russian military has recently expanded the Russian Central Grouping of Forces' area of responsibility (AOR) in Donetsk Oblast, suggesting that the Russian military command has deprioritised the grouping's previous task to act solely as an operational manoeuvre force in the Avdiivka direction."

Details: The Russian military command might assign the Central Grouping of Forces to lead the main offensive in Donetsk Oblast. This suggests that they believe rapid tactical gains near the city of Avdiivka are unlikely.

It's unclear if this assessment is based on declining Ukrainian resources or the Central Grouping's inability to achieve its goals.

An AOR extending from the southwest of the city of Donetsk to Toretsk will divert Russian manpower and resources from making significant advances northwest and west of Avdiivka.

The Central Grouping likely lacks the reserves needed to intensify operations in Avdiivka while maintaining pressure on the Toretsk and Donetsk fronts.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 26 July:

The Russian military has recently expanded the Russian Central Grouping of Forces' area of responsibility (AOR) in Donetsk Oblast, suggesting that the Russian military command has deprioritised the grouping's previous task to act solely as an operational manoeuvre force in the Avdiivka direction. The Russian military command may instead be tasking the Central Grouping of Forces with overseeing the bulk of Russia's main offensive efforts in Donetsk Oblast.

The expansion of the Central Grouping of Forces' AOR indicates that the Russian military command may assess that rapid tactical gains in the Avdiivka area are unlikely.

Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted an ATACMS strike against Saky Airbase in occupied Crimea on the night of 25-26 July.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) arrested former Russian Deputy Defence Minister Army General Dmitry Bulgakov on corruption charges on 26 July  the latest in a concerted Kremlin effort to remove senior Russian defence officials since April 2024.

The European Union (EU) transferred the first tranche of proceeds from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.

The Kremlin continues intensifying efforts to control Russians' internet activities and to create a culture of self-censorship within Russia.

Russian security forces reportedly detained several unknown actors threatening to blow up an apartment building in the Republic of Dagestan on 25 July.

Russian forces recently marginally advanced near Svatove, Avdiivka and Donetsk City.

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Russia's Lavrov claims he 'does not listen' to Ukraine's peace talks statements

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said he "does not listen" to Ukraine's statements about peace talks, claiming recent comments from senior Kyiv officials have been contradictory.

Speaking to journalists at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Laos on July 27, Lavrov dismissed comments made earlier this week by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who said China's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity was "unshakeable."

"China has unshakably reaffirmed its respect for the principle of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Kuleba said in a video post on Instagram on July 25.

Lavrov dismissed the comments, saying it was "not the first time" Kuleba had said this and that he has "sometimes said completely opposite things."

"Not long ago they were talking about negotiations," Lavrov said in comments reported by AFP, adding: "(Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky talked of readiness to finally sit at a table with Russian representatives."

"I don't listen to them, to be honest," Lavrov said.

Lavrov's dismissive comments contrast with Russian authorities' repeated claims that they are open to peace negotiations.

Kuleba's comments were made during a trip to China earlier this week during which he held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

Lavrov said he had met with Wang at the ASEAN meeting and discussed Kuleba's visit, insisting that his sense was that "the Chinese position remains unchanged," saying China insists any peace talk format must be "acceptable to all sides."

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, 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: Ex-lawmaker Iryna Farion assassination  everything we know about 18-year-old suspect

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SEOUL (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday a recently announced guideline on the operation of U.S. nuclear assets on the Korean peninsula is certain to add security concern in the region, South Korean and Russian news agencies reported.

Speaking at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos, Lavrov said he had not been briefed on the details of the plan but said that it is of concern to Russia, Yonhap agency reported.

"Another element of concern is that the United States recently concluded an agreement with the Republic of Korea on joint nuclear planning," Lavrov was quoted as saying by Russian state-run RIA new agency.

"So far we can't even get an explanation of what this means, but there is no doubt that it causes additional anxiety."

The guideline is aimed at responding to nuclear threat from North Korea, the U.S. and South Korea have said.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; Additional reporting by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Himani Sarkar, William Maclean)
A Rutgers University professor who hoped the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump inspired others in since-deleted social media posts is now the subject of an internal review, The Post learned.

Tracy Budd took to Facebook hours after 20-year-old gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks took aim at Trump during a rally in Butler, Pa., miraculously only grazing his ear.

Lets hope todays events inspire others, the non-tenured Budd, whose LinkedIn indicates she first started working for her alma matter in 2001, wrote in a July 13 post.

This week, Tracy Budd deleted all of her social media accounts. x/thereal_tbudd

The moment a bullet grazed the former presidents ear. REUTERS

A second post soon followed.

They shot his wig, Budd, a former reporter for the Jersey Journal who makes over $72,000 at Rutgers, wrote, followed by the word, Sad.

Former New Jersey state senator and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Durr called on the state colleges administration to terminate the assistant English professor in the writing program.

New Jersey does not need people like this teaching our children, Durr wrote on X.

School officials are aware of her posts.

Rutgers University officials are looking into the hateful posts. Benjamin Clapp  stock.adobe.com

Investigators still cant say what Thomas Crooks motive was. AP

Rutgers University-New Brunswick condemns calls for violence in the strongest possible terms and remains committed to upholding the principles of civil discourse, the school said. The university is reviewing this matter and assures that any appropriate actions will be taken based on our policies.

As students, faculty and staff return to campus next month, the university will be communicating the importance of civility in these challenging times.

Campus Reform was first to report on Budds posts, after screenshots of them were shared with the site.

Budd, who has since deleted all of her social media accounts, did not reply to requests for comment.
Sacramento police search for woman who has been missing for several days

Editors note: The Sacramento Police Department reported that the woman was found safe on Saturday.

(FOX40.COM)  The Sacramento Police Department is asking for the communitys assistance in locating a missing woman who it said is at risk.

The 46-year-old woman hasnt been seen since Monday night, according to SPD. She is described as being 5 feet and 2 inches tall with black hair and blue eyes. She was reportedly last seen around 10 p.m. near El Camino Avenue and Colfax Street, wearing a blue shirt and grey shorts. SPD said the woman is considered at-risk because of a mental health condition.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is encouraged by Sacramento police to call them at 916-808-5471.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in a Friday interview with MSNBCs Ali Velshi explained why he has yet to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, suggesting he wants first to see more specific commitments from her on issues important to the working class.

The Hill reported this week that Sanders is looking to shape Harriss campaign, and that he had held off on an endorsement in part to exert some pressure on the vice president to adopt some of his priorities.

Sanders in the interview made it clear he will work to elect Harris, noting he is taking part in events in Maine to do so. He said he wanted to do everything he could to defeat former President Trump and to make Harris the next president.

But he said he wanted to get more specific commitments from Harris on issues such as expanding Medicare and Social Security before providing an official endorsement.

I think its important for some of us to say look, we know that theres a lot of big money in the Democratic Party, Sanders told Valshi. We want to make sure that the vice president is listening to the working class of this country, to the progressives as well.

These are not radical ideas and I would hope very much we get specificity, he added.

Asked about what issues hes looking for commitments from Harris, Sanders talked about the need to lift the income cap on Social Security in order to expand it. He also said Medicare should be expanded to cover dental and vision.

He said all student debt should also be forgiven, and that there should be a cap on rents in the United States.

Sanders did not suggest he needed specific commitments on all of these issues, and he offered no criticism of Harris in any of his remarks.

I have talked to the vice president and look forward to speaking to her in the near future, he told Valshi when asked if he was having a discussion with Harris. Yeah, that conversation is going on.

He added that he hopes he does get assurances on these issues from Harris.

Sanders ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2016 and 2020, finishing as the runner up in both cases. His efforts have pushed the Democratic Party to the left and he praised President Bidens work for the working class during his remarks to Valshi.

Harris adopted a number of liberal positions during her 2020 run for the White House, but she is also expected to come under pressure to move toward the center ahead of a tight race with Trump in the falls.

Polls show Harris is closing the gap with Trump, but the contest is expected to be very close in the swing states that will decide the election.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
All five candidates for two Sarasota School Board seats in Aug. 20's primary election participated in a public forum in Venice on Friday afternoon.

Incumbent District 3 school board member Tom Edwards and challengers Greg Wood and Thomas Babicz sat beside one another while incumbent District 2 school board chairwoman Karen Rose sat beside her challenger, Liz Barker. The five candidates fielded questions from a moderator and audience members during the 90-minute forum.

Voters in Sarasota County elect their candidates district-wide, regardless of where they live, and candidate's districts only indicate where they live. So, voters in both north and south Sarasota County will see each school board candidate on their ballot.

The panel addressed issues ranging from charter schools, the upcoming referendum vote in November, political fights at school board meetings and the candidates' goals for Sarasota County public schools.

Candidates for two Sarasota School Board seats in August's election sit at a public forum at South County Tiger Bay on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Rose and Wood were notably absent from a recent July 11 Tiger Bay candidate forum in north Sarasota County but did participate in Friday's South County Tiger Bay forum. Rose also refused to speak with the Herald-Tribune for a candidate profile.

Sarasota School Board candidates answer questions from the public

In one of her first public candidate forums of the election cycle, Rose was critical of local media's coverage of the school board. When asked about divisive politics in Sarasota's School board, she pointed to outside organizations such as Equality Florida and the SEE Alliance as groups that organize at meetings and give prepared talking points to speakers.

"That chaos isn't being generated by the board," Rose said. "Sarasota is better than this."

Karen Rose, District 2. Karen Rose Sarasota County School Board members. Photographed Tuesday May 21, 2024.

Edwards, the other incumbent school board member participating in Friday's forum, disagreed with Rose and said "The memory is short-lived." He said groups such as Moms for Liberty organized in 2020 against mask mandates and critical race theory in schools, which kicked off much of the division seen in the board room now.

"What you have is a public that has been trained that if they come into the boardroom and scream loud enough to the board members, then bills get passed," he said. "So we've trained the public to think that that's how they come through the door and solve their problems, which is wrong."

He also responded to a question about calling himself "woke" and a past social media post where he called all Trump voters Nazis. Edwards said he made the post when he was an "angry, private citizen" but has since shifted to stop posting divisive content, instead wanting to "do something positive for the community."

"I'm in there. I have your backs. I'm listening to both sides of the community. And I'm not embarrassed to be 'woke'," Edwards said.

Protesters call for School Board member Bridget Ziegler to resign at a rally organized by the SEE Alliance before a board meeting March 5, 2024.

Another person asked Wood why he chose not to send his children to the district's public schools. Bridget Ziegler, another Sarasota School Board member, also elects not to send her kids to Sarasota public schools, a fact that many activists asked her about during her 2022 re-election.

Wood said he and his wife tried Sarasota's public schools but found his daughter was falling behind in literacy in math despite coming in above grade level.

"That's not okay for my family, and I'm not going to put my kids or anyone else's kids in that situation where they're not getting the best," he said.

Candidates field questions from moderator

Here is what the candidates had to say for each of the moderator's questions.

What is the role of a school board member?

Babicz: To not waste money.

Edwards: To be a voice of reason in a political storm, and create a safe, high-achieving academic environment for all students.

Wood: To oversee the superintendent of schools and the district's budget.

Rose: To ensure the district complies with state law and Florida Department of Education policy.

Barker: To take politics out of the equation and put a parent in.

What is the cause of the politics at school board meetings?

Babicz: Was shocked at my first meeting, it was a total circus. Happy to see democracy at work, but wants to meet with groups advocating for change and see where he can find a middle ground  such as a third bathroom for transgender students.

Edwards: Moms for Liberty came into school board meetings with talking points in 2020. Much of the chaos at board meetings is self-induced with things such as removing Superintendent Brennan Asplen, proposing a resolution to reject Title IX protections for gender identity discrimination, and proposing a Hillsdale-College-tied firm called Vermilion to come and overhaul the district.

Wood: 2+2=4 regardless of your political party, and people come into school board meetings with talking points they were handed. We want community feedback, but we need to focus on education.

Rose: Said she doesn't let politics distract her. She pointed to what happens when the district focuses on academics and not politics, adding that the district saw seven percentage point growth in third-grade reading and that the state graded 95% of the district's schools an "A" or "B" this year.

Barker: Politics has no place in our schools. The people who come to board meetings to speak are parents and teachers. She emphasized that parents, such as herself, don't feel like they're being heard by the school board.

First approved in 2002, the referendum will determine whether the district can continue to levy a 1 mill per year tax on property, equal to $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. The tax generates upwards of $100 million per year, Superintendent Terry Connor said, revenue that is beyond what the district is authorized to collect under a formula approved each year through the state budget.

The taxes collected from the local option levy would provide ongoing financial support for safety, teacher recruitment and retention, arts and charter schools. The tax was last approved by voters in March of 2022 by an overwhelming margin: 85% in favor and 14.5% opposed.

"This money is foundational to the critical aspects of our School District and without that, we would be in some dire trouble," Connor said.

What is the referendum for? Sarasota School Board approves resolution for November vote on property tax extension

How can the referendum be more effective?

Babicz: He said he wants to lean on the superintendent to see where the money is best spent, and also said he wants to increase teacher salary.

Edwards: He said the referendum has to pass. He doesn't necessarily think its as simple as saying reading scores would drop without the referendum. He pointed to students in impoverished households in Sarasota County, and how providing family resources is key.

Wood: Referendum dollars need to be a net positive for students, and the district needs to think critically and reflectively about how the money is spent.

Rose: Referendum dollars are key to faculty recruitment and retention. With the increasing cost of living in Sarasota County, improving teacher pay  in part through referendum dollars  is crucial.

Barker: Not passing the referendum would be catastrophic. It is not an option to not approve the referendum. Said it goes towards closing the achievement gap.

Do you support making school board elections partisan?

Rose and Wood raised their hands. No other candidate answered "yes".

Charter schools

Babicz: Said he was pro-charter schools and pro-vouchers. But if charter schools expect help from public school districts, they need to deliver on achievement.

Edwards: He pointed out that, if charter schools were removed from the statewide grade calculation, Sarasota's ranking in the state would increase. St. Johns County, a school district Sarasota has chased in the statewide rankings for years, only has one charter school, he said. He said he was against for-profit charter schools, and that the district needs to stand up to Tallahassee and the Florida Legislature more on charters.

Wood: He is pro-charter schools, he said. No one forces students to go there, and if the school isn't good then no one will go to it. He said he wants to make public schools the best, obvious option for parents to send their kids to.

Rose: She supports universal school choice and said competition was key to getting the best out of schools. As a board member, she said she's not in the business of protecting the public school system. Instead, she wants to protect a quality education.

Barker: School board members are elected to the public school board, and should promote public schools. That's your job, she said.

Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at sbwalker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota School Board candidates take stage at public forum in Venice
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA)  South Carolina Highway Patrol is entered into a contest to be in a calendar showcasing the countrys best highway patrol cruisers.

The annual Americas Best Looking Cruiser Contest is held by the American Association of State Troopers and offers the agencies with the most votes a featured spot in their next calendar.

The 13 states receiving the most votes from July 15 through July 29 will be in the calendar with the winner receiving the coveted position on the cover.

Sales of the calendar go toward the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, which funds scholarships for family members of troopers across the country.

You can vote for the Best Looking Cruiser by filling out this form. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and select your favorite state in the dropdown menu.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
A science-focused group that urged Mark Kelly to run for the U.S. Senate five years ago is now recommending him for the vice-presidential nomination.

The 314 Action Fund, a name intended to evoke the math formula for pi, added its backing to those seeking to elevate Kelly, who is an engineer and former astronaut.

Kelly, D-Ariz., is among those being vetted by Vice President Kamala Harris campaign as a possible running mate. He is believed to be a top contender, along with perhaps three Democratic governors, but there are other names under consideration as well.

Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is expected to make her pick before Aug. 7 to avoid potential ballot-access problems, most notably in Ohio.

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.

Shaughnessy Naughton, the founder and president of 314 Action, called Kelly a champion for solving problems and getting things done. She also referenced his 2020 and 2022 election wins in a statement.

He knows how to win tough, competitive elections, turning Arizona from Red to Blue by defeating a formidable incumbent the first time and another Peter Thiel acolyte the second time, Naughton said. He uses facts, science, and data to make informed public policy decisions. He knows how to work across the aisle to get results for his constituents.

The organization said it plans to release an ad supporting Kellys possible candidacy in battleground markets next week on cable TV, digital screens and text messages.

It said it spent $3 million backing an effort to draft Kelly into the 2020 Senate race.

The Arizona Democratic Party also has endorsed Kelly for the vice-presidential slot on the ticket.

At least one vice-presidential possibility is facing formal pushback.

A group identifying itself as No Genocide Josh has posted a website by that name to make its case against Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Shapiro, who is Jewish, said two days after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas in Israel that it was not a moment to retreat from who we are, but to be proud of who we are, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. He has resisted calls for a ceasefire to Israels war in Gaza, the Inquirer said.

Shapiro has also been critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a failed leader and on Netanyahus watch the government took the eye off the security risk to Israel.

That isnt good enough for the group opposing him as a possible vice president. The group posted a long message thanking President Joe Biden for bowing out of the 2024 race and acknowledging that Harris will be the Democratic nominee.

It said that to win the trust of working-class, progressive and young voters Harris must commit to an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Israels war with Hamas.

The group rips Shapiro, without naming him, as draining enthusiasm from the left.

A VP nominee who has failed to support the rights of workers and immigrants, diverted public education funding toward for-profit entities, or restricted access to reproductive or gender-affirming care would risk losing the support of millions of working-class voters, the group wrote.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Science group backs US Sen. Mark Kelly in VP race
Search ongoing for man as crews remove close to 25 tons of debris from collapsed Phoenix warehouse

The Phoenix Fire Department was still searching for a man on Friday who went missing after the collapse of a Phoenix warehouse during a storm.

At about 3:30 p.m., Capt. Todd Keller confirmed the Fire Department was still conducting rescue efforts and that the search remained ongoing.

So far, about 50,000 pounds of concrete and debris were removed during the search operations, according to Keller.

It was unknown whether the man was alive, so fire crews used rescue dogs to try to detect the presence of a person.

On Thursday about 4 a.m., firefighters began a search for the man after a microburst lifted and partially destroyed the roof of Freeport Logistics in west Phoenix on Wednesday night.

Keller said the operations would continue through Friday night and into Saturday as an organized rescue effort took shape. Crews were working mainly in the center and north side of the building to search for the man.

New crews entered the search site every 12 hours with only the Phoenix Fire Department responding as of Friday evening, according to Keller.

The site was still considered a high risk for rescuers. Keller said crews were working carefully and diligently in the dangerous environment.

"We are worried about secondary collapses, in situations like this, we have our structural engineers working with us," said Keller.

Rescue dogs, telescopic cameras, and sensitive microphones would continue to be used to locate the man, according to Keller.

The Phoenix Fire Department was unable to provide the name of the victim as of Friday evening.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 25 tons of debris removed in search for man at Phoenix warehouse
Secretary of State Antony Blinken attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Vientiane, Laos, for the first stop of a weeklong tour of Asia. Photo courtesy Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs/EPA-EFE

July 27 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday confronted his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on areas of disagreement between the two nations, including Beijing's continued support of Russia.

The two officials met during an annual international conference of Southeast Asian nations in Laos's capital, Vientiane.

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that the two discussed bilateral, regional and global issues on the sidelines of the conference, according to CNN.

"The Secretary made clear that the United States, together with our allies and partners, will advance our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," the statement read.

Blinken also brought up China's support of Russia amid its now two-year-long invasion of Ukraine and warned that the United States would take "appropriate measures" if Beijing does not cease, Miller said.

Wang in the meeting insisted that China has not sent any weapons to Russia, according to The New York Times.

The Biden administration has claimed the country is at least indirectly aiding Moscow through the export of dual-use materials such as machine tools and microelectronics that have been used to continue the Ukraine war.

The Chinese foreign ministry in a statement summarizing the meeting said Wang told Blinken the United Stakes has "a wrong perception of China" and urged the return of a "rational and pragmatic China policy."

"China is not the United States and does not want to become the United States," The statement read. "China does not seek hegemony or power, and is a major country with the best record in the world on peace and security issues."

Wang said China's approach to Ukraine has been transparent and it would continue to promote peace and dialogue, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Blinken said the United States had a "core interest" in defending Ukraine against Russia, according to the State Department.

Beijing's increased militarization in the South China Sea and toward Taiwan has been another sticking point in U.S.-China relations. Wang on Saturday asserted that Taiwan has always been and always will be part of China.

Wang also said the United States should stop imposing sanctions on China and that Beijing would bend to "pressure and blackmail."

The United States has leveled over 300 sanctions on Chinese entities in response to the export of dual-use materials to Russia, according to the State Department.

Both officials noted China recently reached an agreement with the Philippines on naval activity regarding the Second Thomas Shoal -- locally known as the Ren'ai Reef -- a contested area in which Philippine marines are posted.

Blinken said the two countries could further collaborate on strengthening high-level military talks, artificial intelligence and combating the narcotics trade. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed cooperation on some of these issues at a summit last year outside of San Francisco.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the two agreed to maintain communication.

Blinken was in Laos for the first visit of a weeklong diplomatic tour, which includes stops in Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia.

The secretary's travels across Asia come amid heightened tensions between the United States and China. Biden has made smoothing over rocky relations between the two countries a core priority before he leaves office in January.

Wang reportedly did not bring up the looming U.S. presidential election, despite concern over what international relations could look like under a second Trump administration. Wang did say that Xi values his relationship with Biden.
Security Firm Alarmed to Discover Their Remote Employee Is a North Korean Hacker

Fake IT

An security and anti-phishing company called KnowBe4 hired a remote worker  who, in an ironic twist, turned out to be a North Korean hacker.

The company hired the software engineer after they had passed through four separate video interviews and cleared background checks.

But shortly after the worker was sent a company-issued computer, things immediately went awry.

"The moment it was received, it immediately started to load malware," the company's founder and CEO Stu Sjouwerman wrote in a blog post.

As it turns out, the engineer was a "fake IT worker from North Korea."

"This was a real person using a valid but stolen US-based identity," Sjouwerman wrote. "The picture was AI 'enhanced.'"

Hack and Slash

While the company claims that "no illegal access was gained" and "no data was lost, compromised, or exfiltrated," the hacker didn't waste any time.

"The attacker performed various actions to manipulate session history files, transfer potentially harmful files, and execute unauthorized software," the blog post reads.

It's an especially ironic situation, given KnowBe4 sells software that teaches employees to identify phishing attempts and spread security awareness.

The FBI has also repeatedly warned that North Korean state actors are infiltrating the US private sector by posing as remote IT workers. In a PSA last year, the agency listed a number of "red flag indicators," including "unwillingness or inability to appear on camera, conduct video interviews or video meetings," indications of cheating, company-issued laptops being freight forwarded overseas, and "repeated requests for prepayment."

Earlier this year, the US Justice Department charged five individuals, accusing them of helping North Korea's nuclear weapons program to generate revenue by infiltrating the US job market.

As a result, KnowBe4 recommends other companies vet references more diligently and get any hires on camera to "ask them about the work they are doing."

"This is a well-organized, state-sponsored, large criminal ring with extensive resources," Sjouwerman argued. "The 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."

In short, it's a hard-learned lesson, especially for a cybersecurity awareness company.

"Our controls caught it, but that was sure a learning moment that I am happy to share with everyone," Sjouwerman wrote.

More on North Korean hackers: Experts Warn North Korea Is Using AI Nefarious Purposes
DAVID JENSEN/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock / DAVID JENSEN/EPA-EFE / Shutterstock

Donald Trump has long been a proponent of setting stricter tariffs on certain goods  especially imported ones. While this would likely increase the cost of many everyday items, Trump has also proposed the possibility of cutting federal income taxes if hes reelected. The idea here is that these two changes working in conjunction with one another could lighten the financial burden on individuals while still covering the cost of government services.

Read Next: Here Are All the Promises Trump Has Made About Social Security If Hes Reelected

Check Out: The Surprising Way You Can Get Guaranteed Retirement Income for Life

There hasnt been a formal proposal to eliminate income taxes yet, but if it does happen, there would likely be certain ramifications. For those preparing for retirement, no more income taxes could be largely beneficial for their investments and income. However, not all changes will be automatically positive.

Heres how the elimination of income taxes could affect you and why you might want to change your retirement plans.

Retirement Planning: Whether you're planning for retirement, dealing with a significant life event or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, a financial advisor can offer the expertise and guidance you need. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider a financial advisor -- even if you're not wealthy.

No Income Tax Means Paying More Elsewhere

While federal income tax is nationwide, not every state has its own income tax. In fact, the following states dont have it: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington and Wyoming.

For states that do have it, income tax is a major source of funds. State income tax can be used to fund major infrastructure projects, public schools and more. Those that dont have it must rely on other sources of funding instead  like higher sales tax on goods and services.

If Trump eliminates income taxes, theres a good chance that the cost of living will become higher in other ways. To illustrate this point, the Tax Foundation found that the average combined sales tax  local and state  ranges from 5% and 7%. In states with no income tax, the combined sales tax tends to be higher.

For example:

Tennessees combined sales tax rate is 9.548%.

Floridas is 7.02%.

Nevadas is 8.23%.

Texas is 8.20%.

Washingtons is 8.86%.

If income tax is eliminated completely, or even drastically reduced, you may want to consider increasing how much you set aside for retirement. Theres a good chance costs are only going to continue to rise  possibly faster than they already do.

Story continues

Sales tax isnt the only thing to watch out for.

If income taxes are cut from the equation, property taxes could also potentially rise. So, unless you plan to rent during retirement, you may want to account for this when calculating your retirement budget and how much income youll need to live comfortably.

Learn More: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes: How Would That Impact You If You Are Retired?

Tariffs as a Potential Solution to No Income Taxes

During a private meeting with Republican lawmakers, Trump floated around the idea of implementing an all-tariff policy, CNBC reported. Tariffs are essentially a tax levied on imported goods so that domestic items are competitively priced. Theyre designed to increase the cost of foreign-made items. Any tariffs are paid to the U.S. government prior to these foreign items being imported.

If this policy comes to pass, foreign manufacturers may raise their prices, meaning imported goods would cost more. While one solution to this is to have consumers switch to domestic products, these items could also become more expensive as demand  and competition  increases.

For retirees with low or moderate incomes, the rising cost of basic necessities could eat away at their current retirement funds more quickly. Those who are still working may need to increase how much theyre earning, saving and investing to make up the difference.

Social Security Benefits Could Still Be Taxed

Social Security is considered unearned income, but those who receive it may still have to pay income taxes on it. This largely depends on the individuals assets and income bracket.

If your primary source of retirement income is Social Security, chances are you wont have to pay taxes on your withdrawals. But if you anticipate having other income sources, up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable.

Eliminating federal income taxes could save you money there  and open up some greater cash flow in retirement. But unless Trump also gets rid of state income taxes, youll still need to prepare for those  depending on where you retire.

Potential Impact on Taxable Retirement Accounts

Once you retire and start drawing from your tax-deferred accounts  like 401(k)s, IRAs and certain annuities  youll have to pay taxes on those withdrawals. If you have these types of accounts, knowing how the elimination of income taxes could affect your retirement is essential.

Take the traditional IRA as an example. Your contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, meaning you can take them as a deduction for the year you contribute. This lowers your personal income taxes for the year. The trade-off is that youll need to pay taxes when you start drawing from that account in retirement.

If income taxes are eliminated, you wont get the same initial benefit by contributing to a traditional IRA. On the other hand, you could also receive more in retirement, since you wont have to worry about federal taxes  though state taxes could still apply.

Without income tax, tax-advantaged retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s might lose their appeal, said Ryan Jacob, CEO, CIO and portfolio manager at Jacob Investment Management. Employers could also change their retirement benefits based on new tax laws, which could impact your retirement planning.

Other types of tax-advantaged accounts, like Roth IRAs, could also be impacted by Trumps proposal. If it comes to pass, you may want to take some time to go over your various retirement income sources and make any necessary changes to bolster your retirement funds.

Editors note on election coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on GOBankingRates.com.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Trump Wants To Eliminate Income Taxes: 4 Reasons You Might Want To Change Your Retirement Plans
Several Californians have run for president  and some visited SLO County on the way

As California became the most populous state in the union in 1962, two of her politicians were rising to national prominence.

Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan were each elected to the U.S. presidency, in 1968 and 1980 respectively.

Now current Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to be the Democratic Party nominee for the 2024 election with the withdrawal of incumbent President Joe Biden.

Harris was born in 1964 in Oakland.

Richard M. Nixon speaks on the steps of the San Luis Obispo County courthouse on May 31, 1962, while campaigning for governor of California. The man seated with his legs crossed at right is Peter Andre. In the background are the Cal Poly Nixonettes. Following his address, the public was invited to meet him in the Fremont Theater lobby.

Nixon was born in 1913 in Yorba Linda but spent the latter years of his life in New York City.

Reagan was born in 1911 in Tampico, Illinois, and moved to California to pursue employment in films and government.

Nixon and Reagan each campaigned in San Luis Obispo County.

Harris gave a policy speech nearby at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

During her visit to Vandenberg Space Force Base on April 18, 2022, Vice President Kamala Harris called for an end to anti-satellite missile testing (ASAT) and said the United States will commit to not performing these types of tests.

California has had other presidential hopefuls.

John C. Fremont was the first-ever Republican nominee for president in 1856 and was a U.S. senator from California, though like many residents of the then 6-year-old Gold Rush state, he was born out of state.

Though he lost to Democratic candidate James Buchanan, his strong showing was proof of viability for an anti-slavery candidate and lit a path for Abraham Lincoln in the next election.

Fremonts slogan was Free Soil, Free Men and Fremont.

During the Mexican-American war, Fremont and his soldiers marched down Cuesta Grade into San Luis Obispo in a bloodless action that local residents were largely indifferent to.

The troop camped near the present day City Hall, and San Luis Obispos famed movie theater on Monterey Street now carries his name.

Other Californians who have made presidential bids but failed to win the nomination are former Govs. Jerry Brown, Hiram Johnson, Earl Warren and Pete Wilson.

Ronald Reagan made a campaign stop near Paso Robles for the Republican presidential nomination on May 29, 1976. Photographers recorded him riding his favorite horse, Mr. Spats. Gerald Ford would be the Republican nominee that year.

Of all the politicians listed, Reagan probably had the deepest ties to San Luis Obispo County. He visited Cal Poly as governor and attended a number of events here. And the county is close to his longtime ranch in Santa Barbara County.

Judge William Clark Jr. of Shandon was a trusted adviser during Reagans terms as governor and president.

Local State Assemblywoman Carol Hallett served Reagans administration as U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas and commissioner of the U.S. Customs Service.

Juanita Booker of Paso Robles sang the national anthem at Reagans first inauguration.

In 1976 Reagan ran against Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination, which exposed fractures in the party. Ford would win the nomination but fall to Democrat Jimmy Carter.

When Reagan made a stop in Paso Robles, the Telegram-Tribune published two front-page stories. Bruce Kyse wrote about the candidates policy and applause lines.

A Memorial Day audience of roughly 2,000 came to River Road Ranch near Paso Robles, where Reagan was introduced by Clark.

Jeanne Huber wrote about the media entourage that follows national candidates.

Here is Hubers story with a dated sexist headline from May 31, 1976:

Campaign trail: Newsmen just part of show

When candidate Ronald Reagan came to town, half the story was the retinue of national and foreign reporters who muscled around him.

They helped turn a rather normal North County affair  a roping contest, barbecue and afternoon of political speeches  into a peek at the Big Time for the 1,500 or so locals who came to cheer and eat beef.

Forty to 50 reporters and photographers who flew into Paso Robles on Reagans jet were joined by several dozen Central Coast reporters.

They heard Reagan deliver virtually the same speech hes been using since the first presidential primary in New Hampshire.

But there was one novel element Saturday: the sight of the former movie star in cowboy gear, on horse.

Ronald Reagan made a campaign stop near Paso Robles for the Republican presidential nomination on May 29, 1976. Photographers recorded him riding his favorite horse, Mr. Spats. Gerald Ford would be the Republican nominee that year.

Just that one picture makes the whole day worth it, said a photographer for Time, after he got a shot of Reagan waving from his favorite horse, Mr. Spats.

The best shot will come when he falls off, quipped a colleague, who never got his wish.

The press corps Saturday included more foreign reporters and fewer national reporters than usual, according to Timothy J. Wyngaard, a political writer for Scripps-Howard News in Washington, D.C.

This whole thing is a TV event, and they picked the worst day of the week for it, he explained. Saturday afternoon events on the West Coast are more than a day old by the time the television networks air their Sunday evening news.

Wyngaard said the foreign reporters  TV crews from Mexico, Sweden, France and Japan, and reporters from those countries plus Canada and possibly others  came along because the barbecue was a good junket.

Ronald Reagan made a campaign stop at River Road Ranch near Paso Robles for the Republican presidential nomination on May 29, 1976. Gerald Ford would be the nominee that year.

Foreign newspapers and television stations can sum up the entire American primary process just by covering the race in California, he noted.

Michael Anfrol of Frances Channel 1 said his film of Reagan on horseback will be used in a five-minute feature to be broadcast June 4 or 5 in Paris. The four-person French crew planned to follow Reagan three or four days, then spend a day with each of the Democratic contenders.

Why so much emphasis on Reagan?

Ford isnt doing much campaigning in California, explained Lars Ove Johansson, a reporter for Swedish Broadcasting Corp.

Johansson  plus other national and foreign reporters queried by the Telegram-Tribune  said Reagan seems to have a good chance of winning the Republican nomination from Ford. But they said Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter probably can beat either Ford or Reagan.

Ronald Reagan made a campaign stop at River Road Ranch near Paso Robles for the Republican presidential nomination on May 29, 1976. Gerald Ford would be the nominee that year.

The theme of this election is anti-Washington, and either Carter or Reagan appeals more to people who dont like politicians than does Ford, Johansson said.

Some of the Eastern (U.S.) press are very hard on Carter, but that only makes him more appealing to people who dont like the Eastern establishment, explained Frank Rutter of the Vancouver (B.C.) Sun.

Among the establishment reporters were Pulitzer Prize winner Mary McGrory of the Washington Post and network television reporters Barry Sarafin, Cassy Mackin and Frank Reynolds.

Michael Reese, substitute man for Newsweek, looked rather unimpressed by the entire ordeal. When asked what Saturdays topic on the press bus (and cattle truck-turned-press-bus) was, he said, We wanna go home.
After federal investigators raided more than two dozen properties with search warrants, including many homes across southern Montgomery County, the I-Team started following the document trail.

I-Team reporter John Bedell checked property records for at least eight of the homes federal agents raided Friday.

>> RELATED: Fuyao plant, nearly 30 other area locations raided in massive Homeland Security investigation

Property records show three of those eight homes, two in Miami Township and one in Dayton, are owned by Guo Qiang Lin or a company he owns.

Other public records the I-Team checked show Lins company is registered with the Ohio Secretary of States Office to an address on Watoga Drive in Liberty Township.

Its a 50-minute drive to the neighborhood south of Dayton in Butler County.

Public records show the home on Cantata Court in Miami Township agents raided Friday is owned by Yi Mei Lin who lives two doors down from Guo in Liberty Township.

>> PHOTOS: Homeland Security part of Fuyao investigation in Moraine

In Butler County, federal investigators raided at least four houses.

The coordinated raids across two counties in the Miami Valley are part of a sprawling criminal probe as federal investigators look for evidence in what they say is a financial crime and labor exploitation case.

News Center 7 checked U.S. District Court in Dayton files for any records of this investigation, including search warrants filed by Homeland Security.

As of Friday evening, nothing had been filed publicly, which means documents could have been sealed.

We will continue to follow this story.




In the wake of a July lull of severe weather across the Midwest and northern Plains, the pattern could turn volatile heading into the final days of the month.

AccuWeather meteorologists have highlighted a zone across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest that is expected to feature feisty thunderstorm activity.

The heat dome that has baked the western United States for most of the summer will undergo a shift and realignment early this week, bringing scorching temperatures into the southern and central Plains. This shift in the core of the heat dome will then play a major role in fueling rounds of severe thunderstorms over a multi-day stretch.

"The weather pattern this week is expected to feature similar characteristics to what was observed back on July 15 across the Midwest, which ultimately ended up producing a powerful derecho across Iowa and northern Illinois," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty stated.

Multiple storm complexes kicked off across the Midwest on Monday evening bringing damaging wind gusts, torrential downpours and even a few tornadoes. Thunderstorm activity from Monday night will bring drenching rainfall across portions of the Ohio and Tennessee River valleys on Tuesday.

The next complex of thunderstorms embedded within the storm train will likely be hot on the heels of its predecessor, firing up across the northern Plains and Upper Midwest Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night.

AccuWeather meteorologists have already highlighted a heightened risk in anticipation of Tuesday's thunderstorm activity, with the concern that thunderstorms could produce wind gusts approaching the AccuWeather Local StormMax of 95 miles per hour.

Spanning a swath from the Dakotas into Indiana and Kentucky, residents should be prepared for intense thunderstorm activity. These powerful thunderstorms have the potential to roll right through the nighttime hours, posing additional risks and a heightened need for residents to have a way to receive crucial and potentially life-saving warnings if they are issued.

The caboose of the storm train across the central United States is expected to pass through the same areas once again between Wednesday and Thursday, again bringing a risk for powerful complexes of thunderstorms. Flash flooding and even renewed river flooding concerns can increase by midweek, especially in areas with multiple rounds of thunderstorm activity.

Isolated spin-ups will be possible as storms pulse across the Midwest Wednesday to Thursday night. Forecasters have highlighted a zone from the South Dakota-Minnesota border to the northwest corner of Illinois as a "moderate" risk area for severe thunderstorms to develop on Wednesday.

Storms will shift farther east through the Ohio Valley from Thursday to Thursday night, projected to impact cities from Indianapolis to Louisville, Kentucky, and Pittsburgh.

While the active pattern for severe thunderstorms may ease for a time late this week, the risk of dangerous thunderstorm complexes may not be off the table heading into the first half of August.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Sheriff: Father fatally shoots two, including son, after argument in Pike County

PIKE COUNTY, Mo.  A rural Missouri man is behind bars after he allegedly shot two people to death in his home, including his son, after an argument.

The Pike County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Matthew G. Todd, 53, with two counts of first-degree murder amid the investigation.

The Pike County Sheriffs Office has identified Timothy Todd, 26, and Kaitlyn Potter-Navratil, 26, as the victims.

Olivette shooting believed to be murder-suicide, police say

Investigators say Timothy and Kaitlyn were shot around midnight Saturday at Matthews home on Collage Circle Drive in Eoilia, Missouri.

According to the sheriffs office, witnesses told authorities that Timothy and Kaitlyn were at the home while there were arguments inside. Matthew reportedly told both to leave.

A short time later, investigators say that Matthew retrieved a rifle from a different room and shot into a ceiling several times, later shooting Timothy and Kaitlynn.

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Timothy and Kaitlynn were found deceased as authorities arrived to the home. Matthew was taken into custody without incident.

Matthew, identified by the sheriffs office as Timothys father, also faces three counts of armed criminal action, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. He was booked into the Pike County Jail on a $500,000 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 FOX 2.
(WFRV)  A northern Wisconsin County Sheriffs Office notified the community that they would be holding an active shooter training at a school district.

The Forest County Sheriffs Office (FCSO) said that the training session would be conducted at Laona School District on Forest Avenue on Friday, as a way to prepare for any potential threat.

Wisconsin DNR reminds boaters to be mindful of others and control speeds

According to the release, the session was organized due to the need for faculty, staff and law enforcement officials to be trained on how to respond in the event of an active shooter situation.

The goal was to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to handle a real-life active shooter situation, as a group of trained professionals were brought in to lead.

93-year-old man from western Wisconsin found dead in Fox River next to his vacation residence

We understand that the topic of active shooter situations is a sensitive and serious matter, and we want to assure the public that this training is part of our proactive approach to ensuring the safety of everyone in our community, the release said. We appreciate the support and understanding of the Community about this initiative.

No more information was provided.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
A woman poses for a photo backdropped by the Russian training ship "Smolnyy" as it arrives for a "working visit", in the bay of Havana, Cuba, Saturday, July 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

HAVANA (AP)  Three Russian warships arrived in Cuban waters on Saturday, Moscow's second such maritime voyage in as many months in a reflection of deepening ties between Russia and Cuba.

The naval group, consisting of a training ship, patrol frigate and refueling tanker, are expected to remain docked in Cuba's port of Havana until July 30. The arrival of the vessels comes mere weeks after another squadron of Russian warships, including a powerful nuclear-powered submarine, visited Havana as part of planned military exercises last month.

American officials closely tracked the mid-June military exercises, saying that the four-vessel group posed no real threat. At the time, experts described the warships' Caribbean tour as a symbolic show of strength in response to continued U.S. and Western support for Ukraine.

Cuban defense officials announced the latest port call earlier this week, calling the arrival of the Russian warships a historical practice and show of friendship and collaboration. But neither government elaborated on the purpose of this latest deployment.

Cuba greeted the Baltic fleet on Saturday with a booming cannon salute. The docking of the flotilla has sparked a flurry of excitement among the general public, with Cubans strolling the port avenue to get a better glimpse of the warships Saturday and authorities saying interested visitors would be admitted on board the Russian training ship, called Smolniy, on Sunday and Monday.

Its a friendly thing. A bond between Russia and the Cubans, said 29-year-old onlooker Maydelis Perez, pointing the hulking warships out to her three children. Im taking a family outing.

Russia is a longtime ally of Venezuela and Cuba, and its warships and aircraft have periodically made forays into the Caribbean and docked in Havana. Though Cuba is not a key player in Russian foreign policy, experts say that Russia sees Cuba  with its port less than 100 miles (160 km) from Florida  as strategically important given its continued clout among developing nations.

Cuba and Russia  Cold War allies now both under severe U.S. sanctions  have strengthened their political and economic ties in recent years, particularly as Moscow aims to boost diplomatic support for its war in Ukraine and Havana seeks whatever economic assistance it can get.

Cuba has consistently abstained on U.N. resolutions on the invasion of Ukraine and avoided criticism of Moscow's war. Russia has sold significant volumes of oil to Cuba, which has struggled with regular power outages under Washington's economic embargo.
Matt Groening, the Simpsons creator, and his wife Agustina Picasso are being sued by a former employee for allegedly failing to prevent sexual harassment, sexual assault and battery, according to TMZ.

Giavanna Scotto the property manager at Groenings Santa Monica, California, home, accused an ex-colleague of groping her breasts and buttocks and kissing her against her will multiple timesand alleges that Groening failed to stop her ordeal.

In the suit filed on Friday, she also describes feeling stalked, receiving text messages from the alleged assailant including one that read I miss you so much I love you I hope you are well I love you I love you.

Scotto says she complained to Groening and Picasso about the alleged sexual misconduct but that the couple failed to take appropriate corrective actions, despite claiming Picasso clearly knew of the harassment and failed to act.

Groening, whose creations Bart and Homer Simpsons accompanied him to the unveiling of his Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2009, is accused with his wife of letting their housekeeper be a victim of sexual harassment. Mario Anzuoni/REUTERS

Scotto alleges that only encouraged her assailant to continue his behavior. In June 2022, she says she was fired without warning or cause.

Groening and Picassos compound has an estimated worth of $23.5 million and sits on more than an acre of prime Santa Monica real estate.

Groening, who wed Picasso in 2011 and with whom he has six children, was tied to Jeffrey Epstein after a manuscript written by victim Virginia Roberts described her giving the animation mogul a foot rub aboard the disgraced financiers private jet.

Roberts, however, made no suggestion of any involvement by Groening in Epstein's crimes or any other wrongdoing.

Neither Groening nor his wife have responded to the lawsuit.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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SLO man convicted of sexually abusing girl he was babysitting

A San Luis Obispo man was convicted Friday of sexually abusing a girl he was babysitting.

Tanner William Dean Fite, 23, was convicted of abusing a minor under the age of 14 four times on Oct. 15, the San Luis Obispo County District Attorneys Office said in a news release.

The girl was 11 years old at the time of Fites arrest, according to police.

Assistant District Attorney Eric Dobroth told The Tribune that Fite also viewed pornographic videos while he was babysitting the girl that day.

Cyber forensic data from Fites phone showed he viewed 25 pornographic videos, the news release said. After the eight-day trial, the release said, the jury quickly returned their verdicts.

I am very proud of the young victim who displayed great courage when she reported the crime and later testified in court, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow said in the release. Her courage will inspire other survivors to report so that justice can be served to predators like Mr. Fite.

Fite is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 4, 2024. He faces a maximum of 14 years in state prison and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.

San Luis Obispo County Regional SWAT team members wrap up after helping the San Luis Obispo Police Department serve a warrant at 1235 West Newport St. in San Luis Obispo on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. Residents were asked to shelter in place while suspects were taken into custody.

Shelter-in-place ordered during arrest

Fite was arrested on Oct. 29 after San Luis Obispo police officers served a search warrant at his home in 1200 block of West Newport Street.

Police ordered the neighborhood to shelter in place as they carried out the warrant.

The backyard fence was broken down, and the houses front door showed signs of being forced open.

Officers found Fite illegally purchased a Glock-style handgun on Oct. 17 and an AK47-style rifle on Oct. 18, police said at the time.

Police also searched a home on the 3800 block of South Higuera Street that was frequented by Fite.
After Sonya Masseys death, Springfield becomes the center of calls for racial justice. Its not the first time

On July 6, at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, died after being shot in her home by a White sheriffs deputy.

Nearly 116 years earlier, an 84-year-old Black man died in the same hospital after being lynched by a White mob.

Both tragedies sparked calls for racial justice and now, as the nations attention once again turns to Springfield, local activists and historians say they hope Masseys death will bring about change, just like the murder of the citys Black residents did more than a century ago.

1908 Springfield Race Riots

Local newspapers captured the chaos that began in Springfield on August 14, 1908, when a mob gathered outside the county jail.

Incensed by reports that a White woman had been raped by a Black man, the mob demanded the sheriff turn over the men accused of the crime.

Earlier that day, The Illinois State Register urged no effort should be spared to find the black viper and to force appropriate punishment, and later that night, large parts of the states capital had been reduced to smoldering rubble.

The White community just erupted, said Kathryn Harris, a retired director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum who helped organize the centennial commemoration of the riots.

It started because a White woman cried rape by a Black man. Truth be told, when all the story came out, she had lied, but the riot had already taken place.

And the mob had left death and destruction in their wake.

Threats of lynching were heard on every hand, the State Register reported. When the crowd learned the sheriff had already transported the two men accused of the assault out of the city, they enacted vengeance on its residents.

Fully 10,000 people gathered in the streets and watched the rioters in their work of destruction, according to the Illinois State Journal.

One of the rallying cries, Harris said, was, Mr. Lincoln brought you here, and were going to run you out.

Homes at 12th Street and Mason Street burned during the 1908 Springfield Race Riot. - Cities and Towns collection/Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

As the White mob rampaged throughout the city, Black residents grabbed what belongings they could and fled on trains. The states National Guard was called in to help restore order and Harris said those who couldnt escape took shelter in the citys armory.

But despite the presence of the National Guard, the riots continued for days, leaving multiple people dead and dozens injured. In the early hours of Saturday morning, the mob descended on a barbershop owned by a Black man named Scott Burton and lynched him.

The lynching was illuminated by the flames of the burning building directly opposite, the Register reported. Every building in that vicinity with the exception of  one or two others, was burned and the lynching was in the midst of this scene of complete havoc.

Later that night, the mob set its sights on William Donnegan, a shoemaker in his 80s who was once a conductor on the Underground Railroad, according to Illinois Historic Preservation Division.

Donnegans wife was White and this fact  seemed to carry the members of the mob to a higher pitch of anger, The Journal of Springfield reported.

The mob unsuccessfully attempted to lynch Donnegan and left him for dead. Police later cut Donnegan down and transported him to the St. Johns hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Interestingly enough, it was the same hospital where Ms. Massey died, Harris said. So, it makes for a very sad, cyclical story.

Weeks after the riot, Hallam signed a sworn statement that one of the men accused of the assault, was not her assailant and (requested) his immediate release from Bloomington jail, the Illinois State Register reported.

An elderly man gathering possessions after the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois. - Heritage Images/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

A new movement begins

William English Walling, a prominent White labor organizer, traveled from Chicago to Springfield to report on the riot. He described what he witnessed in an article titled The Race War in the North.

We have closed our eyes to the whole awful and menacing truth  that a large part of the white population of Lincolns home, supported largely by farmers and miners of the neighboring towns, have initiated a permanent warfare with the negro race, he wrote.

Either the spirit of the abolitionists of Lincoln  must be revived and we must come to treat the negro on a plane of absolute political and social equality or  (we) will have soon transferred the race war to the North.

Months later, in response to the Springfield riot, a group of Black and White activists met at Wallings apartment in New York City to discuss creating an organization that would advocate for the civil and political rights of African Americans across the country.

William Donnegan, a Black businessman and former conductor on the Underground Railroad, was lynched during the riots. - History and Art Collection/Alamy Stock Photo

On Feb. 12, 1909, in honor of Abraham Lincolns 100th birthday, the group released a nationwide call to address racial justice in the country. The letter was signed by a diverse group of nearly 60 people, including prominent Black leaders like Ida B. Wells and W.E.B. Du Bois.

The Springfield race riot was the final tipping point that led to the founding of the NAACP.

After the 1908 race riots, people said enough is enough, not in our hometown, said Teresa Haley, a lifelong Springfield resident and the former president of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP.

Haley, who now leads Visions 1908, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy and artifacts of the race riots, said the group has advocated for a national monument to be created in Springfield, to honor the events.

As a student of history, Harris said when she learned of Masseys killing, her thoughts quickly turned to the riots in 1908.

Its ironic, she said, that Springfield  which was the hometown of The Great Emancipator Abraham Lincoln  should once again find itself at the center of national conversations around racial justice in America.

We still have lots of work to do to improve race relations, Harris said. But we wont give up.

Now, more than a century after the riots, as the nation learns new details about what happened to Sonya Massey in her home, Haley said she hopes the tragedy will renew efforts to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and spark change, just like events in her city did over a century ago.

We want whole justice, but a lot of times we realize its just us out here fighting, she said.

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We recently compiled a list of the 14 Best FMCG Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) stands against the other FMCG stocks.

If you walk into a modern pantry, you're almost guaranteed to find it well-stocked with everyday essentials like toilet paper, soap and toothpaste, beverages, and food. This reflects a simple reality: most consumers prefer to keep these items in ample supply. While consumers will always demand these products, they are not entirely indifferent to price increases during inflation. Instead, they might look to save money by buying in bulk or shopping at big-box stores. Regardless, they will continue to prioritize purchasing these necessities.

Known as fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or consumer packaged goods (CPG), these high-demand products are valued for their affordability and rapid turnover. They are considered "fast-moving" because they quickly sell off store shelves due to their regular use by consumers. Although investors typically look towards bonds and cash to manage risk, FMCG stocks offer a defensive alternative that can provide both growth and income. While these stocks may not generate spectacular growth opportunities and can lose value as interest rates rise, they generally decline less than other sectors during recessions. In fact, certain industries, such as food, tobacco, and alcohol, may even experience increased demand during economic downturns. As one of the world's largest industries, the global FMCG sector has seen steady growth over the past decade, driven by the trend of experiential retailing, where shopping is viewed as a social activity. The global FMCG market is projected to reach $18,939.4 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2022 to 2031.

Following low deal volume and value in 2020, the consumer goods landscape saw a significant shift in M&A activity. In 2021, as sizable assets in the sector became scarce and prohibitively expensive, companies strategically moved toward a higher-volume, lower-deal-value approach. According to McKinsey, this trend peaked in 2021 with around 470 consumer goods deals globally. The distribution of M&A activity varied across subsectors regarding volume and value. Food remained the largest category by deal volume, accounting for about 40%, while beverages and durables together made up an additional 30%. On the other hand, in terms of deal value, personal care led the pack with 38%, primarily driven by large spin-offs of pharmaceutical companies' consumer businesses. A notable example includes Johnson & Johnson's $42 billion spin-off of Kenvue last year.

Story continues

As of late May, several major retailers have reported their Q1 2024 earnings, offering valuable insights into the current state of the U.S. consumer's sentiments. With consumer spending accounting for approximately 70% of the U.S. economy, shifts in spending patterns significantly impact growth and employment. Walmart, for example, observed changes in customer behavior, with CFO John Rainey noting in the company's Q1 earnings call:

"Many consumer pocketbooks are still stretched, and we see the effect of that in our business mix as they're spending more of their paychecks on non-discretionary categories and less on general merchandise. This merchandise mix remains a headwind to margins, but its consistent with our expectations."

This indicates that consumers are prioritizing essential groceries over discretionary items like televisions. Walmart's earnings suggest that while overall consumer spending remains steady, those with less disposable income are struggling and continue to seek value in their purchases. In any case, despite inflation and challenging market conditions, people still need to eat and buy essentials, making FMCG stocks more resilient compared to other sectors in the stock market.

Our Methodology

After a comprehensive analysis of FMCG stocks listed on NYSE and NASDAQ using ETFs and internet rankings, we have curated a selection of the 14 top FMCG stocks to buy now according to hedge fuds.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 best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy picks 14 small and large-caps every quarter and it has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A supermarket shelf overflowing with a variety of fast-moving consumer goods.

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 20

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL), established on September 2, 1929, is a British multinational fast-moving consumer goods company created from the merger of British soap maker Lever Brothers and Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie. Headquartered in London, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) owns a diverse portfolio of popular brands including Ben & Jerry's, Dove, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lux, Magnum, Sunsilk, and Wall's.

On March 19, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) announced its intention to spin off its ice cream business as part of its Growth Action Plan (GAP). According to the announcement, the ice cream division achieved sales of 7.9 billion in 2023. Post-separation, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) will concentrate on its four primary business units: Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, and Nutrition. Meanwhile, the newly formed entity, NewCo, will operate independently, establishing itself as a world-leading ice cream business. By spinning off the ice cream division, Unilever aims to simplify the company's portfolio and achieve cost savings of 800.0 million over the next three years.

Recently, Redburn-Atlantic upgraded Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) from Neutral to Buy, setting a price target of GBP51.00. This decision reflects the firm's positive outlook on Unilever's financial performance, anticipating a 20% potential upside from its current share price. Additionally, the company exceeded sales growth expectations in Q1, reporting a 4.4% increase in sales and a 2.2% rise in sales volumes, alongside a 2.2% price hike during the quarter.

In the first quarter of 2024, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) was included in the portfolios of 20 hedge funds, with a total stake value of $952.2 million. Fisher Asset Management emerged as the largest shareholder, holding a position worth nearly $525.05 million as of Q1 2024.

Overall UL ranks 14th on our list of the best FMCG stocks to buy. You can visit 14 Best FMCG Stocks To Buy Now to see the other FMCG stocks that are on hedge funds radar. While we acknowledge the potential of UL as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that under the radar 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 UL 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.
(Bloomberg) -- South Africa is likely to maintain preferential trade access to the US market despite strained relations between the nations, according to an executive who represented the country at a forum in Washington this week.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The signals were positive, Stavros Nicolaou, the head of strategic trade at Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd., said in an interview Friday. The Americans understand South Africa has got to keep its sovereignty and independence, but theres also a partnership that needs to be nurtured. Its a longstanding partnership where both sides gain.

While President Joe Bidens administration has sought to build ties in South Africa to counter Russia and China, US lawmakers have been highly critical of the country after it took Israel to the International Court of Justice over accusations of genocide amid the war in Gaza. As a result, the US House last month passed a key annual defense policy bill with an amendment calling for a review of South Africas national security risks to the US. The bill still needs approval from the Senate and the White House.

If passed, it could complicate the status of thousands of South African products. They enter the worlds biggest market duty free under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and the so-called Generalized System of Preferences.

South Africa shipped goods worth more than $14 billion to the US in 2022, with about 25% cleared under the two accords, government data show.

The US Trade Representative didnt respond to requests seeking comment outside office hours. USTR officials will host a briefing on Monday.

The US is South Africas second-largest trading partner after China. Maintaining favorable commerce ties between the two countries is key to the newly formed South African coalition governments efforts to bolster an economy thats barely grown over the past decade.

The countrys Government of National Unity and commerce delegation led by Parks Tau, the new minister of trade, industry and competition, were well received at an AGOA forum, according to Nicolaou, who is also a board member of lobby group Business Unity South Africa. I detected an improved tone from delegates vis-a-vis last year, he said.

AGOA is set to expire in 2025. While senators, in April, introduced a bill to extend the trade program with about 40 sub-Saharan African nations until 2041, beneficiaries of the agreement are still awaiting formal guidance about its future.

I call on Congress to quickly reauthorize and modernize this landmark Act, Biden said in a statement Tuesday on the eve of the forum. As Ive said before, America is all in on Africa.

African Trade Ministers separately called for a quick renewal of the agreement for at least 16 years with minimal changes, to stabilize commerce and investment relations and preserve regional value chains, according to an African Union statement issued via WhatsApp Thursday.

--With assistance from Eric Martin.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Dakotans for Health Executive Director Rick Weiland speaks to the press Feb. 7, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre about an initiated constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Dakotans for Health Executive Director Rick Weiland speaks to the press Feb. 7, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre about an initiated constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Unlike other abortion-rights initiatives across the country, major reproductive rights groups havent backed the effort to restore access in South Dakota.

But that hasnt stopped Dakotans for Health  a ballot question committee behind a measure that is set to appear on the November ballot  from galvanizing voters in the state, where abortion is banned unless the mothers life is at risk. South Dakota enacted a trigger law, first passed by lawmakers in 2005, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago.

The ballot question asks voters to ban legislators from regulating abortion until the end of the first trimester, allow regulations during the second trimester in ways that are reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman and let the state prohibit abortion in the third trimester unless the procedure is necessary to save the life or health of a pregnant patient.

This is the first in a series of conversations about voter-initiated efforts to restore abortion access across the country.

Despite the lack of support from major organizations, the group submitted more than 55,000 petition-signatures to election officials in May, South Dakota Searchlight reported. About 46,000 of those signatures were from registered voters, even though the group only needed roughly 35,000 valid signatures to make the ballot.

Anti-abortion groups have mobilized against the measure. Republican Rep. Jon Hansen introduced a bill this year allowing voters to withdraw their signatures from petitions. GOP Gov. Kristi Noem signed the measure into law in March, along with approving legislation that directed health officials to create a video explaining the states abortion ban.

Hansen is also co-chair of the Life Defense Fund, a group that Republican Secretary of State Monae Johnson called scammers and accused its members of impersonating her staff during calls that encouraged voters to remove their signatures from the petition, Searchlight reported. (Johnson asked the attorney general to investigate the calls, but he said no laws were broken and the anti-abortion group identified themselves as volunteers.)

With a few months left until Election Day, Dakotans for Health is focused on encouraging people to vote yes for Amendment G. Last month, it launched the Freedom Amendment Coalition led by former Democratic state lawmaker Nancy Turbak Berry. Republicans and doctors have announced their support to restore abortion access in South Dakota, too.

States Newsroom spoke to Dakotans for Health leader Rick Weiland, a Sioux Falls resident who unsuccessfully ran for Congress three times as a Democrat, about the grassroots campaign.

The following interview has been edited and condensed.

States Newsroom: The casual reader may be surprised to find out that you, a 65-year-old father of five, have spearheaded a campaign to restore abortion rights in South Dakota. So why did you decide to organize the ballot measure?

Rick Weiland: I have two daughters who are of child-bearing years. I have a granddaughter whos 11, and I think about the poor kid that was raped in Ohio and had to go to Indiana to get an abortion, and I have a zillion nieces. Abortion rights are human rights in so many ways. When you look at the fact that women had these rights for 50 years and, with the change in the makeup of the court, they were eviscerated, and now were living in the most restrictive state in the country.

We have, with the trigger law, an exception for the life of the mother, right? But we still dont know what that would constitute. Even after Dobbs and the trigger law kicking in, we couldnt get anything through the legislature  because of the Right to Life lobby  to give doctors some peace of mind that they could help their patients. Finally, the legislature, which by the way is made up of 94 Republicans and 11 Democrats, allocated $100,000 to the state Department of Health to work with the governor and the attorney general to develop some kind of video that will instruct doctors on what they can and cant do. Doctors are still operating under a pretty risky situation, and you hear a lot of stories about women having to travel out of state for help. Its just a mess out here and for me, it checked a lot of boxes, in terms of us getting involved.

SN: If approved, the ballot measure would allow abortion with no restrictions from the state legislature up to the end of the first trimester. But then in the second trimester, it lets lawmakers enact restrictions reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant mother, and in the third trimester, abortion is banned except to save the life and health of the mother. Why did the committee choose that language instead of using the fetal viability language?

RW: Because Roe was a recognizable 50-year precedent, and were living in South Dakota. When you break it down, the only push back Id have on that second trimester, as you described it, is that they cant restrict, they can regulate, but they cant prohibit an abortion in the second trimester. Were talking about abortion that takes place in a hospital or a licensed medical facility by a licensed medical professional  those are the kinds of regulations that would be allowable, like they were under Roe. Essentially 99% of all abortions in this country occur in the first two trimesters. Right now we have 0% accessibility. Were covering 99%, and then you get into the third trimester, which is pretty typical in most states. Its the life or health of the mother.

SN: Back in December, the regional Planned Parenthood and state American Civil Liberties Union opposed the scope of the measure. Those are organizations with big money who have backed a lot of the successful initiatives in Michigan and Ohio. Have they come around after seeing the success of the initiative so far?

RW: Not yet. We are sincerely hoping that they will. I reached out very early in our process of trying to convene groups of stakeholders. And at the time, I think it was too early for them. We know, having done these initiatives, that we need to get started early out here, because we rely pretty heavily on the grassroots. That can be a mixed bag. Sometimes volunteers dont want to circulate in sub-zero weather. We have tough winters out here, and we knew we needed every day possible, every day available to be able to gather signatures  especially for a constitutional amendment. But we reached out to Planned Parenthood and to the ACLU at the time. To be honest with you, I dont think that they were particularly interested in South Dakota in a ballot measure approach. I think they were looking at other bigger states. Weve extended olive branch after olive branch to these groups hoping that theyll get engaged at some point.

I know there are people on the left that would like to go a lot further. Think about what happened after that trigger law went into effect. It just seems to make a lot of sense and to be able to say, hey, all were doing is restoring the rights that women had for 50 years. Read the language of Roe [side-by-side] with our ballot measure. The language is pretty much exact. If these national groups want to do something after were successful and expand it, have at it. But were concentrating on something that we think makes a lot of sense.

SN: South Dakota GOP Rep. Jon Hansen sponsored legislation that allows citizens to withdraw petition signatures. The governor signed that into law in March, and Hansen is also the co-chair of the Life Defense Fund, which is opposing the abortion-rights ballot measure. How is Dakotans for Health preparing for any future attacks against the campaign as we near the election?

RW: We just intercept it. They were apparently representing themselves as members of the secretary of states office. But a number of people complained about it and thats why [Secretary of State] Monae Johnson requested [Attorney General Marty] Jackley investigate.

I have described their efforts as desperate. They were harassing us the whole time we were circulating. They would send protesters out to harass our circulators and to harass or intimidate voters that wanted to sign the petition. It has been an interesting journey. Ultimately, our mantra has been let the voters decide. Weve been qualified. Were going to be on the ballot. Were prepared for a lawsuit.

SN: In May, you submitted some 55,000 signatures  thats way over the 35,000 needed from registered voters to qualify. What memorable interactions have you had with South Dakotans in support of this? What has the response been from South Dakotans on the ground?

RW: Weve got a number of people from the medical community that are doctors who are just really troubled by the situation today. Theres a woman thats running for Congress out here who came to one of our events last year. She wasnt a candidate then, and Ive known her for quite some time, but her daughter was miscarrying, went to one of the hospitals and was told to go home. Then her husband finds her passed out in the bathroom bleeding and had to call the ambulance to get her in. Of course then her life was on the line and they took care of the situation, but thats not right.

Were calling our effort a freedom amendment. Women who are raped dont have the freedom they once had to make a decision. A victim of incest who becomes pregnant lost that ability, and women with dangerous problematic pregnancies have lost their freedom. We have a governor who likes to tell you to come to South Dakota: Live, work and play. Its a free state. Well, it aint free if youre a female.

We have a governor who likes to tell you to come to South Dakota: Live, work and play. Its a free state. Well, it aint free if youre a female.

 Rick Weiland

SN: Nancy Turbak Berry, a former state Democratic lawmaker and an abortion-rights advocate, will lead the Freedom Amendment Coalition to support the measure in the next phase. Was it a strategic choice to add a woman leader to the effort? Will you still be involved?

RW: Oh, yeah, Ill be intimately involved. We spent so much time this last year and a half focusing on getting signatures. We look at this as the next step of the campaign which is expanding beyond volunteers. The grassroots to building a nonpartisan, bipartisan coalition. Well be announcing Republicans for the Freedom Amendment, Libertarians for the Freedom Amendment, Independents for the Freedom Amendment.

Nancy is very articulate. Ive known her for years. Shes been practicing attorney in Watertown, born and raised up there. I love her story. She was educated in an 11-room schoolhouse but ends up going to Harvard and does her undergrad and then bolts to university to get her law degree, came back, ran for the legislature later and served two terms in the [state] Senate. Shes going to bring a lot to the campaign.

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Longtime residents and city leaders in Laguna Beach say this summer has been unlike any other.

Fleeing the scorching inland heat, visitors have flocked to this affluent coastal community by the tens of thousands, crowding beaches and, according to locals, leaving behind unprecedented amounts of trash.

Ive never seen the influx of trash, people, crowds, rescues, sirens in my entire life, said Greg Viviani, a Laguna Beach native who runs the popular Instagram handle SoLagLocal.

In a video shared on July 1, Viviani emptied a trash bag full of beach toys and garbage that he collected in a single morning.

Laguna Beach Trash

This has to stop. This is killing our town, killing our way of life  this is ridiculous, he says.

Laguna Beach Mayor Sue Kempf hears the complaints.

Since Ive lived here, Ive never seen so many visitors, and the people who have lived here 30, 40, 50 years have said the same thing, Kempf told KTLAs Chip Yost on Friday.

While the volume of trash is one way to measure the impact of soaring beach tourism, it isnt the only one.

Laguna Beach woman berates beachgoers in viral TikTok video

According to Laguna Beachs Marine Safety Department, lifeguards were involved in 1,800 more rescues over this July 4th holiday weekend than last years, marking a 400% increase. The number of ordinance enforcements was also significantly higher.

Statistics in every category are exponentially [up], said Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond. You can attribute that to more people, obviously. Social media and other factors are driving the public to our beaches.

Laguna Beach Crowds

Mayor Kempf says the city is exploring ways to generate more revenue from the surge in tourism. For now, she hopes beachgoers will be more respectful of the environment and the community.

We ask that you respect the beach as if its your own. And if you bring things down to the beach, you take everything home with you, including trash, she said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Loved ones are calling for justice after a Southern California man was shot and killed by police.

A young father of two, Jimmy Lopez, 26, was killed by Hemet police officers on July 4. Family members are now filing a lawsuit against the police department.

On that night, police received a call from a bar in downtown Hemet that an intoxicated man had left the bar while carrying what appeared to be a handgun in his pants.

Officers arrived at the scene and spotted Lopez on the 200 block of East Florida Avenue at around 1:40 a.m. As police made contact with him, a confrontation ensued and Lopez was fatally shot by police.

Investigators later confirmed Lopez was carrying an airsoft pistol at the time and not a firearm.

Hemet police said bodycam footage showed Lopez had allegedly pointed the airsoft gun at officers and that there was no way for officers to know that at the time the weapon wasnt a handgun.

Jimmy Lopez, 26, is seen in a photo with his daughter. (Lopez Family)

Jimmy Lopez, 26, is seen in a photo with his daughter. (Lopez Family)

Jimmy Lopez, 26, is seen in family photos. (Lopez Family)

Video of the night Jimmy Lopez was killed showed him sitting against a wall on the sidewalk in Hemet as police surrounded him on July 4, 2024. (Lopez Family attorneys)

Images from the Hemet Police Department showing Jimmy Lopez moments before he was shot and killed on July 4, 2024. Lopezs airsoft gun was also recovered at the scene. (Hemet Police Department)

Loved ones and attorneys called for justice on July 26, 2024 in a lawsuit filed against the Hemet Police Department after the shotoing death of Jimmy Lopez. (KTLA)

Loved ones called for justice on July 26, 2024 in a lawsuit filed against the Hemet Police Department after the shotoing death of Jimmy Lopez. (KTLA)

Police block off the street where Jimmy Lopez was fatally shot by officers in Hemet on July 4, 2024. (RMG)

Video from a neighboring business showed Jimmy Lopez walking with a dark object in his right hand before he was later shot and killed by police on July 4, 2024.

The bar in downtown Hemet where Jimmy Lopez was spotted leaving on July 4, 2024. (KTLA)

Police block off the street where Jimmy Lopez was fatally shot by officers in Hemet on July 4, 2024. (Lopez Family)

Police block off the street where Jimmy Lopez was fatally shot by officers in Hemet on July 4, 2024. (Lopez Family)

Jimmy Lopez, 26, is seen in a photo with his daughter. (Lopez Family)

Jimmy Lopez, 26, is seen in family photos. (Lopez Family)

Police block off the street where Jimmy Lopez was fatally shot by officers in Hemet on July 4, 2024. (RMG)

Police block off the street where Jimmy Lopez was fatally shot by officers in Hemet on July 4, 2024. (Lopez Family)

Loved ones called for justice on July 26, 2024 in a lawsuit filed against the Hemet Police Department after the shotoing death of Jimmy Lopez. (KTLA)

Jimmy Lopez, 26, is seen in family photos. (Lopez Family)

Lopezs family, however, disagreed and questioned why less-than-lethal methods were not used during the confrontation.

They could have stunned him, said Lopezs grandmother. They could have done so many other things and he would have been alive today.

He was a beloved son, brother, nephew and father, said Denisse Gastelum, the attorney representing Lopezs family. What those police officers did was murder a 26-year-old young man.

We want the Hemet Police Department to hold themselves accountable for the choices that they made on July 4th, said Annie Durocher, Lopezs aunt.

Video of the incident showed Lopez sitting on a sidewalk with his back against the wall as police arrived at his location that night.

He smoked what appeared to be a vape pen and moments later, he moved his right hand and shots were immediately fired at him. Police later allege that Lopez was seen holding the airsoft pistol at the time.

Lopezs attorneys, however, claimed Lopez never pulled out the airsoft gun and are calling for justice over the decisions made by police that night.

First of all, he wasnt armed with a firearm, said Christian Contreras, another attorney representing Lopezs family. Second of all, the gun that may have been in question, wasnt a real gun. Sure, the officers may not have known that, but at the same time, when there are reports of such, that should have been transmitted and thats a fundamental error in policing that occurred here.

The attorneys also claimed police fired more than 100 shots toward Lopez.

Although it remains unclear what Lopez was doing moments before he was killed, Dennis Zine, a retired Los Angeles police officer, said officers operate with the main goal of neutralizing the situation.

If the individual reporting to 911 says the individual has a weapon, whether its loaded, unloaded, an airsoft or other weapon, theyre saying the man has a gun and officers will go with idea that this individual is armed, Zine explained. I would say if the individual has a weapon, whether its an airsoft or not, you really cant tell.

In a video obtained by KTLA from a nearby business owner, Lopez was seen walking outside while holding a dark object in his hand before the deadly shooting. Moments later, hes seen stumbling backward into some bushes before eventually getting up and walking away.

The incident remains under investigation by the Riverside County District Attorneys Office and the Riverside County Sheriffs Office Force Investigation Detail.

An independent review will be conducted by the California Department of Justice under Assembly Bill 1506 which requires the department to investigate officer-involved shootings that result in the death of an unarmed person.

Hemet police officials said a critical incident video of the deadly shooting will be released in the coming days.

We are committed to transparency and will provide all relevant information to the public as it becomes available, Hemet police said. The Hemet Police Department has and will continue to fully cooperate with all involved law enforcement agencies during this investigation.

Family members plan to hold a protest on Saturday, July 27 outside the Historic Hemet Theatre in Hemet.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A man who was hospitalized after a suspect stole a coffee cart with him inside and led officers on a wild, multi-county pursuit recalls the terrifying ordeal.

I thought I was going to die, said the victim, Derek Strano, 37.

On July 16, the suspect, Liam Preston Yanez, 28, jumped into a pickup truck that was also towing a coffee service trailer in Moorpark.

Little did the suspect know, Strano was still inside the coffee cart. At the time, Strano had gone inside the cart to prepare a drink for a family member who had arrived home from surgery.

As the truck suddenly took off, Strano was taken on a violent, wild ride through Ventura and Los Angeles counties as police officers chased the stolen truck.

I feel the truck moving and I had been in there for two minutes, Strano recalled. I thought I had the parking brake off, but then the truck blows through the fence. It was hell.

Suspect leading police on a chase driving a stolen pickup truck with a coffee trailer containing Derek Strano inside on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

Derek Strano making coffee inside a trailer owned by Matts Coffee Express. (Derek Strano)

The suspect crashed the pickup truck in North Hollywood, overturning the coffee trailer on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

Derek Strano speaks to KTLAs Chris Wolfe on July 26, 2024. (KTLA)

Derek Strano was hospitalized after being ejected from a coffee cart during a police pursuit. (Derek Strano)

Derek Strano was hospitalized with serious injuries after being ejected from a coffee cart during a police pursuit. (Derek Strano)

Derek Strano was hospitalized with serious injuries after being ejected from a coffee cart during a police pursuit. (Derek Strano)

Stolen vehicle pursuit suspect crash truck and trailer in North Hollywood on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

The interior of the coffee cart was destroyed during a stolen vehicle pursuit through L.A. and Ventura counties on July 16, 2024. (Derek Strano)

The interior of the coffee cart was destroyed during a stolen vehicle pursuit through L.A. and Ventura counties on July 16, 2024. (Derek Strano)

Stolen vehicle pursuit suspect crash truck and trailer in North Hollywood on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

Derek Strano was hospitalized with serious injuries after being ejected from a coffee cart during a police pursuit. (Derek Strano)

Derek Strano was hospitalized with serious injuries after being ejected from a coffee cart during a police pursuit. (Derek Strano)

Suspect leading police on a chase driving a stolen pickup truck with a coffee trailer containing Derek Strano inside on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

Stolen vehicle pursuit suspect crash truck and trailer in North Hollywood on July 16, 2024. (KTLA)

Video of the chase showed the suspect driving erratically as the coffee cart swerved dangerously behind.

Strano held on for life, grabbing a sink inside the coffee cart as the chase became more chaotic. Eventually, Strano could not hold on any longer.

He took a turn and the side door was ripped off and I flew out of it when he made that turn, Strano said.

The coffee cart later overturned as the suspect crashed the pickup truck into the Heartfelt Education through the Arts Center building in North Hollywood.

Strano was left hospitalized with serious injuries after the ordeal. The incident left him with severe pain and limited his mobility.

Strano said hes also been suffering from nightmares and flashbacks to the night of the crash.

The suspect, Yanez, was arrested on several felony charges including unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle and receiving stolen property. He is being held on $20,000 bail.

Strano, however, believes those charges are not enough for the damage caused.

His charges, not one of them are for my injuries, Strano said. My name isnt in the report. I was just a worker, the assistant, and it kind of got to me.

For now, Strano is focused on recovering and is undergoing physical therapy. He said he may also consider psychological therapy as well.

A GoFundMe page to help Strano with his medical bills can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WETM)  Thousands of households in the Southern Tier will get access to high-speed broadband internet thanks to a multi-million dollar federal grant.

Governor Kathy Hochuls Office announced that areas across the state are getting a total of more than $70 million in tax funds from the federal government through ConnectALLs Municipal Infrastructure Grant Program. New York States ConnectALL initiative aims to build up the states digital infrastructure and give all New Yorkers access to the internet.

Access to affordable, high-quality internet is no longer a luxury  it is a necessity for everyday life, said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. New Yorkers rely daily on broadband to connect them with work opportunities, health care, education and much more. This funding will go directly toward bridging the digital divide and deliver high-speed internet to families across New York State.

More than $450,000 grant awarded to the Elmira Corning Regional Airport for quality improvements

Southern Tier Network is getting $18.2 million from ConnectALLs latest round of grants. This nonprofit organization will use the funds to build 223 miles of open-access fiber optic infrastructure in eight towns across Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Tompkins Counties. More than 4,200 homes and businesses will be connected through this project and receive high-speed symmetric internet service options for the first time.

Southern Tier Network will follow the model ConnectALLs municipal infrastructure pilot project used in the Town of Nichols when it installs fiber across the region. The organization will partner with FiberSpark and other local internet service providers on the network to give residents and businesses service rates lower than the areas typical service rates. Southern Tier Network isnt a competitor for local providers; the fiber it installs can be used by multiple providers, and the consumers can choose their provider.

Elmira Fire Department to receive federal funding for new gear, training

The areas in the Southern Tier that will receive new digital infrastructure from this project have extreme rural poverty, vulnerable aging populations, and disproportionately high levels of households that have at least one person with a disability. Having access to high-speed internet is expected to increase education, economic, and health outcomes for people who live in these areas and help retain the population.

ConnectALLs Municipal Infrastructure Program gets its funding from the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the American Rescue Plans Capital Projects Fund. The Capital Projects Fund was created after the pandemic revealed the challenges communities without access to broadband face. This fund gives states and other entities money to fund projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring in the event of a public health emergency.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
About 150 APS customers in a low-income neighborhood in southwest Phoenix have endured two days of sweltering heat after a violent microburst knocked down power lines around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Power in the predominantly Latino area near 35th Avenue and Buckeye Road remained out late Friday afternoon, as temperatures over the past two days soared above 110 degrees during the day and hovered around 90 degrees at night, making life miserable for the residents, including young children and babies.

Some residents were forced to spend nights sleeping in sweltering bedrooms with no air conditioning, while others booked rooms at low-cost hotels or bunked with friends and relatives. Others slept in their cars with the engine running and the air conditioner on. Without electricity, food in freezers and refrigerators quickly spoiled, while residents went in search of ice.

Some customers could be without power throughout the weekend, an APS spokesperson said.

A shelter staffed by the Red Cross had been opened at North High School to accommodate families that lost power.

Chery Murillo, 64, raced out of her house at 1:45 p.m. Friday to pick up ice from APS distribution site at Sullivan Elementary School down the street. She made it shortly before the distribution ended, and APS loaded her truck bed with nearly 20 bags.

She then drove through her neighborhood, handing the bags out. Most of her neighbors speak only Spanish and she speaks only English, so she couldnt communicate easily, but everyone understood as she yelled and showed the bags of ice.

Paulina Alire, 25, lives at home with her two younger siblings and her mom and dad. Alire smiled as she grabbed ice from Murillos truck bed. She hoped the AC would return soon but was unsure when that would be.

A microburst packing winds of more than 75 miles an hour caused severe damage in the area, and crews, in essence, are having to rebuild the electrical system, APS spokesperson Katie Conner said in a written statement.

While the majority of customers in the area who lost power have had their electricity restored, about 150 customers remained without power late Friday, Conner said.

"Our crews will continue to work 24/7 to get power restored as soon as possible which includes clearing out damaged equipment, digging fresh holes, installing new poles, and stringing new wire," Conner said. "Customers will be restored throughout the weekend as work progresses."

According to the APS outage website, power was supposed to be back up at 2 p.m., but then it shifted to 9 p.m.

It was 105 degrees around 2 p.m. The forecast projected it would get four degrees hotter over the next three hours. It wouldn't drop below 100 until 9 p.m.

Alire said she and her family were taking shifts to sleep in the car at night with their pets to get some air conditioning. But they could not sleep for too long because they feared the car battery would die. They have a cat and a little dog, and the dog has been crying in the heat, Alire said. They dont have friends or anywhere to go, she said.

Alire's dad works in construction, so hes more used to the heat than the rest of them, though its bothering him too, she said.

When Murillo arrived home, her roommate told her the chargeable fan they bought yesterday was about to lose power. The $100 cordless Ryobi misting fan was expensive, but they needed relief. She had to drive to Starbucks and plug it in for an hour to fully charge it, so she was disappointed that all that money and time only got them 90 minutes.

Aside from the fan, Murillo, her roommate, her daughter and her grandson had been placing wet washcloths on their shoulders, necks and heads to keep cool. They slept in the living room with the front and back doors open at night because it was the coolest place they had. It hit 101 degrees in her house on Friday.

They set up an ice plunge pool in the backyard on Thursday, but she mistakenly placed it in the sun, not the shade, so the cold water warmed within two hours. Now theyre taking showers to cool off.

In addition to trying to cope with the heat, Murillo is bored, she said. No power means no TV. She played games on her phone but then realized it was draining her battery. She has to drive around to charge her phone in the car to be able to get text and call updates from APS.

Murillo said she was too worried about her house being burglarized to leave and stay at the Red Cross shelter. There are lots of people experiencing homelessness in the area, she said.

The fear of losing her belongings has also kept her from going to work, she said. She took Thursday and Friday off to keep watch over her five dogs and home.

Her grandson, Lucky, fears the heat endangers his grandmas health. He works at a warehouse where its minimally cooled, so hes more used to the heat. Still, he said, its mentally draining.

At a little after 4 p.m., Tracy Cade, 58, sat in front of his modest ranch-style house on a plastic chair, sweat dripping down his face.

Cade, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and stage four kidney failure, had just returned from four hours of dialysis. He said he usually takes a nap after the treatment, "but it's even hotter inside." A thermometer reading inside his house showed the temperature was 96.2 degrees.

The first night, Cade said, he slept in his car with the air conditioning on. Then the vehicle ran out of gas.

The second night, he stayed with a sister. He was waiting to see if the electricity came back Friday night before deciding where he would sleep.

Tracy Cade, 58, of Hadley Street, sweats in front of his house on July 26, 2024, after losing power on July 24. He has COPD and stage four kidney failure and had just come back from four hours of dialysis.

Cade's brother, Travis Cade, 60, estimated he had lost $500 to $700 worth of food stored in freezers and refrigerators inside the house.

He was on the phone with an APS representative who was guiding him through the process of filing a claim to be reimbursed for the lost food.

Juan Cruz, 59, was outside Friday night cooking pieces of meat on a gas grill in front of his house on Hadley Street, swept dripping down his cheeks. Cruz said he didn't want the meat to spoil after losing power. A mister out front provided some relief. The thermometer read 82.2 degrees on the patio.

Cruz has three small dogs, two chihuahuas and a fluffy white dog. One of them lay on the floor panting furiously.

A thermometer reading inside his house said it was 84.7 degrees. Cruz said he had slept in his bedroom both nights and was planning to do so again.

Cruz said he opened all of the windows, but it was still hot.

Juan Cruz, 59, on July 26, 2024, grilling meat before it spoils. His southwest Phoenix neighborhood lost power two days earlier.

Jesus Medina, 33, and his family rented a room for $100 at the Greentree Inn and Suites near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He said it was too hot to sleep inside their house. A thermometer reading showed the temperature was 92.4 degrees inside the bedrooms, but the walls facing the sun measured 107 degrees.

Medina, and his wife, Felicia Rodriguez, 29, have a nearly 2-year-old baby, Mia. Rodriguez's 15-year-old sister, Neidy, and 9-year-old niece, Layla, also live with them.

Medina said he also spent $250 on a gas generator he found on Facebook Marketplace. He was using the generator to power a refrigerator to keep his food from spoiling. The generator also powered a single fan in the living room, but the room still felt suffocatingly hot.

"I have to fill it up with gas every six hours," Medina said, which meant leaving the hotel in the middle of the night to come home.

Medina said he had received a text message that power would be restored by 9 p.m. Friday. But he doubted it.

On Wednesday, he said, APS said the power would come back at midnight. Then, that time was pushed back to 3 a.m., then 9 a.m., then 3 p.m.

"And on and on," Medina said. "That's how it's been."

APS encouraged customers to visit the APS Outage Center at aps.com/outagecenter for additional information about ice reimbursement and distribution, emergency shelters, safety information and restoration times.

The utility also encouraged customers to log on to aps.com and ensure their contact information is current to receive automatic outage updates.

Heat respite: Phoenix apartment complex says AC is back on hours before attorney general's deadline

Reach the reporters at tseely@arizonarepublic.com and daniel.gonzalez@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Southwest Phoenix neighborhood suffering without AC since Wednesday
Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO) Second Quarter 2024 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: US$34.5b (up 4.3% from 2Q 2023).

Net income: US$880.0m (down 55% from 2Q 2023).

Profit margin: 2.6% (down from 5.9% in 2Q 2023). The decrease in margin was driven by higher expenses.

EPS: US$2.72 (down from US$5.41 in 2Q 2023).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Valero Energy EPS Beats Expectations

Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) surpassed analyst estimates by 5.0%.

Looking ahead, revenue is expected to decline by 5.3% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, while revenues in the Oil and Gas industry in the US are expected to grow by 2.4%.

Performance of the American Oil and Gas industry.

The company's shares are up 7.3% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Valero Energy (of which 1 is a bit unpleasant!) you should know about.

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.

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Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

The next space station astronaut crew may be the last to splash down in the ocean nearby the U.S. east coast.

The Crew Dragon Crew-9 mission with astronauts is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station no earlier than Aug. 18, perhaps becoming the final NASA-led ISS mission to arrive in the Atlantic Ocean aboard Crew Dragon.

Repeated issues with large chunks of debris from Dragon  "trunks" where the fuel and electrical supplies are held  have repeatedly crashed down in areas ranging from Australia to North Carolina. One measure to fix that will be tasking future spacecraft after Crew-9, perhaps as soon as Crew-10, to splash down on the U.S. Pacific coast, SpaceX said during a press conference today (July 26).

"What we'll do is we'll implement a software change to complete the deorbit burn before jettisoning the trunk, like we did with Dragon-1, and then the trunk will intentionally land [...] in an unpopulated area of the ocean," Sarah Walker, SpaceX's director of Dragon mission management, said in the livestreamed briefing. "So to make this change possible, we'll move a Dragon recovery vessel to the Pacific sometime next year."

Related: SpaceX launches to ISS are under independent NASA review after rare Falcon 9 rocket failure

four people in white spacesuits smile and hold thumbs up

Aside from less space junk, the Pacific coast tends to be subject to fewer instances of extreme weather and hurricanes, potentially adding more predictability for scheduling the end of crewed missions, Walker noted.

The four astronauts on board Crew-9 include commander Zena Cardman (NASA), pilot Nick Hague (NASA), mission specialist Stephanie Wilson (NASA) and mission specialist Alexsandr Gorbunov (Roscosmos).

Crew-9 will only fly to space once NASA approves Falcon 9 for ISS launches again, but all is proceeding so far for an Aug. 18 liftoff. The Falcon 9's second stage experienced a failure on July 11 due to an oxygen leak, during a Starlink satellite launch. SpaceX says it has resolved the matter with the Federal Aviation Administration and plans launching other missions again as soon as Saturday (July 27).

NASA said the fixes the FAA approved will take place before the space agency's program control board for Crew-9, but the agency has been embedded with the SpaceX investigation all along and is confident in the work so far. "We understand exactly what they've [SpaceX] have done," NASA's Steve Stich, program manager for commercial crew, said in the briefing.

RELATED STORIES:

 Rare SpaceX rocket failure shows exactly why NASA wants 2 commercial options to fly astronauts to ISS

 FAA investigating SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket failure

 SpaceX finds cause of Falcon 9 failure, eyes return to flight as soon as July 27

It has been a busy month for the ISS, as Boeing Starliner's engineers continue their investigation of issues during docking of the first test astronaut mission on June 5. Ground tests showed issues with thruster insulation and propulsion flow that likely affected approach to the ISS, a press conference said yesterday (July 25).

The two Starliner astronauts, NASA's Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are more than 50 days into what was supposed to be a 10-day mission and no landing date has been set yet, as Boeing and NASA continue to study the thruster problems and helium leaks in the propulsion system. These will need to be addressed ahead of operational, six-month ISS missions by Starliner starting as soon as 2025.

Wilmore and Williams have been living off a four-month reserve of supplies on the ISS before their return, which will be sometime before Crew-9 arrives at ISS. They will at last be receiving their personal items on a Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the ISS aboard Falcon 9 set for no earlier than Aug. 3, as their suitcases had to be pulled off last-minute from CFT's Starliner to ship a critical ISS part for its water system.

"There are any number of challenges that we can face that that result in a shortage of supplies on board, for example, if you have a cargo flight that slips out [delays]," ISS program manager Dana Weigel told Space.com in the press conference, explaining why the reserve exists.

The reserve includes clothing, food, water, oxygen, nitrogen and other critical items. "We had plenty of generic supplies on board," Weigel noted. "So we just had Butch and Suni use those."
ORLANDO, Fla.  After more than two weeks grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration, SpaceX returned to launching its workhorse Falcon 9 lifting off early Saturday from Kennedy Space Center.

The rocket took off at 1:45 a.m. carrying 23 of the companys Starlink internet satellites from KSCs Launch Pad 39-A.

The first-stage booster made its 17th trip to space and managed another recovery landing on the droneship Just Read the Instructions stationed downrange in the Atlantic.

It was the 51st launch from the Space Coast for the year, with all but three coming from SpaceX. Including California, it was the 71st operational mission for SpaceX, not including two test launches of its Starship and Super Heavy rocket from Texas.

The companys frenetic launch pace this year was ground to a halt by the FAA after a July 11 launch from California ended in a failure of the Falcon 9s upper stage.

The failure was due to liquid oxygen leak that caused its second stage engine to ice over in between its initial burn and a planned second burn to raise its orbit before deploying its payload. No second burn occurred, and the 20 Starlink satellites on board, which did manage to be deployed, were at too low an altitude and ultimately burned up on reentry in the Earths atmosphere.

SpaceXs mishap investigation found the leak came from a crack in a sense line for a pressure sensor that was located on the rockets oxygen system.

Our teams have been performing this comprehensive review with FAA as part of the formal investigation process, but also of all of our SpaceX vehicles and our ground systems including Dragon so we wanted to ensure weve been meticulous and thorough with what weve learned as we return to flight, said SpaceXs Sarah Walker on Friday, who was speaking at a preview press conference for Crew-9, the next planned human spaceflight for SpaceX next month.

To remedy it for now, SpaceX removed the sense line and sensor on its fleet of Falcon 9 second stages saying it could track data with other sensors.

It also removed certain other sense lines on other parts of the Falcon 9 to be overly cautious, she said.

Its not related to the flight safety system in any way. Its not used for that system, so were able to just remove it. Its redundant with alternate sensors we already have present on the engine, she said. That design change has actually already been tested at our rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas.

The FAA accepted the investigation results and cleared the rocket for a return to flight for all of its planned missions including human spaceflight.

Walker noted that on Dragon launches, no second burn of the upper stage is required, and thats a feature used on certain satellite missions. The Saturday launch featured such a burn, and the upper stage was able to perform it as planned deploying the Starlink satellites into their proper low-Earth orbit.

Now that SpaceX is back to launching, it has a busy manifest lined up for the next month.

The range is clear for SpaceX to attempt another Starlink launch from nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Stations Space Launch Complex 40 during a four-hour window Sunday that runs from 12:13-4:13 a.m. and then a Starlink launch from KSC as early as Aug. 2.

It also has a resupply mission flying Northrop Grummans Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station slated to launch from Cape Canaveral as early as Aug. 3.

It could also launch two human spaceflights from the Space Coast in August with the Crew-9 rotational mission from KSC as early as Aug. 18 and the private orbital Polaris Dawn mission featuring billionaire Jared Issacman also potentially in August.

It was really incredible to see how quickly the team was able to identify the cause of the mishap and then associated corrective actions to ensure success of future missions, Walker said.
Launch recap: Scroll down for live coverage of the Sunday, July 28, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40.

Embedded content: https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2024/07/28/spacex-launches-starlink-from-the-space-coast-florida-back-to-back-rocket-falcon-9/74559511007/

The familiar rumble of rockets is once again ringing through the Space Coast. Sunday morning was the second of back-to-back launches from Florida, as SpaceX's latest Starlink mission had just lifted off from Kennedy Space Center early Saturday morning.

After two delays, SpaceX had officially confirmed liftoff was targeted for 1:09 a.m. on Sunday. Backup opportunities existed until 4:01 a.m..

The Starlink 10-4 mission launched from Space Force Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral. The group of SpaceX Starlink internet satellites were launched in a northeast trajectory.

When is the next Florida launch? Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule in Florida

No Central Florida sonic booms were expected as the Falcon 9 first stage landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

Countdown Timer

Watch Falcon 9 launch 23 @Starlink satellites to orbit https://t.co/IjTx9caIfM  SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 28, 2024

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands

Update 1:17 a.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX's drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas out on the Atlantic Ocean, completing its 14th mission.

Falcon 9 first stage lands on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship pic.twitter.com/wD4fhHcCpp  SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 28, 2024

Liftoff!

Update 1:09 a.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Starlinks skyward with liftoff of Falcon 9 pic.twitter.com/ACUno6c3Ie  SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 28, 2024

SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 1:02 a.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock.

Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

We are 10 minutes from tonights SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch!

Update 12:59 a.m.: T-10 minutes! Head outside if you plan on catching this launch! If you have clear skies, it will be hard to miss the bright rocket rising into the sky.

Simply look towards the direction South of Kennedy Space Center from your direction.

SpaceX launch countdown timeline

Update 12:46 a.m.: Here's a behind-the-scenes rundown of SpaceXs countdown timeline. T-minus:

38 minutes: SpaceX launch director verifies go for propellant load.

35 minutes: Rocket-grade kerosene and first-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.

16 minutes: Second-stage liquid oxygen loading begins.

7 minutes: Falcon 9 begins engine chill prior to launch.

1 minute: Command flight computer begins final prelaunch checks; propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins.

45 seconds: SpaceX launch director verifies go for launch.

3 seconds: Engine controller commands engine ignition sequence to start.

0 seconds: Liftoff.

SpaceX fueling underway

Update 12:35 a.m.: SpaceX has indicated they are moving forward with the 1:09 a.m. liftoff time.

Less than one hour to our first @Starlink launch tonight. Falcon 9 is go for propellant load, range and weather are currently green  https://t.co/wzHecNyQeN  SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 28, 2024

SpaceX Starship has engine test in Texas

Update 11:55 p.m.: SpaceX recently posted to X that a static test fire of Starship's six raptor engines occurred earlier today in Texas.

Slow motion view of Flight 5 Starships six Raptor engines during static fire pic.twitter.com/5395Vmq2j4  SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 27, 2024

SpaceX second launch delay

Update 11:35 p.m.: SpaceX has further pushed the time of the launch. Liftoff is now targeted for 1:09 a.m.

SpaceX has not provided a reason, yet the radar shows storms to the north.

Brevard EOC activates ahead of SpaceX launch

Update 11:30 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of SpaceXs upcoming Falcon 9 launch.

7/27/24 11:13 PM | We have activated our launch operations support team in preparation for the SpaceX Falcon9 launch. Window: 12:13 - 4:13 AM pic.twitter.com/RkPakUADls  Brevard EOC (@BrevardEOC) July 28, 2024

SpaceX delays launch time

Update 11:15 p.m.: While a reason was not stated, SpaceX has pushed the liftoff time to 12:45 a.m. EDT.

SpaceX is seeking a triple-header

Update 11:08 p.m.: SpaceX is planning to launch from California shortly after tonight's Space Coast launch. After returning to flight yesterday, this will be the third batch of Starlink in just over 24-hours.

Targeting back-to-back @Starlink launches tonight from Florida and California  https://t.co/SpsRVRsvz1  SpaceX (@SpaceX) July 28, 2024

Tonight's SpaceX launch weather outlook

Update 10:55 p.m.: Welcome to another launch day!

The 45th Weather Squadron calls for 85% favorable conditions for this evenings launch window, which now opens at 12:17 a.m. EDT.

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX launch recap: Starlink mission Sunday from Space Coast
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  With early voting winding down and Election Day looming, spending in the Tennessee Senate District 4 Republican primary race between Sen. Jon Lundberg and Bobby Harshbarger has nearly reached $2 million.

While the latest campaign finance reports show the two candidates have spent a combined $819,497 since mid-January, the lions share of the spending has come from political action committees (PACs), which have spent more than $1 million combined.

Ethics complaint against Sen. Lundberg, supporting PACs dismissed

The amount spent so far may not be all that surprising to some District 4 voters who have been bombarded with political text messages and mailers over the past few months. While some of the mailers came from the candidates themselves, many were paid for by the political action committees supporting them.

Candidate Finances

Reports show that since mid-January, the two-term incumbent Lundberg outspent Harshbarger, the son of Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. Lundberg reported $442,886 in disbursements between Jan. 16 and July 22 while Harshbargers campaign reported $376,611.

But during the same period, Harshbarger outraised Lundberg by over 20% with $403,918 in total receipts. A majority of that came from Harshbarger himself, who loaned $380,000 to his campaign in separate loans. The remaining $23,918 came from 27 campaign donations. Aside from a $4,500 donation from the Tennessee Firearms Associations PAC, Harshbargers contributions came from individuals.

All of Lundbergs $327,581 in receipts were from 257 donations to his campaign. His funding sources included a mix of political action committees, other elected officials, and private donors, including donations from many prominent Republicans such as former Gov. Bill Haslam, former Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, and former Congressman Phil Roe. His private donors included several Tri-Cities business leaders such as Meade Tractor president Chuck Meade, Landair Transport founder Scott Niswonger, and Food City President and CEO Steve Smith.

As of July 22, Harshbargers team reported having $27,306 on hand and Lundbergs campaign reported $70,113 on hand.

Donald Trump endorses Bobby Harshbargers state Senate bid

PACs

Most of the spending in the District 4 race has been done by PACs not affiliated with either candidate. In Tennessee, PACs are required to disclose how much they spend supporting or opposing a candidate.

Three PACs connected to Republicans in the General Assembly have spent nearly $765,000 alone in support of Lundberg, including $344,527 by Lt. Gov. Randy McNallys PAC, MCPAC; $228,700 by the Senate Republican Caucus; and $191,718 by Senate Majority Jack Johnsons PAC, JACK-PAC.

Lundberg, who chairs the Senate Education Committee and supported the governors school voucher plan, has also received indirect support from education-related PACs. Team Kid PAC, the political spending arm of the pro-charter school group Tennesseans for Student Success, has reported $84,604 in spending and the pro-voucher Tennessee Federation for Children PAC has reported $76,711 in spending in the District 4 race.

The Bristol Republican has also received help from Americans for Prosperity Action PAC to the tune of $65,734.

Meanwhile, Harshbarger has received support from East Tennessee Conservatives PAC, which reported $89,506 in expenditures through June 30 but hasnt posted its report covering July 122, which was due Thursday.

Since East Tennessee Conservatives PAC was formed last year, it has reported only two funding sources: $200,000 from Great America Coalition of Washington D.C. and $95,000 from American Policy Coalition Inc. of Alexandria, Virginia.

Most of the spending by PACs has gone towards advertisements, including TV ads and mailers.

Early voting ends on Friday and Election Day is Aug. 1.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
CHICAGO  The 85-year-old man who spent decades in prison known as the Starved Rock Killer is no longer on mandatory supervised release through the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The decision to release Chester Weger was made from the Prison Review Board, an IDOC spokesperson confirmed Friday.

It is accurate he is no longer on Mandatory Supervised Release (MSR), the spokesperson said in an email to WGN.

Weger was placed on mandatory supervised release as required by state law more than four years ago after he was released from Pinckneyville Correctional Center, where hed spent 59 years. He entered the prison in 1961 after being convicted in the death of 50-year-old Lillian Oetting. Prosecutors chose not to try him in the deaths of 47-year-old Frances Murphy and 50-year-old Mildred Lindquist.

Starved Rock killer Chester Weger released from prison after 59 years

Weger initially confessed to beating the women to death with a frozen tree branch during a botched robbery attempt but later recanted, claiming he was innocent and that prosecutors had coerced him into confessing.

WGN has reached out to the Prisoner Review Board for more information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
The Stuart News moves its Martin County office to the Ocean One Stuart Executive Suites building near Confusion Corner in downtown Stuart.

STUART  The Stuart News has moved downtown.

The newspaper's Martin County office is now at 1 SE Ocean Blvd, Suite 15, in the Ocean One Stuart Executive Suites building on the southeast corner of Confusion Corner in downtown Stuart.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Public access to the office remains accessible by appointment only. Local journalists and advertising representatives use the office while continuing a hybrid office/home work environment.

Newspaper contacts did not change:

Circulation/Home Delivery

Phone: 844-331-0264 or 772-562-2315

Online: account.tcpalm.com

Mail Payments: Treasure Coast Newspapers, PO Box 742699, Cincinnati, OH 45274-2521

Advertising

Main contact: Lauryn Calvert | 772-631-2184 | lcalvert@localiq.com

Classified Ads: 772-283-5252 | tcpalmclass@tcpalm.com

Obituaries: 772-283-5252, option 2 | tcnpaidobits@tcpalm.com

Legal Ads: 772-283-5252, option 3 | tcnmartinlegals@tcpalm.com

Mail Payments: Treasure Coast Newspapers, PO Box 1410, Charlotte, NC 28201-1410

Newsroom

Phone: 772-409-1400

Email: yesdesk@tcpalm.com

This move follows the Stuart News' relocation five years ago to the Colorado Plaza from its longtime location at 1939 SE Federal Highway, which was sold to the Martin County School District.

The Stuart News moves its Martin County office to the Ocean One Stuart Executive Suites building near Confusion Corner in downtown Stuart.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: TCPalm moves Stuart office closer to downtown, continues local coverage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Many parents are taking advantage of Tennessees annual sales tax holiday weekend for back-to-school supplies, but one Hermitage middle school is taking away the hassle altogether.

This year, all students will receive free school supplies at DuPont Tyler Middle School.

Not every family has the schedule to be able to get out on Tax-Free Weekend, Fred Hewitt, executive principal at Dupont Tyler Middle School, said.

Hewitt said through partnerships and leftover funds from the COVID-19 pandemic, the school has focused on putting more technology in the classroom, as well as supplying students this year.

When Middle Tennessee schools start the new year

We have taken care of everything that the students will need, except for the backpack, Hewitt said.

Its just one way the school is giving back after some students struggled to get supplies in years past.

We are about 57% economically disadvantaged here at DuPont Tyler, so what we were finding was they were showing up to schools and not having those supplies, Hewitt said.

While the school supply room is stocked for the next two years, Hewitt is also focusing on improving attendance through various incentives, such as the Community Achieves program.

Metro Nashville schools to implement new AI policy for upcoming school year

Parents are able to come in and pick up household items based on earning points for their child being in school, Hewitt said.

He said DuPont Tyler has seen a drastic drop in absenteeism, from 44% around the pandemic to under 19% last year.

Offering free school supplies is just one method school officials are approving as they plan to provide extra support to students this year.

We had a lot of comments from single mothers, single parents out there that are relieved to see that they dont have to be running around this weekend, trying to take care of getting those school supplies, Hewitt said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Surrounding states bracing for spike in demand as Iowa abortion ban set to take effect

Surrounding states bracing for spike in demand as Iowa abortion ban set to take effect

Abortion providers are bracing for Iowas near total abortion ban to take effect on Monday.

In Illinois, the Chicago Abortion Fund, a group which provides referrals and funds to those seeking abortions, saw a 165 percent increase in support requests from patients in Iowa this month, it told The Washington Post.

Its staggering even to me, the groups executive director Megan Jeyifo said.

Last month, the Iowa Supreme Court lifted a hold on a 2023 state law, banning abortions in most cases after six weeks, after a lower court temporarily blocked the law.

The ban will now take effect Monday morning.

In preparation, Planned Parenthood told NBC News its expanding services in surrounding states like Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

We are standing by ready to help patients receive access to care, even if that means traveling out of state, Ruth Richardson, president of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said.

The Emma Goldman Clinic, based in Iowa City, said it will seek to support patients who need to travel out of state now for care.

We will help those for whom we are unable to provide abortion services to navigate the logistics of seeking care in other states, it said in a statement.

Prior to the 2023 law, which contains exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormality, and lethal risks to the mother, Iowa banned abortions after 22 weeks.

Abortions expected to drop 97 percent once the new law takes effect, according to Planned Parenthood.
Many cryptocurrency observers were expecting this week to be hot like the summer weather for coins and tokens. After all, the man who might be our next vice president is a well-known crypto advocate (and one-time venture capitalist), and a new financial instrument linked to a leading coin made its debut.

But somehow the stars didn't align, and for the most part the altcoin market sagged. Both utility and meme cryptocurrencies alike fell over the period, according to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Toncoin (CRYPTO: TON), for example, was down by almost 8% over the week, while Polkadot (CRYPTO: DOT) and Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) didn't fare much better, with losses around the 7% mark. Pepe (CRYPTO: PEPE) fell by 6%.

Crypto ally hopes fading?

That high-level cryptocurrency fan is, it nearly goes without saying, recently minted Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. News of his ascension to the lower half of that party's ticket got crypto-heads excited; if Vance and running mate Donald Trump win, the crypto industry could have quite a powerful advocate firmly ensconced in the White House for several crucial years.

That excitement faded with Joe Biden's announcement that he would not run for re-election. Into that void confidently stepped vice president Kamala Harris, who at least initially seems to be making a strong and well-considered play for the top job. At the same time, doubts seemed to be growing about Vance's suitability as a candidate for No. 2. This, understandably, made crypto enthusiasts less enthusiastic about the upcoming election.

This should have been at least somewhat mitigated by the kickoff of Ethereum spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). After all, when Bitcoin ETFs were launched at the beginning of the year they led to a surge of interest in the leading cryptocurrency. This was entirely reasonable, as a spot crypto ETF is an elegant way for an investor to put money in such assets without the hassle of having to own them directly.

Of course, few expected such a happy parade for Ethereum ETFs. These instruments are no longer a novelty, and Ethereum doesn't quite have the fame and fascination of its bigger brother. Still, like Bitcoin ETFs, the Ethereum variety gives the market a quick and easy entry into the coin. And Ethereum is more versatile an instrument than Bitcoin and has more potential, in my view, so it's kind of surprising that the new ETFs weren't more of a hit.

Perhaps it's "crypto ETF fatigue," or maybe many investors are interested in such instruments only if they have "Bitcoin" in the title.

Story continues

Signs of life at the end of the week

All that being said, as Friday afternoon loomed there seemed to be something of a bottom-bounce rally in Cryptoland. Bitcoin picked itself up from the floor, and numerous altcoins were also improving (like Ethereum, which as of early evening was up by 3%). Perhaps this is the start of a new period of bullishness now that the market is getting over The Harris Effect and the damp squib of the Ethereum ETF rollout.

Next week will sure be an interesting one in the crypto market; watch this space for more.

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Why Altcoins Like Toncoin and Pepe Stumbled This Week was originally published by The Motley Fool
CRESTWOOD, Mo.  Two suspects accused of stealing from the Crestwood Sams Club and shoving a manager to the ground were later stopped in Omaha, Nebraska.

The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Andrei Fota and Catherine Vaduva with one felony count of stealing each amid the investigation. Fota also faces a fourth-degree assault charge.

Criminal charges stem from a theft on July 14 at the Sams Club location at 10248 Big Bend Road.

Quadruple shooting outside restaurant on Gravois, 1 dead

According to court documents obtained by FOX 2, Fota and Vaduva attempted to leave the store with several bags of unpurchased allergy medicine before a manger confronted them and asked them to return the merchandise. Moments later, Fota pushed the manager to the ground.

Fota and Vaduva then ran out of the store and took off with unknown amounts of allergy medicine, per court documents. Surveillance cameras captured video as both drove away from the scene.

The surveillance footage helped local police investigate the matter and send information on the suspects to other law enforcement agencies. At some point, a flock camera revealed that Fota and Vaduva were heading west toward Kansas City. Later on, police spotted the suspect vehicle in Omaha, Nebraska.

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According to court documents, authorities in Nebraska identified Fota and Vaduva from the surveillance video. Both were allegedly wearing the same clothes they wore during the theft at Sams Club.

Court documents state that Fota is from Romania and Vaduva is from France. Its unclear if they have any other ties to the St. Louis area or Nebraska.

The manager who was pushed suffered a sprained wrist and a bruised elbow, according to court documents.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
DENVER (KDVR)  The University of Colorado Boulder Police Department needs help identifying two people who are suspected of stealing a rare poster from the Macky Auditorium on campus.

On Friday, CUPD posted on X asking for tips from the community.

North Korean charged in cyberattacks that impacted Colorado health care provider

According to the department, the poster was a vintage, mid-1900s Macky Auditorium performance poster that was reportedly stolen in the early morning hours of July 24. It is unclear how the suspects gained access to the building.

CU Boulder poster theft suspects

Macky Auditorium was completed in 1922 and has been home to several performances over the past century.

The poster is specifically from a pianists performance during the 1950s, although CU did not have a photo to share. Staff members say the way it was ripped from the wall would have caused some damage.

Its completely under investigation right now. We are looking for those leads to see what would draw, other than the history of the building and these rare items, CU Police Sgt. Chris Sallie said.

They have a huge desire to have this back at this point so they can add it back to the others they are in possession of currently and keep on their walls for part of the history of Macky Auditorium.

Police need help identifying the two people they believe are connected to the theft. The first suspect is described as:

Male

Between 18-24 years old

Has medium-length brown hair

Has a short brown beard

Last seen wearing a dark gray t-shirt, black shorts, white shoes and a black and white backpack

The second suspect is described as:

Female

Between 18-24 years old

Has shoulder-length brown hair

Last seen wearing a white tank top, light gray sweatpants, black and white shows and has a tattoo of a heart with a sword running vertically on outside of left forearm

CU Boulder poster theft

CU Boulder police do not believe the suspects are students at the university.

Anyone with information on the suspects or the alleged theft is asked to call CU Boulder polices non-emergency number at 303-492-6666 and reference case number 2024-8153.

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LARCHMONT, N.Y.  Hundreds of swimmers hit the water in Westchester Saturday to raise money for cancer.

The annual Swim Across America Long Island Sound event, which ends at Larchmont Shore Club, raises millions of dollars for cancer research.

This year, one team raised money in memory of longtime event participant Gina Mannix Wente, who lost a sudden fight with cancer earlier this year.

Its very emotional. Weve done a lot in support of Gina, and trying to remember her honor, this is more celebratory, said her husband, Dave Wente.

Mannix Wente was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her second child.

About 24 weeks into her pregnancy, she had some tenderness in her breast  they thought it was mastitis, Wente said.

But then came the diagnosis, and by then, the disease had spread. Mannix Wente delivered her son at 29 weeks. She died three weeks later.

Now their extended family is helping to raise their two children, and the community is rallying to help raise money for cancer research.

Most Swim Across America Long Island Sound participants swim from Larchmont Yacht Club to Larchmont Shore Club, covering a distance of a little over a mile. But some swimmers start all the way out in Glen Cove, Long Island, and swim more than six miles across the sound.

On Saturday, more than 500 swimmers were in the water, about 50 of them on Team Gina. But there was certainly no shortage of other stories.

Its special for every family. Every person who is swimming, is swimming for someone who is a survivor, or going through the battle, or someone who lost the battle  so its special for everyone, said event director Jean Fufidio.

Fufidio says Team Gina has already raised more than $118,000 for cancer research  and counting.

Thats in addition to the $26 million the Larchmont event has raised over the last three decades.

Its an event Mannix Wente took part in for at least ten years when she was younger. Swimming was always a big part of her life. She swam in college for Holy Cross and went on to coach at Ursuline.

But Saturday, it was her family who got in the water, in the hope of giving others fighting a cancer battle the precious gift of time.

I certainly dont want this to happen to anyone else, Dave Wente said.

I just want everyone to you know, stay in tune with your body. Get your check-ups, he said.

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James Reem has lived in a tent on the corner of Fell and Baker streets for more than a year. An artist by trade, he said he was evicted from his apartment after troubles with his landlord and for a time lived out of a van. After the van got towed, someone gave him a tent and he turned to the streets.

His tent sits outside the city's only DMV office, across the street from the Panhandle, a lush strip of greenery that opens into Golden Gate Park in a family-friendly neighborhood adorned by rows of manicured Victorians.

It's a comfortable spot, said Reem, 59, with a sidewalk wide enough to accommodate his tent and still leave room for pedestrians. Some days, Reem is one of a dozen or more tent-dwellers on the concrete stretch.

"There are a few of us that stick together," Reem said.

"They're not concerned about the homeless," James Reem said of San Francisco's plans for encampment sweeps. "They're concerned about getting rid of us." (Hannah Wiley / Los Angeles Times)

His adopted neighborhood is among dozens of sites likely to be targeted as the city launches what Mayor London Breed has said will be an assertive campaign to force people off the streets in response to a June ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

An estimated 8,300 people are living homeless in San Francisco. And despite a years-long effort to move people into temporary shelter or permanent housing, unsanctioned encampments remain a widespread and visible problem, often accompanied by garbage, theft and open drug use.

For years, Breed and other city officials said their hands were tied by decisions issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which covers many Western states, that deemed it cruel and unusual punishment to penalize someone for sleeping on the streets if no legal shelter was available.

The U.S. Supreme Court reversed that decision in a pivotal June 28 ruling, saying that cities in California and the West may enforce laws restricting homeless encampments on sidewalks and other public property.

On Thursday, citing the ruling, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order requiring state agencies to remove encampments in their jurisdictions. While the directive doesn't require cities to follow suit, Newsom urged them to do so, characterizing the proliferation of encampments as a health and safety hazard that requires immediate action.

Breed, a fellow Democrat, has also embraced the ruling. She said last week that, armed with the high court's decision, she will spearhead a "very aggressive" effort to clear homeless encampments beginning in August. She said the effort could include criminal penalties for refusing to disperse.

Breed was not available for an interview Friday, and her office has yet to provide details of what the sweeps will entail or where people living in tents are expected to relocate. Her spokesperson, Jeff Cretan, said some of those details would come into clearer focus next week.

During a July 18 mayoral debate hosted by the local firefighters union, Breed acknowledged her decision to orchestrate sweeps was "not a popular" one but said it was a necessary step.

"We have had to move from a compassionate city to a city of accountability," she said. "And I have been leading the efforts to ensure we are addressing this issue differently than we have before."

She said the city has worked over the last several years to add shelter beds and disperse outreach workers to offer services and support. But even when outreach workers offer shelter, according to the mayor's office, those offers are rejected nearly 70% of the time.

San Francisco has experimented with sanctioned tent cities in an effort to address the needs of its homeless population. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Breed's crackdown is likely to offer headlines out of San Francisco that counter the narratives promoted by conservative pundits as Vice President Kamala Harris ramps up her presidential campaign. Her Republican opponents have long tried to paint Harris, who rose to political power in 2004 as San Francisco's elected district attorney, as a California liberal whose policies have helped contribute to the surging homelessness and retail crime plaguing her home state.

But the Supreme Court's ruling is proving divisive for California's local Democratic leaders. More left-leaning Democrats, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, say the decision will allow cities to criminalize homelessness without doing anything to address the root causes, including addiction and a dearth of affordable housing. It's a sentiment echoed by homeless advocates.

This order wont reduce homelessness or deter encampments, but it will leave vulnerable people even farther away from home and health than they are today," Sharon Rapport, state policy director for the Corporation for Supportive Housing, said in an emailed statement.

Whether San Francisco has enough shelter beds to accommodate the potential wave of people pushed off the streets is unclear. Since Breed took office, the city has expanded shelter beds from about 2,500 to nearly 4,000, her office said, and has expanded permanent supportive housing to about 14,000 slots.

The DMV encampment where Reem lives is one of several that city officials have cleared time and again, only to see it return days later. So far this year, the encampment has been cleared more than a dozen times, according to the mayor's office.

Reem says he feels safer outside than he does in an emergency shelter, where he worries about his belongings getting stolen. He said he would accept help from city workers. But he also said he thinks Breed's plan is less about helping people like him than it is about clearing out tents that make the public uncomfortable.

"They're not concerned about the homeless," he said. "They're concerned about getting rid of us."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
With four days to go before their contract expires, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has given a last, best and final offer to the union representing 6,500 drivers, location managers and animal wranglers.

The Teamsters and other Hollywood Basic Crafts unions have been in talks for six weeks. The unions are seeking sizable wage increases, limits on subcontracting, and protection from driverless trucks.

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Teamsters Local 399 told members in an update at 1:30 a.m. Saturday that the AMPTPs final offer did not meet the negotiating committees approval. The union said it had given a counter-offer late in the day, and is awaiting a response.

We think our response to the producers package is reasonable and would be a deal that gets this over the finish line, Lindsay Dougherty, the secretary-treasurer of Teamsters 399, said in a statement.

A last, best and final offer is meant to signal to the union that management has gone as far as it can go and its time to wrap things up. SAG-AFTRA continued to bargain for a few days after it received a last, best and final offer during its strike last November, and was able to win a few adjustments on artificial intelligence language.

The Teamsters union is holding a membership meeting on Sunday, and is expected to issue an update then. The union bargains alongside the electricians, plasterers, plumbers, and laborers unions. Collectively they represent 8,000 workers.

The tensions come a week after the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees overwhelmingly ratified its contract. The IATSE contract provides wage increases of 7%, 4% and 3.5%  identical to the terms won by SAG-AFTRA after its strike last fall. The Teamsters union has tried to improve on the 7% first-year increase, while the AMPTP has sought to hold the line.

The union has been saying for weeks that the two sides are far apart. In an update on July 20, the union said that the fifth week of talks was the first in which we saw the employers take this process seriously and engage in meaningful discussions.

The other Hollywood unions expressed solidarity with the Teamsters in a joint statement on Monday.

As their contract deadline of July 31st quickly approaches, the clock is ticking on the AMPTP to address the unique needs of the various classifications within these unions, said the unions, including the Directors Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, the Writers Guild of America and the American Federation of Musicians. Our guilds and unions stand strongly united behind the Teamsters and Hollywood Basic Crafts until they gain the compensation and working conditions they deserve.

The Teamsters have not gone on strike since a three-week lockout in October 1988. The negotiations went down to the wire in August 2007, with the sides inking a deal 90 minutes after the contract expired.

SAG-AFTRA declared a strike on Thursday against the major video game publishers, citing a dispute over artificial intelligence.

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Teen in Germany found dead after possible gas blast next door

Rescue workers work at the scene of the accident after a terraced house in Bavaria has collapsed following an explosion. Stefan Puchner/dpa

Investigators in southern Germany are searching for the cause of a huge explosion in a house that left a teenager dead in a neighbouring property.

The body of a 17-year-old teenager was recovered from the rubble following the explosion in a residential building in the city of Memmingen, a police spokesman said early Saturday.

Rescue forces found the dead boy in a neighbouring house which was also severely damaged in the blast, the spokesman said.

The house where the explosion took place and the neighbouring houses all had gas pipes connected to them, police said.

"Of course this leads to suspicions that it was caused by a gas defect," a local police spokesman said.

The explosion occurred at approximately 5:20 pm (1520 GMT) on Friday.

A 68-year-old resident had not been home at the time of the blast and police later found him unharmed.

Rescue teams later discovered the teenager's body on the first floor of the neighbouring house.

More than 100 emergency forces have been deployed to assist in the operation and provide support to relatives and residents, police said.

According to a dpa photographer at the scene, parts of the house were propelled some 100 metres through the air by the explosion.

Neighbouring buildings as well as cars parked on the street were also severely damaged by the flying debris and the blast wave, police said.

Rescue workers work at the scene of the accident after a terraced house in Bavaria has collapsed following an explosion. Stefan Puchner/dpa
Zelle users who lose money to fraudsters often arent reimbursed, according to a report from the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. - MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto

Zelle, a free app for transferring money between people, has the attention of lawmakers who say the app is failing to protect users who fall victim to scammers.

People can send money almost instantly via Zelle, but that convenience has made the app a target of fraudsters and scammers  and Zelle doesnt always reimburse users who lose money due to unauthorized transactions, even though such reimbursements are required by law, lawmakers say.

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When things go wrong, Zelle and the banks are quick to blame the victim and allege that they failed to use Zelle as is, quote, unquote, intended, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said at a Senate hearing this week where lawmakers questioned Cameron Fowler, the CEO of Early Warning Services, the company that owns Zelle. Officials from Bank of America BAC, JPMorgan Chase JPM and Wells Fargo WFC were also at the hearing.

On average, those three banks reimbursed 38% of Zelle payments that customers claimed were due to fraud in 2023, down from 62% in 2019, according to a report released by the Senates Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations ahead of the hearing.

Zelle customers who lose money to fraudsters are legally entitled to be compensated, lawmakers said.

As peer-to-peer payment apps become more popular, scams that make use of them are on the rise. Three out of four Americans say theyve used Venmo, Cash App SQ, PayPal PYPL or Zelle, a 2022 Pew Research Center survey found.

Separate data from the Federal Trade Commission show that online-shopping scams are the most common reason people file fraud reports associated with payment apps or services. Among people who reported fraud while using a payment app in 2023, 28% were using PayPal, 24% were using Cash App and 20% were using Zelle.

But lawmakers have been focusing on Zelle, which is different from other payment apps in that it is owned by Early Warning Services, which is itself co-owned by seven banks: Bank of America, Capital One COF, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Financial Services PNC, Truist Financial TFC, U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo.

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Zelles ownership is part of the reason lawmakers are particularly interested in the app, Blumenthal said at a subcommittee hearing in May.

This is not the first time lawmakers have looked at the relationship between scams and peer-to-peer payment apps. U.S. senators including Democrats Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Sherrod Brown of Ohio sent letters in 2023 to Zelle, Cash App, Venmo and PayPal asking the companies to do more to protect users. They sent a second letter to Zelle in February asking for a clarification of its refund policy.

Heres what consumers should know about Zelle.

You may already have Zelle

People dont need to download the Zelle app to use it. If their bank or credit union is one of the 2,100 that participate in the Early Warning Services network in the U.S., the app is likely already embedded in their bank account, and only an email address or phone number is needed for users to receive or send money.

The money people send using Zelle comes directly out of their bank account. That differs from other payment apps, where users store funds on the app or link it to a credit card.

Zelle sees itself as a messaging service between banks, a representative from Early Warning Services told MarketWatch. The app instructs one bank to transfer money to another, and users money is held in their own accounts, which are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

But Zelle offers can be exploited by scammers, consumer advocates said.

A common scheme involves scammers posing as a bank and alerting the victim of suspicious activities in their Zelle account. The scammers then provide a step-by-step guide, asking the victim to transfer funds to a new account.

There are gazillions of people out there who have Zelle and they dont even know that they have Zelle, said Teresa Murray, director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Groups consumer watchdog office. In a lot of cases, the bad guys prefer Zelle or wire transfers or gift cards, because those are the most immediate and the least traceable.

Zelle transactions cannot be canceled or reversed

Zelles refund policy is not as clear to users as those of other payment apps, Delicia Hand, the senior director of digital marketplace at Consumer Reports, said at the May committee hearing, citing a 2022 Consumer Reports study that looked at different payment apps.

Zelle doesnt allow people to cancel or reverse transactions unless the other party is not on Zelle yet. That can be problematic for victims of scams, consumer advocates and lawmakers said.

Scammers often pretend to be a victims bank, a job recruiter or a family member. When victims realize what has happened and want to get their money back from their bank or Zelle, they cannot.

In a complaint filed to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on March 21, a victim based in Los Angeles said they couldnt get Zelle or their bank to address their loss after they got scammed during what they thought was the purchase of a truck.

I contacted my bank and they said that they do not refund any Zelle claims because I initiated it. Which I did, but it was a scam. Zelle will not refund it either because it is through the bank app, the complaint reads.

Zelle advises people to use the app only to pay people or small businesses they trust and know. Because you authorized the payment, you may not be able to get your money back, Zelle says on its website.

The rate of reported fraud on Zelle was less than 0.1% of transactions in 2023, Early Warning Services said.

Zelle displays security alerts in both the payment app and in bank apps to remind people before they conduct transactions that they shouldnt send money to strangers, the company representative said. The app displayed the alert about 700 million times in 2023, according to the company.

How do banks decide whether you will be reimbursed?

Lawmakers and consumer advocates say Zelle leaves people more vulnerable in the face of scams, not only because of how fast transactions go through, but also because there is disagreement over whether victims are entitled to be reimbursed.

[The solution] shouldnt be that everybody gets their money back. Its not that simple, but its super, super clear that these banks are not doing enough to protect their customers, U.S. PIRGs Murray told MarketWatch after this weeks hearing.

Scams in which victims send money on Zelle are a gray area for banks.

Zelle defines a scam as an authorized transaction in which someone loses money. Thats different from fraud, which Zelles defines as an unauthorized transaction that takes place because the user has lost control over their account, the banks and Zelle said. Banks are required under Federal Regulation E to reimburse fraud victims for their financial losses, but the law doesnt require them to reimburse people who lose money to transactions that they authorize, even if they are scams.

The three banks at this weeks hearing said they investigate fraud claims to determine whether or not a transaction was authorized in order to determine whether they must reimburse the victim. If the transaction was unauthorized, they reimburse the user.

When lawmakers at this weeks hearing asked how banks make that determination, Mark Monaco, Bank of Americas head of global payment solutions, said: During the course of the investigation, you can verify that, in fact, it was that customer that initiated the transaction to the use of their mobile device or their computer. You can verify that they pushed the button.

Starting in 2023, Zelle changed its policy and said it would start reimbursing victims of certain types of imposter scams, but some cases still are not eligible for reimbursement. In the hearing Tuesday, Fowler, the CEO of Early Warning Services, said that 90% of imposter scams  which does not include other types of scams or fraud  that had happened on Zelle had been reimbursed by the participating financial institutions since the policy was changed.

At this weeks hearing, officials from the three banks and Early Warning Services said customers losing money to scammers is an issue that wont be resolved unless law enforcement makes additional efforts to catch criminals. Changing the law to require banks to reimburse more victims, which some senators have suggested, will not help the situation, they said.

In fact, it could result in the platform becoming less accessible if some banks choose to stop offering Zelle, a JPMorgan Chase representative told MarketWatch.

Truist, PayPal and Venmo declined to comment. Cash App, Bank of America, Capital One, PNC Bank, U.S. and Wells Fargo did not immediately respond to MarketWatchs request for comment.

What personal finance issues would you like to see covered in MarketWatch? We would like to hear from readers about their financial decisions and money-related questions. You can fill out or write to us at . A reporter may be in touch to learn more. MarketWatch will not attribute your answers to you by name without your permission.

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Overdose deaths linked to a synthetic opioid 100 times stronger than fentanyl have more than doubled in the city  while a new lethal sedative has been detected for the first time in the Big Apples drug supply.

Both terrifying drugs have created a perfect public-health storm, prompting city officials on Thursday to issue a warning about carfentanil  powerful enough to sedate an elephant  and medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer experts say is more potent than zombie drug xylazine.

Yet, despite the two poisons making the citys cocaine and heroin supply an even more deadly gamble, the citys Health Department continued to tout harm reduction programs, such as providing addicts with clean needles and counseling them not to use drugs alone.

City Health Department officials revealed carfentinal has been detected in the Big Apples drug supply. Getty Images

NYC law enforcement has seen an uptick in busts involving carfentanil, with at least 35 cases between November and May. Boston Globe via Getty Images

All New Yorkers deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and to be met with non-judgmental care, as we know that stigma drives people away from services, Health Department spokeswoman Rachel Vick told The Post.

Our goal is to reduce overdose death and improve lives by mitigating the risk of death for people who use drugs and ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services when, where, and how they need it.

Carfentanil has been linked to seven fatal overdoses in NYC through June, more than double the three OD deaths during the same period last year, according to preliminary data from city health officials and the Medical Examiners office.

Eight opioid samples obtained from the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan between March and June were found to be contaminated with small amounts of the deadly substance, in addition to fentanyl, health officials said.

Law enforcement in the city, meanwhile, has seen busts involving the powerful drug increase, totaling at least 35 cases between November and May, according to the Special Narcotics Prosecutors office.

Considering that carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl, and the enormous number of lives fentanyl has claimed in our city, the mere presence of carfentanil in our drug supply is a matter of deep concern, the Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan told The Post.

In 2022, more than 3,000 people died from fatal overdoses in New York City  the vast majority due to synthetic opioid use  a 12% increase from the nearly 2,700 drug-related deaths in 2021, according to health officials.

The majority of the carfentanil seizures over the past year have occurred in Brooklyn, followed by Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx, authorities said. In almost all of the cases, the lethal drug had been mixed in with fentanyl as well as other substances.

Carfentanil has been linked to seven overdose deaths through June, compared to just three during the same period in 2023. Getty Images

Terri Zaccone, of New Port Richey, FL, said she had never heard about the monstrous synthetic opioid until it killed her sons, Thomas Devito, 29, of Margate, in 2017; and Paul Devito, 31, of Coconut Creek, three years later.

It destroys lives, it destroys the person who is in the act of addiction, it destroys their families, Zaccone, 56, said of carfentanil, adding that Thomas left behind a daughter, Olivia, who is now 8.

Ill never be the same person I was after losing my children.

Zaccone stressed that city officials should be spreading even more awareness to warn New Yorkers about the dangers of carfentanil  and focusing on getting addicts clean, rather than giving them free needles.

Cocaine, heroin, it doesnt matter what it is, it could be laced with [carfentanil] and just a tiny, tiny amount will kill them, she said.

She said government officials need to make sober houses and detox programs more affordable.

City health officials revealed they also detected medetomidine in the drug supply for the first time, after testing an opioid sample from the Bronx in late June that also contained fentanyl.

Medetomidine, which causes the heart rate to plummet to dangerous levels, has ravaged communities nationwide in recent months. The sedative has been linked to mass overdose outbreaks in Philadelphia and Chicago, according to the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education, as well as at least three deaths in Michigan.

Brothers Thomas and Paul DeVito died from carfentanil-linked overdoses in 2017 and 2020. Courtesy of Terri Zaccone

Like xylazine, the non-opioid sedatives effects cannot be reversed by the drug naloxone, which has been used to counter fentanyl overdoses.

This is not an overdose crisis, its not an addiction crisis  this is a supply thats contaminated and out of control, said David Frank, an associate research scientist at New York University.

The substances are usually shipped from China and India to Central and South America, where cartels cut narcotics like cocaine and heroin with the drugs.

Cartels and street-level dealers are mixing these lethal synthetics into their drug supply  to increase addiction, to increase their customer base, to make more money, said Frank A. Tarentino III, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Agencys New York Division.

Then you introduce a more powerful fentanyl like carfentanil, or medetomidine, which is more powerful and more dangerous than xylazine, then youre talking about even greater catastrophic overdoses and poisonings than were already seeing.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than fentanyl. DEA.gov

As were talking about fentanyl, Chinese companies are producing more powerful synthetic drugs, Derek Maltz, former director of the DEAs special operations division, said, citing other new classes of drugs like nitazenes.

Theyre constantly changing the chemistry of these drugs. Its like whack-a-mole.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens) ripped city officials for continuing to encourage addicts to play Russian roulette with their lives.

Enough coddling users and giving them safe spaces to get high, she said.

Fentanyl and now carfentanil are wiping out a generation of young New Yorkers, and it is past time the government takes a hard line again and starts cracking down on these extremely dangerous drugs and the dealers that peddle them.
The federal governments classified documents indictment was once considered a slam dunk. But this month, Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon of the Southern District of Florida dismissed the case, ruling that the attorney general improperly appointed Jack Smith, and therefore Smith could not legally prosecute Trump. Smith promptly notified Cannon that he intends to appeal her decision, but its not clear what his strategy will be.

There is now a near-zero chance that Donald Trump will be tried over this case in front of a jury before Novemberbut special counsel Jack Smith is forging ahead with an appeal that could go one of three ways.

In order to understand all of Smiths options, I spoke to Dennis Fan, a former federal prosecutor, and Nancy Gertner, a former federal judge appointed by Bill Clinton. Both of them laid out three avenues the special counsel could take to keep his classified documents indictment alive.

Smith could file his appeal with the 11th Circuit (hes only filed the notice of appeal so far), which would be the routine process for an appeal in this case. And both legal experts I spoke to believe this appeals court would likely reverse Cannons decision to dismiss the classified documents indictment. They believe she misinterpreted a 1966 federal statute that allows attorneys general to appoint special prosecutors, since the AG is a political appointee and could project an air of bias when prosecuting certain cases. This is not really a constitutional issue at all; if anything its a bit of a statutory issue of what Jack Smith has the authority to do that the attorney general says he does, said Fan.

Gertner also believes Cannons decision flies in the face of precedent, something district court judges dont have the authority to reverseonly the Supreme Court does. The notion that she takes it upon herself to reverse decades of precedent is improper on its face, said Gertner. Smith could argue that she has gone so far afield with this that she should be disqualified.

If the 11th Circuit agrees, it could reassign the classified documents case to a different judge. This was the case with U.S. v. Martinafter the 11th Circuit found internal court rules had been violated, Gertner said, the court reassigned the case to someone new. Gertner explained those decisions are usually made based on three factors: whether the original judge would have difficulty putting previous views and findings aside, whether reassignment is appropriate to preserve the appearance of justice, and whether it would entail waste and duplication out of proportion to the gains.

Every court of appeals has rules with respect to when they assign a case, including if a district court judge, for various reasons, got too embroiled, Gertner explained. She believes this case is ripe for reassignment, since the 11th Circuit reversed other decisions Cannon made during the classified documents investigation, and she might just have earned her third strike.

Regardless of how the 11th Circuit rules on Smiths appeal, the question of whether his position as special counsel is legal could still end up in front of the Supreme Court. In order to save some time, Smith could file a special request for SCOTUS to take the case, skipping ahead of the court of appeals. The special counsel tried this in his election interference indictment over the question of Trumps presidential immunity, but the justices turned him down, and a few months later ended up accepting the case only after the 11th Circuit ruled. If I were him, I would take the shot that you think has the only possible chance of getting a case resolved before the election happens, which is to go up directly, Fan said. Otherwise, you just have an appeal that youre floating around on, that youre not doing anything with.

Gertner, however, wasnt so sure about this route, noting that Smith should want his appeal to go before the 11th Circuit, the court thats been the most critical of Cannon. The Supreme Court, in my view, has acted lawlessly for the past two years, taking cases that no one ever expected them to take, overturning precedent. So who knows? Gertner said. Theres no way of knowing what a completely lawless, uberconservative court will do.

In order to get around the question of whether Smiths appointment as special counsel is legal, the attorney general could fire Smith and prosecute the case himself. But Merrick Garland didnt do that in the first place because he wanted to avoid the bad optics of a Democratic presidents political appointee prosecuting the leader of the GOP, who also happens to be running for president. If the priority is to make sure that there is an indictment, that theres a criminal case that is going forward, that is the quickest way to do that, Fan argued. Not to go through any sort of 11th Circuit appeal thats ultimately going to end up in the Supreme Court, thats going to drag out for months and months, way past the election.

However, this route would require more work, because Garland would not be able to pick up Smiths case and simply swap himself in; the attorney general would need to file a new, separate indictment. Both Fan and Gertner believe it would likely be filed in Florida too, because if he were to bring it in D.C., it would inevitably end up in a messy venue fight with Trumps lawyers, further delaying the case from moving to trial.

Gertner also noted that the whole reason Smith filed his classified documents case in Florida is because hes charging Trump with unlawful retention, and that alleged crime technically took place in Florida, after Trump left the presidency. The indictment could be brought in D.C. if Trump were being charged with unlawful taking, which would focus on Trumps actions as he was leaving the White House, but that charge raises more dramatically the kinds of immunity issues that the Supreme Court dealt with in U.S. v. Trump, Gertner said.

Theres also a chance that if Garland takes up this case himself and refiles it in Florida, he could also be assigned to Judge Cannonbringing us back to where we started.
Tigers are disappearing from Southeast Asia. A forest in Thailand is offering new hope

Editors Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolexs Perpetual Planet Initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action.

As Global Tiger Day rolls around, theres good news for the big cats in Thailand.

The tiger population in the countrys Western Forest Complex (WEFCOM)  an 18,000-square-kilometer (6,950-square-mile) area of forest encompassing 11 national parks and six wildlife sanctuaries  is estimated to have more than tripled between 2007 and 2023, from 41 to 143.

The remarkable comeback was observed in a new collaborative study led by Thailands Department of National Parks (DNP) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), newly published online in the scientific journal Global Ecology and Conservation.

Its not just tigers bouncing back: a companion study, published alongside the tiger assessment, found that populations of threatened ungulate species  hoofed mammals like deer and wild cattle, that are the main prey for the tigers  have doubled in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, one of three protected areas, along with Thung Yai East (TYE) and Thung Yai West, in the forest complex.

This increase reflects more effective management of the forest and is the result of more than a decade of conservation interventions, says Pornkamol Jornburom, director of WCS Thailand and one of the wildlife biologists working on the new study.

This forest complex is the home of many endangered species, says Jornburom. She hopes WEFCOM can be a role model for conservation and recovery of the wildlife population.

A roaring success

Jornburom, who has worked on conservation projects in WEFCOM since 2005, says that shes seen the landscape change dramatically.

One of the biggest threats to wildlife in the area is poaching, which is best combated with patrols. In 2005, these were limited in number and not systematic, says Jornburom, adding that rangers would maybe report back to their managers verbally, so there was no data collection or recordings.

But WEFCOM  the biggest forest area in Thailand, and the largest forest track in mainland Southeast Asia, according to WCS  is a hugely important habitat, not just for tigers, but endangered animals including Asian elephants, hornbills, and banteng. The complex has a huge diversity of species too: 150 mammals, 490 birds and 90 reptiles.

Its also a relatively uncommon landscape in the region. Most tiger conservation focuses on protecting small, isolated areas, but WEFCOM connects multiple national parks and protected areas through forest corridors across a wide expanse  vital for tigers, which require up to 300 square kilometers (115 square miles) of habitat to roam.

The new research found photo-capture records of 67 tiger cubs between 2013 and 2023  a positive sign the population is breeding, and growing. - Thailand Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation/WCS Thailand

The DNP began working with WCS to build and strengthen site-based protection, says Jornburom. Patrol teams began using GPS to precisely identify locations, and a standardized reporting form to collect data has helped to identify patrol routes, distribution of wildlife, and sites of illegal activity.

In 2007, conservationists installed camera traps which built up a data set that researchers could use for their population assessment in the current study across the three main protected areas. Individual tigers can be identified by their unique stripes, similar to a human fingerprint.

Jornburom says the 250% increase in tigers, as well as the twofold increase in banteng and sambar deer, is proof that the increased patrols are working.

When we conserve tigers, it actually leads to conserving many other species: not only the prey, but also the habitat, she says.

A conservation-dependent species

While Thailands success story offers hope, the outlook across the region is not so optimistic.

Once widespread across Southeast Asia, tigers became extinct in Singapore, Java and Bali in the 20th century, and in recent years have also disappeared from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in the wild.

This has left small, isolated tiger populations in Myanmar, Indonesian Sumatra, and peninsular Malaysia  the latter of which is worrying conservationists after a recent spate of tiger deaths.

Tigers are a conservation-dependent species that require constant interventions to protect them from the threat of hunting and poaching, says Stuart Chapman, leader of WWFs Tigers Alive Initiative. In Southeast Asia, their numbers are so low that theyve reached a tipping point where accidents, disease or conflict can cause populations to go extinct, he adds.

Every tiger counts, particularly when populations get to such low levels that recovery then depends on no additional threats coming in that can potentially wipe them out, says Chapman.

Chapman, who was not part of the study, says that the research from WEFCOM is a historic moment for the species, and shows that with good habitat management and healthy prey populations, results are possible.

Thailand, after decades of sustained conservation effort, has produced this result, and it is extraordinary, says Chapman.

According to the DNPs most recent survey, there are an estimated 179 to 223 adult tigers in the wild in Thailand, up from 148 to 189 tigers in 2022.

WEFCOM currently boasts most of the countrys tiger population, and has the potential to support up to 2,000 tigers, according to WCS. However, this depends on factors like effective protection, prey availability, and community engagement, says Jornburom, adding: We also need more technology to help and support the (rangers) on the ground.

She is optimistic that with more patrols and funding, the population in WEFCOM can continue to grow  and hopes that other national parks will adopt the model to save their tiger populations too.

I think its a very inspiring model of intervention for other landscapes and protected areas  not only in Thailand, but also our neighboring countries.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  As former President Donald Trump faces a supercharged Democratic fundraising effort, a persistent drag on his campaigns coffers may be easing: legal expenses.

A new report shows that the Save America political action committee paid about $827,000 in June for Trump's legal bills  the first time a monthly total has dipped below $1 million in two years. The Trump-aligned PAC has shelled out an average of nearly $4 million a month on such costs since July 2022, most of it on defending the former president in criminal and civil cases, according to an Associated Press analysis of campaign finance records.

It is not surprising that Save America has recorded such a drop. Trump's weeks-long hush-money trial ended in May  with a conviction  and the former president has enjoyed a string of good fortune in two federal criminal cases that will not go to trial anytime soon, if at all. A fourth case, in Georgia, is also in limbo.

Funds once needed to finance those courtroom battles can instead be spent on the campaign, which has entered a critical phase. On Sunday, President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place at the head of the Democratic ticket, effectively restarting the race. Trump has said he should be reimbursed for the money his campaign spent against Biden.

Democrats have rallied around Harris, whose campaign has since received at least $126 million in donations as of Wednesday, a staggering sum that's nearly half as much as the Biden reelection effort had raised in the entire second quarter. An additional $150 million has been pledged to Future Forward, an outside group supporting the Democratic ticket.

Though the amount Save America is paying for lawyers is relatively small in terms of modern campaigning, every dollar counts in a competitive race, experts said.

This is going to be a close election, and to the extent money for lawyers can now be spent on organizers, thats helpful, said Republican strategist Alex Conant.

Trumps campaign saw a surge in donations after his conviction on May 31. The Trump campaign has not publicly said how much it raised after the July 13 assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, but it's expected to be a significant sum.

The decline in legal expenses follows a New York jury finding Trump guilty on 34 state charges tied to concealing a hush-money payment to prevent porn actor Stormy Daniels from going public during the 2016 campaign about an alleged sexual encounter with the future president. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and is appealing the verdict.

The former president also is appealing a nearly $500 million New York civil fraud judgment that threatens to siphon his personal cash reserves. A judge in February found that Trump and his company schemed for years to inflate his wealth on financial statements used to secure favorable loans and make deals.

Trump has otherwise dodged, at least temporarily, legal trouble that could have complicated his ability to campaign this summer and fall. A federal judge on July 15 threw out a federal indictment charging Trump with illegally hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith is appealing that decision.

And last month the Supreme Court mostly sided with Trump in granting presidents broad immunity from prosecution, throwing a wrench in Smith's plans to try the former president on accusations of plotting to overturn the 2020 election. A fourth criminal case involving state charges in Georgia is mired in appeals.

He was a bit hamstrung by the trials when it came to doing fundraisers, said Doug Heye, a Republican strategist. Trump couldnt do an event in Dallas on Wednesday and Miami on Thursday. He was stuck in New York. Now thats not the case.

Trumps Save America political action committee has paid at least $83 million to more than 80 law firms and individual attorneys representing him and current and former aides since January 2022, Federal Election Commission records show. The spending makes up the majority of the PAC's spending, and it has become the main conduit to raise and spend money for Trumps legal defense.

Campaign finance experts say using the money to pay for lawyers in cases not related to the campaign or officeholder duties could conflict with a federal ban on the personal use of donor dollars, even though the Federal Election Commission has ruled the prohibition doesnt apply to so-called leadership political action committees like Save America. The Trump campaign has argued the legal cases are inherently political and tied to his candidacy.

The Trump campaign declined to answer specific questions about the legal fees but blasted the decisions to bring criminal and civil cases as being politically driven. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement that the campaign believes Democrats had "weaponized the justice system against their chief political opponent during the peak of the presidential campaign.

Despite the easing of legal pressure, Trump's attorneys still have a lot of work to do.

Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, a professor at Stetson University College of Law in Florida, said Trump's attorneys will be battling prosecutors in the New York case over whether, and how, to apply the Supreme Court's immunity ruling. If the case survives those arguments, Trump's lawyers will have to prepare for sentencing, for which a date has not been set.

Meanwhile, the lawyers will be seeking to limit what remains of the election-interference indictment. The Supreme Court's ruling requires U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington to assess which allegations are now off limits to Smith's prosecutors. His attorneys will also be fighting an appeal by Smith to overturn U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon's dismissal of the classified documents case.

Trump will still be racking up legal bills, Torres-Spelliscy said, but less than when he was in trial, as trial time is the most expensive for defendants.
Trump claims no Jewish person could vote for Harris as he hosts Netanyahu

Donald Trump has claimed no Jewish person could vote for Kamala Harris as he accused her of being disrespectful to Israel.

On Friday, the former president hosted Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

It was their first meeting since Mr Trump left office, and an opportunity to re-establish contact in case of a Republican win in November.

Earlier this week, Mr Netanyahu delivered a speech to Congress in which he defended Israels military operation against Hamas. Hundreds of protesters rallied in Washington, drawing attention to the claimed 40,000 people in Gaza killed during the Israeli military operation after the October 7 attacks.

Donald Trump meets Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Friday - Alex Brandon/AP

On Thursday, Mr Netanyahu met Mr Biden and Ms Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee for President.

Afterwards she said she had raised the issue of the civilian deaths and vowed she would not be silent about the topic.

Before the meeting in Florida, Mr Trump told CNN: I think her remarks were disrespectful. They werent very nice pertaining to Israel.

He added: I actually dont know how a person who is Jewish could vote for her, but thats up to them.

Critics of Ms Harris claimed her comments could make it harder for Israel and Hamas to broker a ceasefire, something her team has rejected.

I think to the extent that Hamas understands theres no daylight between Israel and the United States, that expedites the deal, Mr Netanyahu told to reporters at his meeting with Mr Trump. And I would hope that those comments dont change that.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara (are welcomed by Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago Club in West Palm Beach - Israeli Government Press Office/AFP via Getty Images

While Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu once had a strong working bond, with the American leader agreeing to calls to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem and recognise the Golan Heights as belonging to Israel, it reportedly soured after Mr Trump was defeated by Mr Biden in 2020.

Mr Trump was said to have been upset that Mr Netanyahu  along with virtually every other world leader  recognised Mr Bidens win and spoke with him.

On Friday, Mr Trump beamed when Mr Netanyahu arrived and insisted there had been no falling out.

Weve always had a great relationship, he said. It was never bad.



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Former President Trump is stepping up his attacks on Vice President Harris on Israel, faulting her for what he says was an insulting meeting with that countrys prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel and Gaza is quickly emerging as a central issue in the expected presidential race between Trump and Harris, with Netanyahus high-profile visit to Washington and scrutiny from both parties and the outside world on whether Harris will represent a new path on U.S. policy compared to President Biden.

Trump has criticized Harris for not attending Netanyahus speech to a joint session of Congress this week. Harris had a scheduling conflict, and Trumps own running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), also did not attend the speech for similar scheduling reasons.

He doubled down on that criticism in a Saturday post on Truth Social while also arguing the Harris and Netanyahu meeting this week was insulting.

P.M. Netanyahu of Israel had a terrible and insulting meeting in D.C. with Kamala Harris, who also refused to preside over Congress during his speech, which is an obligation of the V.P., Trump wrote.

Vice presidents often preside over speeches to joint sessions of Congress, but there is no obligation to do so.

Trump argued Harriss ineptness would delay the release of hostages held by Hamas while prolonging the war, and then criticized Harris over the Biden administrations handling of Afghanistan.

Trump also said any Jewish person that votes for Kamala, or a Democrat, should immediately have their head examined.

Harriss husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish. Trump has faced criticism in the past for similar statements suggesting entire ethnic and religious groups should vote for a specific party.

Harris met with Netanyahu on Thursday, urging him to get a deal done that would end the war in Gaza, which has left tens of thousands dead.

The vice president in her public remarks defended Israels right to self defense, but also made it clear it should take measures to reduce harm to civilians. A number of outside observers saw a shift in those comments, at least in their emphasis, from past remarks by President Biden.

Ive said it many times but it bears repeating, Israel has a right to defend itself, but how it does so matters, Harris said, saying she brought up with Netanyahu the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians.

What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating, Harris said. 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.

Biden has seen the Democratic Party badly divided over Israels war in Gaza. More than 100,000 votes in the key swing state of Michigan voted uncommitted in this years primary in a move meant to sent a message of discontent over the presidents handling of the issue.

Netanyahu separately met with Biden this week and with Trump in Florida on Friday. He told reporters outside the meeting at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate that he wanted to see U.S.-mediated talks succeed for a cease-fire and release of hostages.

I hope so, Netanyahu said, when reporters asked if his U.S. trip had made progress.

Axios reported on Friday that Netanyahu was upset with Harriss on-camera statement after their meeting, citing an Israeli official who briefed reporters.

Two Israeli officials said that while the meeting was not tense or difficult, the tone in her statement after the meeting was tougher, Axios reported.

Former national security adviser John Bolton, who served under Trump but has since become a staunch critic, said Netanyahu should be concerned about Harriss demeanor and remarks.

She was very icy in her demeanor, showed strong discipline there, and her words were a clear signal, Bolton said on CNN Friday.

Democrats in Congress have been increasingly critical of Netanyahu, with dozens boycotting the address this week.

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GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump is doubling down on why he keeps mispronouncing the first name of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump repeatedly botched Harris name on Friday while speaking at the Believers Summit, an event held by conservative Christian group Turning Point Action in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Some people think I mispronounce it on purpose, but actually Ive heard it said about seven different ways, he said. There are a lot of ways.

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has made it very clear how she pronounces her own name. She released a PSA during her 2016 Senate run demonstrating how to pronounce it. Shes previously suggested people remember it by thinking, comma-la, like the punctuation mark.

Her pronunciation varies from the traditional pronunciation of the Indian name, which is closer to comla.

However, neither of those versions are what Trump has landed on. He pronounced the name Ka-MA-luh, with a strong emphasis on the second syllable.

He claims that he was once told either KA-ma-luh or Ka-MA-luh were OK, but ultimately, he told the crowd, he just doesnt care about getting it right.

I said, dont worry about it, he recalled. It doesnt matter what I say. I couldnt care less if I mispronounce it or not. I couldnt care less.

Sociolinguistics professor Nicole Holliday told HuffPost this week that at this point, many Republicans who pronounce Harris name incorrectly are doing so on purpose, and it can even be a way for them signal their political views.

If youre a Republican, or lets say an independent but leaning Republican, and you say, Kuh-MA-luh, then everybody knows  either youre not really for her, or youre not consuming the media where people bother to say her name, right? she said.

But Kamala wasnt the only word Trump didnt quite nail on Friday. At one point, he also said Harris in a way that sounded like Harrah. At another moment, he expressed the need for Republicans to defeat her in a land slade.

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(The Hill)  Former President Trump topped Vice President Harris by 2 points in a new poll from The Wall Street Journal.

The former president garnered 49 percent support among registered voters to the vice presidents 47 percent in the new poll, conducted in the wake of President Biden leaving the 2024 presidential race.

Harris significantly improved upon Bidens performance in a Wall Street Journal poll from earlier this month, in which he was down 6 points to Trump. That poll was conducted shortly after Bidens disastrous debate performance, which sparked the calls for him to leave the race.

Biden dropped out last weekend after weeks of turmoil in his party over whether he should end his campaign due to concerns about his age, mental fitness and ability to recapture the White House in November.

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The poll also found a sharp rise in Harris favorability among registered voters, from 35 percent earlier this month to 46 percent, up 11 points. In comparison, the poll found Trumps favorability at 47 percent and Bidens at 39 percent.

Following Biden halting his campaign, Harris quickly received multiple key endorsements from those in her party. Shes also seen a spike in fundraising, and received commitments from enough delegates to clinch the nomination.

The Wall Street Journal poll was conducted between July 23 and 25, featuring 1,000 registered voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, according to a Journal article on the poll.

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(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump said he would fire the Securities and Exchange Commission chair and pick crypto-friendly regulators if he returns to the White House in a bid to court virtual currency enthusiasts and harness the industrys growing influence in the political arena.

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This afternoon, Im laying out my plan to ensure that the United States will be the crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the world and well get it done, Trump said at a Bitcoin conference in Nashville on Saturday.

The assembled crowd cheered loudly as Trump said he would fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler, whose term is not up until 2026. If he wins the presidency, Trump would have significant sway over the top regulators for the burgeoning industry.

We will have regulations, but from now on, the rules will be written by people who love your industry, not hate your industry, Trump said.

He also pledged to form a crypto industry presidential advisory council, create a stablecoin framework, and called for a scale-back in enforcement.

Zachary Bradford, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Bitcoin miner Cleanspark, described Trumps speech as a historic moment. Trump made repeated references to miners, and said that America will become the worlds undisputed Bitcoin mining powerhouse.

Tone Shift

The remarks in Nashville are the latest demonstration of how the former president has embraced the technology and sought to position himself as an advocate for crypto interests.

Trump voiced skepticism about cryptocurrencies in office, claiming he was not a fan and that their values were based on thin air, but in his 2024 presidential campaign hes reversed course, increasingly highlighting Bitcoin on the trail and actively wooing the crypto sector.

That shift reflects the industrys increased prominence on the US political scene as executives push to get candidates with policies supportive of digital assets elected to office through ever bigger donations, in part through the Fairshake super political action committee, as well as Trumps desire to reach out to new voters in his third run for the presidency.

Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, who attended the Nashville conference, said she plans to draft a bill requiring the government to build a stockpile of up to 1 million Bitcoin over five years. The bill would require the government to hold the cryptocurrency for 20 years, and during those two decades it could only be used to reduce the national debt.

The goal is to recognize the fact that Bitcoin is a durable asset, she said on the sidelines of the conference. Its digital gold and its a hard asset that can back the US dollar and provide assurance around the world that the US dollar remains worthy of being a world currency.

Bitcoin, which rose as much as 2.9% earlier on Saturday prior to Trumps speech, was little changed near $68,000 by the end of the speech.

Political Power

Crypto industry donors have poured more money into the 2024 election than in all prior cycles combined, according to OpenSecrets.

Trumps economic agenda, which promises to reduce tax rates and slash government regulation, has found a receptive audience among Wall Street and business interests eager for an alternative to the policies of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee.

The crypto industry has bristled at what it sees as heavy-handed regulation under Biden, following the collapse of the FTX exchange and other scandals. Trump has pledged to promote Bitcoin mining in the US, protect self-custody of cryptocurrencies and prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a central-bank digital currency that would compete with the industry.

I think it was pretty positive for the industry, pretty bullish going forward, said Paul Veradittakit, a managing partner at Pantera Capital Management who watched a live stream of Trumps speech. He said he was most excited about him wanting America to be the crypto capital.

Trumps appearance at the conference comes during a frenetic stretch of the 2024 race that saw a failed assassination attempt against the Republican former president and on Sunday Bidens announcement that he would not longer seek reelection. The Democratic incumbent endorsed Harris, 59, who is nearly two decades younger than Trump and threatens to undercut the inroads he has made with young voters and people of color.

Trump has discussed cryptocurrency policy with Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk, according to a person familiar with the talks. Hes also hosted crypto-mining executives at his Mar-a-Lago resort and vowed to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, who is serving a life sentence after he was convicted of running the Silk Road marketplace, where customers used virtual currencies to buy illegal drugs and hacker tools.

Most significantly, Trumps campaign said in May that it would begin accepting donations in digital assets. Since then, it has raised $4 million from a mix of digital tokens, according to a campaign aide, who detailed the amount on condition of anonymity.

Among Trumps prominent contributors have been billionaire twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, who run Winklevoss Capital Management and are large investors in Bitcoin. In his Nashville speech, Trump hailed the brothers by name and described them as looking like male models with a brain.

Both said they donated the equivalent of $1 million of the cryptocurrency to a pro-Trump group  an amount which exceeded the maximum allowed. The amount over the limit was refunded to the brothers.

Prior to the speech, Trump was slated to meet with crypto industry donors on Saturday at a fundraiser where seats went for as much as $844,600. Guests are expected to include the Republican nominees running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who has also taken an interest in cryptocurrency and positioned himself as a supporter of the sector.

--With assistance from Bill Allison, Olga Kharif and Michael P. Regan.

(Updates with additional quotes from Trumps speech and reaction from crypto industry participants.)

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) welcomed by Former US President Donald Trump ahead of their meeting in Mar-a-Lago. Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO/dpa

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on Friday and sharply attacked his political rival Kamala Harris.

"I actually don't know how a person who is Jewish could vote for her, but that's up to them," Trump said about Harris, his likely opponent in the 2024 presidential race, following the meeting with Netanyahu.

Trump called Harris' remarks she made after meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday "disrespectful."

Netanyahu is currently visiting the US and has met with both US President Joe Biden and his deputy Harris, after giving an address to Congress.

Both Democrats called on the Israeli premier to do more to protect the civilian population in Gaza. They also urged him to agree to a ceasefire deal to facilitate the release of the remaining hostages held by Palestinian extremist group Hamas.

Harris said afterwards she had expressed her "serious concern" about the scale of human suffering in Gaza in her conversation with Netanyahu.

"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.

Trump assures Netanyahu of his solidarity

The encounter between Netanyahu and Trump was the first face-to-face meeting between the two men since Trump left the White House more than three years ago.

According to media reports, the meeting had been requested by the Israeli leader.

The Republican assured Netanyahu of his full solidarity during the meeting, Trump's team said.

The former president told Netanyahu that he would do everything in his power to promote peace in the Middle East and fight anti-Semitism at US universities if he was re-elected.

Netanyahu praised Trump's services to Israel during his term of office from 2017 to 2021, according to reports.

Trump is the US Republican presidential candidate and hopes to re-take the White House in the election in early November.

Netanyahu's reception at Trump's lavish Mar-a-Lago residence comes as the US election campaign approaches the home stretch.

On Sunday, incumbent President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race. His deputy Harris is supported by Biden and many Democrats as a replacement candidate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and his wife Sara (C) welcomed by Former US President Donald Trump ahead of their meeting in Mar-a-Lago. Amos Ben-Gershom/GPO/dpa
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump said hes rebounded from an assassination attempt on July 13 and appeared on Friday night without a bandage on his right ear.

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As you can see, Ive recovered well and in fact just took the last bandage off my ear, he said in West Palm Beach, Florida, at an event hosted by Turning Point USA, an organization that fosters young conservatives.

The former president suffered the ear wound when a would-be assassin opened fire on him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. One bystander was killed and two others hurt in the attack. Earlier this week, Secret Service Chief Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid unrelenting criticism from lawmakers of both parties over failures in protecting Trump.

Congress will establish a bipartisan task force to investigate.

Fridays speech was part of a burst of Trump campaign activity in the past week, as the Republican nominee pivots to confront a new opponent after President Joe Bidens sudden departure from the presidential race last Sunday. Trump has gone on the offensive against Bidens choice to replace him, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Polls have shown the race tightening as Harris wins over the support of Democratic voters and donors. The Trump campaign sought to play down the shift, conceding in a memo this week that it expects to lose ground in the polls amid the excitement around Harris, but adding that the trend wasnt likely to last.

Yet Harris has scrambled an election year in which large numbers of voters have told pollsters for months that they didnt like either candidate. As the first Black and Asian female vice president, nearly two decades younger than Trump, Harris threatens the inroads the former president has made with younger, diverse voters.

Fridays speech was held indoors at an arena. The campaign has yet to schedule outdoor rallies since the shooting.

In an address lasting just over an hour, Trump assailed Harris as a radical liberal, incompetent and a bum but steered clear of the belittling nicknames hes used in the past. Some Republicans have warned in recent days against attacks based on her race or gender, fearing they could backfire.

Speaking to the cheering Turning Point crowd on Friday, Trump appealed to Christian voters to come to the polls in the fall.

If you vote, we will win in a landslide, he said.

Trump celebrated his nominations of conservative judges, including some of those who struck down the Roe v. Wade decision that had guaranteed abortion rights. But he didnt use the word abortion, an issue thats become a major political weakness for Republicans.

In a statement responding to the speech that was posted on X, the Harris campaign said America can do better than the bitter, bizarre and backward looking delusions of criminal Donald Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris offers a vision for Americas future focused on freedom, opportunity and security.

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Former President Trump in a Truth Social post on Saturday said he will keep doing outdoor rallies in the wake of an assassination attempt against him earlier this month, adding that the Secret Service will heighten protections at those rallies.

I WILL CONTINUE TO DO OUTDOOR RALLIES, AND SECRET SERVICE HAS AGREED TO SUBSTANTIALLY STEP UP THEIR OPERATION, Trump said in a Truth Social post. THEY ARE VERY CAPABLE OF DOING SO. NO ONE CAN EVER BE ALLOWED TO STOP OR IMPEDE FREE SPEECH OR GATHERING!!!

Trump did not provide any details on what additional steps the Secret Service might take to ensure security at outdoor ralles. The Secret Service has come under fiery bipartisan criticism over its handling of the rally where a shooter fired on Trump, killing a rally attendee and wounding two others. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday.

The shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed after firing on the president.

The former presidents comments follow him saying Friday that he will head back to Butler, Pa., where the assassination attempt occurred, for another campaign rally.

I will be going back to Butler, Pennsylvania for a big and beautiful rally, honoring the soul of our beloved firefighting hero, Corey, and those brave patriots injured two weeks ago. What a day it will be  fight, fight fight! Stay tuned for details, Trump wrote.

Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, was killed at the rally.

The Secret Service has pushed for the former president and his team to halt holding big outdoor rallies in the wake of the shooting, sources close to the situation said, according to a Tuesday report from The Washington Post.

In the wake of the shooting, Trump could be seen sporting a bandage on one of his ears. However, at an event hosted by the conservative Christian organization Turning Point Action Friday, Trump said he removed the last bandage off of my ear.

As I think you can see, Ive recovered well and, in fact, just took off the last bandage off of my ear, the former president said.

In an email to The Hill, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said making sure of the safety and security of our protectees is our highest priority.

In the interest of maintaining operational integrity, we are not able to comment on specifics of our protective means or methods, he continued.

This story was updated at 2:09 p.m.

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Donald Trump, the former president who double downed on his ambitions of being a dictator, told a crowd gathered in West Palm Beach on Friday that if elected for a second term, they wont have to vote anymore.

At the Florida summit, hosted by conservative group Turning Point Action, Trump promised that if he wins in November, he would once again appoint rock-solid conservative judges who will protect religious liberty.

After repeating his usual unfounded claims about mail-in voting, Trump launched into an appeal directed at Christian voters. Christians, get out and vote! yelled Trump. Just this time. You wont have to do it anymore. Four more years. You know what? Itll be fixed! Itll be fine! You wont have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians. I love you, Christians! He added, You gotta get out and vote. In four years, you dont have to vote again. Well have it fixed so good, youre not gonna have to vote.

Trump: You have to get out and vote. You wont have to do it anymore. Four years, it will be fixed, it will be fine. You wont have to vote anymore.. In four years, you wont have to vote again. pic.twitter.com/DBGcBr3Wht  Acyn (@Acyn) July 27, 2024

In December 2023, during a town hall in Davenport, Iowa, when asked by Fox News Sean Hannity if he would abuse power as retribution against anybody, Trump replied: Except for day one. I want to close the border, and I want to drill, drill, drill.

The former president later defended his comments, and at the New York Young Republican Clubs 111th Annual Gala less than a week later, Trump said, I didnt say that. I said I want to be a dictator for one day. You know why I wanted to be a dictator? Because I want a wall, and I want to drill, drill, drill.

Trump has also called for the termination of the Constitution in order to overturn the 2020 election results following his loss to President Joe Biden. In December 2022, during one of his rants on Truth Social, he incorrectly called himself the rightful winner and claimed that Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution.

Following Biden exiting the 2024 presidential race last weekend and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, Trump is now set to face the VP in the upcoming elections.

The convicted former president has been grasping at straws since then. Earlier this week, when baselessly accusing Harris of committing crimes, Trump referenced his own criminal record while bringing up the VPs background as a courtroom prosecutor. Trump also backed out of his previous vow to debate ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE, and demanded the showdown be hosted by Fox News, instead of ABC News. The former presidents communications director also said that Trump would not debate Harris until Democrats formally decide on their nominee, despite Trump previously debating Biden in June.

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Former President Trump at a Friday event hosted by the conservative Christian organization Turning Point Action urged Christians to vote, saying they wouldnt have to do it again if they took to the polls in November and elected him because everything would be fixed.

Christians, get out and vote, just this time, Trump exclaimed to a cheering crowd in West Palm Beach, Fla.

You wont have to do it anymore. Four more years, you know what, it will be fixed, it will be fine, you wont have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians, he added.

I love you Christians. Im a Christian. I love you, get out, you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you dont have to vote again, well have it fixed so good youre not going to have to vote, Trump said.

Trumps remarks point to the need for both parties to get their most fervent supporters to the polls in what is expected to be a close election that may be determined by turnout.

The remarks were also criticized on the left, where many raised questions about what steps Trump might take to affect the electoral process if he wins a second term. Democrats have made the protection of democracy a big part of their campaign effort after the events of Jan. 6, 2021, and Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 defeat.

The presidential race has rapidly changed with Vice President Harriss sudden arrival as the likely Democratic presidential nominee. President Biden bowed to mounting pressure and dropped out of the race last week, endorsing Harris.

Since then, Democrats have rallied around the vice president, and there have been signs of surging enthusiasm for her candidacy. Harris, 59, is more than two decades younger than Biden and quickly negates what had been the main line of attack for the GOP against the Biden ticket.

Trump, 78, has also seen the GOP unify around his candidacy, particularly since a failed assassination attempt at one of his rallies on July 13. The shocking episode ended with Trump putting a defiant fist in the air and urging his supporters to fight as blood streaked his face from his ear.

Before the last two weeks, the Trump-Biden race had been epitomized by a lack of enthusiasm surrounding it, with some speculating voter turnout could be lower than previous elections.

It is too early to know if turnout will now increase, but a New York Times/Siena College poll this week found increasing support and enthusiasm for both Harris and Trump. It suggested the number of so-called double haters who dislike both candidates is rapidly shrinking.

Trump looked like a heavy favorite against Biden, but polls released since the presidents exit suggest a tightening race.

Polling released Friday from Fox News showed Harris tied with Trump in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and Harris behind Trump by 1 point in Wisconsin.

A key development to watch will be whether Harris and Trump end up competing in a debate in the next few months.

Harris first has the Democratic National Convention in her sights, where she is almost certainly going to become the Democratic nominee after already locking up support from more than enough delegates to clinch the nomination. No opponents for the nomination have emerged as the party looks to rally around her.

Trump was supposed to hold a second debate against Biden in September, but it is unclear whether he will stick to those plans with Harris. Since her entrance, Trump has argued the debate should be moved from ABC to Fox News.

The first debate between Trump and Biden dramatically altered the race by underscoring worries about Bidens age as he stumbled through the performance.

This story was updated at 1:02 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US former President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum Arena in Milwaukee. Mark Hertzberg/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he intends to continue holding outdoor rallies, despite the security lapses that led him to only narrowly survive an assassination attempt.

The US Secret Service, which is responsible for protecting presidents, election candidates and other top public officials, has agreed to "substantially step up" its operations, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on Saturday.

"They are very capable of doing so. No one can ever be allowed to stop or impede free speech or gathering!!!" he posted.

Trump has not held an outdoor rally since a gunman on a roof tried to assassinate him at a campaign event on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

A bullet, or a fragment of one, grazed Trump's right ear and left his face streaked with blood as he was hauled off the stage by Secret Service agents.

The attack also left one audience member dead and two other spectators badly injured. The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot dead. Investigators are still trying to determine the motive.

US Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday amid intense pressure from both Republicans and Democrats.

On Friday, Trump vowed to return to the scene of the crime and hold a "big and beautiful rally." He did not say when it would take place.
Former FBI agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, who were centers of controversy during the Trump-Russia investigation, have reached settlements with their former employer over violations of their privacy rights. The government is paying Strzok $1.2 million and Page $800,000 in settlements.

Strzok was a senior FBI counterintelligence agent who helped oversee the agencys investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia in 2016. He also worked on the investigation into 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clintons private email server. Page was an FBI lawyer involved in the Trump inquiry.

They both sued the Justice Department after officials with the FBI shared copies of text messages they sent each other describing former President Trump as an idiot and a loathsome human with the press.

This outcome is a critical step forward in addressing the governments unfair and highly politicized treatment of Pete, Strozks attorney, Aitan D. Goelman, wrote in a statement. As important as it is for him, it also vindicates the privacy interests of all government employees. We will continue to litigate Petes constitutional claims to ensure that, in the future, public servants are protected from adverse employment actions motivated by partisan politics.

While I have been vindicated by this result, my fervent hope remains that our institutions of justice will never again play politics with the lives of their employees, Page said in a statement to the Associated Press.

Both Strozk and Page became subjects of right-wing ire after those messages leaked with Trump repeatedly naming them specifically as evidence of a government conspiracy against him. Both also left their jobs after the texts were leaked.

In 2019, Strzok and Page filed separate lawsuits against the Department of Justice and the FBI for violating the Privacy Act by releasing their texts to the press before turning them over to Congress. This led to a firestorm from Congressional Republicans who used their texts as part of an attack on the FBIs investigation into Trump, calling the investigation biased.

A Justice Department Inspector General report has concluded that there is no evidence of political bias in the investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia.

Strzok also filed two separate suits against the DOJ, arguing that the release of the texts violated his constitutional rights and that the DOJs decision to fire him was politically motivated. Strzok wants to be reinstated to his job so he can retire with full benefits.

News of the settlement first became public in May, leading House Judiciary Chair Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to press Attorney General Merrick Garland on the proposed settlement, asking why the Justice Department was reward[ing] Strzok and Page.

Its not a question of reward. Its a question of the government paying for violating the law, Garland said in response.

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Two hospitalized after unknown suspect shoots into KC home

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Kansas City Police Department is investigating an overnight shooting that left one person seriously injured and another in critical condition.

According to KCPD, officers were dispatched to a home near E. 42nd Street and Vineyard Drive at about 1:45 a.m. on reports of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers found two victims with gunshot wounds.

One victim, according to KCPD, was found on the porch. The other victim was found inside the home.

Investigations currently indicate that an unknown suspect had fired multiple shots at the location.

KCPD said both victims were taken to a hospital where one was reported to be in critical condition, and the other was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the shooting is still under investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A double shooting early this morning in Hartford has sent two men to the hospital, said police.

A shotspotter notification alerted Hartford police officers to 202 Blue Hills Ave. minutes before 4:30 a.m., where they found a male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The man was promptly transported to a hospital and is listed in critical condition.

Further investigation determined that a second male was shot in the same area, and later arrived at a hospital in a private vehicle. Officials say he is in stable condition.

Authorities have not released the identities of the males and only described them as being in their twenties. The departments Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions continue to investigate the shooting.

Check back with News 8 for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
DURHAM, New Hampshire  Democrats believe America is ready to put a woman in the White House. Two women? Not so much.

It was a frank observation made freely and repeatedly across New Hampshire this week, as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hit the campaign trail to get party activists and operatives fired up about Democrats likely new nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Democrats were euphoric about Harris  and bullish about her chances of breaking the nations highest glass ceiling. They fangirled  in their words  over Whitmer, and described her as an extremely qualified governor who they hoped would run for vice president or president someday.

But what about joining Harris on this ticket?

I dont know that the country is ready for two women at the top of the ticket, Alison Hamilton, a Portsmouth Democrat, said after hearing Whitmer speak at a house party Thursday evening in Durham.

Were there for Kamala, added Jan Collier, Hamiltons sister. Two women? I dont know.

As Harris weighs her pick for a running mate, Democrats are poring over the relative merits of a list of governors and other potential contenders. They represent different regions of the country, appeal to varied constituencies and have a variety of experiences. But nearly all of them are men.

And as Whitmer  whose strong electoral record in a must-win state for Democrats has put her on many peoples short lists for vice president  and other prominent female politicians hit the campaign trail for Harris, even Democrats who say they would love to see two women share a ticket are not convinced the country is ready for it.

Whitmer insisted across several interviews in New Hampshire on Thursday, where she spent the day serving as a surrogate for Harris, that Americans could get behind an all-female ticket.

Of course America can have two women on a national ticket. Weve had two men since the dawn of time, Whitmer said. Women can lead, as weve shown in many states where you have great women leaders.

But Whitmer repeatedly disavowed interest in the job and said she is not a part of the process. She also dismissed talk of any future presidential ambitions as she worked her way through a pizza parlor in the heart of the first primary state that was packed with prominent New Hampshire Democrats and eager fans toting copies of her new book, True Gretch.

Whitmer is not the only prominent female Democrat being floated as a potential Harris running mate to promote the idea of an all-female ticket. Commerce Secretary and former Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo was similarly emphatic about Americans ability to embrace a two-woman ticket in a CBS interview this week.

But Democrats have been down this road before. Hillary Clinton considered putting forward an all-female ticket in 2016  one that could have included Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.)  but instead went with a white man, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, whom many Democrats considered a safer option.



Now Harris is facing the same choice Clinton did against the same opponent: Donald Trump.

The dynamics of this race are far different for Harris than for Clinton. Trumps comments about women have previously cost him support with suburban and college-educated voters. Democrats see Harris, a former prosecutor and California attorney general, as more uniquely positioned to argue the case against Trump, who has been found liable for sexually abusing a woman in 1996 and whose Supreme Court picks helped overturn Roe v. Wade.

And after weeks  if not months  of Democratic panic over President Joe Bidens reelection prospects, the party is galvanizing behind Harris in a way many operatives say they have not seen since Barack Obamas presidential run in 2008.

But in other ways, the race  and the calculation in selecting a running mate  may be similar. The former president has a long history of deploying sexist remarks against his female opponents, from the campaign trail to the courtroom. And some Republicans are already attacking Harris along sexist and racist lines, referring to her as a DEI pick.

Some Democrats feel nominating two women could be an unnecessary risk in a campaign that has already been upended barely 100 days before Election Day.

We want to believe the country would support two women on a ticket when it has yet to support one woman as president, said Boston-based Democratic strategist Mary Anne Marsh. Do you want to take a risk with so much at stake?

And so as Harris attempts to become the first woman  as well as the first Black woman and first person of South Asian descent  elected to the Oval Office, many of the names being floated as her potential partners are white men. Among them: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

She could [pick a woman]. But shes not, Bill Shaheen, the husband of New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the states first female governor, told POLITICO after introducing Whitmer in Durham. Hes personally pulling for Kelly, whom he recently spent time with overseas and whose background as an astronaut he felt would stack up well against Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio).

Over a slice at the pizza parlor in Manchester where Whitmer glad-handed earlier on Thursday, Maxine Mosley, a delegate to the DNC and a state representative candidate in New Hampshire, said its time for a female president.

But asked whether it's time for an all-female ticket, Mosley shook her head from side to side.

This country is so incredibly divided, she said. There's so much divisiveness that as much as I wish that we were ready for that, I'm not sure that we are.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  People from several different countries were sworn in as the newest U.S. citizens on Friday, July 26, during a naturalization ceremony in Colorado Springs.

The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) offers study groups for adults called Path to Citizenship, which helps prepare students to take the U.S. Naturalization test for citizenship. Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, an immigrant himself, was in attendance on Friday to help the new citizens celebrate.

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell

New U.S. citizens naturalized in Colorado Springs

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell

Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Cora Mitchell

Courtesy: Office of the Mayor

Courtesy: Office of the Mayor

Courtesy: Office of the Mayor

For the past eight to 10 weeks, these new citizens went over the test and participated in practice interviews. The sessions are offered at no cost and support people as they strive to become new U.S. citizens.

It has been seven years that Ive worked with Pikes Peak Library District, and this journey has been, what, 13, 12 years being spent over in my home country, and then persevered, come back again, and I never gave up. Thats what it is, said Nawal Shahril, a former PPLD employee and newly naturalized citizen.

Mayor Yemi Mobolade congratulated the new citizens on his Facebook page, and recalled his own path to citizenship.

Seven years ago, I stood in that same room and took my oath of allegiance to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and commit myself to the principles and values that define this nation, said Mayor Mobolade. I remember it as though it was yesterday. It was a moment that changed my life forever, and I am thrilled to share in their joy and pride today.

There are 100 civics questions on the naturalization test, and during the interview, future U.S. citizens are asked up to 10 questions. They must answer six out of the 10 questions correctly to pass the civics test.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  One year after the opening of the UAMS Orthopedic and Spine Hospital, the stories coming out of the building are just as groundbreaking as the new space.

Patient Jolee Camp knows that firsthand. When she was just 15, she started experiencing debilitating back pain; at times so horrible that she had to use a wheelchair and was unable to walk.

There was a horrible, just like shocking pain sensation, Camp said. I always had some level of back pain, and then it just continued to get worse.

UAMS receives $1 million gift from alumni in support of their new Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital

After five years of numerous doctors trying everything from injections to nerve burns, she was finally referred to UAMS, where chronic pain specialist Dr. Johnathan Goree gave her a diagnosis  and a solution.

Multifidus Dysfunction, Goree said. Basically, the muscles of her back really were acting dysfunctional and werent allowing her to keep her posture in order to prevent back pain.

UAMS using mobile units to improve access to reproductive healthcare in rural areas of Arkansas

Goree suggested an implantable device called ReActiv8, a battery connected to electrical leads that help stimulate and rebuild muscle. In November 2022, Camp got the surgery and only a few months later, saw the results.

Just immediate effects, like I could walk and stand and go and do things from more than ten minutes without having to sit down, Camp said.

Goree said its just one example of the cutting-edge technology at work in the new hospital, saying, the ethos of this building is really to deliver state-of-the-art care for Arkansans.

Researchers say experimental drug at UAMS sees cancer disappear in afflicted patient

Now, nearly two years after surgery, Camp is virtually pain-free and able to live life as normal, even able to wear heels and walk across the stage at her college graduation; something she never thought shed be able to do.

Its like I have a whole different outlook on life, Camp said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
(KRON)  One of University of California, Berkeleys student housing complexes has been enduring a game of ping-pong between its landlords and tenants regarding recent rent hikes and the alleged violation of some residents union contracts.

After allegedly abruptly leaving the Zoom conference call for negotiations, University Villages Associate Vice Chancellor canceled the meeting. Now, residents are urging UC to negotiate with them  again  in good faith.

3 arrested for armed robbery of online marketplace seller

University Village, in Albany, houses over 900 undergraduate, graduate and post-doc students. Many are low-income residents facing debt from college loans or medical bills. Since they are older students, many also have children to care for.

On July 1, UCB imposed a $64 monthly parking fee, accumulating over $750 yearly. Rent prices have also increased 4% since July 4  the third consecutive year UC has increased its yearly prices by 4%.

A memo to residents read in part: All Resident, Employee, and Guest vehicles parking on the grounds of University Village are required to have a valid Parking Permit or payment of the Visitor Parking Fee.

Before implementing virtual permits, we had many incidents of parking by non-residents from the surrounding area. This fee will help cover the cost to better enforce these violations, and we have seen positive results over the past academic year, Elisa Smith with Cals Department of Student Affairs told KRON4.

Since imposing the fees, UC Berkeley has allegedly issued hundreds of parking citations to University Village residents in an effort to quash the residents organized effort to stop new parking fees and rent hikes at the Village, Kris Libunao, a UC Berkeley grad student and UC Village resident told KRON4.

Libunao said that since the new fees and citations were imposed, more than 300 residents have allegedly refused to pay them.

University Village residents, union members, and city officials alike were waiting for AVC Mackness on Wednesday in hopes of negotiating the recent parking fees and rent increases. Photo: Daniel Fishel

After rescheduling the meeting twice, on Tuesday evening, over 130 residents gathered to address the recent price hikes with UC Berkeleys Associate Vice Chancellor Jo Mackness to reach a fair agreement on parking fees and rent price hikes, Libunao said, alleging the rent hikes are also a violation of union contracts.

Upon entering the Zoom meeting, Mackness abruptly left, Libunao said.

We prepared for weeks to reach an agreement with UC Berkeley, and they just walked out without even saying a word to us, said Ninel Melkonyan, a UAW 4811 member, parent, and resident at the Village. It was incredibly disrespectful and disappointing.

UC thought they could cite their way out of this, and now theyre trying to dictate how we show up for our own meeting, said Melkonyan. More than 300 residents are holding the line. Enough is enough.

In hopes of reaching the assistant vice chancellor, residents led a delegation to AVC Mackness office on Wednesday afternoon the following day. They allegedly hand-delivered a petition with 300 signatures demanding action for UC to resolve the price hikes and parking fees.

University Village residents gather outside Mackness office with the petition, writing in part, We refuse to pay UCs parking fees and urge UC to come to the table. Photo: Daniel Fishel

After this meeting was rescheduled twice on July 11 and July 16, we were determined to be ready, bringing a negotiation team of 12 equipped with statements and testimonials, Libunao continued, Empowered by the abrupt end to our meeting, we decided, as a Village, that we will continue to hold the line. We refuse to pay these new parking fees until UC negotiates with us in good faith.

These planned increases have been proactively communicated to our residents since February 2023. We wanted to give our residents plenty of time to plan accordingly, which is why we first offered virtual parking permits at no cost for the 2023-24 academic year with the notice that we would need to charge for the permits on July 1, 2024, for the 2024-25 academic year If student residents are experiencing cost-of-living issues, we are encouraging them to work with our Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. Several programs and campus resources are available to help students finance the full Cost of Attendance, which includes tuition and fees, books, and living expenses. Elisa Smith, Student Affairs Coordinator at UC Berkeley

According to Libunao and UAW 4811 members, residents are proposing that UC offer a base rent reduction to offset the new monthly fee, waive all citations issued in the last 12 months, and engage in negotiations in good faith.

Smith claims these meetings were not negotiations, as the new parking fee had already been implemented. As for the rent hikes, Smith claims UC communicated well in advance to resident families and financial aid resources are available to student residents.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  The University of Illinois is welcoming another class of thousands to campus in the coming weeks. But for some of those new students, their housing arrangements will look a little different this year.

University Housing said the number of first-year students who signed contracts for dorm rooms is larger than anticipated. As a result, there is a shortage of dorm rooms and University Housing is resorting to new methods to find places for them to live on campus, a requirement for all first-year students.

Western Illinois University eyes laying off more faculty, union responds

We know this has been an unusual year for University Housing, and we apologize for the confusion and inconvenience  we appreciate the patience of University Housing residents and their families, said Mari Anne Brocker Curry, Director of Housing Information & Marketing for University Housing. We guarantee housing for all first-year students who are required to live on campus by the student code. University Housing continues to explore all options for maximizing space available to assign students who have contracted to live with University Housing. We will continue to provide residents with updates on those options as they are available.

Curry said returning students who do not have to live on campus are being offered an incentive to cancel their contracts: $2,000 and 100 meal tickets to the dining halls.

University Housing is changing the occupancy of rooms where square footage allows, turning single rooms into doubles to support more students. That includes rooms inhabited by residential advisors.

In an email to RAs obtained by WCIA, Herb Jones, the Director of Residential Life for University Housing, said they are now at the point that they have to give RAs roommates. In the past, RAs typically have their own room in the dorm halls.

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We recognize the impact of having a roommate within a staff room. SRAs and RAs who are assigned a roommate will receive an additional stipend of $125 per month while the roommate lives with you, Jones said. RA staff members with an accommodation on file will not have a roommate.

Jones said the incoming students who are paired with RAs will be told that their living arrangement is temporary. They will be moved to a permanent assignment when space becomes available.

These changes will provide additional capacity to our halls and will allow us provide assignments to some students with contracts who are awaiting an assignment confirmation, Curry said. University Housing will continue to provide the same transformative student supporting experience we currently provide. We are making this change to support the critical first year live on experience by getting the space we need  students who live with University Housing in their first year are 122% more likely to graduate than those who do not.

The exact numbers of incoming students is unavailable at this time. Curry said that information will be released after the 10th day of classes this fall.

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Ukraines Air Force shot down all Shaheds and missile at night

Ukraines air defence forces shot down all targets launched by Russia, a Kh-59/Kh-69 guided missile and four Shaheds, on the night of 26027 July.

Source: Ukraines Air Force

Details: It is specified that the Russians launched a guided missile from the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Shahed UAVs from Russias Primorsko-Akhtarsk.

The forces and assets of the Ukraines defence forces in Dnipro, Poltava, Kharkiv and Kyiv oblasts shot down all targets.

In addition, air defence destroyed eight more air targets on the southern and north-eastern fronts over the past 24 hours and today: four Supercam reconnaissance UAVs, one Forpost attack and reconnaissance UAV, one UAV (type to be specified) and two Lancet kamikaze drones.

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Ukraine's military intelligence agency attacked three airfields deep inside Russia overnight, damaing a Russian supersonic bomber plane, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent on July 27.



On the morning of July 27, Ukrainian drones arrived at airfields in three regions: Saratov, Murmansk, and Ryazan. The kamikaze drones also hit an oil refinery in Ryazan region.



The attack damaged a Tu-22M3 long-range supersonic bomber-missile carrier in the Olenya airfield, Murmansk region. The airfield lies close to northern Finland and is roughly 1,800 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.



Ukraine managed to down the Tu-22M3 for the first time in April 2024. The aircraft is armed with AS-4 heavy anti-ship or Kh-22 cruise missiles that are used in strikes on Ukraine.



The source did not confirm whether other aircraft were damaged in the attacks and said that the results of the operation are being clarified. However, the Dyagilevo airfield in Ryazan region, which also came under attack, houses Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, Tu-134UBL, and Il-78 aircraft, in addition to an aircraft repair plant.



Russia's Defense Ministry said that at least 23 drones were shot down overnight and in the morning over the regions of Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, Bryansk, and Lipetsk.



While Ukraine does not have permission to fire Western-made long-range weapons at Russian territory, the embattled country frequently launches drone attacks, mainly using domestically-produced weapons. Earlier on July 23, Russia downed 21 drones in occupied Crimea and the Black Sea.



Ukraines drone operations often target oil refineries and airfields, aiming to reduce Russias oil process capabilities and hinder its economy, as well as target Russian aircraft that bomb Ukrainian cities.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian losses in Ukraine causing serious problems for recruitment, HUR says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine's IT army is a 'world first' in cyberwarfare  but it's a major gamble for the government, experts say

Ukraine's IT army says it has launched thousands of attacks on Russian organizations.

The group, formed shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has members from around the world.

Experts told BI that there are risks with putting so much responsibility in civilian hands.

Shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian government issued a clarion call to tech wizzes around the world to use their skills in the fight against the invading nation.

"We are creating an IT army. We need digital talents," Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's then-deputy prime minister, wrote on X at the time.

Eager volunteers quickly responded to the plea, and within a month, the group's Telegram channel counted around 300,000 subscribers.

As the number of members increased, so did the IT army's activity, and by late May, the group had already launched an estimated 2,000 cyberattacks on Russian organizations, Ukraine's Digital Transformation Ministry said on Telegram.

A spokesperson for the group, who goes by the name Ted, told Business Insider that they "currently see tens of thousands of devices and possibly thousands of people behind them."

"While we experience a constant decline in the number of subscribers [to the army's Telegram channel], the number of active devices involved is growing," Ted added.

Though the exact location of participants is unknown, the army is international in reach, Ted said.

The IT army website provides detailed resources that explain in Ukrainian and English how volunteers can help, with guides on how to install the "IT Army Kit," which contains tools required for conducting cyberattacks.

Volunteers can even use the toolkit to set up the attacks to run in the background, preventing tasks from disrupting their daily activities.

Leaderboard statistics are also posted to help gamify the process, increasing engagement and promoting competition among users.

Russian organizations are vulnerable to cyberwarfare, experts say

Russian organizations are particularly susceptible to things like a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack  which is an effort to overload a website or network.

In the West, there are a number of services that help protect companies from DDoS attacks, Alan Woodward, a professor at the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security at the University of Surrey, told BI.

In Russia, however, "they have the expertise but not necessarily the service providers who sit in front of organisations to detect and deflect DDoS attacks," Woodward added.

In June, the IT army said it had launched a major DDoS attack against Russian banks, including VTB, Gazprombank, Sberbank, and a number of others, as well as the country's Mir payment system  Russia's equivalent of Visa or Mastercard.

A VTB bank. SOPA Images/Getty Images

Woodward said the incident "certainly left the impression that the group is capable of mounting significant attacks."

The IT army and other hacktivist groups have also managed to hit Russian media outlets.

In June 2023, Russian state TV and other channels were targeted by hackers , with a video broadcast in Ukrainian warning viewers: "The hour of reckoning has come."

Cyberattacks such as these play a "very important role" in Ukraine's cyberdefense, Stefan Soesanto, a senior researcher at the Center for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, told BI.

"While most of their DDoS efforts only cause short term disruptions, they are persistent when it comes to specific Russian businesses and platforms," he said. "They will target them over and over again."

Roskomnadzor, Russia's federal censorship agency, said it had repelled almost three times more DDoS attacks in the first quarter of 2024 than in all of 2023, Russian news website Kommersant reported.

Such attacks may also help "support defensive movements of the Ukrainian army," said Vasileios Karagiannopoulos, an associate professor in cybercrime and cybersecurity at the University of Portsmouth.

They can "help with countering misinformation efforts and facilitate things at a cyberespionage level," he said.

"It also helps to symbolically generate an image of vulnerability that can impact on the morale of the opponents and respectively boost the morale of Ukrainian troops and citizens," Karagiannopoulos added.

Ukraine's government may want to keep its distance from the group

The IT army has an internal team, which some experts believe was taken over by the Ukrainian intelligence service and the country's Ministry of Defense.

"The IT Army is managed by the SBU and the Ukrainian MoD," Soesanto said, adding that they receive support from Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation.

"The volunteers who are nowadays participating in the IT Army do not know which sites, IP addresses, and services they are DDoS [attacking]," he said, adding that it had all been "centralized, with a handful of people making the targeting decisions."

Ted told BI that "the MoD does not run the IT army, but there is collaboration to ensure efforts are synchronized."

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense did not respond to a request for comment from BI on the nature of its relationship with the IT army.

The Ukrainian government likely wants to keep the group "at arms length," Woodward said.

"Or at the very least organise matters such that there is plausible deniability by the Ukrainian government if an attack results in unwelcome, albeit unintentional, consequences," he added.

One of the main risks with the force, Karagiannopoulos said, is that sometimes "volunteers might not follow instructions" and "organize their own attacks," potentially impacting people "across different countries and networks.

It is also unclear "whether these individuals could be targeted by the Russian military as combatants when they are considered to take direct part in hostilities," he added.

Nonetheless, the IT army is a "world first," Karagiannopoulos continued. "We have an explicit call from government officials for people to join," yet these hackers are not a formal part of the Ukrainian military.

This will set a precedent for future conflicts as cyberwarfare becomes more common, he added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ukraine's border guards on situation at Belarusian border and in Sumy Oblast

Andrii Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Photo: Andrii Demchenko on Facebook

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has no evidence that Russia is amassing its troops near the Belarusian-Ukrainian border or near the Russian border with Ukraines Sumy Oblast.

Source: Andrii Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on Ukraines national 24/7 newscast

Quote from Demchenko: "The situation on the border with Belarus has not changed; we do not see any significant threats and have not seen the movement [of Russian troops] on the other side of the border, but we remain vigilant because we have to be prepared for any scenario [...]

We are not currently seeing any actions Russia might be undertaking to launch or expand hostilities in Sumy Oblast."

Details: Demchenko said that Sumy, Chernihiv and Kharkiv oblasts in Ukraine's north are experiencing daily Russian attacks.

"Between Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts, the majority of [Russian] attacks target Sumy Oblast, where enemy forces are deploying artillery and frequently also aircraft and attack drones to launch strikes against Ukraine. The majority of these strikes target populated areas," Demchenko said.

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Rustem Umierov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine, has shared the ministrys vision of medical care for Ukrainian soldiers, including a new state-of-the-art reintegration centre to support military personnel released from Russian captivity and the creation of an improved rehabilitation system.

Source: Rustem Umierov during the First Annual International Congress on Military Medicine and Mental Health dubbed A Warrior: Life, Health, Combat Capability, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine news agency

Quote from Umierov: "Concerning our plans. First, [we will implement] tactical medicine training standards. Our goal is to make sure every soldier has basic self-help skills and can help others. We are developing and implementing training programs that include practical training sessions, simulations, and interactive learning materials. Every soldier has to know how to provide first aid to themselves or a fellow soldier in any situation."

Details: Umierov announced the opening of a lab that will assess the quality of tourniquets. He also outlined a new modular system of primary and secondary military health facilities, each of which will have its own staff, procedures and forms. Umierov said this will make setting up health centres in the field quicker and easier, and therefore enable appropriate medical care to be provided under any circumstances.

"As the President of Ukraine has just said, we are introducing a single standard for resourcing stabilisation centres [facilities where combat medics evacuate wounded soldiers from the front line  ed.]. We are sending thousands of soldiers to rehabilitation centres and opening a state-of-the-art centre for reintegration of soldiers freed from captivity," Umierov said.

According to Umierov, Ukraine is working alongside NATO to launch five cutting-edge rehabilitation centres for Ukrainian soldiers as part of the Renovator project.

The defence minister stressed the importance of effective rehabilitation to ensure that military personnel are able to return to service should they want to.

Umierov also talked about the new coordination centre for the management of medical resources of Ukraines defence forces. He said that the centre would be responsible for managing all of the defence forces medical resources.

The Defence Ministrys next task, according to Umierov, is to develop training programs for combat medics in cooperation with the United States Security Assistance Group  Ukraine (SAG-U). Advanced medical training programmes will soon be introduced, including Advanced Surgical Skills, the National Association of Medical Special Operations Command in Ukraine, which will allow Ukrainian doctors to "receive full training and be prepared for any challenge".

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Drones of Ukraines Defence Intelligence attacked military airfields and an oil refinery in Russia on the night of 26-27 July and the morning of 27 July.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda sources in Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU)

Details: The Engels airfield in Saratov Oblast, the Dyagilevo airfield in Ryazan Oblast and the Olenya military airfield in Murmansk Oblast were attacked. Additionally, as a result of kamikaze drone attacks, an oil refinery in Ryazan was struck.

Eyewitnesses said on Russian social media that the first explosions at the Dyagilevo military airfield occurred around 06:00 local time. Social media posts indicate that at least three explosions were heard. Additionally, local users are sharing videos of drones flying towards the airfield, followed by an image of a column of black smoke rising above the military facility.

A source said the airfield hosts aircraft such as the Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3, Tu-134UBL, and Il-78, and it also houses an aircraft repair plant.

Explosions at the Engels airfield, where Russian strategic aircraft are based, occurred around 08:00. Local sources report that Russian air defence forces unsuccessfully attempted to shoot down the drones, but then there were distinct explosions from the strikes.

Early reports indicate damage to a TU-22M3 long-range missile-carrying bomber as a result of the strike of aircraft-type UAVs on the Olenya airfield in Murmansk Oblast.

Quote from the source: "At the same time, the Russian Defence Ministry reported that at least 12 kamikaze drones were shot down over Russian territory: in Kursk, Belgorod, Rostov, Bryansk, and Lipetsk oblasts.

The results of the drone strikes on other enemy military targets are currently being clarified."

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A Tesla charging. John Keeble/Getty

Ukrainians are turning to Teslas to power their homes amid rolling blackouts.

Some are repurposing old Tesla batteries, while others have gone even further.

It comes as the country adapts to rolling blackouts caused by Russian targeting of the energy grid.

Ukrainians are turning to Teslas to help power their homes and limit the impact of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, a report in the Financial Times said.

One Ukrainian businessman who is repurposing Tesla batteries told the FT that one Tesla could be used to make up to 12 battery systems.

"An old Tesla, including the cost of delivery, will be nearly $10,000. And you can turn that into 12 batteries, and also sell the parts," said Oleksandr Bentsa, who had for years been buying crashed Teslas from the US and refitting and reselling them in Ukraine.

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The five-kilowatt-hour (kWh) systems his company makes produce enough energy to power the lights and electrical equipment in a standard apartment for 10 hours, the report said.

But Bentsa's novel idea may have been trumped by that of his father, who has plugged his whole house into a Tesla parked in his yard, per the FT.

Its 100 kWh battery can run an entire house for a week, Bentsa said.

Bentsa told the outlet he was now expecting sales to boom as the winter months near.

Ukraine's rolling blackouts are already causing major concern ahead of winter.

The Kyiv Independent reported that the CEO of the Ukrainian energy supplier Yasno, Serhiy Kovalenko, said in June that locals may face just six or seven hours of electricity a day in winter if the electricity deficit is 35%.

However, countries such as Moldova and Poland are searching for ways to help Ukraine increase its power supply, with the latter looking at a plan that would involve burning fuel in Poland and sending it to Ukraine, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said this month, per Bloomberg.

"At least it will partially help Ukraine survive the winter," Tusk said.

Story continues

Ukraine's blackouts have come as the result of Russia's bombardment of the Ukrainian energy grid.

Russia ramped up its efforts to disrupt the energy network in spring in the hopes of breaking Ukraine's will to fight on, aiming particularly for energy generation infrastructure.

Neil Holland, the head of the UK's Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), said earlier this month that Russian attacks since spring had resulted in a total electricity loss of over 9 GW.

In June, Russia launched a "massive" attack on Ukraine's power grid in what the Ukrainian energy ministry said was the eighth major attack on the country's energy infrastructure since March.

"We urgently need to close our skies or Ukraine faces a serious crisis this winter," Maxim Timchenko, the CEO of DTEK, a Ukrainian energy company, said following the attack, per the BBC. "My plea to allies is to help us defend our energy system and rebuild in time."

Ukrainian officials, including the country's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have also pleaded with allies for increased air defense systems to help counter such attacks.

But Ukraine has also struck back at Russian energy sites, particularly targeting Russian oil refineries.

Earlier this year, the US urged Ukraine to halt such attacks amid concerns that they would cause a surge in oil prices and potentially provoke further action from Russia.

Ukraine, however, signaled that it would not stop such attacks, saying the refineries were legitimate military targets.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Over 60 million tonnes of goods have been exported through the ports of Odesa in 11 months of operation of the Ukrainian maritime corridor.

Source: Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority

Overall, in 11 months of operation of the maritime corridor, over 60 million tonnes of cargo have been exported through the ports of Odesa.

This includes 40.6 million tonnes of grain cargo exported to 46 countries worldwide.

Background:

Compared to last year, Ukraine has increased its grain export volumes, with an average of 7 million tonnes exported per month.

In January, Ukraine reached pre-war levels of maritime exports thanks to the operation of the Ukrainian maritime corridor.

On 10 August 2023, Ukraine announced temporary corridors in the Black Sea for trade vessels travelling to and from Ukrainian ports.

Russia unilaterally exited the Black Sea grain initiative on 17 July 2023.

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FILE - Smoke rises over Khartoum, Sudan, Thursday, June 8, 2023, as fighting between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues. The United Nations was hosting closed-door talks in Geneva Thursday July 11, 2024 involving Sudans warring sides about how to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. (AP Photo, File)

GENEVA (AP)  Sudans warring parties have arrived in Geneva at the invitation of the United Nations to discuss the protection of civilians through possible local cease-fires, U.N. officials said Thursday. But one side did not show up for the talks on the first day.

Senior representatives from the Sudanese army and rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces accepted invitations to meet separately with the U.N. secretary-generals personal envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman at U.N. headquarters in New York, told reporters.

Lamamra invited both parties to separate proximity talks on Thursday morning but regrettably one of the delegations did not come to the session, he said.

Dujarric would not say which delegation showed up, but he said Lamamra and his team met with those representatives, and invited both delegations to continue discussions on Friday.

We urge the Sudanese delegations to rise to the challenge and engage in constructive discussions with the personal envoy for the sake of the Sudanese people, he said.

Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023 when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to other regions including Darfur. The U.N. says over 14,000 people have been killed and 33,000 injured. Rights activists say the toll could be much higher.

The war has also created the worlds largest displacement crisis with over 11 million people forced to flee their homes as well as allegations of rampant sexual violence and possible crimes against humanity, and international experts recently warned that 755,000 people are facing famine in the coming months.

Talks in Saudi Arabias port city of Jeddah between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces broke down at the end of last year.

After months of failed efforts to restart talks, Dujarric said the United Nations didnt publicize the meeting because it doesnt want to raise expectations.

We and others have been trying to move this process forward, he said. We need to give it a little bit of breathing room and thats why were not trumpeting all of this.

Alessandra Vellucci, the U.N. spokeswoman in Geneva, said in an email that The discussions seek to identify avenues for the advancement of the identified humanitarian and protection of civilian measures through possible local ceasefires, as requested by the Security Council.

-

Lederer reported from the United Nations
Thank you, President Biden, for your courage, integrity and love for our country, which you chose over personal ambition. You did what you believed was right for our nation. Centre Countys Democratic Chair, Margie Swoboda, wrote, thank you President Biden for leading us out of the darkness, for standing in the breach against Trumps big lie, for all that you have done and will continue to do at this critical moment in the life of our nation.

Bidens support of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president should be applauded. She is thoroughly prepared to be president having served as a district attorney, the attorney general for California, (the most populous state in the country), and vice president/wing woman for President Biden. Her prospective candidacy has energized the Democratic Party.

As previously written, I met VP Harris once. Her mother, Shyamala, was pushing her around in a baby buggy at a demonstration in Oakland. We were protesting the local newspapers racist hiring policies. From a picket line to the possibility that she will become the President of the United States, youve got to love this country.

While we are thanking folks, lets include Jeff and Anne Marie Fox, who donated $20 million  the largest bequest ever  to the grad school. Hereafter the graduate school will be known as the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School at Penn State.

Elsewhere in the community

The Next Stage Theatre Company presents The Importance of Being Ernest through Aug. 4, directed by Jason Zanitsch and featuring: Nate Schierman, Laura Waldhier, Drew Pirrone-Brusse, Elizabeth Baptista, Alexa Krepps, Mike Waldhier and Priscilla McFerren in the Attic at The State Theatre. Sock and Buskin Theatre Company presents Beginnings, A Short Play Showcase on Friday and Saturday at Sundman Hall at the American Philatelic Society. The production features: The Ripple Effect by Arianna Rose, Unreasonable by David L. Williams, Page One, by Amanda Minchin, Gamma Girls to the Rescue by Julie Zaffarano, The Benefits of Murder by Andi Stout and Phillip Zapkin, For the Record by F.J. Hartland, Tea with Her Majesty by Barbara Pease Weber, The Next Thing by TK Tansey. Plays were directed by Tom McClary, Melissa Brannen, Heidi Cole, Michelle Rodino-Colocino and Phillip Zapkin.

Sadly, Prof. Wilson Jeremiah Moses, our friend and colleague, recently joined the ancestors. He was 82 and a professor emeritus of history at PSU. Jackie Hook presided over his memorial service.

Over 200 people poured into Judge Jonathan Grines Centre County courtroom in Bellefonte for a procedural hearing for Subramanyam Vedam. Most were in support of Vedam, who has been imprisoned for over 41 years. He was twice convicted by all white juries of the murder of 19-year old Thomas Kinser in 1980. Subu, as Vedam is known to his friends and supporters, was 18 at the time.

Through his very able defense attorney, Gopal Balachandran, Subu is asking for a new trial based on information that had been withheld during his previous trials that might prove his innocence. Balachandran, a local State College Borough Council member, is fighting for that opportunity.

One of the seemingly contradictory evidentiary items is that some experts surmise that Kinser was killed by a 22-caliber bullet, but only a larger 25 caliber gun has been linked to Subu. Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna, who was not involved in the original trials, maintains that the evidence supports the Vedam convictions. Nevertheless, in 2021 he voluntarily gave the defense team access to 3,000 pages of documents. Now all await Judge Grines ruling on the prosecutions attempt to dismiss the defenses motion for a new trial.

And there are less than a hundred days to Election Day, still plenty of time to roll up our sleeves to do what we can to save our republic.

Charles Dumas is a lifetime political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Partys nominee for U.S. Congress in 2012. He was the 2022 Lions Paw Awardee and Living Legend honoree of the National Black Theatre Festival. He lives with his partner and wife of 50 years in State College.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Nearly 17 years ago, a violent murder stirred a once quiet neighborhood in Clarksville after a man was found stabbed to death outside his home.

However, to this day, no one knows who killed 57-year-old Dorris Clinard. Clarksville police believe the incident happened in the early morning hours of July 27, 2007.

PREVIOUS: Mystery still surrounds 2007 murder of Clarksville man in own driveway

Clinard likely stepped outside to smoke a cigarette, as he did every morning before his shift at work. According to his obituary, Clinard was employed at Level Valley Creamery in LaVergne for around 25 years.

What happened after he stepped outside that morning largely remains a mystery, but around 7 a.m., a neighbor leaving for work reported seeing Clinard lying between two cars in the driveway outside his home on West Park Drive.

Dorris Clinard (Courtesy: Clarksville Montgomery County Crime Stoppers)

Authorities said Clinard had been stabbed to death. That same morning, several witnesses recalled seeing one or two suspicious men walking in the neighborhood, but those reports never led to any suspects.

Something else that puzzled detectives was that there were no signs of a robbery. Family and friends couldnt think of any reason someone would want to hurt Clinard, who was active in his community and beloved by many.

UNSOLVED TENNESSEE: Find more of the states cold cases, missing persons, and other mysteries 

He reportedly led a bible study group at Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church and served as an elder for the congregation, in addition to being a part of the church choir.

A graduate from Clarksville High School, Clinard also served in the U.S. National Guard for six years. In 2016, a longtime family friend told News 2, Everybody loved him. I mean everybody. He was just kind to everyone.

In the years since, Clinards case has continued to be featured among the Clarksville-Montgomery County Crime Stoppers unsolved murders. His case is one of several that now qualify for a $10,000 cash reward.

Anyone who has information on the death of Dorris Clinard is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 931-645-TIPS, or go to www.p3tips.com, and leave a tip online. All callers remain completely 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 WKRN News 2.
Staff members patrol at the seaside of Xiapu County in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese provinces have activated emergency responses and taken measures including evacuating residents to battle Typhoon Gaemi, the third typhoon of this year.

With a maximum wind speed of 118.8 km per hour at its center, the typhoon made its second landfall in the country on Thursday evening, at Xiuyu District in the city of Putian, east China's Fujian Province. At 6 a.m. Friday, its center was located within Youxi County, the city of Sanming, packing winds of up to 100.8 km per hour near the center.

As of 6 a.m. Friday, about 628,600 people in Fujian had been affected by the typhoon, with some 290,000 residents temporarily relocated so far, said local authorities.

The typhoon is projected to move northwest at a speed of about 20 km per hour, with gradually weakening force, and is expected to reach Jiangxi Province around late Friday afternoon.

Affected by the typhoon, from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Friday, 72 townships in 15 county-level areas across Fujian recorded an accumulated precipitation of more than 250 millimeters, and 12 townships in nine county-level areas saw an accumulated precipitation of over 400 millimeters, with the highest reaching 512.8 millimeters, according to local meteorological authorities.

Staff members patrol at the seaside of Xiapu County in Ningde, southeast China's Fujian Province, July 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

In the neighboring Guangdong Province, the provincial emergency management department said that nearly 70,000 residents had been evacuated in advance as of 8 a.m. Friday, as heavy rains hit the eastern part of the province on Thursday and Friday.

The weather forecasts said the typhoon would affect Henan and Shandong provinces starting on Friday night, bringing rainstorms to many parts of the provinces.

To brace for the typhoon, the Henan provincial flood-control and drought-relief headquarters activated a Level-III emergency response for floods at 3 p.m. Friday, while the authorities in Shandong activated a Level-IV emergency response at 4 p.m. Friday. Both provinces issued a yellow alert for rainstorms on Friday afternoon.

China has a four-tier emergency response system for flood control, with Level I being the most urgent response, and a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

Gaemi made its first landfall at around midnight Thursday in eastern Taiwan's Yilan County, leaving three people dead and 380 injured, local authorities said.
(Bloomberg) -- The US pledged to bring the full force of its military to defend allies Japan and South Korea as it signed a deal with the two to cement gains on security cooperation before America elects its next president in November.

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The agreement was reached Sunday at talks in Tokyo among the defense chiefs from the three countries. It formalized plans for regular military training, which in the past year has included drills to shoot down missiles and hunt for submarines. The US and its two Asian allies are also looking to enhance senior-level security talks and build on a deal to share real-time data on North Koreas missile launches.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the agreement laid out unprecedented steps for our trilateral security partnership. The US also held separate discussions with Japan aimed at raising their decades-old military alliance to a new level by changing command and control structures to better align Japans Self-Defense Force with the US military.

Concerns over North Koreas missiles and Chinas military expansion have pushed Japan, South Korea and the US closer together. The defense chiefs meeting in Tokyo follows a major summit hosted by President Joe Biden at Camp David about a year ago. With the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House, the three nations are working to bind the trilateral relationship so tightly that it would be hard to unravel.

Austin, who was joined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in talks with their counterparts from Japan, told reporters there was continued concern about Chinese coercive behavior in the region. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said they also shared concerns about further strategic military cooperation between Russia and China and the possibility of military assistance from Russia to North Korea.

We are at a critical juncture and our decisions today will determine our future, Kamikawa said.

The ministers shared concerns about North Koreas nuclear and missile programs, Chinas nuclear build-up and Russias undermining of arms control, including through its military cooperation with North Korea, according to a statement released after the meeting.

As a follow on to the discussion, Japan will host a meeting Monday of foreign ministers of the so-called Quad group, which includes Australia, India and the US and is seen as a means of countering Beijings assertiveness. China has lambasted the Quad as a mechanism to contain its global rise.

The US and Japan talks featured their first minister-level discussions on extended deterrence. The term refers to Washingtons long-standing commitment to use its full military power, including nuclear weapons if necessary, to defend Japan.

Austin said at a news conference the US reaffirmed its commitment to defend Japan with a full range of capabilities, including nuclear weapons. He added the two countries committed to working together on counterstrike capabilities.

Military Overhaul

As part of its upgraded strategy for Japan and the Indo-Pacific region, the US is overhauling its military forces in Japan to boost capabilities and improve coordination with the Japanese military, which recently undertook a restructuring of its own. The command will feature a Joint Forces HQ led by a three-star general. In South Korea, US generals command local troops under a similar framework, but that wont be the case in Japan, according to a senior defense official.

The US-Japan extended deterrence dialogue began in 2010 as a forum for government officials to discuss in detail how US military assets, including nuclear weapons, can deter threats to Japan and scenarios in which they might be used.

The US holds a similar dialogue with South Korea and last year pledged to give Seoul a greater say in how Washington deploys its nuclear umbrella.

South Korea also sent its defense minister to Japan on Sunday for the first official visit in 15 years. North Korea may be considering a nuclear test near the time the US presidential election is held to raise its profile, Defense Minister Shin Wonsik said in an interview with Bloomberg News.

Closer military ties between North Korea and Russia amid the war in Ukraine have given fresh impetus to security cooperation among the US and its two allies. It has also spurred the warming of ties between South Korea and Japan, as they try to put aside long-standing diplomatic issues.

Overall, cooperation among the US and its two allies has reached some of the strongest levels after facing troubles during Trumps presidency. His demands for hefty spending increases for hosting US troops caused friction with Tokyo and Seoul.

Trump also scaled back or halted major joint training drills while he held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim modernized his missile arsenal, advanced his new nuclear warheads and increased his stockpile of fissile material during Trumps tenure.

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said Tokyo will continue to enhance its security partnership with Washington regardless of the outcome of the US presidential election in November.

I am convinced that the Japan-US alliance will become even more significant in the future as the international community enters a new era of crisis, Kihara said. Unilateral changes in the status quo and attempts to do so by force bring serious challenges to the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

--With assistance from Soo-Hyang Choi and Jasmine Ng.

(Updates with comments from news conference.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
In 2013, after years of political turmoil and crisis, Japans then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his countrys return to the world stage.

Japan is back, Abe said, speaking at a think tank in Washington.

In the ensuing decade, the country has been following through on that pledge. Theyre on track to double defense spending by 2027, buying missiles capable of firing into enemy territory and giving more freedom to its long-restrained Self Defense Forces.

Those efforts will reach another milestone, with the U.S. announcing a plan to revamp its command in Japan to a new three-star billet, moving from a leader that mostly supervised forces to one that can plan large operations with the Japanese military.

Americas secretaries of state and defense traveled to Tokyo for meetings with their Japanese counterparts Sunday, where they announced new commitments to build and repair weapons together, securely share intelligence and to expand their posture in Japans southwest islands, which sit near Taiwan.

Almost as important was an earlier that day. For the first time in 15 years, a South Korean minister of defense was in Tokyo and to meet with Japanese and U.S. defense officials. This was also the first time this trilateral summit would take place in either Japan or South Korea, who until recently were in a years-long spat over the legacy of Japans colonial rule.

Were cooperating in ways that many experts would never have anticipated a decade ago, even five years ago, a senior U.S. defense official told reporters ahead of the trip.

And yet, despite Japans rapid redirect, it still faces barriers. For one, the Self Defense Forces still face more limitations than most militaries due to the countrys pacifist constitution. And while the relationship with Korea has improved, that progress may not be permanent, especially considering the leaders who led it may not stay in office.

It all comes down to sustainability, said Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, an expert on Japanese defense issues at the Atlantic Council.

Restructuring

The new U.S. command dates back to an April visit by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to Washington, where he agreed to deepen security ties.

There, he pledged to create a new command structure for Japans military, which has long struggled to operate jointly, or with service branches all working together.

That decision, along with some of Japans other recent changes, such as buying long-range missiles, started to make the old model for the American and Japanese militaries working together obsolete. The longstanding image of how they operated has been the shield and the spear, where Japans forces protect the homeland and Americas can push forward.

Now, Japans military will soon be able to do both, which means the U.S. needs a new structure of its own to coordinate larger-scale operations, like a bands drummer might want a new set if the guitarist buys a new six-string.

This restructuring of U.S. Forces Japan will replace the existing model, which does more administrative work and had to wait for orders from Indo-Pacific Command, 3,500 miles away in Hawaii, if a crisis broke out. The intent is to give more authority to a three-star U.S. officer in Japan, who can help the two militaries equip, plan, drill and operate more closely together.

They are going to maintain that current role, which is one of the reasons why the scale of [U.S. Forces Japan] is likely to grow over time from its current size of around 50,000 personnel, the official said.

That said, many details still arent certain, including how much the new structure will cost and how many people it will need. The Pentagon has started briefing lawmakers on the plans, the defense official said, but those conversations are early.

We will need support from Capitol Hill to make this happen, the official said, predicting that many of the remaining questions about the role will be answered by the fall.

To the end

The official also stressed that this new arrangement will be different than that of South Korea, where during a conflict America has charge of both militaries and the forces are led by a four-star general. The three-star U.S. billet planned for Japan may also disappoint some in Tokyo who had hoped for a higher rank.

They want a four-star, said Jeff Hornung, an expert on Japanese security at the RAND Corporation. They want something like [U.S. Forces Korea] but I dont see that happening.

At a press conference after the days meetings, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that Washington hadnt ruled out a four-star billet for the post.

Speaking together, the two countrys top diplomatic and defense officials alternated between optimism and gloom. On one side, they repeated that U.S.-Japan ties have never been stronger. On the other, the threats they are responding to  from Russia, China and North Korea  are increasingly severe.

The meetings and subsequent announcements corresponded to that mood. The two countries pledged to better share classified information  long a problem in Japan, where intelligence standards are looser  and to build more weapons together. Top of the list are missiles for the Patriot air defense system, which are scarce because of how many have been needed to defend Ukraine.

Austin wouldnt say how many of these interceptors they would build or how long it would take.

Earlier in the day the defense officials beamed while joining their South Korean counterpart to sign an agreement that made their summits more formal. That it occurred on Japanese soil was a sign of how far and how quickly their relationship has improved. The three agreed to meet again next year, this time in South Korea.

Lastly, the U.S. and Japan met to discuss extended deterrence  or Washingtons commitment to protect Tokyo, including with nuclear weapons, if attacked. For the first time, this topic was be on the agenda for each countrys top diplomatic and defense officials, all concerned about China and North Koreas nuclear buildups.

Making that happen this time is by itself the biggest thing to come from this summit, said Masafumi Ishii, a former Japanese diplomat.

Ishii added that the summit itself is a form of stability in an otherwise turbulent season. U.S. President Joe Biden, who helped bring Japan and South Korea together after years of feuding, is no longer running for reelection. Kishida too is unpopular at home and may not survive the year as leader of his party.

This is to show the audience that we are ready to follow up on what we started to the end, Ishii said.

This story has been updated with comments from a press conference.
US Secretary of State warns China about consequences of supporting Russian military industrial complex

The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the US will take measures if China continues to support Russias military industrial complex.

Source: European Pravda, citing the US Department of State

Details: Blinken met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Vientiane, Laos, on the margins of the ASEAN-related ministerial meetings on 27 July.

Blinken stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and raised concerns about Chinas destabilising actions in the South China Sea. He affirmed the US support for freedom of navigation and overflight and the peaceful resolution of disputes, consistent with international law.

Quote from the US Department of State: "The Secretary reiterated serious concern with PRC support for Russias defence industrial base and made it clear that if the PRC does not act to address this threat to European security, the United States will continue to take appropriate measures to do so."

Details: Blinken also talked about North Koreas provocative actions and the war in Gaza. The two sides recognised the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in the weeks and months ahead.

Background:

European Union High Representative Josep Borrell met with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Vientiane, Laos, on 26 July, calling on China to use its influence on Russia to contribute to ending the war in Ukraine.

UKs Foreign Secretary David Lammy called on Wang to withdraw his support for Russia, while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged the Chinese government to work harder to achieve peace in Ukraine.

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Usha Vance expressed revulsion at former president Donald Trump and found the Jan. 6 insurrection deeply disturbing, her one-time friends have revealed.

The potential second ladys alleged distaste for her husbands running mate began when Trump was elected in 2016 and was especially clear after Trumps supporters attacked the Capitol in a bid to overturn his defeat, the Washington Post reported.

Usha found the incursion on the Capitol and Trumps role in it to be deeply disturbing, the friend recalled. She was generally appalled by Trump, from the moment of his first election.

Usha Vance has been at the center of speculation about her political beliefs, having been a registered Democrat in the past but voting in Republican primaries in Ohio, where she now lives with her husband. The Post reported that since attending Yale Law School, where she met her husband, the attorney has been tight-lipped with her political beliefs.

But following her husbands ascension to the near-top of the Republican party, those close to Vance have revealed her former views.

Friends described seeing Vance sitting with Trump and speaking at the Republican National Convention as surreal, watching the first generation Indian-American attorney address a predominantly white crowd as her husband became the GOP vice presidential pick.

At the RNC, Usha Vance found herself on stage with a man she had told her friends she was revolted by, they have disclosed to the Washington Post. Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

Was I surprised to see her there to support a man who seems to be building political power by punching down at trans folks and immigrants? Yeah, that part caught me off guard, a Yale classmate of hers told the Washington Post.

Vances change in tone regarding the former president reflects that of her spouse, who once compared Trump to Hitler. Prior to her husband appearing on a Republican ticket in 2022, she registered to vote as a Democrat at least twice and was registered with the party until 2014.

And while she worked for two conservative judges, her husband said Vance had no ideological chops after she interviewed with Justice Elena Kagan, a Democratic appointee and the late Antonin Scalia, a conservative icon.

Vance instead took a job working for Chief Justice John Roberts, before entering private practice.

In a statement provided by Vances campaign, Jai Chabria, a strategist for his Ohio Senate campaign and a longtime family friend, said, As has been well documented, JD became a supporter of President Trump over time. Usha has had a similar shift in views and fully supports Donald Trump and her husband and will do whatever she can to ensure their victory this November.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Venezuelans have their best chance yet to end a dictatorship, and the U.S. is watching | Opinion

Venezuelans have their last, best chance to end Venezuelas lost decade on Sunday.

For the first time since 2013, Venezuelans will cast votes for a genuine alternative to Nicolas Maduros dictatorial regime. Make no mistake, this will not be a free and fair election. It is already clear that the contest will not remotely resemble international standards.

Maria Corina Machado, the opposition leader who has brought thousands of enthusiastic supporters to the streets and won over 90% of her primary vote, was barred from running for president. In addition, international observers and independent media have been stifled or turned away from reporting the truth.

Opposition organizers and human rights activists have been harassed, surveilled, and arbitrarily imprisoned. In a disturbing echo of right-wing American politicians, Maduro himself has made clear that he has no plans to accept defeat and promised a blood bath and fratricidal civil war will ensue if he loses.

It may seem hopeless, particularly for those who share my dedication to promoting Latin American democracy and rule of law. But my Venezuelan constituents have faced much tougher challenges.

Machado has galvanized Venezuelans to support the one opposition candidate who remains on the ballot. She sees a narrow, indirect path to victory.

Millions of Venezuelans will turn out to vote for substitute candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urritia. The unassuming and, until recently, unknown diplomat leads Maduro in most polls.

The oppositions strategy is deceptively simple: win a decisive majority of votes  by margins too big to rig  and force Maduro to negotiate a transition of power or risk losing control of the country. The opposition is mobilizing against voter suppression, disinformation, and ballot tampering by organizing and educating voters to observe and report irregularities.

Of course, Maduro may well reject the results. His Russian, Iranian and Cuban patrons will bet the U.S. has lost its appetite for sanctions and will prioritize gas prices over democracy. But the impacts will ripple far beyond prices at the pump. A Maduro win will undoubtedly mean a new surge of migrants, further destabilizing the region.

But Venezuelas opposition cannot bring Maduro to the table unless the U.S. and its democratic partners continue to bring pressure to bear.

The Biden-Harris Administration has successfully employed strict sanctions and leveraged relief to induce concessions from Maduro. If they hadnt negotiated the Barbados Agreement last year, which freed all wrongfully detained Americans in Venezuela, there may be no election to speak of today.

Since then, the Administration has not hesitated to restore punitive measures against the regime. When Maduro broke his word by banning Machados candidacy, Biden snapped oil and gas sanctions back into place.

Now, the U.S. must make the stakes painstakingly clear.

We must send the message that any attempt to threaten the lives of Machado or Gonzalez, suppress the vote with violence or disinformation or undermine the election outright will be met with harsh consequences. We must be willing to employ all tools at our disposal to defend democracy, and demonstrate the credibility of our threats by following through.

We must also make equally clear that if Maduro recognizes the election results and allows a peaceful transition, the U.S. will end Venezuelas pariah status, support reconstruction of its institutions and end this political crisis, once and for all.

Im disappointed the GOP-controlled House adjourned without reauthorizing the VERDAD Act or enacting new legislation to underscore this message, but my bipartisan colleagues and I will closely monitor the election results, and prepare to do our part.

The opposition has stepped up to compete in an unfree, unfair election. Now its up to us to have their back.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz represents Floridas District 25 covering Broward County.
How a Vermont game warden got a bear out of the attic at a Stowe condominium

On July 16, Game Warden Jeremy Schmid got a call from the Stowe Police Department saying a bear had climbed a two-story deck at a condominium development near downtown and now found itself in the attic. Oh boy.

This was a new one for Schmid, even though he's on the frontlines of human/bear conflicts in the Underhill patrol district he covers, which includes towns from Bolton to Cambridge, as well as Chittenden County and Grand Isle County when he's needed. Game wardens, like many professions, are in short supply.

Unfortunately, bear invasions of homes are on the rise in Vermont. Jaclyn Comeau, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department's lead bear biologist, said in an email there have been at least 30 successful and attempted home entries by bears this year in Vermont. Ten years ago, Comeau said, there were only one to four reports a year.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Game Warden Jeremy Schmid says black bears are being pushed into smaller and smaller forested areas in Vermont. As seen on May 20, 2024.

Bear in the attic

When he arrived on the scene in Stowe, Schmid talked to the police officers, who confirmed the bear was still in the attic. Schmid consulted maintenance workers at the condominium to get the layout of the attic, which was empty, with only rafters and trusses and blown insulation  no people. Schmid had police evacuate the top two condo units where the bear was, as well as a neighboring unit.

"I ended up going into the attic via the condo unit where the bear was," Schmid said.

Peeking into the pitch black attic with his flashlight, Schmid saw the bear in question lying down, facing away from him, next to the hole it had climbed through. He judged the bear to be about 175 pounds, a mature adult, based on how far apart its ears were. Schmid had no way of knowing whether the bear was male or female.

"It was warm in that attic, over 100 degrees," Schmid said.

Schmid's first idea was to hit the bear with a non-lethal rubber wildlife defense round, hoping it would climb down the opening it had used to reach the attic.

"That was not the case," he said. "It ran across the attic, did a small loop and came back to where it was. I was 15 yards from it. It looked right at me."

When all else fails, bang on the ceiling with your flashlight

Time for Plan B. Schmid decided to go into the condo directly below the bear and try to encourage it to come down by making its entrance hole larger to create an inviting exit hole.

"I was about to do it when I could hear the bear right above me, breathing," Schmid said. "I decided not to do that."

A generation of Vermont's black bears have grown up feeding on garbage and other unnatural sources of food, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Instead Schmid began banging on the ceiling of the condo with his flashlight, directly below where he knew the bear was.

"I could hear it move around, getting restless," Schmid said. "I backed up and saw paws come through the ceiling."

That's when Schmid started filming his video from behind the closed sliding doors of the condo. He had two maintenance people with him and told them not to move.

"Bears have keen eyesight," Schmid said. "Us being below, even though we were inside it may have not come down."

As the bear continued to descend, Schmid went out on the deck to make sure it got all the way to the ground. He had two Stowe police officers keeping everyone away. Once the bear hit the ground, Schmid hit it with another non-lethal rubber wildlife defense round to make sure it returned to the woods.

Of course it was a bird feeder that caused the whole mess

Why was the bear in the attic? Schmid said a bird feeder hanging from the deck ceiling was to blame, as is so often the case. Bears love bird seed and will go to great lengths to get it. Obviously.

"My thoughts on why it went into the attic are that it couldn't comfortably reach the bird feeder from the railing so it climbed into the attic to reach down to the feeder," Schmid said. "The feeder had gotten knocked down. I never saw it, to be honest. I learned from homeowners it was there. It was empty, supposedly."

After the bear had safely retreated to the woods, Schmid met with maintenance workers and "folks that run the place," to advise them to make sure all garbage and compost was secured, that everyone was locking their doors and windows, and that all bird feeders were secured and put away.

"Obviously that incident and video shows the extent of what a bear will do to gain access to a food source," Schmid said. "My day to day is dealing with nuisance bears. The majority of these problems are human-induced, whether it's not securing your garbage, not securing your compost, or feeding birds or other wildlife. It takes the community, and the state as a whole, to come together to try to mitigate this problem. These are all human-induced problems."

Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Chasing bear out of attic no easy task, Vermont game warden learns
Very proud to be a Dominican: New Yorkers showed up to celebrate their heritage

Very proud to be a Dominican: New Yorkers showed up to celebrate their heritage

BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  New York City has the largest population of Dominicans outside the Dominican Republic.

There was a really fun party at the Bronx Zoo celebrating the Dominican people and their contributions to life in the Bronx.

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The evening was called Noche Quisquiyana, or, as many said, the best party ever. It began with the national anthem and the Dominican national anthem.

It was a free party for more than 250 people to celebrate their heritage in the Dominican Republic and their life in New York City, which is home to more than 700,000 people of Dominican descent.

The partys host was New York City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca.

Throughout the years, we have seen the influx of Dominicans and what a vital role they have in our economy, our healthcare, our bodegas and our restaurants, Salamanca told PIX11 News.

This is the third annual Noche quisqueyana, held each summer before the National Dominican Day Parade in Manhattan. This year, the parade will be held on Sunday, August 11, and will air on PIX11.

Four Dominican New Yorkers were honored, including two bodega owners and the president of the United Bodega Association, Fernando Radhames Rodriguez.

Being a Dominican is everything, Rodriguez told PIX11 News. Its hard-working, its family, its helping others. Im very proud to be a Dominican, he added.

Diana Rodriguez, Fernandos daughter, told PIX11 News that she is extremely proud of her father.

 He is the definition of a hard-working man, Diana said. Hes instilled in my siblings and I that you truly get what you work for, she added.

A fourth honoree, Bronx-born Fidel Malena, went to Columbia on a full scholarship and now serves as the regional representative for Governor Kathy Hochul, helping his fellow Dominicans in the Bronx.

I owe it to my family, my friends, and to the higher being for keeping me humble, Malena, the honoree, told PIX11 News, to serve as a public endeavor to advance the public interest, he added.

Many at this party will be going to the Bronx Dominican Parade this Sunday on the Grand Concourse and then the bigger national parade on August 11, which will air on PIX11 News.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The organizers of a demonstration outside a Los Angeles synagogue last month that ended in violence and sparked national condemnation have been sued for a second time.

StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice, a nonprofit that fights antisemitism, filed the lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of seven Jewish people who planned to attend a real estate and religious event on June 23 at the Adas Torah Synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood.

It is the second lawsuit to be filed against Code Pink and the Palestinian Youth Movement, the nonprofits that led the demonstration. The first suit was filed by a Jewish man who accused the groups of causing violence and blocking him from entering the synagogue

Attorneys for Stand with Us Center for Legal Justice echoed similar allegations as the first lawsuit, saying demonstrators terrorized Jewish congregants outside of their house of worship, blocking access to those seeking religious services and trapping others inside.

Jewish worshipers, the lawsuit said, were injured by bear spray, assaulted and threatened by demonstrators. The protest also halted multiple daily prayer services and Torah study sessions.

Targeting Jewish families on their way to exercise their religious freedom at a house of worship is abhorrent and has no place in modern society, said Carly Gammill, Director of the SCLJ. The organizers of this antisemitic riot need to learn they cannot use violence and intimidation to deprive Jews of their 1st Amendment rights  and that we are here to help the Jewish community ensures that our laws are enforced to their fullest extent.

Read more: Pro-Palestinian groups sued over demonstration outside L.A. synagogue

President Biden and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined Jewish community groups to condemn the protest as an act of antisemitism.

I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a harbor for antisemitism and violence, Bass said at the time. Those responsible for either will be found and held accountable.

The violence prompted U.S. Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland to call for a federal inquiry into the demonstration.

The recent lawsuit also named the WESPAC Foundation, short for Westchester Peoples Action Coalition Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in New York, as the fiscal sponsor of the Palestinian Youth Movement and therefore supported the demonstration outside of the synagogue.

A spokesperson for Code Pink declined to comment about the ongoing litigation. Representatives of the Palestinian Youth Movement and WESPAC Foundation could not immediately be reached for comment.

But the groups have said that the protest last month was spurred not by antisemitism but by a real estate event at the synagogue that aimed to provide information about housing opportunities in Israel that would fulfill the religious commandment to make Aliyah, which means migrating to Israel.

Read more: Protest violence outside L.A. synagogue spurs widespread condemnation. Bass vows quick action

The lawsuit said the Aliyah event was organized by My Home in Israel, a real estate company, whose events have sparked demonstrations elsewhere in the country.

Much of the international community  including the Biden administration and the United Nations  considers settlements in the West Bank to be illegal under international law, although the Israeli government disagrees.

Plaintiffs for the lawsuit are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees. Theyre also asking that the nonprofits and their members stay at least 100 feet from the synagogue.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  A New Mexico man was sentenced for a violent crime spree, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) stated in a release.

The DOJ, citing documents, claimed Michael Shebala, 37, of Zuni, shot a man in the chest at the Route 66 Travel Center in February of 2021 because of an argument about face mask requirements. The victim had been traveling when he was shot and had to spend a week in the hospital.

Story continues below

The next month, Shebala reportedly shot his cousin during an argument before kicking him in the face and beating him with a bat.

Shebala was sentenced to 10 years and one day in federal prison and must serve three years of supervised release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Voters will get to weigh in on abortion come November  in red and blue states alike

Across America, including in conservative states like Nebraska and Arkansas, every proposed ballot measure to restore or expand abortion access gathered enough signatures to make November's ballot. Voters in 11 states this fall could vote on abortion, if those signatures are certified and the measures survive legal challenges.

For 50 years, the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision gave women in America access to abortion until fetal viability, around the 24th week of pregnancy. The Dobbs decision in 2022 overturned those national protections for abortion, and states adopted a range of policies, from near total bans to broad access in line with the Roe standard.

In states that allow voter-driven ballot measures, abortion rights groups have used the tool to push back against restrictions. In past elections, voters even in conservative states like Ohio and Kansas have shown a willingness to support these abortion ballot measures.

Now, abortion could become an even more high-profile issue come November. Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, has been a forceful advocate for abortion access and will likely make the issue central in her campaign against Republican Donald Trump.

An organizer carries a clipboard with petitions for a ballot initiative to enshrine abortion into the Arizona state constitution in Tucson, Arizona, on April 9, 2024.

Support across the country

"I've been doing this work for a long time, and I've never felt the kind of energy and enthusiasm that we currently have with Americans across the county," said Caroline Mello Roberson of Reproductive Freedom for All, an abortion rights advocacy group that campaigned for ballot measures campaigns in Arizona, Nevada and Michigan.

In Arizona, where the state Supreme Court's reinstatement of a strict, 19th century anti-abortion law made national news, organizers of a measure to allow abortions until fetal viability this month submitted 800,000 signatures, or around 20% of the state's eligible voters.

"A very broad majority supports this issue, and that's whether we were in rural communities or cities, whether we were in largely red, conservative districts or more progressive areas of the state," said Dawn Penich, a spokesperson for the Arizona organizers.

Voter-initiated ballot measures have already been approved for the November ballot in Colorado, Florida, Nevada and South Dakota. In Maryland and New York, legislators have put forward ballots measures that add abortion-related protections to the state constitutions.

The signatures submitted in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Montana and Nebraska still need to be certified by the states before the measures appear on the November ballot. Any of these measures could also be challenged in court.

New York's proposed constitutional amendment extending abortion rights, for example, was pulled from the ballot by a state judge in May before being restored by higher courts.

And some abortion access efforts in conservative states may also face opposition from state officials.

In deep red Arkansas, where abortion currently is allowed only to save the life of a mother, organizers of a ballot measure to restore broader access submitted more than 100,000 signatures. A week later, the Republican secretary or state rejected those signatures on a technicality. The ballot measure organizers are challenging that decision in court.

Dina Epstein, left, an OBGYN and physician leader with Arkansans for Limited Government, helps Chris Hayman, center, and Toni Hayman sign the petition for the Arkansas abortion amendment during the 15th Annual Juneteenth in Da Rock celebration at S. Arch Street in Little Rock, Ark., Saturday, June 15, 2024.

Countering with confusion

Meanwhile, some of the abortion rights groups have complained their ballot measures have been intentionally mischaracterized by their opponents. In some cases, the opposition have used underhanded tactics.

In Nebraska, signers were confused by two similarly named ballot initiatives, one seeking to expand abortion rights, and the other aiming to restrict them. Organizers for Protect Our Rights, the reproductive rights advocacy campaign, said they heard voters were deceived into signing the opposing Protect Women and Children petition.

According to the Nebraska Examiner, more than 300 people submitted affidavits with the Secretary of State's Office to get their names off Protect Women and Children's petition, while 12 did the same for the Protect Our Rights initiative.

Creating opposing ballot measures is a common tactic used by opposition groups to confuse voters about what ballot initiatives aim to do, according to Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, a group that supports progressive ballot initiatives.

Because of how widely successful reproductive freedom ballot measures have been, we are seeing this as a tactic used to confuse and intimidate voters at the ballot, she said.

In Arkansas, an email went out to supporters of the abortion ballot measures on July 4, a day before the signature deadline, saying the organizers had reached their goal and volunteers should take the day off and celebrate. The organizers say their email list was stolen, and they believe the unauthorized message was sent to discourage the final push to gather signatures.

The conservative Arkansas Family Council also published the names of paid canvassers and the towns where they were working. The ballot organizers characterized the publication as doxxing and an attempt to intimidate the canvassers, while the Arkansas Family Council countered that posting the publicly available information promoted election transparency.

What makes ballot measures different

"There's no secret that ballot measures have been a problem. That's because pro-lifers have been outspent," said Kelsey Pritchard of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, which campainged against abortion measures in conservative states like Arizona, South Dakota and Florida.

Since the Dobbs decision, Pritchard said, many Republican politicians have shied away from embracing an anti-abortion position.

Ballot measures isolate issues, and remove them from the extreme partisanship of American politics today, said Fields Figueredo. Voters are more willing, she believes, to cross party lines to support an issue like abortion when it is separated from a political candidate.

"People are reading the ballot measure from the perspective of how this is going to impact themselves and their community," she said.

Here is where proposed abortion ballot measures stand across the country:

Arizona

Arizona made national news in April when the state's Supreme Court upheld an 1864 law that imposed a near total ban on abortion. The legislature later overturned that Civil War-era law. Abortion rights organizers collected more than 800,000 signatures, double the amount needed, for a constitutional amendment that would create a right to abortion up until the fetus becomes viable.

Arkansas

Despite no support from national abortion rights groups, organizers gathered more 100,000 signatures for a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow unrestricted abortions in the first 18-weeks after fertilization with exceptions later in the pregnancy for rape, incest and the mother's health. The Arkansas Secretary of State rejected the submitted signature due to a missing form, but the organizers filed suit to challenge that decision. Current Arkansas law allows abortion only to save the mother's life, and no abortions were performed in the state last year.

Colorado

Colorado already has extensive protections for abortion, including laws shielding doctors who perform abortions on patients from out of state. But a ballot initiative led by reproductive rights supporters would enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. The initiative would also bar the government from prohibiting the coverage of abortions through health insurance plans, including for public employees and for publicly funded health care plans. An opposing initiative aimed at banning abortion failed to gather enough signatures to get on the ballot.

Florida

In May, Florida banned almost all abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Before that law went into effect, the state had some of the least restrictive abortion laws in the Southeast, and more than 7,000 women traveled to the state from across the region for the procedure. A voter-driven measure already approved for the November ballot, however, would restore abortion access up to fetal viability. The measure must be approved by 60% of the voters to pass.

Maryland

A ballot measure, proposed by the state legislature, would enshrine abortion protections in the state's constitution. Current state laws, enacted by a voter-driven ballot initiate in 1991, provide broad access to abortion.

Missouri

Reproductive rights supporters in Missouri are attempting to scale back the states near total abortion ban through a ballot initiative that would enshrine the right to the procedure in the state's constitution. Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, a coalition of abortion rights activists, submitted more than 380,000 signatures in May, which local election officials have until July 30 to certify. The group has faced challenges from anti-abortion groups, which have led an aggressive Decline to Sign campaign.

Montana

Abortion rights proponents in Montana recently submitted 117,000 signatures, nearly double the required amount, for a ballot initiative that would enshrine the right to abortion in the Montana Constitution. Currently, abortion is legal in the state up to fetal viability. The campaign had less than 80 days to collect signatures after Attorney General Austin Knudsen challenged the initiative in court, narrowing the signature collection window.

Nebraska

Two opposing ballot initiatives submitted signatures: one aiming to enshrine the state's current 12 week abortion ban in the Nebraska Constitution, and the other seeking to extend abortion access up to fetal viability. Protect Our Rights, the group supporting abortion access in the state, broke a record for the number of signatures submitted for a ballot initiative in Nebraska with around 207,000. Protect Women and Children, the anti-abortion campaign, came in close with 205,000 signatures in only 97 days. If both initiatives make it on the ballot, the one that receives the most votes in November will pass.

Nevada

In June, a ballot initiative enshrining abortion rights in the Nevada Constitution got the green light for the November ballot after receiving more than 200,000 signatures. Nevada currently has a 1990 law in place allowing abortions for the first 24 weeks of pregnancy or later to protect the health of the pregnant person. The proposed amendment would enshrine this access in the state constitution. Voters would have to approve the initiative in both 2024 and 2026 to amend the state constitution.

New York

The Equal Rights Amendment, a constitutional amendment put forward by state lawmakers, would bar discrimination against a woman who had an abortion. New York allows abortions through the 24th week of pregnancy. The amendment would also bar discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity and national origin.

South Dakota

South Dakotans will decide whether to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution this November after a ballot initiative aiming to do so was approved in May. Along with scaling back the states near total abortion ban, the initiative would allow for abortions in the first trimester while also allowing the state, in the second trimester, to regulate the pregnant womans abortion decision and its effectuation only in ways that are reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman. The amendment would also create an exemption for abortions to preserve the life and health of the woman in the third trimester.

Contributing: George Fabe Russell

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Abortion ballot measures in November 2024: A state by state guide
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Round Rock Police Department and Williamson County Sheriffs Office will investigate the July 25 in-custody death of a 44-year-old man, according to a WCSO press release.

On April 23, Cassis Griffin, of Austin, was booked into the Williamson County Jail on a felony DWI case, WCSO said. According to online court records, he had entered a guilty plea and received his sentence on July 2.

WCSO said that Griffin had been in their custody at his time of death, awaiting transport to prison.

Williamson County corrections officers found Griffin unresponsive in his cell on July 25, the release said. The officers attempted life-saving measures and called for help from the Georgetown Fire Department and EMS, according to WCSO.

Griffin was taken to the hospital and was later pronounced dead, the release said.

Detectives immediately requested an outside local law enforcement agency to conduct an independent investigation into the death, WCSO said in the release.

WCSO said it is in communication with the Williamson County District Attorneys Office about the investigation.

At this time, it appears to be a natural medical condition that caused Mr. Griffins death, said WCSO Criminal Investigation Division commander John Foster in the release.

An autopsy and toxicology report from the Travis County Medical Examiners Office are pending, the release said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
We want to hear from you: Where were you when Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential election?

President Biden as he addressed the nation from the Oval Office on July 24. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

It was a shock to the nation  and the world  when President Biden announced on July 21 that he was stepping down from the 2024 presidential race against Donald Trump.

Biden, 81, said it was in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down, and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris. He later added in an Oval Office address it was time to pass the torch to a new generation.

The End, read the front page of the New York Post alongside a photo of Biden. The 2024 race is reborn, Hawaiis Tribune-Herald said. Biden bows out, another seismic shift in a fractious election, read the Irish Times. Bye-bye, Biden, read the Swiss newspaper Blick.

Biden jumped into the 2024 presidential race in full swing, winning the presidential Democratic primaries in every state, with Harris on the ticket as his running mate. But after a widely panned debate against Trump that was criticized as disastrous, and after polls showed he trailed Trump for the presidency, he dropped out of the election.

It was a momentous day in American history. Biden is one of only a handful of presidents who hadnt sought a second term, but others  including James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Theodore Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge  announced they werent running early on, and never launched a reelection campaign.

So Yahoo News wants to know: Where were you when you heard the historic news that Biden wasnt running for president again? Submissions have ended, but we will be sharing these stories soon.
We're talking about Secret Service after Trump shooting. Why aren't we talking about guns?

In the United States, 327 people are shot every day. On July 13, former President Donald Trump was one of them.

The shooting at Trump's reelection campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a person was killed and two were wounded, is a tragedy and a huge failure on the part of law enforcement. It is something that we should all find despicable, no matter your political alignment.

We now know that the 20-year-old gunman even flew a drone over the rally area two hours before Trumps speech. The assassination attempt was such a security failure that Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned.

The conversation and congressional hearings over the security failure started happening days after the shooting, a part of conversation that was needed.

And yet, I have seen very few elected officials actually talk about gun violence and the need for more legal intervention despite the weapon used at the Trump rally being a favorite among mass shooters. You would think an assassination attempt would force the country to take gun violence seriously. You'd be wrong.

So I decided to talk to David Hogg, 24, who has spent the past six years fighting for better gun laws after surviving one of the country's most notorious mass school shootings.

The importance of talking about gun violence

Secret Service agents help former President Donald Trump leave his reelection campaign rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa., after he was injured in an assassination attempt.

Hogg, who was a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, when a former student killed 17 people on Valentines Day in 2018, is the co-founder of March For Our Lives.

Because of his own experience with shootings and his advocacy work, Hogg noticed quickly how little conversation there was about guns at the Republican National Convention, either for or against, after the attempt on Trump's life.

"It shows that they're really running from this issue more than anything," he told me.

During Trumps acceptance speech at the RNC on July 18, the former president noted that he would likely never tell the story of the shooting again because it was too painful. Hogg contrasts that remark with his own experience and points to a campaign rally Trump held in January after a school shooting in Iowa. The day after that tragedy, the former president told Iowans that we have to get over it.

David Hogg: How many more students and teachers must die before lawmakers act to stop gun violence?

Despite his harrowing story and what he's been through, he talked about how hard it is for him to talk about it," Hogg said. "Imagine how hard it is for the kids in Parkland to talk about it. Imagine how hard it is for parents who fear for their kids' lives. I'm thankful that he survived, but I also hope that he understands how offensive it is to tell people just to get over it."

Despite the difficulty, it's important for people to talk about it. As tragic as it is, the Trump assassination attempt will hopefully lead to conversations on how to solve gun homicides and reduce them further than the 16.4% they have fallen since 2021. We have to start with talking about it.

Gun laws have worked in the past

David Hogg speaks during March for Our Lives on June 11, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

Hogg notes that gun laws have made a difference in Florida and throughout the country since the shooting at his high school. He points to the states red flag law," which prevents firearms from being sold to people who could be threats to themselves or others. Since the law was implemented in his home state, it has been used more than 12,000 times.

In 2022, the federal government passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act by working together. Since it was implemented, hundreds of illegal gun purchases have been stopped.

Campaign donations: Kamala Harris has historic donation momentum. She'll need it to fight Trump.

It's obviously important that we do all that we can to prevent it because, by the time that there's a shooter on a building, by the time that there's a shooter in a parking lot or in a classroom, it is too late, Hogg said, because somebody is already going to die.

Both parties have, in the past, been willing to work across the aisle to prevent more gun deaths from happening. When President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981, it led to the passage of the Brady Act. It was named for James Brady, Reagan's White House press secretary who survived a bullet wound to the head that day.

The Brady Handgun Violence and Prevention Act remains perhaps the most consequential piece of firearms legislation since its passage in 1993. Hopefully, we will see similar legal action in the wake of Trump's assassination attempt.

NRA still has influence in American politics, for some reason

Despite the calls for increased security around election officials and the desire to send a message of unity to the country, the Republicans dont seem to be talking about gun violence prevention in any meaningful way. It is hard to separate that from the amount of money they have taken from the National Rifle Association over the years.

In the 2020 election cycle, the NRA donated more than $772,000 to Republican candidates and $13,800 to Democrats  and spent more than $5.4 million lobbying.

Despite recent revelations about the organizations corruption, for the 2024 election the NRA has already contributed nearly $9,000 in and spent $2.8 million on lobbying.

After this attack on a former U.S. president, I don't believe that any candidate should take money from the NRA or any pro-gun organization.

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Both the assailant in Parkland and the gunman who shot Trump used AR-style rifles that were obtained legally. The correct response would be to ban assault-style weapons. That, in turn, requires filibuster reform so that it will no longer take a supermajority to pass legislation that the majority of senators want.

Despite my beliefs, Im not really hopeful that legislators will start taking gun violence seriously. Hogg isnt, either.

The response, like usual, is probably just going to be more policing, Hogg said, which then sells more guns, which then is proven ineffective, which then we decide to spend more money on policing.

The Democrats, on the other hand, are rolling out their gun safety plans. Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris called for new gun safety legislation in a Milwaukee speech that helped launch her presidential campaign. Soon after, March For Our Lives announced its endorsement of Harris, a first for that organization.

"We will finally pass red flag laws, universal background checks, and an assault weapons ban," Harris told the crowd.

Thats a good step, but it will take both sides talking about the issue for anything to actually happen.

If Republicans and Democrats are truly appalled at what we saw on July 13, then they will do everything in their power to make our country safer by making it difficult to procure a weapon that almost ended a former presidents life.

Follow USA TODAY elections columnist Sara Pequeno on X, formerly Twitter, @sara__pequeno

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump was shot at, but don't expect Republicans to talk about guns
Allegany College of Maryland, Garrett College and Hagerstown Community College have received a $617,400 grant from the Senator George C. Edwards Fund toward a $686,000 project to implement two cyber ranges through the Cyber Workforce Accelerator program to assist cybersecurity students to prepare for careers, using real-world, cutting-edge simulation.

Created by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) and BCR Cyber, the Cyber Workforce Accelerator program is designed to expand Maryland workforce development efforts and provide the states community colleges with BCR Cyber Series 3000 Cyber Ranges, offering access to advanced experiential training and education technology to train and certify thousands of entry level IT and cyber practitioners.

The fund grant facilitates the procurement, configuration and deployment of the cyber ranges, as well as required infrastructure upgrades, enhancements and staff training.

Delivery of the cyber ranges and training commencement is expected by April 1, 2025.

This is going to be a game changer for our students, said Hagerstown Community College President Jim Klauber. Our cybersecurity students will learn how to effectively identify and address cyber threats. Employers will be able to watch students as they work through the simulations, giving the students the opportunity to showcase their skills and employability.

The Senator George C. Edwards Fund is a four-year, $50 million program aimed to spur economic growth in Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties.

This cyber range project will help our competitiveness in Western Maryland and will yield return on investment in this fast-growing industry. It is a great partnership between our three community colleges, says Jake Shade, executive director of the Senator Edwards Fund.

BCR Cyber created a public-private consortium of more than 35 cybersecurity companies and government agencies that will steer course content development and recruit entry-level employees trained at the community college cyber ranges.

Each school will have a center with five workstations in which the students will complete approximately 40 hours of training for their capstone work, followed by a live experience with up to 10 hours of testing in simulated cyber threats.

BCR Cyber has trained thousands of people to work in the cybersecurity industry.

There are not enough skilled professionals to meet the talent gap in cybersecurity here in Maryland and across the country, says Michael Spector, president of BCR Cyber. Partnering with these community colleges through the accelerator program is an effective way not only to create well-paid career opportunities, but also bring more students into an industry that desperately needs them.

Recently, MACC  in partnership with BCR Cyber  was awarded $935,680 through the Maryland Department of Commerces Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program to fund the Cybersecurity Workforce Accelerator.

This award leverages $2 million of Congressionally Directed Spending obtained by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris van Hollen that was allocated for the Accelerator earlier this year in the Federal FY25 Budget as matching funds.

The total amount awarded year to date for the accelerator is $3.6 million.

For more information about the program, go to www.bcrcyber.com.

From cyber security to eyelashes: Budding business owners get a start at new HCC facility

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Students get expanded cybersecurity training opportunities
In the wake of a major shake-up in the 2024 election, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hit the campaign trail to stump for Vice President Kamala Harris, the new presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

With about 100 days until the Nov. 5 election, Harris has an opportunity to reintroduce herself as a presidential candidate to the country after she ended her 2020 campaign before the Iowa caucuses that year. Whitmer addressed voters at a brewery in New Hampshire Thursday. And she will visit Pennsylvania on Monday, according to multiple reports.

Whitmer gave her support to Harris after President Joe Biden endorsed his Vice President to replace him at the top of the ticket to take on former President Donald Trump.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer campaigns for Kamala Harris in Nashua on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

"She's a former prosecutor, a champion for reproductive freedom, and I know that she's got Michigan's back," Whitmer said of Harris in a statement earlier this week. Whitmer serves as a co-chair of Harris' campaign.

While Harris has amassed the support of enough Democratic delegates to secure her party's nomination, she hasn't decided who she will pick as her running mate. Whitmer has pushed back on speculation she's a top contender for the role, saying she has no plans to leave the state and intends to finish out her current term in office which ends in 2027.

But Whitmer has said the voters in the U.S. could embrace a two-woman ticket even if she's not on it during a podcast interview. She reiterated the sentiment in New Hampshire, telling voters there that Harris "should be bold" in selecting her Vice President and said a two-women ticket or a ticket with two people of color would be "exciting," according to Seacostonline.

2024 Election: Whitmer on reports Harris campaign vetting her as VP: 'I've not been asked for anything'

Whitmer travels around the country promoting Harris' last-minute presidential campaign at a time when her own national star has risen. Whitmer's book  "True Gretch"  has given the Michigan governor an opportunity to introduce herself to a national audience. It found its way among the top three best-selling books on the New York Times list for combined print and e-book nonfiction earlier this week.

Back in her home state, Whitmer has repeatedly described the presidential election as a tight race to win the Michigan vote.

Biden defeated Trump in 2020 by more than 154,000 votes or nearly three percentage points in Michigan. Four years earlier, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton lost to Trump in Michigan by about 11,000 votes, a little less than a quarter of a percentage point. It was the tightest margin of victory for Trump of any state that year and marked the first time Michigan backed a Republican presidential candidate since 1988.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer campaigns nationally for Harris
Lee County School Board elections are right around the corner and the District 2 seat is up for grabs. Incumbent Melisa Giovannelli is running for re-election against new candidate Carol Frantz.

Melisa Giovannelli is a 61-year-old Republican who is a fifth generation born and raised Lee County native. She's spent the last 25 years building a business in local real estate.

Giovannelli has been on the Lee School Board since 2016. She was also part of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Fort Myers for more than 30 years and is now active at Next Level Church.

The incumbent regularly spends time with nonprofits like the Boy Scouts of America, Edison Festival of Light, Learning for Life, Young Life, Uncommon Friends Founation, and Blankets & Blessings.

About the District 2 School Board position

The Lee County School Board operates, controls, and supervises all public schools within the district. School Board members represent all Lee County schools.

A Lee County School Board member makes around $40,000 per year.

School Board members serve four-year terms before needing to be re-elected

How much has Giovannelli raised so far?

Giovannelli has raised $21,000 toward her campaign so far.

"Some of that is self-funded," Giovannelli said. "My commitment to the community that supports me."

Who is Giovannelli running against in the election?

Giovannelli is up against candidate Carol Frantz. Whoever wins the primary election on Aug. 20 will hold the District 2 seat on the Lee County School Board.

Here are incumbent Giovannelli's answers to our questions:

Note to readers: Some of these answers have been edited for length.

Melisa Giovannelli is running for re-election for the District 2 spot on the Lee County School Board.

The Lee County School District is expecting significant student growth and may need to build 10 new schools. How would you address the challenges of managing the growth illustrated in the District's new 10-year plan while ensuring all students receive a quality education?

This is an ongoing issue and can change as the need changes. We need to identify exactly where the growth is and make sure we are addressing the properties that can accommodate the growth sooner than later.

We have property that has the infrastructure in place and property that we would have to add infrastructure. We need to identify those properties and areas, add the additional costs for the infrastructure verses property that has the infrastructure, which would save time and money to build sooner rather than later.

The plan must be well thought out to make sure that we can expediate the construction process, because the need is now and thoroughly thought through before spending money. We must be prioritizing our budget in this plan.

How would you address concerns about teacher retention and recruitment in Lee County, especially considering that neighboring counties offer higher salaries?

Help the new Superintendent identify that all staff is in the right seat of the bus per se.

Recommend to the new Superintendent to recruit out west where teachers are living in very cold rural areas like Alaska, Montana and South and North Dakota.

Also, recruit in heavily Hispanic areas like, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and offer opportunity for a better way of life. Offer them a type of sign on Sunshine bonus for a 5-year commitment.

Lobby to eliminate the one-year contracts for new teachers. There needs to be a stability contract. Teachers must be valued and respected as the professionals that they are. Prioritize salaries in the budget each year. This discussion needs to happen every year during the budgeting process.

Do you believe that the Lee County School District 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?

We finally have metal detectors, which I advocated for since 2017 before the Parkland tragedy, as well as the Guardian Program that was passed in 2023. I championed that program when the Governor passed the law. I finally got that support this past year.

We cannot put a price on student and staff safety. We must be proactive rather than reactive.

Student behavior in the classroom must be addressed. Those behaviors take away learning from the students that do behave.

We need to make sure that threat management is being performed properly as well as looking at mental health and identifying those students that might be a threat and make sure they are receiving the resources needed.

What is your stance on the recent controversy surrounding the Hate Has No Home Here banner displayed in a Lee County classroom? How would you approach similar situations involving potentially controversial materials or displays in schools?

I will always follow the law, which can be fluid until there is a final court ruling setting precedence. Schools should not be political. Children are not a political party. Everyone must use sound judgment.

This was brought before the superintendent and the board attorney, and they handled the particular situation. The superintendent handles the day-to-day business of the district and is not a School Board members role.

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?

Parents rights should never be circumvented. They do not shape curriculum or library collections.

All books should be age appropriate. If a book is challenged there is a process which is followed, and I support that process. There is a committee that reads the book and decides if it has literary value and makes the determination if the book should be in the library.

To date, there has only been one book removed after a challenge. There is a Media Access Form that parents designate which level of access they want their student to have in the library; Access to all books including the challenged books. Access to books except challenged books. If the parent does not select one of the three options, then it defaults to the limited access and age appropriate.

The Lee County School District recently revised its Safe Space designation stickers, removing the rainbow flag and language specifically mentioning LGBTQ+ inclusivity. What is your opinion on this change, and how important do you believe it is for schools to be welcoming and inclusive environments for all students?

This changed in late 2020, it was not recently. All students must feel safe as if they do not feel safe, they are not learning. All means all and we should not be catering to one group to overlook another group.

Safe place for one safe place for all. All Students should feel safe and learn in a safe environment. Bullying is what should be addressed. There should be no tolerance for bullying, which is the policy of the school district.

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?

This should be embraced with a policy in place for plagiarism. It is the way of the future, and we must engage and educate students in AI and help them with boundaries as well as the understanding of this new tool that is changing the world.

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?

This is not going to be implemented in Lee County. It was decided that there will be no policy and therefore will not be offered.

If parents want their child to receive religious advice they need to be in charge of that guidance and not the Lee County School system. We are in the education business not religion business.

There are too many religions and that decision should be up to the parent to decide who or what religion they want their child learning about or getting that religious guidance and education.

What are the top priorities for your district, and what new initiatives will you focus on to improve the local education system?

Student focus driven, with increase student achievement and graduation rate.

Increase teacher retention & pay

Safety and security (emphasis on student behavior)

Transparency and accountability

Fiscally responsible with accountability

What do you want voters to know about you, and why should they vote for you instead of your opponent?

I stood alone in adversarial situations on the school board. I am one of seven and at times it is difficult to make the changes if you do not have most of the board. I am not afraid to speak up when it is necessary and will do so when needed.

I am in a unique position as an elected official and a member of the Public Policy committee with the Board of Realtors I can lobby Tallahassee several times a year for private property rights, water quality and public education for our community.

I have good relationship with our local elected officials in Lee County. I will listen and advocate for all students, parents, and staff. I will continue to always be the voice for my constituents.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: School Board District 2 Melisa Giovannelli is running for re-election
The Apache Christ painting hangs behind the altar of St. Joseph Apache Mission church in Mescalero, New Mexico, Saturday, July 13, 2024. The painting, an icon that depicts Christ as a Mescalero medicine man, was the forefront of a tension-filled episode between the community and the local Diocese when it was removed by the church's then priest when the region was reeling from wildfires. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)

MESCALERO, New Mexico (AP)  Anne Marie Brillante never imagined she would have to choose between being Apache and being Catholic.

To her, and many others in the Mescalero Apache tribe in New Mexico who are members of St. Joseph Apache Mission, their Indigenous culture had always been intertwined with faith. Both are sacred.

Hearing we had to choose, that was a shock, said a tearful Brillante, a member of the mission's parish council.

The focus of this tense, unresolved episode is the 8-foot Apache Christ painting. For this close-knit community, it is a revered icon created by Franciscan friar Robert Lentz in 1989. It depicts Christ as a Mescalero medicine man, and has hung behind the churchs altar for 35 years under a crucifix as a reminder of the holy union of their culture and faith.

On June 26, the churchs then-priest, Peter Chudy Sixtus Simeon-Aguinam, removed the icon and a smaller painting depicting a sacred Indigenous dancer. Also taken were ceramic chalices and baskets given by the Pueblo community for use during the Eucharist.

Brillante said the priest took them away while the region was reeling from wildfires that claimed two lives and burned more than 1,000 homes.

The Diocese of Las Cruces, which oversees the mission, did not respond to several emails, phone calls and an in-person visit by The Associated Press.

Parishioners, shocked to see the blank wall behind the altar when they arrived for Catechism class, initially believed the art objects had been stolen. But Brillante was informed by a diocesan official that the icons removal occurred under the authority of Bishop Peter Baldacchino and in the presence of a diocesan risk manager.

The diocese has returned the icons and other objects after the communitys outrage was covered by various media outlets, and the bishop replaced Simeon-Aguinam with another priest. But Brillante and others say its insufficient to heal the spiritual abuse they have endured.

Brillante said their former priest opened old wounds with his recent actions, suggesting he sought to cleanse them of their pagan ways, and it has derailed the reconciliation process initiated by Pope Francis in 2022. That year, Francis gave a historic apology for the Catholic Churchs role in Indigenous residential schools, forcing Native people to assimilate into Christian society, destroying their cultures and separating families.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops declined comment on the Mescalero case. But last month, the conference overwhelmingly approved a pastoral framework for Indigenous ministry, which pointed to a false choice many Indigenous Catholics are faced with  to be Indigenous or Catholic:

We assure you, as the Catholic bishops of the United States, that you do not have to be one or the other. You are both.

Several of the missions former priests understood this, but Brillante believes Simeon-Aguinams recent demand to make that false choice violated the bishops new guidelines.

Larry Gosselin, a Franciscan who served St. Joseph from 1984 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2003, said he sought the approval of 15 Mescalero leaders before Lentz began the painting that took three months to complete.

He poured all of himself into that painting, said Gosselin, explaining that Lentz sprinkled gold dust on himself and skipped showering, using his body oils to adhere the gold to the canvas. Then he gave the painting to the humble church.

Albert Braun, the priest who helped construct the church building in the 1920s, respected Mescalero Apache traditions in his ministry and was so beloved that he is buried inside the church, near the altar.

Church elders Glenda and Larry Brusuelas said to right this wrong and to repair this damage, the bishop must issue a public apology.

You dont call or send a letter, Larry Brusuelas said. You face the people you have offended and offer some guarantee that this is not going to happen again. Thats the Apache way.

While Bishop Baldacchino held a two-hour meeting with the parish council in Mescalero after the items were returned, Brillante said he seemed more concerned about the icon being hastily reinstalled rather than acknowledging the harm or offering an apology.

Still, some are hopeful. Parish council member Pamela Cordova, said she views the bishop appointing a new priest who was more familiar with the Apache community as a positive step.

We need to give the bishop a chance to prove himself and let us know he is sincere and wants to make things right, she said.

The concept of inculturation, the notion of people expressing their faith through their culture, has been encouraged by the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, said Chris Vecsey, professor of religion and Native American studies at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York.

Its rather shocking to see a priest who has been assigned a parish with Native people acting in such a disrespectful way in 2024, he said. But it does reflect a long history of concern that blending these symbols might weaken, threaten or pollute the purity of the faith.

Deacon Steven Morello, the Archdiocese of Detroits missionary to the American Indians, said the goal of the U.S. bishops new framework is to correct the ills of the past. He said Indigenous spirituality and Catholic faith have much in common, such as the burning of sage in Native American ceremonies and incense in a Catholic church.

Both are meant to cleanse the heart and mind of all distractions, he said. The smoke goes up to God.

Morello said Pope Francis encyclical on caring for the Earth and the environment titled Laudato Si addresses the sacredness of all creation  a core principle Indigenous people have lived by for millennia.

There is no conflict, only commonality, between Indigenous and Catholic spirituality, he said.

There are over 340 Native American parishes in the United States and many use Indigenous symbols and sacred objects in church. In every corner of the Mescalero church, Apache motifs seamlessly blend in with Catholic imagery.

The Apache Christ painting hangs as the focal point of the century-old Romanesque church whose rock walls soar as high as 90 feet. Artwork of teepees adorns the lectern. A mural at the altar shows the Last Supper with Christ and his apostles depicted as Apache men. Tall crowns worn by mountain dancers known as gahe in Apache, hang over small paintings showing Christs crucifixion and resurrection.

For parishioner Sarah Kazhe, the Apache Christ painting conveys how Jesus appears to the people of Mescalero.

Jesus meets you where you are and he appears to us in a way we understand, she said. Living my Apache way of life is no different than attending church. ... The mindless, thoughtless act of removing a sacred icon sent a message that we didnt matter.

Parishioners believe the Creator in Apache lore is the same as their Christian God. On a recent Saturday night, community members gathered to bless two girls who had come of age. Kazhe and Donalyn Torres, one of the church elders who authorized Lentz to paint the Apache Christ, sat in lawn chairs with more than 100 others, watching crown dancers bring blessings on them.

Under a half-moon, the men wore body paint and tall crowns, dancing to drumbeats and song around a large fire. The women, including the two girls donning buckskin and jewelry, formed the outer circle, moving their feet in a quick, shuffling motion.

In the morning, many from the group attended Mass at their church, the Apache Christ restored to its place of honor.

The painting shows Christ as a Mescalero holy man, standing on the sacred Sierra Blanca, greeting the sun. A sun symbol is painted on his left palm; he holds a deer hoof rattle in his right hand. The inscription at the bottom is Apache for giver of life, one of their names for the Creator. Greek letters in the upper corners are abbreviations for Jesus Christ.

Gosselin, the mission's former priest, said he was struck by the level of detail Lentz captured in that painting, particularly the eyes  which focus on a distance just as Apache people would when talking about spirituality. He believes the painting was divinely inspired because the people who received it feel a holy connection.

This has resonated in the spirit and their hearts, he said. Now, 35 years later, the Apache people are fighting for it.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Why Did Missouri Halt the Release of A Man With An Overturned Conviction JUST As He Was About To Walk Free?

52-year-old Christopher Dunn - Photo: GoFundMe

Christopher Dunn, 52, has maintained his innocence for more than three decades after he was convicted of the 1990 murder of Ricco Rogers. After spending 33 years in a Missouri prison, Dunn was scheduled to be released Wednesday evening after a St. Louis Circuit judge found there to be insufficient evidence to hold Dunn further, according to USA Today.

When Judge Jason Sengheiser announced his decision, Dunns family including his mother, Martha Dunn; wife, Kira Dunn; and 19-year-old son Sequoia Dunn sat in the courtroom eager to bring Dunn home after years of his incarceration, reported NBC .

The judge ordered his immediate released saying in light of the new evidence, no juror, acting reasonably, would have voted to find Dunn guilty of these crimes beyond a reasonable doubt. It wasnt until two days after the judges ruling that Kira was permitted to pick up her husband from prison, according to NPR.

Kira told NPR her husband was dressed in civilian clothes when he was ordered to return back to his cell Wednesday night. The sheer and pointless cruelty is mind boggling, she said. If you know a little about the story, you know weve had a lot of disappointments where we thought wed finally get his freedom, and it was snatched away, she continued.

The Midwest Innocence Project, an organization working to help free Dunn announced on X, Chris legal team hoped and expected him to be released this evening. But at the Attorney Generals request, and less than an hour before Chris scheduled release, the Missouri Supreme Court stayed the order to release Chris, and requested additional briefing.

After an emergency hearing held this afternoon, St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Sengheiser ordered that Christopher Dunn be released tonight by 6 p.m. Chris legal team hoped and expected him to be released this evening. pic.twitter.com/zRasmD2O8T  Midwest Innocence Project (@The_MIP) July 25, 2024

Corrections Department spokesperson Karen Pojmann told AP News that Dunn was in the middle of signing his release papers when news of the immediate stay took affect. The cause of the stay was Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey. He had been fighting against Dunns release, and directly following Judge Sengheisers ruling, Bailey filed an appeal.

Dunns case marks the second time Bailey has appealed the immediate release of a person whose murder conviction was overturned. Last month, 64-year-old Sandra Hemme had her 1980 murder conviction overturned only for Bailey to appeal her release, according to NBC. Hemme spent 43 years behind bars until a judge ruled her innocent in June.

Despite the ruling, Bailey fought to keep Hemme imprisoned. NBC reported Baileys appeal kept her locked up for several more weeks until a judge threatened to hold Baileys office in contempt for continuing to fight against her release. Hemme was released to her family on July 19.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey arrives to testify during the House Homeland Security Committee hearing - Image: Bill Clark (Getty Images)

Dunn was only 18 years old when he was accused of shooting and killing 15-year-old Rogers, according to NBC. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His first-degree murder conviction relied on two witness statements. The witnesses were 12 and 14 years old at the time. They have since recanted their statements saying they were coerced by police.

During a 2020 evidentiary hearing, Judge William Hickle agreed that a jury would not find Dunn guilty with updated evidence, but he declined to set Dunn free, citing a 2016 ruling only allowing death row inmates to make an innocent claim.

Despite two separate judges finding Dunn innocent, his case could be dragged out until next week when Judge Sengheiser and Bailey both have to prove their rebuttals. Dunns attorney, Justin Bonus, called his clients case a travesty of justice, to NBC as he continues to sit in a prison cell with an overturned conviction.

Missouri is also set to execute Marcellus Williams in Sept., according to the New York Times. A hearing to appeal Williams case is scheduled for Aug. 21, and once again, Baileys office is challenging his case.

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I think there have been some brilliant American women in politics, but I dont think Kamala Harris is one of them, Liz Truss said in an interview on Fox News earlier this week.

The comments, which were met with derision on social media, marked the latest outing for the short-lived prime minister on the US channel as she attempts to carve out a new home after her 49 days in Downing Street.

It also forms part of a wider trend as ousted Tories from the Right of the party increasingly find themselves more aligned with Donald Trumps politics than those of their colleagues at home.

Meanwhile, an influx of Britons offers a fresh opportunity for Fox  a longtime champion of Trump  as it grapples with its new position in the US media landscape.

As the Nov 5 election day looms and US politics remains febrile, industry observers expect this marriage of convenience to gather pace.

While Trusss repositioning for an American audience has raised eyebrows, she is not the first to make the leap across the pond.

Steve Hilton, a former political adviser to David Cameron, is perhaps most well-known for such a transition. He hosted The Next Revolution, a weekly current affairs show on Fox News between 2017 and 2023.

Steve Hilton, a former political adviser to David Cameron, hosted a weekly current affairs show on Fox News for six years - Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

Others may follow suit. Boris Johnson, who has yet to begin his job as a presenter on GB News, spoke at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, last week  albeit to a near-empty room.

Nigel Farage, who was hired by Fox as a political analyst in 2017 and has been a regular contributor to the channel, could also gain more air time, though he may struggle to carve out time as he juggles his GB News show with his new job as MP for Clacton.

For years, British writers such as Douglas Murray have been establishing a growing influence on Right-wing thinking in the US. In many ways, it seems only natural that politicians should follow suit.

For Truss in particular, whose book Ten Years to Save the West rails against the liberal establishment and who was at the RNC in Milwaukee alongside Trump, the US offers a natural ideological home.

Its no surprise that Liz Truss has cropped up, simply because if you look at the brand of what she was saying  low taxation, willingness to pump up debt  these are all themes that very much align with Trump ... particularly the idea that the system is conspiring against those who want radical change, says media analyst Ian Whittaker.

Its a Trumpian world view thats really going to go down well with the audience. So from that standpoint, I can totally see where she would make an extremely good niche for herself in the US market.

Former prime minister Liz Truss during an interview at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Al Drago/Bloomberg

For politicians who feel their ideas have not been welcomed in Britain, American TV promises a receptive audience. And that is not to mention the large fees commanded in the States.

For Fox, it comes at an opportune time. The network, once so heavily reliant on Trump, is now facing up to a shift in the power dynamic ahead of a potential second term.

Rupert Murdoch is embroiled in a legal dispute with three of his children as he looks to hand over sole control to eldest son Lachlan, who is seen by many as a continuity candidate who will maintain the media empires Right-wing stance.

[Lachlan] is a carbon copy of his father except that he doesnt interfere, says Alice Enders at Enders Analysis. Hes not a kingmaker, hes not like Rupert who actually saw himself as controlling the outcomes of elections.

Fox is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of Murdochs empire, raking in profits of more than $700m (543m) in its latest quarter.

Ratings show the channel is outpacing cable rivals such as CNN and MSNBC, attracting an average audience of around 3.6m in primetime this month, according to figures from Nielsen.

Nevertheless, it comes at a challenging time for cable TV, which is grappling with the shift to streaming. Moreover, the so-called Trump bump that many media outlets enjoyed during Trumps first presidency appears not to have materialised.

I think first time round there was a novelty. The second time everyone is quite fatigued, says a former journalist at CNN. People in that period have switched off news. The war, the election, the chaos ... people have just had it.

At the same time, Trump supporters who were previously loyal to Fox now have more options to choose from. Rival conservative TV channel Newsmax, while attracting much lower average audiences than Fox, secured more than 3m viewers each evening during the RNC.

Trumps own social media platform Truth Social, which launched in 2022, offers the former president a way of reaching his supporters directly. The influence of X, now owned by vocal Trump supporter Elon Musk, will also play a key role in the election.

As a result, there has been a notable shift in the relationship between Trump and Fox. Many media observers have cited Murdochs decision to jet to the RNC  a highly unusual move for the mogul  as a telling sign of the shifting power balance.

Media observers have noted a shift in power from Rupert Murdoch's Fox News to Donald Trump - Chris Szagola/AP

Theres no doubt when you look at who has the greater influence now  it would be Trump over Fox, says Whittaker. So I think from a Fox perspective the question is therefore how do they change themselves?

Adding to the pressure on Fox is an eye-watering $788m bill to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems, which accused the channel of knowingly broadcasting false claims that the companys technology was used to rig the 2020 election of Joe Biden.

Fox is still facing a separate $2.7bn lawsuit brought by Smartmatic, another voting technology company.

Some of Foxs most controversial hosts, including Tucker Carlson, have been ousted in the wake of the scandal. Still, analysts say the channel will have to tread carefully to avoid future crippling claims.

Enders says Fox needs a bugaboo to rail against, but warns the network has to be really careful. She adds: I think were going to see a lot more care given about blanket assertions that the election is being undermined and stolen.

A Fox News insider denied that the channel was being more cautious in its coverage and insisted the Dominion case was in the rear-view mirror.

Nevertheless, an influx of disenfranchised British politicians could deliver fresh new voices for Murdochs channel at a time when the tycoon is battling to retain his influence. And while Trusss transition from discredited UK politician to US talking head may have ruffled feathers, it is unlikely to be the last.

I think you will continue to see a stream of politicians going over, says Whittaker. But theyre going to be politicians of a certain type who have a certain worldview ... Its not going to be somebody in the mainstream.

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.
Wichita police recently announced it will adopt gunshot sensors and put them in areas with a high number of shootings. This wont be the first time the largest police department in Kansas has used the technology.

The previous time was funded with $100,000 in federal dollars but ended with little to show.

When WPD and city officials announced a pilot gunshot detection program in December 2018, it was touted as a way to lower violence and ensure police response to all shootings  including those not reported to 911.

While several major cities were using Shotspotter for gunshot detection, city and police officials chose to go with a California-based associate professor and entrepreneur.

City and police officials said the one they chose would be much more affordable  about a third of Shotspotters price.

The plan was to one day expand the program across Wichita.

But it ended after four years, having never helped in an investigation or led to an arrest. During the time it operated, Wichita experienced a record number of homicides, mostly from gun violence. The city spent about $100,000 in federal money on the effort and at least $18,000 in staff time.

That was a joke, Paul Duff, who became a deputy chief in April 2023, said about the pilot program during a police town hall meeting in June attended by WPD leadership and about 25 community members to introduce a different gunshot detection system it has been testing since 2022.

Nobody here had anything to do with that  but we are not in the business of repeating mistakes.

The pilot program ran from January 2019 to March 2023 and was an initiative under former Police Chief Gordon Ramsay.

The failures of the program have not been widely known. Many details of those failures only came out during two different meetings, one in early 2023 and another in June.

Here are the details:

The police department abandoned the program between late summer 2022 and early 2023. The citys technology department then carried the torch until the California-based developer told them he was calling it quits in March 2023.

City officials said the data from the program could be used by someone else, but it doesnt appear to be any good. None of the 400-plus alerts police responded to were verified gunshots, which were needed for the systems machine learning to flourish.

Unverified shots and technology struggles

The program had one technological struggle after another.

In its grant application, the WPD said it initially looked at a form of technology called ShotSpotter, a well-established gunshot sensor company, but decided against it because of the hefty price tag.

ShotSpotter uses analysts to verify when its sensors detect a potential gunshot.

Wichita officials said the pilot program would rely solely on machine learning, making it about a third the price of ShotSpotter, which costs between $65,000 to $90,000 a year per square mile.

Verified gunshots would allow the program to learn.

But with the sensors in the pilot program, there are no records showing that any of the reports were verified, according to the data from 417 alerts The Eagle obtained in an open records request from Sedgwick County Emergency Communications.

Emergency communications director Elora Forshee said police may have updated the data in a document kept in-house. However, city and police officials said they dont have any documents with that data.

Jason Isaacs, a California State University Channel Islands associate professor who developed the sensors, did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Launching the program

During a Dec. 7, 2018, news conference, the city and police department said the gunshot detection program would launch the following week.

Three phases, each with improved technology, would launch by the end of 2019  though the third phase didnt end up launching until summer 2022.

Usually these types of projects are on the east or west coast, in larger cities, so to have this actually in Wichita is a big deal, Wichita Chief Information Officer Mike Mayta said during the news conference.

The sensors, placed on utility poles around a square mile, were expected to narrow down a gunshot to a small area  the more sensors that detect the shot, the smaller the area that could be zeroed in on.

Officials cited a Brookings Institution study, which looked at data in Washington, D.C., between 2011 and 2013, that showed only around one-fifth of gunshots were reported to 911.

The sensors were intended to notify police about shootings that werent reported.

Wichitas pilot program recorded one second at a time.

The recording would be deleted if it didnt detect a gunshot. If it did, it would communicate with the other area sensors to coordinate a location and alert 911, according to Wichita Smart City Coordinator Michael Barnett.

A detection would be recorded and kept for 30 days under a military-grade encryption, Barnett said, adding humans never had access to the recorded data.

Part of the federal grant required the city to submit regular reports about the progress of the pilot program. When The Eagle filed an open records request for copies of the reports to see how the money was spent, the city responded that it would charge $840 to provide them. The Eagle declined.

Phases of the gunshot technology in Wichita

The first phase of 20 to 25 sensors went up in January 2019 in the Hilltop area, from Kellogg to Harry and from Bluff to Oliver.

The first gunshot wasnt reported until Oct. 15, 2019, data shows  at 11:32 p.m. in the 500 block of South Yale. A police officer reported that it was a false detection, the data shows.

One of the problems was that the sensors were not able to communicate with each other. The city tried to use an open frequency, instead of paying to use a network.

If theyre not talking to each other, the rest of it doesnt matter right, you cant triangulate, Mayta told The Eagle.

Nearly a year into the pilot program, the sensors were reconfigured and connected through a network that cost about $8 a month.

The sensors started working better, Mayta said, but there was still the problem of getting verified gunshots.

Then COVID hit.

We kind of, I dont say we had two years of we didnt worry about it, but we were doing a lot of other things, like making sure people could work from home, Mayta said.

Phase two launched in August 2020. Sensors went up between Ninth and 17th streets and I-135 and Hillside.

There were still a lot of issues, police Capt. Ronald Hunt told the Citizens Review Board during a February 2023 meeting. It wasnt working properly.

Almost immediately, only 18 of the 26 sensors were working, he said.

Its harder for the system to zero in on a location when that happens.

Still, the system was reporting possible gunshots. But those didnt make any sense, Hunt said.

Hunt said Isaacs, who developed the system, once sent data showing gunshots 1 mile and another 2.5 miles outside of where the sensors were. The sensors are supposed to pick up gunshots within the square mile.

Not a lot of great data was being recorded, he said.

Hunt also said the developer was not responsive.

A breakthrough in Cowtown?

Hunt, who took over the program after the July 2021 death of Capt. Clay Germany, told the CRB he didnt know if the sensors were bought or leased or who they belonged to now that the department abandoned the program.

When Hunt spoke during the Citizen Review Board meeting, one member said the sensors probably belong to the city.

Well if they are, its probably junk, former board member Jay Fowler said.

Even though the city stepped away from the program in March 2023, alerts were still going to 911 until June 2023 when the sensors were turned off.

After explaining to the CRB all the problems they had through phase two, Hunt went on to talk about phase three.

The city partnered with Groover Labs to retrofit the sensors from phase one. Those sensors were moved to Cowtown in summer 2022, where alerts picked up by the sensor could be cross-referenced with reenactments.

In terms of a lab  I dont know why we didnt think of this before, we just didnt, but (Cowtown) provided us with all the opportunities that we need for that computer learning to happen, Mayta told The Eagle in February 2023. It really is going to jump that model to make it happen quicker than we could ever do in a live environment.

The city got three months of data before the developer said in March 2023 that he was stepping away.

Tweaking the sensors algorithm

Barnett said the sensors in Cowtown had to be recalibrated for blanks since they made a different sound than a real gun.

We had to tweak the algorithm, which then brought questions: if we are tweaking the algorithm is that still an accurate test for a live (environment)? Barnett said.

Still, Barnett said, I think there is value in the data collected for a motivated firm to use if they wanted to, to be able to refine the algorithm and maybe come up with a better system.

Its not what we hoped. We wanted a fully functional system, but thats not what the grant was for.

In the grant application, police said we hope that the technology works perfectly and we can phase it out throughout the entire (city), but they also noted that technology does not come without its issues and thesensors may need to be refined and worked on.

Evergy took down the last of the sensors mounted on its poles in the third quarter of last year, Barnett said. They were then recycled.

The cost

According to an eight-page draft contract, the city or the WPD could have requested for Isaacs, the associate professor who developed the sensors, to pay back the federal dollars spent.

Different refund levels would be available depending on how accurate the sensors were, according to the draft contract with Isaacs company, Hueneme Technologies.

But that contract was never finalized and signed, according to documents viewed by The Eagle.

The final contract with Isaacs is a purchase order. The one-page document looks like a receipt. The only signature on it is from city purchasing manager Melinda Walker, according to documents viewed by The Eagle.

Isaacs was given the contract without it ever going out to bid.

The city or police department has not requested any refund, the city said.

Mayta said the cost is minimal when considering the potential that it could have had  a more affordable product that could lower violent crime in Wichita and other cities.

Before the project was abandoned in 2023, city manager Robert Layton told The Eagle about the potential upside:

We dont get involved in a lot of beta testing, but when we do its because we are looking for lower cost, more effective technology, Layton said. Youve got folks out there that are developing that technology but they have to test it in the field. I dont know that were going to get any financial benefit other than, if it proves to be effective and then goes on the market, were all better off from that.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Farnborough International Air Show ended in England on Friday, and Wichita played a major role.

Sedgwick County Commissioner Pete Meitzner was in attendance and said local aviation leaders stayed busy, meeting with other aviation groups around the world.

So many people were coming up from other states companies, even many countries, saying, Well you guys have it all, and we need to be here. We have to be here. We want to set up an office here,' Meitzner told KSN.

Meitzner also said no other state had representatives on the local, state and national level at the event.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran was also at the air show and said earlier this week that Wichita needs to remain the Air Capital of the World.

Weve got to do everything together to make sure that Wichita, Kansas, remains the Air Capital, Moran said. There is a lot of interest in these companies, but while the competition is increasing, so are our capabilities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
The Wichita Police Department plans to purchase around 144 gunshot sensors its tested since February 2022, officials said during a town hall meeting in June.

Other than a brief mention of it when police talked about failures of the previous gunshot system in February 2023, which was the first time city and elected officials learned police had been testing the technology for more than a year, it was the first time the department spoke publicly about testing the controversial technology.

The gunshot technology being implemented in Wichita has been controversial in other cities, including lawsuits, concerns about police bias and voice detection, and the question of whether or not the system detects gunshots accurately.

A Flock Safety device hangs from a light pole at the intersection of 13th and Grove where police are testing the companys gunshot sensors. Police have been using the companys license plate readers for several years but recently announced they would purchase the companys gunshot sensors as well.

Chief Joseph Sullivan, who inherited the Flock Safetys Raven gunshot sensors from his predecessor, blamed the lack of transparency on a glitch in communication by the previous administration.

He said that the department would be more transparent in the future, including about testing products, adding that when the Raven gunshot sensors go live, there will be a dashboard for people to see alerts and outcomes.

We want you to see and we want to see, is it working, is it not working? Sullivan said during the June 8 meeting.

Aujanae Bennett, president of the Northeast Millair Neighborhood Association, was one of about 25 people who attended the town hall meeting.

Bennett said she was concerned about the departments lack of transparency in testing the product without telling anyone. She said that even though Sullivan inherited the shot detection system, his department shouldnt have taken 18 months to tell the public about it.

Still, she seemed optimistic.

Im praying that it works. I believe it does, Bennett said into the microphone during a question and answer part of the town hall.

Concerns with the technology

Gunshot technology has been dogged by controversy.

A study by the Chicago Office of Inspector General found it adversely impacted officer policing behaviors in areas with high alerts. That study, and one by officials in New York City, also found that the well-known ShotSpotter system more often than not made false alerts of gunshots. Although its only supposed to record gunshots, ShotSpotter has also recorded conversations, according to The Standard-Times in Massachusetts and CBS News.

One ongoing lawsuit against the city of Chicago filed by the MacArthur Justice Center at Northwestern Universitys law school says officers used the technology to make illegal stops and arrests.

Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at civil liberties and data security organization Electronic Frontier Foundation, is concerned that the Raven technology promises to record more than just gunshots, making it even more possible to record things like conversations.

I guess if someone was screaming. I guess it could capture that, Flock Safety spokesperson Holly Beilin said.

How the detectors work

Wichita police are familiar with Flock Safety, founded in 2017, after testing its license plate readers in 2020 and then adopting them throughout the city. The license plate readers can record vehicle types and license plates and alert police when they capture a potential suspects vehicle.

Sullivan, the police chief, said Ravens gunshot detection accuracy has improved greatly since he first started in November 2022.

Only two officers in the department  Sgt. Brian Safris and Capt. Casey Slaughter  currently get those gunshot alerts.

They dont respond to them like a 911 call, but instead follow up later to verify gunshots were accurately detected, police said.

According to Safris, the sensors can only pick up gunshots outdoors, and not inside. Three sensors need to detect a gunshot for an alert to go out, he said.

It records audio for five seconds once a gunshot is detected. Safris said if a series of gunshots lasts longer than that, it will result in multiple recordings, which are deleted after 30 days.

There were 324 gunshot alerts last year, he said.

One thing that was actually kind of shocking to me through my research here was the fact that there are so many incidents that go completely unreported, Safris said.

Based on Raven alerts where they found evidence but had no 911 report, police said that around 83% of gunshots in the areas being tested were not reported, something Sullivan said he wanted to change.

As a result of our slow response times and lack of manpower, I understand a lot of people have lost confidence and they hear gunshots and they dont report it, Sullivan said. When they hear those gunshots, they are going to start seeing police show up, as we should, to let them know that this is very important to us, that somebody has been shooting up your neighborhood and were going to do our very best to do something about it, and you will see people call again and report those things.

Police dont have a set date on when the gunshot sensors will be adopted or how much it will cost to buy and keep them.

The cost depends on the time of purchase and the size of the covered area, Capt. Aaron Moses said. We are still working through exactly what this looks like based on the available data.

Gunshot sensor locations in Wichita

Police said they plan to use the sensors in areas with the highest incidents of shots being fired.

A Wichita police heat map of crime between January 2019 and January 2024 shows that most gun violence in the city occurred just west of 13th and Grove and around Harry and Oliver.

Moses said they are testing sensors in those areas along with near Harry and Webb. The total coverage area is just under 2 square miles, he said.

Police are currently testing about 77 sensors. The plan is to double that when the department adopts the system. However, that wont be enough to cover the entire city.

Raven uses about 40 to 55 sensors per square mile, Beilin said. That means the proposed adopted sensors would cover less than 2% of Wichita.

Police said that if gun crime goes down in an area where the technology is being used, they would move it to another area where theres also high gun crime. Police wont say exactly where that will be, but said they would give general locations because they do not want them to be stolen or vandalized.

Bennett, the neighborhood association president, said she wants to see the sensors in all quadrants of the city to prevent the over-policing of certain areas.

What do the sensors record

There are concerns about Raven gunshot sensors recording more than gunshots.

Raven is not just a gunshot detection device, Flock Safety vice president of products Davis Lukens said in an April 2022 promotional video. It captures things like glass breaking, wheels screeching and even saws for those catalytic converter thefts.

Beilin, the Flock Safety spokesperson, said screeching tires were added later and that others will be added over time.

Wichitas sensors have been updated to include the screeching tires, she said.

Safris, the officer, said he didnt know whether Wichita sensors recorded anything but gunshots and said he hadnt been alerted for anything else as of the June town hall meeting.

A 2024 report from the New York City Comptrollers office reviewed eight months of ShotSpotter data between 2022 and 2023 and found that 7,262 alerts, or between 80-92% of alerts, did not turn out to be confirmed shootings.

ShotSpotter is expected to report 90% or more of probable shooting, thus gives them a strong incentive to over-report loud noises that do not turn out to be confirmed shootings, the report says.

Flock says its gunshot sensors, which launched in the last few years, detect 90% of gunshots.

Sullivan said, early in his roughly 20 months at the helm, the sensors were nowhere near that. However, recently, Ravens machine learning has improved significantly, enough to adopt it, he said.

Other concerns are about the technologys impact on police bias and police misuse.

Areas with the highest alerts have a negative impact on officers perceptions and interactions with people living there, a 2021 report from Chicago inspector generals office found on reviewing the citys use of ShotSpotter.

The report also found the sensors rarely lead to evidence of a gun-related crime.

Additionally, Chicago police intentionally misused ShotSpotter alerts to make scores of illegal stops and arrests, according to an ongoing lawsuit. In one Chicago case mentioned in the suit, one man sat in jail for a year, with the key evidence being the gunshot detection and video surveillance, before a judge dismissed the case because of insufficient evidence, according to The Associated Press.

Guariglia, the senior policy analyst, said the gunshot technology was born out of a lack of trust that communities feel for police departments and doesnt fix the underlying problem of improving police relationships with different communities.

Sullivan echoed similar words during a news conference in March 2023.

Until we have the trust of the community, we wont have the cooperation of the community, he said. I could bring all the technology I want to this department, but solving crime, the foundation, always relies on community cooperation, the community reporting crime and reporting what they see and cooperating in prosecutions.
The Colorado Supreme Court announced recently that it will hear appeals in multiple cases, including whether Weld County must follow state law when drawing new legislative districts and when utilities may be held liable for injuries caused by their power lines.
(KRON)  Quick thinking and action likely saved a womans life after she was found without a pulse at the bottom of a pool in Fairfield, authorities said.

The Fairfield Police Department was dispatched on Thursday night to a pool on Alaska Avenue regarding a possible drowning victim.

When officers arrived, a man had already pulled a 45-year-old woman from the bottom of a pool and CPR was in progress by another woman who had seen the events unfold. The woman, who had been submerged in the water for at least five minutes, had no pulse, FPD wrote.

FDP officers Mojica, Kennedy, and Penate took over CPR as a team, rotating who was performing CPR until firefighter paramedics arrived. Paramedics were eventually able to gain a pulse and the woman was rushed at a hospital.

San Jose couple IDd as Santa Cruz ocean drowning victims

Later at the hospital, medical staff said quick actions by witnesses and police officers very likely saved the victims life, the police department wrote. We applaud the quick-thinking teamwork by the witnesses, our officers, and Fairfield 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 KRON4.
On Nov. 19, 1916, Ruth Law climbed into her already-obsolete Curtiss pusher biplane and took off from Chicago. Six hours (and 590 miles) later she touched down at the fairgrounds in Hornell, shattering every American record for long-distance flight, and every world record for distance flights by a woman.

After servicing the airplane she flew on until she was benighted at Binghamton. The next day she reached her destination of New York City, where she had a contract to fly exhibitions to celebrate the first illumination of the Statue of Liberty.

Ruth took her first flying lesson in 1912 -- the day she watched Harriet Quimby and William Willard fall to their deaths when their airplane suddenly inverted. She quickly became a much-demanded exhibition pilot, using a Wright biplane.

She later decided she needed a superior, more maneuverable aircraft, which meant a Curtiss, and came to Hammondsport to buy one. But many manufacturers had their own pilot control systems in those days, and she didnt want to take the time to retrain. So she hired Curtiss men to work after hours on their own time retrofitting the Curtiss airplane with Wright controls (two large levers, one for each hand). For acclimation to her new aircraft, she made test flights from the ice on Keuka Lake.

Ruth Law lands in Hornell on Nov. 19, 1916, shattering every American record for long-distance flight. Law is standing just right of center, swathed in heavy leathers.

The airplane had no cockpit, which made a six-hour flight in November challenging (to say the least!). Besides rigging up a screen to cover her from the knees down, Ruth donned a silk suit, a chamois suit, two suits of woolen underwear, an outer suit of soft leather, a woolen cap, an aviators woolen helmet, and a leather helmet.

This was very exciting locally, for by 1916 the Steuben County flying days were gone because of World War I. Thomas Brothers had moved from Bath to Ithaca, and Curtisss original Hammondsport plant, now the smallest in his empire, made only engines and would close right after the Armistice.

Ruth may have been satisfied, a year later, when her American distance record was broken  also by a woman (Katherine Stinson) flying a more up-to-date Curtiss airplane for 610 miles. The NEXT year, Stinson set a NEW American distance record of 783 miles, plus holding the Canadian record at 175. After the Great War Ruth Law herself set a new American altitude record, at 14,700 feet.

Related The Mercury Aircraft Story: How a signature Steuben County company got off the ground

A historic marker was recently erected near Hornell High School  the location of the Hornell fairground, where Ruth Law landed from Chicago in 1916. Her feat was so spectacular that even President Wilson (still only a tepid supporter of womens suffrage) praised Ruth warmly, and attended a dinner in her honor.

Historian Harold Morehouse wrote, She  was determined to prove that she, too, could do anything the men could, and did. Admiral Peary proclaimed, Miss Laws splendid accomplishment has shone so that the whole world may read what a woman can do.

-- Kirk House, of the Steuben County Historical Society, writes a history column appearing in The Corning Leader and The Spectator.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Ruth Law's record-breaking long-distance flight landed in Hornell
Woman to spend more time in prison for West Palm teen's death than the gunman who killed her

WEST PALM BEACH  After one jury acquitted the gunman of murder, prosecutors urged a second to convict his unarmed girlfriend instead. Were it not for her, 16-year-old Tamia Johnson would still be alive, said Assistant State Attorney Marci Rex.

Jurors agreed. They convicted 32-year-old Keosha Carn of premeditated murder after witnesses said she called her boyfriend, Larry Young, and told him to "shoot it up" during a fight in a West Palm Beach neighborhood. Young obliged, hitting none of his suspected targets but striking Johnson yards away in the back seat of her parents' car.

"If that call had not been made, I would not be standing here in front of you," said Tammy Canady, Johnson's mother, during Carn's sentencing hearing Thursday.

Circuit Judge Howard Coates sentenced Carn, a mother of five with no prior felony convictions, to life in prison without parole. He first listened to the testimony of Carn's loved ones, who described an attentive mother, one who was generous to a fault and "not who she was painted to be."

The judge did not remark on Carn's character but instead called Johnson a completely innocent 16-year-old who had her life snuffed out." Johnson was a sophomore at Palm Beach Lakes High School. Her mother celebrated what would have been her 19th birthday on July 7.

Keosha Carn appears in a West Palm Beach courtroom on May 20, 2024. Jurors convicted her of first-degree murder in connection with the 2021 death of 16-year-old Tamia Johnson.

Stand your ground: A South Florida woman killed her abusive husband. Does she belong in prison?

Young, who had 10 prior felony convictions, avoided the same fate as Carn when he convinced a different jury last year that Johnson's death was an accident. Convicted of manslaughter, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison instead.

Prosecutors had singled Young out for the death penalty but quickly embraced the juries' positions. Carn was "actually more culpable" than the man who pulled the trigger, Rex said ahead of Carn's sentencing hearing this week.

Canady sat on the opposite side of the courtroom gallery from Carn's mother. Canady told the judge that she should have watched her daughter graduate this year but had to accept the diploma herself instead.

"At least that young lady can still see her children," Cannady said, pointing behind her at Carn. "She can see them on birthdays, on holidays. Pity? No pity."

Family feud between gunman's girlfriend, her aunt led to fatal shooting

A fight between Carn and her aunt, Shalontay Ashe, preceded the fatal shooting outside a West Palm Beach apartment complex on Dec. 10, 2021. Jurors in both murder trials watched video of the confrontation near 17th Street and Spruce Avenue, recorded on a witness cellphone.

The scene was chaotic. Two groups of women spat threats and insults at one another, one screaming, Its going to be a murder scene!

No death penalty: Jury convicts Larry Darnell Young of manslaughter in teen girl's fatal shooting

Ashe testified that she heard Carn call Young on the phone, urging him to come shoot it up. Ashe said she saw someone who looked like Young run across the street minutes later with a long black gun in his hand before taking aim from the middle of an empty field.

Johnson and her parents sat in a parked car down the street. Johnson's stepfather testified that he lifted his foot off the brake pedal to put the car in reverse at the same moment that a stray bullet struck his daughter in the head.

Keosha Carn denied telling boyfriend to open fire

The teen's killer had fled from the Pleasant City neighborhood by the time West Palm Beach police officers arrived, but he left behind shell casings and an indistinct memory in the heads of Ashe and her sister, Latesha Lyman. They told investigators that they saw the man's gold-plated teeth illuminated by the muzzle flash of his gun.

Young has gold teeth, too.

The sisters' statements set the trajectory for the investigation. Officers used nearby license-plate readers to confirm Young's presence during the shooting. While combing through his social-media accounts, they found a photo of him posing with an assault rifle.

Officers also confiscated Carn's cellphone after they said she began to delete the more than 30 calls she made to Young during the fight that precipitated the shooting.

'You guys are going to die today': Suspected gunman takes plea deal in 2021 fatal shooting

Carn denied ever telling Young to open fire. Her defense attorney, Mattie Fore, suggested that the feud between Carn and her aunt prompted Ashe and Lyman to invent the story they told police. However, a third woman with no relationship to the sisters also told jurors that Carn said Young was on the way to "shoot this s*** up."

"Unfortunately for Tamia Johnson and her family, Larry Young was not a good shot," Rex said at the conclusion of Carn's weeklong trial.

Jurors deliberated for an afternoon before convicting Carn of all charges.

Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm teen Tamia Johnson's death earns life sentence for Keosha Carn
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Emily Calandrelli will fly on an upcoming suborbital mission with Blue Origin. | Credit: Greg Doherty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

The Space Gal is headed to the final frontier, as part of Space for Humanity's Citizen Astronaut Program.

Emily Calandrelli, known for her Emmy-nominated Netflix science series "Emily's Wonder Lab," was selected to launch to suborbital space as a citizen astronaut ambassador with Blue Origin , though the launch date has not yet been set.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to fly with Blue Origin," Calandrelli, a West Virginia native, said in a statement from Space for Humanity. "I look forward to representing my home state in this way and [to] show the world what kids from Appalachia can do, what women can do and what mothers can do. Country roads  take me to space!"

Known as The Space Gal , Calandrelli is a renowned science communicator and engineer, with a bachelor's degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from West Virginia University and a master's from MIT in aeronautics and astronautics, as well as technology and policy.

Related: Next Blue Origin space tourism flight will launch youngest woman above the Karman line

Calandrelli is also the author of children's books centered around STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) topics, including the picture book "Reach for the Stars," the science experiment book "Stay Curious and Keep Exploring," and the science chapter book series "The Ada Lace Adventures."

"Space for Humanity is thrilled for Emily! We're also excited knowing that such a dedicated and gifted science communicator with a strong background in STEM is going to space," Antonio Peronace, executive director for Space for Humanity, said in the statement.

"Emily Calandrelli has spent years opening up a world of possibilities in STEM for young people globally," Peronace added. "That's why we know that this mission isn't just about her traveling to space; it's about the countless others she will be bringing along with her. We're so proud to cheer her on."

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Space for Humanity is a social impact nonprofit that sponsors individuals on their journey to space, including pre-flight training, the spaceflight ticket, travel, accommodations and any other related expenses, funded via donations to the organization. Individuals must apply to be considered for the Citizen Astronaut Program, which has sent people from various backgrounds into the final frontier as part of its mission to democratize access to space and foster a sense of global interconnectedness.

The program offers everyday citizens the chance to experience what is known as the Overview Effect , which is a cognitive shift brought on by viewing Earth from space. The hope is that, when citizen astronauts return to Earth , they can serve as leaders and global ambassadors, committed to inspiring a better, brighter future.

"Together, Space for Humanity and its supporters are changing perspectives on humanity's interconnectivity, the fragility of our planet and our place in the cosmos," the organization said in the statement.
DENVER (KDVR)  On Tuesday, visitors at Yellowstone National Park fled when a hydrothermal explosion occurred a few miles north of the famous Old Faithful geyser. No one was injured, but the event destroyed a nearby boardwalk and prompted officials to close the Biscuit Basin area of the park for the rest of the year.

As alarming as the video and subsequent damage seemed, the phenomenon is a normal, common occurrence at Yellowstone, happening at least once each year. Officials with the U.S. Geological Survey told Nexstar hydrothermal explosions like the one that occurred this week are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions.

Video: Hydrothermal explosion sends visitors running at Yellowstone National Park

Still, the explosion sparked conversation on the internet about what would happen if this were a sign of the big one, and what would happen if the volcanic system at Yellowstone were to erupt.

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory said a large eruption at Yellowstone will not lead to the end of the human race, but it would have national and global impacts.

How would a large eruption at Yellowstone impact the US?

According to the USGS, a supereruption at Yellowstone would have regional effects, including falling ash and short-term changes to the global climate that would last years or even decades.

The states closest to Yellowstone, like Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, could be affected by destructive pyroclastic flows, which are a mix of lava blocks, pumice, ash and volcanic gas that flows around a volcano after an eruption.

Much of the rest of the country could be blanketed in falling volcanic ash  in some places, it could be more than three feet deep.

Thick ash deposits would bury vast areas of the United States, and injection of huge volumes of volcanic gases into the atmosphere could drastically affect global climate, according to the USGS.

Hawaiis Kilauea volcano erupts in area that hasnt seen lava since 1974

In research published roughly a decade ago, USGS scientists Larry Mastin and Jacob Lowenstern, as well as National Science Foundation researcher Alexa Van Eaton, analyzed where volcanic ash would fall if a supereruption were to happen in the present day.

In order to understand what would happen in the modern day, scientists modeled where ash has been found from previous big eruptions at Yellowstone. You can see those ash beds outlined in the map below.

The most recent eruption, which happened roughly 640,000 years ago, created the Mesa Falls ash bed, stretching east-southeast from the Yellowstone Plateau, scattering ash primarily in Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and South Dakota. Its furthest extents reached into New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.

More expansive is the Huckleberry Ridge ash bed, sparked by an eruption some 2.1 million years ago. That reached into more than 15 present-day states, from California east to Texas, north through Missouri into Minnesota, and west into Idaho.

The largest of the ash beds, dubbed Lava Creek, covers all or part of 21 states as well as slivers of Canada and Mexico. Like Mesa Falls and Huckleberry Ridge, the Lava Creek ashbed impacted a triangle-like region with points in California, Louisiana, and North Dakota.

However, this map is based only on the ash deposits that have avoided erosion and rapid redistribution long enough for humans to find them. It doesnt take into account the thinner deposits that may have reached outside the areas marked on the map above.

Scientists have since used historical evidence and modern-day weather patterns to create a model of where the ash from a hypothetical Yellowstone supereruption could fall.

Models have been used for decades to forecast ashfall during eruptions. But only in recent years have tephra models like Ash3d been developed that use a 3-D, time-changing wind field, enabling us to model eruptions that last weeks and spread ash across an entire continent, a USGS article about the study said.

With the model, an example of which you can see below, USGS scientists learned that supereruptions distribute ash in a fundamentally different pattern than smaller eruptions. Supereruptions create an umbrella cloud of ash and volcanic debris that are much less affected by winds than smaller eruptions.

As a result, thick ash would be dispersed in all directions away from the eruption site, gradually thinning out with distance.

Unsurprisingly, areas closest to the Yellowstone Plateau would likely see more ash. In Billings, Montana, for example, the model suggests ash could be more than 1,000 millimeters thick  thats more than three feet.

Moving further away from Yosemite, in places like Salt Lake City and Casper, Wyoming, the ash could reach a thickness of anywhere between one to three feet.

Even areas left unscatched by the aforementioned ash beds could see ash following a Yosemite supereruption. In much of Wisconsin, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington state  all outside the ash bed ranges  ash could accumulate up to an inch (though sections of Oregon and Washington that are closer to Yosemite could see much more).

Further still, most of the East Coast, from Florida to Maine, would likely see some ash.

Lava spurts from Iceland volcano for second day as its fissure extends 2 miles

However, the USGS notes that most doomsday scenarios portray far worse impacts than what scientists believe would happen. Even the researchers associated with the model above note that if Yellowstone erupts, it would almost certainly not cause the ash spread outline above.

The past 20 eruptions at Yellowstone have been lava flows with no significant amounts of ash fall outside of Yellowstone. The past 60-80 eruptions would have had little regional (or continental) impact, they explained.

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory said Yellowstone is behaving normally, as it has over the past 140 years. Yellowstone has not erupted in some 70,000 years, and the odds of a large eruption in the coming centuries are very 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.
NEW YORK  New York Democrats looking to unseat vulnerable House Republicans are flipping the script on border security, attacking their GOP rivals on their signature issue.

Republicans show no signs of relinquishing their command of the conversation, especially as they blast Kamala Harris appointed role as border czar in the Biden administration.

But in battleground districts surrounding New York City, where tens of thousands of migrants live in taxpayer-funded shelters, Democratic House candidates are condemning violent incidents linked to the new arrivals. They argue the southern border is too porous and blame those in government  including fellow Democrats.

Its reminiscent of the campaign playbook used by Tom Suozzi, a Democrat who won an off-cycle House race on Long Island in February.

Any candidate running for office this year who doesnt address border security  and have a solid position and plan on it  is at peril of turning off voters, Suozzi senior adviser Kim Devlin said in an interview.

Despite getting pummeled in public opinion polls over the issue, which is top of mind for voters, Democrats are making border security a central focus of their campaigns.

Josh Riley upstate and Laura Gillen on Long Island, both of whom are locked in rematches against House Republicans seeking a second term, are speaking unencumbered on the issue and railing against inaction by Republicans in Congress while also scrutinizing President Joe Biden.



Their rivals, Reps. Marc Molinaro and Anthony DEsposito, have long spoken against the dangers they say Democratic border, immigration and bail laws pose to New Yorkers. The two introduced the Illegal Offender Registry Act earlier this month with fellow vulnerable New York House Reps. Mike Lawler and Brandon Williams, both Republicans.

Taking the fight to Republicans worked for Suozzi; Riley and Gillen say theyre responding to voters concerns. Additionally, the districts they seek to represent lean politically moderate-to-conservative, such that ignoring or sidestepping the issue would be campaign malpractice.

Democrats dont always do great on the issue of immigration. Its obviously a go-to attack for Republicans most of the time, Lanae Erickson of the center-left think tank Third Way said in an interview. Its more like trying to get back to even with voters on who can handle immigration, and showing that we actually care about the issue.

The number of migrants illegally crossing the southern border has fallen as Biden tightens asylum restrictions.

Still, Republicans are renewing their argument that his policies leave the country susceptible to threats like drug cartels, while portraying Democrats as opportunistic for now putting the border front and center. Democrats are targeting elected Republicans for rejecting a bipartisan Senate border deal earlier this year, following Suozzi's successful messaging.

The swing districts are close enough to New York City to see how Mayor Eric Adams administration has struggled to care for an influx of migrants in the past two years, when the movement of newcomers around the country and state became points of political tension.

The Riley-Molinaro and Gillen-DEsposito face-offs are among the six New York House races that could determine which party controls the chamber next year.

Democrats hope to reverse a red tide that flipped four seats to Republicans in 2022. But as they stress the importance of border control, their candidates face the pointed challenge of conveying sincerity.

In upstate New York several weeks ago, Riley, a former Senate counsel, called a news conference to lump Biden, his fellow Democrat, with Molinaro, his Republican rival, on failed efforts to secure the border, reiterating a case hes been making since at least September.

Molinaros campaign found the attack laughable. And the freshman House member said in an interview, Josh Riley was one of the leading legal activists  34 submissions to the United States Supreme Court  that led to the dismantling of the Trump border security policies.

Riley as an attorney had helped challenge Trumps ban on travel from several Muslim-majority countries.

The fact that Molinaro is attacking me for that just shows how desperate he is to pass blame to other people instead of doing his job, Riley responded in an interview, adding, The career politicians on both sides of the aisle have completely failed us.

For Gillen and DEsposito, competing again in a Long Island district that abuts New York City, its about linking their rivals to their partys standard-bearers on border security. Gillen, the Democratic former Hempstead Town supervisor, stressed that the border is of top importance to voters.

We know what happened, she said in an interview. Trump said, This is a political issue, lets exploit it and lets not fix the problem. And my opponent has gone along with him 100 percent.

DEsposito fired back, If Laura Gillen actually cared about securing Americas borders instead of playing politics, she would demand accountability from Kamala Harris for her failure to end the migrant crisis while serving as the administrations border czar.

Former Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair and Long Island Rep. Steve Israel said going on the offensive about the southern border and immigration is about being responsive.

A fundamental rule in politics is you have to meet voters where they are. If youre in a district where theyre telling you theyre concerned about immigration, youve got to have something sensible to say about it, Israel said in an interview. Whether its opportunistic or just what a good representative does is almost irrelevant.
When a group of Black women political organizers assembled for a regular Zoom call on Sunday, they suddenly had a new mission. A mere hours earlier, President Joe Biden had ended his reelection bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Interest in the call had skyrocketed, and some 40,000 attendees logged on.

The Win With Black Women collective, nervous that Harris would be facing competition, ferociously pushed back on the idea of an open primary in the wake of Biden's announcement. Organizers urged attendees that there was "no time to waste" and that they must tout Harris' record. Although the vice president had been in the public eye for years, she was still relatively unknown to the public.

Discussions on the call marshaled a defense of Harris  "it's a thing to have MAGA world chasing you" and "we need to defend our sister," according to meeting notes shared with POLITICO  and perhaps more importantly, raised a lot of money.

The Win With Black Women call became a blueprint for other identity-based groups over the week  Black men, Latinas, Black queer men, white women, white men and young voters. Calls like these were never really available to Biden because the base's enthusiasm for him had faded. Each group held their own call to boost Harris and raise mountains of cash for Harris' campaign. Celebrities, including Pink, Mindy Kaling and Don Cheadle, logged on to various calls to lend their support to Harris.

The copycat calls were an early sign that Harris' campaign isn't just inspiring to Black women, who shared an identity with her. Her nascent campaign is reactivating dormant parts of the Democratic base to act as surrogates, door-knockers and fundraisers in a way that President Joe Biden couldn't.

The Black women collective  which is not directly affiliated with the Harris campaign  first assembled in 2020 around the time Biden selected her as his vice president. It helps recruit and advocate for Black women in politics, and soon realized that the Harris candidacy had the opportunity to inspire the sort of grassroots excitement not seen since Barack Obama arrived on the scene nearly two decades ago.

It wasn't just strategy and organization, though; women opened their checkbooks and raised $1.5 million, in the group's largest cash haul to date.

Jotaka Eaddy, a founder of Win With Black Woman, joked that they probably could have raised even more if they had thought to do so before hour three of the four-hour virtual gathering, when attorney and television personality Star Jones dropped a fundraising link into the group chat around 11:40 p.m. ET.

We develop message, we develop strategy, Eaddy told POLITICO. We show that we not only can we raise money, but we can inspire others to raise and give as well.



A Thursday evening call dubbed White Women: Answer The Call! implored the roughly 164,000 attendees to have a direct conversation with one another about how to start persuading and use your privilege for good. Others on the call said that Black women have carried the overwhelming burden of organizing and backing far from perfect candidates because it was beneficial for their families and communities.

Its beyond time for us to stop freeloading on their labor in protecting democracy and start carrying our own weight, author and podcaster Glennon Doyle proclaimed during the call, which included one woman wearing a 2016 "Hillary for President" T-shirt.

Shannon Watts, the lead organizer for that call, announced as of Friday afternoon the group raised $8.5 million and counting.

During a Zoom gathering of South Asian Women for Harris on Wednesday evening, many attendees affectionately referred to Harris as their Indian Auntie. One remarked that the group had been dormant for months, but was suddenly rejuvenated with Biden out of the race and Harris ascending to the top of the Democratic ticket.

Kaling, the actress and producer of The Office and The Mindy Project, chimed in on the Asian American call to highlight issues Harris has advocated for, including student loan forgiveness and access to abortion, but added that her candidacy could be transformative for Indian American women.

Culturally, I was raised to keep my head down and to not make a stir, said the mother of three. I know that people can relate to that, but that is the opposite of what Kamala Harris has done with her life, and I love her for that.

Longtime Democratic strategist Maria Cardona joined the Latina 4 Harris call this week, telling POLITICO many on the call referred to Harris as a "comadre" or "hermana" with many sharing anecdotes about how Harris has long been an advocate for them and their families  some of whom remain the shadows.

Khalil Thompson, the executive of the newly formed Win With Black Men that helped raise $1.3 million on their call for Harris this week, said they wanted to fight back against the Republican narrative that Black men wont support Harris because she served as a prosecutor in California.

Recent polls show Black men have been slipping away from the Democratic Party in recent months, which he hopes Harris can help reverse. But Thompson said he's got other reasons for supporting her candidacy.

I am really excited about not only her future presidency, but her candidacy and what it means not just for African Americans, but also for Caribbean Americans, Thompson said.My dad's from Jamaica, he added, just like Harris father Donald Harris.

A unity call among all of the identity groups is scheduled for Sunday evening to align their messaging and fundraising.

Eugene Daniels, Sally Goldenberg and Daniella Cheslow contributed to this report.
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The ELSA-M spacecraft will use a magnet to remove a OneWeb satellite equipped with a magnetic docking plate from low Earth orbit. | Credit: ELSA-M

Space sustainability company Astroscale has secured funding for an in-space demonstration of its commercial space debris removal technology that aims to deorbit dead or failed satellites.

The ELSA-M (for End-of-Life by Astroscale-Multiple) demonstration mission is slated for launch in 2026, and one year later will attempt to remove a OneWeb telecommunication satellite from its orbit at a 745-mile (1,200 kilometers) altitude.

The mission received 13.95 million euro ($15 million) through a contract with satellite Internet services provider Eutelsat OneWeb, funded by the European Space Agency and the U.K. Space Agency.

Nick Shave, managing director of Astroscale UK, told Space.com that the company hopes to launch a commercial satellite removal service shortly thereafter.

Related: Wow! Private space-junk probe snaps historic photo of discarded rocket in orbit

"This mission is a demonstrator of a service that we plan to introduce on the back of this mission, which will be able to remove multiple spacecraft," Shave said. "The spacecraft will weigh about 600 kilograms [1,300 lb] and carry enough fuel to perform three or four deorbits, depending on the size of the target spacecraft, their orbital plane and other variables."

The ELSA-M mission will be launched into low Earth orbit and perform extensive technical checkouts before raising itself using its thrusters to the OneWeb altitude. After docking with the selected satellite, it will drag its cargo down to about 220 miles (350 kilometers) where it will leave the satellite to naturally deorbit.

"After we drop it off, it will take about three years for the OneWeb satellite to deorbit and burn up in the atmosphere," said Shave.

The ELSA-M satellite uses a magnet to attach to a docking plate that must be mounted on the target spacecraft before launch. The company is in talks with satellite manufacturers all over the world, encouraging them to make their spacecraft compatible with the junk collector to help minimize orbital clutter in the future.

"We need satellite operators to act in a sustainable way, think forward and put docking plates or docking mechanisms on the spacecraft that services like the Astroscale can safely dock with," said Shave. "It's a lot safer and easier than trying to capture something that isn't prepared for docking with a robotic arm. You're not exactly sure if it's robust enough and there is more risk there."

The ELSA-M service will aim to remove the estimated 2 to 5% of satellites that fail before propelling themselves to lower altitudes from where they can safely deorbit. Operators of satellites in low Earth orbit (an altitude below 1,600 miles, or 2,000 km) registered in the U.S. are obliged to remove their spacecraft from orbit within 5 years of mission end, using residual fuel to navigate into Earth's atmosphere where they burn up.

With the expected size of megaconstellations such as OneWeb, Starlink or Amazon Kuiper and the forecasted rise in the number of small satellites in low Earth orbit, even a small percentage of failed deorbits could lead to a lot of clutter.

Astroscale has also developed the ADRAS-J mission that is currently inspecting a used Japanese rocket stage left in low Earth orbit in 2009, aiming to remove that object with a future spacecraft. The company has also developed a concept mission called COSMIC that will attempt to remove two old British satellites from orbit using a robotic arm, if selected by the U.K. Space Agency.

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The ELSA-M demonstration spacecraft, in cooperation with OneWeb, is currently being assembled in Astroscale's cleanrooms in Harwell, England. The company has not partnered with any commercial customers yet, said Shave, who estimates that the space debris removal market could be worth several billion dollars within the next ten years.

Astroscale previously demonstrated its in-orbit rendezvous and capture technologies with its 2021 ELSA-d (End-of-Life Services by Astroscale demonstration) mission. The mission used a simulated piece of space junk, which it brought to space with it, to test the magnetic capture and autonomous docking system needed for commercial space debris removal operations.
Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new version of its Sniper targeting pod with added networking capabilities primarily designed to enable new connectivity between fourth-generation fighters and stealthy F-35s, but which also offers the ability to create localized 'kill webs' with various assets in the air and on the ground.

Lockheed Martin has rolled out a new version of its Sniper targeting pod with added networking capabilities primarily designed to provide a secure link between non-stealthy fourth-generation fighters like the F-16 Viper and stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. However, the pod can also exchange information with other assets in the air and on the ground, including artillery units. As such, it offers the ability to act as a hub in its own miniature kill web that could provide immense advantages to friendly forces in the air and down below.

Unveiled earlier this week at the biennial Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom, the Sniper Networked Targeting Pod retains the same targeting functionality found in the preceding Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP). In its existing form, Sniper ATP features electro-optical and infrared video cameras, a laser spot tracker and designator, and the ability to generate target coordinates for GPS-guided munitions. It can also be used for more general air-to-ground surveillance and reconnaissance tasks and offers a secondary air-to-air target detection and identification capability. Beyond steering its sensors manually, it can be cued to an object of interest via other systems on the host aircraft, such as its radar or a pilots helmet-mounted display.

The new networked version of the pod, development of which began in the middle of last year, has the same general form factor as its predecessor, but with the particularly prominent addition of a conformal antenna on the bottom, as seen in the graphic below. With help from the Skunk Works advanced projects division and other parts of the company, it took Lockheed Martin less than half a year to produce a prototype of the system for flight testing.

Lockheed Martin

The pods advanced datalink compatible with the F-35 will allow seamless sharing of target and surveillance information between aircraft, according to a Lockheed Martin press release. A Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) radio, meanwhile, will support a decentralized but highly secure mesh network of multiple air, ground, and sea platforms ready to share and act on that information.

Though not stated here, the clear implication is that the pod will be able to send and likely receive transmissions to and from the Multifunction Advanced Data Links (MADL) found on all three current variants of the F-35. Fourth-generation combat jets and other aircraft already have the ability to communicate with F-35s via the Link16 waveform, but doing so in a two-way send and receive fashion can leave a stealthy aircraft vulnerable. MADL is currently only in frontline service on the Joint Strike Fighter, but could also be a feature on the U.S. Air Forces forthcoming B-21 Raider stealth bombers. Additionally, drones intended to work with stealthy assets like the F-35 are likely to leverage MADL networking, as we have already seen in testing.

What makes being able to communicate with F-35s via MADL so important is that it is a low probability of intercept/low probability of detection (LPI/LPD) system that also broadcasts in a highly directional way. These features make it extremely hard to detect and jam. By comparison, using omnidirectional Link16 significantly increases the chance of enemy forces detecting the otherwise stealthy Joint Strike Fighters and offers an additional way for opponents to track their movements, as well as being more susceptible to jamming.

A briefing slide discussing some of the general capabilities of the Multifunction Advanced Data Links found on F-35 variants, as well as the Intra-Flight Data Link (IFDL) only used on the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter. DARPA

MADLs reach can be extended by daisy chaining together multiple aircraft equipped with the system, pushing back critical data collected deep in denied airspace to more permissive airspace for further distribution and exploitation. With this new pod, two F-35s could send information from very deep inside enemy territory, relaying it from one F-35 to another F-35, or stealthy drone, and then back to a fourth-generation fighter equipped with the networked Sniper pod, which can then leverage it for its own use and/or send that information wherever else it needs to go.

This now-dated Lockheed Martin slide still offers a sense of the kind of network picture the new version of the Sniper pod could support. It also highlights the current limitations imposed by MADL, which is seen here having to be daisy-chained out of a higher-risk area through other F-35s before getting to fourth-generation fighters via less secure links. Lockheed Martin

The recipient of the data from the networked Sniper pod could be a long-range missile battery, for instance. In such a scenario, an F-35 could have spotted a surface-to-air missile system deep inside enemy territory that it wants killed. That data could be passed back to another F-35 and then onto an F-16, or another fourth-generation fighter equipped with the pod like a Eurofighter Typhoon, which then passes it to a long-range guided missile battery on the ground in friendly territory. The missile is fired and the target is eliminated, with the F-35 gathering intelligence as to the success of the strike and also passing that back along the chain.

So we are talking about a very flexible, but self-contained and relatively affordable advanced networking architecture here, as fourth-generation jets already carry targeting pods and F-35s have MADL baked in.

Lockheed Martin, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, has already demonstrated the ability for F-35s to communicate with fourth-generation fighters and other platforms via MADL using intermediary networking gateways, including ones carried on U-2S Dragon Lady spy planes and XQ-58 Valkyrie drones. This has been enabled in part by advances in ever smaller form factor software-defined radios that can be more readily tuned to transmit and receive different waveforms. Still, this is not the same as deploying a capability to share targeting data between fourth and fifth-generation fighters via a targeting pod, which is a feature already flying on most fourth-generation fighter aircraft.

The Sniper Networked Targeting Pod press release offers one notional vignette highlighting how the system might open up entirely new tactical opportunities that is similar to the one weve described already. The pod would enable F-35 multirole fighters and their advanced sensors to operate in their most stealthy mode and act as forward observers that identify and track targets while sharing precise coordinates with F-16s and ground-based Command and Control Systems that allow the employment of MLRS [Multiple Rocket Launch System] family of munitions from either [the] HIMARS [High Mobility Artillery Rocket System] or M270.

An M270 Multiple Rocket Launch System, at left, and an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, at right. US Army

Lockheed Martin has previously outlined a similar scenario involving F-35s flying within a hostile air defense bubble forwarding targeting information about enemy locations that are then struck by Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs), but without the added help the networking capabilities on the new Sniper pod offers. The M142 HIMARS and the M270 MLRS launchers can fire a variety of guided 227mm artillery rockets, as well as Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and now PrSMs, both of which are short-range ballistic missiles. Lockheed Martin is the current prime contractor for the M142 and M270 and all of these munitions, as well as the F-16 fighter.

Nice new Lockheed Martin animation showing employment of #PrSM against an enemy FARP & SAM site that are located by #F35|s on a deep strike mission.

A M142 #HIMARS launches 2 PrSMs, one against the FARP, one against the S-400's 92N6 fire-control radar.https://t.co/sPY8oUDF3f pic.twitter.com/n1XJ4yfUh8  Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) December 17, 2020

The Sniper Networked Targeting Pod mounted on an aerial platform that acts as a relay positioned well behind the F-35 could allow for the execution of the same general scenario outlined in the press release, but utilizing the magazines of a wide array of combat aircraft and ground-based standoff weapon systems. The host aircraft for the pod would also provide much greater line-of-sight connectivity over long distances than what an F-35 would have connecting to systems on the ground directly, allowing the Joint Strike Fighter to make the best use of its specific array of stealth, sensor, and capabilities. Overall, the fact that F-35s would not be limited by their own magazine depth and would be able to exploit their incredible sensor reach and ability to penetrate into hostile territory even after their own weapons stores run dry, bringing weapons fired from other platforms to bear on targets it spots, is a major leap in capability.

The promotional material for the new pod highlights how 27 countries deploy [the existing] Sniper [ATP] on F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, Mirage [2000], FA-50, F-15, and F-18 aircraft. Sniper has been integrated onto other aircraft beyond fourth-generation fighters, as well, including U.S Air Force B-1 and B-52 bombers. So, any of these aircraft could leverage the new networked system. Integrating Sniper onto new platforms is a well-known exercise at this point, too. Just strapping this pod to an MQ-9 Reaper, for instance, would provide instant networking relay capability and also another sensor to leverage by its operators.

US Air Force F-15C Eagles with Sniper pods. USAF

The new Sniper derivative could work within other kill chains, as well. F-35s could conceivably pass targeting data about aerial threats to various other nodes in the air and on the ground via the pod. This could allow other platforms to engage hostile aircraft and missiles beyond the reach of their own on-board sensors.

For instance, an F-35 flying forward could potentially cue a Patriot long-range surface-to-air missile system to a particular target that its organic radars cannot see. As part of a Lockheed Martin test called Project Riot in 2019, an F-35 passed information about a simulated ballistic missile launch to missile defense assets via a U-2S acting as an airborne communications relay node and a control center on the ground. This new Sniper pod derivative could potentially support just these kinds of engagements without the need for a high-flying U-2, a fleet that is already small and is now facing the prospect of retirement. Having entire fleets of fourth-generation fighters equipped with this capability could be a game changer for deploying mini-kill webs wherever they are needed most.

A graphic Lockheed Martin released in 2019 depicting, in broad strokes, the Project Riot test. Lockheed Martin

F-35s flying over contested territory would provide a look-down radar surveillance capability that could be extremely important for the defense against cruise missiles and drones. The F-35s could spot these threats and even positively identify them using their Electro-Optical Targeting Systems (EOTS), and pass targeting tracks back to long-range SAM batteries to take them out. Once again, the F-35s greatest use would be acting as a forward sensor node and battle manager of sorts in such a scenario. For many countries that do not possess airborne early warning and control aircraft, just securely obtaining the F-35s situational awareness data of the air picture in real-time would be incredibly valuable.

If you look at what were able to do now with IBCS [the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System]  you know, were able to have a fighter with an AESA [active electronically-scanned array] radar feed directly through the IBCS network to a Patriot surface-to-air missile system, itself linked to an LTAMDS radar, and be able to fire off that fire control quality data, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, head of that services Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), highlighted at a talk just this week. So now its just opening that aperture and being able to do it across [the] services.

Given that the first Sniper Networked Targeting Pod came amid the Farnborough Air Show, which opened on Monday, its not surprising that Lockheed Martin is already heavily pitching it to NATO members. As of April, 12 nations in the alliance had F-35s in service or on order. Greece just recently moved to join this group.

The F-35 is the aircraft of choice for allies across NATO. By 2035, there will be more than 600 F-35s in the European region, J.R. McDonald, Lockheed Martins Vice President of F-35 Business Development, said in a statement. The enhanced capabilities the Sniper targeting pod can bring will serve to further enhance the connectivity and interoperability the F-35 brings to current and future customers.

Many NATO members who are now operating or working to acquire F-35s continue to operate fourth-generation combat jets, including F-16 variants, as well. Poland, for instance, which is in the midst of a massive military modernization push across the board, expects to continue flying its late-block F-16C/Ds alongside a future fleet of F-35 Husarz and FA-50 light fighters for the foreseeable future. Poland is also fielding the aforementioned IBCS network, the full capabilities of which you can read more about here. The new version of the Sniper pod could be tied into this architecture, but just as a standalone capability, it could unlock the potential of its fighter fleet at a relatively low cost.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is also in widespread service with NATO partners and the Sniper pod is already available for those aircraft. The new pod could pair the Typhoon and F-35 forces together in a newly connected manner, opening up an extremely potent mix of fighter capabilities. And for countries that do not have the F-35, providing the capability to connect others Joint Strike Fighters with their fourth-generation jets would be prized by the alliance. Linked together, multiple fourth-generation fighters with these pods could potentially create something of an ad-hoc mesh network, or active net, across a broader area.

There are a steadily growing number of mixed fleet F-35 operators outside of NATO (and Europe) that could be interested in the capabilities that the new networked Sniper pod offers. South Korea, Singapore, Israel, Japan, and Australia are just a handful that come to mind.

The ability to incorporate the new networking capabilities into a modified version of the Sniper ATP also highlights the potential for further functionality to be added in the future. Lockheed Martins promotional material notes that the Sniper family already offers flexible architecture within the self-contained pod [that] lets users quickly add new capabilities. Keeping to the same Sniper ATP form factor, at least generally, means that flight testing can be cut back considerably while still adding new capabilities.

We have already seen other pods in the past tout similar open-architecture and modular designs that could be adaptable to multiple different mission requirements. As a prime example, the Legion Pod, another Lockheed Martin product primarily offered as an infrared search and track (IRST) system, has also gotten important additional networking capability in recent years.

A graphic depicting Legion pods on two F-16s working in concert by way of an additional datalink. Lockheed Martin

The LITENING targeting pod, Snipers chief competitor now, has been receiving substantial upgrades in recent years, too. LITENING was originally developed by Israels Rafael and that company in cooperation with Northrop Grumman in the United States continue to offer improved versions for use in combat jets and other aircraft. These pods can also be offered with small radars and other sensors installed within their original form factor.

As it sits now, the fully networked Sniper pod will soon be put through end-to-end tests including both F-35, host platform, and ground-based shooter elements. But even this early on, interest is said to be very high. Above all else, Lockheed Martin has used this program to show how fast they can move when the opportunity presents itself to bring major capability boosts under very tight timelines and without massive program costs. Considering what has happened with Ukraine, the need for exactly these types of force multiplication capabilities, especially having to do with long-range fires, are on the top of the wish lists of many air arms, both big and small.

With all this in mind, dont be surprised to see Sniper Networked Targeting Pods flying on aircraft in the not-too-distant future.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
On the eve of hosting an annual regional conference for about 150 representatives from Mennonite churches throughout Colorado and New Mexico, Beth-El Mennonite Church in Colorado Springs prepared for the tail-end of a local plea for a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

This is not about Israel, it is about anti-destruction, killing and war, said Amy Linfield, a member of Beth-El Mennonite, an Anabaptist church that adheres to pacifism by opposing war and promoting peace.

We are not against Israel but the methods of the warfare he (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) has released on the Palestinians, she said. We (the U.S. government) are not supplying weapons to Hamas; our tax dollars are supplying weapons to Israel.

As Netanyahu met on Friday with former President Donald Trump on at his estate in Florida, Linfield and her husband, the Rev. Dr. Ken Linfield, a retired United Methodist Church pastor and professor, spruced up a large display of colorful pennant flags that were installed about four months ago near the Mennonite church building.

The red, yellow, purple, green and blue fabric flags are visible to motorists whizzing by on Union Boulevard north of Austin Bluffs Parkway, who no doubt have wondered what they are.

Each of 360 flags represents 100 people who have died in the war since the terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Linfield said.

More flags are needed now to symbolize the deaths, she said.

At least 39,175 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict, according to figures the Gaza Health Ministry released this week.

More than 1,200 Israelis have been killed over the eight months of the war, according to the American Jewish Committee. And dozens of Israelis are believed to remain in Hamas captivity.

The Linfields straightened the flags that have been scuttled about by wind, added more where spaces have appeared in the lineup and pounded wooden signs into the ground that say Peace, Stop Bombing, Start Building and Recovery.

A 20-minute public remembrance and reflection ceremony will be held Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., at Beth-El Mennonite Church, 4625 Ranch Drive, before a blues concert begins at 7 p.m.

The memorial will remain up for the coming week and is being offered for display at other Mennonite churches and first then churches of other denominations.

At Beth-El, the flags are placed in front of a prayer labyrinth the church created in the shade of trees, where people can walk in the circular design fashioned out of dirt on the ground and pray, reflect and rest on benches.

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Signs encourage people to pray for peace, hope, justice, forgiveness, the release of hostages, an end to the war, food and medical supplies, a just solution for all involved, wisdom for leaders and that children will no longer have to fear U.S. bombs.

Over the past four months, the exhibit has been well received, Linfield said.

Its an invisible grief that our country is experiencing, she said.

The point, said Ken Linfield, is not that Hamas is a great group but that Palestinian women and children are being slaughtered, and we are calling for an end.

Amy Linfield added, We are against all killing, but right now the vast danger is to the Palestinians.

Netanyahu told reporters on Friday after meeting with Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, that Israel was eager to wrap up a U.S.-mediated deal for a cease-fire and release of hostages, according to the Associated Press.

He said Israel would be sending a team to negotiations in Rome, probably at the start of this coming week.

During Netanyahus five-day visit to the U.S., thousands of war protesters swarmed Washington, D.C. and condemned Netanyahu, chanting Free, free Palestine as they marched toward the Capitol.

Mennonite churches have been represented en masse nationally in calling for a permanent cease-fire since December, Amy Linfield said.

"Violence is tempting, but it doesn't work," Ken Linfield said. "We want to work for peace."

Police deployed pepper spray on some protesters last week who became violent and refused police orders, the AP reported.

Outside Washingtons Union Station, protesters removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place, according to the AP.

Some protesters burned an effigy of Netanyahu. Others spray painted the words, Hamas is coming, and wrote, Free Gaza, on a monument to Christopher Columbus.
A look inside an ISO 7 clean room at UNHs Space Technology Hub, the first-of-its-kind center in the region that will provide cutting-edge space expertise and equipment to commercial space businesses. The clean room has an ion accelerator and a separate area for flight assembly and integration.

DURHAM  The University of New Hampshire has announced the launch of a Space Technology Hub, a first-of-its-kind center in the region that will provide cutting-edge space expertise and equipment to the burgeoning commercial space sector.

"We are thrilled to be launching the Space Technology Hub, which will connect the resources at UNH with the rapidly developing New Space industry, thereby accelerating the growth of the space economy in the Northeast, said Reka Winslow, director for the Space Technology Hub. We are truly excited to partner with companies in the region and beyond, offering testing and engineering solutions closer to home, all while developing a workforce pipeline for the space tech sector."

"We are thrilled to be launching the Space Technology Hub, which will connect the resources at UNH with the rapidly developing New Space industry, said Reka Winslow, director for the Space Technology Hub.

In opening its doors to engage more closely with businesses, the Space Technology Hub will help fulfill critical needs in the rapidly growing commercial space sector. The World Economic Forum estimates that the space economy will reach $1.8 trillion by the year 2035 as satellite and rocket-enabled technologies become increasingly prevalent. And while space seems far away from daily life, what happens there can have profound effects on Earth  for example, solar flares that cause space storms can wreak havoc on satellites, interfere with GPS and shut down power grids.

Local commercial space businesses tour UNHs Space Technology Hub that will provide cutting-edge space expertise and equipment. Here they get a look at the NASA flight-certified thermal vacuum chamber that simulates the temperature and pressure of a space environment.

The University has already partnered with Hanover, N.H.-based engineering and research firm Creare, to test space instruments that are ultimately destined for Saturns largest moon. The company needed access to a local facility that could simulate the space environment and UNHs thermal vacuum chamber met their stringent requirements.

Creare was impressed with UNHs facilities and skilled technical staff and expects to work with UNH for qualification testing on future programs, said Lucas ONeill, a research and development engineer for Creare.

The thermal vacuum chamber, along with other cutting-edge equipment, clean rooms skilled engineers and specialists who can lend their space mission expertise, are all part of the Space Technology Hub. Over the past 60 years, UNH researchers have partnered with NASA and other agencies on more than 100 space and rocket missions to learn more about the suns influence on Earth and its atmosphere, as well as to investigate mysterious space phenomena from even farther out in space, such as gamma rays and neutron stars.

A peek inside the anechoic chamber at UNHs Space Technology Hub designed for EMI/EMC diagnostic testing to measure electromagnetic emissions from the test article.

Over that long arc of time, UNHs Space Science Center grew in capacity and capability, with facilities and personnel designing, developing, testing and delivering instruments for scientific missions and supporting the space research missions of NASA, NSF, and NOAA, said Harlan Spence, director for the UNH Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space. The Space Technology Hub extends those capabilities to industry partners, not only in terms of our facilities but also in terms of our scientific support of emerging new disciplines such as space weather.

The hubs highly skilled engineers, technicians and scientists bring extensive flight heritage experience in all aspects of space mission design, testing and operation, as well as niche expertise not readily available in the commercial space sector. The hub also has a shorter wait time for businesses to access its facilities and skillsets than many of its competitors across the nation.

To learn more, visit the UNH Space Technology Hub website.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: University of New Hampshire launches Space Technology Hub
Twenty-three people from 17 different countries just became new Colorado Springs citizens after a multi-year process that examines their backgrounds and requires them to familiarize themselves with U.S norms.

The process involves a series of tests, an interview and fees that quickly add up before a final ceremony where the people must take an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. before being naturalized as a citizen. Their ceremony was held at the Pikes Peak Library District, which partners with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to host the annual event.

A crowd of over 50 people cheered and celebrated with the new citizens at their ceremony, which had appearances from Mayor Yemi Mobolade and state Sen. Greg Lopez.

Im so happy right now, said Eraether Fonj Mudoh, a 31-year-old woman who came from the African nation of Cameroon with her family.

Mudoh emigrated to the U.S. to live out the American dream with her husband, who is stationed at Fort Carson, and her three kids. After seven years of going through the process, which was difficult to pay for, she said shes now able to fully live out the dream, part of which means going back to Africa with her kids to visit her mother.

Aaron Lemus, 27, emigrated from El Salvador to escape being forcefully recruited in a war or gang he wanted no part of. In 2013, he came to Colorado for a vacation and met his future wife, making Colorado a natural next step for him.

I love Colorado. I love the mountains, I love going fishing. Theres just so many things you can do here, he said. I am so grateful to this country, and I am ready to contribute to this society and not be a burden.

Lemus is the first one in his family to complete his naturalization process, which he started in 2020, and hes ready to use his citizenship to garner better opportunities for his wife and three kids.

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Mobolade, who started his own immigration process 21 years ago and was naturalized in 2017, encouraged the new citizens to pursue their dreams while upholding the responsibilities of a U.S. citizen.

Your story is powerful.  While each of our stories differ, we are united in our story of leaving our homeland in search of a better opportunity, safety and a chance for a brighter future.

At the ceremony, every new citizen stood up and held up their hand to take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S., which has them give up their allegiance to their previous country.

The citizens were then handed their certificates that denoted their citizenship and given American flags by members of veterans group the American Legion.

To help prepare citizens for their naturalization test, the Pikes Peak Library District hosts a free eight- to 10-week study group that goes over how to complete the forms, information that will be on the test and offers practice interviews.

On approval, the applicant undergoes the naturalization ceremony where they will make the oath and then receive their citizenship certificate.

Over the past decade, there have been more than 7.7 million naturalized citizens in the U.S. Fiscal years 2022 and 2023 make up for 24% of all naturalizations over that decade.
In a first for airliners in India, Tata-Singapore Airlines' joint venture Vistara has announced free wifi services for its international passengers. It's to be noted that the facility is not available to domestic passengers at present. The inflight Wi-Fi facility will be available to international passengers for 20 minutes free. Wi-Fi will be available to passengers flying Vistara's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo aircraft even at the height of 35,000 feet.

Passengers in all cabins can enjoy a complimentary 20-minute Wi-Fi session, enabling them to stay connected, said Vistara. Those who wish to purchase extended Wi-Fi plans can conveniently do so using Indian credit or debit cards. This service allows users to receive one-time passwords via email, making it easy to buy extended in-flight Wi-Fi during the session.

On Vistara's international flights, all Club Vistara members, regardless of their tier or cabin class, can use the free chat feature throughout the flight.

Other passengers can access messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger with unlimited data for Rs 372.74 plus GST. For general internet browsing, the airline charges Rs 1577.54 plus GST, which includes audio and video streaming for social media and web content. For Rs 2707.04 plus GST, customers receive unlimited data that supports all streaming protocols.

Airlines have been providing in-flight Wi-Fi for over a decade. While many charge for this service, some, like US budget carrier JetBlue, have been offering free, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi since 2013. Other international airlines, such as Philippine Airlines, Norwegian Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Air New Zealand, also provide free Wi-Fi, though some restrict data usage, often providing more data to business and first-class passengers.

Additionally, several airlines link Wi-Fi access to their loyalty programs. For example, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Singapore Airlines offer free Wi-Fi to frequent flyer members. However, these airlines often impose conditions for economy class passengers, with free Wi-Fi typically available only to those in business and first class.
Delhi Assembly Elections Opinion Poll: The National Capital of Delhi has been a raging battleground for the BJP, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress. The Aam Aadmi Party has been ruling the national capital since 2015. The AAP ousted the Congress from the Union Territory and since then, the Congress has found itself on shaky ground as it failed to win any seat in the last two assembly elections. The BJP's performance has also been dismal as it won only eight of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections. Now, the Zee News AI opinion poll in collaboration with the ICPL has revealed key trends preferred by voters if the elections are held today.

Election Issues

When voters were asked about their poll issues, 30% people said liquor scams would be a poll issue, 20% said water shortage, 15% said unemployment, 15% traffic and 10% people said electricity would be an election issue. When asked whether the Lok Sabha election results would impact the assembly polls, 50% people responded positively while 45% said it won't affect. However, 55% people said that arrest of CM Kejriwal and other AAP leaders in connection with the liquor scam is wrong while 35% justified the arrest. When asked whether Kejriwal's arrest would benefit AAP, 15% said yes while 65% of the people responded negatively.

Control on Delhi Police

The control of Delhi Police has been a subject of tussle between the AAP government and the Central government. Delhi Government wants full control of the Police. When Delhiites were asked about this, 35% people said that Delhi Police should be under the Delhi government while 55% said that it should remain under the central government.

Full Statehood For Delhi

Delhi is a Union Territory and Aam Aadmi Party has been demanding a full statehood for the city. When the people of Delhi were asked about it, 67% said that Delhi should get full statehood while 25% said that it should remain a UT. The BJP had also promised full statehood for Delhi during the assembly polls but kept mum on the issue after losing the polls. Around 54% people said that LG VK Saxena is responsible for Delhi's problems while 46% held Arvind Kejriwal responsible for them. Also, 65% people opined that the tussle between LG Saxena and CM Kejriwal hindered Delhi's development.

Water Crisis, Health And Education

Responding to Delhi's health and education, 50% of the people said that Kejriwal government's work has been exemplary while 35% termed it satisfactory while only 12% termed it bad. Responding to water issue, 50% of the people said that the Delhi government's work has been good while 40% termed it bad.

Arvind Kejriwal As CM

When 10 lakh people were asked about the performance of Arvind Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of Delhi, 40% termed his performance as very good, 35% termed it good while only 20% termed it bad. Kejriwal also emerged as leading candidate for the Chief Minister's post with 60% people voting for him while only 10% preferring Manoj Tiwari as the CM choice.

BJP vs AAP vs Congress

As per the opinion poll, if the assembly elections are held today, 62% of the people said that Aam Aadmi Party would form a government while 38% said that the BJP would form a government. As far as seat shares are concerned, the AAP may win around 50-60 seats while BJP may win around 10-20 seats. The Congress may win between 0-5 seats.
A man who has held the office of police chief, fire chief and mayor simultaneously in one of Colorados tiniest municipalities has been indicted by a grand jury, along with his daughter, for alleged embezzlement in a family scam involving police property.

The Jefferson and Gilpin County grand jury indicted Robert Gordanier, and his daughter former Lakeside Town Clerk Brenda Renee Hamilton, on 10 counts. They include: embezzlement of public property, theft, first-degree official misconduct and impersonating a police officer, according to a news release from the First Judicial District Attorneys office.

According to the indictment, signed Monday, the father and daughter turned themselves in and were released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bonds.

Gordanier, who is presumed innocent until proven guilty, is still chief of police for the Town of Lakeside. He also serves as the Fire Department chief. Troy McCoy was promoted from commander to assistant chief Thursday. Gordanier resigned as Lakeside mayor in April 2024.

Hamilton was placed on administrative leave in November.

Steve Belarga, a former Lakeside police officer who was fired in July 2022, said it was because he spoke out about racism in the department. He alleged the Lakeside police force is steeped in nepotism.

I would describe it as a very corrupt system, he told The Denver Gazette from his new position in law enforcement as a Brownsville, Texas constable.

The culture when I was there was if you werent with Brenda (Hamilton) or the top commanders, you werent part of the clique. She could do whatever she wanted, said Belarga, who was with the department for six years before he was fired for wearing his police hat backwards, according to his civil complaint obtained by The Denver Gazette.

Belarga filed the civil rights complaint for unlawful termination and won, but did not disclose the amount of money he was awarded.

Starting in March 2018, according to the indictment, the Town of Lakeside bought cars from larger police organizations at auctions  supposedly to be used by the police department.

For instance, in April 2017 the Town of Lakeside purchased a Chevy Tahoe from the Glenwood Springs Police Department for $8,000, according to the indictment.

In September 2022, Brenda Hamilton either got the SUV for no cost or bought it for $300 in a sale approved by her father, Gordanier, court documents show.

Four months later, the indictment said that Hamilton sold the Tahoe to a private citizen for between $6,000 and $7,000.

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Similar instances of property theft happened with a Ford Fusion and a Dodge Charger, according to the indictment.

Belarga said that Hamilton sold the vehicles on Facebook Marketplace.

One Lakeside officer who wished to remain anonymous put it simply: She was acquiring them for herself and selling them to the community.

Impersonating a police off

icer

The document showed a June 2023 incident when Hamilton went after a man in the Lakeside Mall Walmart parking lot in a police vehicle with the lights on, though she was not a police officer.

The township of Lakeside has 17 residents, most of whom live in the 4400 block of north Sheridan. There is almost one cop per resident, as around 16 full and part-time police officers serve Lakeside  which includes Lakeside Amusement Park and the Lakeside Mall.

There are nearly 90 businesses in the towns .2 square miles.

Berlarga said that many of the calls officers respond to are for shoplifting and trespassing at businesses on the mall.

Berlarga, and other former officers who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed relief that Gordanier and Hamilton were indicted and will now face criminal charges.

When the indictment came down I was happy, said Berlarga. People at the force said I was lying. But everything I said was true.

Hamiltons first appearances is scheduled Aug. 2 in Jefferson County Court. Gordaniers next appearance, also in Jefferson County, is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Multiple calls the Lakeside Police Department seeking comment were not returned Friday.
New Delhi: In a shocking incident, a 24-year-old woman named Kriti Kumari was found murdered in her paying guest (PG) in Bengaluru. The CCTV footage went viral, showing the victim being stabbed by a man, later identified as her boyfriend. Following the incident, multiple updates have emerged.

Also Read, Bengaluru Hostel Murder: Man Accused Of Killing 24-Year-Old Woman Arrested In Madhya Pradesh

Here Are The Key Highlights:

Police have arrested the prime suspect in the murder case of a 24-year-old woman at a PG Bengaluru on July 23. Reportedly, the accused identified as Abhishek, was arrested in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, where he fled after committing murder.

The accused and the victim's roommate frequently argued about his unemployment, and when their fights escalated, Ms. Kumari would often intervene. She allegedly advised her roommate to distance herself from him, which provoked the man and ultimately led him to kill Ms. Kumari, as per the reports.

Police Bengaluru Commissioner, B Dayananda informed that the three were made to upright the culprit and police teams are working on it to apprehend the accused.

In the viral video, the man is seen walking into the corridor of the hostel accommodation holding a polythene bag. He then knocks on the door and, later, drags a woman out. As per the report, the victim resists the attack but is soon overpowered by the murderer.
New Delhi: A horrifying incident occurred in Bengaluru that left many in shock, where a 24-year-old woman from Bihar was found dead with her throat slit in a paying guest accommodation at Koramangala. CCTV footage has emerged, purportedly showing the same incident, depicting her being stabbed by a man.

The man accused of brutally killing a 24-year-old woman inside her PG in Bengaluru was arrested in Madhya Pradesh today and is being brought to the city for further investigation, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayanand confirmed, NDTV reported.

As per the police, the man is the boyfriend of Ms Kumari's roommate at the hostel. The accused and the roommate frequently argued over his unemployment, and when their fights escalated, Ms. Kumari would often intervene. She allegedly advised her roommate to distance herself from him, which provoked the man and ultimately led him to kill Ms. Kumari, police reported.

According to the police, the murder took place on the night of July 23 night. The assailant had sneaked into a room and killed 24-year-old Kriti Kumari.

The police informed that the victim Kriti Kumari hailed from Bihar and she was employed in a private farm in the city, PTI reported.

The footage of the incident goes viral on social media, In the clip, the man is seen walking into the corridor of the paying guest accommodation holding a polythene bag. He then knocks on the door and, later, drags a woman out.

The victim resists the attack but is soon overpowered by the murderer, who slits her throat and runs away.

Hearing the loud noise, other women in the building rush to the spot, but they could not save her.
NEW DELHI: In a swift response to recent terror attacks, the government has ordered the relocation of over 2,000 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel from Odisha to the volatile Jammu and Kashmir region along the India-Pakistan border, sources said on Saturday. This strategic move aims to bolster security and counter the escalating threats in the Union Territory.

Amid rising concerns over security breaches, the government has taken decisive action by directing the immediate movement of two BSF battalions, totalling more than 2,000 troops, from Odisha to Jammu, said the sources, adding the order was received by the force earlier this week from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This decision follows a series of recent terror attacks in the Jammu region that have heightened security concerns.

The two battalions extracted from Odisha were previously engaged in anti-Naxal operations, and now they will fortify the defenses in the terror-stricken Jammu region. Official sources confirmed ANI seeking anonymity that the redeployment aims to enhance the security apparatus and curb the menace of terrorism threatening the Jammu and Kashmir.

"By reallocating these forces, the government intends to provide a robust security presence and mitigate the risks posed by the persistent terror activities. The swift execution of this order underscores the urgency and importance of safeguarding the region and ensuring the safety of its inhabitants. Such movements of troops are also part of force's strategic affairs that are taken time to time as per the need," said the sources.

The Centre's move comes days after Director General of the BSF Nitin Agrawal on July 21 reviewed the operational readiness of the troops deployed at the Jammu International Border. The BSF chief, who was on two-day visit to the border guarding force's Jammu frontier from July 20 to assess the security situation along the Jammu International Border, also engaged in detailed discussions with unit commandants, focusing on various operational aspects and the preparedness of the forces, said the force in a statement.

This review was part of an ongoing effort to ensure the security and efficiency of the BSF in maintaining border integrity and responding to any potential threats. BSF chief's visit was scheduled a day after the Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the functioning of Multi Agency Centre (MAC) of the Intelligence Bureau, directing agencies to increase engagement in the MAC and make a cohesive platform as well as to adopt a whole-of-the government approach towards national security.

Shah chaired the high-level meeting on July 20 evening in the national capital with heads of various security and law enforcement agencies including the BSF. While reviewing the overall internal security situation in the country and the fight against terrorism; the Home Minister also impressed upon all the participants to increase engagement in the MAC and make it into a cohesive platform that brings together all the law enforcement agencies, anti-drug agencies, cyber security and intelligence agencies, for decisive and prompt action.

The Home Minister stresses greater synergy between all the agencies to dismantle the terror networks and their supporting eco-system, to address the evolving security threat scenario of the country. The meeting was held in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir within the span of a month which led to the deaths of several Indian Army personnel as well as innocent people raising question on security of the nation.
New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticized the Centre for the Agniveer scheme, asserting that training soldiers for just six months and having them serve for 3-4 years undermines the quality of training and the professional opportunities available to the Indian Army.

Congress leader said that the Indian Army is one of the most professional armies in the world and maintaining that professionalism is in the interest of the entire nation.

"When you create a situation where soldiers can be trained for 6 months and serve for 3-4 years, you are diluting the quality of training and professional opportunities available to the Indian Army," Tharoor said, ANI reported.

Tharoor further added that Congress will scrap the scheme whenever they come into power.

"I believe it is deeply damaging, the only rationale for it is indeed to save money on the pension and therefore I think that the Congress stands justified in its insistence that we will scrap the scheme when we come to power," he added.

During his address in Kargil on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Agnipath scheme as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. PM said that the goal of Agnipath was to make the Army young and keep the Army continuously fit for war. Also Read, PM Modi Warns Pakistan On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Says 'Our Soldiers Will Crush Terrorism...'

"The country has felt the need for major reforms in the defence sector for decades. The army has been demanding this for years, but unfortunately, it was not given enough importance earlier. The Agnipath scheme is also an example of the necessary reforms done in the Army. For decades, discussions have been going on in Parliament and many committees on making the army young," PM Modi said during his address.

Several BJP-ruled state chief ministers including Yogi Adityanath, Himanta Sarma and others have announced reservations for Agniveers in their respective states.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that the government has decided to give reservations to Agniveers in the police department and as prison guards and forest guards once they complete their service in the Indian Army.

Along with this, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that his government will recruit most Agniveers into the state police. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also announced on Friday that Agniveers, after serving the country, will be given weightage in recruitment for the UP Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) forces.
One Indian Army soldier was killed, and four others were injured in a BAT action followed by an infiltration bid in North Kashmir's Kupwara district.

One Pakistani intruder was also killed in the gunfight, and arms and ammunition were recovered from the operation site. The Indian Army reported that a group of two to three armed personnel took advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along the Line of Control in the Machhal Sector to cross the LC and fire on a forward Army post from close proximity.

Sources in the security forces said, "BAT action by terrorists, possibly including Pakistani regular army troops (SSG) Special Security Guards, was foiled by the Army, resulting in the death of one Pakistani terrorist. Five soldiers, including an officer of the Indian Army, were injured, with a few in critical condition, in an exchange of fire between the terrorists and the Army at a forward post in Kumkadi, Machhal Sector on the Line of Control. The operation continues."

The Indian Army's alert troops responded vigorously, and in the ensuing exchange of fire, one Pakistani intruder was killed, and weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores were recovered. The identification and affiliation of this Pakistani national are being ascertained.

"During this intense fire exchange, two of our brave soldiers suffered grave injuries and were immediately evacuated to the Base Hospital in Srinagar. Unfortunately, one of these brave hearts succumbed to his injuries. The other soldier is responding well to treatment and care and is presently stable," said an Indian Army official.

The army officials also noted that in the past, similar attempts by infiltrators, actively aided and abetted by the Pakistani Army, have exploited thick foliage and poor visibility conditions but have always been successfully thwarted and disrupted.

"The Indian Army is firm in its resolve and commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistan Army," said an Indian Army official.

The operation continues with additional deployments sent to the site. Security across Jammu and Kashmir, especially along the borders, has been put on high alert after the recent spike in terror incidents in the Union Territory.

After Jammu, now Kashmir borders are heating up. This is the third infiltration bid that has been foiled, and so far, seven Pakistani terrorists have been killed.
New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out of the NITI Aayog on Saturday and accused the centre of letting her speak. TMC leader alleged that her mic was muted while she was speaking during the NITI Aayog meeting.

"...I was speaking, my mic was muted. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government," Banerjee said.

#WATCH | Delhi: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "...I was speaking, my mic was stopped. I said why did you stop me, why are you discriminating. I am attending the meeting you should be happy instead of that you are giving more scope to your party your government. Only I am pic.twitter.com/53U8vuPDpZ  ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2024

After walking out from the NITI Aayog meeting, the Bengal Chief Minister interacted with the media and said that stopping her from speaking was not only Bengal's insult but also the insult of regional parties.

'Only I am there from the opposition and you are stopping me from speaking...This is not only the insult of Bengal but also of all regional parties," she said.

The Council meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, included all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers as its members. Many of the INDIA lock leaders opposed it and did not participate in the meeting.

She further added that she was not allowed to speak for more than 5 minutes while people before her spoke for 10-20 minutes.

"...I said you (central government) should not discriminate against state governments. I wanted to speak but I was allowed to speak only for 5 minutes. People before me spoke for 10-20 minutes. I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak. This is insulting," she added.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to chair the ninth governing council meeting of the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) on Saturday. As the top body of NITI Aayog, the council comprises all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of union territories, and various union ministers, with Prime Minister serving as the chairman.

Several opposition-ruled states are boycotting this year's NITI Aayog meeting. Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states have confirmed their participation, while Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has yet to confirm his attendance.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will attend the meeting, where she intends to address her concerns about the Central Governments step-motherly attitude towards opposition-led states in the Union Budget 2024-25.

A statement from the Centre said that the meeting will be focused on promoting participatory governance and enhanced collaboration between the central and state governments.

Who Will Be Present At The NITI Aayog Meeting?

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu

Arunachal deputy chief minister Chowna Mein

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

Rajasthan chief minister Bhjajanlal Sharma

Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi

Tripura chief minister Manik Saha

Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel

Who Will Be Absent?

Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Puducherry chief minister N Rangasamy

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann

According to ANI, the meeting aims to foster participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and State Governments, enhancing the quality of life for both rural and urban populations by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of government interventions. The meeting will also see detailed deliberations on the role of states in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Attendees will also include Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors of States and Union Territories, Union Ministers serving as ex-officio members and special invitees, as well as the Vice Chairman and Members of NITI Aayog.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kyiv in August, as per Zee news TV sources. This will mark his first trip to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022. The visit comes amid heightened global interest in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia and follows increased diplomatic engagements by India in the region.

PM Modi met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month at the G7 Summit in Italy, where the two leaders were seen sharing hug.
A soldier was martyred, and four others sustained injuries in a clash with terrorists in Kupwara district early Saturday morning on July 27. According to army officials, the encounter occurred in the Kamkari sector, where Indian forces repelled an attack by Pakistans Border Action Team (BAT). The confrontation resulted in the death of a Pakistani terrorist as well.

What Is Pakistans BAT?

The attack is believed to have been executed by the Border Action Team (BAT), a unit suspected to include Pakistani SSG commandos and soldiers, working in coordination with terrorist organizations.

BAT teams are composed of commandos from the Pakistan Army and terrorists, who can be disavowed if caught. Their members undergo training from both Pakistan's Army and Air Force.

This incident marks the second significant encounter in Kupwara within three days. On July 24, security forces had previously neutralised a terrorist in the Lolab area, during which an Indian soldier was also killed.

Encounter Near LoC

During the two-hour long encounter, two infiltrators managed to flee into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). The incident began when a group of three infiltrators launched a grenade attack and opened fire on an advanced post near the Kumkadi checkpoint in the Trehgam sector of North Kashmir. Indian soldiers engaged in a fierce firefight, which led to injuries among five soldiers, one of whom later succumbed to their wounds. The remaining four injured personnel, including a Captain, have been evacuated to a base hospital, with one soldier reported to be in serious condition. Also read: Macchal Encounter: One Security Personnel Killed, Others Injured In Gunfight With Terrorists In Kashmir's Kupwara District
New Delhi: Punjab National Bank (PNB) on Saturday reported its highest-ever quarterly standalone profit at Rs 3,252 crore in April-June FY25 helped by a decline in bad loans and an improvement in interest income.

The state-owned bank posted a net profit of Rs 1,255 crore in the June quarter of FY24. This is the highest ever quarterly profit recorded by the bank on account of improvement in various parameters, including net interest income, recovery and CASA, Managing Director Atul Kumar Goel said.

Total income in the quarter rose to Rs 32,166 crore from Rs 28,579 crore in the same period a year ago. The lender's interest income also increased to Rs 28,556 crore from Rs 25,145 crore in the same quarter a year ago, as per a regulatory filing.

Net Interest Income (NII) increased to Rs 10,476 crore in Q1 FY25 from Rs 9,504 crore earlier, showing an improvement of 10.23 per cent. Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) declined to 4.98 per cent of gross advances by June 2024 from 7.73 per cent in the same quarter a year ago.

Similarly, net NPAs declined to 0.60 per cent from 1.98 per cent. As a result, provisions for bad loans came down drastically to Rs 792 crore in April-June FY25 as against Rs 4,374 crore in the year-ago period.

Provision Coverage Ratio improved to 95.9 per cent as of June 2024 from 89.83 per cent a year ago.

On a consolidated basis, the bank reported a net profit of Rs 3,976 crore in the quarter under review as against Rs 1,342 crore a year ago. The consolidated financial result of the bank comprises five subsidiaries and 15 associates.

The capital adequacy ratio of the bank improved to 15.79 per cent at the end of June 2024 compared to 15.54 per cent in the year-ago period. With improvement in capital position, Goel said, the bank has decided to cut the proposed share sale size through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) to Rs 5,000 crore from an earlier estimate of Rs 7,500 crore.

Asked when the capital will be raised, he said the bank is evaluating the opportune time for that. Besides, he said, the board has given approval to raise Rs 7,000 crore from Tier I bonds and Rs 3,000 crore from Tier II bonds to fund business growth.

As far as recovery is concerned, he said, the bank is targeting Rs 18,000 crore collection from this including from NCLT realisation. "We are hoping recovery of Rs 3,000 crore from NCLT cases," he said.

During the quarter, he said, slippages were Rs 1,755 crore against a recovery of Rs 3,249 crore.

Going forward, the bank is aiming net NPA of less than 0.5 per cent, a gross NPA of less than 4 per cent and a Return on Asset of 1 per cent by March. As far as business growth is concerned, he said, credit growth is estimated at 11-12 per cent while deposit 9-10 per cent and Net Interest Margin at 2.9-3 per cent.

Low-cost fund Current Account and Savings Account (CASA) deposit would increase to 42 per cent from the current level of 40.08 per cent of total deposits, he added. On improving its digital competitiveness, he said, PNB has earmarked Rs 2,500 crore to be spent on IT.
The intersection of Meridian and Rex roads near Falcon is temporarily closed because of a gas leak Friday, according to a news release from El Paso County officials.

Emergency responders were on site early in the afternoon, the release said. The intersection will remain closed until the issue is resolved and it is deemed safe to reopen.

Commuters were advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the area.

A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents near the intersection. Officials asked residents to secure homes and businesses and to stay away from doors and windows, or to seek shelter in a "safe location," until further notice.

The roadway improvements along Meridian Road include installing a new traffic signal, improving sight distance, widening Meridian to include four lanes and adding turn lanes along Rex Road.

The roughly $9.9 million construction and relocation project is anticipated to wrap by early 2025.
New Delhi: Junaid Khan has made a strong debut in Bollywood with 'Maharaj', earning widespread praise for his performance. To celebrate the film's success, his parents, Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta, will host an intimate success party at Aamir Khan Productions' office in Bandra.

A source revealed, 'The bash will be attended by Junaid's friends and the cast and crew of his next few movies. He has already started shooting for the Advait Chandan-helmed romantic comedy with Khushi Kapoor, and Pritam Pyaare. He is expected to wrap up the rom-com soon.'

The success bash will be a private affair and will be attended by close family friends. A guest, invited shared, 'Junaid was certain that he wanted to debut on his merit. Reena and Aamir let him forge his path. Today, they want to share their happiness with their near and dear ones.'

Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Yash Raj Films, 'Maharaj' is currently trending on Netflix.
New Delhi: OpenAI, an artificial intelligence company behind the chatbot ChatGPT, has finally launched its AI search engine called SearchGPT. With this, the Microsoft-backed AI chatbot Open AI will try to take on Google Search. The new feature is currently in the 'prototype' stage which is accessible to only a small group of users.

The company plans to integrate its capabilities into ChatGPT in the near future. It is important to note that tech companies have been exploring various use cases of generative AI that could be integrated into the everyday tech ecosystem of users since the unveiling of ChatGPT in 2022.

In a blog post about the new search feature, OpenAI wrote, Were testing SearchGPT, a prototype of new search features designed to combine the strength of our AI models with information from the web to give you fast and timely answers with clear and relevant sources."

What is OpenAI SearchGPT?

SearchGPT is an AI-powered search engine designed to provide direct answers to your queries. Instead of traditional search results, you simply enter what you're looking for into a large search box, and you receive a detailed, step-by-step response, complete with related images.

How Does OpenAI SearchGPT Works?

Understanding the Query: The system uses AI, specifically Natural Language Processing (NLP) and in-house GPT Large Language Models, to grasp the context and intent behind your query.

Generating the Answer and Scanning Web Results: It formulates an appropriate answer by scanning web results to gather relevant information.

Summarizing Information with Source Links: The system summarizes the relevant web results and provides links to the sources next to each piece of information.

Sidebar for Related Results: Additional related results with source links are conveniently available in a sidebar for further exploration.

Interactive Chatbot Interface and Future Integration: Interactions occur in a chatbot-like interface, allowing follow-up questions and conversations. This functionality will be integrated into ChatGPT in the future for easier access.
New Delhi: US Vice President Kamala Harris has officially declared her candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections, confidently asserting that her grassroots campaign will win in November.

Harris took her official social media handle X and said that in November, her people-powered campaign will win.

She also emphasised that she would work hard to earn every vote.

"Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for President of the United States. I will work hard to earn every vote. And in November, our people-powered campaign will win," Kamala Harris said in her post.

Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for President of the United States.



I will work hard to earn every vote.



And in November, our people-powered campaign will win. pic.twitter.com/nIZLnt9oN7  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 27, 2024

US Vice President Kamala Harris will be the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election on November 5 in the US.

On Friday, former US President Barack Obama publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the US presidential post following Joe Biden's recent withdrawal from the race.

Obama stated that he and former US First Lady Michelle Obama will do everything in their power to ensure that Harris wins the presidential election in November.

In a post on X, Barack Obama said, "Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend @KamalaHarris. We told her we think she'll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we're going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you'll join us."
Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu worked to mend ties with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Friday and offered measured optimism about progress toward a cease-fire deal for Gaza, nearing the end of a contentious U.S. visit that put on display the growing American divisions over support for the Israeli-Hamas war.

At Trump's Florida Mar-a-Lago estate, where the two men met face-to-face for the first time in nearly four years, Netanyahu told journalists that he wanted to see U.S.-mediated talks succeed for a cease-fire and release of hostages.

I hope so, Netanyahu said, when reporters asked if his U.S. trip had made progress. While Netanyahu at home is increasingly accused of resisting a deal to end the 9-month-old war to stave off the potential collapse of his far-right government when it ends, he said Friday he was "certainly eager to have one. And were working on it.

As president, Trump went well beyond his predecessors in fulfilling Netanyahus top wishes from the United States. Yet relations soured after Netanyahu became one of the first world leaders to congratulate Joe Biden for his 2020 presidential victory over Trump.

The two men now have a strong interest in restoring their relationship, both for the political support their alliance brings and for the luster it gives each with their conservative supporters.

A beaming Trump was waiting for Netanyahu on the stone steps outside his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida. He warmly clasped the hands of the Israeli leader.

Weve always had a great relationship, Trump insisted before journalists. Asked as the two sat down in a muraled room for talks if Netanyahus trip to Mar-a-Lago was repairing their bond, Trump responded, It was never bad.

For both men, Fridays meeting was aimed at highlighting for their home audiences their depiction of themselves as strong leaders who have gotten big things done on the world stage, and can again.

Netanyahus Florida trip followed a fiery address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday that defended his governments conduct of the war and condemned American protesters galvanized by the killing of more than 39,000 Palestinians in the conflict.

On Thursday, Netanyahu had met in Washington with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Both pressed the Israeli leader to work quickly to wrap up a deal to bring a cease-fire and release hostages held by Hamas.

Trumps campaign said he pledged in Friday's meeting to make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East and combat antisemitism on college campuses if American voters elect him to the presidency in November.

Netanyahu handed Trump a framed photo that the Israeli leader said showed a child who has been held hostage by Hamas-led militants since the first hours of the war. Well get it taken care of, Trump assured him.

For Trump, the meeting was a chance to be cast as an ally and statesman, as well as to sharpen efforts by Republicans to portray themselves as the party most loyal to Israel.

D ivisions among Americans over U.S. support for Israels war against Hamas in Gaza have opened cracks in years of strong bipartisan backing for Israel, the biggest recipient of U.S. aid.

For Netanyahu, repairing relations with Trump is imperative given the prospect that Trump may once again become president of the United States, which is Israels vital arms supplier and protector.

One gamble for Netanyahu is whether he could get more of the terms he wants in any deal on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release, and in his much hoped-for closing of a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, if he waits out the Biden administration in hopes that Trump wins.

Benjamin Netanyahu has spent much of his career in the last two decades in tethering himself to the Republican Party, said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. diplomat for Arab-Israeli negotiations, now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

For the next six months, that means mending ties with an irascible, angry president," Miller said, meaning Trump.

Netanyahu and Trump last met at a September 2020 White House signing ceremony for the signature diplomatic achievement of both mens political careers. It was an accord brokered by the Trump administration in which the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain agreed to establish normal diplomatic relations with Israel.

For Israel, it amounted to the two countries formally recognizing it for the first time. It was a major step in what Israel hoped would be an easing of tensions and a broadening of economic ties with its Arab neighbors.

In public postings and statements after his break with Netanyahu, Trump portrayed himself as having stuck his neck out for Israel as president, and Netanyahu paying him back with disloyalty.

He also has criticized Netanyahu on other points, faulting him as not prepared for the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that started the war in Gaza, for example.

In his high-profile speech to Congress on Wednesday and again Friday at Mar-a-Lago, Netanyahu poured praise on Trump, calling the regional accords Trump helped broker historic and thanking him for all the things he did for Israel.

Netanyahu listed actions by the Trump administration long-sought by Israeli governments  the U.S. officially saying Israel had sovereignty over the Golan Heights, captured from Syria during a 1967 war; a tougher U.S. policy toward Iran; and Trump declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, breaking with longstanding U.S. policy that Jerusalem's status should be decided in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

I appreciated that, Trump told Fox & Friends on Thursday, referring to Netanyahu's praise.

Trump has repeatedly urged that Israel with U.S. support finish the job in Gaza and destroy Hamas, but he hasnt elaborated on how.
A restriping project set to begin this fall will extend existing biking lanes along a small stretch of South Cascade Avenue in downtown Colorado Springs.

City crews will restripe South Cascade Avenue between Colorado Avenue and West Fountain Boulevard, and extend existing bicycle lanes, "to provide safe connections to numerous local community trails and attractions," according to a project webpage.

City officials have invited residents to attend a project open house on Wednesday to learn more. The public can join city and project teams to discuss details and review exhibits and the schedule.

The meeting will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. inside the Columbine Room on the first floor of the Penrose Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave. Library parking kiosks in both the upper and lower lots require payment by credit card or with coins.

Crews will add 6-foot-wide, on-street buffered bike lines on both sides of Cascade Avenue from Colorado Avenue south to Fountain Boulevard. This provides "an additional level of safety" for cars, cyclists and pedestrians, the project webpage states. Bike delineator posts will not be installed as part of the project, city spokesman Max D'Onofrio said.

The project will restripe Cascade to accommodate parallel parking spaces on both sides and adds an all-way stop at the intersection of Cascade and Moreno avenues, with a marked crosswalk.

The existing raised center median and sidewalks on both sides of Cascade will be maintained, and the project will provide bicycle guidance at intersections.

There will be no changes made to parking capacity.

Featured Local Savings

D'Onofrio said the work is expected to be completed in about a week. Cascade will remain open to traffic.

Colorado Springs is paying for the work through revenues from its bicycle excise tax, a $4 tax levied on certain new bicycles sold in the city, and general funds.

It is unclear how much the project could cost, since city crews are conducting the work and the project was not contracted out, D'Onofrio said.

Many new bike lanes, traffic configurations and striping modifications are among changes laid out in the city's Experience Downtown Master Plan the City Council approved in 2016 and the bike master plan the council adopted in spring 2018.

When Colorado Springs officials began implementing those changes in the summer of 2018, including in areas downtown such as along Weber Street and Pikes Peak and Cascade avenues, residents across the city shared mixed feelings.

Proponents said the changes make downtown streets safer and more accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists. Opponents said the bike lanes were unnecessary and would narrow lanes used by automobiles.

Some roadway changes, including installing bike lanes on stretches of Cascade Avenue and Weber and Fontanero streets, received vehement criticism from residents in the Old North End neighborhood near downtown in particular. A group of residents even sought a temporary injunction on the street work. A judge ultimately granted the injunction in May 2018, but it was lifted a month later.

D'Onofrio said Friday because the upcoming changes slated for this portion of Cascade Avenue are in a high-traffic area in the downtown corridor, officials decided to hold Wednesday's open house to let people know about the planned work.

"We understand that in the past, residents have been very vocal about the bike lanes, both in favor of and opposed to them. ... We wanted to make sure we went above and beyond (by hosting a project open house so) residents know and understand what is going on," he said.
Smoke from several large wildfires continues to hide the skyline of Colorado Springs.

Since July 22, the city has seen the familiar sight of Pikes Peak masked as smoke from wildfires burning out-of-state and in Canada drifts across the Colorado.

While Friday's air was a little clearer, smoke was still visible. National Weather Service Meteorologist Mark Wankowski says crystal clear skies won't arrive until September or October, or until wildfire season comes to a close.

"We'll see potential smoke until the wildfires are out, depending on which way the atmospheric winds are blowing," Wankowski said.

However, Colorado Springs should see an improvement over the weekend with the help of forecasted rain and thunderstorms. The moisture will assist in improving air quality as well as getting rid of some of those smoke particulates in the air.

"Definitely we'll see improving conditions," Wankowski said. "But we're never going to get rid of everything."

Featured Local Savings

The rising temperatures combined with the drifting smoke are impacting air quality in Colorado Springs and surrounding communities.

Pueblo County is current under a air quality alert due to ozone levels. The alert was issued for central and northwestern areas of the county at 2 p.m. Friday afternoon.

According to IQAir.com, the Front Range is currently in the moderate category (between 51 and 100 AQI). Parts of Manitou Springs reached a high of 104 AQI throughout the day Friday. In Colorado Springs, the AQI high hit 77 in some areas, according to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

From Sunday onwards, much of the southeastern Colorado area can expect to see a longer period of dangerous heat, according to NWS. Colorado Springs is forecasted to hit 97 degrees Tuesday and Wednesday. Pueblo will likely break 100 degrees a majority of the week.

Despite the decrease in visible smoke, Dr. Paul Mayer, co-medical director for El Paso County Public Health, still recommends the following:

Stay informed and monitor outdoor conditions by receiving air quality alerts for your area.

When the air quality is in an unhealthy range, limit your time outdoors. This is very important for individuals who are part of a high-risk population, those who have asthma, lung disease and heart disease.

If you are part of the at-risk population, consider wearing an N95 mask to prevent breathing in smoke.

Remember to protect your indoor air quality in your home. Close windows and doors and use a high-efficiency air filter in your homeuse a HEPA filter or a filter rated MERV 13 or higher.

Avoid activities that increase indoor air pollution like burning candles, using a gas stove, using aerosol sprays, vaping or smoking.

For current conditions, visit the health department's detailed air quality summary.
You are here: China

Egrets are seen on Shedao Island or Snake Island off the coast of Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 10, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Five nominated sites of the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China successfully passed the review process Friday to be included on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Falcated ducks fly over the Chongming Dongtan National Nature Reserve in Shanghai, east China, Feb. 6, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The decision was made during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, according to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

A night heron and a great bittern are released into the wild at Nandagang wetland in Cangzhou, north China's Hebei Province, April 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

According to UNESCO, the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II) is a serial extension of the property of the same name that is already listed on the World Heritage List. The newly-admitted five sites are part of Phase II, while Phase I sanctuaries were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2019.

Migratory birds fly over the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve in east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

As part of the world's largest intertidal wetland system, this area within the Yellow Sea Ecoregion provides vital habitats for birds migrating along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, which stretches across approximately 25 countries from the Arctic to Southeast Asia and Australasia.

The wetlands serve a unique ecological function as indispensable stopover sites for millions of waterbirds, said UNESCO.
China sees 14.3 percent more domestic trips in H1

Xinhua) 09:43, July 27, 2024

Tourists visit the Zhanqiao Bridge scenic spot in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on June 24, 2024. (Photo by Wang Haibin/Xinhua)

BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Around 2.73 billion domestic trips were made in China in the first half of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 14.3 percent, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Friday.

The figure included 1.42 billion trips in the first quarter and 1.31 billion in the second quarter.

A total of 2.73 trillion yuan (about 383 billion U.S. dollars) was spent by domestic tourists from January to June this year, up 19 percent from the same period of 2023.

The number of domestic trips made by rural residents increased by 21.5 percent year on year, with a 32.6 percent rise in spending compared to the first half of 2023. Both increases were significantly higher than those for urban residents, the data showed.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
This schematic diagram provided by the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences shows the brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever observed, coded GRB 221009A. [Photo/IHEP]

Chinese scientists have identified a gamma-ray spectral line with energy levels peaking at 37 million electron volts, the highest-energy gamma-ray spectral line ever observed from cosmic celestial bodies. The discovery will significantly advance the understanding of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs).

The study, led by researchers from the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published as a cover story in the journal Science China Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy on Thursday.

GRBs, usually very short in duration, are the most violent explosive phenomena in the universe after the Big Bang, and they occur during the collapse of massive stars or the merging of binary compact stars, such as neutron stars and black holes.

The first GRB was discovered in 1967. In recent years, with the discovery of gravitational waves, GRBs have been under the spotlight in multi-wavelength and multi-messenger time-domain astronomy.

The brightest GRB ever, coded GRB 221009A, was observed worldwide on Oct. 9, 2022 and was found to result from the collapse of a massive star.

Chinese scientists detected the event through joint observations from the country's space-based as well as ground-based telescopes. These include China's first X-ray astronomy satellite, Insight-HXMT; the GECAM-C, an all-sky gamma-ray monitor dedicated to GRBs; and the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory, which works in the very high energy gamma-ray band. Together, they achieved an unprecedented measurement of the GRB.

During the study, the research team jointly employed data from the GECAM-C space telescope and the Fermi Gamma-ray space telescope to conduct a detailed spectral analysis and search for the spectral lines of GRB 221009A. They successfully extracted precise and reliable GRB spectra, after comprehensive and challenging analyses of the instrumental effects and background issues caused by the extreme brightness of this burst.

The research team discovered a spectral line in the energy spectrum of GRB 221009A featuring a power-law decay pattern for both the line energy and flux, and an almost constant and relatively narrow line width, as the burst goes on.

In particular, the researchers found that during the main burst phase of the GRB, the energy of this spectral line reached up to 37 million electron volts, setting a new record for the gamma-ray line observed in the universe.

Xiong Shaolin, the leader of the research team, who is also the principal investigator of GECAM series space telescopes at IHEP, noted that these findings hold great significance for studying the physics and mechanisms behind GRBs and relativistic jets launched by GRBs.

To unveil the mysteries of the extreme universe, China has launched a series of satellites for GRB observations, including Insight-HXMT, GECAM series, the Einstein Probe and the SVOM.
The Story

Scientist: In an experiment, dogs had access to a handle they could pull to release food into a nearby enclosure that contained a familiar dog and nothing else, contained an unfamiliar dog and nothing else, or was empty.

1. A familiar dog

2. An unfamiliar dog

3. Nothing (The enclosure is empty).

The dogs typically released more food to the familiar dog than to the unfamiliar dog.

This suggests that dogs are more motivated to help other dogs they know than to help unfamiliar dogs.

Gist:

Dogs released more food to the familiar dog than the unfamiliar one (support)

Thus, dogs are more motivated to help familiar dogs than unfamiliar ones (conclusion)

The Gap

The Goal

The Evaluation

A. the behavior was being encouraged by a familiar person than when it was being encouraged by an unfamiliar person

Incorrect

B. the enclosure was empty than when it contained an unfamiliar dog

Incorrect

C. an unfamiliar dog in the enclosure was displaying hostility toward them than when an unfamiliar dog in the enclosure appeared friendly

Incorrect

D. a dog in the enclosure appeared uninterested in food already released into the enclosure than when it appeared interested in that food

Incorrect

E. a familiar dog was in the enclosure than when a familiar dog was visible but the enclosure was empty

Correct

Additional Notes

SC Notes:

If you have any doubts regarding any part of this solution, please feel free to ask.

Chiranjeev and Anish offer live online classroom course for GMAT preparation. You can find more details at www DOT GmatIntensive DOT com



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- In an experiment, dogs had access to a handle that could be pulled to release food into an enclosure. The enclosure could have one of the three possibilities:- It was found in the experiment that the dogs released more food to the familiar dog than to the unfamiliar one. (It could be their familiarity that made the dogs do this. We also note that the scientist does not talk about the food released when the enclosure was empty.)- The scientist concludes that dogs are more motivated to help familiar dogs than unfamiliar ones. (The conclusion also does not discuss the situation in which the enclosure was empty.)Dogs could pull a handle to release food into an enclosure that contained a familiar dog, contained an unfamiliar dog, or was empty.The scientist treats releasing more food as being more motivated to help. In other words, the argument assumes that the dogs could not have released more food for any reason other than to help the familiar dogs.Also, the scientist assumes that the dogs recognize the familiar dogs and not the unfamiliar dogs. And that their actions are driven by familiarity and not by any specific situation the enclosure dogs may be in, or any particular actions the dogs may be performing.In what situation if the dogs released more food would the argument get strengthened? In order to strengthen the argument, we may focus on bridging either of the two gaps discussed above. There could be other ways to strengthen the argument as well. Just that we could think of two aspects.. The conclusion is: This suggests that dogs are more motivated to help other dogs they know than to help unfamiliar dogs. If the dogs behavior was encouraged by a familiar person, we actually start wondering whether it was the motivation to help that made the dogs release more food, or some external factor not discussed in the passage. It certainly does not strengthen the argument.Beware of this option. Many times, test-takers end up selecting an answer that actually does the opposite of what has been asked in the question. This answer, if anything, weakens the argument that dogs are more motivated to help familiar dogs.. How dogs react to an empty enclosure compared with one containing an unfamiliar dog does not impact the argument in any way. Even if we take motivation to help as the reason for dogs releasing food, all this option tells us is that dogs are not particularly motivated to help unfamiliar dogs. This does not strengthen the argument that dogs are more motivated to help familiar dogs.If I simply show Y is low in absolute terms, that does not strengthen that X is more than Y. X may be low as well.. If the behaviour of the dog in the enclosure impacts the other dogs propensity to release food in any way, their higher motivation to help familiar dogs, in fact, gets questioned.. How the dogs with the handle reacted to the enclosures dogs interest level does not help strengthen the argument at all. In fact, if the enclosures dogs interest level impacted the propensity of dogs with the handle to release food, we question whether motivation to help was the driving factor or not.. This option compares the reaction to a familiar dog in the enclosure with the reaction to a familiar dog not in the enclosure.To understand this option, lets first understand a possible challenge to the given argument. Can somebody argue that the dog with the handle released more food in case of a familiar dog not because it wanted to help the familiar dog but because the presence of the familiar dog stimulated him, in some way, to press the handle more often? Essentially, we are doubting whether there was any intention to help. If the dog with the handle released more food just on the sight of the familiar dog, regardless of whether the familiar dog got the food or not, we would have a strong reason to doubt that there was an intention to help.This option is around the above aspect. Since dogs release more food when the familiar dog was in the enclosure, we are further convinced that the dogs wanted to help the familiar dog, and it was not just the sight of a familiar dog that triggered the response. If it were just the sight, then the dogs would have released equal quantities of food even when the visible familiar dog was not inside the enclosure. The dogs releasing less food in this scenario (when the enclosure was empty) lends credence to the notion that the dogs realized that the familiar dogs outside the enclosure will not be helped by the released food, and thus their propensity to release food was lower.a nearby enclosure that contained a familiar dog and nothing else, contained an unfamiliar dog and nothing else, or was empty  this is a list of three conditions the enclosure could be in. In order to maintain parallelism with the third element that starts with a different verb was, the second element of the list also starts with the verb contained.The question stem contains the phrase if it were true that. The verb were goes with the subject it. This usage is correct. Such usage is correct whenever the if is used to describe a hypothetical rather than an actual circumstance.Option A contains two occurrences of being and is correct. Not sure from where the myth that options containing the word being are incorrect in SC originated, but it is just that  a myth. Being is very much a part of the English language and thus has to be perfectly acceptable on GMAT, unless, of course, we believe that the GMAT is not testing English. Probably, French!!_________________
Danville resident Ronald Bailey couldnt believe how much his homes assessment increased.

His College Avenue home, which he rents out, was valued at $140,000 during the citys real estate assessment  a roughly 30% surge from the previously assessed value of $106,700 two years ago.

Im quite upset that it jumped like that, Bailey told the Danville Register & Bee on Wednesday.

The increase in his propertys valuation adds $270 to his yearly real estate tax owed. That is more than double the $123 increase he has seen for the same property over the past eight years combined, he said.

There have been no improvements or additions on that property, no real upgrades on that property, Bailey said of the home he has owned since 1986.

Danville residents received the results of the citys latest bi-yearly assessment the middle of this month.

Many were shocked to see astronomical increases in their homes values, with at least one resident seeing a spike of 182%. That property owner, when contacted by the Danville Register & Bee, would not speak on the record.

Ive heard numerous stories of 25%, 35%, 45% increases, Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler said.

Before the assessments results, the City Council anticipated an increase in real estate valuations and voted to decrease the real-estate tax rate by a penny  from 84 cents per $100 of assessed value to 83 cents per $100 of assessed value  to offset the expected spike.

But the tiny reduction in the rate failed to make much of a difference for property owners who saw their valuations skyrocket.

A lot of people have ended up seeing their bill go up because of the assessments, Vogler said. We didnt know what the assessments were going to be when we were going through that process. Youre playing kind of a guessing game when youre setting the rate.

Vogler said he will push to lower the rate further.

We should at least drop it down to 80 cents, he said.

The goal with lowering the real estate tax rate among rising property values is not just to soften the blow, but to actually lower the bill, he added.

Mark Gibson, an assessor with the city of Danville, would not comment for this story when approached by the Register & Bee at a residence. He said he was told by the assistant city attorney not to talk to the press.

The citys assessment for 2024 was performed by city staff. Assessments are done every two years in Danville.

City Manager Ken Larking pointed to higher demand for housing as the main factor in the elevated assessments. City officials have also seen an uptick in homeowners renovating their dwellings, he said.

Not every property owner saw high increases in their valuations, with the average jump being much lower than the larger spikes experienced by some, Larking said.

There are circumstances about each situation that could make them unique, he said, adding that his assessment went up by just 1.96%.

According to the latest figures from the city, there are 24,141 parcels in the city at a total of about $2.75 billion in taxable value. That is a roughly $315.78 million increase over the $2.44 billion in value in 2023, or a 12.9% increase in overall assessment.

Taking into account  or subtracting  about $279.1 million in new construction and repairs and renovations to properties reduces that increase in overall valuation to 11.4%, according to the figures provided by Larking.

Factors taken into account when a property is assessed include its appearance and condition, the surrounding neighborhood, what types of improvements or expansions have been performed, whether there have been homes sold in the neighborhood and current market trends, Larking said.

At the end of the process, the actual values applied to the real estate are lower than what they could get if it were sold, he added.

Bailey said properties closer to the upcoming Caesars Virginia casino resort in Schoolfield were assessed much higher than those farther away from it.

It seems to me if youre in the vicinity of the casino, youre being hit with a large tax increase, he said. College Avenue, located across from Averett University on West Main Street, is less than a mile from the casino.

It just seems that this was more subjective than objective, he added, referring to the assessment process. It would be fairer that everyone gets a similar increase.

With the increase in his valuation and those of his neighbors, as well, Bailey said he expects improved city services, including a stronger police presence where there have been break-ins and gunfire in the area.

But Larking said home values near the casino, including those in Schoolfield, were very low before the most recent assessment.

Low-value homes that saw large hikes in assessments percentage-wise still see relatively low tax dollars paid for that property, he said. For example, one home near the River District increased from $12,600 to $35,400, a nearly 200% increase for a property that remained cheap.

There were a lot of properties people neglected over time, Larking said. Now, with demand going up, they could be renovating it to put it on the market.

As for land values, some lots assessed at $500 during low demand increased to $3,500, he added.

Its really still pretty cheap, Larking said.

Higher valuations is good thing for a city that has long experienced low property values, he added.

Home values in Danville rising has reversed a long-term period of decline in values, which is a positive and is evidence that we are doing the right things, Larking said.

The city offered citizens a three-day period  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday  for informal appeals of their assessments this past week.

Larking said the citys real estate assessors office has received about 30 calls through Thursday afternoon from residents with questions or wanting to informally appeal.

Property owners can also schedule an appointment for the formal appeals process through the citys board of equalization from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 14 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 15.

The formal process will be advertised, Larking said.
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Tourists visit the Zhanqiao Bridge scenic spot in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on June 24, 2024. (Photo by Wang Haibin/Xinhua)

Around 2.73 billion domestic trips were made in China in the first half of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 14.3 percent, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Friday.



The figure included 1.42 billion trips in the first quarter and 1.31 billion in the second quarter.

A total of 2.73 trillion yuan (about 383 billion U.S. dollars) was spent by domestic tourists from January to June this year, up 19 percent from the same period of 2023.

The number of domestic trips made by rural residents increased by 21.5 percent year on year, with a 32.6 percent rise in spending compared to the first half of 2023. Both increases were significantly higher than those for urban residents, the data showed.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Friday, warning the Philippine side over the U.S. intermediate missile system deployment.



Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and the Philippines are close neighbors across the sea, and good neighborliness, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development are in the fundamental interests of the two countries.

He noted that the positive and negative lessons of China-Philippines relations in recent years have proved time and again that it is not easy to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them.

At present, Wang said, China-Philippines relations are facing serious difficulties and challenges, which are rooted in the fact that the Philippine side has repeatedly violated the consensus of the two sides and its own commitments, continuously pushed the infringement of rights at sea and magnified the speculation of public opinion.

China is gravely concerned about and firmly opposes it, Wang said.

He added that if the Philippines introduces the U.S. intermediate missile system, it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people.

Wang said that China has recently reached a temporary arrangement with the Philippines on the transportation and replenishment of humanitarian supplies to Ren'ai Jiao in order to maintain the stability of the maritime situation. The key is for the Philippine side to fulfill its commitments and refrain from changing its position, said the Chinese foreign minister. Otherwise, he noted, China will definitely respond resolutely.

Wang pointed out that China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and there is no way out of conflict and confrontation, except for dialogue and consultation.

He expressed the hope that the Philippine side will seriously think about the future of China-Philippines relations and work with China to push bilateral relations back on the right track at an early date.

Manalo, for his part, said the Philippines and China have a long history of traditional friendship and have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship based on equal treatment and mutual benefit.

Despite the difficulties and challenges faced by the two sides due to maritime issues, the Philippines is committed to easing the situation through dialogue and consultation, and dealing with differences constructively, Manalo said.

He added that the recent meeting of the bilateral consultative mechanism on the South China Sea, during which both sides agreed to manage the maritime situation, reflects the goodwill of both sides without compromising on their respective positions.

The Philippines is willing to implement the consensus, Manalo said, noting that next year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, and the Philippines is willing to strengthen communication with China in a sincere and pragmatic manner to enhance mutual trust and improve bilateral relations.
The Supreme Courts recent decision creating a previously unknown immunity from criminal prosecution for presidents and former presidents has been pilloried by legal scholars as being incoherent and a threat to democracy. Others explored the decision through the lens of politics  wondering how the winner of the 2024 presidential election might use the Courts newly-granted immunity to govern our country.

As I spoke to colleagues, friends and the media about the decision, it struck me the degree to which the majoritys opinion stands fundamentally at odds with the strong sense of constitutional order first embedded in me as an elementary and high school student in Central Illinois public schools.

From my earliest exposure to the Constitution and its inspirations, there were two things that were clear. First, the framers of our constitutional system specifically rejected the notion of recreating any office with the powers or trappings of a monarch. Even though the men creating a new system of government literally fought together and shed blood to end British rule in the American colonies, they simply did not trust one another with unchecked power. They feared the spread of cronyism, in which government would be used to punish ones enemies and reward political friends. The so-called Founding Fathers reflected this by crafting a system that purposefully put checks on the presidency, explicitly rejecting any sort of immunity for the temporary holders of the office.

The second lesson impressed on me is that no single person is above the law. This basic tenet not only reflected a governing principle, but an important precept that was part of the Midwest ethos of my youth  enforced from the playground to city hall. From an early age, my cohorts and I were taught that when we break the rules or violate the laws, each of us is accountable.

From thin air, the Courts majority announced a brand-new constitutional immunity from criminal liability for presidents official acts; the notion of an official act is very broad, including anything that a president may do using the powers of office. The ruling means that future presidents can act with ruthless abandon, even act criminally, and then escape accountability simply by cloaking their corrupt acts in the mantra of official acts.

It is telling that the Court majority attempted to pass its opinion off as restrained, emphasizing that they had rejected the most extreme argument offered by the former president in the arguments before the Court  namely, that presidents can be prosecuted only for crimes for which they already have been impeached. That provides little solace in an age when the political act of impeachment and removal from office is a near impossibility.

From George Washington through Joe Biden, American presidents have been curbed from breaking the law because of the threat of criminal prosecution  even if those presidents with all their power broke the law. In my lifetime, the certainty of criminal prosecution drove President Richard Nixon from power and forced him to accept a pardon from his successor. Now that curb on presidents is gone thanks to a misguided ruling from a majority of the Supreme Court.

It is sad that children who this fall will attend that same, small elementary school I once attended will face a different constitutional order than the one I learned about decades ago. Freedom and fairness are too important to relinquish simply because of one irrational act of the Court.

Each of us must push back against this notion of immunity for presidential crime. We should talk with family, friends, neighbors and others about the impact of this decision and insist that Congress act  through oversight and a constitutional amendment if necessary  to reverse this strike at the delicate balance of our constitutional order. As Justice Sotomayor wrote voicing the concern many of us feel, with fear for our democracy, I dissent. Each of us must speak up and add our voice to hers and dissent this ruling for the sake of our democracy.
Metro Gallery Nebraska will open three new art shows Aug. 2 through Sept. 4 at three Lincoln locations.

In August, Metro Gallery will move from its current 1316 N St. building into a new location at 1414 O St. At this new location, Metro Gallery will continue to provide art lovers with access to over 5,000 unique works of art, monthly exhibits (with free First Friday art events) featuring a variety of local and regional artists, educational opportunities like "An Evening With An Artist" Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., and art classes by the "One Rule Art School."

The August shows will include:

"The Cabin: Catharsis in the Pandemic"  This collection of distinctive 2020 works from mixed-media painter Raul Alejandro will be featured at Metro Gallery Nebraskas current location at 1316 N St. The exhibition will open with a First Friday reception Aug. 2 from 3-7 p.m. This collection is a small sample of the work he produced in Portland, Oregon during the pandemic, living in a cabin within the citys eastside urban reaches, collecting garbage he turned to canvas, donations from paint shops, and ultimately finding his muse within a tumultuous time and place. Some of the work is intimate, and almost naive, but the paintings also appeal to emotion and attention with captivating images of subtle beauty mixed with the collective darkness  the duality the artist taps into and grapples with. Alejandro cites the works of Diego Rivera, Gustav Klimt, Ralph Steadman, graffiti and cave paintings as influences, but none more than his children's drawings, which in fact inspired him to become a painter. Born in Mexico City, Alejandro has lived and worked in Paris, New York City, Los Angeles, Oaxaca and Puerto Rico, to name a few. The Northwest artist Tom Relth described Alejandro almost 10 years ago as "The epitome of the self-taught primitive artist."

"The Lightning Path"  Artist Megan McCollister will be featured in the Metro Gallery's new 1414 O St. location in August, opening with a First Friday reception Aug. 2 from 3-9 p.m. McCollister says that while she is still developing her artistic voice, she knows that she makes art to help people embrace and remember the beauty of vulnerability and their personal power. She enjoys painting ethereal abstracts in the hope they offer the viewer a portal into their own memory, truth and consciousness. Most of the pieces in the exhibit were created this year or last, when the artist rediscovered her passion for painting and living life by the beat of her own drum. "The Lightning Path" is titled in gratitude to this era of high energy, rapid growth and learning how to rise to the occasion of turning the poison of the world into medicine.

"The End of An Era"  This focus exhibit of unique abstract work by Amy "SayCha" Sayers will be featured at the Burlington Antiques Mall, 201 N. Seventh St., #102, during usual business hours. Born in the Nebraska Sandhills, SayCha struggled to find her art niche in a world of landscapes. When she discovered she could break the rules and use texture, movement and color to show what she was feeling, she found her passion. SayCha is inspired by music, nature, the beautiful people she meets and her travels, all of which can be seen in her vibrant paintings.
If you are looking for the latest on the Unicamerals special session, log on to the League of Women Voters August Lunch & Learn via Zoom. The Leagues Vice President of Action Rachel Gibson will lead an in-depth discussion with panelists Jillian Linster of the Center for Rural Affairs and Rebecca Firestone of OpenSky Policy Institute.

According to Gibson, Special sessions in the Nebraska legislature are not unheard of, but rare. This special session has been publicized as an attempt to reduce property taxes. However, there is a potential to add what the Governor has called "unfinished business" to the agenda. This could range from changing how Nebraska allocates our presidential electors to a complete overhaul of the K-12 education funding structure.

Lunch & Learn convenes Thursday, Aug. 1, from noon to 1 p.m. It is free and available via Zoom to the public throughout Nebraska. Membership is not required. Those wishing to attend, use this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89137424915.

For over 100 years, the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, has encouraged informed and active participation in government, worked to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influenced public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to all. For more information about the League, go to www.lincolnleague.org.

Videos of previous Lunch & Learns are now available at https://lincolnleague.org/lunch-and-learn-schedule/.
Graham Rupe says the water in Wahoo is hard. Maybe not so hard as to concuss someone taking a shower, but it's hard enough to leave a mark.

That water, which contains higher levels of dissolved minerals  especially calcium and magnesium  is the secret to Rupe's whiskey recipe.

"It's really good for making whiskey and really bad for some other things," said Rupe, the 46-year-old native of Eustis who now lives in Omaha. "The hard water is perfect for the majority of what we're doing."

He wasn't in search of hard water. In 2018, Rupe was merely looking for a good piece of real estate  a solid building to start his business  and he found it at 1569 Commercial Park Road.

In Wahoo, he also discovered a place that will soon be his home (he's partial to small towns).

The hard water was an added bonus.

Wahoo Distillery officially began selling its Nebraska-grown and Nebraska-made whiskey in 2022.

"Graham Rupe is one of the smartest hillbillies I know," said Cody Schmick, owner of Sideshow Spirits Distillery & Cocktail Bar, 1630 P St. "I support what he's doing. He's making something cool in Wahoo."

It took years for Rupe and his small team to perfect a recipe  something that tasted good enough  to bring to market.

"It was fun for about the first six months and then you're like, 'Can't we just find the right product? Like, when is this gonna end?'"

There were several dozen batches made, each carefully documented. The mashing, fermenting, distilling and aging changed slightly  a tweak here and a tweak there  until they finally arrived at something they liked.

Wahoo Distillery's corn-based whiskey is making the rounds. Rupe is bringing it all over the area these days, marketing the product by making drinks and giving the public a taste of his efforts.

Recently, he showcased his whiskey in Lincoln at The Still, 6820 S. 70th St.

"I think it goes without saying the higher the population, the better your odds are selling the product," he said. "I like being able to talk to people about our whiskey."

In addition, Rupe said Wahoo Distillery has perfected a cinnamon whiskey that will soon hit the market. Meanwhile, he's still in the development stage for a rum that uses the molasses derived from Nebraska sugar beets as its main ingredient.

"Most people don't know that we make molasses in the state of Nebraska," he said. "That's the R&D (research and development) stuff I'm working on right now and it's going to take a minute or two because rum has a lot of varieties.

"I thought rum was gonna be a heck of a lot easier than it's turning out to be. I'm going down a rabbit hole trying to figure it out."

Eventually, he'll get there, he knows. His nature is precision. It guided him during his undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a degree in mechanized systems management.

With small-batch distilling, precision is not nearly as essential, Schmick said. You want consistency, but there's also room for improvisation.

"We want a uniqueness to each barrel," Schmick said. "You want every barrel to have a story and that's what keeps people coming back."

It's the difference between cooking and baking. One requires the heart and the other is fueled by the brain.

In Rupe's case, he brings an intellectual element to his craft, which had always been a hobby until one Christmas about 10 years ago.

That year, his parents surprised him with a gift  a still that had belonged to his grandfather Lawrence Wahl, a farmer who migrated to Nebraska from Germany.

That changed everything, he said.

"It definitely increased my education, or sped up my education, so to speak," he said. "What I've learned along the way is most people that started a distillery worked at a distillery.

"But you know, I never do things the easy way."

Rupe just started experimenting, looking for a recipe that would yield something worth drinking. The shelves in his distillery are filled with countless samples of whiskeys that just weren't good enough.

"You might marinade a steak with them, but you'd never try to sell them," he said.

Top Journal Star photos for July 2024
KEARNEY  James Clark said its his First Amendment right to fly the American flag upside down, but he wishes it wasnt necessary.

Flying an inverted flag is the universal signal of distress, and Clark, an active Republican, believes the U.S. is in distress.

Unless youre under a rock there are all kinds of signs, Clark said, citing open borders and an alleged two-tier justice system as evidence of the nation in distress.

As exhibit No. 1, Clark points to the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Clark said probes into that incident at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania say little about what happened and how the Secret Service botched its responsibility to protect Trump.

They must be either completely inept or complicit, said Clark, a district chairman and central committee member of the Nebraska Republican Party.

The gunman killed one man, seriously injured two other rally-goers and grazed part of Trumps right ear.

Clark has flown the upside down flag for about three weeks, he said. That was long enough to catch the attention of a resident of the Hillcrest Neighborhood thats a couple of blocks north of the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus.

The neighbor, Mark Schipporeit, acknowledges Clarks freedom of speech, but said its degrading and divisive to use the flag as Clark is using it.

Even though its his freedom of speech, I find it to be disrespectful, Schipporeit said. We need to become united, not divided. We are the United States of America.

Josh Sikes, a regional scout leader, said hes not supposed to take sides in a political disagreement, but he can cite the flag code  which clearly states what an upside down flag signals.

It means distress, Sikes said. The flag is not to be inverted except as a symbol of dire distress or extreme danger to life or property.

Sikes said its apparent that the flag-flier in Kearney feels the country is in distress, so its their First Amendment right to do so, whether or not people agree with it.

Clark said nobody complained to him about his upside down flag or the thin blue line law enforcement flag hes flying beneath it. He said it worries him that his flag hasnt caused any debate because freedom of speech should encourage people to speak their minds, not close their mouths.

People are mum, thats the problem, Clark said.

Schipporeit said Clarks tactics are divisive.

Will flying the flag upside down make our country better? Schipporeit asked.
1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them.

2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound.

3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes.

4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic.

Vote

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SEOUL, July 27 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's foreign ministry said Saturday that the country agreed to list Japan's war-linked gold mine as a UNESCO world heritage site on condition that Tokyo will take preemptive measures to reflect the entire history of the mine on the site.

The ministry said in a statement that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) decided to inscribe the "Sado Island Gold Mines," a gold mine on Sado Island associated with the Korean Peninsula's wartime forced labor, on the World Heritage List during its meeting earlier in the day in New Delhi, India.

It noted that the South Korean government agreed to the inscription of the mine on the premise that Japan faithfully implements the recommendation of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to the UNESCO WHC, to reflect the "entire history" of the mine "on the site" and takes preemptive measures for it.

South Korean historians say thousands of Koreans were forced by Imperial Japan into heavy labor for the gold mine, which was turned into facilities to manufacture war-related materials during World War II when the Korean Peninsula was under Japan's colonial rule. The mine was shut down in 1989.

Before the agreement, Seoul had protested against Japan's bid to list the Sado mine, urging Tokyo to fully implement the follow-up measures relevant to the inscription in 2015 of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution sites. 
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

You know that nail salon smell? That sharp hit of chemicals, the strangely sweet scent of polish, the faint tingle in your nose? That's air pollution, and it's been linked to a variety of health effects experienced by the workers who breathe it. Nail salon workers commonly experience irritated skin and eyes, headaches, loss of smell and respiratory problems.

Officials in some cities and states, including Washington, have introduced new regulations designed to better protect nail salon workersa population that is 81% women, 79% foreign-born and typically earns low wages.

But the mysteries around what, exactly, causes those potent smells make protecting these workers more difficult. Cosmetics manufacturers are rarely required to disclose what specific chemicals they use to scent their products, which has hindered efforts to better understand the air that salon workers breathe.

Diana Ceballos, a UW assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences, set out to solve the mystery.

In a study published in Atmospheric Pollution Research, Ceballos and her co-authors analyzed the air in a group of nail salons around Bostonwhere Ceballos previously worked at Harvard Universityand identified 18 distinct fragrance chemicals.

It's the most comprehensive study to date of the specific fragrance chemical mixtures found in nail salon air, and will allow researchers to further study the potential health risks.

UW News sat down with Ceballos to discuss the findings of the study, the mysteries around fragrance chemicals and how to better protect nail salon workers' health.

Diana Ceballos: I started working on nail salons soon after I read a New York Times expose back in 2015. It won all sorts of awards. When that story came out, it created havoc. I was working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the time, and the New York Health Department asked for technical assistance because they were horrified by the conditions in nail salons.

I was put on the team partly because I'm an industrial hygienist, but also because I speak Spanish, and there are a lot of Spanish-speaking workers in these salons.

Then my life changed, and I went back to academia. I just knew there was more we could be doing. There was just so little research in this area, it was incredible. So, I decided I wanted to focus on nail salons. In the meantime, a lot of other people had the same idea, so lots of different groups around the country and internationally have started working on this.

What are fragrance chemicals, and what do we know about them?

DC: Fragrances are added to nail salon products to create a desired smelllotion that you want to smell like lavender, for examplebut many fragrances are used to mask undesired smells. A lot of nail products have very strong, not-so-good smells, so companies add fragrances to mask those smells. But then you have even more scented chemicals in the air!

A good number of fragrances are known sensitizers. That doesn't only cause irritation on the skin, but, for example, some fragrances could trigger an asthma attack if inhaled. Or, if they're a sensitizer, they could even help cause asthma and other respiratory complications. It's not just the skin, it's the entire immune system. And that's just the effects that we know of.

There are also some positive effects from fragrances. It's well-known that some fragrances can be relaxing or affect the ambiance of an environment. But that hasn't been well-studied.

Some of these chemicals are very little-known. They could be toxic, but we don't know. They're just used in small amounts to produce fragrance, and for the most part, chemical regulations have been focused on bigger culprits. It's just in the last decade or so that officials have paid attention to chemicals that show up in smaller quantities, like fragrances.

For a very long time, fragrances were trade secrets, and specific chemicals weren't listed as ingredients. Labels just said "fragrance." In the last 10 years, chemical regulations in Europe and in some states have introduced more discrimination of toxic chemicals that could include fragrances, but there's a lot of work still to disclose the ingredients.

For example, in the new cosmetics bill in Washington, there's more information required on ingredients lists. That was already the case in California, for example, but it's just starting. We aren't the first ones to ever measure them, but to our knowledge, we've measured the biggest number of fragrances. Also, our analysis suggests that not only nail products are contributing to fragrances, but also other products in the salons such as personal care products and cleaning agents are potential emission sources.

Many people can identify the strong scent of a nail salon, but I'm not sure we consider that we're actually smelling air pollution. How does that pollution affect nail salon workers?

DC: Indoor air quality is important for everyone. The quality of our health depends on the air that we breathe. Even for a customer, nail salons are very fragrant and have many odors. Some people are very sensitive to odors. Even just talking about the odor itself can trigger a lot of health effects. People can get headaches, dizziness, and get nauseated. So, there are people that don't go to nail salons because they can't be in there. And that's a customer. Imagine the workers.

There are people who have to do this work because they don't have training in anything else, and in surveys of the health of people who work in nail salons, it's fairly prevalent to have headaches, irritation, fussinessall the typical symptoms of odors, let alone toxic chemicals. It can deteriorate your well-being and quality of life, especially as some of these workers are on 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. So, it's significant, the amount of time they're exposed to these fragrances along with many other toxic chemicals.

You note throughout your research that the air pollution in nail salons is something that can affect the air we all breatheeven if we never visit a salon. How is that possible?

DC: It's very important to lower chemical concentrations indoors because they eventually go outside and contribute to overall air pollution. It's hard to control that in small businesses, but one thing that was clear when Boston was building a ventilation policy was that it was important to make sure businesses filtered out chemicals before they went out the window.

Now we know that fragrances make up a considerable part of the overall chemicals in nail salons and they're adding to the mix. And since you have fragrances in a bunch of products, it all adds up. We must consider the accumulated burden that fragrances can have in the indoor environment and put more purposeful thought into how we produce products that contain those thingsnot just during the life cycle of the products, but also how they interact with the environment.

There are policies right now that are trying to work on fragrances, but we need to learn more. It's going to be a while before we can control or guide manufacturers better. It's very early, but I think there's a lot we can learn about fragrances in the future.

Other authors on the June 19 paper are Chunrong Jia and Xianqiang Fu of the University of Memphis and Thomas Webster of Boston University.

More information: Chunrong Jia et al, Fragrance chemicals in nail salons: Personal inhalation exposures and potential sources, Atmospheric Pollution Research (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2024.102236
A High Court judge in England on Thursday (July 25) upheld a ban on Christian Joshua Sutcliffe from teaching following his dismissal for refusing to use the preferred pronoun of a schoolgirl identifying as a boy.

The indefinite ban in response to Sutcliffes appeal means the teacher, fired from Cherwell School in Oxford after the incident in 2017, cannot return to his profession. Sutcliffe had said, Well done, girls to a group of students including a girl who identified as a boy.

Sutcliffe, 34, had launched legal action against the school and settled out of court but still received a minimum two-year ban from The Professional Conduct Panel Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA). The ban had been created in May 2013 for those bringing the profession into disrepute.

His legal counsel had argued the ban was an unjustified interference with Sutcliffes rights to freedom of speech and religion.

Justice Pepperall ruled that regardless of a teachers faith and beliefs, compelled speech must be used for transgender pupils, according to a press statement by advocacy group Christian Concern. The judges direction reportedly included the requirement to respect and celebrate the pupils personal autonomy.

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Just because misgendering a transgender pupil might not be unlawful does not mean that it is appropriate conduct for a teacher, the judge said.

The ruling came despite the previous Conservative U.K. government publishing draft transgender guidelines for schools in 2023 that stressed that teachers must not be forced into violating their consciences by using preferred pronouns contrary to biological sex.

Pepperall, noting the guidelines, reportedly said that Sutcliffes conscience based on his Christian beliefs did not justify his referring to a girl identifying as a boy as a she.

The draft guidance, which of course postdated these events and the panels decision, envisaged that schools would rarely agree to change a pupils pronouns but did not purport to suggest that such course would never be appropriate, the judge reportedly said. As the draft made plain, such decisions are complex and are made by schools and not individually by each member of staff according to their own assessment of the merits of the request.

The judge also reportedly said the unnamed pupil had credibly passed for a male and was only known by male pronouns at the school. He accused Sutcliffe of failing to treat the student with dignity and respect.

After the ruling against his appeal, Sutcliffe issued a public statement saying he stood by his 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, said Sutcliffe. 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 said no training and guidance was given to teachers on such issues in 2017. He pointed out that as a young teacher then, he was building my career in the profession at a time when schools took guidance about transgender issues from gay rights charity Stonewall, not the U.K. government or any experts.

With this ruling, every teacher is at risk if they share their beliefs and views in the classroom, Sutcliffe said. I believe affirming children in a transgender identity in the classroom is psychologically damaging for them. I refused to go against my Christian faith and conscience and cause a child harm.

Saying he refused to apologize for declining to go against his conscience, he asserted that it is not any childs best interests to affirm them in something that is untrue.

The Cass Review, the Policy Exchange report and the transgender guidance from the Conservative government vindicate me on this, he said. 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.

British pediatrician Hilary Cass led the independent Cass Review of gender identity services for children and young people for the U.K.s National Health Service (NHS), with the final review released in April. NHS England commissioned the review to make recommendations on how to improve NHS gender identity services and ensure that children and young people questioning their gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria receive a high standard of care that meets their needs and is safe, holistic and effective.

For the majority of young people, a medical pathway may not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress, the review concluded.

For those young people for whom a medical pathway is clinically indicated, it is not enough to provide this without also addressing wider mental health and/or psychosocially challenging problems, Cass concluded. The controversy surrounding the use of medical treatments has taken focus away from what the individualized care and treatment is intended to achieve for individuals seeking support from NHS gender services.

Clinicians are unable to determine with any certainty which children and young people will go on to have an enduring trans identity, her review noted.

The rationale for early puberty suppression remains unclear, with weak evidence regarding the impact on gender dysphoria, mental or psychosocial health, the review stated. The effect on cognitive and psychosexual development remains unknown. The use of masculinizing/feminizing hormones in those under the age of 18 also presents many unknowns, despite their longstanding use in the adult transgender population.

The review concluded that while a considerable amount of research has been published in this field, systematic evidence reviews demonstrated the poor quality of the published studies, meaning there is not a reliable evidence base upon which to make clinical decisions, or for children and their families to make informed choices.

The strengths and weaknesses of the evidence base on the care of children and young people are often misrepresented and overstated, both in scientific publications and social debate, Cass stated.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre that supported the High Court appeal, said the description of Sutcliffe in Judge Pepperalls ruling reads like fiction.

The picture Mr. Justice Pepperall paints of Joshua and his beliefs is a far cry from the caring, kind and brilliant maths teacher we know Joshua to be, Williams said. We create a turbulent environment in schools when facts are turned on their head against the teacher in a context where children are identifying as the opposite sex. Teachers are treading on eggshells for fear of saying the wrong thing.



The teaching profession is not a safe place for Christian teachers, she said.

Expressing long-held Christian beliefs on marriage and gender can get you suspended, investigated and barred, Williams said. We are looking at the judgment carefully. We will continue to support Joshua for as long as it takes to secure justice.
Clad in white lab coats and blue gloves, 13 high school students spent Tuesday morning analyzing hair samples in a basement lab at the University of Montana.

CSI: Missoula is a summer course offered to high school students from around the country as a chance to immerse them in the world of crime scene investigations and forensic analysis. Its only eight days, but the class packs in back-to-back activities, speakers and field trips that run through what its like to process and investigate a criminal case from start to finish.

We try to make it as hands-on as possible, Tabitha Marko said.

Marko, a graduate student studying anthropology at UM, is instructing the course alongside Bella DeCiccio.

The course attracted students from a variety of states, including Texas, Idaho and Washington.

I was just looking at anthropology courses in general, I looked all over the country because anthropology is one of my interests, I love studying it, said Kiera Sherman, from Whidbey Island, Washington. And this was the most appealing one, I like the forensic anthropology aspect of it.

At the Electron Microscopy Lab on Tuesday, students looked at mock crime scene evidence, including hair samples, bodily fluids and bone identification through microscopes. They used hair from their own heads, which they then prepared on a carbon sticky tab and coated in gold/palladium sputter.

The course weaves in elements of both forensics and criminology.

It gives them a good breadth of exposure to everything, Marko said.

Last week, students visited the Montana Crime State Crime Lab in Missoula. They also listened to a presentation from a Missoula Police Department detective, who fielded questions from the group about what they might expect if they chose a career in law enforcement and how criminal investigations work.

This is the second year UMs offered the course, which is part of the universitys Summer Exploratory Program. James Tuttle is an assistant professor in UMs sociology department. He, along with Meradeth Snow, helped develop the framework and initial ideas for the course. This year, they conceptualized a case for students to follow loosely based on the Missoula Mauler (Wayne Nance), a serial killer operating out of Missoula in the 1980s.

Some of the cohorts students are set on pursuing degrees related to criminal justice work, while others took the CSI course just to try something new.

"I'm looking into forensics for a career, and I wanted to do this before I actually try it in college," said Ethan Bowen, a senior from Sandpoint, Idaho. "This is like a crash course."
A 17-year-old on Wednesday will attempt to set a world record as the youngest pilot in command to circumnavigate solo across the lower 48 states while raising money for scholarships at Helena College.

Joshua Schwerin is an incoming senior at Bozeman High School, but had praise for the Helena College aviation maintenance program.

He said he knew he wanted to contribute to a program or foundation he supported when mapping out his flight.

"A lot of students aren't aware of potential opportunities" in aviation in Montana, Schwerin said.

Schwerin is creating a new record. He presented the idea to Guinness World Records representatives who ran it through its review process to approve it, his mother, Sara, said.

The high schooler helped start a fundraiser through the Helena College foundation website with a donation goal of $100,000, which would pay for nine full-tuition scholarships for the program.

"Joshua impressed us when he came to us with this idea, and we are grateful for the Schwerin family's enthusiasm and support for aviation maintenance students here at Helena College. We are all looking forward to watching his journey around the country and are proud of and impressed by the hard work that went into making this happen," Helena College officials said.

This program is the only FAA-licensed and approved aircraft mechanic trade program in the state, and it prepares and qualifies students for the FAA exams to obtain an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license, the college said on its foundation website. He said most of the time students wishing to pursue these certified programs would have to go out of state.

"Aviation maintenance was the very first program at Helena College, all the way back in 1939. Today we have the only aviation maintenance program in the state and are proud to train the next generation of skilled aviation maintenance professionals, something that is especially important because there is a massive need for workers in that industry," Helena College officials said.

Every $11,000 raised is one scholarship and an anonymous donor offered to match that amount for the fundraiser.

The decision was part of a thought-out process, but he only got his pilot's license that allows him to fly solo two weeks ago. He will be flying with his mother, who will be his safety pilot.

His family's Cirrus SR22T plane will be the plane that circumnavigates the U.S. in roughly nine to 10 days, according to Schwerin.

The flight is 9,000 nautical miles, and 50 hours of flight time should have him back in Montana, depending on weather.

Currently, he is not allowed to fly through clouds or get hotel rooms. Schwerin said he grew up around planes and flying because his parents are both pilots, so the idea was in his mind when he signed up to start the process of acquiring his pilot's license at 15 years old.

Those interested in following along with the flight can see where he is through his Instagram account flybeyondboundaries1, and people can donate by visiting the Helena College foundation website.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Thursday to remove homeless encampments on California streets, which leaves Napa officials and advocates considering their next move.

In a press release, Newsom directed state agencies and urged local ones to adopt policies to remove encampments and take necessary and deliberate steps to notify and support the people inhabiting the encampment prior to removal.

The move comes after the U.S. Supreme Court's June 28 decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which upheld local government ordinances that prohibit sleeping outside, saying that such ordinances do not constitute cruel or unusual punishment. Many advocates for unhoused people criticized the decision, including Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles.

When the ruling was announced, Newsom said the decision gives local authorities the ability to enforce policies to clear encampments.

This decision removes the legal ambiguities that have tied the hands of local officials for years and limited their ability to deliver on commonsense measures to protect the safety and well-being of our communities, Newsom said in the release.

Molly Rattigan, the city of Napas point person on homelessness, said in a statement that the city has been looking at the implications of the Supreme Court ruling, and is considering changes to municipal code or policies, though counties and cities are not legally bound to accept the order.

(The) Executive Order adds another layer of consideration and allows us to understand the direction the State of California is headed, Rattigan said in the statement. The Executive Order doesnt place demands on cities and counties, however, we acknowledge that there is benefit to working with the State on this issue.

Napa County's director of housing and homeless services, Jennifer Palmer, could not be reached for comment Friday.

Abode is Napa countys main nonprofit partner that offers outreach and emergency shelter to homeless people. Vivian Wan, Abode's chief executive, issued a statement Thursday, expressing concern that Newsom's order will fail to reach its goal and instead harm those who need a home.

Instead of punishing those in need, we would like to use (Thursday's) announcement as an opportunity for a call to action, Wan said. We must urge leaders  nationally and locally  to accept the idea that just moving people around isnt going to solve homelessness.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, struck a similar tone in a statement following the order.

Its critical we address the root causes of homelessness, and housing unaffordability and mental illness are two of those causes, Thompson said.

In the case of Napa, reports on the state of homelessness from this year looked reassuring. Rattigan and Palmer gave an update to the city and county leaders in May.

Some of the key takeaways from the report included an 18% drop in Napa County's annual point-in-time count of homeless people, the opening of the North Napa Center supportive housing complex inside a former Motel 6, and increased affordable housing unit stock in Napa.

At the May meeting, Palmer and Rattigan made clear that more preventive work to stop homelessness before it starts is needed to improve the situation.

Were doing a good job of getting folks out of shelter," Palmer said in May. "What we need to do is be able to stem the tide.

PHOTOS: Napa County conducts point-in-time count of homeless population Point in Time Count 10 Point in Time Count 1 Point in Time Count 4 Point in Time Count 3 Point in Time Count 2 Point in Time Count 5 Point in Time Count 6 Point in Time Count 9 Point in Time Count 7 Point in Time Count 8 Point in Time Count 11 Point in Time Count 12 Point in Time Count 13 Point in Time Count 14
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], July 27: Galgotias University has received the highest Platinum rating in Law and Legal Studies from QS I-Gauge, a leading global rating agency for universities and colleges. This honor reflects the university's commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation in the field of law and legal studies. The QS I-Gauge rating is a comprehensive and independent evaluation system that assesses universities on various parameters, including teaching and learning, research, employability, and facilities. The Platinum rating is the highest accolade awarded by QS I-Gauge and signifies outstanding performance and leadership in the specified discipline. Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, expressed his elation at receiving this esteemed recognition. He stated, "We are honored to receive the Platinum rating in Law and Legal Studies from QS I-Gauge. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. At Galgotias University, we are committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation. This recognition motivates us to continue our efforts to provide world-class education and contribute to the advancement of legal studies." Adv. Aradhana Galgotia, Director of Operations at Galgotias University, also shared her excitement about the recognition. She said, "Achieving the Platinum rating in Law and Legal Studies is a proud moment for Galgotias University. It underscores our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch education and fostering a nurturing environment for our students. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that our students receive the best possible education and opportunities." Galgotias University has consistently been at the forefront of legal education and research, offering cutting-edge programs and facilities to its students. The university's emphasis on practical learning, industry collaboration, and research initiatives has significantly contributed to its reputation as a leading institution in law and legal studies. Additionally, the School of Law at Galgotias University has been ranked #1 in academic excellence among private colleges across India by India Today, and #5 in North India among private institutions. Galgotias University, sponsored by Smt. Shakuntala Educational and Welfare Society and situated in Uttar Pradesh, is a prominent institution dedicated to academic excellence. With NAAC A+ accreditation in its first cycle, the university offers a wide array of over 200 programs across 20 schools spanning Polytechnic, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD courses. Consistently ranked among India's top universities, Galgotias University is recognized for its innovative approach, achieving "Excellent" status in the ARIIA Ranking 2021. Since 2020, Galgotias University has received the highest 4-star rating from the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC) for promoting innovation and start-ups on campus. The university is proud to be one of the 16 Governing Members of the IIC Consortium Uttar Pradesh and was selected as a Mentor Institute with funding support by the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell in 2023. (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)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 27: A rapidly developing nation, India is striving for energy independence. The quest for clean, reliable, and sustainable energy sources is crucial. "Among the various renewable options, geothermal energy stands out for its immense potential and numerous benefits", says Ashish Agarwal, MD & CEO at Seros. For India, with its vast untapped geothermal resources, this energy source could be pivotal in 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)
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first Lausanne congress held in Switzerland from July 16-25, 1974, the Lausanne Movement held an online event on July 25 celebrating God's faithfulness and the legacy of the movement, and looking ahead at the fourth Congress in September in Seoul, Korea.

The International Congress on World Evangelization, which was held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1974, was a landmark event for evangelicals who called for a renewed focus on evangelism. Led by Billy Graham and John Stott, the congress featured voices from leaders who changed the thinking in and direction of missions, including Ralph D. Winter, Samuel Escobar and Rene Padilla.

The resulting Lausanne Covenant, which was a declaration intended to define the necessity, responsibilities, and goals of spreading the Gospel, continues to influence Christian organizations today as many ministries use it as their Statement of Faith.

Welcoming close to 800 online participants, Lausannes Global Executive Director and CEO, Rev. Michael Oh, said he was reminded of a John Stott quote where the late theologian said, many a conference has resembled a fireworks display. It has made a loud noise and illuminates the sky for a few brief brilliant seconds. What is exciting about Lausanne is that its fire continues to spark off other fires.

He referenced Psalm 89:2 and Deuteronomy 8:2 as he spoke about the faithfulness of God and the pursuit of faithfulness by his people over the past half century.

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He then went on to highlight three particular kinds of faithfulness that stood out to him as he reflected on the 50th anniversary.

Number one, biblical faithfulness. Honestly, without this as our starting point, perhaps no other faithfulness matters, but we are grateful for the faithfulness of the movement to the word of God and how this also has influenced biblical faithfulness for the global Church, he said.

He pointed to the statements coming out of each event, including the Lausanne Covenant, the Manila Manifesto, the Cape Town Commitment and the soon to be released Seoul Statement as well.

Secondly, he spoke about relational faithfulness. Friendships that began with Billy Graham and John Stott and so many others through the years. These are friendships that have bridged generations, denominations, organizations, schools, cultures, regions and more. And these have allowed for the glorious variety and diversity of the body of Christ to not be a cause for a division, but instead for even greater beauty and strength.

And finally, the third one was missional faithfulness. Oh pointed to the 8,000 unreached people groups that have been reached with the gospel by the global Church since Ralph D. Winter's historic address at the first Lausanne Congress. He also celebrated the mobilization of collaborative partnerships to translate the Bible into every language that was sparked at the second Lausanne Congress and so much more.

And through this all and more than anything else, we celebrate today the faithfulness of God, he said.

Shift in global Christianity

Doug Birdsall, who led Lausanne as its executive chairman from 2004 to 2013 and continues as one of the honorary co-chairs today, then spoke about his memories, pointing to the Lausanne Younger Leaders Conference in Singapore in 1987 as the starting point.

Naming several big evangelical figures who were present at the event at that time, he said, I was kind of amazed the way those leaders that we admired so greatly, they just hung out with us younger leaders in very creative ways. None of them spoke. They were there to encourage us to help develop us.

I often speak of the way Billy Graham talked about the spirit of Lausanne is a spirit of friendship and humility and study and prayer and partnership and hope, and my life has been greatly enriched by that, he said.

Birdsall also spoke about a moment in his life where he realized the shifts in global missions that saw the influence move away from the Global North to the Global South where Christianity had grown exponentially over the previous decades.

He admitted experiencing a crisis of purpose during a trip through several Asian countries in 1990. During his last stop in Colombo, Sri Lanka, he shared with his friend Ajith Fernando, a well-known Sri Lankan evangelical leader, that he was discouraged by those who were saying the day of the North American missionary is over.

But Fernandos response shifted his perspective, as he reminded Birdsall that the Great Commission is for every church and every culture and every generation and that everyone must figure out how we contribute to that.

The whole gospel

Valdir Steuernagel from Brazil said that although the first Lausanne Congress was held in 1974, it was at the beginning of 76 when Lausanne arrived in Brazil.

It arrived has the spirit of Lausanne, as the covenant of Lausanne. It arrived together with some of the leadership of Lausanne and the methodology, the understanding and the practice of mission of Lausanne, he said, highlighting the mission congress that year, which was sponsored by the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students and was inspired by Lausanne.

The whole gospel for the whole person made absolute sense to us, Steuernagel said. To us who were praying, searching a gospel and a Christian life with the flavor of Jesus and which would impact our society with the touch of the kingdom of God. And that kind of emphasis, the centrality of the gospel, the message of the kingdom, the collaborative sense of doing mission came so much to us from Lausanne as we lived within the spirit of Lausanne.

Several other speakers from Africa, Asia and Oceania shared their own stories and testimonies how they were influenced by events organized by the Lausanne Movement over the years.

A new generation of leaders from Seoul 2024

Finally, Rev. Ramez Atallah, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Egypt who chaired the program committee for the third Lausanne Congress in Cape Town in 2010, closed the online event in prayer.

He thanked God for 50 years of faithfulness acknowledging that it wasn't us, it wasn't human effort, it was divine guidance. He expressed his gratitude for the former leaders in Lausanne and prayed for a new generation of leaders to come out of Seoul 2024.

As we look forward to the future, we pray that out of this coming Congress will come a new vision for world evangelization, new leaders who will take us into areas and directions that we cannot imagine, he prayed.

Before concluding the event, Rev. Oh offered some closing remarks and specifically asked for prayer in the final days leading up to the Congress. He acknowledged that many people have faced financial difficulties to attend the Congress while others have struggled with obtaining visas. And he asked for prayer for protection and health for all those involved and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Our hope for the Congress is really captured in the theme of the Congress, let the Church declare and display Christ together. And rather than just our hope for the Congress, it is our hope for what happens after the Congress. We long to see the body of Christ activated rising up together in conviction, unity, effectiveness, passion and faithfulness.

The fourth Lausanne Congress will be held in Incheon near Seoul, South Korea, from September 22-28, 2024. Up to 5,000 participants are expected onsite, as well as 5,000 who join online to engage in conversations on contemporary missional issues.
ATK New Delhi [India], July 27: The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy in partnership with the Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI), EY and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation hosted a day long national workshop on carbon markets titled "Accelerating Green Hydrogen and Clean Energy" to achieve India's net zero targets, on July 25 in New Delhi. Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. The workshop covered many critical topics, including carbon market opportunities for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), discussions around strategies for effectively engaging buyers within Indian Carbon Market, ensuring high integrity and transparency. CMAI was the knowledge partner for the afternoon session where they conducted a session on 'Overview of Present and Upcoming Opportunities in the Indian and Global Carbon Markets.' Secretary General of the Carbon Markets Association of India, Rohit Kumar led this session where he spoke about Indian carbon market opportunities and the role of CMAI for sharing industry feedbacks and suggestions for strengthening of Carbon market. CMAI's President, Manish Dabkara, also led a panel discussion at the workshop on 'Leveraging India's Position in the International Voluntary Carbon Market; Ensuring Transparency and High Integrity.' This esteemed panel was attended by industry leaders including Ashok Kumar from Verra, Lokesh Chandra Dube from Gold Standard, Anton Tsvetov from ICVCM, and Bianca Gichangi from VCMI. In this national carbon market workshop, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, Minister of New and Renewable Energy emphasized the Panchamrit growth strategy and recent budget announcements, outlining a roadmap to harness carbon markets for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. He also reaffirmed India's commitment to "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" in climate action, despite our low per capita emissions. Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary, MNRE, talked about India's strategic priorities and need to leverage global carbon market. He highlighted India is walking the talk as it has achieved more than double of renewable energy capacity installation now than what country had back in 2014. Nameeta Prasad, Joint Secretary, MoEFCC, presented details on the domestic carbon market, remarking that "India is deeply committed to participating in both domestic and international carbon markets." Manish Dabkara, President, Carbon Market Association of India, stated "In International Voluntary Carbon Market, India is the first largest supplier of the credits originated from renewable energy and energy efficiency based projects." Rohit Kumar, Secretary General, Carbon Markets Association of India stated "This workshop is of utmost importance at this juncture, following India's introduction of an offset mechanism and the establishment of detailed procedures for the compliance mechanism under CCTS. CMAI is actively sharing industry feedbacks and suggestions organizing workshops for capacity enhancement across sector. Kumar extended sincere gratitude to Suman Chandra, Director Ministry of New & Renewable Energy for giving opportunity to partner in this prestigious national carbon market workshop. The workshop highlighted the urgency of climate action and the importance of international voluntary carbon market to generate carbon finance in mobilizing the necessary investments for India's green energy transition. Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI): Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) is the only association in India, which is dedicated to working towards enabling India in its journey towards a net-zero future. CMAI with its members are working on 3,500 (Three Thousand) projects across the sector for monitoring carbon emission and helping them to generate finance across the continents and sectors. CMAI is closely working with various ministries and stakeholder consulting committees and sharing regular insights for the holistic growth of carbon market. Know More: https://cma-india.in/ For any queries, connect with us at secretary@cma-india.in (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised that Gujarat is advancing towards becoming a USD 3.5 trillion economy by 2047. According to a press release, participating in the 9th meeting of the Niti Aayog Governing Council in New Delhi on Saturday, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Gujarat CM reaffirmed the state's commitment to realising the Prime Minister's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. CM Patel announced the formation of a think tank, the Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT), modeled after NITI Aayog, to systematically achieve the Prime Minister's vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. According to a press release, CM Patel affirmed Gujarat's commitment to the development vision by adopting the Prime Minister's 'GYAN' mantra, focusing on the advancement of the Garib (Poor), Yuva (Youth), Annadata (Farmers), and Naari (Women). In this context, the Chief Minister introduced the 'Gujarat@2047 Dynamic Document-Roadmap,' aimed at realizing the goal of 'Viksit Gujarat' for a 'Viksit Bharat.' The roadmap, built on two pillars of 'Earning Well' and 'Living Well,' aims to enhance people's quality of life and bring economic prosperity. He noted that Gujarat, despite representing only 5 percent of the country's population, contributed 8.3 percent to the country's GDP in 2022-23. During the meeting, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel highlighted Gujarat's achievements in key areas such as PM Gati Shakti, Health, Nari Gaurav Niti, Anna (Millet), Natural Farming, Digital Agriculture Mission, MSME, and Amrit Sarovar, and outlined the plans in place to reach future goals. The Chief Minister mentioned that an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' can pave the way for 'Viksit Bharat' and urged collective efforts to develop policies and strategies that would establish India as the world's largest manufacturing hub. He also emphasised the need for world-class products that contribute to both the national and global supply chains. He further discussed how Gujarat is advancing the Prime Minister's vision of Green Growth for Viksit Bharat. He highlighted that during the Vibrant Summit in January 2024, Gujarat made a significant leap towards semiconductor self-reliance by setting up the nation's first semiconductor chip manufacturing plant, which will benefit both the country and the global community. He also noted that India's first semiconductor chip will be manufactured in Gujarat. The Chief Minister emphasised that semiconductors, blockchain, and AI will be pivotal in advancing the skill ecosystem required for achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat by 2047.' The Gujarat government is committed to strengthening the younger generation for Future Industries through the 'Mukhyamantri Bhavishyalakshi Kaushalya Vikas Yojana.' The Chief Minister also highlighted Gujarat's rapid progress in the effective implementation of the Solar Rooftop Scheme and the development of the world's largest hybrid Renewable Energy park in Kutch, aligned with the Prime Minister's vision for Green Growth. He noted that the Gujarat government is equally prioritizing agriculture and non-agriculture sectors, facilitating the production of natural farm products in accordance with global standards. The Chief Minister reported that over 43 lakh farmers have been trained in natural farming, with about 9 lakh practicing natural farming on more than 7 lakh acres. Lastly, the Chief Minister acknowledged that, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, India has become the world's fifth-largest economy and is on track to become the third-largest economy during his third term. The Chief Minister emphasized that Gujarat will make steadfast efforts toward realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat. In addition to the Chief Minister, Gujarat Chief Secretary Raj Kumar also attended the 9th Niti Aayog Governing Council Meeting. (ANI)
The Labour and Employment Ministerial Declaration was approved by the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers (LEMM) meeting in Fortaleza, Brazil, on Friday, July 26. The final text was approved after the conclusion of the two-day-long Labour & Employment Ministers'Meeting (LEMM) on July 25-26, under the Presidency of Brazil. The Indian delegation was led by Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, the Ministry of Labour and Employment said in a release on Saturday. Brazil, alongside India and South Africa, was part of the G20 troika, encompassing the previous and next hosts. The Labour & Employment Ministers' meeting was preceded by the 5th Employment Working Group meeting (EWG) on July 23-24, which finalised the text. During the two-day meeting, ministers discussed key focus areas such as Just Transition, creating quality jobs, promoting decent work to ensure social inclusion and eliminate poverty and hunger, gender equality, diversity in the workplace, and leveraging technology to enhance the quality of life. The declaration emphasises the need for governments to develop active inclusion policies for strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive economic growth. It recognises that creating formal jobs and promoting decent work are effective tools for achieving fair income distribution. The declaration stresses the importance of effective labour market policies, such as skills development, training, lifelong learning, and job matching, aligned with economic needs and in consultation with social partners. It also urges governments to formalise jobs, address platform work, promote adequate wage floors, provide social protection, and support social dialogue and collective bargaining. In her opening remarks on 'Just Transitions,' Karandlaje highlighted the need for skilling and reskilling to ensure a fair transition to greener alternatives. She stated that just transitions require a robust framework of social protection, retraining programmes, and investments in sustainable industries, cautioning that poorly managed shifts could lead to job losses and economic instability. The Union Minister noted India's creation of national missions in areas such as solar energy, energy efficiency, water, sustainable agriculture, health, the Himalayan ecosystem, sustainable habitat, green India, and strategic knowledge for climate change. She also mentioned the Sector Skill Council for Green Jobs (SSCGJ) as crucial for developing a skilled workforce in related sectors. During the session on quality jobs and decent work, Karandlaje reported that India generated over 80 million jobs from 2017-18 to 2021-22, with the youth unemployment rate dropping from 17.8 per cent in 2017-18 to 10 per cent in 2022-23 due to increased youth labour force participation. She highlighted the 'One Nation, One Ration Card' initiative and the Ayushman Bharat Scheme as examples of India's commitment to social welfare. On gender equality and diversity, the Union Minister detailed India's legislative measures, including the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, the Equal Remuneration Act, and extended maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks. In the session on technology for improving quality of life, Karandlaje discussed India's Digital India Mission, the e-Shram portal for informal workers, and Aadhaar's role in financial inclusion. She urged G20 countries to address ethical considerations related to technology, such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI ethics. On the sidelines, Karandlaje met Gilbert Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and Japanese State Minister for Health, Labour, and Welfare Miyazaki Masahisa to discuss enhancing the mobility of semi-skilled and skilled workers from India to Japan. (ANI)
Bollywood diva Malaika Arora and actor Rahul Khanna, who turned heads as showstoppers for ace designer Siddartha Tytler on Day 3 of India Couture Week 2024, spoke about their personal fashion experiences and journeys. Rahul Khanna, who slayed in a sleek black bandhgala sherwani, spoke about the influence of his late father, the legendary Vinod Khanna, on his fashion sense. "Even just looking back at his films, he had a very strong stylistic point of view. And I remember when he used to dress when we were kids. He was always very into clothes and accessories and styles. I think that sort of maybe filtered down to me," he told ANI. Malaika, who dazzled in a black embroidered, glittering lehenga, reminisced about her early days in fashion. She laughed as she recalled her first time walking the runway. "That was way, way back. But I remember I was a disaster. Absolute disaster," she said. Malaika also reflected on her current confidence on the ramp. "I think if you're looking good, feeling good, the crowd's good, you have a great energy. I think all that really helps." Malaika and Rahul garnered attention with their glamorous outfits created by Siddartha. Malaika raised the bar with a stunning black embroidered glittering lehenga. She paired it with a beautiful blouse. She accessorised her ensemble with bangles, earrings, and rings. Rahul Khanna complemented her with a dazzling black-embroidered outfit. He wore a bandhgala sherwani with golden floral motifs at the bottom of it and completed his look with black shoes that went perfectly with his attire. Designer Siddartha Tytler unveiled his luxurious collection, 'Caligula's Feast,' at India Couture Week. Drawing inspiration from the Roman Emperor Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, famously known as Caligula, the collection featured opulent designs across both traditional and contemporary garments, including gowns and formalwear. The runway was transformed into a grand setting with flower decorations and tables laden with fruits and delicacies, enhancing the lavish ambience as the models strutted under the spotlight. The collection showcased a colour spectrum starting from black and transitioning through beige, green, maroon, orange, and blue. The outfits highlighted geometric patterns, floral designs, and various motifs, with some pieces adorned with rhinestones and crystal details. The innovative blouse and skirt designs added a oyal, elegant, and graceful touch. India Couture Week 2024 is set to conclude on July 31. (ANI)
Taking to Instagram, Shahid posted a fun BTS video featuring himself and Kriti from shoot of 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya'.

Along with the video, he wrote, "Happy Birthday Sifra! Keep smiling and shining always lots of love."

Written and directed by first-time filmmakers Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah, 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' features Shahid as a man who falls in love and decides to marry a robot, named Sifra (Kriti). The film opened to mixed reviews.

Apart from Shahid and Kriti, the film also starred veteran actors Dharmendra and Dimple Kapadia.

The film revolves around Aryan Agnihotri, a handsome, smart robotics engineer from Delhi, now based in Mumbai. Following the footsteps of his workaholic aunt, played by Dimple Kapadia, Aryan ventures to Los Angeles, where he meets Sifra, played by Kriti Sanon. Unknown to Aryan, Sifra is a robot that behaves just like a human. As their love story unfolds, it comes with numerous twists and turns, challenging the very essence of human-robot relationships.

In the coming months, Kriti will be seen sharing screen space with Kajol in 'Do Patti'. (ANI)
Coming out hard on the Centre over the Agniveer scheme, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that when the government creates a situation where soldiers can be trained for six months and serve for 3-4 years, it is diluting the quality of training and professional opportunities available to the Indian Army. "The professional reputation of the Indian Army is extremely high around the world. It's considered one of the most professional armies in the world and maintaining that professionalism is in the interest of the entire nation. When you create a situation where soldiers can be trained for 6 months and serve for 3-4 years, you are diluting the quality of training and professional opportunities available to the Indian Army," Tharoor said. "I believe it is deeply damaging, the only rationale for it is indeed to save money on the pension and therefore I think that the Congress stands justified in its insistence that we will scrap the scheme when we come to power," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the Agnipath scheme during his address in Ladakh's Kargil on Friday on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Highlighting the scheme, PM Modi said that the goal of Agnipath was to make the Army young and keep the Army continuously fit for war. He said that the major reforms in the army have been a long-standing demand. "The country has felt the need for major reforms in the defence sector for decades. The army has been demanding this for years, but unfortunately, it was not given enough importance earlier. The Agnipath scheme is also an example of the necessary reforms done in the Army. For decades, discussions have been going on in Parliament and many committees on making the army young," PM Modi said during his address. Several BJP-ruled state chief ministers have announced reservations for Agniveers in their respective states. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that the government has decided to give reservations to Agniveers in the police department and as prison guards and forest guards once they complete their service in the Indian Army. Along with this, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma also announced that his government will recruit most Agniveers into the state police. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Friday a 10 per cent quota and five-year age relaxation for Agniveers in uniform services. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Friday that Agniveer Jawans will receive reservations in the recruitment of police and armed forces in the state. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Friday that Agniveers, after serving the country, will be given weightage in recruitment for the UP Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) forces. He mentioned that the nation would benefit from having trained and disciplined young soldiers in the form of Agniveers. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who arrived in the national capital to attend the 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting on Saturday, said that under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the meeting will hold discussions on 'Viksit Bharat 2047' and the development of Maharashtra, among others. Speaking to ANI here, Eknath Shinde said, "In the meeting of NITI Aayog today, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there will be a discussion on the subject of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. There will also be a discussion on the development of Maharashtra. There will be a discussion on the cooperation of the central government." Shinde further said that the Union Budget had many schemes for farmers, women, youth, senior citizens and people of all classes. "For farmers, women, youth, senior citizens, people of all classes, and education, we have made many schemes in this budget," he added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting today at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, an official release from the government think tank said. Chief Ministers of three Congress-ruled States - Karnataka's Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh's Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana's Revanth Reddy have announced they will not attend the meeting over alleged bias against their States in the recently presented Union Budget. Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin along with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab and Delhi governments have said they will boycott the meeting. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is set to attend the meeting, said she felt their voices should be raised on a common platform. This year's theme of NITI Aayog's meeting is 'Viksit Bharat 2047', with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the approach paper for the vision document on Viksit Bharat in 2047. The meeting aims to foster participative governance and collaboration between the central and state governments, enhancing the quality of life for both rural and urban populations by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of government interventions. The meeting will also see detailed deliberations on the role of states in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy, with GDP crossing USD 5 trillion and aspirations to reach a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047. Achieving the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 will require a collaborative approach between the central and state governments. The 9th Governing Council Meeting aims to create a roadmap for this vision. The governing council of NITI Aayog will also discuss the recommendations put forth in the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries that was held from December 27-29, 2023. Special sessions were also held to deliberate on cyber security, the aspirational districts and blocks programme, the role of states, and AI in governance, which were also discussed during the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries. The Prime Minister, who serves as the Chairperson of the NITI Aayog, will be joined by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of States and Union Territories, Union Ministers as Ex-officio members and special invitees, and the Vice Chairman and members of NITI Aayog. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader CR Kesavan slammed the opposition for boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that they are indulging in "dangerous, divisive federalism." "The obstructive opposition, with its shameful boycott, is indulging in dangerous, divisive federalism. They are betraying the very spirit of cooperative federalism, wrecking the well-being and harming the interest of the respective states and people by trying to use them as political pawns," Kesavan said speaking in a video statement on Saturday. "This is not just irresponsible or untenable, the opposition's behaviour is undemocratic," he added. Kesavan said that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritises 'desh' (country) over everything else, the INDIA bloc prioritises "hatred". "The fundamental difference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the crooked Congress and the INDI alliance is this. For the prime minister, 'desh' comes first comes first. But for the INDI alliance, hatred comes first," the BJP leader said. Kesavan said that while PM Modi wants to build a consensus, the opposition is fixated on the "negative politics of disruption." "While the prime minister is trying to set aside differences and forge a consensus to ensure that the well-being of our people is secure, the opposition is playing the confrontational and negative politics of disruption and division. This is very unfortunate....," the BJP leader said. All INDIA bloc chief ministers except for West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee will be attending the meet. Notably, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin first announced the boycott in Chennai. Following this, the Congress said its chief ministers, including Himachal Pradesh's Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Telangana's Revanth Reddy, would skip the meeting. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government, while expressing solidarity with the INDIA bloc, has decided that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will not attend the Niti Aayog meeting. Along with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan are also expected to give the meeting a miss. But as a surprise, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee arrived in Delhi to attend the NITI Aayog meet. Mamata Banerjee said she would be protesting against the political discrimination meted out to Bengal at the NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi on Saturday, July 27. (ANI)
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida emphasised the key aspects of the Subhadra Yojana, revealing that the scheme has allocated a budget of Rs 10,000 crore, adding that a list of 1.5 crore women has been compiled, and a standard operating procedure will be established to determine the distribution of funds. "A provision of Rs 10,000 crore has been made in the Subhadra scheme. A list of one crore 50 lakh women has been prepared. An SOP will be made to decide who will get how much. Feedback will be taken from various sections of the society and the SOP will be finalized," Pravati Parida told ANI. The Odisha Deputy Chief Minister said that the Subhadra Yojana will be launched by the state government in Odisha in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This comes after Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Wednesday that the state government is planning to launch the Subhadra Yojana in Odisha in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, coinciding with his birthday. Replying to the discussion on the motion of thanks on the governor's address in the Assembly, the chief minister said the Odisha government has decided to pay Rs 50,000 to women, who comprise 50 per cent population of the state. "No development can be achieved by ignoring women. The dream of every woman for financial independence and empowerment will be fulfilled with the implementation of the scheme," he said. Majhi further said the BJP government has been formed to fulfil the hopes, aspirations and dreams of 4.5 crore people in Odisha. The government has started to establish 'Odia Asmita' and bring all-round development through a transparent administration. "The first duty of the state government is to protect Odia Asmita through enrichment of language, literature, culture and heritage, for which a corpus fund of Rs 200 crore has been established. The government has started implementing these from the first day of coming to office," he said. The Odisha government has launched the Subhadra Yojana to empower women by providing Rs 50,000 in financial assistance. (ANI)
Ahead of the NITI Aayog meeting, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the Union Budget and said that the budget seems like a "vengeful act" against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. Stalin's remarks were made ahead of the 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister released a self-made video of Stalin ahead of the meeting in which he said the Union Government continued to engage in actions that were contrary to "progressive thoughts." "Vanakkam! I was supposed to attend the 'NITI Aayog' meeting currently being held in Delhi, chaired by the Prime Minister. However, I am compelled to speak before you, in the people's forum, seeking justice due to the discriminatory attitude towards Tamil Nadu reflected in Union Budget 2024," Stalin said. "You are all well aware of the progressive and visionary schemes of your Dravidian Model Government in Tamil Nadu, which have been implemented over the past three years! The benefits of our government schemes directly reach every family--every citizen! This is why the DMK is achieving continuous success! "New schemes everyday, people's heart filled with joy" This is the motto of our government! Yet, the Union Government continues to engage in actions that are contrary to our progressive thoughts," Stalin said. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister further said that the Union government continued to disregard Tamil Nadu. "I often say, 'A good government is one that works not only for the people who voted in favour of us but also for those who did not.' This is how the Tamil Nadu government functions! All the Union Governments before Modi-led BJP Government were like this. But that magnanimity is missing with Modi's BJP Government. They run the government with political motive. The budget presented on July 23 is evidence of this! "In the recently held parliamentary elections, the people of various states defeated the anti-people BJP. The Budget presented by Union Finance Minister seems like a vengeful act against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. Instead of preparing a budget for the welfare of all Indians, she has prepared a budget to take revenge against those who voted for the INDIA bloc. This goes against the oath of office she took swearing allegiance to the Constitution! The Union BJP Government is disregarding Tamil Nadu continuously! The only special project they have announced for Tamil Nadu in all these years is AIIMS at Madurai. But you know very well what the situation is even after a decade!" Stalin said. Stalin further stated that without providing special schemes to the state, how could they expect the people of Tamil Nadu to vote for the BJP "I do not understand how they expect the people of Tamil Nadu to vote for the BJP without announcing any special schemes for the state! This is the third successive term for the BJP government! However, the people of India did not give a majority to that party this time! Without the support of a few regional parties, the BJP could not have formed the government!," Stalin said. "In such a situation, I thought that the BJP would realise the reason for their decline and expected a change of heart! But only disappointment prevails! Even two days before the budget, I made the needs of Tamil Nadu clear to the Union Government through social media. Nevertheless, the finance minister did not make any announcements on my demands! On top everything, not even the word 'Tamil Nadu' found a place in the budget! In the past, they at least used to recite a Thirukkural for namesake. It seems they got bitter with Thiruvalluvar also this time," he said. "In a way, I am relieved that there is no Thirukkural in this (discriminatory) budget. One thing I highly anticipated from this budget was the fund allocation for Chennai Metro Rail Project's second phase. It is a project for which Union Home Minister Amit Shah hastily laid the foundation stone in the midst of Covid pandemic in 2020. It was announced in the Union Budget of 2021 that the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Union Government will jointly implement this project at a cost of 63,000 crore rupees. But now, it is only the Tamil Nadu government that is accelerating and implementing this project!," he said. "Without releasing even a single rupee from its own funds, the Union Government has been delaying for three years! If we raise questions, they respond in Parliament, stating that this is a state-sponsored project. If so, would they give the railway sector to the state government? They refuse to open their mouth regarding the approval for Coimbatore, Madurai Metro Rail projects as well. But in the last three years, the same Union Government has approved metro rail projects for many cities smaller than ours and provided substantial financial assistance. How is this fair?" Stalin asked. Mentioning cyclones that hit Tamil Nadu last year, Stalin said that the Union government is "deceitfully attempting" to reduce funds for ongoing projects as well. "Last year, Tamil Nadu was hit by two cyclones and met with severe natural calamities! We requested 37 thousand crore rupees as disaster relief funds. However, they released only 276 crore rupees rupees (that too from SDRF), which should be provided annually, and disappointed us. We were hoping that they would announce flood relief funds at least in this year's budget. However, the Union Finance Minister has allocated over ten thousand crore rupees to states which are ruled by the NDA allies, on which the government relies on to remain standing. To sum it up, in addition to not announcing any new projects for Tamil Nadu, this Union government is deceitfully attempting to reduce funds for ongoing projects as well," he said. Stalin further said that the worst of all is that, in order to paralyse the school education department of Tamil Nadu, they have even held up the funds - that should have been released as usual--for the SSA that is being implemented over 20 years. "The Union BJP government is adamant that they will release funds only after agreeing to implement the NEP. They do not have even an iota of concern, for the education of the students is being ruined, and the teachers who teach them are not paid. All that the BJP cares about is to impose their ideology and Hindi," he added. The Tamil Nadu CM asserted that the Union Government is patting its own back for announcing a meagre tax benefit of up to Rs 17,500 per year to individual taxpayers under the NTR (New Tax Regime) when the majority can't avail of that too. "They have mentioned one more thing in the budget speech. The Union Finance Minister announces in the budget that the stamp duty levied by the states will be reduced, without consulting the states. They already brought the GST system and took the right of taxation powers away from the states. When they have not even disbursed the GST compensation of 20 thousand crore rupees to Tamil Nadu, who gave them the authority to alter the tax levying system of the states? The middle-class is suffering without any concession in income tax for the last ten years," he said. He further added that this is not just a budget taking revenge on Tamil Nadu--it is a budget that takes revenge against entire India. "This is a 'save the government budget' of BJP to remain in power! As the voice of the people of Tamil Nadu, in fact, as the voice of all the Indian people, let me say something: "You are committing mistake after mistake! You will suffer more and more defeats. Just as both houses of the Indian Parliament are in outrage, the hearts of the Indian people are also raging against you! The BJP must answer!" he said. Notably, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin first announced the boycott in Chennai. Following this, the Congress said its chief ministers, including Himachal Pradesh's Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Telangana's Revanth Reddy, would skip the meeting. This year's theme of NITI Aayog's meeting is 'Viksit Bharat@2047', with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the Approach Paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat @2047. The meeting aims to foster participative governance and collaboration between the central and State governments, enhancing the quality of life for both rural and urban populations by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of government interventions. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on his way back to Lucknow after visiting Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh stopped at a cobbler's shop and interacted with him and his family. The Congress MP had gone to Sultanpur to appear before a court where he was summoned in a defamation case. On his return, Gandhi stopped briefly at the cobbler's shop and tried his hand at mending a chappal as could be seen in a video that was posted by the Congress party on its social media platforms. "Leader of Opposition Shri @RahulGandhi stopped the car on the way and met a family of cobbler. We are continuously fighting for the rights of these hardworking people, raising their voice from the streets to the Parliament. Our aim is to ensure their safety at present and their future prosperous," the Congress said in a post on 'X'. After the interaction, Ram Chet, the cobbler, said that Rahul Gandhi did some stitching on a chappal and also meded a shoe at his shop. "I have been working here for the last 40 years. Rahul Gandhi had a discussion with us about our business...Rahul Gandhi stitched a chappal and pasted a shoe," Ram Chet said speaking to ANI. "I told him I was financially weak and asked him for some help. I also showed him how I mend shoes" the cobbler said Raghuram, the cobbler's son shared that he is not engaged in the profession anymore as he claimed that he was not treated with "respect" while he worked as a cobbler. "We were delighted to meet him. He treated us with respect and dignity. He asked me why I am not engaged in this profession anymore. I told him that when I was working as a cobbler people did not respect me. So I left the profession. I work as a labourer now," Raghuram said speaking to ANI. When asked about Rahul Gandhi's take on him leaving his father's profession due to lack of "respect," Raghuram said, "He told me that this is my profession and no profession is big or small. Everyone respects artisans." Gandhi also interacted with loco pilots in Sultanpur on Friday. Congress, via its social media handle X, stated that after Rahul Gandhi's engagement with the loco pilots, the Modi government began addressing their issues. In a post on X, Congress wrote: "Today, Leader of Opposition Mr. @RahulGandhi met the loco pilots in Sultanpur. Recently, Rahul Gandhi had listened to their concerns and highlighted their challenging working conditions. Following this, the Modi government began paying attention to their problems. Loco pilots are the backbone of the railways. Providing them with necessary facilities and humane working conditions is crucial for railway safety. We will ensure justice for them." Earlier in the day, a court in Sultanpur listed the defamation case against Rahul Gandhi for next hearing on August 12. Gandhi appeared before the Sultanpur court Friday morning in connection with the case over alleged objectionable remarks on Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Advocate Santosh Kumar Pandey, the complainant's lawyer, said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) denied the allegations and said that he is being framed for political reasons and to malign his image. He answered the questions asked by the court. He recorded his statement. Now, we have to produce evidence on August 12, 2024." The case was registered based on a complaint lodged by BJP leader Vijay Mishra in 2018. Advocate Santosh Kumar Pandey said that Rahul Gandhi used defamatory words against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Bengaluru on May 8, 2018. The case was filed in the District and Sessions Court of MP-MLA Court Sultanpur on August 4, 2018. Rahul Gandhi allegedly made the remarks during an election rallly in Bengaluru in the run-up to the Karnataka elections. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) will appear in court. 30-31 cases have been filed against him across the country to harass him, but the Congress party is fighting bravely." (ANI)
Giving priority to the interests of Himachal Pradesh, the state government has decided to build a medical device park in Nalagarh of Solan district on its own resources and return Rs 30 crore received from the central government for this project to be built on 265 acres of land at a cost of Rs 350 crore. A state government release said that if the state government had not returned this money, it would have to provide land to the industrialists at Rupee one per square meter, electricity at Rs 3 per unit, water, maintenance and warehouse facilities for ten years without any charge. Most of the equipment manufactured in this medical device park will be sold outside the state, but this would also cause direct loss to the state treasury due to NSGST, the release said. "Therefore, to overcome this binding a decision has been taken to build the medical device park by itself due to which the state is expected to benefit by Rs 500 crore in the coming 5-7 years from the sale of land and other resources. The state government will provide incentives to the industries coming to the Medical Device Park as per its industrial policy," the release added. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government would not allow the resources of Himachal Pradesh to be plundered. "The people of Himachal Pradesh have a right over these resources and the state government will take every step to protect the interests of the people of the state. If the money of the central government was not returned, then the industrialists would have to be given the mandatory incentives, which would put a huge burden on the state exchequer thereby resulting in loss of revenue. The state government has so far released Rs. 74.95 crore for this project and we are constructing the Medical Device Park on priority," he said. Earlier also the state government decided not to take help from any private agency in the Bulk Drug Park being built in Haroli of Una district. The state government will provide Rs.1,000 crore from its own resources for the construction of the bulk drug park, said the Chief Minister. For the construction of the medical device park at Nalagarh, the state government will take a loan from SIDBI under the cluster development scheme. "While restructuring the project, 25 per cent of the land will be allotted exclusively for medical device industries and 75 per cent for other strategic industries, which will ensure industrial development in the region," the release said. The industrial park will be developed as a state-of-the-art industrial hub in Himachal Pradesh, which will become a regular source of income for the state government along with economic development and better infrastructure in the coming years, the release added. (ANI)
Days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah called NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar the "ringleader of corruption in politics," Pawar hit back, saying it was strange that a person who had been externed from Gujarat by the Supreme Court was leading such an important ministry in the country. "A few days ago, Home Minister Amit Shah attacked me and said a few things. He said that Sharad Pawar is the commander of all the corrupt people in the country. Strangely, the man who is the Home Minister of the country today is such a person who misused the law of Gujarat and for this, the Supreme Court banished him from Gujarat," said Sharad Pawar. "The one who was banished is the Home Minister of the country today. So, we should think about where we are headed. The way the people in whose hands I am are taking this wrong path, we should think about it; otherwise, they will 100 per cent take the country on the wrong path. We will have to pay attention to this," said Pawar. Amit Shah had been externed from the state for two years in 2010 in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. He was later acquitted in the case in 2014. This comes after Amit Shah mounted a scathing attack on opposition stalwart and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar earlier in the latter's home district of Pune by calling him the 'Sargana' (ringleader) of the corrupt people in the country. "The opposition is accusing us of corruption but the biggest ringleader of corruption in Indian politics is Sharad Pawar. If any politician in any government in the country has institutionalised corruption, it is Sharad Pawar, and I have absolutely no confusion about it. What will they accuse us of now? If somebody has done the job of institutionalising corruption, Sharad Pawar, it is you. And you are accusing us of corruption?" Amit Shah said this while addressing the BJP conclave in Maharashtra's Pune on July 21. Shah hit out at the opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and Sharad Pawar over the alleged milk powder import circular that is making the rounds in the state. He accused the MVA of "spreading lies" and announced that not even 1 gram of milk powder will be imported in the next five years. Shah further accused Sharad Pawar of "disabling" the Maratha reservation whenever his party came to power in the state. Shah also vowed to continue the Maratha reservation in the state if voted to power. Shah also targeted Congress, accusing the party of spreading "misconceptions" about reservation and alleged that the Congress party cannot do "garib kalyan." Highlighting the Lok Sabha election results, Shah said that the BJP won for the third time while the Congress party failed to breach the 240 mark. "BJP got 240 seats, NDA got 300 seats and the entire INDI alliance did not even get 240 seats. Even if we combine the seats won by Congress in the past 3 elections, even then they can not breach the 240-seat mark. In this election also, the people of India gave Modi ji their stamp of approval. BJP stood victorious for the third consecutive time," said Shah. (ANI)
One Pakistani terrorist was killed as Indian Army troops foiled an attack by the Pakistan Border Action Team (BAT) along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. One Indian Army soldier lost his life while four others, including a Major rank officer, sustained injuries in the attack. As per Defence source, the BAT team involved in the attack is suspected to have regular Pakistan Army troops including their SSG commandos who work closely with terrorist organisations. "Indian Army troops have foiled a Pakistani Border Action Team (BAT) attack on the Line of Control against Indian forces. The BAT team involved in the attack is suspected to have regular Pakistan Army troops including their SSG commandos who work closely with terrorist organisations," as per Defence sources. Additionally, four Indian army personnel, including a Major-rank officer, were injured in the same encounter with terrorists, defence officials said. All troops were evacuated from the location, defence officials said. "Five Indian Army soldiers suffered injuries in the encounter, including a Major rank officer. All five troops were evacuated from the location. One of the injured soldiers has lost his life due to injuries," Defence officials said. "There has been an exchange of fire with unidentified personnel on a forward post in Kamkari, Macchal Sector, on the line of control. One Pakistani person has been killed while two of our soldiers have suffered injuries and have been evacuated," Indian Army's Chinar Corps said in a post on X. Further details are awaited. In the last few months, there has been a spike in terror attacks in the Jammu region, including the terror attack on an army convoy in Kathua and encounters in Doda and Udhampur. (ANI)
Newly-appointed Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal has said that he has started work to fulfil the new responsibility given to him and the ruling NDA alliance in the state will start preparing under leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the assembly polls next year. Jaiswal, who is a Bihar minister, said he is going to Delhi to discuss future strategy. "I have started my work and now I am going to Delhi to strategise for the future. Under CM Nitish Kumar and PM Modi's leadership, we will begin preparations for the 2025 state Assembly elections...," he said. Jaiswal said on Friday that opposition Mahagathbandhan would not be able to stand before the NDA in the Bihar Assembly elections, which are slated to be held in second half of 2025. "About the Assembly elections, I can tell you that Mahagathbandhan will not be able to stand before the NDA. In the leadership of Nitish Kumar, we will form a majority government in 2025. In Lok Sabha elections, we lost only three-four seats but not due to political factors," he said. The Bihar BJP chief said that the people of the state know the true colours of the Rashtriya Janata Dal. "People know the face and character of RJD...If they had loved Yadavs, they would have brought more intelligent people than Tejashwi Yadav. In the upcoming elections, the NDA will fight the elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar," he added. Jaiswal thanked the party leadership for appointing him as Bihar BJP chief. "I want to thank party leadership for appointing me as Bihar BJP chief. The leaders, including the late Sushil Modi, Sanjay Jaiswal, Samrat Choudhary and Nityanand Rai have taken the party to the next level," Dilip Jaiswal told ANI. Dilip Jaiswal was appointed Bihar chief of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. He has replaced Samrat Chaudhary, who is Bihar Deputy Chief Minister. Jaiswal is Revenue Land Reforms Minister in Bihar and hails from Khagaria district. The assembly elections in Bihar are likely to be held in October-November 2025. (ANI)
Following a state-wide protest in Tamil Nadu against the Union Budget, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Dayanidhi Maran on Saturday said that southern states are constantly being "neglected" by the central government. DMK staged a protest in all the district headquarters in Tamil Nadu today against the Union Budget presented on July 23, alleging that the state has been "neglected" in the budget. "Southern states, especially Tamil Nadu, are constantly being neglected by the Modi government. We have been asking for funds for the second phase of the metro for the last 3 years, but not a single rupee has been given yet," the DMK MP told reporters. He further asserted that Andhra Pradesh is recieving Rs 16,000 crore for the new capital, while technically, Rs 35,000 crore is being gifted to Bihar in the name of flood relief. "The amount given to Andhra Pradesh is a loan guarantee, which means CM Chandrababu Naidu can take loans from other banks, but he has to pay interest and principal, so I am sure CM Naidu is aware of this. The implications will come out very soon. It is a minority government, so anything can happen," he added. Earlier today, the 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital, which was boycotted by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the Union Budget and said that the budget seems like a "vengeful act" against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. "Vanakkam! I was supposed to attend the 'NITI Aayog' meeting currently being held in Delhi, chaired by the Prime Minister. However, I am compelled to speak before you, in the people's forum, seeking justice due to the discriminatory attitude towards Tamil Nadu reflected in Union Budget 2024," Stalin said. "You are all well aware of the progressive and visionary schemes of your Dravidian Model Government in Tamil Nadu, which have been implemented over the past three years! The benefits of our government schemes directly reach every family--every citizen! This is why the DMK is achieving continuous success! 'New schemes everyday, people's heart filled with joy'. This is the motto of our government! Yet, the Union Government continues to engage in actions that are contrary to our progressive thoughts," Stalin said. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting a Union Budget 2024-25, made major announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, including a boost in infrastructure. Notably, on Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin was the first to announce his boycott of Niti Ayog's meeting. Following this, the Congress said its chief ministers, including Himachal Pradesh's Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Telangana's Revanth Reddy, would also skip the meeting. This year's theme of NITI Aayog's meeting is 'Viksit Bharat@2047', with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the Approach Paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
Assam Rifles Director General Lieutenant General PC Nair said that his force is constantly prepared for any kind of roles given to them and acknowledged that there is a need for modernisation in equipment. "We have to be constantly prepared for any kind of role that can come our way. We are sitting in this headquarters to constantly visualise the evolving security situation and what kind of roles would be given to us. So keeping that in mind, we feel there is a need for modernising our weapons, getting new equipment, things like drones, the latest night vision devices, radars, surveillance devices, weapons, bullet proof vehicles--all of those," Nair said in an exclusive conversation with ANI. Speaking about the future, the Lieutenant General said that they have visualised a certain role for the Assam Rifles and so they have formulated a modernisation plan and annual procurement plan. However, he said that their role might change based on what happens in the future. "We have something called our modernization plan and annual procurement plan. In these two compartments, we have fit in all the things that we have in mind which should be procured for our force. It will be role dependent. We have visualised a certain role. But maybe the role could change because who is certain of what is happening tomorrow in which part of the country. But we are prepared to take on any role and ready to fight shoulder to shoulder with the Army like we have been traditionally doing," Nair said. Speaking about the Assam Rifles batallions that have been posted in Jammu and Kashmir, Nair said, "Batallians have been there for more than three years now. Two of my batallions are ther. They are in the Kashmir Valley. They are operating alongside Rashtriya Rifles and also at times alongside rest of the Indian Army which is there at the Line of Control." The Director General said that the Assam Rifles is known for its adaptability and they can easily fit to the role whether in anti-terrorism operations or in the north-east. "We as a force have this great advantage of constantly operating in counter intelligency and counter terrorism roles. So for my force, it is second nature. They can easily adopt to this, whether it is terrorist or the noth-east. They can easily tackle and the pay off has been very good," Nair said. Speaking about the Mahila soldiers of the Assam Rifles posted in Jammu and Kashmir, Nair said that they perform the same functions as that of their male counterparts and have led to positive outcomes when it comes to searcing women for arms and contraband. "In my multiple interactions with various Army commanders there, they constantly tell me that the two batallions are doing a marvellous job and special credit to the Mahila soldiers who undertake tasks like any other male counterparts. They go for patrolling, ambushes, raids, cordon and search. They do everything just like a normal male soldier. Since they are women they can search women and in the process there has been a large recovery of weapons, contrabands and stuff over there. That is a huge advantage that we have. In case we are called for any other task in Kashmir, I am sure that my force will be able to deliver," the Director General said. In reply to a question asked by the reporter, on whether more batallions should be posted in Jammu and Kashmir, Nair said that the decision will be taken at the "highest level." "That is a call that will be taken at the highest level because the context would be then North-East versus Kashmir, which is more important, which requires more force...I am sure due diligence would be given whenever that decision is taken," the Director General said. The Lieutenant General also shared that the Assam Rifles have trained children from various remote areas in the North East to get admitted to sainik schools and military school. "There is a lot that we have done for the youth that does not find enough attention in the media...We have been engaging with the youth. We have tried to pick up children from various remote areas in the north-east, train them for sainik school and military school. A large number of them in the last one year have got admitted, in fact 230 children are there today who have been trained by us," Nair said. The Director General also informed that the Assam Rifles also fund education for children in remote areas as part of corporate social responsibility and through tie-ups with banks. "We have even helped funding them. When a child gets into a military school or a Sainik school he is supposed to pay Rs 1.3-1.4 lakhs. Most of them are economically weak. We have tie-ups with banks. As part of CSR we have been funding them," Nair said. Speaking about children trained by the Assam Rifles who have been admitted into various engineering and medical colleges, he said, "We have trained about 160 children in the last one year for IIT for various engineering colleges and medical colleges. And I am glad to tell you that 88 per cent of them have already secured admission in nationally reputed medical and engineering colleges. These are small differences." The Assam Rifles DG added that they ususally train children from remote areas because the aspirations of those in urban centres are usually different. "We always go to the remote areas. We do not restrict ourselves to urban areas because in urban areas the aspiration of the youth is very different from what exists in the rural areas. So surely I think the effect of these will be realised a decade or two later, when we will see how we have been helping to transform not just these children but their families," Nair said. (ANI)
Calling the Union Budget "futuristic," Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday dismissed the allegations levied against the Centre that it did not give enough funds to the southern states where the Bharatiya Janata Party did not fare well in the elections and said that Tamil Nadu was given the highest budget for railways compared to other states. The Union Minister's remarks come after several opposition-ruled states, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, announced they would boycott the meeting. "If you all see this budget, it's a futuristic budget. It is the dream of our PM Modi's 2047. Tamil Nadu has been given the highest budget for railways compared to other states. Tamil Nadu has 6 Vande Bharat trains running, the highest in the country. Then why are they (DMK) protesting?" Singh said at the Tamil Nadu BJP interaction programme with entrepreneurs and professionals on Union Budget 2024. The BJP minister also highlighted PM Modi's special regard for Tamil culture and said that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is so fond of Tamil Nadu. The PM loves Tamil people and Tamil culture. He likes Tamil Nadu a lot and he has a special place for Tamil Nadu in his heart." The Union Minister refuted claims made by the Stalin government that the Budget 2024 was a vengeful act by the Centre to punish the state as it did not vote for the BJP. "In every aspect, Tamil Nadu is either getting equally or more. Even the Congress doesn't have anything to criticise in our Union Budget. All they say is it's our budget. They don't have any points to criticise. Instead of politicising it, Prime Minister Modi is not only the PM of the BJP. He is PM of DMK. He is PM of Congress. He is the PM of the country," he added. Singh further asserted that special emphasis has been given to topics like startups, employment in the budget. "This is a futuristic budget. Special emphasis has been given to topics like startups, employment, etc. The Angel Tax has been removed. Emphasis has also been laid on women's empowerment. We have now opened public and private partnerships for the space sector. India's space economy will grow 5 times in the next 10 years," he said. After the Congress and opposition CMs boycotted the NITI Aayog meeting chaired by PM Modi, Union MoS L Murugan said that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's not attending the meeting was a "total failure of democracy." "MK Stalin always gives false hope to the people of Tamil Nadu. He is always confused and he wants to create a political drama in the name of NEET. MK Stalin is boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting, and this is a total failure of democracy," Murugan said. On the NITI Aayog meeting, Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin attacked Congress and said that Congress is known for doing "appeasement politics." "Congress has this mentality from the starting that they have to do politics in the development work as well. Today is a meeting for the discussion on the development work, NITI Aayog is not a BJP structure. NITI Aayog, whenever it holds a meeting, it is to decide the development model of the state. It is a federal structure...But the problem is Congress is there for doing appeasement politics only. They are left with no issues; therefore, they are now boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting," Nitin Nabin said. The 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting is being chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital today. Meanwhile, DMK is staged a state-wide protest in all the district headquarters in the state against the Union Budget presented on July 23, alleging that Tamil Nadu has been "neglected" in the budget. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the Union Budget and said that the budget seems like a "vengeful act" against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. "You are all well aware of the progressive and visionary schemes of your Dravidian Model Government in Tamil Nadu, which have been implemented over the past three years! The benefits of our government schemes directly reach every family--every citizen! This is why the DMK is achieving continuous success! 'New schemes everyday, people's hearts filled with joy'. This is the motto of our government! Yet, the Union Government continues to engage in actions that are contrary to our progressive thoughts," Stalin said. This year's theme of NITI Aayog's meeting is 'Viksit Bharat@2047', with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the Approach Paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
After the Congress and opposition Chief Ministers boycotted the NITI Aayog meeting on Saturday alleging injustice to states in the Budget, Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey said that in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, no state is treated "step-motherly". Chief Ministers of opposition-led states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi and Punjab boycotted the 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting chaired by PM Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital. "Odisha is an inseparable part of India and in PM Modi's government, no state is treated step-motherly. Everyone will get what they deserve. I will visit NALCO (National Aluminium Company Limited) and will review the arrangements there. A lot of work has been done in the last 10 years," Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines told reporters. Meanwhile, DMK is staging a state-wide protest in all the district headquarters in the state against the Union Budget presented on July 23, alleging that Tamil Nadu has been "neglected" in the budget. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the Union Budget and said that the budget seems like a "vengeful act" against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting a Union Budget 2024-25, made major announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, including a boost in infrastructure. Notably, on Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin was the first to announce his boycott of Niti Ayog's meeting. Following this, the Congress said its chief ministers, including Himachal Pradesh's Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Telangana's Revanth Reddy, would also skip the meeting. This year's theme of NITI Aayog's meeting is 'Viksit Bharat@2047', with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the Approach Paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
Xi Story: Taking a fledgling airline to the sky

Xinhua) 10:11, July 27, 2024

BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping introduced a new package of reforms to propel the country's modernization at a key policy meeting held last week, listing over 300 reform measures and a timeline to complete reform tasks by 2029.

The reform-minded leader excels not only in designing reforms but also in making them work.

A story emerged this week about how he helped a fledgling airline, born in a pivotal aviation reform 40 years ago, grow from the ground up into a major player in the industry.

In 1985, 32-year-old Xi was appointed vice mayor of Xiamen, a city designated as a special economic zone in east China's Fujian Province. The zone was established by late leader Deng Xiaoping to test market reform policies during the early stages of China's sweeping reform and opening up drive.

The city had an airline established in 1984 as part of a reform process in the civil aviation industry aimed at separating the regulator from operators. At that time, China had no airline companies, with the civil aviation authorities directly operating all air services.

Xiamen Airlines became China's first air carrier to operate under a modern corporate system. However, it faced a tough start: no aircraft, no crew, and no funds.

"We were unsure how an airline company would be operated," recalled Du Hongying, one of the first seven employees. "We didn't even have a proper office back then."

As vice mayor, Xi was tasked with overseeing Xiamen Airlines' development. He visited the company many times and sat down with its management team to find solutions to its pressing difficulties.

A retired airline manager recalled that Xi often went to Beijing to seek help from central authorities, the Air Force and the civil aviation administration for the company.

With Xi's efforts, the airline managed to rent two Boeing 737 planes and recruit 23 veteran pilots from the Air Force, thereby settling the most imminent problems of the startup.

In November 1986, the first Xiamen Airlines flight took to the sky.

But a new problem soon emerged: the city's airport needed to be expanded, and there wasn't enough money. Xi spearheaded a government task force to borrow funds from Kuwait and personally led teams to negotiate and secure a loan.

He also helped with efforts to tackle other challenges ranging from fuel to recruitment.

"Your approach is correct, and your responsibility is great. As long as you persist, you will surely succeed," Xi once told company employees.

While helping the company grow, Xi also laid down tasks for it. He made clear the need for it to serve institutional reforms, boost economic and social development, and facilitate exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.

Xi's connection with the airline did not end with his three-year tenure in Xiamen. While serving in higher positions in the province, Xi referred a top-tier pilot to the airline upon retiring from the Air Force. He also intervened when the airline risked losing its license as an independent carrier amid a sweeping industry restructuring initiative at the turn of the century.

Xi did this with a keen eye on the airline's status as a state-owned company reform model and its strategic potential in boosting exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.

Later developments proved Xi's foresight. In 2005, Xiamen Airlines was chosen as one of the first airlines to operate groundbreaking direct cross-Strait charter flights. It later became a key carrier for regular cross-Strait flights.

As Fujian governor, Xi once lauded the airline's progress by borrowing a widely-quoted verse from Deng, saying it was the result of "crossing the river by feeling the stone."

Reform and innovation were the recipes for the airline's success, according to Xi.

Today, Xiamen Airlines, celebrating its 40th founding anniversary this year, has become an industry heavyweight with a fleet of 213 planes and air routes reaching 192 cities in 43 countries and regions, serving nearly 40 million passengers annually.

Among the more than 270 members of the International Air Transport Association, Xiamen Airlines ranks among the top 13 when it comes to passenger turnover.

In a reply letter to airline staff made public this week, Xi said he was pleased to have seen Xiamen Airlines achieve a great leap in development over the past 40 years.

He called on the airline to remain committed to reform and innovation, enhance its core competitiveness, and contribute more to advancing the high-quality development of civil aviation and boosting China's strength in transportation.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Alok Prasanna Kumar writes:

The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024 is yet another frontal assault on the basic civil and political rights of Indian citizens. Introduced on the floor of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on 11 July 2024, the MSPS Bill has come under severe criticism from all quarters. Commentators have questioned the intent behind the proposed law, the manner in which it seeks to carry out its stated intent, and the constitutionality of the whole exercise. If passed, it would give the Maharashtra police extraordinary powers to target and harass dissenters, bypassing regular rules of criminal procedure. It would, as some commentators have observed, usher in a police state.

The law ostensibly seeks to target anyone who in any manner shows any support for banned Left-wing Extremism (LWE) outfits or so-called urban Naxals. The law seems to have taken inspiration from similar laws in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (the Andhra Pradesh Public Security Act, 1992) and Chhattisgarh (Chhattisgarh Vishesh Jan Suraksha Adhiniyam, 2005). Odisha and other states had previously used the Indian Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908 to ban the activities of LWE organisations and punish their members.

The intent of the law is questionable. While tabling the bill, the Maharashtra government claimed that existing laws were insufficient to address the activities of Naxal organisations in urban areas of the state and that frontal organisations needed to be outlawed. The Maharashtra government claims that it is also merely taking forward the suggestion of the union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for states regarding the enactment of special legislation to prosecute the activities of LWE organisations. Nothing in the law outlines exactly what is inadequate in the existing legal framework or institutions that requires the passage of the new law.

Neither of these justifications holds up to scrutiny. From the MHAs data released in July 2023, the incidents of LWE-related violence have reduced by 52% and the total number of deaths reduced by 69% over the past 20 years. In March 2024, the MHA designated 38 districts across 10 states as LWE affected. Of these, only two were in Maharashtra. This is a reduction from 75 districts designated as such in 2015. This data put out by the very body that the Maharashtra government claims is asking for this law undermines the basis for the law. Not only are the incidents of extremism reducing but also there is no direct correlation between the existence of state-specific anti-Naxal laws and the reduction of LWE activity.

The absence of a clearly articulated basis to introduce this law has sparked legitimate fears that it will be used to target dissidents of any sort, whether or not they are actively carrying out violent activities or aiding and abetting them. The MSPS Bill is yet another example of what I would call lawless laws in the Indian context. In the specific context of the MSPS Bill, its lawlessness is evident from the broad and undefined definition of unlawful activity which gives the government complete discretion to decide which kinds of organisations it would like to ban. Further, the crimes which are punishable under this bill are also defined as widely as possible making even remote connections to a banned organisation liable for harsh punishments. The MSPS Bill also provides for a unilateral seizure of movable and immoveable property by the police on the basis that it may have been used for the activities of banned organisations. There are barely any procedural protections against such seizures or even against the categorisation of an entity as an unlawful organisation.

While the MSPS Bill is unlikely to pass into law in this session and therefore lapse at the end of the assembly session, later in 2024, the increasing use of lawless laws to tighten control over dissenting voices is concerning. The MSPS Bill seems designed to prevent any sort of ground-level mobilisation and

organisation against the policies and ideology of the ruling regime in the state. The actual lawfulness of the activity does not matter as much as the opinion of the government and the police that the activity is unlawful. As with other such laws, a citizen whose rights have been violated under this law has little or no remedy to rectify such violation beyond a long and tiresome battle in court which may or may not rectify the harm caused by police action.

Laws such as the MSPS Bill highlight the deep insecurities of the Indian police machinery. While a veneer of democracy and the rule of law might provide it with some legitimacy, its ways of thinking and functioning remain deeply colonial.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha took a dig at the NITI Aayog stating that the apex public policy think tank of the central government is a 'failed idea' adding that the body that was formed for a particular academic exercise had achieved absolutely nothing. Speaking to ANI, RJD MP Manoj Jha said, "What is NITI Aayog? It is a body that was formed for a particular academic exercise. What is achieved from it? Absolutely nothing. What was the problem with the Planning Commission? Just because it was from Nehru's time (NITI Aayog was formed). But you are carrying several things from Nehru's era." "NITI Aayog is a failure, a failed idea. The 240 mandate of the BJP also has the same message: that the collective should be restored," he said. He also took a swipe at the BJP and said, "If the BJP thinks that there is a lack of coordination among the INDI alliance, then they are mistaken. Having or not having episodic coordination is a whole different thing but in essence, we are all united and stand together." Meanwhile, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) held protests across Tamil Nadu on Saturday against the Centre, alleging that the state was neglected in the Union Budget 2024. The 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital today. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the Union Budget and said that the budget seems like a "vengeful act" against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. Several opposition-ruled states have announced they will boycott the meeting. Chief Ministers of three Congress-ruled states--Karnataka's Siddaramaiah, Himachal Pradesh's Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Telangana's Revanth Reddy--have announced they will not attend the meeting over alleged bias against their states in the recently presented Union Budget. Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin, along with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab and Delhi governments, have said they will also boycott the meeting. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said she felt their voices should be raised on a common platform. However, today she walked out of the meeting midway alleging that her microphone was muted. The Centre, however, in a fact check said that her claim was "misleading." This year's theme of NITI Aayog's meeting is 'Viksit Bharat@2047', with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the approach paper for the vision document on Viksit Bharat in 2047. The meeting aims to foster participative governance and collaboration between the central and state governments, enhancing the quality of life for both rural and urban populations by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of government interventions. (ANI)
The Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja on Saturday, raised questions on the work done by the NITI Aayog and claimed that the apex public policy think tank chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed the privatisation of all public sectors. "First of all, the Prime Minister should explain why the Planning Commission was disbanded. When the BJP came to power, the first thing they did was to disband the Planning Commission. They formed the Niti Aayog. What is the work of the Niti Aayog? What policies are they going to decide? What recommendations are they going to make to the government?" D Raja told ANI. "As far as I know, the NITI Aayog is proposing privatisation of all public sectors. That is why many Chief Ministers have raised genuine issues," he added. The 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital today. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who walked out in between the meeting alleged that her microphone was muted and she was not allowed to speak for more than five minutes at the meeting while other chief ministers were given more time. "I said you (central government) should not discriminate against state governments. I wanted to speak but my mic was muted. I was allowed to speak only for 5 minutes. People before me spoke for 10-20 minutes," Banerjee told reporters after she stormed out of the NITI Aayog meeting today. The Trinamool supremo further stated that the attitude of the BJP ministers and leaders' attitude is such that they want to divide Bengal while also imposing economic and geographical blockades on the state. Meanwhile, DMK is staging a state-wide protest in all the district headquarters in the state against the Union Budget presented on July 23, alleging that Tamil Nadu has been "neglected" in the budget. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the Union Budget and said that the budget seems like a "vengeful act" against the States and people who boycotted the BJP. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting a Union Budget 2024-25, made major announcements for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh including a boost in infrastructure. Notably, on Thursday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin was the first to announce his boycott of Niti Ayog's meeting. Following this, the Congress said its chief ministers, including Himachal Pradesh's Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Telangana's Revanth Reddy, would also skip the meeting. This year's theme of NITI Aayog's meeting is 'Viksit Bharat@2047', with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the Approach Paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut backed the INDIA alliance chief ministers' decision to not attend the NITI Aayog meeting. He alleges that the government and NITI Ayog treat impartially to the non-NDA states. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, "CMs of the India bloc will not go to NITI Aayog meeting. It is almost decided. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin had earlier said he would not go, Arvind Kejriwal is in jail, Telangana CM; and there are other CMs who do not want to go because NITI Aayog is not keeping pace with the country's development, You must have seen this in this year's budget and NITI Aayog's work." He further accused NITI Aayog of not maintaining fairness in the development of the country. "This has been witnessed in the budget as well," he added. Earlier on Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government over the Union Budget and said that the budget seems like a "vengeful act" against the states and the people who boycotted the BJP. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin released a video in which he said the Union Government continued to engage in actions that were contrary to "progressive thoughts." Notably, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin first announced the boycott in Chennai. Following this, the Congress said its chief ministers, including Himachal Pradesh's Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Telengana's Revanth Reddy, would skip the meeting. This year's theme of NITI Ayog's meeting is 'Vikisit Bharat@2047' with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the Approach Paper for the Vision Document on Visksit Bharat @2047. The meeting aims to foster participation, governance and collaboration between the central and state governments, enhancing the quality of life for both rural and urban populations by strengthening the delivery mechanisms of government initiatives. (ANI)
Amid the ongoing violence in Manipur, Assam Rifles Director General Lt General PC Nair said that most of the videos depicting alleged attrocities in Manipur are "doctored" and do not even belong to the North-East. "If videos are going around, these are doctored videos. I can tell you I have about 30 to 40 videos which have been circulating. They don't even belong to the northeast. They are from Myanmar, they are from....Some of them are from the Rohingya region," Nair said. The DG said that people having "hidden agenda" are trying to show that security forces are engaged in alleged atrocities only to "create trouble" in the region. "But some people who have a hidden agenda to create trouble here are doctoring that and showing them as security forces acting against people," Nair said. Further speaking on the circulated videos, the DG said that parts of the actual incident are being clipped and shown to spread a certain narrative. "Yes, there have been certain other instances where videos of Manipur have been shown. But amongst those videos also, it is only part of the incident. Let's say an incident has happened for about five to ten minutes. Let's say there are people been stopped and Assam Riffle is trying to stop them or whatever. In these videos that are being propagated, they only show part clippings which makes the story very different," Nair said. "Unless you see the entire video, unless you see the complete facts, you will tend to get carried away by what is coming. And that is precisely what is happening. Part of the story, part of the photograph, and part of the videos are what are being made and shown on the media to drive a certain agenda which is wrong...," he added. The Assam Rifles DG said that the security situation in the northeast cannot be looked at in isolation and one needs to look at the situation in the adjacent neighbouring countries as well. The Lt General underlined that if something untoward happens in any of the neigbouring countries, especially the bordering areas, it will also leave its impact in the north-eastern states because of the common land borders and shared ethnicity. "When you look at the security situation in the North East you also have to look at the security situation in the adjacent neighbouring countries. In some way or the other, the North Eat shares border with Bhutan, Myanmar, China and Bangladesh. And Nepal of course, a little off. If something happens in any of these countries, particularly in the bordering areas there will be an impact because of the common enthnicity that is shared," Nair said in an exclusive interview with ANI on Saturday. Nair said that while Bangladesh is going through a minor problem at present, the larger problem lies at Myanmar ever since the ruling dispensation changed in the country. "So if you look at it currently, Bangladesh has a small problem now which I am sure they will be able to resolve. But the larger problem lies in Myanmar. Ever since the dispensation changed in Myanmar there has been huge impact on the North East in terms of movement of insurgent groups, contraband, weapons. So those are surely impacted," the Assam Rifles Director General said. Nair also pointed out that the problems in Manipur also has a "spillover effect" in the neighbouring states in the North East. "Added to that is the current situation in Manipur since May 3 last year, the last 16-17 months. That has also impacted. Because whatever happens in Manipur does not get restricted to Manipur. Obviously there is a propensity of that having a spillover effect in the neighbouring states also," the Director General said. Speaking about the overall security situation in the North East, the Assam Rifles DG said, "If you ask about the overall security situation, it is all okay. There is nothing great in terms of insurgency. There are cases in terms of move of contrabands, move of militants to the camps which are across, also coming this side. These kind of things have been happening for a long period of time. It is nothing alarming." On the ongoing problems in Manipur, Nair said that the trouble was brewing between both the communities in the state for 7-8 months, before the final "spark" which triggered on May 3 last year. "In terms of what is happening in Manipur, we all are aware. There are two communities which are at loggerheads. There has some sense of disquiet among themselves in the last few years. It is not that it got suddenly triggered on May 3 last year. Ther were undercurrents. My estimate is it was there for the last 7-8 years, possibly even more. All it needed was a spark which happened on May 3," the DG said. Nair highlighted that Assam Rifles was the first force to be deployed in the region ever since the conflict broke out last year. "Ever since this incident happened on May 3, Assam Rifles was the first force to be deployed. Immediately more than 100 columns of us got deployed. In a day or two, Indian army columns also came in additionally, it got built up to about 140-150 columns. And then we have the other Paramilitary forces and the CAPF coming in," the DG said. Dismissing rumours that the Assam Rifles have been partial towards a particular community while containing the situation, the Director General described them to be "preposterous". "From the first day, May 3 itself, Assam Rifles has maintained an absolutely neutral stand. All the narratives that have been coming are all agenda driven. It makes me laugh when I read some of these stupid reports that come that Assam Rifles is favouring one community, not favouring the other, these are nothing but rumours, falsehood, preposterous. There is no background to this," Nair said. The DG pointed out that most of the arms confiscated, bunkers destroyed, people caught and apprehended were from the Kuki doiminated areas. "If I count the number of weapons that we have confiscated today, they are more from the Kuki dominated areas. If I talk about the bunkers that have destroyed, again more of them have been destroyed in the Kuki dominated areas. The only soldier of Assam Rifles who was killed in action was in a Kuki area. Similarly if I look at how many people have been caught, apprehended, most of them are the Kukis. To call us biassed being biased towards a particular community is absolutely wrong," Nair said. The DG also said that second highest number of soldiers in the Assam Rifles are from Manipur and they belong to both the communities. "Look at my force, large number of people, soldiers of Assam Rifles are from North Eastern region. Within the North East maximim of them are from Assam and the second highest is from Manipur. and in Manipur we have the soldiers from both communities," Nair said. The Lt General also highlighted that if they had been partial towards one community in Manipur at the cost of the other, it would have led to a mutiny in the force. "Today the minds of both the communities are very polarized in Manipur. They are at loggerheads. I hope this is just a temporary phase. If we try to be partial to one community at the cost of other, do you think our soldiers will take it. Will there not be any mutiny in my force? Has anything like this happened in the last 17 months? No. Nothing like this has happened," he said. On the fight against illegal drugs in the North Eastern region, the DG said that the Assam Rifles have seized contraband worth more than Rs 3600 crore in the last three years. "Along with weapons, there is also an issue of drugs. There is a lot of contraband that has been moving in the North East and we have been constantly at it with out border guarding role. Our men have operating day and night, our offfice have been tirelessly handling this. In 2022, we had caught contraband worth Rs 820 crore, in 2023 we caught contraband worth Rs 1730 crore and this year we are already touching Rs 1120 crore. When I say contraband, 90-95 percent is drugs...There has been a spurt of smuggling," the Assam Rifles DG said. The Assam Rifles DG also said that, some insurgent groups are also involved in the illegal narcotics trade. "In the past decades, most of the heroin and opium products were made in either Afghanistan or in the so-called golden triangle. But since March last year, the Taliban has gone hammer and tongs against the cultivation of poppy in Afghanistan, resulting in lots of cultivation shifting towards the so-called golden triangle...This is easy money. There has always been a connection between not just the Indian Indian insurgents, but also the factions in Myanmar. There are 35 major militant groups that are fighting against Myanmar Army and all of them have a nexus. And those insurgents have a connect with insurgents of our country," Lt General PC Nair said. The DG further said that though insurgency exists in a "low scale" at present, weapons smuggling remains an issue. "The current insurgency in North East is quite low scale. The numbers of insurgents have grossly reduced, the camps that used to be there in Bangladesh, now there are hardly any. In Myanmar there are far and few between. But some are caught up in internal fighting there. In terms of numbers, there is nothing alarming. So far as weapon smuggling, yes, it is an issue. There are no specifics..There is role of our neighbour who is in some way involved in supplying weapons which come routed through Myanmar," he added. (ANI)
Several people are feared to be trapped in the building.

Earlier, Navi Mumbai Deputy Fire Officer Purushottam Jadhav said that two people have been rescued.

"We received a call about a building collapse at 4.50 am. 2 people have been rescued. Two people are likely to be trapped and rescue operation is underway to rescue them," Jadhav told ANI.

Kailas Shinde, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner, said that rescue operations are underway.

"The building collapsed around 5 am. It is a G+3 building. Two people have been rescued. The NDRF team is here, rescue operations are underway," Shinde said.

Further details are awaited. (ANI)
Defence Expert Captain (Retired) Anil Gaur said on Saturday that Pakistan is hell-bent upon trying to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan is hell-bent upon trying to revive terrorism here in Jammu and Kashmir. And it is not going to stop. We have seen that Pakistan has nothing to do except...these terrorist attacks," Gaur told ANI. "Till the time we donot become pro-active, because, right from 1947 onwards to 2024, we have been reactive, and we have been reactive in the wars. Pakistan has started the wars," he added. His comments came after the Indian Army foiled the Pakistan Border Action Team's (BAT) attack near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara. A group of two to three armed personnel coming from Pakistan side crossed the Line of Control and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity while taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility in Machhal Sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. One intruder was killed in the exchange of fire, while one Indian Army soldier injured in the encounter succumbed to his injuries. The Public Relations Officer (Defence), Srinagar, said, "Taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along the Line of Control in Machhal Sector, a group of two to three armed personnel crossed the LC and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity. Alert troops responded vigorously and in the ensuing exchange of fire, one Pakistani intruder has been killed along with the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores." "Identification and affiliation of this Pakistani national are being ascertained," PRO said. "During this intense fire exchange, two of our brave soldiers also suffered some grave injuries and were hence immediately evacuated to the Base Hospital at Srinagar. Unfortunately, one of these bravehearts has succumbed to his injuries. The other brave is responding well to treatment and care and is presently stable," the PRO added. The PRO stated that in the past too, "similar attempts by infiltrators, actively aided and abetted by the Pakistani Army, have exploited thick foliage and poor visibility conditions but have always, as today, been successfully thwarted and disrupted." "The Indian Army is firm in its resolve and commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistan Army," the PRO added. (ANI)
Two goons who allegedly attacked a police constable in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district were arrested after an encounter with police Friday night, officials said on Saturday. The arrested accused have been identified as Mahesh Lodhi (26) and Rahul Bose (20). Both accused were arrested three times previously in connection with loot and other cases of crime. They were in jail in 2017 and 2020, officials said. According to police, the arrested accused attacked the constable when they were stopped for questioning in connection to a loot incident reported under the Ghatiya police station on Thursday night. Ujjain Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma told ANI, "An incident of loot occurred under Ghatiya police station limits on Thursday night. Three persons were stopped by two constables Vikram and Akash for questioning. One of them attacked a constable Akash and stabbed him with a knife." "The constable was taken to a hospital and is out of danger," the SP said, adding that the suspects managed to flee from the scene. SP Sharma said that they received information on Friday night that two of the suspects, Mahesh Lodhi (26) and Rahul Bose (20), were trying to flee and were spotted in the Sawara Khedi area. Following the information, a team of Madhav Nagar police reached and started chasing them. "During the chase, one of the suspects opened fire on the police team. In retaliatory action, Mahesh Lodhi was shot in the leg," the SP said. The accused, trying to flee on a bike, fell to the ground. Both suspects sustained injuries and were taken to hospital. "Both Lodhi and Bose have been arrested, and another suspect, Shiv, is absconding. Efforts are underway to nab him," SP Sharma added. (ANI)
The leader of the opposition and former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur on Saturday said that Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu failed to use the platform of the NITI Aayog meeting to raise the issues that are lacking in the Union Budget. After Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu abstained from the NITI Aayog meeting that was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leader said , "It is very unfortunate that there is a platform where you can take up issues. If there is something lacking in the Union budget, you could have taken these up during the meetings of NITI Aayog." He expressed concerns over the negative impact this could have on the state's development. He alleged that the current Chief Minister's party's high command had prevented him from attending Niti Aayog meetings, which could have dire consequences for the state. "Chief Minister Sukhu reached Delhi but his party leaders in Delhi stopped him (from attending meeting) by doing politics. This causes loss to the state," he added. He further stressed that it is imperative for every state to maintain cordial relations with the Centre for the development of the state. "It is very important for Himachal Pradesh to maintain cordial relations with the Centre... I have also been the Chief Minister for 5 years, at that time development works were going on but ever since Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu became the Chief Minister, Himachal's development works have come to a full stop... It is not right to do politics on every issue," Jai Ram Thakur said. Speaking to ANI, the former Chief Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining cordial relations with the central government to maximize benefits from Union assistance and schemes. He emphasized that significant development was achieved during his tenure, which has stalled over the past 18 to 19 months. On the issue of the bulk drug pharma park, the former Chief Minister expressed his disappointment with the state government's handling of the project. "There were three bulk drug pharma parks in the country. We also got the bid, and after fulfilling all conditions and taking the project, we can't change the conditions now. I don't understand who the officials and advisors are guiding the Chief Minister. I don't see any spirit and willpower of the state government to build a bulk drug park. This is very unfortunate," Thakur added. On the disaster relief, the former Chief Minister accused the state government of corruption and mismanagement of central funds. He claimed that deserving and affected people have not received the benefits they were promised. "As far as the rain disaster is concerned, last year they demanded. It is right to demand on the higher side, but the centre has certain norms. So far, what money has been received, they have done corruption and a big scam in disaster relief distribution in the state. The deserving and affected people are not getting the benefits. I don't understand where the central fund has gone. Nothing has been given to the affected people. Even today, a delegation met me demanding disaster relief from the government," he said. He further criticized the ruling party for falsely accusing the opposition of obstructing state funds. "The Union Budget has made special provisions for disaster relief. Despite all this, the ruling party, the Chief Minister, and his people are laying false allegations on us that we are stopping funds for the state even though we have taken up issues of the state with the Union government," he asserted. When asked about the performance of the new Member of Parliament from Mandi, Kangna Ranaut, he urged patience, stating, "It would be an injustice to rate her performance as MP so early, but she has taken up issues of the airport, saving the artisan of the state." (ANI)
After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claimed that her microphone was switched off while she was speaking at the NITI Aayog meeting, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat said that it is "unfortunate" that a very senior CM is not allowed to speak. Rawat's statement comes after, the West Bengal CM claimed that her microphone was switched off during a meeting of the NITI Aayog in the national capital on Saturday. "It is very unfortunate that Mamata Banerjee, who is a very senior Chief Minister and the leader of the opposition, was not allowed to speak. We knew this, which is why the Chief Ministers of Congress and the opposition boycotted the meeting of Niti Aayog," Rawat told ANI. Harish Rawat also said, "Everything was scripted and now only two people have to be saved: Nitish Kumar from Bihar and N Chandrababu Naidu from Andhra Pradesh, because the BJP has to save its government." Earlier, the central government's fact-checking body refuted as "misleading" the claim made by the West Bengal CM about her microphone being switched off. A PIB fact check today debunked her allegations stating that "only the clock showed that her speaking time was over." "It is being claimed that the microphone of CM, West Bengal was switched off during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog. This claim is Misleading. The clock only showed that her speaking time was over. Even the bell was not rung to mark it," the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said in a post on X. According to the government fact check body PIB, Mamata Banerjee's turn to speak would be only after lunch if one goes alphabetically, but she was "accomodated" as the seventh speaker on an official request from the Chief Minister. "Alphabetically, CM, West Bengal turn would have come after lunch. She was accommodated as the 7th speaker on an official request of the West Bengal government as she had to return early," PIB Fact Check explained in a subsequent tweet. While speaking to reporters, the West Bengal Chief Minister alleged "political discrimination" and said that at the NITI Aayog meeting she was not allowed to speak for more than five minutes while other chief ministers were given more time. "...I said you (central government) should not discriminate against state governments. I wanted to speak but my mic was muted. I was allowed to speak only for five minutes. People before me spoke for 10-20 minutes," Banerjee told reporters after she stormed out of the NITI Aayog meeting today. "I was the only one from the opposition who was participating but still, I was not allowed to speak. This is insulting...," Banerjee said as she walked out mid way from the meeting. "I have come out boycotting the NITI Aayog meeting. Chandrababu Naidu was given 20 minutes to speak, Chief Ministers of Assam, Goa, Chhattisgarh spoke for 10-12 minutes. I was stopped after just 5 minutes. This is unfair," the Chief Minister said speaking to reporters after coming out of the meeting. Claiming that she had chosen to participate in the meeting to strengthen "cooperative federalism" Banerjee said, "There are many regional aspirations. That is why I am here, to share those aspirations. If a state is strong, the Union will be strong." The Chief Minister said that several states, including West Bengal, were deprived in the Union Budget that was presented in Parliament this week. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir police released sketches of three terrorists on Saturday for their alleged involvement in a recent terror incident in the Doda district. https://x.com/dpododa/status/1817086557070754008 In a post on X, District Police Doda said, "J&K Police Distt Doda Release Sketches Of (03) Terrorists who are Moving In Doda and Involved in a recent Terror Incident at Urar Bagi area Of Dessa Doda." Jammu and Kashmir Police announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information on each terrorist, the police said. Meanwhile, a group of two to three armed personnel from Pakistan crossed the Line of Control (LOC) and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity, taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility in the Machhal Sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. One intruder was killed in the exchange of fire, while an Indian Army soldier injured in the encounter succumbed to his injuries. The Public Relations Officer (Defence), Srinagar, said, "Taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along the Line of Control in Machhal Sector, a group of two to three armed personnel crossed the LC and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity. Alert troops responded vigorously, and in the ensuing exchange of fire, one Pakistani intruder has been killed along with the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores." "The identification and affiliation of this Pakistani national are being ascertained," the PRO said. "During this intense fire exchange, two of our brave soldiers also suffered grave injuries and were immediately evacuated to the Base Hospital in Srinagar. Unfortunately, one of these bravehearts has succumbed to his injuries. The other brave soldier is responding well to treatment and care and is presently stable," the PRO added. The PRO stated that in the past, "similar attempts by infiltrators, actively aided and abetted by the Pakistani Army, have exploited thick foliage and poor visibility conditions but have always, as today, been successfully thwarted and disrupted." "The Indian Army is firm in its resolve and commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistan Army," the PRO added. (ANI)
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Senior Congress leader Chaudhary Birendra Singh stated on Saturday that the main contest in the upcoming Haryana Assembly election will be between the Congress and the BJP. He noted that the majority of people in the state are dissatisfied with the Bharatiya Janta Party's (BJP) rule. "This time, the contest will be directly between Congress and BJP. Seventy percent of the people in Haryana are angry with the BJP, which will benefit the Congress," Singh told ANI. Singh also expressed his support for conducting a caste census in the state. "A caste census is necessary in Haryana. I was in favor of it when I was in the BJP as well. We need to know which sections of society require more benefits and help from the government. The demand for a caste census is a nationwide demand," he said. He emphasized that a caste census should also determine the political representation of each caste to ensure no single group dominates political offices. Furthermore, Singh highlighted the importance of identifying which sections within Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes need more governmental assistance. Addressing the boycott of the NITI Aayog meeting by Congress chief ministers, Singh remarked that there would be no benefit from NITI Aayog when the central government operates solely according to its own agenda. "When the government is doing everything according to its own wishes, then there is no prominence of NITI Aayog," he stated. He added that institutions like NITI Aayog and the Election Commission can only perform effectively when they are independent. Birendra Singh announced his intention to play an active role in the upcoming Haryana Assembly election, scheduled for later this year. He pointed out that the Congress's decision not to declare a chief ministerial candidate is advantageous for the party. Additionally, he mentioned that former Lok Sabha MP Brijendra Singh would contest the assembly elections. (ANI)
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Saturday criticised Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Chandra Pawar) [NCP (SCP)] chief Sharad Pawar, demanding an apology to Amit Shah for fabricating a false case against him, from which the Supreme Court had acquitted Shah. Amit Shah was externed from the state for two years in 2010 in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. He was later acquitted in 2014. While addressing a press conference, Goyal stated, "Sharad Pawar was an important part of the UPA government. The Supreme Court's decision completely exposed UPA-Congress-NCP." He further said, "The case imposed against Amit Shah was entirely baseless and false. Sharad Pawar had tried his best to indict Amit Shah and the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi in a fabricated case. They were aware of their high popularity and knew they would lose in the next elections. To avoid that defeat, they attempted to attack PM Modi and Amit Shah." The Union Minister reiterated that Pawar should apologize to Amit Shah. "It is good that he (Pawar) reminded us of this case and how he was also part of UPA, conspiring against Amit Shah. Sharad Pawar should apologize to Amit Shah for this false allegation." Notably, days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Sharad Pawar the "ringleader of corruption in politics," Pawar responded, pointing out the irony of a person who had been externed from Gujarat by the Supreme Court leading such an important ministry in the country. "A few days ago, Home Minister Amit Shah attacked me and made several accusations. He said that Sharad Pawar is the commander of all corrupt people in the country. It is strange that the man who is the Home Minister of the country today is someone who misused the law of Gujarat, leading to his banishment by the Supreme Court," said Sharad Pawar. "The one who was banished is now the Home Minister of the country. So, we should think about where we are headed. The way those in power are taking the wrong path, we should be concerned; otherwise, they will undoubtedly lead the country astray. We need to pay attention to this," said Pawar. This exchange follows Amit Shah's scathing attack on Sharad Pawar in the latter's home district of Pune, where he called him the 'Sargana' (ringleader) of corrupt people in the country. (ANI)
The AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Saturday that the recent order of the Uttar Pradesh government asking business owners to display their names during the Kanwar Yatra reminded him of Hitler's Germany in 1930. Addressing a public gathering in Kodangal in Vikarabad, Owaisi said, "The rule made by the Uttar Pradesh police reminds us of Hitler's Germany in 1930. Hitler had asked the Jews to display the Star of David on their right hand (to identify them as Jews and isolate them from society). Then Hitler ordered that no one would do business with the Jews. That they would be boycotted". "This decision of the UP government brings back to mind that order of Hitler, "the Hyderabad MP said. Owaisi stated that Article 17 of the Constitution says that no one would promote untouchability. He also referred to the Supreme Court order that blocked the move, following outrage over the directive. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court extended its interim order on Friday, staying directives issued by the authorities of certain state governments that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route should display the names of the owners outside such shops. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, told the bench that the regulations under the Central Law Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006, require that every food seller, including 'dhabas', must display the names of the owners. The bench said there is no restriction on shops or eateries voluntarily displaying the names of their owners and employees outside their eateries but they cannot be forced. Last week, the Uttar Pradesh government asked the food and beverage shops along Kanwar Yatra routes to display the name and identity of the operator/owner of their establishments. Devotees across the nation began their Kanwar Yatra on July 22, on the occasion of the first Monday of 'Sawan'. Haridwar saw an influx of pilgrims, prompting enhanced security arrangements. The area has been divided into 14 superzones, 35 zones, and 132 sectors for better management. This sacred month, typically falling between July and August, marks a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to the deity of destruction and transformation. (ANI)
The Regional Meteorological Department, Bhopal, has issued a warning for very heavy rainfall in six districts of Madhya Pradesh over the next 24 hours. This includes Satna, Vidisha, Raisen, Betul, Pandhurna, and Sidhi. These districts are likely to receive between 115 mm and 204 mm of rain, with the potential for significant impacts due to the ongoing monsoon conditions, officials said on Saturday. Meanwhile, incessant rainfall in the last 48 hours has caused waterlogging in various areas of the state capital, Bhopal. "Monsoon conditions are active throughout the state, with rainfall occurring in most districts. The rain is expected to continue as the monsoon trough line is currently passing over Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal is likely to bring beneficial conditions to Madhya Pradesh in the next two days, resulting in heavy rainfall across the state," said BS Yadav, a meteorologist with the regional met department, Bhopal. In Bhopal, significant rainfall is expected today and tomorrow, though it may decrease slightly afterward, Yadav added. Yadav said that for the next 24 hours, an alert has been issued for very heavy rainfall in Satna, Vidisha, Raisen, Betul, Pandhurna, and Sidhi, with rainfall expected between 115 mm and 204 mm. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for heavy rainfall in 16 other districts. Currently, most districts in the state are witnessing normal rainfall, except for some in the northeastern region. Satna, Sidhi, Rewa, and Singrauli have received less than normal rainfall, but they are expected to return to normal levels in the next spell of rain, Yadav concluded. (ANI)
Laying out the strategies to be adopted by the Chhattisgarh government in realizing the goal of a developed India in 2047, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai demanded the establishment of a Rain-Water Conservation Research Center along with strengthening the National Ground Water Training and Research Institute in Raipur to resolve the water crisis issue and help the farmers. Presenting the state's development plan at the ninth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the state's priorities and efforts being made for development, with emphasis on education, human resource development, health, and technological advancement. He shared the proposed plans for the development of Chhattisgarh, which clarifies the state's role in realizing the goal of Developed India 2047. The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh will play a pivotal role in realising the dream of Developed India by 2047. At present, the state's GSDP is Rs 5.05 lakh crore, which is targeted to be increased to Rs 10 lakh crore in the next five years. The state has started work on possibilities of improvements and achieving goals in various fields. Emphasizing the role of youth in the development of the state, the Chief Minister said that the main focus of Chhattisgarh is on preparing skilled human resources. Education in Chhattisgarh is being linked to vocational skills and training. Its aim is to give such capabilities to the students that prepare them for employment. During the meeting, he informed that the process of making 'One Nation, One Student ID Card' (APAAR ID) for every student in the state is being started. In this, all the important information related to the student's educational experience will be available in digital form. He shared the plan for better availability of health services, sustainable development, and preservation of the culture and tradition of the state. For economic empowerment, Chhattisgarh Super Foods will be produced and natural dispensaries will be built, he added. Processing and branding of local products will be promoted. Along with the expansion of artificial intelligence and IT sector, emphasis will also be laid on the development of physical structures like roads, and buildings and digital facilities like the internet, and mobile networks, he stated. The Chief Minister appealed to the Centre for cooperation for better power supply in rural and remote areas. He informed that the process of installing solar power on rooftops has been simplified and a plan has been made to make 100 villages completely based on renewable energy. Survey has been completed for installing rooftop solar plants in government buildings, and these plants have been installed in most of the government buildings of Naya Raipur, from which power is supplied to the grid. He informed that drinking water will be delivered to 96 per cent of the houses in Chhattisgarh by March 2026. He said that India's goal should not only be developed by 2047 but also a water-secure India by 2047. For this, he hoped for technical and financial support from the central government. Apart from this, he also demanded the establishment of a Rain-Water Conservation Research Center along with strengthening the National Ground Water Training and Research Institute in Raipur. He said that, with its establishment, rainwater can be stored and used properly in Chhattisgarh. This will reduce the water crisis and will help the farmers more. He informed that mobile medical units have been deployed to improve health services in tribal areas. Now health facilities are reaching even the most remote areas of Chhattisgarh. Health services are being expanded through these mobile units, which is providing convenience to people in remote areas. On land and property issues, Chief Minister Sai said that all land records in Chhattisgarh are being digitized. This technology will increase transparency and control corruption. He informed that this reform will make land disputes easily resolvable, which will encourage investment and development in the state. The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for his support and cooperation towards the priorities and needs of Chhattisgarh. He expressed hope that with the help of the Central Government, Chhattisgarh will achieve its development goals and will play an important role in realizing the vision of Developed India 2047. On this occasion, all the Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of various states, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, members of the Governing Council and Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, Amitabh Jain were present. (ANI)
Security forces conducted a search operation in Jammu's Reasi district on Saturday. The operation was jointly conducted by the Army and police personnel in Dadooa Village. Meanwhile, a group of two to three armed personnel coming from Pakistan side crossed the Line of Control and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity while taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility in Machhal Sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. One intruder was killed in the exchange of fire while one Indian Army soldier injured in the encounter succumbed to his injuries. The Public Relations Officer (Defence), Srinagar, said, "Taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along the Line of Control in Machhal Sector, a group of two to three armed personnel crossed the LC and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity. Alert troops responded vigorously and in the ensuing exchange of fire, one Pakistani intruder has been killed along with the recovery of weapons, ammunition and war-like stores." "Identification and affiliation of this Pakistani national are being ascertained," PRO said. "During this intense fire exchange, two of our brave soldiers also suffered some grave injuries and were hence immediately evacuated to the Base Hospital at Srinagar. Unfortunately, one of these bravehearts has succumbed to his injuries. The other brave is responding well to treatment and care and is presently stable," the PRO added. The PRO stated that in the past too, "similar attempts by infiltrators, actively aided and abetted by the Pakistani Army, have exploited thick foliage and poor visibility conditions but have always, as today, been successfully thwarted and disrupted." "The Indian Army is firm in its resolve and commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistan Army," the PRO added. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi on Saturday and said that the state is committed to achieving the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' and emphasised the importance of promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas to realise this goal. The 9th NITI Aayog's Governing Council meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital today. CM Dhami said that for a 'Viksit Bharat', there is a need to promote entrepreneurship in rural areas, for which cluster-based incubation centres and growth centres will prove to be important. Two rural incubation centres and 110 growth centres have been established in Uttarakhand as a pilot project. He requested the Central Government for technical and financial support to set up incubation centres. To meet the energy shortage, the Chief Minister requested that the states allow the approval and implementation of hydropower projects of less than 25 MW capacity and implement the proposed 24 per cent capital subsidy for the construction of small hydropower projects in the Himalayan states along with the North-Eastern states. The Chief Minister also requested to include lift irrigation in the guidelines of 'PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana'. The Chief Minister said that we also need to pay special attention to important topics like global warming and climate change. In view of this, the Uttarakhand government is paying special attention to running development schemes in coordination with ecology and economy. The issuance of GEP on the lines of GDP has been started in the state. The Chief Minister said that in any developed nation, its urban areas make a special contribution as a growth engine. It becomes difficult to provide basic facilities in these cities due to excessive population. To solve this problem, 'counter magnet areas' will have to be developed between different cities of the country. He said that there is a need to pay special attention to AI readiness and quantum readiness for the concept of Viksit Bharat by the year 2047 for research, development and innovation. The CM also thanked the Prime Minister for making special financial provision in this year's Union Budget. He also said that Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the recently released Sustainable Development Goals Index ranking, which is a matter of pride for the state. The Chief Minister said that a serious crisis of drinking water has been seen in many cities of the country, to solve this problem, there is a need to work on water conservation along with increasing the ground-water level. For this, Spring and River Rejuvenation Authority has been formed in Uttarakhand, which is working on the project of water conservation, reviving water sources and connecting snow-based rivers with rain-based rivers. He requested special financial assistance and technical support from the Central Government for this. This year's theme of NITI Aayog's meeting is 'Viksit Bharat@2047', with a central focus on making India a developed nation. The Governing Council Meeting will discuss the approach paper for the vision document on Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha attended the "Chief Minister's Conclave" of the BJP held at the party headquarters on Saturday. "Attending the Chief Minister's Conclave being organised at BJP HQ, New Delhi. The meeting is being held in the august presence of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, Hon'ble Union Minister & National President Shri @JPNadda Ji & other senior leaders," Saha posted on X. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) top leadership, including party President JP Nadda, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and all Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of states ruled by the party, are attending a crucial meeting at the BJP headquarters under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gathering comes as the Chief Ministers of all BJP-ruled states are in Delhi for the 9th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog. The BJP meeting's agenda includes discussing the election results of their respective states and formulating future strategies. The meeting includes two sessions where the BJP leadership will engage with Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers to review election results. The agenda will cover the analysis of Lok Sabha Election 2024 results to identify areas for improvement, ensure effective implementation of central and state schemes at the ground level, and strategize for upcoming assembly elections. The meeting will also focus on enhancing state-centre coordination to improve collaboration between states and the central government. The primary focus will be on flagship programmes, including discussions on central government schemes and their implementation in states. Successful state schemes will be reviewed to replicate effective programmes in other states for better results. Chief Ministers will present their states' best schemes, and discussions will address the challenges faced in implementing central government schemes. The meeting also aims to foster greater coordination, improve scheme implementation, and strengthen the party's overall strategy. Attendees at the BJP headquarters include Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. Also present are Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Tripura CM Manik Saha, Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai. Earlier, PM Modi, speaking at the Ninth Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, emphasized that making India a developed country by 2047 is a national ambition. He highlighted that states, being directly connected with the people, can play an active role in achieving this goal. "Viksit Bharat @ 2047 is the ambition of every Indian. States can play an active role in achieving this aim as they are directly connected with the people," the Prime Minister said, according to a post on X by NITI Aayog. The meeting, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, is attended by CMs, Lieutenant Governors, Union Ministers, and NITI Aayog members. Its goal is to promote participative governance and enhance collaboration between the Centre and state governments, improving the quality of life for both rural and urban populations through strengthened government interventions. Several state governments led by opposition parties have announced their intention to boycott the meeting. (ANI)
The Rouse Avenue court on Saturday remanded three accused to four days of CBI custody and the other 40 have been remanded to judicial custody in the alleged cheating of USD 15 million. These accused persons have been arrested in relation to the alleged cheating of USD 15 million. Judicial Magistrate First Class Nishant Garg granted the custody remand of three accused to the CBI for 4 days. The other 40 accused have been remanded to judicial custody till August 9 by the court. The judge said, " I am satisfied with the grounds of arrest. Considering the transnational nature and gravity of offences, the fact that the investigation is at an early stage, to prevent accused persons from tampering with the evidence, influencing the witness, repeating the offenses, and expeditious and fair Investigation they are required to be sent to judicial custody. As far as accused Dhruv Khattar, Dhairya Khattar and Tushar Arora concerned, to unearth the Conspiracy and to gather evidence, their custodial interrogation is necessary, the judge said. Earlier, the CBI conducted searches at 7 locations across Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida.In a statement, the probe agency said, "During these searches, live cybercriminal operations were intercepted, and substantial incriminating evidence has been gathered. Investigation teams have so far recovered 130 computer hard discs, 65 mobile phones, 5 laptops, incriminating documents, financial transaction details, call recordings, victim details, and transcripts used for targeting victims. Victims were contacted by impersonation and induced to click on pop-ups for download of malicious software onto their systems and subsequently induced to make payments for restoration of their system. It is revealed that proceeds of crime were channelled from multiple countries to Hong Kong." The bail applications of 33 accused have been dismissed by the court. The accused persons sought bail, challenging their arrest. The CBI has sought the 7-day custody of 3 accused, namely Dhairya, Dhruv Khattar and Tushar Arora. The CBI produced 43 accused, including 4 women, in the Rouse Avenue Court after one day of judicial custody. They were arrested on July 25. They have been arrested by the CBI under Operation Chakra. The CBI has registered an FIR on the information provided by the agency. The CBI submitted that the custody of the accused is required to unearth the conspiracy and the mastermind. The CBI has arrested the accused persons for allegedly defrauding US citizens worth 15 million US dollars during the period from November 2022 to April 2024.They were allegedly defrauding the victims by running a call centre in Gurugram. One of the victims was defrauded of 6.5 million US dollars. It was alleged in the CBI FIR that a racket was running whereby residents of USA were cheated by our residents. Search warrants were acquired and all the guys were arrested at one place in Gurugram. Banned software was found from call centre and in this case, the US is also involved, FBI is involved, and the counsel for CBI submitted. 43 people are there and they are running a racket, the CBI said. The CBI sought police custody, stating that from one of the cars, three mobile phones were found of Dhairya Khattar, diary showing transactions of US dollars. The CBI counsel alleged that 15 million US dollar transactions involved in the case. We have found a voice recording of two brothers with US persons, Dhairya and Dhruv Khattar, regarding the modus operandi, the CBI prosecutor said. The CBI sought custody of Tushar Arora, a Cloud support engineer, to interrogate and unearth the conspiracy. On the other hand, the counsel for accused persons opposed the application seeking custody. It was argued that the CBI raided the premises on July 24 at night. The accused were produced before the duty magistrate on July 26 at 11.45 pm. On July 24, the accused persons were in their custody, defence counsel argued.They were supposed to produce in 24 hours. In the arrest memo, they (the CBI) said that they were arrested at 6.30 pm on July 25. They (the accused) were restricted and not allowed to go anywhere, so the arrest was effected on July 24, the counsels for the accused argued.Till last night, the accused persons were not even having any remand application copy or the FIR copy. The accused persons were not even informed of the grounds for arrest.Some of the accused were represented by advocates Arun Khatri, Bharat Arora, Vikhyat Oberoi, Sanjay Sharma, and Karan Sachdeva. On the other hand, the counsel for the CBI said that the grounds of arrest were communicated to the accused persons, and a search was conducted after obtaining a search warrant, which ran for hours only after the accused were arrested. There is no grudge against the accused. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma attended the NITI Aayog meeting on Saturday, where he presented the roadmap for 'Viksit Rajasthan@2047'. He outlined the state government's 10 key resolutions for 2024-25, which include making Rajasthan a USD 350 billion economy within the next five years. The 9th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital. In the meeting, Sharma highlighted the 10 resolutions adopted in the 2024-25 budget to achieve Viksit Rajasthan@2047. These include boosting the state's economy to USD 350 billion in five years, improving basic facilities, advancing urban and rural development, enhancing human resources, empowering farmers, promoting MSMEs, conserving heritage, ensuring health for all, and achieving good governance. CM Sharma said that taking steps towards Viksit Rajasthan@2047, many important decisions have been taken by the state government in the last seven months, which includes construction of nine green field expressways of 2,750 km length, construction of Matri Van in every district of the state, increasing the amount of Kisan Samman Nidhi from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 and providing employment to 20,000 youth during this period. During the meeting, Sharma detailed the development-oriented programmes in the state and sought necessary cooperation from the central government. He said that the government has taken many important and decisive steps in the electricity sector as soon as it took charge and informed that MoUs worth Rs 1 lakh 50 thousand crore with central undertakings like NTPC, NTPC Green, Coal India, NLC and REC have been signed, under which 32,000 MW of electricity can be produced, which will prove important in making Rajasthan self-reliant in the field of energy. The CM said that the state has allotted land for a 2,950 MW solar project and issued LOIs for projects with a 4,386 MW capacity under the PM Kusum Yojana. Additionally, four lakh registrations have been made under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, with over one lakh applications received. To enhance school education, CM Sharma said that the government has introduced primary classes in 134 government Swami Vivekananda Model Schools. He also requested the Centre to approve the increased cost of Rs 72,937 crore for the Rajasthan Refinery Project to expedite its completion. Emphasizing the role of tourism in Rajasthan's development, Sharma called for central cooperation in developing religious sites and proposed that the Braj Chaurasi Kos Parikrama Marg be declared a national highway. The Chief Minister assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Rajasthan's commitment to fulfilling its resolution to become a developed state and pledged to advance under the Prime Minister's guidance. This year's NITI Aayog meeting theme, 'Viksit Bharat@2047,' focuses on making India a developed nation, with discussions centered on approach paper for the vision document on Viksit Bharat @2047. (ANI)
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) celebrated its 86th "Raising Day" throughout the length and breadth of the country, across all CRPF establishments, with fervour and gaiety on Saturday. Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Union Home Secretary, was the Chief Guest at the event held at Shaurya Officers' Institute, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. In keeping with the tradition of honouring the gallantry award winners, Bhalla presented gallantry medals to the brave men and the families of the martyrs, which included three "Veer Naris." The 27 Gallantry Medal awardees included ten recipients for their bravery in Chhattisgarh, six for their gallant action against Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in Jharkhand, and eleven in Jammu and Kashmir for their heroic deeds against the terrorists. Earlier in the day, DG Anish Dayal Singh, along with other senior officers of CRPF, laid a wreath at the National Police Memorial and paid homage to the 2266 bravehearts of CRPF who sacrificed their lives for the nation. In his address, the Union Home Secretary highlighted the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of the CRPF and commended the force for its glorious history of sacrifice and dedication. He praised CRPF's role in maintaining peace in the valley post-abrogation of Article 370 and for their valuable contribution to peaceful conduct of 2024 General Elections. On the occasion, Bhalla also inaugurated a state-of-the-art vehicle diagnostic lab at the Central Training College, CRPF, Nimach. This unique lab will train CRPF's motor mechanic staff on repairing new-age vehicles (BS-VI), making CRPF the first among CAPFs to establish such a facility. While welcoming the Union Home Secretary, Anish Dayal Singh, DG CRPF, recalled the rich history and valour of the force, referring to the Battle of Hot Springs against Chinese troops in 1959 and the Battle of Sardar Post in 1965, where two companies of CRPF repelled an entire brigade of the Pakistan Army, while inflicting major casualties. DG Singh also discussed initiatives to resolve issues concerning families of martyrs and expedite the recruitment process for their kin under the compassionate appointment category. He mentioned various MoUs signed with educational institutes to provide free seats for the wards of CRPF personnel. Formed in Neemuch with just one battalion in 1939, the CRPF has grown into a formidable force, with 248 battalions deployed throughout the length and breadth of the country. The force has successfully addressed the evolving internal security challenges. With the highest number of Gallantry Medals among all CAPFs, CRPF stands as a testament to its exceptional journey from the Crown Representative Police to being the guardian of the nation's internal security. The force remains committed to its ethos of "Service and Loyalty" and expresses gratitude to the nation for its trust and support. (ANI)
The Chinar Corps of the Indian Army paid homage on Saturday to Rifleman Mohit Rathour, who lost his life in an exchange of fire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. https://x.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1817204258040692959 In a post on X, Chinar Corps of Indian Army said, "ChinarCorps Commander, Director General of Police J&K, other senior civil dignitaries & all ranks of Chinar Corps paid homage to Rfn Mohit Rathour, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in Machhal Sector on 27 Jul 2024." "Chinar Warriors salute the valour and sacrifice of the Braveheart and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family," the post added. A group of two to three armed personnel coming from Pakistan side crossed the Line of Control and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity while taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility in Machhal Sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. One intruder was killed in the exchange of fire while one Indian Army soldier injured in the encounter succumbed to his injuries. The Public Relations Officer (Defence), Srinagar, said, "Taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along the Line of Control in Machhal Sector, a group of two to three armed personnel crossed the LC and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity. Alert troops responded vigorously and in the ensuing exchange of fire, one Pakistani intruder has been killed along with the recovery of weapons, ammunition and war-like stores." "Identification and affiliation of this Pakistani national are being ascertained," PRO said. "During this intense fire exchange, two of our brave soldiers also suffered some grave injuries and were hence immediately evacuated to the Base Hospital at Srinagar. Unfortunately, one of these bravehearts has succumbed to his injuries. The other brave is responding well to treatment and care and is presently stable," the PRO added. The PRO stated that in the past too, "similar attempts by infiltrators, actively aided and abetted by the Pakistani Army, have exploited thick foliage and poor visibility conditions but have always, as today, been successfully thwarted and disrupted." "The Indian Army is firm in its resolve and commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistan Army," the PRO added. (ANI)
In response to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations regarding a muted mic at the NITI Aayog meeting and the boycott by Opposition, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the opposition is more interested in politics than development and wants to defame India in foreign countries. Speaking with the reporters, Shinde said, "They do not want development, they do not want the country to progress. They just want to do politics and defame the country's name in foreign countries." Shinde further stated that the opposition came together with the goal of defeating Prime Minister Modi in the Lok Sabha elections. "The opposition united to defeat PM Modi in the Lok Sabha but the people of the country supported him and made him the Prime Minister again. And that is why, he will do more work in the coming five years than he has done they have done in the last 10 years," he added. After crashing out of the Niti Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi midway, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre of "insulting Bengal" by interrupting her speech after five minutes, adding that it was a deliberate attempt to "malign the Opposition". Accusing the Centre of favouring BJP-ruled states by providing them privileges and packages, Mamata Banerjee said, "I said whatever I could in the 3 to 4 minutes that I got. In the entire country, the way in which all the opposition-ruled states have been neglected and BJP ruled states and their alliance members have been favoured, we don't have any objection if any state is given more money but this is not acceptable that someone will get and someone will not get at all." The Chief Minister defended her decision of boycotting the meeting and said that she should have been given extra time as she was representing the entire opposition. Mamata Banerjee said, "I was the only one from the Opposition ruled states who had gone there. They should have given me 30 minutes...At the beginning of the meeting, Rajnath Singh said that everyone should present their views in 5-7 minutes but I was not even given 7 minutes to speak. Their people were given 20 minutes, they got special packages and privileges but others got 0 minutes. I did the right thing by boycotting the meeting. I will not let them insult Bengal. I stand strongly with the Opposition parties running the government in other states." She further said that she hit out at the central government and said that the Centre only gives directives and paste posters, but the work has to be done by the states. (ANI)
Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Saturday asked Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to resolve the issue of residents in Peeragarhi getting blue, foamy water from their taps. She asked the Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report to her by July 29 at 5 pm in this regard. "It has come to my attention from a social media video that some residents of Peeragarhi have been receiving bright blue foamy water. This is a very shocking incident and needs urgent intervention. This could be just the tip of a bigger underlying problem and could have very serious consequences in future. This needs to be addressed immediately," Atishi said in her direction to the Chief Secretary. "The Chief Secretary is therefore directed to: Call an urgent meeting of all senior officials from concerned departments and resolve the issue at the earliest. "Take immediate action on all surrounding polluting units, whoever is found to be violating pollution norms. A detailed report is to be submitted to the office of the undersigned by Monday, July 29, at 5pm," she added in her letter to the Chief Secretary. (ANI)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday (local time) confirmed that former president Donald Trump was indeed struck with a bullet in the ear during an assassination attempt on July 13, clearing up conflicting accounts about what caused the former president's injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally. "What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subject's rifle," the agency said in a statement. The statement from the FBI marked the most definitive law enforcement account of Trump's injuries and followed ambiguous comments earlier in the week from Director Christopher Wray that appeared to cast doubt on whether Trump had actually been hit by a bullet. Wray testified earlier this week that there was still "some question" about what grazed Trump's right ear during the assassination attempt at his rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month, reported CBS News. The shooting at Trump's rally on July 13 shocked the nation, resulting in the death of one attendee and leaving two others seriously injured. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, allegedly fired a shot that grazed Trump's ear from a rooftop position with a clear line of sight to the stage. The FBI swiftly labelled the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and an attempted assassination, although the motive behind Crooks's actions remained unclear, Al Jazeera reported. Earlier on Friday, Republican Ronny Jackson of Texas, who served as physician to former President Donald Trump at the White House, said that Trump was hit by a bullet in his right ear. Jackson wrote in a memorandum to "concerned citizens of the United States" that was shared on social media that he has continued to monitor Trump's health following the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. "The would-be assassin fired multiple rounds from a relatively close distance using a high-powered rifle, with one bullet striking the former president, and now the Republican nominee for president, in his right ear," Jackson stated, according to CBS News. He said he has reviewed Trump's medical records from Butler Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for a "gunshot wound to the right ear," and agreed with the initial assessment and treatment from the medical staff at the hospital. "There is absolutely no evidence that it was anything other than a bullet," Jackson wrote. He said that Trump is "rapidly recovering" from the wound and doing "extremely well." The memo from Jackson was prompted by comments FBI Director Chris Wray made to the House Judiciary Committee during an oversight hearing on Wednesday, during which he said Trump's ear was grazed by either shrapnel or a bullet, CBS News reported. "With respect to former President Trump, there is some question about whether it was a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear," he said. Further, Trump attacked Wray for his comments, writing on social media that the American people no longer have confidence in the FBI. He also claimed that Wray should resign because he allegedly lied to Congress about President Biden's health. "There was no glass, there was no shrapnel. The hospital called it a 'bullet wound to the ear,' and that is what it was," the former president wrote. In its statement, the FBI said that Wray provided "extensive congressional testimony" about the bureau's investigation into the shooting, which left one rallygoer dead and Trump and two attendees injured. "Since the day of the attack, the FBI has been consistent and clear that the shooting was an attempted assassination of former President Trump, which resulted in his injury, as well as the death of a heroic father and the injuries of several other victims," the FBI said. The FBI said that a "shooting reconstruction team" is examining evidence from the scene of the attack, including bullet fragments, according to CBS News. Referencing Wray's comments, Jackson wrote in his memo that Congress should correct the hearing record "as confirmed by both the hospital and myself." Notably, Jackson has served in the White House Medical Unit during President George W Bush's administration. Moreover, he was physician to the president under President Barack Obama and Trump, who appointed Jackson as chief medical adviser and assistant to the president in January 2019. (ANI)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], July 27 (ANI/WAM): Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) hosted an exclusive session for its clients, dedicated to exploring the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in sales and marketing. The event aimed to demystify AI, presenting it as a practical tool that businesses, especially SMEs, can leverage to boost their growth. The session covered actionable strategies that make AI accessible and beneficial across various business functions. It brought together industry experts who demonstrated real-world uses of AI to highlight how it can enhance customer understanding, personalise marketing campaigns, and optimise sales processes. These insights offered a clear roadmap for integrating AI into business operations, empowering startups and SMEs to transform their businesses. RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, "Understanding and implementing the latest technological tools is crucial for staying competitive in today's fast-paced market. We are thrilled to provide a platform where our clients can gain the knowledge and confidence to leverage AI effectively." Participants left the session equipped with practical knowledge about initiating AI integration, selecting the right solutions, and maximising their benefits. The event successfully addressed common uncertainties and showcased the significant potential of AI to enhance business operations. Garth Tiltmann General Manager of NOVA Holding Group said: "We utilise AI to break new ground in the import and export industry, focusing on innovative products in construction and hospitality. Today's insights into AI's role in streamlining operations and enhancing lead generation have been particularly impactful, reinforcing the importance of technology in expanding our reach." Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director for Highlander Adventures-UAE, CEO for Adventurati Outdoor and the Managing Partner for Summit X Tourism and Consultancy, said: "The insights from the session are invaluable for anyone in the niche adventure tourism sector. Learning how to effectively target different audiences and tailor our marketing strategies accordingly is essential. The knowledge shared here helps us refine our approach to meet the unique demands of adventure enthusiasts across different regions." RAKEZ is committed to fostering the growth of startups and SMEs through business education while offering networking opportunities to ensure its business community can stay ahead of the curve. (ANI/WAM)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that he had called on the Prime Minister of Laos and during their meeting, he had taken up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centres. Jaishankar also discussed relief and rescue of Indians with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand. In a post on X, he said, "During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers. Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens. Also discussed the matter with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1817033858740813896 On the sidelines of ASEAN events in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday, Jaishankar held meetings with his counterparts from South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the European Union. The EAM met with Cho Tae-yul, the Foreign Minister of South Korea and held a wide ranging conversation on Special Strategic Partnership. "A pleasure to meet RoK @FMChoTaeyul today in Vientiane. Wide ranging conversation on Special Strategic Partnership. Our shared convergences in the Indo-Pacific region is also opening new avenues of cooperation," Jaishankar posted on X. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1816821812694786433 He also met with Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The leaders discussed enhancing the India-EU ties in areas of trade, clean energy transition and advanced technologies. The EAM held conversation with Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and thanked Singapore for steering ASEAN-India relations. The Foreign Minister also met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. He congratulated her stint as Foreign Minister and appreciated her contribution towards India-Indonesia and India-ASEAN relations. Jaishankar met Malaysian Foreign Minister, Mohamad Haji Hasan, and discussed the initiatives in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The ministers also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common interest and concern. (ANI)
Concerns are escalating within Pakistan's financial sector as negotiations with Chinese authorities over rescheduling energy sector loans have encountered complications, Dawn reported. On Friday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Pan Gongsheng, the governor of China's central bank, to discuss bilateral financial cooperation, according to a statement from the People's Bank of China. Aurangzeb, who arrived in Beijing on Thursday, is in talks about relief for Pakistan's power sector debt, alongside proposed structural reforms recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The outcome of these discussions is causing significant anxiety among stakeholders, who worry about potential impacts on foreign investment and exchange rate stability if the negotiations do not proceed favourably, as reported by Dawn. A senior banker closely following the situation expressed doubt about the negotiations, saying, "We believe China will not outright reject Pakistan's request to reschedule energy sector loans, but the final outcome appears bleak." This sentiment reflects China's initial reluctance to address the issue, which delayed the meeting and indicated their reluctance to discuss the energy loans. China has long been Pakistan's largest foreign investor, with Hong Kong's investments also playing a crucial role. Despite a decline in Chinese investments, they remain the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Pakistan in FY24. Combined investments from China and Hong Kong accounted for nearly half of Pakistan's total FDI inflows, which grew by 17 per cent to USD 1.9 billion. Of this, China contributed USD 568 million and Hong Kong USD 338 million, totaling USD 906 million. SS Iqbal, a senior banker, noted, "Our dependency on China has increased as we negotiate to reschedule USD 15bn in energy sector loans, receive the highest FDI from China, and rely on them as our largest trade partner." He added that China has also been instrumental in providing loans or rescheduling payments to bolster Pakistan's reserves. On March 23, 2018, the People's Bank of China signed an agreement with the State Bank of Pakistan to provide a USD 2 billion loan via China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) to support Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves. This loan has been rolled over annually since 2018, with the latest extension occurring on February 29, 2024, extending it for another year. Iqbal highlighted an additional concern, noting, "While China has supported our reserves, the State Bank stopped a USD 1.8 billion profit outflow to Chinese investors in FY24." He questioned, "How can the Chinese sit calm and cool with this kind of treatment?" Dawn reported. (ANI)
NASA is grappling with an impending congestion at the International Space Station (ISS) due to recent delays and technical issues involving SpaceX and Boeing, as the space agency works to restore smooth traffic flow to and from the orbiting laboratory, New York Times reported. NASA officials indicated on Friday that the next month is likely to see increased traffic at the ISS. This comes after a period of operational challenges that had temporarily stalled the agency's ability to transport astronauts. However, NASA officials have framed the situation positively, describing the expected congestion as a sign of progress. Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA's space operations mission directorate, remarked during a news conference, "We have never had so many vehicles and so many options. It complicates our lives, but in a really good way." This optimism comes despite a series of recent setbacks that have tested NASA's capacity to manage space station operations effectively. The ISS has seen unusual activity recently, including propulsion issues with a new Boeing spacecraft and an emergency sheltering of astronauts due to debris from a defunct Russian satellite. Additionally, technical problems with spacesuits led to the cancellation of several spacewalks, and SpaceX faced a rocket failure that delayed its ability to transport astronauts. One of the most pressing issues involves Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which is currently docked at the ISS with two NASA astronauts on board. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been on an extended mission due to technical problems with Starliner's propulsion system, are expected to return to Earth soon. Their mission was originally scheduled to be shorter, but engineers have needed additional time to resolve issues with the spacecraft's propulsion system, which had malfunctioned during its approach for docking in June, according to New York Times. The plan moving forward is to prioritise the return of the Starliner spacecraft to free up one of the two docking ports at the ISS. Dana Weigel, the programme manager for the ISS at NASA, explained, "I've got to take off a vehicle. And so our plan is undock Starliner first to free up a port." The next SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, Crew-9, is set to launch no earlier than August 18. This mission, which will carry four astronauts for a six-month stay at the space station, will be the ninth such mission for SpaceX. Following Crew-9's arrival, another Crew Dragon currently docked at the ISS will return four of the station's current occupants to Earth, completing their six-month mission. Before the Crew-9 launch, NASA and Boeing officials are focused on resolving issues with Starliner. Recent assessments revealed that the spacecraft's propulsion system experienced overheating issues, which affected Teflon seals and constrained propellant flow. Tests showed that the buildup of heat in the thrusters caused these seals to bulge, impacting performance. Additionally, degradation in the helium system's seals, caused by exposure to propellant vapour, was discovered in a test version of the Starliner service module. The challenges with Starliner are part of a broader set of issues for Boeing, which has faced scrutiny over the spacecraft's performance. Despite these setbacks, NASA and Boeing officials have assured that there is no danger to the astronauts on board. The ongoing analysis aims to ensure that future missions will be free of such problems. Steve Stich, programme manager of NASA's commercial crew programme, and Mark Nappi, who leads the Starliner efforts at Boeing, reported progress in understanding the spacecraft's propulsion problems. They are hopeful that the technical fixes will address the issues effectively. In addition to the Starliner challenges, SpaceX encountered its own problems. On July 11, during a routine launch of Starlink satellites, the second stage of a Falcon 9 rocket suffered a liquid oxygen leak, resulting in the satellites being deployed into the wrong orbit. This incident marked the first failure of a Falcon 9 rocket since 2016, breaking a streak of over 300 successful flights. SpaceX has since identified the issue as related to a pressure sensor line used for liquid oxygen. The company is working on a short-term fix, which involves removing the problematic line and sensor. On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted SpaceX permission to resume Falcon 9 launches after concluding that the failure did not pose a public safety risk. The next Falcon 9 launch is scheduled for Saturday at 12:21 a.m. Eastern Time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. NASA is coordinating closely with SpaceX to ensure that the design fixes for the rocket will ensure the safety of astronauts on future Crew Dragon missions. The agency's efforts are focused on addressing any technical issues to avoid further delays in astronaut transport. As for Starliner, the spacecraft faces a critical test this weekend. Its thrusters will undergo a brief firing test to evaluate their performance and check if helium leaks have worsened. A successful test will lead to a final review by NASA before approving Starliner's return to Earth, New York Times reported. (ANI)
Jaishankar said that he discussed the bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global issues.

In a post on X, he said, "Met with FM @HakanFidan of Turkiye on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Vientiane. Discussed our bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global issues."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1817054958191087884

Jaishankar on Saturday said that he had called on the Prime Minister of Laos and during their meeting, he had taken up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centres.

Jaishankar also discussed relief and rescue of Indians with the foreign ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.

In a post on X, he said, "During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers. Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens. Also discussed the matter with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1817033858740813896

On the sidelines of ASEAN events in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday, Jaishankar held meetings with his counterparts from South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the European Union.

The EAM met with Cho Tae-yul, the Foreign Minister of South Korea and held a wide ranging conversation on Special Strategic Partnership.

He also met with Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The leaders discussed enhancing the India-EU ties in areas of trade, clean energy transition and advanced technologies.

The EAM held conversation with Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and thanked Singapore for steering ASEAN-India relations.

The Foreign Minister also met Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. He congratulated her stint as Foreign Minister and appreciated her contribution towards India-Indonesia and India-ASEAN relations.

Jaishankar met Malaysian Foreign Minister, Mohamad Haji Hasan, and discussed the initiatives in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

The ministers also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common interest and concern. (ANI)
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has detailed the ongoing resilience and determination of the Baloch people in their support for the Baloch National Gathering. The BYC urged the Baloch people to thoroughly prepare for their participation in the Raaji Muchi. The BYC stated, "Despite efforts, the state failed to stop a massive number of people from joining the caravans of the Baloch Raaji Muchi. A huge number of participants departed from Nushki, heading towards Gwadar. The Baloch Raaji Muchi continues to grow, demonstrating the people's determination to participate despite challenges." The BYC said that as a part of the Baloch Raaji Muchi movement, the caravan from Chagi district has commenced its journey towards Gwadar, marking another significant step in the movement's expansion. BYC stated, "The caravan of Baloch Raji Muchi departs from Chagi District towards Gwadar. The caravans from Dalbandin and Mashky have reached Karan, from where they will depart for Basima tomorrow. Despite constant harassment and intimidation by the state, the Baloch are determined to join the historic Baloch Raji Muchi. The state is brutally involved in the Baloch genocide and denies any right to protest against this genocide". https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1817085788997275823?t=orAVuPHCGfydNppM-QjaZw&s=08 They emphasized that despite any obstacle, the Baloch community will travel to Gwadar and take part in the national gathering. The Baloch National Gathering, set for July 28, will be a pivotal event aimed at uniting Baloch leaders, activists, and supporters to showcase solidarity and advocate for the rights and aspirations of the Baloch people. This gathering will serve as a platform to discuss key issues related to the Baloch quest for self-determination and autonomy. During the event, leaders and representatives are expected to issue statements and resolutions that will outline their demands and future plans, sending a clear message to both national governments and international organizations about the Baloch people's goals. Enforced disappearances are a major concern, with individuals being abducted by state or affiliated actors without formal charges, leaving families in distressing uncertainty and often exposing the Baloch people to severe torture. Extrajudicial killings further exacerbate the situation, with activists and dissenters being targeted and killed without due process, fostering widespread fear and suppressing opposition. Arbitrary detentions are also frequent, with individuals being held without legal basis. The suppression of free speech, including harassment and censorship of journalists and activists, stifles public discourse and accountability. (ANI)
A Karachi woman was allegedly murdered by her brothers on Friday as she wanted to get married for the third time, Pakistan-based ARY News reported, citing police reports. Police said that the woman, who was allegedly slain, had previously lost two of her husbands and had expressed her desire to get married for the third time, ARY News reported, citing police reports. This irked her brothers, all residents of Bahadurbad in Karachi, who killed her after an argument. The woman is survived by eight children, ARY News reported, citing police reports. The police found 30 bore pistol and two shells from the crime scene. A police official said that further investigations are on as per , ARY News reported. Earlier that day in Gul Town, a woman's legs were chopped by her father and uncles for filing divorce to end an abusive marriage, Geo News reported The woman, named Sobia Batool Shah, told police that her legs were chopped for seeking a divorce from her abusive and deadbeat husband, who never took responsibility for his family. The deeply disturbing act of violence left the victim with severe physical as well as mental trauma, which may result in a lifelong disability--with the possibility that she may never be able to walk again, according to Geo News Reportedly, Syed Mustafa Shah, Sobia's father, and her uncles Syed Qurban Shah, Ehsan Shah, Shah Nawaz, and Mushtaq Shah, who were armed with axes, injured Sobia and fled the spot, leaving her screaming for help in a pool of blood. Sobia was rushed to a Nawab Shah hospital as soon as police reached the crime scene. The woman further told police that her husband would regularly abuse her and fail to provide for her and their two children, leaving her to suffer on her own in Karachi. After deciding to escape her abusive marriage, Sobia filed for divorce, which incited her father and uncles to confront her. (ANI)
Gilgit Baltistan, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, remains largely inaccessible to both tourists and locals due to poor road connectivity. For decades, the administration in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) has neglected infrastructure development, leading to growing frustration among residents over the deteriorating roads and overall poor infrastructure. Asif Gohar, a restaurant owner in the region, highlighted the severe impact of dilapidated roads, inadequate transportation, and poor network connectivity on tourism. "Currently, the issues we are facing are primarily related to the roads and the poor facilities in hotels. We made the same request to the previous government as well. Roads and hotels are our basic needs. The tourists coming here have to face many difficulties due to the poor infrastructure, including road conditions. Many tourists who visit once say that it will be difficult for them to return because of the road conditions," Gohar said. Gilgit Baltistan, despite its potential as a major tourist destination, sees limited visitors due to these challenges. Gohar believes that if the government addresses these infrastructure issues, the region could retain 100 percent of its tourism. "Gilgit Baltistan is known for its tourism, and if the government improves the roads and other facilities, 100 percent of the tourism will remain here. No one from Pakistan will go to Switzerland, London, or Paris; everyone will head to Gilgit Baltistan. The reason is that tourists face a lot of difficulties due to the road conditions, which is why they are not coming. If the government focuses on this issue and works on it, all tourism will be directed towards Gilgit Baltistan," he added. Local residents have long criticized politicians for making hollow promises of development during election campaigns, only to fail in delivering tangible improvements. This lack of action from the government has adversely affected all sections of society in Gilgit Baltistan. The region's economic potential remains untapped due to this chronic neglect. As the community continues to raise its voice for better infrastructure, it remains to be seen whether the administration will finally heed their demands and take concrete steps to improve the situation. (ANI)
The East Turkistan National Movement (ETNM) declared that China's severe repression of Uyghurs in East Turkistan will not deter the region's quest for independence. On the contrary, ETNM said that Beijing's harsh policies of colonization and suppression are only fortifying the resolve of the East Turkistani people. The ETNM on social media platform X, asserted, "China's ruthless Uyghur genocide in occupied East Turkistan will fail to prevent East Turkistan's independence. Instead, China's brutal campaign of colonization, genocide, and occupation only fuels the unwavering determination and resilience of the East Turkistani people, strengthening their resolve to reclaim their independence and liberty. East Turkistan will rise again! Independence is inevitable!" https://x.com/ETNational/status/1816859017232240962?t=4xHRpaQLsbmhhvz5Np4U9A&s=08 The East Turkistan National Movement (ETNM), is a non-profit organization dedicated to human rights and political advocacy. It was established in Washington DC in June 2017 by Salih Hudayar, a Uyghur American consultant and graduate student. East Turkistan is a name used historically, and by many advocacy groups to refer to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Reports on human rights violations in Xinjiang highlight a range of severe abuses against Uyghur Muslims and other minority groups. According to investigations by human rights organizations and international media, over one million Uyghurs have been detained in so-called "re-education camps" or "vocational training centres" that the Chinese government describes as measures to combat extremism. Cultural and religious repression is evident through the destruction of Uyghur mosques and cemeteries, as well as restrictions on religious practices. Recently, in a groundbreaking ruling, the Court of the Citizens of the World (CCW) delivered a verdict against China for its alleged perpetration of genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang (East Turkistan) and Tibet. The tribunal, convened in the Hague, Netherlands, from July 8-12, marked a significant moment in international justice as it addressed accusations of systematic atrocities committed by Beijing. Representatives of the East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE), speaking on behalf of the Uyghur and Tibetan communities, had welcomed the tribunal's decision as a pivotal step towards accountability. ETGE underscored the historical context of East Turkistan as an area with aspirations of independence, now subjected to what they describe as Beijing's relentless campaign to suppress dissent and assimilate the region into a unified Chinese nation. (ANI)
Pakistan's right-wing party Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman issued a stern warning to the government on Saturday, threatening to expand their ongoing sit-in protest in Rawalpindi to other areas of the country if demands regarding increased electricity bills and taxes are not met, as reported by Dawn. According to reports, the sit-in, which is currently taking place at Liaquat Bagh, could see further escalation if the government does not respond to the demands. The news report quoted Rehman saying, "If the government is thinking that the sit-in would continue on Murree Road only, it is wishful thinking. If they do not reduce electricity bills in a genuine manner, do not address the matter of IPPs (independent power producers), and do not revoke the [tax] slab on the salaried class, then this sit-in would not remain limited to here; it would spread further to the entire country." Rehman criticized the government's handling of the economic situation, noting that even industrialists are struggling to pay their electricity bills. "I met traders and industrialists here in the past week and they lamented, 'we are at our limits and cannot run our factories anymore,'" Rehman said, as reported by Dawn. He highlighted the broader economic impact, pointing out that the closure of a single factory results in thousands of people losing their jobs. The government had earlier convinced the JI to relocate its protest from D-Chowk in the Red Zone to Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, following negotiations with the JI leadership. Despite the move, Rehman reiterated his party's demands, emphasizing the need for genuine reductions in electricity bills, proper negotiations with power producers, and the removal of recent tax burdens on the salaried class. He also called for the release of all arrested workers and an official clarification on the formation of a committee to hold talks with the party. The current spike in electricity bills in Pakistan is a direct consequence of the nation's agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As part of a contentious and drawn-out negotiation, the IMF demanded that Pakistan boost its tax revenues and increase power tariffs to secure the financial deal. This move has further burdened the already struggling population, igniting widespread dissatisfaction and protests. (ANI)
Pakistani forces have intensified their crackdown on organizers and volunteers who are gearing up for the 'Baloch Raaji Muchi' (Baloch National Gathering) set for July 28 in Pakistan's Gwadar, The Balochistan Post reported. The report highlights that several individuals were detained in the Mangochar tehsil of Kalat district during raids ordered by the Deputy Commissioner of Kalat. Those arrested include Amanullah Longove, Abdul Ahad Longove, and Abrar Ahmed Longove, who have been moved to the local police station. Additional arrests in Kalat have been reported, though they are not yet confirmed. The report noted that Shoaib Jatak, Mubarak Jatak, and Usama Jatak were detained in Quetta's Mangochar tehsil of the Lore Karez area and taken to a police station. Another individual, a driver named Sattar Qambarani, was also arrested, but his current location is reportedly unknown. Furthermore, two individuals, Hafiz Aslam and Amir Rodeni, were detained from their home in Lore Karez on Thursday night and are currently missing. According to the report, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and the Balochistan police had previously declared their intent to use strong measures to disrupt the 'Baloch Raaji Muchi' movement. This has resulted in numerous detentions, road blockages, and disruptions to convoys heading to the event, The Balochistan Post reported. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) condemned the state's actions against peaceful participants and warned that the government would be held responsible for any harm. They called for the immediate release of their detained members. However, despite these attempts to hinder the movement, mobilization efforts for the gathering are being done. In a recent update on X, the BYC highlighted the unwavering determination of the Baloch people to participate in the event, with large numbers departing from Nushki and Chagi district towards Gwadar. The Baloch issue in Pakistan is marked by a series of human rights violations that include enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, and suppression of free speech. (ANI)
Pakistani security forces have escalated their crackdown to suppress organizers and volunteers ahead of the 'Baloch Raaji Muchi' (Baloch National Gathering), scheduled for July 28 in Gwadar. The heightened crackdown has sparked outrage and calls for resistance from Baloch activists. In a recent update on social media platform X, the Baloch Yakjeti Committee (BYC), a human rights advocacy group, reported a violent confrontation involving Pakistani forces. According to the BYC, the military fired upon a convoy travelling from Quetta to Mastung, where participants were en route to the Baloch National Gathering. "The state's murderous army fired directly at the Quetta convoy going to participate in the Baloch Raji Machi at Mastung. The Baloch Solidarity Committee appeals to the entire Baloch nation that people from all over Balochistan should leave their homes and march towards Gwadar. Wherever there is an attempt to stop it, shut down the entire Balochistan by staging a dharna," the BYC stated. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1817184832478118039 In another post, the BYC accused state forces of extreme measures, "State forces have lost their minds and are running wild and crazy. Just now in Mastung, the genocidal force F.C. fired indiscriminately, injuring many innocent participants of the national gathering. They are brutally suppressing the peaceful participants of the #BalochNationalGathering." The BYC reported that hundreds of civilians have been forcibly abducted, and mobile and network services have been blocked as part of the crackdown. The organization condemned these actions as crimes against humanity and called for international attention. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1817188916224459245 The escalating crackdown includes raids on homes, arbitrary detentions, and severe restrictions on communications. These measures have been condemned by the BYC as a blatant attempt to stifle peaceful participation in the Baloch National Gathering. As the gathering approaches, the situation in Gwadar and surrounding areas remains tense. The Baloch National Gathering aims to unite Baloch leaders and supporters to advocate for their rights and discuss their aspirations for self-determination. The event is seen as a critical platform for addressing grievances and formulating future strategies. (ANI)
In a post on X on Saturday, Jaishankar said, "Glad to launch the Common Yoga Protocol in Lao language developed by Art of Living Chapter in Vientiane."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1817169801632223451

"Appreciate the efforts of our Lao friends and AOL for making Yoga more accessible, representing the real spirit of #InternationalDayOfYoga," he added.

Earlier, Jaishankar met his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings discussed the bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global issues.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Met with FM @HakanFidan of Turkiye on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Vientiane. Discussed our bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global issues."

Jaishankar called on Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone as well and raised the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centres.

In a post on X, he said, "During my call on the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, took up the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers. Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of Lao PDR government in the rescue and relief of our citizens. Also discussed the matter with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand."

On the sidelines of ASEAN events in Vientiane, Laos, on Friday, Jaishankar held meetings with his counterparts from South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the European Union. (ANI)
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has expressed solidarity with Baloch Yakjehti Committee and others who are opposing state oppression and called on the Pakistan government to end the crackdown against the peaceful gathering organised by Baloch women against the Baloch genocide by blocking roads, raiding houses, and abducting organisers. Thunberg called the reports from Gwadar "extremely concerning" and called for the release of all forcibly disappeared organisers and other people. In a post on X, Thunberg stated, "Solidarity with @BalochYakjehtiC and others who are opposing state oppression. The Pakistani government must end the crackdown against the peaceful gathering organised by Baloch women against the Baloch genocide by blocking roads, raiding houses, and abducting organisers. The reports from #Gwadar are extremely concerning. The right to resist state repression is a fundamental human right. All forcibly disappeared organisers and others must be released." Her statement comes after reports claimed that Pakistani forces have intensified their crackdown on organizers and volunteers who are gearing up for the 'Baloch Raaji Muchi' (Baloch National Gathering) set for July 28 in Pakistan's Gwadar, The Balochistan Post reported. The report highlighted that several individuals were detained in the Mangochar tehsil of Kalat district during raids ordered by the Deputy Commissioner of Kalat. Those arrested include Amanullah Longove, Abdul Ahad Longove, and Abrar Ahmed Longove, who have been moved to the local police station. Additional arrests in Kalat have been reported, though they are not yet confirmed. The report noted that Shoaib Jatak, Mubarak Jatak, and Usama Jatak were detained in Quetta's Mangochar tehsil of the Lore Karez area and taken to a police station. Another individual, a driver named Sattar Qambarani, was also arrested, but his current location is reportedly unknown. Furthermore, two individuals, Hafiz Aslam and Amir Rodeni, were detained from their home in Lore Karez on Thursday night and are currently missing. According to the report, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and the Balochistan police had previously declared their intent to use strong measures to disrupt the 'Baloch Raaji Muchi' movement. This has resulted in numerous detentions, road blockages, and disruptions to convoys heading to the event, The Balochistan Post reported. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) condemned the state's actions against peaceful participants and warned that the government would be held responsible for any harm. They called for the immediate release of their detained members. However, despite these attempts to hinder the movement, mobilization efforts for the gathering are being done. In a recent update on X, the BYC highlighted the unwavering determination of the Baloch people to participate in the event, with large numbers departing from Nushki and Chagi district towards Gwadar. The Baloch issue in Pakistan is marked by a series of human rights violations that include enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, and suppression of free speech. (ANI)
The human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement, PAANK, issued a strong statement on Saturday, condemning the severe blockade and crackdown imposed by the Pakistani government in the Gwadar district. The organization highlighted a series of human rights abuses, including internet blackouts, extensive military deployments, and the targeting of students and activists. "The entire Gwadar district is under a severe blockade," PAANK stated. "The Pakistani government has imposed an internet blackout, deployed extensive military, plainclothes agents, police, and FC personnel, and blocked all routes to the city to prevent protesters from entering." https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1817166681254375505 According to PAANK, security forces have been conducting raids at homes and student hostels, forcibly disappearing students and Baloch Youth Council (BYC) activists, and filing false FIRs against them. The group warned that these actions, coupled with the internet suspension, suggest the possibility of a significant military operation and the targeted arrest of BYC leadership. PAANK has called for immediate action from international human rights organizations and activists worldwide to address these violations. The statement reads, "We urge international human rights organizations and all HR activists around the globe to act immediately against these abuses." Expressing solidarity with the BYC and the people of Balochistan, particularly Gwadar's residents, PAANK demanded an end to the repression, the restoration of internet access, and respect for the rights of peaceful protesters. The organisation said, "Paank stands in solidarity with BYC and the people of Balochistan, particularly Gwadar's residents, demanding an end to repression, restoration of internet access, and respect for peaceful protesters' rights." On July 28, the Baloch National Gathering aims to unite Baloch leaders, activists, and supporters in solidarity to advocate for their rights and aspirations. It will serve as a key platform to discuss self-determination and autonomy, with leaders expected to issue statements and resolutions outlining their demands and future plans, sending a clear message to national governments and international organizations. The Baloch community has faced severe human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture. State actors abduct individuals without charges, often leading to torture and distress for families. Activists face arbitrary detentions and killings, fostering fear and suppressing dissent. (ANI)
The operation was conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Tank district on Saturday.

The military's media wing issued a statement saying that the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank district on the reported presence of terrorists.

During an intense exchange of fire, four terrorists--involved in numerous terrorist activities, including abduction--were gunned down.

"Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from them," the ISPR added.

The locals appreciated the operation by the security forces, the ISPR stated, as reported by Dawn.

The operation came amid a surge in terrorist activities in Pakistan, especially in KP and Balochistan, since the outlawed militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Earlier on July 16, the Pakistan security forces killed 10 terrorists who attacked Bannu Cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ISPR stated.

According to the military's media wing, the attackers attempted to infiltrate the Bannu cantt but were repelled, leading them to detonate an explosive-laden vehicle against the perimeter wall, reported Dawn.

However, the security forces retaliated strongly and killed all the attackers, while eight personnel were also killed.

Notably, the army's public relations wing further said that the Bannu Cantt attack was planned by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which is operating from Afghan soil. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over Beijing's "destabilising actions" in the South China Sea during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Saturday, reported CNN. Despite the ongoing tensions, the two sought to keep communications open as they met on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Laos. Blinken met with Wang in Laos during a trip to Asia against the backdrop of a fierce US presidential election campaign, which has renewed regional scrutiny over what the world will look like with a new administration in the White House, reported CNN. The two leaders discussed bilateral, regional, and global issues, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement, adding, "The Secretary made clear that the United States, together with our allies and partners, will advance our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific." Blinken, in the meeting, also discussed China's support for Russia's defence industrial base, and warned Yi that the US will take "appropriate measures" if China doesn't end their support, according to Miller. A statement from the Chinese foreign ministry said that Wang told Blinken that the US holds "a wrong perception of China" and urged a return to a "rational and pragmatic China policy." However, according to the statement, the two would keep up communication, as reported by CNN. The first leg of Blinken's week-long visit, which includes stops in Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia, comes amid persistent tensions between the US and China, despite efforts by US President Joe Biden's administration to stabilise rocky relations between the two. In recent years, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as China's increasingly assertive moves in the South China Sea and threats towards Taiwan, have soured the Washington-Beijing relationship. This week, the North American Aerospace Defence Command intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska in what a US defence official said was the first time aircraft from the two countries have been intercepted while operating together, as reported by CNN. Moreover, China's continued support of Russia, in its attempt to invade Ukraine, has been a persistent point of tension for the US, its allies and the Ukrainians. When NATO leaders met this month, a joint declaration labelled Beijing a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war against Ukraine, citing China as giving "large-scale support for Russia's defence industrial base." In recent months, the US and the European Union have accused China of bolstering Russia's defence sector with the export of dual-use goods, and sanctioned dozens of companies in Hong Kong and mainland China for evading the extensive measures imposed on Russia. Beijing, however, has denied supplying weaponry and said that it keeps strict controls on such goods, as reported by CNN. Beijing has sought to position itself as a neutral peace broker in the conflict, despite its deepening political, economic and military ties with Moscow and Chinese leader Xi Jinping's openly close friendship with Russia's Vladimir Putin. Earlier this week, Wang told visiting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba that Beijing "supported all efforts that contribute to peace"--the first time China has hosted a top Ukrainian official since Moscow's invasion began nearly two and a half years ago. However, both Putin and Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov, have been greeted in Beijing multiple times since the invasion, reported CNN. (ANI)
After a brief lull in storms forming in the Atlantic, forecasters are watching a disturbance nearing the eastern Caribbean Sea that could develop while it moves in a general direction over the Caribbean islands.

An area of disturbed weather over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean is forecast to interact with a tropical wave that is approaching that area in the next several days, the National Hurricane Center said. It could develop while it moves toward the Lesser Antilles, the arc of small islands in the far eastern Caribbean, by early next week.

Forecasters said the disturbance is expected to move west-northwest later next week, near the the chain of islands that includes Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. As of 2 p.m. Eastern time Friday, it has a 20% chance of developing in the next seven days.

It is the first disturbance forecasters are watching in the Atlantic since Hurricane Beryl formed in late June.

Earlier this month, Colorado State University experts updated their hurricane season forecast, calling for an even busier season than the already extremely active forecast they earlier predicted.

The next storm to form would be named Chris.
This combo of images provided by the U.S. Department of State show Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a historic leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, left, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, after they were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday, July 25, 2024. | U.S. Department of State, via the Associated Press

Mexican drug kingpin Ismael El Mayo Zambada Garcia, the co-founder and top leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested in El Paso, Texas, on Thursday, the Justice Department said.

The authorities also arrested Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of the now-convicted Mexican drug kingpin El Chapo. Lopez and his brother the little Chapos, or Chapitos, lead a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Fox News reported Lopez cut a deal with the U.S. authorities by turning on El Mayo.

This deal allowed the U.S. authorities to divert the private plane Lopez and El Mayo were on to Texas. Lopez surrendered but El Mayo, who has four arrest warrants outstanding in the U.S., was captured.

El Mayo arrived in court Friday morning and entered a not guilty plea to drug trafficking charges, as The Associated Press reported. Neither he nor his lawyers have issued a comment.

What did Justice Department say about El Mayos arrest?

Justice Department Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said, Both men are facing multiple charges in the United States for leading the Cartels criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks.

He described the Sinaloa Cartel as one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.

Garland said the Justice Department had taken into custody El Chapo, the other co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, and another son of El Chapo, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, an alleged cartel leader.

El Chapo was sentenced to life in prison in 2019. His appeals have been rejected.

Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable, the attorney general said. It is the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

U.S., Mexican governments react to El Mayos arrest

President Joe Biden in a statement praised law enforcement officials who made the arrest and condemned fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.

Too many of our citizens have lost their lives to the scourge of fentanyl. Too many families have been broken and are suffering because of this destructive drug, Biden said. My administration will continue doing everything we can to hold deadly drug traffickers to account and to save American lives.

According to CNN, Mexican officials did not know about this operation and received information about the arrests from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico over the phone. The Mexican government is awaiting more information.

El Mayo is the last of the fugitives on Mexicos 2009 list of 37 most-wanted drug lords.

The U.S. authorities have pursued El Mayo for years. In 2021, the State Department offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.

Zambada Garcia is unique in that he has spent his entire adult life as a major international drug trafficker, yet he has never spent a day in jail, the State Departments wanted page for El Mayo says.

As The Associated Press noted, El Mayo lived in deep fear of being incarcerated.
A U.S. Senate committee is launching an inquiry into the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care System, which runs hospitals in Florida and is already under federal investigation for possible corruption.

And Stewards CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre is in the hot seat.

The Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee voted on Thursday to subpoena the hospital executive to testify in front of Congress in September about the healthcare systems financial crisis.

Senators on the committee say the CEO has ignored requests to voluntarily testify. Now, hell have no choice but to show up or risk a hefty fine and possible jail time.

It is time for Dr. de la Torre to get off of his yacht and explain to Congress the financial chicanery which made him wealthy while the hospitals he managed went bankrupt, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who chairs the committee, said at the start of Thursdays meeting.

A senate committee voted Thursday, July 25, 2024 to subpoena Dr. Ralph de la Torre, the CEO of Steward Health Care System, over the healthcare systems bankruptcy.

Steward Health Care  considered to be the largest physician-owned healthcare network in the U.S with 31 hospitals in the country, including five in South Florida  filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in May with $9 billion in debt. Sanders called the bankruptcy a result of Dr. de la Torres elaborate Ponzi scheme.

Steward Health Care will address the subpoena with the appropriate HELP Committee staff, Steward Health spokesperson Josephine Martin told the Miami Herald Friday in an emailed statement. We understand the desire for increased transparency around our journey and path forward.

She did not answer whether de la Torre plans to attend the Sept. 12 hearing.

What happened in the Senate committee

On Thursday, the Senate committee in a bipartisan vote of 20-1 agreed to launch an investigation into the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care. And for the first time since 1981, the committee voted to issue a subpoena in order to get de la Torre to testify. The subpoena vote was 16-4.

The Senate committees probe comes as Steward Health is also under federal investigation for possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits U.S. citizens and companies from committing bribery and other corruption overseas in order to obtain or retain business. The investigation is related to the public-private partnership Steward made with Malta, an island in Southern Europe, to manage some of its state-run hospitals, according to Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a member of the Senate committee. Steward is under a similar criminal investigation in Malta.

Steward Health has previously told the Miami Herald that it is cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice investigation.

Steward Health Care and its CEO have faced criticism over financial deals and the handling of hospitals, which have languished while Stewards executives made millions. Doctors and nurses at Stewards hospitals have seen cutbacks, layoffs and problems with supplies, equipment and delayed payments to vendors and workers, including in South Florida. Some hospitals have closed.

Steward Health Care has five hospitals in South Florida.

All I can say to Dr. de la Torre is: You cannot treat communities as expendable. You are accountable. Your day of reckoning is going to arrive here on Sept. 12, said Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, a subcommittee chair.

In Florida, Steward owns eight hospitals and five are in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. In South Florida, Stewards hospitals are Palmetto General in Hialeah, Coral Gables Hospital, Hialeah Hospital, Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes and North Shore Medical Center in North Miami-Dade, which is ground zero of Stewards financial crisis. Sanders alluded to North Shores troubles during his speech.

MORE: Why a healthcare giant has slowed care at a Miami hospital, and where it leaves patients

North Shore this year has seen a series of cutbacks and layoffs, including the shutdown of its behavioral health, neonatal and maternity services, as the Miami Herald has reported. The FDA this year also ordered the hospital to stop performing mammograms after a review found images taken in the past two years did not meet image quality standards.

This is not just about Dr. de la Torre. Cerberus, the private equity firm he partnered with, made an $800 million profit from its investments in Steward Health Care. Where did that money go? Sanders said, chiding the executive for purchasing luxury boats and jets while his hospitals struggled financially. Other than Dr. de la Torre, who else benefited financially from these financial schemes? Those are just some of the questions we will be asking.

Private equity vultures are making a fortune by taking over hospitals and leaving them in shambles.



It's time for the CEO of Steward Health Care to get off his yacht and explain to Congress how he got rich while bankrupting the hospitals he manages. https://t.co/2VoBZ1qHqq  Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) July 25, 2024

Steward Health, in its statement to the Miami Herald, doubled down on Stewards decision to voluntarily file for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 and how it is a detailed and public process.

Two independent patient care ombudsman appointed by a bankruptcy court trustee have issued reports concluding that all Steward hospitals are safe for patient care, Martin, the Steward spokesperson, told the Herald by email.

Suzanne Koenig, one of the patient care ombudsman appointed by the U.S. Trustee to represent patients and monitor care at Stewards hospitals in Miami-Dade County and other places, recently filed a report in court describing her visits to the hospitals.

Koenig said that while the hospitals have staffing challenges and broken equipment that need to be replaced or repaired, she does not believe the security, safety or care of the hospitals patients are presently at risk.

The healthcare giant is in the process of trying to sell all of its hospitals, which remain open, to help thin out debt during its Chapter 11 restructuring process. So far, all of its Massachusetts hospitals have reportedly received bids.
The spa and wellness industry in Houston, known for promoting relaxation and self-care, has seen significant growth. This booming industry attracts a diverse clientele seeking various services, from massages to holistic treatments. However, as the industry expands, concerns about the safety of clients and professionals have increased, particularly regarding sexual assault. Addressing this issue is necessary for maintaining customer trust, upholding industry integrity, and ensuring a safe working environment for staff.

To tackle this problem, we will explore the extent of sexual assault cases that necessitate the services of a sexual assault lawyer in Houstons spa and wellness sector. We will discuss the impact on victims, barriers to reporting, and effective preventive measures. Additionally, we will look at the important role industry leaders and policymakers play in driving change.

The Scope of the Issue

In Houstons spa and wellness industry, sexual assault cases have become a serious problem, affecting both customer trust and worker safety. These cases are more common than many realize. Reports show incidents ranging from inappropriate touching to more severe forms of assault, happening in both high-end spas and smaller wellness centers. Victims often hesitate to come forward due to fear of not being believed or damaging their reputation.

The intimate nature of these services makes boundary violations easier. Accurate data is hard to get because of underreporting, but stories and informal surveys show the problem is widespread. To tackle this issue, we need better safety protocols, employee training, and active involvement from industry leaders and policymakers.

The Impact on Victims

For those who suffer sexual assault in Houstons spa and wellness industry, the aftermath can be deeply devastating. The psychological and emotional scars can be as harmful as the physical injuries. Initially, victims may feel shock, fear, and a profound sense of violation. Over time, these feelings can develop into lasting issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Physical effects can range from minor injuries to significant trauma, making recovery even harder.

The impact affects personal relationships, career prospects, and overall well-being. Addressing these consequences requires immediate and ongoing support, not just for the individuals recovery but also for community safety. Timely and effective responses from both the industry and support networks are essential for creating a safer environment and helping victims heal.

Challenges in Reporting and Addressing Complaints

Barriers to reporting assaults in the spa and wellness industry are varied, often leaving victims feeling isolated and unheard. Organizational challenges, such as poor reporting systems and fear of retaliation, create environments where complaints are mishandled or ignored.

Socially, stigma and victim-blaming can discourage survivors from speaking out, as they fear judgment and further marginalization. Individually, the emotional toll, including feelings of shame and powerlessness, makes reporting even harder. These layers not only hinder the justice process but also create a climate where accountability is rare. Its important to identify and remove these barriers to create a supportive and responsive system for addressing complaints.

Preventative Measures and Best Practices

Preventative measures and best practices are a must for protecting both clients and employees in the spa and wellness industry. Effective strategies start with thorough staff training to educate team members on appropriate conduct, consent, and recognizing signs of distress. Developing clear protocols for reporting incidents, handling complaints, and protecting privacy is also necessary. Installing surveillance cameras in public areas and maintaining open communication lines adds extra protection.

Providing clients with detailed information about their visit can reduce anxiety and foster security. Creating a workplace culture that values respect and accountability further reduces risks and promotes a safer environment. These strategies not only protect everyone involved but also uphold the integrity and trust necessary for the industrys success.

The Job of Industry Leaders and Policy Makers

Industry leaders and policymakers are central in driving change in the spa and wellness sector, especially in fighting sexual assault. Advocacy is a must; leaders must actively support and prioritize safety reforms to build a culture of respect and protection. Policy reform is equally importantpolicymakers can establish regulations requiring strict safety protocols and reporting systems.

By committing to these measures across the industry, leaders and policymakers can create a secure environment for clients and employees. These efforts need continuous advocacy and clear policies that enhance accountability and transparency. The combined efforts of these key figures are vital in combating sexual assault and fostering a safer, more ethical industry.

A safer spa and wellness industry in Houston requires a united effort from everyone involved. By understanding the scope of sexual assault cases, supporting victims, and breaking down reporting barriers, we can make significant strides in safety and accountability. Implementing robust preventative measures and best practices will protect both clients and employees. With the committed involvement of industry leaders and policymakers, we can create an environment of respect and trust. Together, we can ensure the industry remains a place of relaxation and well-being, free from the threat of sexual assault.
By Henry Umoru, Abuja

The Senate mourns the death of Senator Ifeanyi Uba, APC, Anambra South, describing him as an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents.

A statement on Saturday by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramody, APC, Ekiti South, read, It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Nigeria Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who until his passing represented the Anambra South Senatorial District.

Senator Uba was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents. His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large.

Prior to his illustrious career in public service, Senator Ifeanyi Uba distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. As the founder and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he made substantial contributions to Nigerias energy sector, fostering economic growth and creating numerous job opportunities. Through the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation, his philanthropic endeavors provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged, profoundly impacting countless lives.

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Uba demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole. He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.

In expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, remarked, Senator Ifeanyi Uba was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation. His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

The Nigeria Senate extends our deepest sympathies to Senator Ubas family, friends, and constituents. We also offer our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Anambra State. We pray that they find strength and solace in the legacy of service and dedication he leaves behind. His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to our nations progress will continue to inspire us all.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Whether the luck of the Irish was with them or if a divine power intervened, emergency personnel are thankful that no injuries were reported in an explosion that rocked ONeill before sunrise on Monday.
WAYNE  Two Wayne State College students made history at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Student Auditions semifinals when they advanced beyond the preliminary stage of the national competition in June in Knoxville, Tennessee.
A report by FSD Africa, a UK-funded development agency, found that a greener economy in Africa could create 3.3 million jobs by 2030, mainly in the renewable energy sector.

The report focuses on five countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, where approximately 60% of green economy jobs will be skilled or white-collar positions, contributing to middle-class growth.

Renewable energy will account for 70% of these jobs, with solar power and hydropower playing significant roles.

The report advocated stronger investment by policymakers in green industry training to formalize economies and improve social inclusion.

To meet climate and energy access development goals, investments need to more than double to over 155bn a year by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the African Development Bank.
Morocco and China have discussed at a meeting in Beijing earlier this week their cooperation in nuclear safety, in a step towards bolstering international nuclear safety standards.

The meeting brought together the Director General of the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR), Said Mouline, and Chinese Vice-Minister of Ecology and Environment and head of the National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA), Dong Baotong.

The meeting focused on the implementation of a previously signed cooperation agreement between AMSSNuR and the NNSA. The agreement aims to enhance bilateral collaboration in nuclear safety and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between Morocco and China.

During the discussions, Mouline underscored the critical importance of this partnership for Morocco. He highlighted the potential for developing technical capacities and establishing best practices in nuclear regulation within the country. Mouline expressed his desire for a swift implementation of the planned initiatives under the agreement to maximize the strategic benefits for both nations.

On his part, Dong reaffirmed Chinas commitment to supporting Moroccos efforts in strengthening nuclear safety. He emphasized the mutual benefits of this partnership and expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of the collaboration.

This meeting represents an important milestone in the enhancement of relations between Morocco and Chinaand opens new avenues for future joint projects aimed at ensuring the peaceful and secure use of nuclear energy, he said.

AMSSNuR chief Said Mouline was visiting Beijing to take part in the annual meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agencys (IAEA) Collaborating Centers, held July 17-19.

The event that brought together representatives from Brazil, Hungary, Japan, Jordan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, Russia, Thailand and Tajikistan, discussed means of strengthening cooperation between the Collaborating Centers in the field of nuclear safety.

At the meeting, the AMSSNuR presented its achievements within the framework of its mandate as a Collaborating Centre, as well as its future plans for continuing to strengthen nuclear security.

Mouline, who is also Chairman of the Global Nuclear Safety and Security Network (GNSSN), underlined the key role these institutions play in strengthening nuclear safety on the African continent and at the international scale.

Moulines participation in this annual meeting in Beijing reflects AMSSNuRs commitment to working closely with the IAEA and its Collaborating Centers to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful use of ionizing radiation.
King Mohammed VI has always supported the Palestinian cause and Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to establish their independent State with Al-Quds Asharif as its capital  a State living in peace and security alongside the State of Israel.

Since his accession to the throne in 1999, the Monarch, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, has continuously defended the Palestinian cause placing it at the top of the Kingdoms priorities, denounced the Judaization campaign in the Holy City and repeatedly called for the protection of its historic characteristics as a place of religious tolerance and coexistence.

The Al-Quds Appeal, signed by the King, Commander of the Faithful, and His Holiness Pope Francis during the visit he paid to Morocco in March 2019, confirms the Sovereigns unwavering supportive stand with the Palestinian cause.

The Al-Quds Appeal calls for preserving the identity and the spiritual dimension of the Holy city as a common heritage of humanity and a land of peaceful coexistence for the followers of the three monotheistic religions.

On several occasions, the King has voiced his total rejection of all unilateral measures affecting the legal and historical status of Al-Quds Asharif, called for de-escalating violence in the Middle East region and affirmed that the two-state solution is the only way to ensure a lasting and comprehensive peace, through the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

During latest Arab and Islamic summits convened following the brutal Israeli aggressions against Gazans, the Monarch reiterated urgent calls for an immediate, sustainable and comprehensive end to these unprecedented acts of aggression, and for allowing unfettered access of humanitarian aid to the entire Gaza Strip.

He also recalled the humanitarian and medical assistance delivered directly to Gazans and to al-Quds inhabitants as well as the support provided by Bayt Mal al-Quds Agency to Maqdissis and some hospitals.

The Gaza Strip is part of the unified Palestinian territories, which must enjoy peace and independence, in keeping with a two-state solution and in accordance with international resolutions, had said the Moroccan Sovereign.

Countless royal initiatives have been launched to alleviate the sufferings of the Palestinian people. In 2009, Morocco sent humanitarian relief to Gaza inhabitants and received 200 wounded who benefited from necessary medical care. Three years later, the Kingdom deployed a field hospital in the Gaza Strip.

In 2018, another medical & surgical field hospital of the Royal Armed Forces was deployed in Gaza. In 2022, thanks to Moroccos direct mediation, under the royal leadership, the Israeli authorities opened the Allenby/King Hussein border crossing, linking the West Bank and Jordan.

Upon royal instructions, Morocco sent last March large quantities of humanitarian aid directly to Gazans and Al-Quds population, in coordination with the Egyptian authorities  via the Rafah crossing.

Four months later, the North African Kingdom sent 40 tons of medical aid to Gazans. The aid includes surgery equipment and supplies to treat burns and fractures as well as medicine for children. Like the previous relief operations sent to Palestinians, a large part of the aid was paid by the King from his personal funds.

For its part, Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency, an offshoot of the Al Quds Committee, has continued to support the Holy City through a large number of educational, social, housing, cultural projects benefiting Palestinian populations since its creation in 1998.

These projects contribute to improving the living conditions of Maqdissi inhabitants, strengthen their resistance and help them maintain services of several institutions in the Holy City.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump on Friday at his Mar-a-Lago Florida home where the former president warned him that there could be World War 3 if he isn't reelected.

Trump briefly permitted reporters to enter the meeting. When asked about the potential nature of a working relationship with Israel in a second Trump administration, he hinted that the current U.S. leadership might result in a "third world war," according to the New York Times.

"We'll see how it goes," Trump said during the meeting. "If we win, it will be very simple. It's all going to work out and very quickly. If we don't we're all going to end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war. You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time during the second world war. You've never been so close because you have incompetent people running our country," as reported by CBS News.

Prior to the meeting, Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were greeted at the door by Trump upon their arrival.

"Come on in, nice to see you," Trump said as they posed for photographs.

    ,    pic.twitter.com/mfXt0vfiPp  Benjamin Netanyahu -   (@netanyahu) July 26, 2024

Netanyahu, who posted video and photos of the meeting on social media, presented the former president with a framed photo of a child that is being held captive in Gaza, the Associated Press reported.

The prime minister told Trump that the child's grandfather wanted Trump to have it.

"We'll get that taken care of," Trump replied, with both of them posing with the photo.

Netanyahu traveled to Florida just days after he addressed Congress and described Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza as a "clash between barbarism and civilization."

He urged the legislators to continue to support Israel in the speech that was marred by protesters on Capitol Hill burning American flags and writing pro-Hamas graffiti.

"For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together. Because when we stand together, something very simple happens: We win, they lose," he said.

During his speech, Netanyahu also praised President Joe Biden for his support.

"I thank President Biden for his heart-felt support for Israel. After the savage attack on Oct. 7, he rightly called Hamas 'sheer evil.' He dispatched two aircraft carriers to the Middle East to deter a wider war, and he came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour, a visit that will never be forgotten," Netanyahu said.

While in Washington, D.C., Netanyahu met with Biden in the Oval Office.

He also huddled with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is expected to become the Democratic presidential nominee now that Biden has ended his campaign.
What first lady oversaw restoration of the White House and won an Emmy for her televised White House tour?

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994), born 95 years ago today.

Jacqueline is a medieval feminine form of Jacques, the French equivalent of James and Jacob, from Hebrew supplanter or may God protect.

The most famous early Jacqueline was Jacqueline Countess of Hainaut (1401-1436). Her father William, Count of Hainaut, Zeeland and Holland, proclaimed his only child Jacqueline his heir. When he died in 1417, many refused to recognize a woman as ruler, and civil war with her uncle John began. Fleeing to England, in 1423 she married Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, uncle of boy king Henry VI. When her uncle died in 1425, she returned to Holland, but the Pope annulled her marriage and Jacqueline was forced to abdicate to her cousin Philip in 1433. That allowed her to marry minor nobleman Frank von Borssele, whom she truly loved, two years before she died of tuberculosis.

When 19th-century writers revived medieval names, a few discovered Jacqueline. Samuel Rogers published Jacqueline, about a French girl eloping, in 1814. Thomas Colley Grattans popular novel Jacqueline of Holland, based on Jacqueline of Hainauts life, appeared in 1831.

Only 25 Jacquelines are found in the 1850 U.S. Census. All but two were Southerners, and only one lived in Louisiana, so the name had a literary origin rather than directly reflecting French culture.

In France itself, Jacqueline, common in the 17th century, almost disappeared in the 19th. It came back around 1910. Like many revivals, it first appealed to upper classes. Jacqueline was the No. 1 name for daughters of French aristocrats born between 1915 and 1930. In France as a whole, it peaked at No. 2 in 1935.

In the United States, Jacqueline entered the top thousand list in 1898. Many parents saw it as a feminine for Jack  indeed, Jacqueline Bouviers name honored her father, stockbroker John Black Jack Bouvier.

Jacqueline peaked at 55th in 1950. It ranked only 111th in 1959.

Jackie Kennedys huge popularity skyrocketed the name. It soared to 37th in 1961. It dropped in 1962 and 1963, leaping back to 37th in 1964 after John F. Kennedys assassination made his widow the exemplar of strength in the midst of tragedy.

Jacqueline has many alternate spellings. Some are linked to pop culture phenomena. Jaclyn, which had been rare, exploded when Jaclyn Smith (born 1945) became an overnight star playing detective Kelly Garrett on Charlies Angels (1976-1981). Smith caused a smaller but noticeable increase in both Jacqueline and Jaclyn when she played the First Lady in the TV movie Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in October 1981.

Jacklyn increased in 1978 after actress Jacklyn Zeman (1953-2023) began playing popular hooker-turned-nurse character Bobbie Spencer on soap General Hospital.

In 1999, Jaqueline soared among Latinos when Aracely Arambula played Jaqueline, teen daughter of an evil drug lord, on the telenovela Sonadoras (Dreamers).

Pilot Cochran (1906-1980) was the first woman to break the sound barrier in 1953. Historian Jacqueline Jones (1948) won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in history for No Right to an Honest Living. Fantasy writer Carey (1964), mystery novelist Winspear (1955) and director of Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Stewart (1970) are other accomplished Jacquelines.

Jacqueline fell to 539th on 2023s baby name list. Still, the First Lady will keep it remembered for centuries.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of July 2024
In a lead-up to the second phase of the Homowo Clean-up Exercise, Zoomlion Ghana Limited has donated a large number of safety boots and reflective vests to the Homowo Clean-up Special Task Force of the initiative.



The donation was aimed at enhancing the capacity of members of the task force to effectively execute the initiative aimed at maintaining a clean environment in the Ga State.



The second phase of Homowo clean-up, an initiative of the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Tawiah Teiko Tsuru II, will commence on August 1, 2024. The first phase of the exercise ended on Saturday, July 13, 2024, with the Ga Mantse actively involved.



Zoomlion Ghana Limited made the donation during a one-day seminar organised for the task force, including Asafoatsemei and Environmental Health Officers in Accra on Friday, July 26, 2024.



The seminar was organised by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) in collaboration with the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited.



The training equipped the participants, particularly the Asafoatsemei, with skills to harness their influence, contribute to the clean-up efforts, and demonstrate professionalism through appropriate attire and respectful interactions.



In his remarks to the media, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, who received the donation on behalf of the region, expressed his gratitude to Zoomlion Ghana Limited for their "immense support" towards the clean-up initiative.



I want to thank Zoomlion Ghana for their immense support towards this project, he expressed.



He also seized the opportunity to commend other stakeholders, including the Ga Traditional Council (GTC), the Ministries of Sanitation and Water Resources, Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and various other assemblies, for their contributions to the initiative.



Meanwhile, the Minister has issued a stern warning to traders selling on pavements and walkways in Accra, directing them to relocate to designated stores immediately.



He reminded them that a prior notice had already been served, instructing them to cease operations on pavements and move to allocated stores.



He emphasised that putting an end to pavement trading would significantly contribute to maintaining a clean and tidy environment in Accra.



He explained that the seminar aimed to train the Asafoatsemei on how to conduct themselves during the next phase, noting that they will serve as watchdogs and supervisors, ensuring good moral conduct.





He also appealed to Accra communities to cooperate and participate in the second phase by adopting proper waste disposal practices and regularly cleaning their surroundings.



Hon. Titus Glover explained that the Asafoatsemei were selected to prevent political interference and ensure impartiality.



He emphasised that the initiative goes beyond the upcoming Homowo festival, aiming for long-term sustainability, with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) tasked with ensuring its continuation.



The Chairman of the Homowo Cleanup Exercise, Hon. Ebenezer Nartey, highlighted the importance of the Asafoatsemeis role in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring community participation.



"We rely on your leadership and influence to drive this initiative forward," he stated.



He indicated that the RCC and Zoomlion have resolved several challenges noticed during the first phase of the clean-up exercise, paving the way for a successful second phase.



With the trained Asafoatse leaders at the helm, the Homowo clean-up exercise is poised to make a significant impact on the cleanliness and beauty of the Ga State, he said.



For his part, the Greater Accra Zoomlion General Manager, Mr. Ernest Morgan Acquah, emphasised the crucial role of the Asafoatsemei in the clean-up exercise.



He outlined their responsibilities, including supervising households, reporting issues, engaging with the community, and maintaining professionalism.



He stressed the importance for them to respect community members' privacy and avoiding discrimination, and warned that any misbehaviour would result in removal from the team.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance said he's "sympathetic" to a federal law banning women from traveling for an out-of-state abortion in a newly resurfaced clip.

Speaking with hosts Aimee Terese and Oliver Bateman in 2022 during an appearance on the "What's Left?" podcast, Vance ruminated over the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

"Let's say Roe versus Wade is overruled in Ohio. Ohio bans abortion," Vance pondered months before it was overturned. "And then... every day George Soros sends a 747 to Columbus to load up disproportionately Black women to get them to go have abortions in California. And of course, the left will celebrate this as a victory for diversity."

BREAKING: In a stunning leak, JD Vance is found to be calling for a federal response to stop women from traveling from red states to blue states to receive reproductive healthcare. Retweet so all Americans hear this devastating leak. pic.twitter.com/t9Q4n9dQJL  Kamalas Wins (@harris_wins) July 26, 2024

Vance called the hypothetical situation "really creepy" and said he was "pretty sympathetic" to a federal response preventing women from getting abortions in another state.

The Kamala Harris campaign reposted the now-viral clip on X Thursday, condemning Vance's ideas over women's health as "bad policy."

"JD Vance's obsession with controlling women's most personal health care decisions, from blocking access to IVF, to tracking women's menstrual cycles, to passing a national abortion ban to bar women from traveling to access the care they need, isn't just bad policy  it's creepy, it's unacceptable, and voters won't stand for it," Harris campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika told the HuffPost Friday.

"Women have had enough of the Trump-Vance Project 2025 ticket blocking access to critical health care, and they're going to shut it down this November by sending Vice President Harris to the White House."

Earlier this month, the Ohio senator shifted his staunch federal anti-abortion stance to align with Donald Trump's beliefs the issue should be handled at the state level.

"My view is that Donald Trump is the leader of the Republican Party, and his views on abortion are going to be the views that dominate this party and drive this party forward," Vance during an interview with Fox News, according to CNN.
The High Court in Accra has imposed a fine of 600 penalty units equivalent to GH7,200 on Frank Annoh Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, in the Eastern Region for contempt of court.



The sentencing was delivered by Justice Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku, who described the conduct of the legislator as reprehensible and deserving of more than just a caution.



During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Frank Annoh Dompreh had disrupted the work of Court Bailiffs and Police Officers during an execution task related to disputed lands.



Admitting to the offense, the Nsawam Adoagyiri lawmaker pleaded guilty to the charge of contempt brought against him.



While Justice Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku acknowledged the status of the respondent as a Member of Parliament and a Chief Whip, she emphasized that his actions were contrary to the expected conduct of a public figure in such a position.



Despite considering the possibility of a custodial sentence for the reprehensible conduct, the judge decided to spare the legislator from imprisonment due to his settlement with the applicant and the positive steps taken following the incident.



In her ruling, Justice Abena Oppong Adjin-Doku stated, The court would spare him a custodial sentence in light of the settlement he has reached with the applicant and the good faith he has shown after his reprehensible conduct.



The court also outlined that in default of paying the fine, the respondent would be required to serve a custodial sentence of 30 days.











Source: Vincent Kubi/Dailyguidenetwork









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Seasoned Journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. says Ghana's economy under the Akufo-Addo administration is far worse than when the country was declared a member of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC).



Ghana went under the HIPC programme in 2002 to reduce the country's debt and enhance her development.



In February 2002, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Development Association (IDA) agreed to support a comprehensive debt reduction package for Ghana under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, a report by the World Bank.



Addressing the current economic situation of Ghana while discussing the mid-year budget statement by the Finance Minister on Tuesday, July 23, Kwesi Pratt exclaimed; "We have gone into HIPC before. We were declared HIPC around 2001 and 2002...but the situation now is worse than 2001".



He further argued; "In 2001 when we went into HIPC, at that time, our main concern was that we were spending two-thirds of total export revenue on debt servicing and debt repayment. Look at the situation today, far worse!"



Mr. Pratt added that the debt forgiveness to Ghana as part of measures to boost the economy has little positive impact.



Ghanas Eurobond holders, in June this year, forgave the nation of $4.7 billion of the debt owed them with aim of helping the country to return to its feet.



But to Kwesi Pratt Jnr., government shouldn't pride itself for securing this respite, stressing on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" discussion show that "debt forgiveness is not a solution to the fundamental problems of the economy. It is not, can never be, has never been!"



Watch video below





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Atik Mohammed has rubbished the presidential debate call by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to former President John Dramani Mahama.



The Vice President and presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has thrown the gauntlet to the leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Mr. Mahama, to present himself for a debate aimed at informing Ghanaians about their policies and track records.



But the leadership of the National Democratic Congress has turned down the request.



However, the New Patriotic Party insists the two leaders must come to the debate table.



Discussing the matter during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Atik Mohammed described this call as "needless", stating the approach is an elite practice which has little to no effect on the average Ghanaian.



"If you ask me, it's unnecessary", he told host Nana Yaw Kesseh, arguing "for me, the practice of having debate has limited utility if you ask me to the formation of opinions on candidates...This clamor for debate, I really want to find out what really is the motivation. I keep saying this and I will repeat it again, sometimes, in these things you need to be careful what you wish for".



He charged Dr. Bawumia and Mahama to focus on orienting Ghanaians with their policies.



"Let's keep focusing on the policies that you feel your candidate is going to present to better the lot of the Ghanaian people. This is what, for me, is important but to keep insisting there has to be a debate...this ding-dong is needless. Present your policies; let's juxtapose policy by policy."





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The African Union (AU) has approved President Akufo-Addos proposal for mobile money interoperability throughout Africa, a major step towards economic unification.



This effort aims to facilitate smooth transactions and promote economic integration throughout the continent.



Mobile money interoperability enables traders and customers to make transfers between mobile money accounts held by different mobile money providers



In Accra, Ghana, President Akufo-Addo delivered two reports during the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. Establishment of the African Union Financial Institutions (AUFIs) and Scaling up Interoperability for Economic Integration: Using Mobile Money to Buy and Sell Across Africa.



The AU approved the findings, opening the door for mobile money interoperability to be implemented throughout Africa.



It is anticipated that the implementation of this program will improve Africans quality of life, encourage economic integration, and increase intra-African commerce.



This decision could open up a plethora of economic options for Africa, as the continent accounts for over 70% of worldwide mobile money transactions.



Mobile money interoperability is crucial, according to President Akufo-Addo, who highlighted how it will allow Africans to use their wallets to buy and sell goods and services between member states, fostering economic opportunities and assisting in the fight against youth unemployment.



The African Union has issued a call to action for member states, regional economic communities, and pertinent stakeholders to pledge to accomplish interoperability of mobile money by 2027.



As part of this, all member states will be required to join the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), permit cross-border mobile money interoperability, and create a regulatory framework that will govern mobile money operations across the continent.



The African Unions objective of establishing a single, unified market for Africa is significantly closer to reality with the adoption of mobile money interoperability.



It is anticipated to boost the continents overall economic integration, encourage economic growth, and lower transaction costs.

Source: Asaaseradio.com









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Former US president Donald Trump claimed Friday, July 26 that conflicts in the Middle East could escalate into a third World War if he loses the 2024 election.



The Republican nominee for president made those remarks as he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort home.



Netanyahu traveled to Florida to meet with Trump after meeting with Uas President Biden and presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C., earlier this week, following his Wednesday address to a joint session of Congress. .



At Mar-a-Lago, Trump told reporters that Harris is "worse" on Middle East issues and claimed Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza could expand into a wider regional conflict if she succeeds Biden, who announced Sunday that he would not seek re-election.



"We'll see how it goes. But if it all works out, if we win, it'll be very simple. It's all going to work out. And very quickly," Trump said.



"If we don't, you're going to end up with major wars in the Middle East. And maybe a third World War. You are closer to a third World War right now than at any time since the Second World War. We've never been so close because we have incompetent people running the country."



Trump's remarks come amid a reported diplomatic issue between Harris and Netanyahu which occurred after their meeting Thursday.



In comments after the meeting, Harris said she told the Israeli prime minister that she "will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself, including from Iran and Iran-backed militias such as Hamas and Hezbollah."



"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. And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there," she added, calling for an end to the war and the release of all hostages held in Hamas captivity.



Harris' criticisms of Israel's conduct in the Gaza war reportedly irked Netanyahu, according to Axios. The prime minister has repeatedly said fighting must continue until Hamas is eliminated, even if hostages are released.



Asked about Harris' comments Friday, Netanyahu told reporters Israel still hopes for a cease-fire deal.



"We're trying to get one. And I think, to the extent that Hamas understands that there's no daylight between Israel and the United States, that expedites the deal. And I hope that those comments don't change that," Netanyahu said.



The Mar-a-Lago meeting is the first face-to-face contact Netanyahu has had with Trump since the Republican nominee left the White House in 2020.



Their relationship strained when Netanyahu congratulated President-elect Biden on his victory that year, which prompted Trump to call out the Israeli leader. "I haven't spoken to him since," Trump told Israeli journalist Barak Ravid that year. "F--k him," the former president added.















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The running mate of John Mahama in the 2024 Presidential election, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang has urged Ghanaians to cast their votes and elect a leader who is honest and truthful.



According to her, former President John Dramani Mahama has been tried and tested and he has demonstrated to be truthful urging party faithful to elect him back into power.



Speaking during the launch of the NDC campaign in Tamale on Saturday, July 27, she described Mr Mahama as "a kind of leader, who Ghanaians want."



Ghana needs a truthful and respectful leader in the person of John Dramani Mahama. We have tried him, he has reflected on what is going and he is coming up with new ideas. We are very happy that Mahama did not give up on this country and that he is ready to put himself up to rescue, stabilize, and redeem this country, she said.





Source: graphiconline.com









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Ranking Member of Parliaments Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo, has assured Ghanaians that John Mahama will fix the economic challenges of the country if elected back to power.



Speaking to NDC supporters in Tamale during the launch of the partys campaign, Isaac Adongo said the NDC administration in the past years have been the best government to solve the economic challenges.



According to him, the NDC will not have its President selling off mobile phones to Ghanaian youth instead of solving the countrys economic challenges.



The Bolgatanga Central MP noted that the challenges being faced by Ghanaians goes beyond selling mobile phones to Ghanaians for them to be paying in installments of one cedi and two cedis.



I can assure you that with John Dramani Mahama at the hem, I can assure you that with you are not going to see the Presidency at the Tiptoe lane selling mobile phones for GHC1.00 or GHC2.00.



We will find a solution to fixing the problems of our country and create opportunities for our youth. Let me tell you that the only political party that has the history, of fixing challenging economies in our country is the NDC, he assured.



His comments come on the back of a promise from the Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Bawumia, promising to create a credit scoring system where people can leverage to purchase mobile phones on credit and pay a cedi or two at the end of each month.

Source: 3news.com









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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:

A lunar pit in the Mare Tranquillitatis region. Credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University

Almost 55 years after the launch of Apollo 11the first mission to land humans on the moonscientists have found evidence of a large cave system near the landing site of those astronauts.

Using radar images taken by Nasa's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft in 2010, researchers have been able to determine that huge pits, found in images of the moon, may in fact be "skylights" to large caves and tunnels that sit beneath the lunar surface.

These could be incredibly valuable to future astronauts hoping to settle on the moon, acting as a convenient shelter for a lunar base.

The cave is accessible through a pit in the well-studied Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility). This is a large basin made mostly of basalt. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin touched down in this region on July 20 1969.

While Mare Tranquillitatis isn't likely to be the first place humans try to settle on the moon, the existence of one cave makes the existence of others very likely, so scientists now expect there to be others in locations more suitable for human settlement.

Mare Tranquillitatis isn't scientists' first choice for a human base because it doesn't have one of the other important ingredients needed for survival. There is no ice at the lunar equator and therefore no easy access to water for astronauts to drink, make oxygen from and to split for rocket fuel. This makes the equator great for landing on and visiting, but a poor choice for setting up camp.

Ice is likely to exist at the lunar poles, though, thanks to shade protecting it from the sun's harsh rays. So the poles are our first choice for starting to settle on the moon as it reduces the amount of water we would need to take with us.

The opening being studied here is simply known as the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, and it's one of about 200 known openings on the lunar surface. It was first imaged back in 2010 and suspected to be a pit that led into a cave or tunnel system, but we had no way of confirming this until now.

In a paper published in Nature Astronomy, Leonardo Carrer, from the University of Trento, Italy, and colleagues report evidence that this pit does indeed lead to a cave below, and possibly to a larger system of tunnels and conduits. The Mare Tranquillitatis pit is about 100 meters (330 feet) wide, with steep walls that stretch down between 130 and 170 meters, making it the deepest known lunar pit.

By re-analyzing the radar data and by using computer simulations to reconstruct the pits, scientists were able to determine that a portion of the radar reflected back to the satellite was coming from a subsurface cave conduit that is at least tens of meters long. This suggests that the Mare Tranquillitatis pit leads to an accessible cave below the moon's surface.

Exciting prospect

This discovery is incredibly exciting, not least because it's a promising potential location for future lunar shelters and bases. As well as providing natural shelter from harmful cosmic rays, a cave system also provides a stable temperature.

The lunar surface temperature fluctuates hugely over a period of weeks because of the lack of atmosphere to retain heat. During the lunar day, temperatures can spike at 121C (250F) in sunlight, then plummet to -133C (-208F) after nightfall. The shade of an underground cave system is expected to regulate the temperature to be much more consistent, making building a shelter within them much easier.

Similarly, small asteroids often crash into the moon due to its lack of atmospheric shielding. Being in a shelter that is sturdy enough to survive an impact is important. A cave provides the perfect solution to this.

While having a cave to shelter in might reduce the amount of materials we need to take to the moon to start to settle there and have a long-term human presence, there are still some obstacles to overcome.

For example, the walls of the pit are a sheer drop and are over 100 meters tall, meaning future explorers will need to find a safe way to descend into the caves and ascend when they are exploring the surface.

This could take the form of ladders, or more complicated systems similar to jet packs. Thankfully, though, the lower lunar gravity means this problem is less severe than it would be on Earth. The structural integrity of the caves will also need to be assessed before we move in.

The study also revealed that the underground system could be between 30 to 80 meters (98 to 262 feet) long and around 45 meters (148 feet) wide. This would make it large enough for several "lunar houses." The floor also appears to be flat enough to build on without any major work or preparation.

The most likely cause of lunar caves is that they are old lava tubes. These are tunnels that formed when the moon was still volcanically active millions of years ago. Flowing lava can develop a continuous and hard crust, forming a roof above the still-flowing lava stream. A hollow then exists once the lava stops flowing.

Even better than the cave at Mare Tranquillitatis, would be the discovery of other such structures near either of the lunar poles. Astronauts would then have the best of everythinga shelter against the harsh conditions of the moon and access to the water ice that exists in shadowed craters at the lunar poles. This would be an excellent chance to reduce the cost and difficulty of settling on the moon for a prolonged period.

The fact that we can spot them from space also allows us to plan missions to use these natural shelters. It could mean that future astronauts live in volcanically formed caves on the moon.

More information: Leonardo Carrer et al, Radar evidence of an accessible cave conduit on the Moon below the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, Nature Astronomy (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-024-02302-y Journal information: Nature Astronomy

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

TPI plot and contour map indicating the probable position of the palaeolake demarcated by the blue boundary line. Credit: Journal of Quaternary Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/jqs.3643

Lesotho is a small, land-locked, mountainous country located in the middle of South Africa. Its Eastern Lesotho Highlands are often referred to as the region's "water tower" because they receive some of the highest rainfall amounts in southern Africa, providing water to South Africa and electricity to Lesotho through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Despite this abundance of rainfall, and although the country has many wetland habitats, there are surprisingly few natural lakes. Researchers aren't sure whyand our newly published study provides evidence that this may not always have been the case.

The research took place in a bowl shaped depression on the Mafadi summit, which is at 3,400m above sea level, high along the Great Escarpment in the eastern Lesotho highlands. Small white patches are visible across the landscape.

The patches are diatomite outcrops. Diatomites are consolidated sediments that consist mainly of the remains of fossilized algae called diatoms. These microscopic, single-celled algae are found in nearly all aquatic environments, and they preserve as well as fossils due to their glass-like shells made of silica. Their visible presence alone suggests that surface water systems were once more extensive than they are today.

We investigated the species of diatoms from one of the main diatomite outcrops just downslope from the Mafadi summit, detailing how these species have changed over time. Unlike studies of contemporary wetlands in the region, this core showed very little change until about 150 years ago.

Those changes represent the shift from a lake to the contemporary shallow wetland at the site, and understanding what might have driven them is useful today, since freshwater resources in southern Africa are precious and sensitive to environmental change. If natural lakes were more extensive in the past in Lesotho, especially at altitude, this provides new important context for how freshwater ecosystems have developed over long timescales in this natural resource-rich mountainous country.

What the diatomite reveals

The diatomite we studied is situated along the slope of a bowl-shaped depression; the contemporary wetland situated at the bottom of this depression. The diatomite was characterized by species (such as Staurosirella pinnata, Staurosira construens and Aulacoseira ambigua) that thrive in persistent, surface waters such as lakes.

We then explored three further components: the contemporary topography of the landscape, the contemporary rainfall variability, and the geochemistry of the diatomite from the core, which was done alongside the diatom analysis.

Using the Topographic Position Index, an equation which compares the topography of a pixel to that of its neighbors using remote sensing, we confirmed that the bowl-shaped depression was sufficiently enclosed to feasibly have housed a small lake. Its depth would include the present-day diatomite outcrops. This topography would be necessary to explain how diatoms that have a preferred habitat of standing waters were in such high concentrations.

We also compared the contemporary rainfall at Mafadi to that at Lake Letseng-la Letsie, a natural lake further south near the Ongeluksnek border with South Africa. It was dammed in the 1960s. This data confirmed that the Mafadi lake was hydrologically possible as there is currently more rainfall at Mafadi than at Letseng-la Letsie.

Shifting patterns

So, how long was the lake around for? And where did it go?

We used radiocarbon to date the diatomite. The results indicate that the lake was present on the Mafadi summit from at least 4,000 years ago, until an estimated 150 years ago.

During this time, the diatom flora of the lake was rather stable. However, while the geochemistry of the lake was also stable for most of this time, there was a major geochemical change in the diatomite from around the year 1340 CE, indicative of changing nutrient availability, and perhaps the lake becoming shallower at this time. This shift occurred concurrently with regionally cooler temperatures linked to what's known as the Little Ice Age. Simply put, changes in climate may have played a role in changing environmental conditions on the summit.

We are unable to determine the exact date when the lake disappeared. But the reasons for its disappearance are likely complex.

Unfortunately, long-term precipitation records for the eastern Lesotho highlands are lacking. But we do know that the lake's disappearance about 150 years ago coincided with two major environmental changes. One was global climate change since the start of the Industrial Revolution. The other was regional landscape modification linked to the migration of herders and livestock into the higher reaches of the Maloti mountains, of which Mafadi is part, to find new grazing areas for their livestock.

Pastoralists' use of these mountain ecosystems over the past century through burning and grazing has led to widespread land degradation; soils and wetlands have been extensively eroded. Upland erosion has a negative impact on wetland hydrology. This, together with shifting precipitation patterns, may have led to the lake's final demise.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Maps of initial abundance and distributional center. Credit: Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02449-x

New Zealand was once home to giant flightless birds called moa. They had grown accustomed to life without predators. So the arrival of humans in the mid-13th century presented a massiveand ultimately insurmountablechallenge to their existence.

Moa were unable to cope with even low levels of hunting by people. All nine species of moa were driven to extinction soon after first contact with humans. These moa populations collapsed and disappeared so swiftly it seemed impossible to trace their declines, until now.

In our new research, we reconstructed patterns of population decline, range contraction and extinction for six moa species. We simulated interactions of moa with humans and their surroundings using hundreds of thousands of scenarios. Then we validated these simulations against information from fossils.

We found all six species collapsed and converged on the cold, isolated mountains of New Zealand's North and South Islands. These happen to be the same sites where the last of New Zealand's flightless birds can be found today.

The Polynesian colonization of New Zealand

Oceanic islands tend to be hotspots of biodiversity, harboring some of the most bizarre evolutionary marvels on Earth. They include daisies the size of trees, elephants the size of great Danes, and countless species of flightless birds.

Unfortunately, islands are also hotspots of extinction. This is particularly true for oceanic islands in the Pacific, which were among the last areas on the planet to have been settled and transformed by humanity.

Human expansion across the Pacific began some 4,000 years ago, when people set out on extraordinary sea voyages from Taiwan. They first headed south into the Philippines, and then onto some of the most isolated islands on the planet.

These daring journeys required impressive seafaring vessels and navigational skills to cross thousands of kilometers of open waters.

Migration into central and east Polynesia was the final phase of these ancient voyages. It culminated in the colonization of the New Zealand Archipelago in the mid-13th century by Polynesians, the ancestors of Maori.

People started fires, hunted animals and introduced invasive speciesincluding Pacific rats. Accordingly, New Zealand's unique biodiversity was decimated in one of the largest and most rapid collapses of native wildlife in the Pacific.

Range collapses and extinctions of moa

Moa disappeared within three centuries of human arrival. But they didn't all go at once.

Our research suggests Mantell's moa went first, within just 100 years. Almost another 100 years would pass before the extinction of any other moa species.

Mantell's moa was especially vulnerable to extinction because of its slow population growth rate. Unfortunately, even low but sustained harvesting well exceeded the bird's capacity to reproduce and compensate for these losses.

Other species were slightly more resilient. They benefited from attributes such as higher growth rates, larger ranges, bigger populations or better abilities to live at higher altitudes (far from people).

The stout-legged moa lasted the longest. It finally disappeared some three centuries after human arrival.

Our research suggests all moa disappeared from high-quality lowland habitats first. These were places favored by people.

The rate of population decline then decreased as you go higher into the mountains and further away from the coastline.

It was previously thought the ranges of species under pressure would contract to their optimal or preferred habitats, where they were most abundant, rather than as far away from people as they could get.

Today's flightless birds cling to moa refuges

Our research also took a closer look at the distribution of New Zealand's living flightless birds.

It turns out ancient moa refuges now harbor populations of endangered native flightless birds including the takahe, weka and great spotted kiwi. Moa refuges were also the last mainland habitats for the critically endangered kakapo.

These sites do not provide optimal habitat for living flightless birds either. Rather, they remain the most isolated and relatively untouched by humanity.

While New Zealand's remaining flightless birds are no longer being hunted to extinction, threats to their survival still align with human activity.

Habitat loss and impacts of invasive species follows waves of European settlement across New Zealand, which gradually progressed from lowland sites to the less hospitable, cold and mountainous regions.

Efforts to conserve New Zealand's remaining flightless birds can heed lessons from the ghosts of species past. The sad demise of the moa highlights the immense importance of isolated areas. If we are to prevent future extinctions, we need to protect and preserve these remote, wild places.

Our research also offers a new approach to understanding past extinctions, especially on islands where fossil and archaeological data are limited.

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

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
TikTok has the ability to compile data on its users' views of divisive social issues such as abortion, gun control and religion, making it a potential threat to order in the U.S via secretive content manipulation, the U.S. Justice Department alleged in court papers filed late Friday.

TikTok employees have used an internal messaging system called Lark to exchange sensitive information about American users that wound up stored on computer servers in China, according to gverment lawyers, NPR reported.

"The serious national-security threat posed by TikTok is real," the Justice Department filing said, according to Reuters. "TikTok provides the Chinese government the means to undermine U.S. national security in two principal ways: data collection and covert content manipulation."

The claims were made in a request to dismiss lawsuits filed by TikTok, Chinese parent company ByteDance and a group of TikTok creators seeking to block a law signed in April by President Joe Biden.

The measure requires ByteDance to sell TikTok's American assets by Jan. 19 or face a ban in the U.S.

TikTok is one of the world's most popular social media sites, especially among younger people, and is used by about 170 million Americans.

In a statement TikTok repeated its denials that it shared data on U.S. users with China, or manipulated what is seen on the website.

"The government has never put forth proof of its claims, including when Congress passed this unconstitutional law. Today, once again, the government is taking this unprecedented step while hiding behind secret information," the company said in a post on X.

In its filing, the Justice Department said China's "long-term geopolitical strategy involves developing and pre-positioning assets that it can deploy at opportune moments."

In a separate declaration, prosecutors acknowledged they had no evidence that the Chinese government had gained access to American user data, but said the risk was too great to ignore.

"The United States is not required to wait until its foreign adversary takes specific detrimental actions before responding to such a threat," they wrote.

Oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit are scheduled for Sept. 16, less than two months before the presidential election in November.

Both Republican nominee former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, have TikTok accounts, with Harris launching hers on Thursday after posts about her there went viral.

Trump tried to ban TikTok on national security grounds while in office but reversed course this year, telling CNBC that banning it would "make Facebook bigger, and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people."

Various news outlets have suggested Trump's flip-flop was prompted by Republican megadonor Jeffrey Yass, whose investment company reportedly owns a 15% stake in ByteDance that was worth more than $30 billion last month.

A Harris campaign spokesperson told Fox Business on Friday that Harris didn't want to ban TikTok but would "like to see a change in ownership."
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Pigmented cutting edges in V. komodoensis teeth. Credit: Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02477-7

Scientists have discovered that the serrated edges of Komodo dragons' teeth are tipped with iron. Led by researchers from King's College London, the study gives new insight into how Komodo dragons keep their teeth razor-sharp and may provide clues to how dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex killed and ate their prey.

Native to Indonesia, Komodo dragons are the largest living species of monitor lizard, averaging around 80kg. Deadly predators, Komodos have sharp, curved teeth similar to many carnivorous 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.

The researchers discovered that many reptiles have some iron in their teeth, but Komodo dragons have concentrated the iron along the cutting edges and tips of their teeth, staining them orange. Crocodiles and other monitor lizards, by comparison, have so little that the iron is often invisible.

To understand the chemical and structural make-up of the Komodo dragon's teeth, scientists scoured museums for skulls and teeth of Komodo dragons and studied the teeth of Ganas, the 15-year-old Komodo dragon who had lived at ZSL conservation zoo, London Zoo.

Through advanced imaging and chemical analysis, the team was 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 moment's notice.

The research, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, leads to new questions and avenues for research into how extinct species such as dinosaurs lived and ate. The paper is titled "Iron-coated Komodo dragon teeth and the complex dental enamel of carnivorous reptiles."

Dr. Aaron LeBlanc, lecturer in Dental Biosciences at King's College London and the study's lead author said, "Komodo dragons have curved, serrated teeth to rip and tear their prey just like those of meat-eating dinosaurs. We want to use this similarity to learn more about how carnivorous dinosaurs might have eaten and if they used iron in their teeth the same way as the Komodo dragon.

"Unfortunately, using the technology we have at the moment, we can't 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 aren't 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."

Dr. Benjamin Tapley, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at ZSL and co-author on the study said, "As the world's largest lizards, Komodo dragons are inarguably impressive animals. Having worked with them for 12 years at London Zoo, I continue to be fascinated by them and these findings further 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."

More information: LeBlanc, A.R.H., et al, Iron-coated Komodo dragon teeth and the complex dental enamel of carnivorous reptiles, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02477-7 Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution
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An elephant ambles through the savannas of Tarangire National Park, one of AP's anchor sites currently managed Tanzanian government. Credit: Sean Denny

There's an experiment going on in conservation in Africa. With biodiversity imperiled, and nations facing financial and political crises, some governments are transferring the management of protected areas to private, non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

This strategy seems to be paying off. NGOs can better manage corruption, making them attractive to large donors like the World Bank and European Union. Their capital can fund personnel, research and technology to more effectively manage protected areas and species. While these management changes appear to be working anecdotally, few if any studies have rigorously evaluated the results.

A team of researchers from institutions including UC Santa Barbara wanted to know how this trend affects wildlife and people. Surveying parks throughout the continent under private and government administration, they discovered that NGO management improves measures for wildlife, including by reducing elephant poaching, and increases tourism. Overall, management appears to improve under NGO control. However, they also discovered that in landscapes experiencing armed conflict, outsourcing park management also raises the risk of armed groups targeting civilians in and around protected areas. The team published their results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Protected areas, and conservation generally, do not exist in isolation from humans," said lead author Sean Denny, a doctoral candidate at UC Santa Barbara's Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. "In fact, conservation is, at its heart, about humansit's about finding ways for humans and other species to coexist. This includes preventing extinctions caused by human activities like hunting and deforestation." As a result, conservation often impacts people's lives and livelihoods, outcomes that need to be taken into consideration.

African Parks' map of anchor sites enabled the authors to compare private and governmental conservation management. Credit: Denny et al.

African Parks as a case study

Denny and his two co-authors focused on the organization African Parks (AP) as a case study. AP is the largest NGO partnering with governments in Africa to administer protected areas. The South Africa-based non-profit is given complete authority to manage, staff and fund the parks.

AP's primary mission is to conserve and restore wildlife populations in Africa, but they also seek to make protected areas benefit people through tourism and development projects, like building schools and hospitals for local communities. Due to their focus on restoration, they sometimes work in areas experiencing armed conflict, where wildlife is especially prone to being over-hunted and faces extreme pressure from hunting. But protecting wildlife in these landscapes can require high levels of security and enforcement, which could have unintended impacts on people and result in tradeoffs between wildlife conservation and human well-being. The authors were interested in exploring these trade-offs; and, because AP operates in conflict zones, they suspected AP's activities might capture them.

But running a study at such a large scale presented a challenge: The authors had to compare outcomes in areas under AP's management to what would have happened if AP were never given the reins. To do so, they ran a quasi-experiment in which researchers make use of real-world events to create treatment and control groups. In real experiments, researchers randomly assign subjects to one of these groups to ensure that their findings are due to the treatment and not simply down to prior differences. But Denny and company didn't have this luxury.

Fortunately, AP published a map of protected areas in Africa that they believe are key to safeguarding the continent's biodiversity and ultimately meet their criteria for future management. These "anchor sites" share key characteristics like a large size, strong legal status, limited agricultural activity and the potential to sustain large wildlife populations. Twenty-two of these anchor sites are already managed by AP, but the rest are managed by governments and in very few cases, by other NGOs.

The research team formed a treatment group from anchor sites that AP already administers. Their control group consisted of anchor sites not managed by AP or another NGO. "African Parks essentially created our control group for us," Denny said.

Deciding what to look for

The team used a variety of metrics to measure the effects of private management on wildlife and people. They needed metrics for which data was available at a continental scale. For wildlife, they focused on elephant poaching and bird abundances. On the human side, they looked at tourism, wealth and armed conflict. To measure these outcomes, they drew on diverse datasets and platforms, including a dataset called MIKE that monitors elephant poaching; the citizen science platforms eBird and iNaturalist; Atlas AI, which measures wealth; and the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, which measures incidences of armed conflict.

The researchers also used the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) to look under the hood at how AP affects management practices themselves. Developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, this standardized questionnaire quantifies how well protected areas are managed. It reports data on planning, financial resources, law enforcement and stakeholder involvement. The METT can shed light on the mechanisms behind the outcomes observed in the other datasets.

Following the results

Denny and his co-authors were impressed by the results private management had for wildlife. It reduced elephant poaching by 35%, and increased bird abundance by 37%. "African Parks really appears to work for wildlife," Denny said. "The fact that they can reduce elephant poaching in protected areas that are threatened by armed groups is really quite extraordinary." NGO administration also increased tourism, but the effects on wealth were less conclusive.

The authors also found some important drawbacks, though. In areas already experiencing armed conflict, these changes can increase the probability that armed groups target civilians living in areas bordering those overseen by AP. They think this could be a result of armed groups redirecting their activity toward exploiting civilians when AP prevents them from operating in or extracting resources from protected areas.

"While the outcomes for wildlife were even stronger than we expected," Denny said, "we were concerned by the conflict results, especially when combined with the potential decrease in decision-making inclusiveness that comes with private management."

Looking under the hood

The Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool provided insights on the mechanisms behind these outcomes. African Parks is a juggernaut compared to many cash-strapped national governments. Results from the METT revealed that AP increased capacity and resources (in terms of budget and staffing), as well as design and planning. "In some management criteria, they really do seem to manage more effectively," Denny said.

The authors also found that monitoring and enforcement within parks rose under AP. The organization uses sophisticated equipmentlike aircraft, drones and remote sensingto monitor illegal activity in their parks and enforce wildlife protection. This likely contributes to the benefits of AP management for wildlife, as well as the rise in likelihood that armed groups target civilians.

Notably, only one of the four categories measured by the METT appeared to fall under private park management: decision-making inclusiveness. The slight drop in this category didn't surprise Denny and his colleagues since AP maintains tight control over its work. It does, however, point to an opportunity for improvement.

Managing more effectively

African wildlife is threatened, and NGOs are offering a potential solution. But it's crucial to investigate the impacts of private conservation management to understand its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. Outsourcing conservation appears to provide a path for protecting wildlife, but the accompanying increased enforcement can lead to problems for people.

One way to ensure that protected areas work for people, according to the researchers, is to include local communities in stewardship. In Denny's opinion, ethical conservation requires compensating local communities for the costs they bear and including them in policy decisions.

"If, in conflict regions, civilians are bearing some unexpected costs of private protected area management, then it is especially important that they are involved in decision making," he said. Another avenue is to make sure that conservationists, park managers and governments monitor the impacts of private management, not just on wildlife but also on people, and adapt when necessary.

Additionally, many national parks in Africa were created by colonial administrations, so they have deep colonial histories and legacies. Denny and his co-authors are eager to partner with African researchers to explore how this history affects local people's perceptions of parks, and their preferences for how they're managed and by whom. "By elevating local voices, perspectives and experiences, we can develop more meaningful research and support management practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities," he said.

More information: Sean Denny et al, Private management of African protected areas improves wildlife and tourism outcomes but with security concerns in conflict regions, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2401814121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Lisa Hillier of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife with a broadnose sevengill shark. Credit: Jessica Schulte

Oregon State University researchers have made the first scientific confirmation in Puget Sound of two distinct shark species, one of them critically endangered.

The presence of the broadnose sevengill shark and endangered soupfin shark in the sound, the southern portion of the Salish Sea, may indicate changes in what biologists in OSU's Big Fish Lab describe as an economically, culturally and ecologically valuable inland waterway.

The Salish Sea separates northwest Washington from British Columbia's Vancouver Island. The 6,500-square-mile body of water stretches into Washington as Puget Sound, and the sharks were caught close to Olympia near the sound's southernmost point.

Taylor Chapple, an assistant professor in Oregon State's College of Agricultural Sciences, and graduate students Jessica Schulte and Ethan Personius report the broadnose sevengill and soupfin documentations in papers published in Frontiers in Marine Science.

The authors collaborated with partners at NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to confirm that the broadnose sevengill, an apex predator that can grow to nearly 10 feet, is now inhabiting heavily urbanized South Puget Sound.

"Understanding the sevengill presence in this new habitat is crucial for understanding the food webs of the Salish Sea, and it highlights the need for continued monitoring and researchincluding their relationship with other species of conservation concern, such as salmon," said Schulte, the lead author on the sevengill paper.

Broadnose sevengill sharksso named because they have two more gill slits than most shark specieseat a wide variety of prey: fishes (including rays and other sharks), crustaceans and marine mammals. They live in temperate waters worldwide, and off the west coast of North America they range from southern Alaska to Baja California.

Prior to 2021, only one sevengill shark had ever been confirmed in the Salish Sea, at Point Roberts, Washington, near the Canadian border. In August 2021, however, anecdotal reports indicated several of them had been caught in South Puget Sound.

During 10 days of field work in 2022 and 2023, the scientists caught nine sevengills, more than 190 miles away from their previously documented range. Eight of them were malesthe largest measured just under 7 feetand the female was about 4 feet, 6 inches.

"Our continued research on this species in Oregon and Washington waters will allow us to have a better handle on its role in our valuable marine ecosystems," Schulte said.

The same holds for the soupfin shark, said Personius, the lead author on that paper. It is the largest species of hound shark, can be as big as 6 1/2 feet and got its name because of its use as the key ingredient in shark fin soup.

"Soupfin sharks were relentlessly exploited during the 1930s and 1940s, including for their livers, which are rich in vitamin A," Personius said. "Despite lower fishing pressure the species has not been able to recover and is currently under consideration for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act."

Like the broadnose sevengill shark, the soupfin shark is found in temperate waters around the globe and is a top predator in any ecosystem it inhabits, eating cephalopods as well as a variety of fishes. Soupfin sharks are known as strong swimmers whose migrations can exceed 1,000 miles.

In field work concurrent with the sevengill project, the scientists caught one soupfin shark, a male that measured just over 5 feet.

"The Salish Sea has experienced pervasive shifts in species abundance and composition along with industrialization and significant habitat degradation," Personius said. "The appearance of soupfin sharks may be a result of climate change and changes in prey availability."

Following the 2014-15 extreme marine heat wave event known as "The Blob," he explained, anchovies emerged as a dominant forage fish species in the Salish Sea after having been historically uncommon there. Soupfin sharks are a known predator of anchovies.

Graduate student Maddie English is a co-author of the soupfin shark paper, along with scientists from the NOAA Marine Fisheries Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Research associate Alexandra McInturf contributed to the sevengill study.

More information: Jessica M. Schulte et al, Advancing the ecological narrative: documentation of broadnose sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) in South Puget Sound, Washington, USA, Frontiers in Marine Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1430962 Journal information: Frontiers in Marine Science
Donald Trump called for one year jail sentences for protesters who burned American flags and scrawled pro-Hamas graffiti  and then doubled down on the position a day later even as he sought the release of his supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6., 2021.

The 78-year-old Republican presidential nominee in call-in interview on Fox & Friends on Thursday condemned the pro-Palestinian activists that protested Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress the previous day..

He said those who "do anything to desecrate the American flag" should be put behind bars for a year.

"Now, people will say, 'Oh, it's 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," Trump said on Fox, ignoring the fact that the Supreme Court has ruled that flag burning in America is First Amendment protected speech.

He went on his Truth Social messaging platform on Friday to once again address the protesters, as part of a rant against FBI Director Christopher Wray who raised questions about whether Trump was struck by a bullet or shrapnel at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on July 13.

"Not that anyone doubted it, but in order to rid our Country of the political statement put out by the Director of the FBI, in between fighting for the Safety and Security of those burning our American Flags, and right now spraying our beautiful Limestone Monuments in Washington, D.C., this is a picture of the bullet right after piercing my ear," Trump said, reposting a photo of what has been identified as a bullet in the air at the scene.

He then pressed: "When are the hunted down J6 Hostages going to be released, and when are yesterday's Vandals and Flag Burners going to be put in prison?"

About 750 people have been sentenced for their roles in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, with about two-thirds receiving some time in jail, the Associated Press reported. Several were convicted of assault of police officers, theft and destruction of government property, and obstructing the voting process.

David Aronberg, a legal analyst and attorney, told Newsweek that the "vandalism from the anti-Semitic protesters" at Netanyahu's speech was "clearly illegal and could be punished."

But "the Supreme Court has ruled that flag burning is protected speech under the First Amendment. That would have to change before someone can be arrested for it," he said.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic nominee, also decried the desecration of the American flag by "unpatriotic protesters."

"I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews," Harris posted on X Thursday. "Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation."
First-time homebuyers in central Virginia are starting to turn to Petersburg as their market of choice.

Petersburgs median home sales price increased 80% since 2020  more than any other locality in the region  with many people moving into recently renovated ranch homes from the 1950s and 1960s.

Data shows many of the homebuyers are people between the ages of 30 and 45, often with children or first-time homebuyers who have been priced out of Richmond and surrounding counties.

I got tired of dealing with leasing offices, plus rents kept increasing. I was tired of all that and thought I want to own my own house, said Teairah Massey, 34, who bought a home in Petersburg earlier this year. I visited my mother, and she said I needed to own. That was just confirmation.

Petersburg has long been known as a historic city with settlements dating to the 1600s. With rich architecture and a booming tobacco trade, it was one of the most influential cities in the South before the Civil War.

Since the pandemic, the bulk of Petersburgs home sales has been concentrated outside of those historic areas, in neighborhoods built since the 1950s.

Massey bought a recently renovated 1958 ranch home in a Petersburg neighborhood known as the Heights in January.

She grew up in Chesterfield County but said she was always attracted to the city. A good friend of hers grew up in Petersburg and taught her about some of the history. When visiting, she said she noticed that a lot of the local businesses were Black-owned, which appealed to her.

It just sparked the interest in me, Massey said. This was also just the best place financially.

She rented homes in Chesterfield throughout her entire adult life. She said the difference between renting in Chesterfield and her Petersburg mortgage was only about $50 per month.

I love my home, and Im enjoying it now, Massey said. This might eventually be a home I rent out, but for now I have to plan to be here for at least five years.

The area where Massey bought her home was one of several hotspots in sales activity over the past four years.

A map compiled by Virginia Realtors shows there were about 10 pockets of significant sales activity citywide. Nearly all of those were concentrated in neighborhoods with two- and three-bedroom homes from the 1950s.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch visited homes across three of those high volume clusters last week. Every home of the people interviewed had recently been renovated or flipped. The lone exception was a new construction neighborhood called Berkeley Estates in the southwestern corner of Petersburg.

The visited homeowners were demographically diverse: Hispanic, white and Black. Those who spoke with the newspaper were single or married homeowners, but they said other newly renovated homes on those blocks were bought by families with children.

Hottest market on Zillow

According to data from the Central Virginia Regional Multiple Listing Service, Petersburgs median sales price for a home has increased by 80% since 2020, much higher than the rest of the region.

In Richmond, for example, median home prices increased 43.6%. In the urban region  comprised of Hanover, Henrico, Richmond, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Hopewell  median prices increased 44.8%.

The Richmond Association of Realtors said CVRMLS data includes all sales minus any new construction where builders did not use a realtor. Depending on the dataset, the price increase could be even higher.

Petersburg had the largest percentage increase of more than 3,000 counties or county equivalents for which Zillow calculates home values. Petersburg values increased 135% between 2020 and 2024  by far the largest in the country. The second-highest was Lincoln County, Montana, with a 93% increase. Hopewell was also in the top 100 with a 69% increase.

Petersburgs rising sales prices are still lower than the rest of the region. According to the Richmond Association of Realtors, median prices in Petersburg rose to $215,000 during the first six months of 2024, compared to Richmonds median price of $380,000. The median price in the urban region was $270,000.

Research shared by the University of Virginias Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service indicates Petersburg is attracting more children and adults between 30 and 45, showing that it is getting more families than it did in the 2010s.

This trend may be driven by a combination of a larger population in this age range this decade because of millennials as well as more families looking for affordable places to live as housing costs have risen considerably since 2020, said Hamilton Lombard, the estimates program manager at the Weldon Cooper Center.

In Petersburgs case, the irony has been that its relative affordability caused it to have the largest percentage rise in home prices according to Zillow.

Previous reporting from The Times-Dispatch showed that Richmond and its surrounding counties have seen increased migration from wealthier markets, such as Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and other cities in the North. That migration coincided with a significant increase in home prices since 2020.

Pushed from Richmond

Bobbie Parham, who grew up in Dinwiddie and Chesterfield, has lived on Summit Street for eight years.

She said the neighborhood was drug infested with several shootings near her house when she first moved in. Since 2020, Parham said, that crime has all but disappeared, and she feels safe to go outside at night, something she never would have done before.

Parham credits that drop in crime to law enforcement busting several problem houses, which were known to have drugs and loud parties, coupled with gun violence.

Since the decrease in crime, many houses on the street have been renovated and new people have moved in, Parham said.

Houses are selling, and were getting different nationalities in here, she said. Its been about three years since things were really bad here  a lot of people got killed on the street behind us. It was bad.

Two houses directly across the street are now owned by young couples, one with children.

I love it, I love it, she said. Nobody bothers anybody.

According to the Virginia State Polices incident-based Uniform Crime Reporting data, Petersburg had 3,257 total crimes reported in 2019. The most recently available data for 2023 shows 2,639 total crimes.

Maria Martinez is an investor working in the Tri-Cities. She says a lot of buyers are still looking to Colonial Heights and Hopewell before Petersburg, but the housing prices in Petersburg are still low enough to entice people.

Its more if you see a good neighborhood, thats what we go by, Martinez said. If you come by in the day and its quiet, we want that. As investors, we ask (buyers) if you see yourself putting your family in that house.

She said Petersburg is an investor-friendly city where unrenovated homes can be purchased, flipped and sold to residents who want to live there.

First-time homebuyers are not going to pay more than $300,000. Youre really not able to find that in Henrico, Chesterfield and Richmond, Martinez said. They will have to be pushed down here. I feel like theyre being pushed here because of what they qualify for.

From the Archives: Petersburg Civil War fort was sold and leveled in 1960s
Negotiations over Gaza conflict "must not go on indefinitely": Chinese envoy

Xinhua) 10:26, July 27, 2024

UNITED NATIONS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, said on Friday that negotiations over the Gaza conflict "must not go on indefinitely."

The conflict in Gaza has been going on for over nine months, causing an unprecedented, ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe, with nearly 40,000 innocent civilian lives lost, Fu said in remarks at the UN Security Council briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

"The red lines of international law and international humanitarian law have been crossed repeatedly," he said.

It has been almost two months since Security Council Resolution 2735 was adopted, but Israel has continued its large-scale military operations in Gaza over the past two months, Fu noted, emphasizing that "Civilian lives must not be used as a bargaining chip for negotiations, and military offensives cannot create the conditions for the release of hostages."

"Negotiations must not go on indefinitely," he pointed out, as "There is not a moment to lose when lives are at stake, and alleviating the humanitarian catastrophe allows no delay."

The ambassador urged Israel to immediately cease all military operations in Gaza, and urged the United States to put greater pressure on Israel to help bring out an immediate ceasefire.

"China supports the Council in taking further actions that are necessary to push for the implementation of the relevant resolutions," he stressed.

Noting that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the mainstay of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, Fu said China is firmly opposed to attempts to attack and discredit UNRWA and to throw a spanner in the works of UNRWA's mandate implementation.

The ambassador called for ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian workers in Gaza, and urged Israel to genuinely fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law by opening all land crossings and provide security and necessary assistance to humanitarian agencies.

Fu stressed that settlement activities in the West Bank violate international law and relevant Security Council resolutions and chip away at the foundation of the two-State solution, calling for a stop to all settlement activities and settler violence.

On the negative spillover effects of the Gaza conflict, the ambassador warned that "allowing the flames of war and instability to spread even further would only lead to a catastrophe that engulfs the entire region."

Noting the reconciliation dialogue between intra-Palestinian groups held in Beijing earlier this week, Fu said "China has always been a staunch supporter of the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people as a nation."

"China firmly supports the independent Palestinian statehood, and calls for a broader based, more authoritative, and more effective international peace conference to work out a timetable and a roadmap for the implementation of the two-State solution, with a view to putting the Palestinian question back on the right track towards a political settlement," he said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
At least 30 Palestinians were reportedly killed Saturday when Israeli airstrikes hit a Gaza school being used to house people displaced by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Israel's military said it targeted a Hamas command center in the compound that was directing attacks against its troops and storing "large quantities of weapons," which Hamas denied, according to the Associated Press.

The Hamas-run government media office said that 15 children and eight women were among those killed and that more than 100 others were wounded, according to Reuters.

Journalists saw a dead toddler in an ambulance and bodies covered with blankets, AP said. Reuters reported that some people in blood-stained clothes walked to a nearby hospital where victims were taken.

Civil defense workers said thousands of refugees were sheltering inside the girls' school in Deir al-Balah, which also housed a medical facility, according to AP.

The building's walls were blasted open, cars were damaged and debris was scattered in the schoolyard, Reuters reported.

The deadly bombing came a day after U.S. officials said Israel and Hamas had agreed on the basic framework of a three-phase, cease-fire deal that President Joe Biden detailed in late May.

But in a fiery speech to Congress on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war against Hamas, calling it a "clash between barbarism and civilization."

A spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas claimed in a statement after Saturday's airstrikes that Netanyahu's reception from supporters in the U.S. gave Israel a "green light."

On Friday, Netanyahu met in Florida with former President Donald Trump, who reportedly said that if he's not returned to the White House, "we're all going to end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war."
Atlantic springs to life after Beryl: NOAA monitoring new system

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  UPDATED: A new development in the central tropical Atlantic is being monitored by the National Hurricane Center (NOAA). The new system was reported Friday afternoon east of the Antilles.

The disturbance is currently positioned in the near same area where Beryl first developed in late June. Within days, that system became the second name storm of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, eventually reaching major hurricane status before making landfall.

For the current system, the NOAA has reported an area of disturbed weather over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean is expected to interact with an approaching tropical wave during the next several days.

Some development of this system will be possible while it approaches the Lesser Antilles during the early to middle part of next week and moves generally west-northwestward near the Greater Antilles toward the latter part of the week.

On Friday, the disturbance had a 20 percent chance of development over the next seven days, however, three days later, that chance has been increased to 50 percent.

A new disturbance detected Friday afternoon is being monitored by the NOAA. July 26, 2024.

The Atlantic has been quiet for the past three weeks since Hurricane Beryl. This current disturbance is the first to develop since Beryl swept across the Caribbean as a major hurricane, landing north of Tulum, Quintana Roo as a Category 2.

Since Beryl, Colorado State University has revised their 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast to an even more active season than initially predicted. We anticipate a well above-average probability for major hurricane landfalls along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean, they reported after Beryl.

In April, the University predicted 23 named storms, a number that has since been increased to 25. They have increased their hurricane development forecast by one, from 11 to 12, now with six (instead of five) becoming major hurricanes.

In May, the NOAA had already predicted that same high figure of 25 names storms for the current hurricane season. Of those storms, they predict 8 to 13 could develop into hurricanes with four to seven of those being major hurricanes.

As one of the strongest El Ninos ever observed nears its end, NOAA scientists predict a quick transition to La Nina conditions, which are conducive to Atlantic hurricane activity because La Nina tends to lessen wind shear in the tropics.

At the same time, abundant oceanic heat content in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea creates more energy to fuel storm development, the NOAA explained in a recent news release.

After three weeks of silence, forecasters are expecting the Atlantic to wake up and begin producing an abundance of activity.

Theres definitely some (tropical activity) coming, Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane expert and research scientist at Colorado State University, said Friday. Its coming sooner rather than too much later.

If this current disturbance located Friday by the NOAA develops into a storm, it will be named Debby, the fourth of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

UPDATE: Since being located Friday, the system continues to develop, now with a 50 percent chance of further development over the next seven days. On Monday, July 29, the NOAA reported an area of disturbed weather over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean is expected to interact with an approaching tropical wave during the next day or two.

Environmental conditions are forecast to become conducive for gradual development thereafter, and a tropical depression could form late this week while the system is in the vicinity of the Greater Antilles or the Bahamas. Interests in the Greater Antilles, the Bahamas, and the southeastern U.S. should monitor the progress of this system. Formation chance through 7 days50 percent.
Motorcycle law reforms already published in states Official Periodico

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The newly reformed Mobility Laws regarding motorcycle drivers and passengers will come into effect in late September. State officials have already published the recent Congress approved reforms in the Official State Gazette.

The decree means the new laws will come into effect during the third week of September 2024. After the announcement of the new laws, state officials held a meeting with angry motorcycle union members at the C5 in Cancun July 25.

The reforms had already been published even though officials agreed to a meeting with motorcycle union members. Photo: July 25, 2024.

Unknown to them, the reforms had already been published on July 24, making them officially law. It is not clear why a meeting was held when the new decree had already been published.

The Official State Gazette published the decree on July 24, the same day it was passed by Congress, however, news of the Mobility Law reforms was not made public until July 25. The new rules, referred to as the Vest Law, mean motorcycle drivers and passengers will by law, have to have a safety certified helmet and reflective vest stamped with the motorcycles license plate number.

The stickers and vests will be provided free of charge by Quintana Roo authorities. Non-compliance will mean a fine of between 700 and 1,000 pesos along with the seizure of the motorcycle.

With the official publication July 24, municipalities around Quintana Roo will have 60 days to comply by modifying their traffic regulations to match the new state requirements. That means the newly approved reforms for motorcycle drivers and passengers will come into effect September 22, 2024.
FLORENCE, S.C.  The Animal Shelter of Florence County is offering a special initiative aimed at finding loving homes for shelter animals.

From July 29 to Aug. 16 the shelter will offer same-day adoptions with all fees waived. This initiative is part of its commitment to reduce shelter overcrowding and provide animals with loving families.

This event is in conjunction with Pick Me! SC.

Were thrilled to offer this opportunity to our community, said Todd Floyd of the Animal Shelter of Florence County. Our goal is to ensure that every animal finds a loving home, and by waiving adoption fees, we hope to remove any financial barriers that might prevent potential adopters from welcoming a new pet into their lives.

In addition to adopting a new pet, visitors will have the chance to learn more about the shelters programs and volunteer opportunities. The shelter will also have staff on hand to answer any questions about pet care and the adoption process.

This event is made possible through the generous support of our partners and the community. We encourage everyone to come out, meet our amazing animals, and perhaps find a new best friend, the organization said in an announcement.

The Animal Shelter of Florence County is at 1487 Humane Lane, Effingham, across the road from the Florence County Sheriffs Office and detention center.

Adopters will need a valid ID.
Foreign involvement cannot be ruled out yet in the widespread sabotage of France's rail system that disrupted travel and caused chaos on the opening day of the Olympic Games Friday in Paris, according to reports.

"Who is responsible? Either it's from within, or it's been ordered from abroad; it's too early to say," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told the French media, Reuters reported.

"We have uncovered a certain number of elements which lead us to believe that we will know fairly quickly who is responsible," he said.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said security forces are continuing to try to find the "saboteurs" responsible, the BBC reported.

Three of the 10 high-speed lines were canceled on Saturday along routes hit by the series of coordinated attacks.

Those that do run in and out of Paris will operate with delays of at least two hours, France's national rail company said.

Services should return to normal by Monday, accoding to Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete.

The arson attacks on Friday damaged infrastructure along lines connecting Paris from the north, east and west.

An attack on the line from the south was foiled, Reuters reported.

About 250,000 people were affected by the sabotage, Vergriete said, noting that as many as 800,000 could be affected over the weekend, the BBC reported.
Fact brief - Are polar bears endangered?

Posted on 27 July 2024 by John Mason

Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs  bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was updated by John Mason in collaboration with members from the Gigafact team. The initial version was published in 2021 and written by Anne-Marie Blackburn. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline.

Are polar bears endangered?

Most polar bear populations could become extinct by 2100 if our greenhouse gas emissions continue.

Polar bears are classed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They hunt seals, their main food source, from the Arctic sea-ice. Human-caused global warming has led to a rapid loss of that ice, making it harder for polar bears to catch enough prey to survive.

There are 19 subpopulations of polar bears. According to the World Wildlife Fund in 2021, 3 were in decline, 4 were stable, 2 were increasing, and 10 were data-deficient.

In 1973, the international community agreed to restrict polar bear hunting, which helps explain why the population is estimated to be higher today than it was in the 1970s. However, that does not change their long-term endangerment if the sea ice they require to hunt is allowed to continue to melt.

Go to full rebuttal on Skeptical Science or to the fact brief on Gigafact

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Nature Climate Change: Fasting season length sets temporal limits for global polar bear persistence

International Union for Conservation of Nature: New assessment highlights climate change as most serious threat to polar bear survival

University of Washington: Rapid decline of Arctic sea ice a combination of climate change and natural variability

NASA: Arctic Sea Ice Minimum

BBC Earth: Hungry Polar Bear Ambushes Seal

UQx DENIAL101x: Polar bears

World Wildlife Fund: Polar bear status and population

Polar Bears International: Are polar bear populations increasing: in fact booming?

About fact briefs published on Gigafact



Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer yes/no answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact  a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all of our published fact briefs here.
Kamala Harris has one job: Persuading currently undecided, indifferent, or loosely Trump-attached voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to vote for her rather than Donald Trump (or Robert F. Brain Worm Kennedy Jr.).

So what will change these peoples minds? Well, that is the $10 billion question. But if theyre like other swing voters whove been surveyed and focus-grouped and interviewed in the past, the answer is something like: They want to vote for someone who isnt too partisan but also isnt necessarily in the center of every issuelefty economic ideas do fine with themand who seems like someone you could have a beer with but who also possesses a certain presidential dignity and vitality. Someone strong but unifying, as well as practical and possessing an intrinsic ability to improve the economy.

The top priority for Harris is convincing people that she is that person herself, of course, with her own words and advertisements. But she also gets to pick a vice presidential nomineeand according to some of the political-science research into the matter, that choice will likely be more important as a signal about herself than as a play to win any given state.

With this in mind, the choice is clear: She should select Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear as her running mate.

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The most important thing to know about Beshearand the only thing Harris would really need voters to know about himis easy to explain. He is, despite being a Democrat, popular in Kentucky, a state that Donald Trump won by 26 points in 2020. (Beshear won reelection in 2023 by 5 points, and his approval rating in Morning Consults latest data was 67 percent.) That would be the purpose of this pick: associating herself with one of the rare politicians in the contemporary U.S. who can honestly say theyve been a uniter rather than a divider.

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Nearly as important, though, is how Beshear has done it. Some Democrats in red statesWest Virginias Joe Manchin comes to mindmake their reputation by picking high-profile fights with national party leaders and denouncing certain ideas as too liberal. Theres a strong utilitarian argument that this is a good thing for the party overall: It needs senators from West Virginia and Montana and Arizona however it can get them, and given the Republican assault on election administration, it needs as many Democrats in swing-state governors mansions as it can get too. But those figures are less than ideal vice presidential choices because theyve alienated groups whose participation in the presidential campaign is essential. If Harris chose Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, it might bother the major unions; if she chose Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, it would put off critics of Israels conduct in Gaza.

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Beshear has not madeor has not been forced to makeany of these kinds of friendly-fire compromises in order to prove his independence. For one, he has the good fortune of being the son of another former governor, Steve Beshear, who was also popular in the state despite being a Democrat. Republicans hold a supermajority in the Kentucky Legislature, which means that they can override (Andy) Beshears vetoes of legislation. Because he literally cant stop Republican ideas from being turned into law if theyre popular enough, he doesnt have to make as many tough calls as someone in a more evenly split state might.

That said, he has taken liberal stands on policy when less confident Democrats might have gone wobbly. He vetoed a bill that would have banned minors from receiving gender-affirming care, describing it as an attack on children of God that would limit parents freedom to make medical choices. (The veto was overridden.) He made the protection of Kentuckys (limited) abortion rights a central issue in his reelection campaign, although he does support what he described as reasonable restrictions on late-term abortions.

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Related From Slate How Good Are Things Looking for Kamala Harris, Really? Read More

Theres more. Beshear rejected calls to impose work restrictions on Medicaid eligibility, restored voting rights to 175,000 ex-felons through executive order, has been unwavering in opposing the diversion of public education funds to charter schools, and publicly declined the Trump administrations offer to stop resettling refugees in Kentucky. He also walked a United Automobile Workers picket line in 2023, which is not the easiest gesture to make in a state whose economy is heavily affected by automakers decisions about where to locate manufacturing plants. (He seems to be doing well on that front too, at least according to Business Facilities magazine and Site Selection magazine.)

You might be asking: OK, sure, but is he good on TV? Its a subjective question, but if Beshears appearances in recent weeks and the tape from one of his 2023 debates are any indication, hes good enough. Hes perhaps not the loosest presence, but he does a smooth job of moving discussions toward the points he wants to talk about without being evasive and shows command of details without getting lost in them. (His success in Kentucky, local observers say, is in part attributable to his reassuring presence on camera during COVID and in the wake of a series of natural disasters that have befallen the state.)

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The debate was held during the peak of Ron DeSantisstyle attacks on supposed LGBTQ indoctrination of students by public-school teachers and librarians. Beshear prepared a deceptively plainspoken deflection. Ive heard it over and over across the state, he said when the issue of inappropriate instruction was brought up. Peoples kids arent being exposed to things through the classroom or through librariestheyre being exposed to them through my opponents commercials. A solid zinger but also, if youll notice, a good way to avoid having to discuss what teachers in conservative Kentucky should be telling middle-school students about human sexuality. (You might call it a Teachers Are Making Our Children Gay by Using Inclusion Policies as a Trojan Horse for Their Diabolical Grooming Vs. No They Arent approach.)

When it comes to being sensible and down-to-earth, Beshear walks the walk, and he talks the talk. His opening debate statement quoted from the Book of Psalms, then listed the construction of a Margaritaville as one of the signature accomplishments of his term in office. What else could Kamala Harris want?
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240726/democracy-saved-1119526371.html

'Democracy' Saved

'Democracy' Saved

Sputnik International

Biden endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic Party nominee and his funds are reportedly being transferred to her nascent campaign.

2024-07-26T22:20+0000

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kamala harris

joe biden

donald trump

democratic party

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white house

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This weekend, US President Joe Biden formally bowed out of the 2024 US presidential race. The development came after months of assertions Biden would continue on as the Democratic Party nominee. Biden endorsed his vice president, former Senator Kamala Harris, to take his place and his campaign funds are reportedly being transferred to her nascent campaign.Harris accepted, and announced she will seek the Democratic Partys nomination.Biden moved to transfer his campaign's financial war chest to Harris, which former President Trumps campaign has challenged by filing a complaint with the Federal Election Commission. The campaign's general counsel David Warrington argued that transferring the funds is little more than a thinly veiled $91.5 million excessive contribution from one presidential candidate to another.Rick Hasen, an election law expert at UCLA, told CNN he doesn't think most campaign finance lawyers believe that this is a best reading of the law, but said the move could be tied up in FEC proceedings for years and wont be resolved before the election.According to campaign experts who spoke to the website Verify, Harris is allowed to use the campaign funds because she and Biden shared the same campaign account, which has ballooned to $91 million. The FEC has long permitted candidates for president and vice president to share a campaign account, said Daniel Weiner, director of the Brennan Centers Elections and Government Program.Democrats reportedly plan to hold a virtual roll call vote to confirm their nominee in the first week of August, although the Democratic National Convention will not begin until August 19. Only 300 signatures will be required to qualify for a virtual ballot and an AP survey found Harris has the backing of more than 1,900 delegates as of Monday night.Although Harris is not yet the party's official nominee, many Democratic lawmakers and elites have endorsed her candidacy and a majority of delegates to the party's convention have said they will back her.California Governor Gavin Newsom, who many expected to take Bidens place, quickly endorsed Harris on X, claiming no one is better to prosecute the case against Donald Trumps dark vision than Harris.Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who has also been viewed as a possible Democratic contender for the White House, shrugged off Republican criticism that Harris rise to the top of the ticket is undemocratic. The Michigan governor joined other Democratic Party leaders in throwing her support behind Harris.I think its the right decision and thats why we have a vice president, Whitmer argued. Kamala Harris has been his No. 2 for four years. No one should be surprised that if he steps away that shes the one to step into the breach.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240726/harris-coronation-demonstrates-americas-democratic-deficit--analyst-1119510623.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240726/trump-tells-netanyahu-he-will-try-to-bring-peace-to-middle-east-combat-anti-semitism-if-elected-1119525280.html

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kamala harris, joe biden, donald trump, democracy, us politics, 2024 presidential election
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/13-alliances-of-the-modern-world-who-runs-them-whos-in-them-and-what-do-they-do-1119532007.html

13 Alliances of the Modern World: Who Runs Them, Whos in Them and What Do They Do?

13 Alliances of the Modern World: Who Runs Them, Whos in Them and What Do They Do?

Sputnik International

A new regional military alliance in the Middle East may be in the offing if Israel's prime minister gets his way. But what other alliances, pacts and blocs are already out there? Sputnik explores.

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benjamin netanyahu

edward snowden

ukraine

russia

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five eyes

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed the creation of a new NATO-style military bloc in the Middle East dubbed the Abraham Alliance during his trip to Washington this week, saying the coalition, arrayed explicitly against Iran, would include Israel, the United States, and any Israel-friendly Arab country wishing to join.There is already more than a dozen alliances out there, with their purpose ranging from collective defense and intelligence sharing to attempting to enforce a certain "indispensable nation's" hegemony on the rest of the world. Here's what to know about them.Five Eyes: The oldest actively functioning modern multilateral alliance in the world. Constitutes an intelligence-sharing bloc of five English-speaking countries  Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US. Founded in 1943 during the Second World War. The alliances modern role includes the monitoring, surveillance and sharing of communications worldwide, including of member countries own citizens. Former NSA contractor-turned whistleblower Edward Snowden has characterized the Five Eyes as a supra-national intelligence organization that does not answer to the known laws of its own countries.Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance: A collective security pact between the United States and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Signed in 1947. Under the treaty, an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all and responded to accordingly. Current members include Argentina, the Bahamas, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US. Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Uruguay and Venezuela have quit and denounced the treaty, leaving the so-called hemispheric defense pact full of gaps. In its current state, the bloc has a combined maximum strength of over 3.31 million military personnel, 2.84 million of that the US.North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): The largest and most controversial alliance in this list. Formed in 1949, ostensibly to defend Western Europe against a Soviet attack, NATO originally consisted of 12 members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States. During the Cold War, the alliance expanded to include Greece, Turkiye, West Germany (later just Germany after 1990) and Spain. In 1999, it began a controversial expansion into Eastern Europe (dubbed a fateful error by George Kennan, architect of the US post-WWII containment doctrine), swallowing up the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, and then Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and finally Finland and Sweden. Combined strength: Approximately 3.42 million personnel. Over 870,000 ground combat vehicles, 22,300+ aircraft and 2,050 ships, from tiny coastal defense boats and support vessels to aircraft carriers.Although it regularly calls itself a defensive alliance pledged to defend any one of its 32 members if they come under attack, NATO has been repeatedly used as the go-to tool to enforce Pax Americana, particularly after 1991. The alliance ran a series of naval blockades, no-fly zones, bombing campaigns and troop deployments in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s, occupied Afghanistan between 2001-2021, and bombarded Libya in 2011 in support of rebels seeking to topple the Gaddafi government. After the 2014 Euromaidan coup in Ukraine, NATO became actively involved in efforts to reform and provide security assistance to the Ukrainian military, culminating in a full-blown proxy war with Russia from 2022 onward.Peninsula Shield Force: The military arm of the Gulf Cooperation Council (a regional intergovernmental and economic union of six major Arabian Gulf states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates). Created in 1984 during the Iran-Iraq War and ostensibly intended to collectively respond to aggression against GCC members. In practice, the alliance has been used for internal policing and interventions abroad, from putting down the Bahraini uprising in March 2011, to joining the NATO-led no-fly zone in Libya the same year, to a military intervention in the Yemeni civil war against the Houthis from 2015 onward. Peninsula Shield Force assets also took part in the US-led air war against ISIS.* Washington has actively sought to turn Peninsula Shield Force into its own pocket alliance, proposing the sale of US weapons to the bloc on a collective basis. Combined armed strength of nearly 460,000 military personnel.Compact of Free Association: An international agreement with military provisions governing relations between the US, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau. Under the treaty, the US military can station troops and assets on the Pacific island nations territory in exchange for a commitment to defend them against external aggression. Signed between 1982-1983 and set to expire in 2043 unless prolonged.AUKUS: Another Anglosphere security pact between Australia, the UK and the US, signed in 2021 and touted as a military technology partnership to provide Australia with the means to build nuclear-powered submarines, but also promising expanded cooperation on other technologies with security and defense applications, from cyber defense and AI to missile defense and electronic warfare. China has characterized the alliance as a Cold War holdover designed to exploit loopholes in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The alliance has been criticized extensively by France, which was robbed of a $66 billion submarine contract with Canberra.Collective Security Treaty Organization: A Eurasian intergovernmental alliance formed in 1992 and consisting of six ex-Soviet Republics, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The CSTO provides for collective defense against external aggression. Azerbaijan, Georgia and Uzbekistan quit the organization between 1999 and 2012. Armenia suspended its participation in the bloc in February and has promised to quit, but has not yet done so. Combined strength of roughly 1.6 million active duty personnel, plus over 3.8 million reserves and 715,000+ paramilitaries. These forces include a rapidly deployable peacekeeping force of about 3,600 troops.Russia-Syria-Iran-Iraq Coalition: An intelligence sharing pact between Russia, Syria, Iran and Iraq, as well as Lebanons Hezbollah formed in 2015 against ISIS and other jihadist groups in Syria and Iraq at the zenith of the terror groups power. Syrian President Bashar Assad lauded the coalitions role in achieving real results against the terrorist threat against the background of the US-led coalitions bombing, which only seemed to have increase the territories under terrorist control. The coalition has been dormant following ISISs defeat in 2019, but has not been disbanded.Nordic Defense Cooperation: A defense cooperation pact formed in 2009 consisting of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, ostensibly designed to strengthen member states defense capabilities. The blocs continued existence has been questioned after Finland and Sweden joined NATO in 2023 and 2024, respectively.Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: A strategic security forum founded in 2007 that went defunct in 2008 but was revived in 2017. The QUAD consists of four members: Australia, India, Japan and the US. Positions itself openly as a bloc designed to counter China militarily and diplomatically in the Indo-Pacific, including the disputed South China Sea. Members hold regular, large-scale joint exercises and consult on their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based maritime order.Central European Defense Cooperation: A defense cooperation pact established in 2010 and consisting of six countries: Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. The bloc shares roughly the same borders as the core of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, and its main practical purpose has been to pool and share resources and information during the 2015-2016 European migrant crisis to fortify members common borders using military resources.Lublin Triangle: A Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian security, economic and political cooperation pact formed in 2020, ostensibly to support Ukraines integration into NATO and the European Union, including bringing Ukraines military up to NATO standards. After the escalation of the Ukrainian crisis in 2022, the bloc has lobbied the further expansion of NATO deployments in Eastern Europe. The pact does not stipulate joint defense. A similar agreement known as the British-Polish Ukrainian Trilateral Pact was signed in February 2022 to send weapons to Ukraine and provisions for cyber defense and energy security.Alliance of Sahel States: A mutual defense pact-turned confederation of the African nations of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Created in September 2023 and formally established as a confederation on July 6 of this year following French forces expulsion from the Sahel, the pact provides for mutual defense, counterterrorism cooperation, and more broadly  the pooling of economic resources, the formation of a common market, a monetary union and ultimately - a single state. Combined armed strength of about 85,000 troops.* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/asean-countries-show-interest-in-russias-proposal-for-new-eurasian-security---lavrov-1119529774.html

ASEAN Countries Show Interest in Russia's Proposal for New Eurasian Security - Lavrov

ASEAN Countries Show Interest in Russia's Proposal for New Eurasian Security - Lavrov

Sputnik International

ASEAN countries have expressed interest in Russias idea of forming a new security architecture in Eurasia, as they understand that the West is pushing for narrower formats within ASEAN to restrain China and Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a press conference following the ASEAN Summit on Saturday.

2024-07-27T07:34+0000

2024-07-27T07:34+0000

2024-07-27T10:08+0000

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"The West is still pushing for narrower formats with an outspoken goal, it does not hide it  to restrain China and Russia. Our ASEAN partners understand this perfectly well and have shown interest in the initiative of [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin, which I have already mentioned, of a Eurasian security system that would be indivisible and equal," Lavrov said at a press conference following the Russia-ASEAN meeting and the ministerial meeting of the East Asia Summit in Laos.The Russian foreign minister noted that the talks touched on the need to work out a single indivisible security system open to all countries on the Eurasian continent, with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union being good examples of such an effort.Russia is concerned about the plans of the United States and South Korea to carry out joint nuclear planning, Minister Lavrov noted."Another worrying aspect is that the United States has recently concluded an agreement with South Korea on joint nuclear planning," Lavrov told the press conference, adding that "so far, we cannot even get an explanation of what this [agreement] means, but we have no doubt that it causes additional anxiety."Russia is trying to ensure that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has full control over the activities of AUKUS in the issue of the deployment of nuclear weapons components in the Asia-Pacific Region, Lavrov pointed out.The Russian foreign minister noted that he will discuss US maneuvers around the Korean Peninsula with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, later in the day in Laos."The new foreign minister asked for this meeting... I will listen to him, since he has asked for a meeting he probably has something to say. For my part, I will openly convey our assessment of the situation into which Seoul is being dragged deeper and deeper. I am referring first and foremost to American maneuvers around the Korean peninsula with the aim of isolating and punishing the DPRK," he said.Sergey Lavrov also expressed hope that ASEAN members will recognize the danger lurking in US plans to deploy intermediate- and short-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.Minister Lavrov said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed him about talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmitry Kuleba."Wang Yi told us how his conversations with Kuleba went, and we feel that the Chinese position remains unchanged. The Chinese position, once again, is to focus on root causes [of the Ukraine conflict]," Lavrov noted.The United States' plans to deploy intermediate-range missiles in Germany are not dependent on Russia's military operation in Ukraine, Lavrov pointed out."No one asked [German Chancellor Olaf] Scholz about the intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles that are now planned to be deployed in Germany, whether the Germans want such deployment or not. Again, when the news broke, he simply said: 'I welcome the US decision to deploy missiles in Germany. This is a good decision.' He did not hide the fact that the decision was an American one," he elaborated."The special military operation has nothing to do with it. The plans were in place, the plans remain," the minister noted.The West is attempting to restrain political processes in Myanmar by increasing sanctions on its leadership and supporting radical opposition groups, the Russian minister added.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/man-who-blew-up-russian-railway-at-ukraines-behest-formally-charged-1119528574.html

Man Who Blew up Russian Railway at Ukraine's Behest Formally Charged

Man Who Blew up Russian Railway at Ukraine's Behest Formally Charged

Sputnik International

Ruslan Sidiki, who blew up a railway near Russia's Ryazan in exchange for $15,000 promised by Ukrainian security services, is accused of committing nine serious crimes, court documents obtained by Sputnik revealed Saturday.

2024-07-27T03:32+0000

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MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ruslan Sidiki, who blew up a railway near Russia's Ryazan in exchange for $15,000 promised by Ukrainian security services, is accused of committing nine serious crimes, court documents obtained by Sputnik revealed Saturday. On November 11, 2023, 19 cars of a freight train derailed in the Ryazan Region as a result of the detonation of an improvised explosive device. Sidiki was arrested and during interrogation said he had been recruited by the main intelligence department of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. Sidiki is charged with training for terrorist activities and with committing one terrorist act, attempting another, and preparing a third. He is also charged with three counts of unlawful manufacture of explosive devices.

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Usha Vance, the wife of Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance, told friends that she found Donald Trump's role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol "deeply disturbing," the Washington Post reported.

A friend who talked to the newspaper said Usha Vance was repulsed by Trump's inciting the mob that descended on the Capitol, and was critical of the support that gave rise to the former president  sharply contrary views to her husband's. He has called the jailed Jan. 6 rioters as "political prisoners."

"Usha found the incursion on the Capitol and Trump's role in it to be deeply disturbing," said the friend, who was not identified. "She was generally appalled by Trump, from the moment of his first election," the friend added.

The friend said seeing Usha Vance, 38, sitting in the same VIP box as Trump during the Republican National Convention was "surreal."

A spokesperson for J.D. Vance declined to comment or to say whether Usha Vance, whose parents are Indian Hindu immigrants, voted for Trump in 2016 or 2020.

She was working as a lawyer and her husband was not yet elected to the Senate in Ohio at the time of the Jan. 6 riot.

The two met while students at Yale Law School.

A Republican strategist for J.D. Vance's 2022 Senate campaign said Usha Vance's opinions of Trump have changed as have her husband's.

"Usha has had a similar shift in views and fully supports Donald Trump and her husband and will do whatever she can to ensure their victory this November," Jai Chabria insisted in a statement provided by the Vance spokesperson.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/russia-helps-asean-bloc-ensure-food-security--indonesian-foreign-minister-1119528421.html

Russia Helps ASEAN Bloc Ensure Food Security  Indonesian Foreign Minister

Russia Helps ASEAN Bloc Ensure Food Security  Indonesian Foreign Minister

Sputnik International

Russia is an important partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in ensuring food security, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said.

2024-07-27T03:19+0000

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JAKARTA (Sputnik) - Russia is an important partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in ensuring food security, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said. In addition to cooperation in the agricultural sector, ASEAN and Russia "need to work together to improve the resilience of food supply chains, especially in times of crisis," the minister said. Marsoudi also welcomed Russia's role in building ASEAN's cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)."With a combined population of over 850 million people, the potential for ASEAN and EAEU cooperation is enormous, including in trade, investment, digital economy, cybersecurity and sustainable development," the minister added. Laos, which holds the 2024 ASEAN chairmanship, is currently hosting the annual series of ministerial and post-ministerial meetings of the bloc and ASEAN Dialogue Partner countries. ASEAN consists of ten Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. East Timor is set to become the eleventh ASEAN state in the near future.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/russias-yakovlev-design-bureau-ready-to-resume-development-of-vertical-take-off-jets-1119536016.html

Russias Yakovlev Design Bureau Ready to Resume Development of Vertical Take-Off Jets

Russias Yakovlev Design Bureau Ready to Resume Development of Vertical Take-Off Jets

Sputnik International

Russian aircraft designer and manufacturer Yakovlev is ready to resume the development of a fifth-generation VTOL capable aircraft, Yakovlev general director Andrei Boginsky told Sputnik.

2024-07-27T18:48+0000

2024-07-27T18:48+0000

2024-07-27T18:48+0000

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kh-31 (as-17 krypton) missile

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Russian aircraft designer and manufacturer Yakovlev is ready to resume the development of a fifth-generation VTOL capable aircraft, if asked to do so by the Defense Ministry, Yakovlev general director Andrei Boginsky told Sputnik.Our designers have explored the prospects for creating even more advanced aircraft corresponding to the level of the fifth generation of combat aviation, Boginsky said. The topic of vertical take-off and landing aircraft was frozen in the difficult 1990s, but we have retained the scientific and technical basis for their development.Yakovlev began experimenting with VTOL technology in the 1950s, with these efforts leading to the development of the Yak-36, a VTOL technology demonstrator. The Yak-36 made its maiden flight sixty years ago, on July 27, 1964 in conventional flight mode. Two months later, on September 27, 1964, the aircraft performed its first hover and transition to horizontal flight. A full profile flight with vertical take-off and landing took place in March 1966.Four Yak-36 prototypes were built, with the project seeing extensive testing and tinkering to try to improve airflow and flight characteristics. The Yak-36 program was redesignated the Yak-36M program, and ultimately gave birth to the Yak-38 program. The latter resulted in the successful introduction of the Yak-38 into Soviet Naval Aviation in 1976 for use aboard Project 1143 Krechyet (lit. Gyrfalcon) Kiev-class aircraft carriers, which would carry a standard compliment of a dozen Yak-38s.These unique, three-engined aircraft (1 Tumansky R-28 V-300 vectored thrust turbofan and 2 RD-38 turbojets) had a crew of one, a top speed up of nearly 1,300 km per hour, an 11 km service ceiling and a practical combat radius with vertical takeoff and landing and full weapons complement of up to 185 km.The jets were armed with 23 mm autocannons and had four hard points for up to 2 tons of munitions, from Kh-23 air-to-surface and R-60 air-to-air missiles to cluster, incendiary and FAB series free-fall bombs. RN-28, RN-40 and RN-41 tactical nuclear weapons, designed for operations against enemy carrier groups, were also available. The Yak-38 proved finicky in exploitation, with scores of the roughly 230 Yak-38s that were built lost in accidents. Yakovlev consequently worked to improve its VTOL technology in its future iterations.The design bureau began design of the Yak-38s successor, the Yak-141, in 1975, based on demands by the Defense Ministry that the next generation of Soviet VTOL aircraft have improved maneuverability and thrust-to-weight ratio, fully automated vertical take-off capability, smaller braking distance, onboard radar, and more powerful engines to increase weapons payload and extend the combat radius to 900 km.The Yak-141 reached an advanced stage of development, with four prototypes built and the first flight taking place in 1987. In 1989, the first vertical takeoff took place, and in 1990 the plane carried out its first full profile flight, and first successful takeoff and landing from and on a carrier. On October 5, 1990, one of the test aircraft was lost in a crash, but the pilot survived unscathed.The Yak-141 had foldable wings, a 19.5 ton maximum takeoff weight from runway (and 15.8 ton max VTOL), three digitally-controlled engines  an R79V-300 lifting and propulsion engine and twin RD-41 lifting engines. The plane could accelerate to up to 1,250 km per hour, making it the first VTOL plane in the world flying faster than the speed of sound, and a 15 km service ceiling.The aircraft was designed to be armed with a 30 mm GSh-30-1 autocannon, and had five hardpoints for R-77, R-27, R-73 and R-60 air-to-air missiles, Kh-25, Kh-31 and Kh-35 air-to-surface guided missiles, optional secondary 23 mm cannons, or up to six free-fall bombs with a caliber up to 500 kg. In addition to base Project 1143 and Project 1143.5 carriers, Yak-141 would have been carried aboard Ulyanovsk-series nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.While the Yak-141 never went into service thanks to the USSRs collapse, its legacy lived on, with blueprints for the planes sold to Lockheed in the 1990s and used by the US defense giant to help develop the F-35B. As the F-35Bs development demonstrated, a modern VTOL jet requires miniaturization of avionics and an airframe able to handle the G-force requirements of modern aircraft engines for VTOL-capable aircraft.4++ and 5thgeneration technologies developed for other Russian combat aircraft could be applied to a next-gen Russian VTOL jet, including modern avionics and weapons, and they are expected to be carried by either a new Russian aircraft carrier, or a new generation of amphibious assault ships.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/us-base-at-gas-field-in-eastern-syria-target-of-missile-attack-1119528708.html

US Base at Gas Field in Eastern Syria Target of Missile Attack

US Base at Gas Field in Eastern Syria Target of Missile Attack

Sputnik International

A US base at a Conoco gas field in the province of Deir ez-Zur in eastern Syria has been hit by five missiles, a Syrian military field source told Sputnik Saturday.

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DAMASCUS, (Sputnik) - A US base at a Conoco gas field in the province of Deir ez-Zur in eastern Syria has been hit by five missiles, a Syrian military field source told Sputnik Saturday. US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted with multiple attacks since October 2023 following Hamas October 7 attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in the Gaza Strip. The United States' backing of Israel has inflamed public opinion across the Muslim world as the official death toll of its operation in the Gaza Strip approaches 40,000. The US military currently controls parts of the provinces of Raqqa, Deir ez-Zur and Al-Hasakah, where Syria's largest oil and gas fields are located. The Syrian government considers the presence of the US military on its territory an act of occupation and state piracy.Former President Donald Trump, in an example of the type of braggadocio that earned him opposition within the US intelligence community, publicly boasted that the United States would remain in Syria to plunder its oil.They say he left troops in Syria.' You know what I did? I left troops to take the oil. I took the oil. The only troops I have are taking the oil. Theyre protecting the oil, Trump once said, speaking to Fox News.US troops have remained stationed at Syria's largest oil and gas fields under Trump's successor, Democratic President Joe Biden.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20231027/us-bases-atop-syrias-largest-oil-and-gas-fields-reportedly-come-under-attack-1114525566.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/warships-of-russias-baltic-fleet-arriving-at-cubas-havana-port-1119534199.html

Warships of Russia's Baltic Fleet Arriving at Cuba's Havana Port

Warships of Russia's Baltic Fleet Arriving at Cuba's Havana Port

Sputnik International

Warships from Russias Baltic Fleet began to arrive at the Cuban port of Havana on Saturday, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

2024-07-27T13:27+0000

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The Smolny vessel was the first to enter the port. The Neustrashimy frigate and the Yelnya vessel are also expected to arrive later in the day. The Yelnya vessel is also expected to arrive later in the day.The fleets servicemen will take part in multiple events during the visit, including a meeting with the head of the Cuban navy and Havana authorities. Cuban citizens will be able to visit the Smolny warship from July 28-29.

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

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Undefeated two-year-old male pacers Malevolent and Im Sir Scarlet added Atlantic Sires Stakes victories to their perfect records on Friday evening, July 26 at Truro Raceway.

Both rookies followed up successful career debuts in the P.E.I. Colts Stakes on July 18 at Summerside Raceway with winning efforts in their respective $10,540 'A' divisions of the opening leg of the Atlantic Sires Stakes.

Malevolent was the fastest division winner, lowering his mark to 1:57.4 for trainer/driver Paul Langille.

Unhurried through a :29.2 opening panel, 6-5 favourite Malevolent swept from third to first rounding the turn towards the grandstand and cut mid-splits of :59.2 and 1:29 before sealing the deal with a :28.4 final frame. All My Lovin and David Dowling overtook Sergeant Crowley and Robert Laffin for the runner-up honours, finishing 2-1/2 lengths behind the winner.

Bred by Gary MacPherson of North Wiltshire, P.E.I., the Malicious-Lady Kelleigh Anne gelding is a full sibling to Langille-campaigned two-time Atlantic Breeders Crown champion Malgnity. Malevolent is owned by Debbie Francis of Sweets Corner, N.S., and Rosanne Langille of Lower Onslow, N.S.

Trainer/driver Darryl MacLean's homebred colt Im Sir Scarlet led all the way in his division for a career-best 1:59.1 victory.

The 1-2 favourite cleared to command into the backstretch the first time and cruised through fractions of :29.1, 1:01 and 1:30 for the 1-1/4-length victory. Saulsbrook Rockruf and Brodie MacPhee shot through inside to best the pocket-popping Here On Earth and Adam Merner for second.

The Malicious-Feel The Rhythm colt is co-owned by Gordon MacLean of Winsloe, P.E.I., and Stephen Downey of Quispamsis, N.B.

A pair of $6,000 'B' divisions went in 2:00.4 with Timberlea Duke (Malicious-Duchess Killean) and Like A King (Arthur Blue Chip-Twin B Cuzisaidso) earning their first career wins. Corey MacPherson worked out a perfect pocket trip for the Joseph Baxter-trained Timberlea Duke while Like A King rallied from last to first to prevail in a photo finish in rein to David Dowling for trainer Don Milligan.

MacPherson doubled up in the stakes action with the 2:00.2 maiden-breaking Onions Te Go (Bet The Moon-Modern Best) as the Lanny Hanscombe trainee battled back when faced with a backstretch challenge in his 'B' division.

In regular racing action, Rockin Corona delivered on his 1-9 pari-mutuel promise in the $2,500 Winners Over Pace, scoring in the final strides in 1:56 flat over Fifth Estate for trainer/driver Darren Crowe. The four-year-old Rockin Image-Rosagatha gelding, who trailed the field of a half dozen pacers early on, followed the cover of Fifth Estate and chased down that late leader to earn his third straight victory and sixth win in 11 starts since arriving on the East Coast this past spring.

To view Friday's harness racing results, click the following link: Friday Results - Truro Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada; photo of Im Sir Scarlet from a previous win)
The method may not be one that her nervous backers appreciate, but Reckless Abandon recorded her second straight victory with ease, despite racing in last for much of the mile at The Meadowlands on Friday night, July 26 when six $34,247 leg three New Jersey Sire Stakes dashes for two-year-olds of each sex and gait were conducted during the card.

In the lone filly pace, Reckless Abandon raced in sixth for a second straight week for the first half-mile as Beach Babe led at the quarter in :27.1 and Worklifebalance the half in :55.3. At the five-eighths, TH Summer Lovin popped out of the five-hole and swiftly went after the leaders while providing a live tow for 1-9 favourite Reckless Abandon, who tipped off her cover inside the eighth pole and sprinted away to an easy 2-1/4-length victory in a lifetime-best 1:52. TH Summer Lovin held second with Worklifebalance third.

Shes a pretty talented filly, said winning driver Todd McCarthy. [Trainer] Brett [Pelling] has done a great job with her. She got a good second-over trip.

Im super happy shes had cover from outside posts, it helps with the anxiety of racing a two-year-old filly four weeks in a row, said Pelling, who trains the homebred filly for W. J. Donovan and Donal Murphy. The earplugs were not pulled and she was in hand. I would be confident if Todd decides to get involved early in the [Aug. 2 NJSS] final. She will be fine.

A daughter of Cattlewash-Reclamation, Reckless Abandon returned $2.10 to her faithful as the 1-9 favourite.

Todd McCarthy swept the pacing divisions with the Bruce Saunders-trained colt Manolete winning in a lifetime-best 1:51.4 as the 2-5 favourite. The Cattlewash-Glancewithme colt was also a repeat winner, following up his maiden-breaking win two weeks ago in the NJSS for owners M And L Of Delaware and M And M Harness Racing.

Todd McCarthy also guided 11-1 shot Conversano (Muscle Hill-Celebrity Ruth) to a 1:55 victory for trainer Juan Cano in one of two divisions for filly trotters. The other filly trot went to 3-1 third choice Champagne Problems (Tactical Landing-Miss Caviar) in 1:55.1 with Dexter Dunn driving for trainer Nancy Takter.

In the first division for colt and gelding trotters, Onajetplane (Walner-Noble Lover) pulled off a 49-1 shocker with a 1:55.1 score in rein to Andy McCarthy for the Noel Daley stable. Trained by Nifty Norman, Yannick G Kemp (Walner-Southwind Adele) was a 1:55.2 winner in the second split for male trotters, with Dave Miller in the sulky of the 5-1 third choice.

Onajetplane created some big payoffs by taking the third race. The 20-cent Survivor Pick-7, which is offered on races two through eight, returned $4,260.18 for those with six winners on their tickets, while the 20-cent Pick-5, available on the first through the fifth, came back $1,646.76.

Todd McCarthy and Dunn tied atop the driver colony leaderboard as each took three jaunts down victory lane. James Slendorn and Eric Davis had driving doubles. Both of Slendorns wins were with Kelvin Harrison trainees, making Harrison the top conditioner of the night.

All-source handle totalled $2,545,895 USD on the 14-race card.

Racing resumes on Saturday at 6:20 p.m. Sitting atop the marquee on the program are three eliminations for the $500,000 USD Hambletonian Oaks and two for the $1 million USD Hambletonian.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)
A lineman tends to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Lynnae Wilson, CenterPoint Energys senior vice president of electric business, is no longer with the company, a company spokesperson confirmed.

Wilson led all aspects of CenterPoints electric distribution, transmission and generation utilities serving the Houston region and southwest Indiana since January 2023. CenterPoint spokesperson Michelle Hundley declined to comment on when and why Wilson, who reported directly to CEO Jason Wells, left the company, citing the confidentiality of personnel matters.

Wilsons departure follows broad blowback against CenterPoint for the utilitys preparation for and response to Hurricane Beryl, which led to power outages for a record 2.26 million Houston-area customers that in some cases lasted days or even weeks.

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Darin Carroll, senior vice president of natural gas business, will take over Wilsons role effectively immediately, Hundley said. Carroll will also report to Wells, according to an email sent by Wells to CenterPoint employees reviewed by the Chronicle. Richard Leger, senior vice president of enterprise system innovation, has been named interim senior vice president of natural gas business effective immediately, according to Wells email.

Wilson was promoted to senior vice president of electric business in January 2023 from her previous role as the senior vice president of Houston Electric, CenterPoints Houston segment of its electric utility operations. She started at CenterPoint in 2019 as the chief business officer of the companys Indiana electric utility, according to her LinkedIn.

Prior to joining CenterPoint, Wilsons LinkedIn says she spent 16 years at Indiana-based utility Vectren Corp. CenterPoint acquired Vectren for $6 billion in 2019, expanding its electricity and natural gas businesses into Ohio and Indiana.

In a CenterPoint statement released July 7, the day before Beryl made landfall, Wilson was quoted saying, We stand at-the-ready to respond to Hurricane Beryls impact to our region and are confident we have more than appropriately prepared for our potential response.

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We understand our customers depend on us for these critical services, and once it is safe to do so, they should rest assured they will see crews, trucks and vehicles throughout our service territory assessing damage to our system and determining restoration solutions, she said in the statement. From that point forward, we will work around-the-clock to get the lights and air conditioning back on for those who are able to receive service from us as quickly as possible.

In his email to staff, Wells said the realignment of leadership roles would help CenterPoint better meet its challenges ahead.
Late into Twisters, a community is advised to take shelter in a movie theater. There, theyll hopefully live out the worst of it. When the screen is ripped and devastation begins, director Lee Isaac Chung achieves the blockbuster hes seeking. Its a wild ride.

Like disaster films of the 1970s and 80s, Twisters loads up with a cavalcade of characters, then watches them react.

Key is Glen Powell, riding on a string of hits that began with Top Gun: Maverick. Here hes a similar hotshot, recording tornadoes for a YouTube channel. Online, he attracts a strong following of storm chasers who think nothing of their own safety and revel in the adventure.

Along for the ride? An insurance company looking to sweep in when devastation makes it impossible for residents to rebuild. It has a series of meteorologists tracking storms and helping beat others to the punch.

The reluctant traveler is Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who works for the National Weather Service and has reason not to go into the line of fire. An earlier tornado resulted in the deaths of people she held dear. Even though she has an idea how to tame them, she doesnt want to go into the field  until a friend, Javi (played by Anthony Ramos), begs her to track tornadoes for a lifesaving project. She agrees, but recoils when she sees the tornado wrangler making a profit off others woes.

Naturally, storms bring the warring factions together and soon, Powell and Edgar-Jones are making like John Travolta and Debra Winger in Urban Cowboy. The path leads to her childhood home, her mother (nicely played by Maura Tierney) and a science project that led to her choice of careers.

While Twisters is more involved than Twister, it does follow a similar route and does feature a cameo by the son of Bill Paxton, the first films star. (More interesting, perhaps, is David Corenswet as a cap-wearing storm chaser who doesnt appear to go in for much nonsense. Considering his next big film is Superman, its interesting how hes able to blend into the background and keep Javi from tipping his hand. Clark Kent, indeed.)

Edgar-Jones doesnt appear ready to fall for some of the films playfulness, but she does make an interesting lead, even if that means she has to veer into rom-com territory.

While some of the scenes are just plain silly, the twister that spins through an Oklahoma town is frightening enough to make you wonder if the theater youre sitting in is safe.

Chung uses special effects well and manages to offer a few salient tips for those who may be in a similar situation. He doesnt connect this to the 1996 film but he does indicate theres worth in reminding people of natural disasters, not just man-made ones.

Like its predecessor, Twisters is primed for a big audience. It has danger, romance and intrigue all wrapped into one. Safer than a basement in summer, it lets you ride out a storm without getting so much as a scratch.

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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:

Airbus showed off its A321-XLR -- a model that aims to straddle the medium and long-range segments -- at the Farnborough International Airshow in Britain.

Boeing's safety troubles and the Airbus scramble to ramp up production should have left a gap for smaller rivals to challenge their domination of the commercial airliner market.

Yet the American and European giants face little near term threat to their lock on the medium and long-range aircraft markets, industry experts say, as the barriers to entry are too high for China's COMAC or Brazil's Embraer.

COMAC did not bother to bring its new C919, its first entry into the key single-aisle medium-range aircraft segment, to this week's Farnborough airshow, Europe's top aviation industry gathering.

Airbus and Boeing meanwhile added more than 260 planes to their massive order books of nearly 15,000 aircraft.

This despite the fact that an airline that orders a medium-range Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 MAX today will likely have to wait until the end of the decade to receive the plane. Both companies face supply chain and other problems that have hampered efforts to step up production.

In the coming two decades airlines are estimated to need 42,000 new aircraft to rejuvenate their fleets with models that guzzle less fuel and emit less CO 2 , as well as to meet an expected doubling of global air traffic.

"A significant narrow-bodies deficit remains through 2028 for the A320 family and longer for the 737 MAX," said Richard Evans, an analyst at aviation sector data firm Cirium.

Narrow-body or single-aisle aircraft are the workhorses of the commercial aviation industry, each carrying between 175 and 250 passengers on medium-range flights.

Despite the opening in the most popular commercial aircraft segment, it will not be easy for COMAC or Embraer to profit from the opportunity.

Certification hurdle for COMAC

COMAC's C919 has begun commercial flights in China. A state-owned firm, COMAC has nearly 1,200 orders for the jet, almost exclusively from Chinese airlines.

COMAC's C919 plane faces barriers to reaching western airlines.

Beijing wanted the plane to reduce China's reliance on foreign technology and to gain a foothold in the global aircraft market. However, the plane has to date only been certified for use in China and production remains low-scale.

Without certification from the Federal Aviatioin Authority in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) the two major markets remain closed to the C919.

"Chinese airlines are the target market for the C919," said Pascal Fabre, an aerospace industry expert at AlixPartners consultancy.

He said there are too many barriers, including political, for major Western airlines to add it to their fleet.

COMAC sent a C919 to the Singapore airshow in February. The firm's small stand at Farnborough featured only small models of the jet.

Airbus and Boeing still expect COMAC to become a rival.

"We do take COMAC as a serious competitor," said Christian Scherer, who heads Airbus's commercial aircraft division.

But not immediately, as they believe the C919 does not offer airlines anything new compared with Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

"There is no differentiation, there's no new value being brought to the market, which tells you that COMAC is really still trying to accede to a market that remains largely influenced by Airbus and Boeing," he added.

The development of the technologies for the next generation of aircraft, which Airbus and Boeing have a lead on, are "big barriers to entry", said Scherer.

Embraer is focused on improving its existing aircraft like the E2.

Huge development costs

Brazil's Embraer is already an established player in the market for smaller, regional aircraft.

For Fabre at AlixPartners, Embraer has the technical know-how to develop a medium-range plane that could compete with Airbus and Boeing.

The problem is money.

"The market capitalization of the company is around five billion dollars. The development of a new commercial airliner, even for Embraer, is at least that level, so they need partnerships," said Fabre.

The risk of a company overstretching itself with the development of an aircraft is real.

Canada's Bombardier developed its C-Series aircraft to occupy the space between small regional aircraft and the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 planes. It entered service in 2016 but the company could not cope with financial pressure and was split apart, with Airbus acquiring the plane which it rebaptised the A220.

Embraer, which produces the E2 that is just smaller than the A220, held talks with Boeing to sell its commercial aircraft business but the US company withdrew in 2020 during the COVID pandemic.

Since then Embraer has preferred to improve its existing aircraft.

"It takes seven, eight years to launch an aircraft. And we have to manage this technology transition" towards more sustainable fuels, the company's chief executive Gomes Neto recently told the trade magazine Aviation Week.

"We don't want to put the company at risk."

 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:

Credit: Pixabay from Pexels

Two U.S. senators are calling on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate automakers selling customers' driving data to brokers who package it and then sell it to insurance companies.

In a letter to FTC Chairwoman Linda Khan, Democrats Ron Wyden of Oregon, and Edward Markey of Massachusetts allege that General Motors, Hyundai, Honda and perhaps others are sharing drivers' data, such as sudden braking and acceleration.

The automakers, the senators said in a statement Friday, used deceptive tactics to manipulate customers into signing up for disclosure of the data to brokers.

After reading a report in The New York Times, Wyden's office looked into the three automakers and found that they shared data with broker Verisk Analytics. In the letter to Khan, the senators wrote that all three automakers confirmed disclosure of the data. GM also confirmed that it disclosed customer location data to two other companies that the automaker would not name, the letter said.

Verisk used the data to prepare reports on driving-behavior history and sold them to insurance companies, the letter said. Some automakers may have deceived customers by advertising data disclosures as a way to reduce insurance bills, without telling them that some insurers could charge more, the senators wrote.

"If the FTC determines that these companies violated the law, we urge you to hold the companies and their senior executives accountable," the senators wrote to Khan.

GM wouldn't say how many cars' data was sent to brokers or what it was paid, according to the letter. Wyden's office found that Hyundai shared data from 1.7 million vehicles and was paid just over $1 million, while Honda got just under $26,000 for data from 97,000 vehicles, the senators said.

A message was left Friday after business hours seeking comment from the FTC.

In an email, GM denied that it deceived customers into enrolling in the data-sharing program with Verisk. Data-sharing partnerships with Verisk and LexisNexis were canceled in March, and its data-sharing program called "Smart Driver" ended in June, GM said.

"Data was only shared with an insurer if a customer initiated a quote directly with their chosen carrier and provided a separate consent to that carrier," the email said.

The company said it does share "de-identified" data with partners to aid city infrastructure and make roads safer.

In a statement, Hyundai said the senators' letter mischaracterizes its data policies and that it has safeguards to make sure customers agree to sharing driving information with insurers.

Customers, it said, had the option to connect driving scores to their insurers through Verisk for possible benefits such as good-driving discounts.

"It is important to note that Verisk was not authorized by Hyundai or the customer to share the Drive Score data with insurers until the customer affirmatively consented to this on an insurer's website or app," Hyundai said.

Honda also said that customers had to opt into the program with Verisk. Some customers with good driving scores were given the chance to agree to discount offers from insurers. "Without that clear second opt-in by the customer, no identifiable consumer information was shared with any insurance company," Honda said.

Verisk also disagreed with Wyden and Markey and said in a statement that it "acts to ensure data is accessed and used appropriately." The company said using data responsibly "is the cornerstone of our business."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
For the second time this month, the Brazos County Health District has confirmed that mosquitoes in the county have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to a press release.

On Friday, the BCHD said that the Texas Department of State Health Services Arbovirus Laboratory has confirmed that multiple mosquito samples collected in the 77845 ZIP code of College Station are positive for West Nile Virus.

The BCHD is advising residents to consider all of Brazos County positive for West Nile Virus.

To reduce possible exposure, the BCHD is asking residents to remember the following:

DEET all day, every Day: Whenever outside, use and reapply insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents and always follow label instructions.

Dress: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside.

Dusk and dawn: Limit spending time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.

Drain: Drain or treat with larvicide all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs.

As a result of the positive test, BCHD said it will continue its increased surveillance and larvicide treatment of confirmed breeding habitats in the area where positive samples were collected.

BCHD also collects mosquito traps in Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington counties. Samples are collected weekly beginning each May through the end of October.

West Nile Virus is transmitted via mosquito bites, and 20% of people infected develop symptoms such as a headache, fever, aches, pains, nausea and fatigue.

BCHD said death is also possible in less than 1% of cases.
Set on 1.4 acres at 3223 Canal, Zoomies Dog Park will open in fall 2025. Concept Neighborhood Zoomies Dog Park is coming to the East End. Concept Neighborhood The front entrance of Zoomies Dog Park at 3223 Canal. Concept Neighborhood Zoomies Dog Park is a members-only dog park and people bar. Concept Neighborhood Zoomies Dog Park will have areas for events and drinks. Concept Neighborhood

Part of an abandoned railroad easement south of Buffalo Bayou East will be transformed into an expansive dog park with a bar, food trucks and events stage as part of an urban village taking shape in the East End.

Zoomies, a dog park for canine members and their human friends, leased 1.4 acres at the Plant in Second Ward, a redevelopment of Concept Neighborhood encompassing several blocks between Navigation and Harrisburg. More locations in Texas and the U.S. could follow in the coming years.

Ramy Saleh, a NASA engineer and one of 10 entrepreneurs who founded the startup, said he saw a need that wasnt being met at traditional dog parks. He sought a place to meet people and be social while bonding with his dog, a Matlipoo named Lateef who inspired the name of the business.

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Every time I take him off leash, he runs around with this burst of energy, Saleh said. His happiest time is when he gets the zoomies.

Only dogs that are current on vaccines, well-behaved and spayed or neutered can register to enter. Prices for day, monthly and annual memberships have not been set. Saleh said the monthly price will be comparable to a gym membership. Canine companions are optional.

All humans are welcome to come visit every corner of Zoomies at any time, Saleh said.

WAREHOUSE CONVERSION: Crux Climbing Center comes to East End

Customers will enter through a gate where dogs' memberships will be checked. There will be 10,000 to 12,000 square feet of structures, including a 3,000-square-foot ice house serving beer, wine and cocktails. The event space will host seminars, dog fostering and adoption events, music and dog yoga or dog Pilates. Dogs can play off leash in a lighted central open field with green artificial turf. There will be shaded areas with seating. One food truck will be a permanent partner while others will rotate cuisines such as Vietnamese, Korean and Lebanese, Saleh said.

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The food and drink isnt limited to people.

Well be having dog beer with different types of broth you mix with different vegetables and meats, Saleh said.

Zoomies is expected to open in fall of 2025 around the same time as Crux Climbing Center, a popular Austin-based gym being built in a neighboring vacant warehouse for its Houston debut. Dogs are welcome there, too. A Kidos International Preschool and Daycare is also on the way in the nearby Headquarters coworking building.

Jeff Kaplan, a principal at Concept Neighborhood, said Zoomies will provide another place where neighbors can meet. The developer is focused on adding tenants and amenities that make it possible for people to be less car dependent and to walk more.

The dog park is part of a transition at the Plant in Second Ward, an area envisioned as a walkable neighborhood where aging industrial buildings are being repurposed as places to shop, work, eat and drink, exercise or relax. Apartment complexes, totaling more than 1,000 units, are expected to follow.

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Peoples lives are integrated with their dogs today, Kaplan said. People dont just leave their dogs at home. Theres a real opportunity for people to be able to incorporate their daily lives around the lives of their pets and their children.

Saleh, who was represented by Andre Azizi from NewQuest in the 10-year lease, said it was a challenge to find the right size property at the right cost. He selected the East End after viewing sites in Midtown, Montrose, the Heights, Medical Center area and Bellaire over the last year or so.

Houston could ultimately have four or five Zoomies locations, including at The Woodlands in two or three years, and League City, Sugar Land and Katy next on the radar, Saleh said. The company could expand to Austin, where Saleh is a co-founder of KB BBQ, and to Dallas and San Antonio in the next four years.

Zoomies will open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offer doggie day care for one to four hours. The park is slated for completion in September 2025, although portions could open earlier.
The Mytiburger was closed on Tuesday so film crews could tape scenes from the upcoming movie "Cultivating Charlie," about a young man's search for meaning. Betty Tichich/Houston Chronicle

A northwest Houston burger joint is gaining traction after the owner made a post on Facebook defending his decision to employ a homeless man.

Mytiburger, located at 2211 W. 43rd St., has served Houston for almost 60 years. Its current owner, Shawn Salyers, is an Army veteran and native of Corpus Christi. He took over the business a little over 10 years ago from a woman known for her charitable nature. Since then, he said, it just felt right to continue the restaurants tradition of giving back.

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The old owner used to do it, so I guess I just picked it up from her, Salyers said. She always helped everybody out. Not just people, either. Shed feed the neighborhood birds and stray cats as well.

Salyers has employed one homeless man, who he referred to as Josh, for more than three years. He shied away from framing his relationship with Josh as charitable. Instead, he said Josh does the necessary work around Mytiburger and is compensated fairly.

Josh suffers from mental illness, according to Salyers. His mental state and at times unkempt appearance have drawn complaints from customers who have raised concerns regarding Joshs hygiene. But, according to Salyers, he employed Josh to do work unrelated to food prep or customer interaction.

Hes not really a charity case. He applied for a job. He comes in and he works every day. We help him from time to time but he does the work that needs to be done, and we are grateful for that, Salyers said. I dont know where hed end up if we were to chase him off, so there is that element of trying to do the right thing. But for the most part, he does what we need him to do.

Josh isnt the first homeless person to work for Mytiburger, either. Since it opened in 1967, the business has gained a reputation for giving back to the less fortunate. Whether for a single shift or multiple years, Salyers told the Chronicle both he and the previous owner made a point of offering work to those who need it, regardless of their situation.

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That hasnt always been easy. Salyers said hes had items stolen and has otherwise been taken advantage of in the past.

Its sometimes a pretty tough situation. Ive been burned before, Salyers said. Ive had a backpack with a computer stolen. One guy was bathing in the sink in the bathroom and I had to tell him he couldnt come back. So it's not always easy, but were about striking the balance between doing whats right and running a business.

That balance seems to have resonated with the community members, many of whom took to Facebook to show their support for Salyers and his restaurant.

I may not live in Houston anymore but I did at one point. I was homeless back then, and now unfortunately I'm homeless again, one person who commented on the post said. I may not have a place to call home right now, but I am still a human being. And because I am a human being a little dignity and respect is the only thing I really ask for."

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Salyers post at noon Saturday had garnered close to 3,000 likes and more than 500 comments, virtually all of which were supportive of his decision to continue employing Josh.

Good for you Shawn. A job is a necessity to lift most out of homelessness, another comment said. Stability and routine, which a job provides, is a big factor in helping the mentally ill begin to rejoin society. Please let's all search our hearts and minds to find compassion to help others.

This isnt the first time Mytiburger has drawn attention on social media. Last summer, Salyers made another post on Facebook when the restaurant was in danger of closing. A deluge of support from those who live in the area followed, and now Salyers said Mytiburger is doing much better.

Its a small business, were still a mom-and-pop operation, so there are peaks and valleys, Salyers said. But were getting along pretty well now.
Houston Food Bank volunteer Rosa Campos, 16, collects groceries for a recipient in Novebmer 2003. Sharon Steinmann/Staff Photographer Lone Star Legal Aid attorney Benjamin Daily and Intake Supervisor Deanna Sline provide legal assistance to visitors outside the Harris County Precinct 1, Place 2 courthouse. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Navigating resources for Houstonians in need  whether that be legal assistance, food aid or mental health resources  can be confusing. If you, a friend or a loved one are looking for assistance, you can always dial 211.



Here, weve listed a few other options and organizations you can turn to for help.

Where can I find legal assistance?

Lone Star Legal Aid offers help to low-income Texans. You can contact them via their website or call their main office at 713-652-0077.



Houston Volunteer Lawyers can be found here. They can help with various issues, such as housing, taxes, employment and family law, among other areas.

AMERICA'S BIGGEST FOOD BANK: What to know about the Houston Food Bank

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Where can I find food assistance in Houston and Texas?

The Houston Food Bank has a network of 1,600 community partners throughout 18 counties in southeast Texas. You can find assistance near you on this website by entering your zip code or by calling their helpline at 832-369-9390.



Feeding Texas has a network of 21 food banks and serves all counties in Texas. You can find more about them on their website here or by calling 512-527-3613.



The Texas Department of Health and Human Services lays out guidelines for SNAP here.

Where can I find housing assistance?

REORDER IN THE COURT: How two Harris County eviction courts are becoming resource hubs

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Where can I find assistance for domestic violence or sexual assault survivors?

The Houston Area Womens Center has a free, confidential, 24/7 hotline at 346 295-8994. Their website is here.

Where can I find mental health resources?

If you or a loved one are in a crisis, you can call the national crisis line at 988.



The Harris Center offers help as well. They also have a 24/7 crisis line at 713-970-7000.

HOT IN HERE: How the Houston summer heat impacts mental health

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What are other organizations offering resources?
The Centers for Diseas Control and Prevention recommends using a hair dryer on low power and low heat setting to dry the inner ear after swimming or bathing. Brett Coomer, Staff / Houston Chronicle

Q: You have given your readers some very bad advice. As a practicing physician for 44 years, I advise my patients after they bathe, shower or swim to simply use a hair dryer to gently blow warm (not hot) air at a low speed for 20-30 seconds into their ears to dry them out. One can always find a hair dryer in hotels, gyms, health clubs and at home.

Instilling a cocktail of isopropyl alcohol and/or vinegar is much more complicated, not to mention messy. Furthermore, if you have a perforated eardrum, you risk additional potential complications. The hair dryer doesnt introduce anything else into your external auditory canal.

A: Thank you for suggesting a hair dryer on low power and low heat settings. That is also the advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It should be kept about a foot from the ear.

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The Mayo Clinic adds, If you know you dont have a punctured eardrum, you can use homemade preventive eardrops of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part rubbing alcohol. Advice from the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia is almost identical.

Many of the over-the-counter swimmers ear preventive drops sold in pharmacies contain isopropyl alcohol and anhydrous glycerin. That includes brand names such as Debrox Swimmers Ear and Swim-EAR.



Q: I read that melatonin might relieve acid reflux. I have been taking Prilosec for several years for GERD. Would melatonin improve the effectiveness of a drug like Prilosec?

A: A randomized controlled trial compared omeprazole (Prilosec) plus melatonin to omeprazole plus placebo (Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology, December 2023). Heartburn pain and frequency were lower among those taking melatonin with omeprazole. There were no serious adverse effects.

Additional evidence suggests that melatonin might help protect the tissues of the esophagus (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, July 13, 2018). Since the development of esophageal cancer is the most serious potential consequence of long-lasting GERD, such protection might be valuable.

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You can learn more about GERD along with the pros and cons of Prilosec and nondrug approaches to treating heartburn in our eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders. This online resource may be found under the Health eGuides tab at PeoplesPharmacy.com.



Q: I got Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever from a tick bite while working in my yard under the pine trees. I dont remember seeing any spots, but I felt lethargic and ached all over.

Thats why I went to an urgent care clinic. They drew a blood sample and later called to tell me I tested positive for RMSF. I took the prescribed antibiotic, but that fever really took the starch out of me for the rest of the summer.

Ive read that permethrin-treated clothing can discourage ticks. How good is it? Id rather be proactive than reactive.

A: Tick-borne diseases can sometimes be hard to diagnose. Even the blood tests are not always accurate. Thats why prevention is so critical at this time of year.

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Wearing permethrin-treated clothing can significantly reduce the likelihood of tick bites (Journal of Medical Entomology, Sept. 1, 2020). Spraying shoes and socks with permethrin also can be helpful. Finally, it is always important to do a careful tick check when you come in from outside. RMSF can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Houston Chronicle

An 18-year-old woman has been charged after authorities said she abandoned her newborn in a dumpster near Gulfton.

Everlida Cux-Ajtzalam is accused of abandoning a child without intent to return, a third-degree felony. According to court documents, Cux-Ajtzalam put the baby in a tied trash bag after she gave birth on the ground outside the food truck where she works. She claimed she had no other choice, because she was concerned her boyfriend would break up with her.

It was pure luck that the child was found and received care, said Judge Veronica Nelson during Cux-Ajtzalams first appearance before the court Friday. Given the fact that its the middle of summer in Houston, Texas, and the temperature at the time noting the danger to the child; under those circumstances, Im going to set the bail in this case at $90,000.

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The bail amount set by the judge is lower than what the Harris County District Attorneys office requested, which asked that Cux-Ajtzalams bail be set at $150,000. Court documents also noted Cux-Ajtzalam was previously arrested in 2023 by Customs and Border Patrol and has a mental disability.

Cux-Ajtzalams baby was discovered on the 6000 block of Dashwood Drive by a passerby who heard the child crying and called 911, according to KHOU. A spokesperson for the Houston Police Department told the Chronicle the baby was taken to the Texas Childrens Hospital and is in good health. Child Protective Services has since taken custody of the child.

The news came just a month after three other babies were found abandoned around Houston throughout June. Some users and activist groups on social media said that Texas ban on abortions may be a contributing factor driving the problem.

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Others, however, like Republican state Rep. Tom Oliverson, highlighted Texas Baby Moses Law. The law, codified in 1999, established designated locations where mothers in crisis can safely relinquish their children at any fire rescue station or hospital in the state of Texas.
Tom Berg, a former defense attorney who came on board at the start of Ogg's administration, confirmed his departure early Tuesday - and though initially he described it to the Chronicle as a firing, officials later said that he resigned when offered a different job title. Courtesy of Tom Berg

A Houston attorney and former top lieutenant to Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg is representing a Beaumont man charged in a kidnapping case with roots that go back at least 40 years.

Putnam Darwin Richardson, a 79-year-old from Orange, Texas, is accused of kidnapping Beaumont attorney Mel Shelander. Shelander represented Richardson in a 1984 aggravated kidnapping charge for which Richardson was ultimately convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison. He served over 30 years of that sentence and kidnapped Shelander earlier in July while on parole, court documents alleged.

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Tom Berg, Richardsons defense attorney, said he was assigned to the case because he was not connected with the local bar association in Beaumont. Since Richardson is accused of kidnapping a lawyer, Berg was selected to avoid a conflict of interest.

In 2019, Berg drew media attention after he abruptly resigned from the Harris County District Attorneys office. His resignation came after a wave of similar staffing changes implemented by Ogg, who took over as DA in 2017.

He said Richardson was suffering from acute stress from Hurricane Beryl and other factors at the time of the alleged crime.

There are tragic overtones to this case. Mr. Richardson's wife, who lives in Orange, is a 75-year old disabled stroke victim and he was her sole caregiver, Berg told the Chronicle Friday. Richardson also suffered catastrophic business and home damage during recent storms that added to his anxiety, Berg said. "He snapped.

FBI Agent Ryan Long testified that Richardson accosted Shelander at gunpoint in his office parking lot the morning of July 15, according to court documents. Long claimed Richardson then used Shelanders cell phone to call his wife and demand a $1 million ransom. Richardson reportedly threatened to kill the victim if his demands were not met.

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Law enforcement officials claimed Richardson then chained Shelander to the floor of his shed for two days before authorities located the Beaumont attorney and released him last Wednesday.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the kidnapping.

In a statement to Fox 4 Beaumont, the Shelander family said his release came after a joint search involving several local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

The entire Shelander family shares a heartfelt thanks to the FBI Beaumont Resident Agency and agents that traveled in from Houston and other areas, the statement read. There is no doubt in our minds that the FBIs quick response alongside their local police partners saved Mels life.
Economic, trade ties expand through coffee at China-South Asia Expo

Xinhua) 10:30, July 27, 2024

KUNMING, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Daniel Yilak Bezabeh has been drinking coffee for years, but just recently he had his first experience of drinking a cup of espresso made by a robot.

The Ethiopian businessman had this impressive experience during his second visit to the China-South Asia Expo, which opened on Tuesday in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, the largest coffee-producing region in the country.

Hosted by the Ministry of Commerce and the provincial government, the six-day event features 15 exhibition halls and attracts over 2,000 exhibitors.

First held in 2013, the expo was once primarily a trade fair between China and South Asian countries. After more than a decade of development, it has expanded to an event with 82 countries, regions and international organizations participating, including countries from South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia and even Africa.

During Bezabeh's first visit to the expo in 2019, the booth of his coffee export company was grouped with other industries. This year, a pavilion dedicated to the coffee industry has been established at the expo for the first time, with over 160 companies showcasing their products in this pavilion.

The coffee pavilion showcases an entire coffee industrial chain, ranging from roasting and processing to packaging, in 11 exhibition zones. It also features activities such as Yunnan coffee workshops and coffee brewing competitions, attracting over 400 professional buyers for trade and business negotiations.

Bezabeh said that the pavilion has effectively connected buyers and exhibitors in the coffee sector. He has reached a preliminary agreement with Yunnan State Farms Group Co., Ltd. to sign a contract worth over 100,000 U.S. dollars for coffee beans.

In the pavilion, a robot capable of making quality latte art in 60 seconds caught the eyes of many visitors. Developed by Ding's Coffee, a coffee plantation in Yunnan, the robot can make 10 types of coffee drinks, including Americano and espresso, and create intricate latte designs. It is expected to serve at least 20,000 cups of coffee during the expo.

Ding Zhi, founder of Ding's Coffee, said that the robot has garnered interest from several Southeast Asian companies and government representatives, including a coffee procurement firm from Sri Lanka and a tech-agriculture company from Vietnam.

Many exhibitors and visitors at the expo believe that coffee has become an important link in fostering economic and trade cooperation between China and countries in South and Southeast Asia, among other regions.

Mahesh Thawalampola, a trader from Sri Lanka, said that in addition to daily necessities, they are also introducing high-quality Arabica beans from Sri Lanka to the expo for the first time. "We hope they will appeal to Chinese consumers, so that we can expand to this promising market in China for more collaborations," said Thawalampola.

Statistics from the Yunnan provincial department of agriculture and rural affairs show that the province now has over 1.27 million mu (about 84,666.67 hectares) of coffee plantations, producing more than 114,000 tonnes of raw coffee beans annually, both of which account for over 98 percent of the country's total.

With an annual comprehensive output value exceeding 41.8 billion yuan (about 5.9 billion U.S. dollars), Yunnan's coffee industry has been evolving towards higher quality and premium products based on a complete coffee industrial chain. In 2021, premium and deep-processed coffee in Yunnan represented 8 percent and 20 percent of output, respectively. In 2023, these rates increased to 22.7 percent and 56 percent.

During the expo, a delegation of coffee companies from countries including Japan and Vietnam also visited the city of Pu'er in Yunnan, which features numerous coffee plantations in mountain forests, to explore collaboration opportunities.

The region's coffee plantations, which have become popular tourist destinations, are seen as models for integrated agricultural and tourism development.

According to a recent report by the Shanghai Cultural and Creative Industry Promotion Association, China's coffee industry reached a market size of 265.4 billion yuan in 2023 and is expected to grow to 313.3 billion yuan in 2024, with an annualized average growth rate of 17 percent over the past three years.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
The Barbara Jordan Career Center photographed on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer The Barbara Jordan Career Center photographed on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer The Barbara Jordan Career Center photographed on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A sign from 2016 outside the Barbara Jordan Career Center on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Houston ISDs $4.4 billion school bond package proposes spending $425 million on four career and technical education centers to expand students access to career programs.

However, the proposal is one of the few items in the bond package that has prompted public pushback from members of HISDs appointed Board of Managers, who must approve the proposal next month for it to appear on voters ballots.

Some board members and community members have questioned whether the district should be investing in building new campuses instead of spending the funds on existing infrastructure or leveraging resources from other institutions.

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With the proposal up for a vote in a few weeks, heres what you need to know about districts plans for CTE centers:

THE REPORT CARD: Subscribe to the Houston Chronicles weekly newsletter recapping HISD news

How much are the CTE centers projected to cost?

The bond, if passed, would allocate $375 million each to building the new centers in the south, west and central regions, or divisions, of the district, with $125 million for each center. It would also provide $50 million for renovations at Barbara Jordan Career Center, which is in the north division and is the only established CTE center in HISD.

The proposal is part of the larger future ready section of the bond, which aims to spend about $1 billion in total to prepare students for the workforce. Other future ready expenditures include funds for expanding pre-K, improving campus broadband services and upgrading district technology.

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The Barbara Jordan Career Center photographed on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A sign from 2016 outside the Barbara Jordan Career Center on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer A sign from 2016 outside the Barbara Jordan Career Center on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer The Barbara Jordan Career Center photographed on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

The three new centers would each have a capacity of 1,200 to 1,400 students, or about double the current capacity of the Barbara Jordan Career Center, according to the district.

What programs could the CTE centers offer if built?

Kirsten Hole, HISDs chief academic officer, said the list of programs that would be hosted at each center will not be finalized until the district obtains feedback from community members, campuses and professionals in each division, but they all would offer 10 programs that would align to high-wage, high-skilled and high-demand jobs.

One of the things we would want to stay very committed to is when we plan to launch a particular program in a division or in HISD, we build a set of community experts around that particular program, Hole said. If we're going to launch the health care program, we want to make sure we are bringing in experts from that space to give us feedback.

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The districts bond presentation during last months school board workshop listed several potential program options for the new CTE centers, including architecture and construction, health sciences, manufacturing, information technology, and transportation distribution and logistics.

Imagine a health care program where you walk in and you actually feel like you are in a hospital setting, interacting with real patients that are responding to you, Hole said. ... Or imagine an aviation program where there is a flight simulator that you sit in and you can feel the tilt of the airplane as you practice learning how to engage in that way.

Why is the district proposing to build the centers?

State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles has said the new centers, if built, would help increase the number of students in HISD who have easy access to CTE programs that will lead to high-wage careers and prepare them for college or career success after graduation.

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According to HISD data, the number and type of career program options currently varies among different high schools across the district. During the previous academic year, Yates High School in the Third Ward, with about 740 students, offered three programs, while Lamar High School in the Upper Kirby neighborhood offered 15 to about 3,000 students.

The district has said that the majority of its high school graduates are not prepared for college or the workforce when they graduate. The latest HISD data shows about half of its high school graduates enroll in higher education institutions after graduation, and of those students, just over a quarter earn a college degree without dropping out.

The data is telling us that we actually are in a crisis, Hole said. These numbers are very severe, and our problem of this magnitude requires just a really big solution and a comprehensive strategy to make sure we can change the status quo. At the heart of what we're looking at in the proposal for the career centers is to address this really serious problem.

What are some of the reasons for the pushback against building the centers?

Board members have questioned whether HISD should build new CTE centers instead of expanding partnerships with local businesses and higher education institutions that already have similar resources to the proposed centers. They have also expressed concern over whether HISD can  or should  continue to invest in maintaining the centers amid future technology advancements.

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Im still trying to wrap my head around the need for four (CTE) facilities, board member Cassandra Auzenne Bandy said last month. We have talked a lot about ensuring that our students have access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilities to make sure theyre upskilled for the future.  It seems like we are bearing the burden of maintaining a state-of-the-art CTE facility times four.

HISDs 28-member Community Advisory Committee  which includes elected trustees, educators, community advocates and parents  wrote in June that they believed the district should consider waiting to spend $425 million on new CTE centers and instead invest its resources on renovating or rebuilding existing campuses.

The bond proposal must receive approval from the appointed school board by Aug. 18 to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. Members are expected to vote on whether to approve the proposal during their meeting Aug. 8.

If approved, where is the district aiming to build the centers?

HISD is aiming to build one of the centers near Jane Long Academy in the west division of the district, but the campus building will remain in place. The other two CTE centers would be built at the former locations of two elementary schools that previous school boards voted to close more than a decade ago.

In the south division, the district plans to build a CTE center at the former location of Grimes Elementary School. The campus was located at 9220 Jutland Road until it closed in 2011. The district would also replace Dodson Elementary School  which held classes at 1808 Sampson St. until 2014  with a new center in HISDs central division.
Michelle Williams, president of the Houston Education Association, using a Kagan Cooperative Learning book to speak against the approval of new evaluation system for principals during the public comment session of the Houston ISD Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023 at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

An independent examiner recommended that Houston ISD reinstate Houston Education Association President Michelle Williams as a teacher after a two-day virtual hearing in June where Houston ISD proposed the nonrenewal of her contract.

The examiner recommended Williams be issued a contract for the 2024-2025 school year and be remunerated any back pay due to her loss of teaching compensation. The board will make the final determination on her job status.

Williams  leading the local affiliate of the Texas State Teachers Association and the National Education Association  was dismissed in March from her role as a third-grade math teacher, in part, over her social media activity. Williams believed the district's attempts to dismiss her were done in retaliation for her public criticism of district leadership.

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"I am pleased with the outcome, obviously because the accusations that HISD brought against me  all of them were false," Williams said, adding her attorney put forward a good defense and that the independent hearing examiner "made the right decision."

The independent hearing examiner, Karen A. Egbuna, found that the recommended nonrenewal of Williams' contract was not supported by a preponderance of evidence and that HISD failed to support by a preponderance of evidence its 11 policy reasons for proposed nonrenewal.

Egbuna also noted that "some of the 2023-2024 accusations raised by HISD were based in part on incomplete, contradictory, retaliatory evidence and could not be accurately relied upon."

In disciplinary memos sent March 6, West Division Superintendent Laura Stout took issue with a livestreamed video posted on X that Stout believed Williams recorded in her Shadowbriar Elementary School classroom. Stout also took issue with posts in February that Stout said demonstrated a "pattern of behavior" of posting during the workday.

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After Williams maintained in the hearing that she keeps a decorated set in her home for her YouTube channel and that she uses a scheduling app to post on X during the day, Stout acknowledged in the hearing she was wrong about the video and that she learned of the scheduling app after the memo.

The district had reassigned the union leader to work at a bus depot in March and informed her it was "moving forward with the proposed termination of (her) contract" due to "inappropriate conduct" and board policy violations, including the perceived use of social media during the workday. HISD's Board of Managers voted to propose nonrenewal March 21.

The examiner concluded the board did not propose nonrenewal of her contract according to the minutes and that "the Board action would be void because HISD did not provide sufficient notice to the public of the proposed action," in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act. The examiner found there was not enough specificity in the board's agenda language to notify the public that the contract of Williams, a person of public interest as a union leader, would be considered for proposed nonrenewal.

In the hearing, attorneys for HISD also focused on Williams' performance in the classroom as reason for contract nonrenewal. The district said about half of Williams' students met expected growth targets on their mid-year benchmark exams, compared to a district-set 60% goal. HISD also focused on classroom observation conducted by Stout and a senior executive director on Feb. 12. Williams' attorney had said Williams received a "proficient" mid-year evaluation days before she received her first letter of concern from Shadowbriar's principal on Feb. 27.

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Maya Scott grabs formula to feed animals in the wildlife center, Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Houston SPCA, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer Tieicha Boyrie, a vet tracks student, helps wake a kitten up after surgery at Houston SPCA, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer Hannah Smart picks up a squirrel to feed inside Houston SPCAs wildlife center, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer Maya Scott feeds a squirrel inside the Houston SPCAs wildlife center, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer

Veterinarian Dr. Roberta Westbrook knows that there's an increasingly high-demand for veterinarians in Texas right now. But, she also understands that becoming a veterinary professional is a long and expensive journey.

So, she created Houston SPCA's latest teaching program, Vet Track.

Westbrook, who serves as Houston SPCAs chief animal welfare officer, said she created the Vet Track program to equip undergraduate students early in their careers with a hands-on learning experience they can embrace when it's convenient for them.

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"The program was really born out of necessity," Westbrook said. "We want more people to join the veterinary field."

The program's inaugural class of 10 students began in June, working in paid, full-time positions on the Houston SPCA campus. Students have the opportunity to rotate through various areas of the veterinary practice, including adoptions and general animal care, small animal and equine veterinary services and wildlife rehabilitation.

The Vet Track program was modeled after SPCA's partnership with the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, where fourth-year veterinary students participate in a two-week, graded rotation and gain hands-on experience in surgery, emergency care, triage, cruelty and rescue forensics, disaster relief and more.

The two programs interact with each other in a way that mirrors the relationship between a veterinarian and a veterinarian technician. While fourth-year students learn things like how to perform surgery and interpret tests, Vet Track students learn how to assist them by doing things like drawing blood and giving injections.

SPCA TURNS 100: Houston SPCA marks 100th anniversary of serving the community with centennial celebration

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Though students in the program learn how to perform the duties of a veterinary technician, many of them hope to become veterinarians in the future, and Westbrook said they will be prepared to do so.

"The most rewarding part is hearing the students say how much they have learned and how much they've enjoyed it," she said. "Because that's exactly what we want. We want them to enjoy it. We want them to learn, we want them to get the hours that they need to be competitive to go to vet school."

Sarahi Sautedo applied to Vet Track to get hands-on experience, and though she doesn't know exactly what kind of veterinary care she wants to practice, she said the program is helping her figure it out.

"I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but being here makes me kind of confused," she said. "I really liked the triage ... but then there's the calmness of the wild animals."

Sarahi Sautedo, a vet tracks student, helps examine an emergency patient at Houston SPCA, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer

Beyond training the next generation of veterinary care professionals, the program provides the Houston SPCA with extra help in the areas they desperately need it, Westbrook said.

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"We have a 24-hour nursery that runs usually from about March to August, and it takes a lot of extra staff to do that," she said. "And now we have extra students who can help bottle feed and hand raise kittens during kitten season."

After Hurricane Beryl left over 1,000 orphaned and injured animals in Houston SPCA's care, Westbrook said the Vet Track students gained unique hands-on experience caring for wildlife, like possums, squirrels, blue jays and mourning doves.

"They often have not had any hands-on experience with wildlife," she said. "To be able to help even if it's just cleaning and feeding, it's a huge part of what we do and they're helped us greatly appreciate it."

Currently a student a Sam Houston State University, Isabel Sabate said she wants to become a veterinarian who specialized in equine care. The Vet Track program has helped her prepare to reach that goal, specifically by developing her leadership and teamwork skills.

Kenya Young, left, and Isabel Sabate groom a horse at Houston SPCA, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Houston. Young and Sabate, part of the vet track program, rotate through the barn as part of their 10-week program. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer

Most importantly, Sabate said the program has helped her build confidence in herself.

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"I'm very thankful for this internship," she said. "I'm gaining a lot of knowledge."

Looking forward, Westbrook said she wants to continue expanding the learning programs Houston SPCA offers. Applications for the 2025 Vet Track program will open in March.

Westbrook said she would encourage students to apply for the program if they're looking to make strides toward a career in veterinary medicine.

"We're an institution that loves to teach," she said."We want to be able to impact people to help them achieve their dreams."
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The Grand Island City Council approved going into direct negotiations about raising the natural gas rate on Tuesday, July 23. The council also approved entering an interlocal cooperation agreement between Grand Island, Kearney, North Platte and Alda for the negotiations.

NorthWestern Energy Group  a utility company based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota  sent an application to the Nebraska Public Service Commission, seeking to increase the natural gas rate for customers in the state.

In the rate application attached to the agenda packet, Northwestern has proposed increasing residential bills by 7.44% and commercial bills by 3.66%. The rate would be the same for all Nebraska customers and there were no plans to implement an interim rate at the time the application was submitted.

According to the agenda packet, a rate increase application has not been filed since 2007. Grand Island would have the largest number of customers affected by the increase, representing 47.4%. Other cities affected by the increase are Kearney with 26.4% of customers, North Platte with 25.5% and Alda with less than 1%.

However, NorthWestern indicated that they wanted to negotiate the rate increase with the affected cities, in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statute 66-1838. For negotiations to happen, cities representing at least 50% of impacted customers had to approve going into negotiations with NorthWestern.

According to City Attorney Kari Fisk, the process involves evaluating the rate increase proposal, hearing from consultants and negotiating a rate that would meet the needs of NorthWestern and the citys needs.

Not to over simplify it too much, but its a fairly similar process to what you guys have just handled with our rates studies and rate processes for water and electricity, Fisk said to the council. Except in this case, its not an internal discussion, its with another entity.

Grand Island was the last to decide about negotiating. During the meeting, Fisk said that Alda had approved at the last village board meeting, North Platte had done so a week before, and she believed that Kearney had passed their resolution an hour and half before Grand Islands.

Whether or not you authorized direct negotiations, we are in direct negotiations, Fisk said. Its whether or not we have a voice in the process [now].

Along with approving direct negotiations, the council had to approve entering an interlocal cooperation agreement which authorizes city attorneys of affected cities to delegate and work together in negotiations.

The cities that enter this agreement allow the use of a single consultant for all and can make a joint application to the Nebraska Municipal Rate Negotiations Revolving Loan Fund.

Historically, the cities of Grand Island, Kearney, and North Platte have entered an interlocal cooperation agreement, with their city attorneys wanting to continue to cooperate, according to the agenda packet.

The resolution to enter direct negotiations and to enter an interlocal cooperation agreement were approved by the council, each with an 8-0 vote. Councilmembers Michelle Fitzke and Mark Stelk were absent from the proceedings.

Before any settlement or negotiated rate is decided, a public hearing will be held. The council will have to approve of the negotiated rate, and it will be presented to the public service commission for final approval.

According to the agenda packet, if no one is able to negotiate a resolution to NorthWesterns application, at least one of the city attorneys in the interlocal agreement will represent the interest of all affected customers before the public service commission.

Pam Bonrud, director of government and regulatory affairs at NorthWestern, asked for the councils favorable consideration for the negotiations. Bonrud said that she was a part of the rate negotiations in 2007, and the process went very well last time.

We appreciate the opportunity to have that direct dialogue with the four communities that we serve in Nebraska, Bonrud said. So that we can show you ourselves why we are asking for the rate review and why the rate increase was needed at this time.
Abby Church is a City Hall reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at abby.church@houstonchronicle.com.

Before coming to the Chronicle, Abby covered Tarrant County government at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. As an Air Force brat, she spent her childhood everywhere, but she claims Virginia as home. She graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and creative writing.
TRINIDAD Petroleum Holdings Limited (TPHL) has put the matter of Patriotic Energy Services Company Limited submitting allegedly fraudulent documents in its bid to acquire the former Petrotrin refinery in the hands of its legal team.

The claim, first made by Energy Minister Stuart Young during the budget debate last Friday, was again denied yesterday by Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) president Ancel Roget. TPHL stated in a media release yesterday that it had received a document submitted by Patriotic Energies in its non-binding offer for the refinery, which specifically identified as evidence a wire transfer of US$1.5 billion into a local bank, and which document identified Patriotic Energies as the beneficiary.
Austin Lewellen pulls down wet insulation from the ceiling as volunteers with the nonprofit West Street Recovery help Deborah Powell muck out her home after damage from Hurricane Beryl, Friday, July 12, 2024, in Houston. Powells family has own the home since 1960 and Beryl was the first storm that resulted in damage to the home since Powell took over the property 25 years ago from her parents. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Seven years ago, Matthew Marchetti worried about his neighbors in the Memorial area as the rainfall from Hurricane Harvey overwhelmed Houston's emergency services.

Marchetti and his friends had two boats and an idea. They quickly put together a simple website that organized and mapped the calls for help in their neighborhood. Marchetti sent it to around 50 people at his church, then finally got some sleep. When he woke up, he was stunned to find that 3,000 people had joined the group and he had missed about 70 phone calls. That was how the nonprofit organization CrowdSource Rescue began.

"People started doing basically the same thing in their own neighborhood," Marchetti said. "And then it started going really viral. J.J. Watt (formerly with the Houston Texans) shared it at one point."

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By the end of Harvey, the group had assisted around 25,000 people, many of whom were rescued by neighbors who went out to help one another.

CrowdSource Rescue continues filling the gaps in Houston's storm response, lately pivoting from floodwater rescues to power outages. In both the derecho and Beryl, they rushed generators and air-conditioning units to vulnerable seniors without power.

Houstonians are exhausted from the past two severe storms, but four months still remain in what meteorologists predict will be an "extremely active" hurricane season. When Hurricane Beryl left over 2.2 million CenterPoint customers without power for days, a network of emergency professionals and volunteers activated to keep the community afloat through the latest cycle of disaster response and recovery.

As climate change continues to intensify weather events in Houston, the region could continue to depend heavily on its network of responders, many of whom are ordinary residents helping one another through disasters.

Getting trained

For Houston area residents who want to be trained to assist in disasters, there are a few options available.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency trains community emergency response teams as part of the CERT program. Members of the community learn basic response skills, then the teams become part of the emergency response in their area. Both the city of Houston and Harris County collaborate with CERT teams. The 24-hour CERT training is delivered in three-hour sessions for one evening a week over eight weeks.

The American Red Cross trains volunteers to participate in its disaster action team program. In some cases, volunteers even deploy to respond to disasters in other states. Whether they're in Houston or elsewhere, they provide crucial services, such as help running shelters.

Many volunteers at Red Cross shelters are trained in disaster mental health, according to Saskia Lindsay, a communications specialist with the American Red Cross.

"Part of it is, of course, providing the blankets, the water, the food, the shelter. But it's also opening up their hearts to people and helping them through a tough time," Lindsay said. That's a really rewarding part for the volunteers in shelters particularly."

Another nonprofit group, Team Rubicon, trains volunteers to respond to disasters locally, around the country and even internationally. They helped rebuild homes after Harvey and were on the ground in Houston after Beryl, performing chainsaw operations to clear fallen trees and mucking out homes to clear debris. Many of their volunteers are veterans and active-duty military, but they will train anyone who wants to help.

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The budget for government response efforts often hasn't kept up with the rising number of climate-driven disasters, leading to even more demand for skilled volunteers, according to Team Rubicon.

Crisis Cleanup, a collaborative disaster work order platform, connects residents with storm damage with volunteers who can help. Volunteers can work on debris removal, muck-outs and rebuilding. They can also be trained to help take phone calls.

Showing up

After a major storm, the need for volunteers is vast and there are many essential services to help provide without any skills or training.

In addition to its core volunteer work  including refugee services and Meals on Wheels  Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston also manages Volunteer Houston, an online portal that serves as a hub for posting disaster relief volunteer opportunities. In the aftermath of Beryl, groups have requested help with ice and food distribution, tree debris clean up and assisting people with filling out FEMA paperwork.

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The Houston Food Bank distributes a significant amount of supplies during a disaster  after Beryl, they moved 567,000 pounds of disaster relief supplies in a single day. Volunteer shifts are available seven days a week.

Community volunteering can also mean getting involved with local groups that advocate for improved flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure, such as West Street Recovery or the Northeast Action Collective.

Angela Blanchard, one of Houstons leading experts on disasters, said some of the most impactful ways to support neighbors with storm damage includes helping them to complete FEMA applications, find contractors for home repairs and drive to a disaster recovery center for information if they lack transportation.

"You're in a really fragile state, really shaken up by something terrible that's happened to you and your home, and in that state, on your phone if you still don't have WiFi, you're supposed to try to navigate a bunch of high stakes questions and get the answers right so you can get resources," Blanchard said, describing the process residents have to tackle in the aftermath of a storm.

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Each Saturday Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include:

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.
Houston firefighters battle a warehouse fire in Bellaire in November. The city is expected to send backpay checks to firefighters next week, and some will receive as much as $271,000. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Thousands of current and former Houston firefighters are expected to get one-time checks as large as $271,000 next week, as Mayor John Whitmires administration distributes nearly $650 million in backpay to make up for seven years that firefighters worked without a contract.

The lump-sum checks are the largest component of Whitmires settlement with the fire union, approved by the City Council in June. Roughly 4,800 current and former firefighters will receive money, according to payroll data obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

Six firefighters would tie for the highest payout, receiving $271,849 each, or about $38,835 per year for the seven-year period, the data shows. A total of 315 firefighters would receive at least $200,000, and 3,444 would receive over $100,000.

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The median check would be $153,224, meaning half of the 4,800 eligible firefighters would receive at least that amount. Those numbers do not account for federal taxes that may be withheld.

Marty Lancton, the president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341, is set to receive $149,049. Former Fire Chief Samuel Pena, forced out by Whitmire on Friday, and executive management staff were not eligible for the payments.

City and union officials agreed on $650 million as a benchmark figure for the backpay. From that, $10 million will be put toward a health and wellness center, and $4.8 million was paid to the unions medical trust, leaving about $633 million for firefighters.

They then calculated each eligible firefighterss base pay and the amount of time they worked during the seven-year period, using those figures to divvy up the total pot of money.

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The exact timing of the check disbursements is not known. The city is expected to give the checks to the union, which will distribute them to individual firefighters.

Whitmires settlement with the fire union also includes at least 24% raises over the next five years, including a 10% bump that went into effect July 1. That brings the starting salary for a Houston firefighter to about $57,000 a year. The settlement ended a bitter and long-running stalemate between former Mayor Sylvester Turners administration and the fire union, which had worked without a contract since 2017.

The firefighters went without raises between then and 2021, when Turner circumvented the traditional negotiating process to give them 18% pay hikes over three years.

Whitmires pact also made labor concessions, giving the union appointments to the citys Civil Service Commission, the board that reviews potential terminations and demotions. The new contract also requires the commission to vote unanimously to approve those actions.

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Controller Chris Hollins and some council members questioned the agreement's price tag, given the city's budget constraints. Hollins had estimated the city could have saved hundreds of millions of dollars by bringing firefighters compensation in line with other cities more gradually over the last six years.

The fire union and Whitmire lambasted that analysis, saying it failed to account for the framework under which firefighters are paid. State law says firefighters must be paid substantially equal to their private counterparts, a phrase city officials fought for years, arguing there were no such private sector comparisons. As part of the new labor agreement, firefighters agreed to be paid in line with firefighters in other large Texas cities instead.

Whitmire, shortly after taking office, proclaimed the city was broke, referring to its structural deficit. Even before the deal, City Hall typically spends about $160 million more than it brings in from taxes and other revenue, and it has to close that gap in most budget seasons.

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Early recess: First District Congressman Kevin Hern, chairman of the Houses Republican Study Committee, sided largely with GOP budget hardliners after leadership fell far short of its goal of passing all 12 appropriations bills before the August recess.

What were sick of is not passing the most conservative bills that we can get to be able to even start the negotiation, Hern told Fox News Digital. What a lot of people are upset about is trying to find a bill  that will pass the Senate. The conservative people in our party are wanting bills that represent the conservative principles of the Republican Party as a starting point.

Not everyone agrees on those starting points, though, and quite a few Republicans maintain that the hardliners are wasting everyone elses time.

With more than half of the appropriations bills stalled between committee and floor votes, the House adjourned until September.

Fault-finding mission: Hern blamed Vice President Kamala Harris, the apparent Democratic presidential nominee, for the assassination attempt against former President and 2024 GOP nominee Donald Trump and said it is indicative of administration failures.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have repeatedly and intentionally made disastrous decisions that have harmed Americans at home as well as our allies abroad. The most recent catastrophic failure was the assassination attempt on July 13th, Hern said in a guest op-ed for the Washington Reporter, a self-described conservative news site run by Republican operatives.

The piece says Harris and President Joe Biden refused to deliver consequences for Director Cheatle or anyone in the Secret Service, and that this lack of accountability isnt new for the Biden-Harris administration.

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, meanwhile, said Cheatles resignation is not enough.

Every one of these political rallies has an agent-in-charge who is responsible for the security of the entire event, Mullin said. There must have been systemic issues for the Secret Service not to have someone capable of identifying a serious threat and securing the area.

Mullin, who owns a vacation home near Trumps Florida estate, seemed to take the attempt almost personally.

The attempted assassination of my friend, President Donald J. Trump, in Butler, Pennsylvania, last week was a stain on the soul of our great nation, Mullin said.

Backlash: U.S. Sen. James Lankford defended Israel and warned against what he says is growing anti-Semitism in the United States.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Lankford blamed the government of Iran and the groups it supports, including Hamas and Hezbollah, for Middle East strife.

This war would be over right now if Hamas would release their hostages, Lankford said. This is not a war that Israel started.

Lankford was referring to Israels retaliation against Gaza after Hamas operatives killed more than 1,100 Israelis and took more than 200 hostage.

In response, Israel has largely leveled the Hamas-controlled enclave of Gaza and killed an estimated 39,000 Palestinians. That has sparked protests in the U.S. and elsewhere, including one in Washington last week during a speech to Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Many Americans forget that Hezbollah from the north in Lebanon continues to launch rockets consistently into Israel every day, Lankford said. Eighty thousand Israelis currently are internally displaced  because 10 or more rockets a day are coming into northern Israel.

Im keenly aware that not every American is supportive of whats happening in Israel. But we are the United States of America. Israel is our ally.  And as Benjamin Netanyahu reminded all Americans,  Iran really wants to destroy America.

Lankford highlighted anti-Jewish protests and intimidation on college campuses by citing statements of students at a roundtable held by him and Sen. Jacky Rosen of Nevada.

Administrators on university campuses should actually enforce the code(s) of conduct, Lankford said. What a radical idea. If you have a code of conduct, actually enforce it. Dont enforce it on some groups and not on others.

Womens work: Second District Congressman Josh Brecheen joined other Republicans in blaming the Trump assassination attempt on women in the Secret Service and on DEI  diversity, equity and inclusion.

Enough with all the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives  we need our Secret Service agents to be fully prepared and trained to do their jobs, Brecheen said in announcing his legislation to do just that.

Lets switch those acronyms around (to) DIE, because I think it makes people that are being protected less safe, he told Newsmax. We need to have the same qualification for both men and women in the Secret Service.

In fact, they already seem to be pretty much the same. While the service does have a goal of increasing the number of female agents from the current 24% to 30%, the Applicant Physical Abilities Test is the same regardless of gender.

Another series of tests, given during training, does take gender and age into consideration. A woman age 20-29 is not expected to perform, say, as many pushups as a man her age, but she is expected to match a man age 30-39.

In any event, it is perhaps worth noting that no women were involved in protecting the four U.S. presidents who were killed by gunmen.

Thick or thin: Mullin blasted Harris, the Biden administration and congressional Democrats who skipped Netanyahus speech to Congress.

Why the hell isnt President Biden and (Vice) President Harris standing here with us? Mullin said at a press conference. Why wouldnt they give the prime minister all the support they have? Because if youre not standing with the prime minister, there isnt a choice to be neutral here. We dont have that choice. If we are not standing with the prime minister, that means we are condemning their actions and emboldening Hamas, a terrorist organization.

Biden and Harris each met separately with Netanyahu after his speech.

Harris later told reporters, 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.

Dots n dashes: Herns bill allowing tribes and government contractors access to tax information for purposes of enforcing child support unanimously passed the House Ways and Means Committee.  The House did pass the Water Resources Development Act, which included $30 million for Stillwaters water system and lesser amounts for Midwest City and Woodward.  Third District Congressman Frank Lucas asked banking regulators to rethink higher capital requirements for commodity derivatives.

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Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son during a recent meeting with the press described General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong as the embodiment of the countrys sincere heart-to-heart diplomatic style.

Minister Son shared about Party chief Trong's influence on Vietnam's diplomacy with the press at the time when the whole nation is coping with the grief over the passing of the Party leader.

The foreign affairs minister described Party chief Trong as an excellent diplomat of international stature, who has left his historical imprint on Vietnam's achievements in external relations over the past decade.

With his sharp mind, vision, and profound political thinking, the Party chief, along with the CPV Central Committee and its Politburo and Secretariat, not only put forth major foreign policies and guidelines, but also led and instructed their implementation, and directly engaged in strategic-level foreign activities, Son continued.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son gestures during an interview about General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trongs imprints on the countrys diplomacy. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Under his leadership, this Southeast Asian nation has enhanced its foreign policy system and the frameworks for relations with countries, adding that the number of key resolutions and directives on external relations issued during his tenures is the biggest ever, especially during the 13th Party Central Committee.

Besides, Vietnam has established many strategic and comprehensive partnerships, and even elevated them to a new high.

Up to now, Vietnam has set up strategic partnerships and comprehensive strategic partnerships with all five countries in the United Nations Security Council.

The Party leader had directly taken part in many major foreign affairs activities.

With the countrys close neighbors like Laos and Cambodia, the Party chief always paid much attention to cultivating the special solidarity, friendship, and cooperation with them, which is clearly evident in the meetings between the top Party leaders of the three countries in Hanoi in 2021 and 2023.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong (C), Laos' Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith (L), and President of the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen at the Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos Summit in Hanoi, September 26, 2021. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Regarding Vietnams relations with great powers, the Party chiefs historic visits to China in 2022, Russia in 2018, and the U.S. in 2015, as well as the state visits to Vietnam by the top leaders of these powers opened up new chapters for bilateral ties between Vietnam with those countries, and further consolidated Vietnams strategic position in the region and the world.

The relations between Vietnam and other major partners such as India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, along with traditional friends in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America have been elevated and deepened, Son said.

Over the past few days, when reading telegrams and letters of condolence sent by leaders of states, governments, parliaments, and political parties of many countries as well as international organizations, we can clearly feel the deep affection and respect from country leaders and international friends for our Party leader, Son recounted.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez pose for a photo in Hanoi in 2018. Photo: VGP

Son remarked that Vietnams diplomatic achievements over the past tenures were inseparable from the personal reputation of Party chief Trong, as international relations are not just relations among countries, but also among persons.

The top Vietnamese diplomat elaborated that foreign leaders attach great importance to and highly value the late Party leaders role and reputation, which is a very special thing.

Vietnams close neighbors like Laos and Cambodia consider the Party chief a worthy successor of President Ho Chi Minh's career, an excellent and elite revolutionary leader in the new era.

In their letters of condolences, senior Lao leaders acknowledged his dedication and wisdom which contributed to the continuous development of Vietnam and its increasing position in the international and regional arenas.

President of the Cambodian People's Party Hun Sen wrote in his letter of condolences that the legacy of Party chief Trong, a clear-minded leader who devoted his entire life to the struggle for Vietnam's independence and for peace and prosperity of the Vietnamese people, will be remembered by many generations.

During his visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing to pay tribute to the Vietnamese Party leader, Chinas Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping wrote in the condolence book that Trong is a consistent Marxist, a preeminent leader of the Vietnamese Party and people, and a great friend of the Chinese people.

In the hearts of traditional friends, as said by senior Cuban officials, Party chief Trong is a close friend, a brother who always opens his arms to beloved friends.

Some key foreign affairs events attended by Vietnams Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong in 2023-24. Photos: Nguyen Khanh - Nam Tran - VTV

Great powers like Russia and the U.S. view the Vietnamese Party chief as a reputable leader in the international arena, who had made tremendous contributions to the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, and to creating an intensive and all-round relationship between Vietnam and the U.S.

Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Russia will remember the CPV General Secretary as a true friend who made great personal contributions to the establishment and development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Hanoi and Moscow.

As for U.S. President Joe Biden, he said in his statement on the passing of the Vietnamese Party leader: The people of Vietnam and the U.S.  and people across the Indo-Pacific region  enjoy greater security and opportunity today because of the friendship between our two countries. That is thanks to him.

For many other partners, the head of the CPV Central Committee left outstanding marks on the development of sustainable and long-term friendship and cooperation.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong (L) meets with former U.S. President Bill Clinton at the latter's residence in New York, the U.S., July 10, 2015. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

To international friends, the Party chief was hailed as the embodiment of the countrys traditional heart-to-heart diplomacy, Son said, adding that the Party chief won over other peoples hearts by justice, humanity, reason and morality.

In all diplomatic activities, with his modesty, openness, and sincerity, along with standard and compassionate behaviors, Party chief Trong garnered affection and admiration from leaders and people of foreign countries, as well as international friends.

His passing is not only a great loss for the Vietnamese people but also leaves deep regret for international friends and those who had the opportunity to meet and interact with him, Minister Son said.

A book by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on the building and development of Vietnams diplomacy deeply imbued with the characteristics of Vietnamese bamboo. Photo: Duy Linh / Tuoi Tre

When it comes to Vietnams bamboo diplomacy, Minister Son said that with his wisdom, strategic vision, and profound theoretical thinking, Party chief Trong synthesized and generalized the system of theories on the Party's foreign relations and diplomacy, establishing the countrys distinctive bamboo diplomacy.

The term bamboo diplomacy was first mentioned by Party chief Trong at the 29th Diplomatic Conference in Hanoi in 2016 and reiterated at the first National Conference on Foreign Affairs held in Hanoi in late 2021.

The bamboo diplomacy features the characteristics of Vietnamese bamboo with strong roots, stout trunk and flexible branches," imbued with the soul, the spirit, and the characters of the Vietnamese nation.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong tours an exhibition featuring Vietnams foreign policy achievements at the 32nd National Diplomatic Conference held in Hanoi in December 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Minister Son recalled the Party leader's explanation that strong roots signify the principle of serving the national interests, and the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralization and diversification of international relations.

Son elaborated that international friends showed their interest in Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy', with leaders, politicians, scholars of China, Russia, the U.S. and traditional partners highly appreciating Vietnam's foreign affairs and diplomacy in the current complex international context.

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A pagoda in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam has hosted classes during summer at no charge for students of grades one to nine over the past 20 years.

Every morning during summer, Lap Thach Pagoda in Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province is full of laughter from the students.

Summer classes there are administered by volunteer teachers.

Since early June, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, a fifth grader of Le Hong Phong Middle School, has attended a class at Lap Thach Pagoda.

Her class consists of more than 20 students from different schools.

I have learned a lot of new knowledge. My classmates are friendly and nice.

I have made many new friends and love joining this class, Diep said.

Teachers help students review knowledge and provide them with positive energy. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

Duong Thi Hoai Phuong, a teacher of English at Nguyen Ba Ngoc Middle School, shared that she had worked as a volunteer teacher at the pagoda for two years.

Summer is often the time for teachers to have leisure or open classes to earn money. However, teachers like Phuong voluntarily teach these classes.

They join with an aim of helping students review knowledge during summer, Phuong said.

Venerable Thich Dao Tri, the abbot of Lap Thach Pagoda, said that he used to be a pedagogic student and practice teaching at a high school. After he came to Lap Thach Pagoda where a summer class was available for Buddhist children, he has opened more summer classes.

This summer, the pagoda welcomed 244 students from grades one to nine. Classes are held every morning. Of which, a grade-six class has the most students while a grade-one class has the least students.

Many students live in the mountainous districts of Dakrong and Huong Hoa, which are some 90 kilometers from the pagoda, so they stay at the pagoda during summer.

The classes have been maintained over the past 20 years. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

Fifty students are staying in the pagoda this summer, so expenditures are huge, but the pagoda does not receive any contributions from their parents, the abbot noted.

The pagoda has 25 volunteer teachers with some of them having done the charity work for up to seven years. Some teachers live 40-50 kilometers from the pagoda.

These classes mainly aim to help students review knowledge, the abbot said, adding that in the pagoda environment, with the compassion of teachers, students can get loving energy.

In addition to knowledge, teachers and the pagoda have tried to improve students sense of morality.

The classes will be opened provided that the pagoda receives the support from teachers, Venerable Thich Dao Tri said.

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A Vietnamese man owns nearly 1,000 antique teapots with some of them decades old, even though he does not drink tea.

The collector is Nguyen Van Duong, a 40-year-old resident in Binh Duong Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City.

Duong has spent great efforts and money purchasing the teapots over the past 12 years.

Duong said he is happy when items familiar in villages in the past are present in his house.

He has also spread his hobby to his friends who shared the passion of reliving old memories.

In 2012, Duong wandered in the antique stores in Binh Duong Province and Ho Chi Minh City to seek teapots.

A corner in his house is used to display many teapots which are 70 years old to hundreds of years old.

Since the development of social media, he has mainly looked for ancient teapots on forums. After 12 years, he owns a collection of about 1,000 Vietnamese ceramic teapots.

These teapots are made in Vietnams renowned pottery villages, such as Van Ninh in the north and Nam Phong, Lai Thieu and Bien Hoa in the south.

Duong also collects terracotta and glazed terracotta teapots with decorative patterns featuring Vietnamese peoples lives.

A teapot and cups in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory.

His most valuable teapots are Bat Trang ones which were made in the 1960s and 1980s.

Duong said his grandfather was a soldier in the Dien Bien Phu battle during the French war in Vietnam and often told him about the battle.

When he bought a Bat Trang teapot inscribed with the phrase 1954 - 1984, Ba muoi nam chien thang Dien Bien Phu (1954 - 1984, 30 years of the Dien Bien Phu victory) and an image of Dien Bien soldiers, Duong was extremely touched and has kept the teapot as a treasure.

Duong shared that he used to raise many cats.

One of them jumped to the teapot display area and broke the Dien Bien Phu teapot. Duong had to give up his hobby of raising cats.

Some antique Bat Trang teapots with patterns featuring the wars in Vietnam, the new year celebration and happy families.

After four years of determinedly looking for a similar teapot, he finally found it, and it was made in his year of birth.

Duong set aside most of his house for the teapot collection, together with many other ceramic items, newspapers, and books.

His houses yard, walls, and rooms are full of teapots with different shapes and sizes.

The collector shared that he wanted to find Vietnamese ceramic items from his childhood and then learn about the culture of Vietnamese people.

His shelves are full of ancient Vietnamese teapots.

Ancient ceramic items were often made by hand, so each teapot is a unique piece of art.

Some teapots have the shapes of fruits and animals, which look lifelike.

Besides teapots, Duong owns some 7,000-8,000 textbooks published in the 1890s-2010s.

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You, your govt are barbaric, India's Priyanka rips into Netanyahu

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Friday condemned Benjamin Netanyahu and his far right Zionist government in Israel over the genocidal war in Gaza that has killed or injured over a lakh Palestinians since Oct 7.

Saturday July 27, 2024 10:02 AM , ummid.com News Network

New Delhi: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Friday condemned Benjamin Netanyahu and his far right Zionist government in Israel over the genocidal war in Gaza that has killed or injured over a lakh Palestinians since Oct 7.

Slamming Netanyahus speech delivered in the U.S. Congress, Priyanka Gandhi without mincing words countered the claims and statements saying it was Netanyahu and his government who have actually crossed all the limits of barbarism.

He (Netanyahu) calls it a clash between barbarism and civilization. He is absolutely correct, except that it is him and his government that are barbaric and their barbarism is being given the unstinted support of most of the western world.

Slamming the U.S. government and the standing ovation given to Netanyahu during his speech Priyanka said it was a shame to watch such a scene.

Their actions are unacceptable in a world that professes civility and morality. Instead we are subjected to the image of the Israeli Prime Minister being given a standing ovation in the US Congress, she wrote on social media platform X. It is truly a shame to watch, she wrote.

In the wake of huge protests by civilians and rights activists protesting against the Israeli war on Palestinians, Priyanka said it is the duty of every government to call for immediate end to this barbarism.

It is no longer enough to speak up for the civilians, mothers, fathers, doctors, nurses, aid workers, journalists, teachers, writers, poets, senior citizens and the thousands of innocent children who are being wiped out day after day by the horrific genocide taking place in Gaza.

It is the moral responsibility of every right thinking individual including all those Israeli citizens who do not believe in hatred and violence, and every government in the world to condemn the Israeli governments genocidal actions and force them to stop, she said.

Netanyahu addressed the U.S. Congress Wednesday even as hundreds Americans and pro-Palestine activists were protesting at Capitol Hill.

His address was also boycotted by top lawmakers. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is all set to be Democratic nominee for2024 Presidential elections, also skipped Netanyahus address. After the meeting with Netanyahu later on she also called on to end the killings of innocents in Gaza.

I will not remain silent, she told reporters after Netanyahu called on her.

Netanyahu is in the U.S. for few more days and everywhere he is facing protests. Protesters earlier called him  butcher of Gaza  and war criminal.

There were also the demands calling for his arrest in the wake of the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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UK drops objection to ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu

In another setback for the far right Zionist regime in Israel, and Benjamin Netanyahu personally, the United Kingdom has decided to drop its objection to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Sunday July 28, 2024 0:46 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

London: In another setback for the far right Zionist regime in Israel, and Benjamin Netanyahu personally, the United Kingdom has decided to drop its objection to the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The International Criminal Court (ICC) on May 20, 2024 issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the countrys Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, and Yoav Gallant, the Minister of Defence of Israel, bear criminal responsibility for the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the State of Palestine (in the Gaza strip) from at least 8 October 2023", ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said while issuing the arrest warrant.

The United Kingdom, as per its earlier decision, wanted to register objection and question the jurisdiction of the ICC to issue such warrants. The decision was taken by the erstwhile Rishi Sunak government.

On the ICC submission  I can confirm the government will not be pursuing the proposal in line with our longstanding position that this is a matter for the court to decide on, Spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday.

Starmer is leading the new Labour government in UK after the Conservatives tasted defeat in the July 2024 National Elections .

"The UK will not proceed with efforts to question whether the ICC has jurisdiction to issue arrests for two Israeli top ministers", the official reiterated.

"A significant moment"

While welcoming the decision, Labour and Co-Operative MP of the United Kingdom wrote on X:

This is a highly significant moment because it clears the way for the court to issue arrest warrants for both Benjamin Netanyahu for his conduct in the war in Gaza and for Hamas leaders for their appalling acts of October 7.

It was obvious to many that the Sunak Governments attempt to question the ICCs jurisdiction was not legally credible and it is a relief that Foreign Secretary David Lammy has righted a wrong", he further said.

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HA NOI  Viet Nam is the second-largest supplier of coffee to the United Kingdom. The average export price of Vietnamese coffee to the UK in the first half of 2024 reached US$3,941 per tonne, an increase of 68.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.

According to data from the General Department of Customs, Viet Nams coffee exports to the United Kingdom in June 2024 totalled 2.18 thousand tonnes, valued at US$9.1 million, down 44.6 per cent in volume and 17.5 per cent in value compared to June 2023. The significant drop in coffee volume has led to a sharp increase in prices.

The United Kingdom imports coffee from 94 countries and territories worldwide. The primary coffee suppliers to the UK market include Brazil, Viet Nam, Germany, Italy, and Colombia.

According to statistics from the International Trade Centre (ITC), in the first five months of 2024, the United Kingdom imported 94.21 thousand tonnes of coffee from the world, worth US$553 million, an increase of 8.1 per cent in volume and 2.6 per cent in value compared to the same period last year.

The average import price of coffee into the UK from the world reached US$5,870 per tonne, down 5.2 per cent compared to the same period last year. Notably, the average import price of coffee from Brazil, Germany, and Colombia decreased; however, the average import price from Viet Nam surged by 45.4 per cent to US$3,378 per tonne.

Brazil is the largest coffee supplier to the United Kingdom in the first five months of 2024, with a volume of approximately 37.47 thousand tonnes, valued at US$128.81 million, an increase of 93.8 per cent in volume and 45.1 per cent in value.

Viet Nam followed as the second-largest coffee supplier to the UK in the first five months of 2024, with a volume of 15.33 thousand tonnes, valued at US$51.79 million, a decrease of 22.8 per cent in volume but an increase of 12.2 per cent in value compared to the same period last year.

Viet Nams share of total UK coffee imports from the world decreased from 22.8 per cent in the first five months of 2023 to 16.27 per cent in the first five months of 2024. During the first five months of 2024, the UK increased its coffee imports from Germany and Italy but reduced imports from Colombia.  VNS
LOS ANGELES  Could Japanese rising star Anna Sawai beat Hollywood veterans Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon to win Best Actress in a Drama Series at the Emmys on September 15?

Nominated for her role as Lady Mariko in Shogun (2024), the Disney+ historical drama set in feudal Japan, Sawai is considered by many to be the front runner for the award.

Shogun also leads the pack in 2024 with 25 Emmy nominations in total, including for Best Drama Series  making it the second non-English-language show after South Koreas Squid Game (2021 to present) to be recognised in this category.

Sawais competition includes American actresses Aniston and Witherspoon, who are both nominated for The Morning Show (2019 to present), a satirical comedy drama on Apple TV+ in which they play hosts of a news programme. Both were nominated in this category before, but did not win.

Aniston and Sawai attended events in Los Angeles in June to promote their shows  which have both been renewed for more seasons  among Emmy voters, prior to the July 17 announcement of 2024s Emmy nominees.

Sawai, 32, spoke of the challenges of adapting author James Clavells iconic 1975 work of historical fiction, Shogun, which is set in the 1600s and was inspired by historical figures. The Straits Times/ANN
Genetic testing (DNA) is one of the key solutions for accurately identifying the remains of war martyrs, helping to mitigate the practice of locating their graves through psychic methods. Lt Gen Hoang Khanh Hung, chairman of the Viet Nam War Martyrs' Family Support Association, spoke with Tin Tuc newspaper regarding this issue.

Could you say about the current status of genetic testing to identify unknown fallen soldiers?

According to the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids (MoLISA), and Social Affairs, nearly 180,000 fallen servicemen are still unaccounted for, and about 300,000 sets of remains were interred in cemeteries but remain unidentified, marked as unknown soldiers.

The search for fallen servicemen's remains is becoming increasingly difficult due to the changing terrain and environment of former battlefields. Those involved in these searches are ageing, and their health declining. Harsh weather conditions in many localities have eroded the remains over time. Many servicemen died young and did not have children.

This reality underscores the necessity of DNA testing to identify the remains of fallen soldiers. The current cost of DNA testing for each sample is VN5 million [US$200]. To identify an unknown soldier, it is necessary to also test a family member, requiring at least one additional sample. Therefore, to identify the remains of an unknown soldier, two samples are needed, with a total cost of about VN10 million.

The Viet Nam War Martyrs' Family Support Association is willing to cover the cost of DNA testing, but exhuming graves of unknown soldiers for testing requires the consent of the Department of People with Merits, under MoLISA.

Only when the department agrees, can local branches and family members proceed with the exhumation. Often, even if MoLISA and local departments agree, cemetery caretakers may refuse due to local customs and traditions. For example, in Trieu Hai Commune, Trieu Phong District, Quang Tri Province, where there are over 90 unnamed graves, the association had to wait for the local authorities to upgrade the cemetery before bone samples could be taken for DNA testings.

Despite the difficulties, the association is determined to continue its efforts, finding ways to test approximately 100 sets of unnamed soldiers' remains each year. Even identifying 10 sets correctly is considered a significant achievement. The association hopes that the entire society will join hands to address this issue.

In addition to accessing records, the association recently had a meeting with the American Veterans Association to share information. How is this progressing?

The Viet Nam War Martyrs' Family Support Association was established in September 2010, and began working with American veterans in 2011. However, the most productive collaborations have been since 2021.

In addition to the American Peace Institute, the Viet Nam War Martyrs' Family Support Association also collaborates with Harvard University and clubs searching for missing Americans in Viet Nam. American veterans and the American Peace Institute arrived Ha Noi on June 19 to visit Viet Nam, returning to former battlefields and meeting with the association.

During these meetings, American veterans provided valuable information to the association, including records from Tay Ninh, ong Nai, Binh Phuoc, and Binh Duong, identifying 20 mass grave sites in Viet Nam. Proper surveys and excavations of these 20 sites could potentially uncover about 3,000 Vietnamese soldiers' remains.

These mass graves are typically seven metres long, three metres wide, and about three metres deep. Therefore, machinery cannot be used; instead, ultrasound machines must be employed to locate and dig deep, as was the case in Hoai Nhon District, Binh inh Province, where digging three metres deep revealed 62 sets of remains.

Most recently, based on information from American veterans, the association dispatched a search team to Tien Giang Province to verify 97 graves. It is hoped that more servicemen graves can be found in the future, even if they are unidentified, to lay the war martyrs to rest in peace in cemeteries.

Recently, the association has collaborated with the railway service to transport war martyrs' remains to their hometowns. How is this going?

The support from the Ministry of Transport and the railway sector has been quite effective. Each time a martyr's remains are transported, two family members accompany them, which would be quite costly if done independently.

The railway sector arranges a respectful place for the remains on the train, which the association greatly appreciates. It is hoped that this year, more war martyrs' remains will be repatriated home, with families receiving support for one free journey; simultaneously, ensuring the safe transport of the remains. VNS

Gene Bank for martyrsOn July 23, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MoLISA) launched a gene bank for war martyrs after extensive efforts to collect samples of remains of unknown soldiers. Specifically, the ministry honoured thousands of war invalids and those who have contributed to the nation, alongside requesting over 600,000 samples to build a gene bank for identifying unnamed servicemen.At the launch ceremony, MoLISA Minister ao Ngoc Dung said that although the war was ended and the country was now independent and reunified, much pain remained.Nearly 180,000 fallen soldiers have yet to be accounted for, and almost 300,000 others remain unidentified. Tears still roll down the cheeks of mothers; the longing, wistful eyes of families who do not know the burial place of their children, siblings, spouses, and parents remain unanswered. 'Where are they?' is the heart-wrenching question, Dung said."This is a deeply meaningful and sacred task. We must act as swiftly as possible because time is not on our side. However, it is a heavy and arduous duty, driven by our hearts on the journey to return names to our heroic war martyrs. The integration of the National Population Database and DNA technology will bring hope of reunion to many families, partially soothing the losses and sacrifices of relatives." Project 150, approved by the Government in 2013, primarily uses DNA testing and practical verification methods. Nearly 10,000 fallen soldiers' remains and over 3,000 biological samples from their relatives have been tested. As a result, more than 1,000 fallen soldiers' identities have been matched and reported to their families.Dung said that from now until the end of 2026, all war martyrs' cemeteries and graves without information would be searched. New equipment would be imported, or collaborations would be made with the United States and the Netherlands for DNA identification. Recently, 50 unsuccessful samples were sent to the Netherlands for analysis, and 38 samples were successfully identified.Dung said he believed that the launch of this special gene bank would facilitate the identification and naming of hundreds of thousands of unnamed soldiers, alleviating the anguish for their families."Building the gene bank for unknown soldiers and their relatives not only offers hope to over 300,000 families of those who contributed to the nation but also meets the expectations that, in the near future, all unnamed soldiers who sacrificed for the nation's cause will be gathered and identified," he said.Regarding the technical work of identifying fallen soldiers, the Government has assigned the Ministry of National Defence to guide the process and conditions for accessing the unidentified soldiers' remains for DNA testing.MoLISA and the Ministry of Finance are tasked with completing technical standards and cost norms for the search, recovery and DNA testing of unidentified fallen soldiers' remains and their relatives. The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, including the DNA Testing Centre, is responsible for completing the investment project to enhance capacity and apply new DNA testing methods using ODA funds.Speaking on the technical issues, ao Ngoc Loi, director of the Department of People with Merits, MoLISA, noted that most war martyrs' remains had been buried for over 50 years and had been relocated several times. As a result, many remains could not be sampled for analysis, or the extracted DNA quality was insufficient for comparison with relatives.Previously, units used mitochondrial DNA testing for martyrs' remains, according to Loi. However, with increasingly challenging sample quality, scientists will continue to research the application of mitochondrial DNA testing in routine procedures.Additionally, many relatives of martyrs are elderly, and some families no longer have living maternal-line members for sampling. Some DNA testing facilities have been upgraded, but the equipment is outdated, and there is a shortage of forensic scientists, affecting the efficiency of DNA testing.The global trend, with modern technological advances, involves using next-generation sequencing machines combined with microbiological analysis to test DNA from bone samples. The technology analyses nuclear genes from bones to identify the genetic origin.The application of new DNA extraction technology from ancient bones, in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology, aims to identify genetic origins from bone samples dating back hundreds to thousands of years. This forms the basis for further developing the testing of ancient bone DNA from fallen soldiers buried for 4080 years. VNS
Viet Nam's foreign policy has significantly contributed to its development and modernisation, particularly under the leadership of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of the Communist Party of Viet Nam since the second decade of the 21st century. This leadership has elevated the country's international stature, potential, and prestige.

The concept of "bamboo diplomacy" was first introduced by Party General Secretary Trong during the inaugural National Conference on Foreign Affairs in December 2021, formalising it as a diplomatic doctrine. This approach emphasises resilience, flexibility, and a strong Vietnamese identity.

In his address, General Secretary Trong highlighted that over the past 90 years, Viet Nam had built a unique school of diplomacy characterised by "firm roots, solid trunk, and flexible branches". This approach blended the creative application of Marxism-Leninism, the traditions of Vietnamese diplomacy, and the selective absorption of global cultural and progressive thoughts. It embodied the spirit of the Vietnamese peoplesteadfast in principles, yet flexible in strategies; soft and skilful, but also very resilient and decisive; adaptable and creative, but very courageous and steadfast in the face of difficulties for the independence of the nation and the happiness of the people.

He called for the determination to build and develop a modern Vietnamese foreign affairs and diplomacy system with a strong national identity, encapsulated in the school of "Viet Nams Bamboo Diplomacy". This ideology has been consistently reflected in the General Secretary's approach to managing harmonious and effective relationships with major countries.

Viet Nam has established many strategic and comprehensive partnerships, elevating them to new levels to meet the requirements of the current era. So far, Viet Nam has established strategic partnerships and comprehensive strategic partnerships with all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

With close neighbouring countries such as Laos and Cambodia, the Party chief always fostered solidarity, friendship, and special cooperation, demonstrated through meetings between the top Party leaders of the three countries in Ha Noi in 2021 and 2023.

In relations with powerful countries, Viet Nam has been no less proactive. Within only nine months, Viet Nam welcomed leaders of three world powers  US President Joe Biden (September 2023), General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping (December 2023), and Russian President Vladimir Putin (June 2024).

In relations with China, General Secretary Trong adopted a flexible and adaptable approach, protecting national sovereignty and interests while maintaining friendly and cooperative relations. During his first official visit to China in 2011, the two countries signed the Agreement on Basic Principles Guiding the Settlement of Maritime Issues, demonstrating Viet Nam's policy of peacefully resolving disputes in the East Sea (or South China Sea) and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for national development.

In January 2017, General Secretary Trong paid an official visit to China, during which both sides emphasised timely exchanges and proper resolution of emerging issues, maintaining a healthy and stable development trajectory for Viet Nam-China relations.

Subsequently, in October 2022, right after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Trong made another official visit to China. The two sides discussed strengthening cooperation in new areas such as the digital economy and climate change response, while committing to manage maritime disagreements through dialogue and consultation.

Building on these results, during the visit to Viet Nam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi in December 2023, the two sides deepened their relations with a Joint Statement on Building a Community with a Shared Future of Strategic Significance for Viet Nam-China Relations.

Under the leadership of General Secretary Trong, Viet Nam-US relations saw significant advancements. In 2013, the two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership.

In 2015, General Secretary Trong became the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam to pay an official visit to the United States and was received at the White House. The visit was hailed as a "historic visit", opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. During this visit, General Secretary Trong and President Barack Obama issued a Joint Vision Statement, expressing the determination of both countries to promote bilateral relations and cooperate on regional and international issues.

The state visit of US President Joe Biden to Viet Nam in 2023 marked another milestone in the two countries' relations. Under the direct leadership of General Secretary Trong, Viet Nam upgraded its relations with the US to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This decision reflects the General Secretary's strategic vision in leveraging cooperation opportunities with major countries to serve national interests. Notably, the new cooperation framework is not limited to traditional areas such as economy and trade but also expands to key 21st-century fields such as high technology, AI, digital economy, and semiconductor and chip sectors.

Alongside upgrading relations with the US, under the leadership of General Secretary Trong, Viet Nam has also established Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with South Korea, Japan and Australia.

Simultaneously, Viet Nam continues to value and promote traditional friendly relations with the Russian Federation. General Secretary Trong paid an official visit to the Russian Federation in 2018, strengthening the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Notably, in June 2024, General Secretary Trong welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin on a state visit to Viet Nam. This visit not only underscored the importance of the two countries' relations but also demonstrated Viet Nam's skilful balancing of relations with major powers in a complex geopolitical context.

Vietnamese former minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dy Nien eloquently affirmed General Secretary Trongs pivotal role in the diplomacy sector: "Attaining such a distinguished position has been a long and intricate journey. It demanded highly skilful manoeuvres, especially in todays ever-evolving world  a dynamic realm where traditional orders are being upended, and new axes and centres of power are emerging.

"In this fluid landscape, the art of diplomacy lies in maintaining and nurturing relationships with key partners. This delicate art can only be masterfully executed under the guidance of visionary leaders like General Secretary Trong. Reflecting on our recent diplomatic achievements, I find them truly remarkable. While we may still encounter numerous socioeconomic challenges, in the realm of foreign relations, we have ascended to unprecedented heights."

'Four Nos' policy

Amid increasingly fierce strategic competition, exerting pressure on Viet Nam to choose sides, General Secretary Trong repeatedly affirmed in meetings with leaders of major countries that Viet Nam was steadfast in implementing the "Four Nos" policy: no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign military bases and no using Vietnamese territory to oppose other countries, and no using force or threatening to use force in international relations. By adhering to these principles, Viet Nam has maintained strategic autonomy while affirming its reputation as "a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community".

The passing of General Secretary Trong was deeply mourned not only by the people of Viet Nam but also by the international community.

Particularly, Party General Secretary and President of China Xi personally visited the Vietnamese embassy in Beijing to pay his respects and sign the condolence book. In his message, General Secretary Xi referred to General Secretary Trong as "a great friend of the Chinese people", acknowledging the significant contributions of General Secretary Trong in promoting Viet Nam-China relations.

US President Biden also sent condolences, praising General Secretary Trong as "a supporter of deep relations between the American and Vietnamese people".

Russian President Putin, in his condolence message, emphasised: "Russia will remember the General Secretary as a true friend who made significant personal contributions to the establishment and development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Moscow and Ha Noi."

The condolences and high regards from international leaders not only reflect respect for General Secretary Trong, but also highlight the success of the art of balancing relations with major powers that he established and maintained throughout his leadership. This once again affirms Viet Nam's growing prestige and position on the international stage under the leadership of General Secretary Trong.

In the context of the world and regional situations continuing to evolve in complex and unpredictable ways, inheriting and promoting the foreign policy legacy of General Secretary Trong, particularly the "bamboo diplomacy" philosophy, will help Viet Nam continue to uphold its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while expanding and deepening relations with partners, enhancing the country's position on the international stage.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son highlighted the exceptional leadership and direction of General Secretary Trong in achieving significant milestones in Viet Nam's foreign affairs.

"Diplomatic achievements over the past tenures were inseparable from the personal reputation of General Secretary Trong, as international relations are not just relations among countries, but also among persons," Son said, adding that foreign leaders attach importance to and highly value the late leaders role and reputation, which is a very special thing.

Son said the Party chief won over other peoples hearts by justice, humanity, reason and morality. In all diplomatic activities, with his modesty, openness and sincerity, along with standard and compassionate behaviours, General Secretary Trong garnered affection and admiration from leaders and people of foreign countries, as well as international friends.

The Party chief left the impression on others as a large-hearted leader with a strategic mind and vision, who worked hard to promote national interests while respecting the interests of international friends, Son said.

He said one of General Secretary Trong's foreign policy legacies was the maintenance of 'internal stability and external peace' amidst significant and complex international upheavals, while simultaneously elevating Viet Nam's foreign relations to new heights with enhanced strategic content, higher political trust, and more substantive and effective cooperation with neighbouring countries, major powers, key partners, and traditional friends.

"This has elevated Viet Nam's new position and prestige both bilaterally and multilaterally. These achievements affirm that 'our country has never had such fortune, potential, position, and international prestige as it does today'," Son said.

Former deputy minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Thanh Son said that with its flexible bamboo diplomacy and the desire to make friends with all countries, Viet Nam had conquered the world and proven that its foreign policy was very successful.

"One of the countrys greatest successes is that Viet Nam has integrated with the world without losing its political identity," he said.

Nguyen Hong Hai, a lecturer at VinUniversity, said the values and characteristics of Viet Nam's bamboo diplomacy were evidenced by the historically significant achievements of Viet Nam's external work and diplomacy.

He added that Viet Nam's bamboo diplomacy was not simply understood as pragmatic diplomacy or "going with the wind" diplomacy. Instead, Viet Nam's bamboo diplomacy was evidence of impartiality, justice, righteousness, and non-alignment.

"It deserves to be a theory of international relations and will continue to be studied for application in modern international politics. History will forever recognise General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as an outstanding theorist of Eastern international relations theory with the school of 'Viet Nam's bamboo diplomacy'," Hong Hai said. VNS
VIENTIANE Deputy Foreign Minister o Hung Viet attended the 15th Mekong  Japan Foreign Ministers Meeting (MJC 15) and the 12th Mekong  Korea Foreign Ministers Meeting (MKC 12) held in Vientiane, Laos, on July 26.

The MJC 15 marked 15 years of forming the cooperation mechanism between Mekong countries and Japan. This meeting approved the Mekong-Japan cooperation strategy 2024 with cooperation orientations in the next five years.

Addressing the MJC 15, Deputy FM Viet proposed solutions to carry out three pillars of the MJC cooperation strategy for the new period. Firstly, it is necessary to promote a connected society through developing transportation and logistics networks along the East-West economic corridor and the Southern economic corridor, with focus on high-quality infrastructure projects connecting seaports, border gates, economic centres, building sustainable supply chains and supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to join the global supply chain.

Secondly, on digitalisation, focus should be made on developing digital infrastructure, quality digital human resources, supporting MSMEs in digital transformation, and applying high technology into industries.

Thirdly, effective cooperation is needed in the managing transboundary water resources, ensuring food security and energy, mitigating natural disasters and responding climate change.

At the MKC 12, Mekong countries highly valued the Republic of Koreas commitment to gradually increasing support to the Mekong-Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) to reach the annual contribution of 10 million USD by 2027.

Deputy FM Viet raised several cooperation priorities in the coming time to promote cooperation potential within the MKCs framework. The first is the promotion of green growth via mobilising funding sources for projects on clean energy transition, carbon emissions reduction, smart agriculture, climate change response, and investment in infrastructure development, and the strengthening of cooperation between the Mekong River Commission and the Mekong-Korea Water Centre.

The second is the acceleration of the digital transformation process in the Mekong subregion, together with strengthening cooperation on e-commerce, developing digital technology and implementing the Mekong-Korea Digital Forum, and the third is the development of human resources for digital transformation and green transition, projects on retraining and improving skills for the subregion's workforce. VNS
VIENTIANE Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet attended the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-57) in Vientiane, Laos, on July 26, where he welcomed the progress in relations between ASEAN and its partners, emphasising the need for coordination to further deepen existing cooperation areas.

He stressed economic, trade and investment cooperation should be a pillar and motivation to develop the relations practically, adding that it is necessary to promote economic connectivity, and effectively utilise free trade agreements between ASEAN and its partners.

Viet, who is also head of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) delegation of Viet Nam, called on countries to coordinate more closely to effectively take advantage of new trends and growth drivers, and intensify cooperation in new areas such as science and technology application, innovation, digital and green transition, and energy transformation, towards sustainable development.

The Vietnamese official suggested that ASEAN and its partners should continue to promote dialogue, consultation, and trust building, and join efforts in responding to common challenges through ASEAN-led mechanisms, contributing to shaping an open, transparent, inclusive regional structure that upholds international law, with ASEAN playing a central role.

He expected partners to continue to support ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea, as well as ASEAN's efforts to build the East Sea into a sea of peace, security, stability, cooperation and sustainable development.

At the event, representatives from ASEAN member nations and the bloc's partner countries emphasised their commitments to effectively implementing existing economic and trade agreements, and agreed to complete negotiations on the establishment, upgrading and review of FTAs with partners such as China, the Republic of Korea, India and Canada as planned.

They affirmed to continue expanding cooperation in new and potential areas such as digital economy, digital transformation, green transition, smart agriculture, energy transformation, and climate change response, contributing to promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development.

ASEAN's partners proposed many cooperation initiatives of common interest such as strengthening ASEAN-China people-to-people exchanges; and implementing the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative, the ASEAN-India Fund for Digital Future, a key initiative on digital innovation and the ASEAN - RoK Methane Reduction Action Partnership, the EU-ASEAN Green Initiative and the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE).

Discussing regional and international issues such as the East Sea, Myanmar, the Korean Peninsula, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the Middle East in the spirit of frank and practical dialogue, delegates from ASEAN and its partners emphasised the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, and stability, and creating a favorable environment for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The foreign ministers adopted many documents such as the ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action for the 2025-2029 period; the ASEAN-UK Joint Statement on Strengthening Connectivity, the ASEAN-China Joint Statement on Strengthening Humanitarian Mine Action Cooperation; and the Joint Statement of ASEAN and Russia Foreign Ministers Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Russias Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

Within the framework of the ASEAN+1 meetings with Australia, Canada, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), the European Union (EU), India, New Zealand, Russian Federation and the UK, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet and Foreign Minister of the RoK Cho Tae Yul co-chaired the ASEAN-Korea Foreign Ministers' Meeting, during which the Vietnamese official affirmed that the RoK is one of ASEAN's most important partners.

He highly valued the RoK's commitment to promoting a stronger partnership with the bloc and welcomed the RoK's proposal to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN.

The RoK official took the occasion to send his deepest condolences to the Vietnamese delegation over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

He highlighted the progress in connectivity cooperation between ASEAN and the RoK in terms of infrastructure, institutions and people-to-people exchanges, saying that these contributed to creating a solid foundation for the bilateral relationship to continue developing dynamically and positively in the coming time.

The RoK and other ASEAN countries thanked and highly appreciated Viet Nam's efforts and important contributions in its role as coordinator of the ASEAN-RoK relations over the past three years, which create favourable conditions for efforts to elevate the bilateral relationship in the coming years.

On July 27, ASEAN Foreign Ministers and partners will attend the ASEAN-US Meeting and meetings within the frameworks of ASEAN+3, the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). VNS
HA NOI The passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong has saddened foreign officials, diplomats, and overseas Vietnamese who have continued coming to Viet Nams diplomatic missions in many countries, including India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Laos, to offer condolences.

The Consulate General of Viet Nam in Mumbai city, the Indian state of Maharashtra, held a respect-paying ceremony on July 25 - 26, when national mourning was also observed in the homeland.

Representatives of the Maharashtra administration, the consulates general of such countries as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Iran, and Switzerland, along with associations, agencies, and sectors of Mumbai and Maharashtra paid homage to the late leader and extended condolences to the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam and the bereaved family.

Rahul Gandhi, a leader of the Indian National Congress, paid his last respect to General Secretary Trong at the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi. In his message of condolence, Gandhi emphasised the deceaseds over six decades of efforts to build a strong CPV, all peoples admiration for his pure ideology and morality, as well as his decisive leadership that has helped build a more integrated society and lift millions of people out of poverty.

At the Vietnamese Embassy in Bangladesh, the two-day respect paying ceremony saw the presence of 27 delegations, including those of Vietnamese people in Bangladesh, the host countrys Foreign Ministry, leaders of the Communist Party of Bangladesh and the Workers Party of Bangladesh, which have official relations with the CPV, along with many local friends.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh Ruhin Hossain Prince wrote in the condolence book that his party will forever remember and treasure Trong for his substantial contributions to the development of a modern Viet Nam and the corruption combat.

President of the Workers Party of Bangladesh Rashed Khan Menon stated that the General Secretarys passing is a loss to not only Vietnamese people or the CPV but also the communist movement in Southeast Asia.

Ambassadors and high commissioners of ASEAN member countries and the nations having comprehensive strategic partnerships with Viet Nam like China, Russia, India, the Republic of Korea, and Japan came to offer condolences. They also hailed the leaders dedications to Viet Nams relations with their countries.

In the Philippines, the Vietnamese Embassy also received a number of delegations representing the host countrys Government and state agencies to pay tribute to the Vietnamese leader.

Coming to the respect-paying service, Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Charles Jose wrote in the condolence book that General Secretary Trong will be remembered as a hope and a bright source of inspiration for the Vietnamese people as he put peoples interests at the centre of policies.

More than 30 representative diplomatic bodies in the archipelago nation, including the US, China, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the UK, Germany, Canada, and Southeast Asian countries, sent letters of condolences and paid tribute to the Party chief.

Delegates from businesses, the World Health Organisation (WHO), some organisations and associations, and the Vietnamese community in the Philippines were also present at the ceremony.

A large number of Vietnamese expatriates, including young people, in Malaysia also came to the respect-paying ceremony at the Vietnamese Embassy there on July 25 - 26.

Nguyen Ba Tan, First Secretary of the embassy, said the number of Vietnamese studying and working in Malaysia, has been on the rise over the last 10 years. There are now more than 30,000 Vietnamese, including about 800 students, in Malaysia. He expressed his hope that the ideology, contributions, and lifestyle of General Secretary Trong will become a lodestar for overseas Vietnamese to follow.

Eighty-two delegations with more than 300 members representing the Government, diplomatic missions, associations, and the Vietnamese community in Malaysia paid their respect to the Party leader at the two-day service.

In Laos, hundreds of delegations from the countrys Party agencies and administrations from central to local levels, foreign diplomatic missions, and Vietnamese peoples associations also visited the respect-paying ceremonies held by the Vietnamese Embassy and consulates general across Laos on July 25 - 26.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Vientiane capital received more than 110 delegations to the ceremony on July 25 - 26. The events held by the consulates general of Viet Nam in southern Pakse province and northern Luang Prabang province saw the presence of over 50 delegations each. The Consulate General in the central province of Savannakhet received more than 30 delegations coming to pay tribute and wrote in the condolence book.

In particular, on the two days of national mourning in Viet Nam, the Party organisations and administrations of Houaphanh and Xiengkhuang provinces in northern Laos organised respect-paying services for General Secretary Trong.
HA NOI  A delegation of the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly (NA), the State President, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee laid wreaths at the monument to war heroes and martyrs on Bac Son street and paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi on July 27 on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 - 2024).

The delegation included President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man, permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat Luong Cuong, President of the VFF Central Committee o Van Chien.

Former General Secretary Nong uc Manh, Former NA Chairpersons Nguyen Sinh Hung, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and Vuong inh Hue; Politburo members, along with incumbent and former officials also attended the activity.

Also in the morning of the same day, delegations of the Central Military Commission - the Ministry of National Defence; the Central Public Security Party Committee - the Ministry of Public Security; the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; and the Party Committee, Peoples Council, Peoples Committee, and VFF Committee of Ha Noi, among others, paid tribute to the heroes, martyrs at the monument, and President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. VNS
HA NOI  International friends have praised Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong with terms such as "dedicated communist fighter", "a truly exemplary Party member", "outstanding theorist" and "a modest, people-oriented leader".

Statistics from the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations show that between July 20 and 26, approximately 150 telegrams, letters, and messages of condolence were sent to Viet Nam via people-to-people channels upon the news of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing.

The messages are believed to vividly and authentically reflect the image of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

A stalwart, genuine communist

The President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) wrote, Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a loyal adherent to Marxism, a great leader of the Communist Party and people of Viet Nam, a close comrade and sincere friend of the Communist Party and people of China.

The World Peace Councils letter of condolence noted, "Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong stood steadfast on the front lines of the revolutionary cause, holding numerous high-ranking positions and remaining devoted to the Partys decisions, always fighting for the interests of the Vietnamese people both domestically and internationally. Over more than 60 years of service to the Party until the final days of his life, he became a modest model of a soldier dedicated to principles."

Carolus Wimmer, President of the Venezuela-Viet Nam Friendship Association, recalled that his understanding of the political and socialist process in Viet Nam came from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs lecture in the work "Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path to socialism in Viet Nam."

Elevating Viet Nam's foreign relations

Correspondence and telegrams remarked that throughout his life, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was an exceptional diplomat.

He formalised and elevated the bamboo diplomacy policy, which has existed in Vietnamese diplomacy historically, to a theoretical level.

Under Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's leadership, the development of a foreign policy rich in the "Vietnamese bamboo" character continued the era of President Ho Chi Minh's thoughts, providing a solid foundation for Vietnamese diplomacy.

The Laos Peace and Solidarity Committee highly valued Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs contributions in establishing great friendly relations, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Viet Nam.

Comrade Nguyen Phu Trongs passing means not only has the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam lost a respected leader, but the Party, State, and people of Laos have also lost a close and cherished friend.

The Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association wrote, In the Russian Federation, Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong is well-known as an outstanding activist in the international communist movement, a long-time leader of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, a continuer of Ho Chi Minhs revolutionary cause and a friend of Russia, who studied and researched in Russia. We are grateful to Trong for his tireless work in strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Viet Nam. Members of the Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association recalled with fondness the meetings with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his visits to Moscow. The trees planted by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Ho Chi Minh Square in Moscow will preserve the memories of his visits to our country.

Professor V.N. Kolotov, director of the Ho Chi Minh Institute at Saint Petersburg State University (Russia), said, History will record that the foreign strategy enhancing the Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy and Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs burning furnace campaign strengthened the Partys position domestically and internationally. His activities ensured political stability for Viet Nam and fostered dynamic economic development, which elevated Viet Nams international reputation.

The Japan-Viet Nam Peace Council (JVPF) highlighted Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs role in guiding Viet Nam through an increasingly globalised and complex world with flexible and resilient diplomatic policies akin to bamboo.

Leader of development, prosperity

International agencies have praised Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs role and contributions to international cooperation and Viet Nams development.

Numerous letters and telegrams noted that under Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs leadership over the past decade, with strategic vision, the Party Central Committee issued numerous resolutions on economic and social development with breakthrough solutions, creating rapid and robust economic growth acknowledged by the international community.

The International Management Council, Global Leadership, and staff of ActionAid International remarked, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs leadership has helped Viet Nam achieve significant accomplishments and enhance its resilience and inner strength. Viet Nam has become one of the 35 largest economies in the world, while also ensuring that Viet Nams human development index has continuously improved in recent years, demonstrating the correct direction of the Communist Party of Viet Nam in harmonising sustainable economic development without leaving anyone behind.

Men Sam An, President of the Cambodia-Viet Nam Friendship Association, wrote in a letter to the Viet Nam-Cambodia Friendship Association, We value the significant work and achievements that Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has brought to Viet Nam, his tireless dedication in making Viet Nam a developed nation with an increasing international reputation, particularly in promoting good governance and combating corruption.

The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Foundation emphasised, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs leadership played a key role in shaping the nation's progress and prosperity. His passing is not only a significant loss to the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Vietnamese people but also to the global leftist movement, as his steadfast commitment to socialist principles and his tireless efforts for Viet Nams continued development have left an indelible mark.

Modest, honest, ever-learning

In the eyes of international friends, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong left a shining example of purity, integrity, simplicity and dedication to the Party and national revolution.

ActionAid International (AAI) of the Netherlands wrote in a letter to the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is a role model for leaders of global peoples organisations due to his simplicity, accessibility and exemplary conduct.

President of the Venezuela-Viet Nam Friendship Association, Carolus Wimmer, recalled his first direct meeting with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at a World Peace Councils Executive Board meeting held in Ha Noi from November 23 to 25, 2017.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong radiated calmness, intelligence, analytical insight and wonderful friendliness when welcoming foreign guests.

Director of the Ho Chi Minh Institute at Saint Petersburg State University, Professor V.N. Kolotov, wrote, In meetings with foreign experts and scholars about Viet Nam, Comrade Nguyen Phu Trong showed sincerity and openness, always ready to discuss the hottest and most complex topics without prior preparation.

Messages overflowing with affection

The telegrams, letters, and messages varied in form, including handwritten letters, emails, text messages, condolence cards, official dispatches, articles on websites, and notifications on social networks such as Facebook, WeChat, and Zalo.

Notable examples include a handwritten letter from a Chinese intellectual; electronic condolence cards designed with black ribbons and chrysanthemums from CARE International, Pearl S. Buck International, Facing the World, and VinaCapital Foundation; emails from elderly friends with ties to Viet Nam from the war years, such as artist George Burchett, US veteran Paul Reed, and peace activist Larry Levin; and embassies of countries in Viet Nam, including the United States, Peru, and Colombia.

All conveyed deep sorrow and grief at the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.  VNS
HAVANA  The Cuban media have provided extensive coverage of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong, highlighting his enormous contributions to Viet Nam as well as the two countries relations.

On its July 25 issue, the Juventud Rebelde daily reserved an entire page for demonstrating the Cuban Party, State, and peoples sentiments towards General Secretary Trong. The front page also featured a report on leaders of Cuba, including First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, coming to pay their last respects to the CPV chief at the Vietnamese Embassy in Havana on July 24.

The newspaper also mentioned General Secretary Trongs visits to Cuba, especially the trip to Santiago de Cuba in March 2018 to commemorate leader of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro Ruz.

It cited Speaker of the National Assembly of Peoples Power and President of the Council of State of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez, who visited Vietnam to attend the state funeral, as talking to Vietnamese leaders that Cuba feels this loss as its own.

On July 22, when Cuba declared national mourning for General Secretary Trong, Granma  the official organ of the PCC, and many other dailies in the Caribbean nation turned the traditional colours of their publications into black in commemoration of the Vietnamese Party chief.

Granma reserved a whole page of its July 22 issue to cover the CPV leaders statements about the important role of the youth. It cited many parts of his speech at the celebration of the 90th founding anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 - 2021).

The Cuba media underscored General Secretary Trongs influence on the two countries special ties. They noted he used to visit Cuba for five times during which he met and had working sessions with the countrys top leaders, and that each visit further strengthened Vietnams relations with Party and State leaders as well as people of Cuba.

The media outlets described Trong as a close friend of many leaders of Cuba such as Fidel Castro, Raul Castro, and many current ones.

They also reported that General Secretary Trong used to be granted the Order of Jose Marti, the noblest of Cuba, in 2012 in recognition of this exceptional contributions to the solidarity and friendship between the two Parties, States, and peoples. He was also granted the Doctor Honoris Causa (Honorary Doctor) title on political science by the University of Havana in 2018. VNS
HA NOI  Overseas Vietnamese, those from Vietnamese associations and organisations, international agencies and foreigners and locals in many countries came to Viet Nam's diplomatic missions abroad to pay respects for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on July 25 and 26.

On July 26, Russian officials and politicians paid tribute to General Secretary Trong at the Vietnamese Embassy in Moscow.

First Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Ivan Melnikov told Vietnamese Ambassador ang Minh Khoi that General Secretary Trong greatly contributed to establishing the two countries strategic comprehensive partnership. He ecalled his meetings with Trong and asked Khoi to convey his condolences to Trongs family and comrades.

Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Russia (Upper House of the Russian parliament) Konstantin Kosachev, leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) Gennady Zyuganov, Deputy Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federation Council Andrey Klimov expressed their condolences over the death of General Seretary Trong in the condolence book opened at the Vietnamese embassy.

On July 25-26, the embassy received nearly 200 delegations.

More than 70 delegations came to the Vietnamese Embassy in France to pay tribute to and write in the condolence book for General Secretary Trong during the two days.

On July 26, a representative from the French Communist Party (PCF) wrote in the condolence book that the PCF and its national secretary Fabien Roussel extend their deep and sincere symphathies to Vietnamese people and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) over the passing of General Secretary Trong, and praise Trong's contributions to strengthening Vietnam's international relations by promoting 'bamboo diplomacy', within the framework of respecting international law. His theoretical contributions to the communists' and workers' movements today are of great importance for the thinking and action in the world at present.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Embassy in Angola recieved on July 25 and 26 two delegations of Angola leaders, 29 diplomatic delegations and 19 delegations of Vietnamese organisations and individuals who came to pay tribute to General Secretary Trong.

Politburo member and Vice President of the ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) Luisa Damiao wrote in the condolence book, expressing her respect to Nguyen Phu Trong - a politician with extraordinary human qualities.

Cuban Ambassador to Angola Oscar Leon Gonzalez affirmed General Secretary Trong is a big friend of Cuban people.

Representatives from the Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and people of Romania and diplomatic missions in the European coutnry paied their respects for the Vietnamese Party leader at the Vietnamese Embassy in Romania in the past two days.

Pham Duy Hung, President of the Vietnamese association in Romania, wrote in the condolence book that the Vietnamese community in Romania mourn General Secretary Trong - a loyal, pure, courageous, intelligent communist, a great person who always care about and share the difficulties of the people at home and abroad, and considere overseas Vietnamese an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation.

On July 26 morning, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister M.U.M Ali Sabry came the Vietnamese Embassy in Colombo to bid farewell to General Secretary Trong.

FM Sabry told Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam that the Sri Lankan Government and people sincerely share the great grief and loss with the Government and people of Viet Nam.

Sri Lanka will forever remember Trong as a close friend and a leader who promoted peace and harmony across Asia and the world through his bamboo diplomacy school, he wrote in a condolence book.

Also on July 26, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the People's Liberation Front (JVP) & National People's Power (NPP) in Sri Lanka, representatives of foreign representative agencies in Sri Lanka and the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka paid their respects for General Secretary Trong.

During Viet Nam's two-day national mourning on July 25-26, the Vietnamese Embassy in Tanzania hosted 23 delegations to bid last farewell to the General Secretary, including diplomatic missions and embassies of countries in Tanzania such as China, Russia, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Sudan, Iran, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and representatives from Viettel Tanzania (Halotel), Viettel Burundi (Lumitel) and the Vietnamese community in Tanzania.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa on July 26 received delegations, including those led by Deputy President of South Africa Paul Mashatile, First Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane.

Ambassadors and representatives of China, Japan, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Ivory Coast, and Norway in South Africa also paid tribute to General Secretary Trong at the embassy. VNS
NEW YORK The Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the United Nations (UN) welcomed nearly 100 delegations during the two days of national mourning to pay their respects, wrote in the condolence book and express sorrow and gratitude for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at its headquarters in New York on July 25 and 26.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis were among those who came to pay tribute to the later Party leader.

Ambassadors, charge d'affaires from various countries' missions to the UN, the Chairman of the Communist Party USA, representatives from American leftist movements, New York City officials, members of the Vietnamese community, and Vietnamese students in New York and surrounding areas also paid homage to the Party General Secretary.

The Vietnamese mission also received numerous letters and messages of condolences from diplomatic corps, partners and friends in the host country.

Coming to the Vietnamese Embassy in Buenos Aires on July 26 to pay respects to the Party chief, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Argentina Jorge Kreyness pledged to strengthen solidarity and cooperation between the two communist parties and expressed further support for collaboration between the Argentine and Vietnamese governments.

On the same day, representatives from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ambassadors of Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Morocco, and representatives of the Embassies of Russia, the State of Palestine, Finland, Romania, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, along with members of the ASEANMercosur Chamber of Commerce and the Vietnamese community, continued to pay tribute and wrote in the condolence book for the Party General Secretary.

Talking with the Viet Nam News Agency's correspondents in Buenos Aires, Argentine scholar and journalist Gaston Fiorda praised General Secretary Trong as a great leader and an outstanding theorist not only in Viet Nam but also in Southeast Asia, saying that he has left a valuable legacy in Viet Nam's development and progress and his contributions to the national liberation and development will be remembered forever.

Fiorda also highlighted the Party chief's significant contributions to bringing Viet Nam into harmony with other nations and promoting peace and balance of geostrategic forces. He specifically noted the "Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy" approach shaped by the Party leader, which underlines flexibility and resilience in international relations.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Industry Cooperation Committee, Xu Ningning, lauded Party Chief Trong for his substantial contributions to Viet Nam's economic development and friendly relations between the Chinese and Vietnamese Parties and the two countries.

Serving as the Executive President of the China-ASEAN Business Council, Executive Director of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign AffairsAsia-Pacific Centre for China Foundation for International Studies, Xu said under General Secretary Trongs leadership, Viet Nam's economic growth rate is now among the highest in the world, particularly in ASEAN.

He predicted that Viet Nam would achieve the highest economic growth in ASEAN this year, noting that Chinese investment in Viet Nam surged by over 77 per cent year on year in 2023, with China ranking in the top foreign investors in terms of new foreign investment projects in Viet Nam in the first half of 2024.

Xu hoped that the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership would further grow, which would be a concrete manifestation of inheriting the General Secretary's legacy.

On July 27 (Viet Nam time), the White House announced that a US delegation led by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken would arrive in Ha Noi on July 28 to pay tribute to the late Vietnamese leader.

He will be accompanied by US Ambassador to Viet Nam Marc E. Knapper and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink.

On July 24-26, the Vietnamese Embassy in the US welcomed over 100 delegations who came to pay respects and wrote in the condolence book for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. They included representatives of diplomatic corps, international organisations, business associations and major groups and the overseas Vietnamese community.

Notable attendees included US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who came on behalf of US President Joe Biden, and Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink.

On the occasion, the US media widely covered the General Secretary's career, his "bamboo diplomacy" thought and contributions to the bilateral ties. VNS
Vientiane  An incense-offering ceremony commemorating fallen Vietnamese and Lao combatants took place at the Laos-Viet Nam Combat Alliance Relic Site in Keun village, Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province, on July 27 to mark the 77th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day.

Organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, in conjunction with the Central Committee of the Lao Veterans Federation and local authorities, the event paid tribute to brave Vietnamese and Lao soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of both nations.

Khamphan Sitthidampha, Secretary and Governor of Vientiane province, lauded the deep-rooted solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, particularly during the war years. He expressed sincere gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, Government, army and people for their unwavering support to the Lao revolution over the past years.

He also sent sincere thanks to the families and relatives of martyrs for their contributions to the noble international mission, fighting alongside the Lao army and people throughout its struggle for national independence until the ultimate victory.

Later, representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, the Vietnamese community, and the Vietnam Business Association presented gifts to the management team of the relic site.

Located about 70 km from the capital Vientiane, the relic site serves as a memorial to 28 Vietnamese and Lao martyrs who perished in a joint assault on the French colonial stronghold of Phone He in January 1946. This victory marked a pivotal moment in the Laos-Viet Nam alliances fight for liberation in both countries.

To further honour the fallen combatants, delegations from both countries also offered incense at the Monument to Vietnamese heroes and martyrs in Phaxang village, Kasy district, Vientiane province. VNS
Vientiane - Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet, empowered by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the third Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP) Foreign Ministerial Meeting held in Vientiane, Laos, on July 27.

As part of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-57) and related meetings hosted by Laos, the event marked 15 years since the establishment of a formal partnership between Mekong sub-region countries and the US, which began with the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI).

Member countries assessed that via the successful implementation of its 2021-2023 action plan, the MUSP has significantly contributed to enhancing climate resilience, energy transition, and ensuring food, energy, and water security. The MUSP has also helped the sub-region empower women and youths and establish an annual dialogue platform for scholars and experts to propose measures for sustainable development and regional challenges.

Viet Nam and other Mekong countries emphasised the need for the sub-region to be a core element in MUSP-related cooperation. They proposed several priorities for the future, including climate change adaptation, sustainable water management, economic connectivity, infrastructure development, business network integration, building a high-tech workforce, and encouraging leading research institutions from member countries to conduct joint studies on emerging technologies.

The meeting adopted a joint statement and the MUSP action plan for 2024-2026, with Laos officially transferring the role of co-chair of MUSP cooperation to Thailand. VNS
Vientiane  Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs o Hung Viet, who is also head of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) delegation of Viet Nam, attended the ASEAN-US, ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meetings, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Vientiane, Laos, on July 27, within the framework of the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM-57).

Speaking at the meetings, Viet welcomed the continued effectiveness and achievements of ASEAN-led mechanisms such as ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, EAS and ARF.

Amid the complex and uncertain global landscape, he suggested countries continue supporting ASEAN's central role, work together with ASEAN in addressing common challenges, promoting dialogue, cooperation and trust while building an open, transparent, inclusive, and rule-based regional architecture.

Regarding specific cooperation areas, he proposed further facilitating investment and trade, effectively tapping free trade agreements (FTAs) and other regional trade agreements, maintaining resilient and sustainable supply chains, and prioritising enhanced connectivity, digital transformation, energy transition, green growth, climate change response, development gap narrowing, and sub-regional cooperation.

Reaffirming Viet Nam's consistent position, the Deputy Minister urged partners to support and respect ASEAN's stance on the East Sea issue and its efforts to build the East Sea into a sea of peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development.

He highlighted the need to creative an environment conducive to effective and practical negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), while also continuing to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

Concluding meetings, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers adopted a Joint Communique of the AMM-57, which consists of 165 paragraphs fully reflecting the discussions on the progress of building the ASEAN Community, ASEAN cooperation across the three community pillars, ASEAN's external relations, global and regional issues.

The Lao Chair also issued the Chairman's Statement for the ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers Meetings, EAS and ARF. VNS
HA NOI On Saturday evening, at the residence of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on Thien Quang Street, Ha Noi, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, along with a US delegation sent by President Biden, visited to offer incense and express condolences to General Secretary Trong's spouse Ngo Thi Man and his family.

Blinken conveyed President Joe Biden's condolences to Man and the family on the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, emphasising that the leaders and officials of the US government, as well as President Biden himself, always regarded General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as a friend and trusted partner. Under his vision and leadership, the friendship and relations between the two countries were nurtured and developed robustly, reaching the highest level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership today.

Highlighting General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as a model for reconciliation between the two countries and a builder of bridges between their peoples, Secretary Blinken affirmed that President Biden, the US government, and the American people would always remember and honour his legacy with fond memories of his significant contributions to the historical cooperation between the two nations.

On behalf of the family, Man expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the kind sentiments from the US , President Biden, and Secretary Blinken towards the General Secretary. She shared that during his lifetime, the General Secretary was dedicated to fostering the Viet Nam-US relationship. He and President Biden issued a joint declaration upgrading Viet Nam-US relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023. Man believed that both sides will continue to effectively implement the Viet Nam-US Joint Declaration of September 2023 to further enhance and deepen the cooperation between the two countries for the benefit of their peoples.

On this occasion, Man extended her sincere thanks and best wishes for health to President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and their families.

From July 24 to 26, the Vietnamese Embassy in the US welcomed over 100 delegations who came to pay respects and wrote in the condolence book for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. These delegations included representatives of diplomatic corps, international organisations, business associations, major groups, and the overseas Vietnamese community.

Notable attendees included US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who came on behalf of US President Joe Biden, and Assistant Secretary of State Kritenbrink.

On this occasion, the US media widely covered the General Secretary's career, his "bamboo diplomacy" thought, and his contributions to bilateral ties.  VNS
HA NOI  President To Lam hosted a reception for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ha Noi on Saturday. The US official had just arrived in Ha Noi to pay tribute to Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away on July 19 at the age of 80.

During the reception, Secretary Blinken conveyed a condolence letter from President Joe Biden to President To Lam, expressing his sorrow over the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. In his letter, President Biden recalled the profound memories and impressions from his first meeting with the General Secretary in Washington, DC, in 2015, and took pride in standing alongside him during his visit to Ha Noi last year, which marked a new era of cooperation between the two countries.

President Biden emphasised that the event was a testament to the shared aspirations of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity for all, and that it also reflected General Secretary Trong's determination to elevate bilateral relations to the highest level, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The US President affirmed that the United States will never forget his leadership and fully supports a strong, resilient, and independent Viet Nam to which General Secretary Trong dedicated his life.

"The poet Nguyen Du wrote:"Thank Heaven we are here to day to see the sun through parting fog and clouds." General Secretary Trong played an indispensable role in parting the clouds over the 50-year arc of progress between our nations. We will honor his memory by carrying on his legacy and continuing our important work," the US President wrote in his letter.

Secretary Blinken personally expressed his sorrow over the loss of a visionary leader and valued General Secretary Trong's contributions to strengthening and fostering Viet Nam-US relations and the friendship between the two peoples.

President To Lam conveyed his heartfelt thanks to President Biden for his kind sentiments and deep condolences over the passing of General Secretary Trong, as well as to Secretary Blinken for travelling to Viet Nam to offer condolences to the General Secretarys family during this sorrowful time.

President To Lam shared that during his lifetime, General Secretary Trong highly valued developing relations with the US and often spoke fondly of President Biden. The historic visit to the US in 2015 by General Secretary Trong provided a strong impetus for the two countries to develop vigorously and become Comprehensive Strategic Partners as they are today.

Secretary Blinken affirmed that the US values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Viet Nam and looks forward to further deepening this important bilateral relationship. He expressed confidence that both sides will continue to uphold and nurture Viet Nam-US relations, strengthening the friendship between the two peoples according to General Secretary Trongs wishes.

The US Secretary of State noted that the passing of General Secretary Trong is a great loss for bilateral relations, and he affirmed that the US government and people would always remember and honour General Secretary Trongs legacy, particularly his efforts to promote reconciliation and build a future of peace, stability, and prosperity for the region and the world.

On this occasion, President To Lam and Secretary Blinken expressed their pleasure at the positive developments in bilateral relations in recent times across various fields, including politics-diplomacy, economy-trade-investment, security-defence, and war legacy remediation.

President To Lam reaffirmed that Viet Nam considers the US a top strategic partner and welcomes the USs continued commitment to supporting a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Viet Nam. He expressed the desire to closely coordinate in fulfilling the commitments of General Secretary Trong and President Biden to deepen and stabilise the new framework of relations.

Secretary Blinken thanked President To Lam for his support of the good Viet Nam-US partnership and stressed that the US regards Viet Nam as a top partner in the region. He affirmed the USs commitment to working with Viet Nam to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in regional and international forums on shared concerns, contributing to promoting dialogue, peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world, including frameworks such as the Mekong-US Partnership, ASEAN, APEC, and the United Nations, for the common peace, stability, and prosperity of the region and the world. VNS
Tens of thousands of soldiers in the Vietnamese Volunteer Army sacrificed their lives fighting the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Their remains still lie scattered across the country.

Two search and recovery teams, K70 (under Military Region 7) and K71 (under the Military Command of Tay Ninh Province), have tirelessly combed through former battlefields, hoping to bring the remains of these heroes home.

Focusing on five Cambodian provinces  Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, and Tbong Khmum  once the hotspots of the war, the teams faced gruelling conditions.

They had to trek through dense forests, ford rivers, and scale mountains in the search for fallen soldiers. They also encountered dangers at every turn, from unexploded bombs and landmines to the lingering effects of chemical warfare.

The Cambodian scorching 2023-24 dry season, with temperatures soaring into the high 30s - 40s Celsius, added to their hardship during the teams' mission of searching, recovering and repatriating remains of Vietnamese servicemen fallen in action in the Cambodian battlefields (Phase 2) .

However, with crucial information provided by Cambodian local residents the teams have found and repatriated 172 sets of remains of Vietnamese war martyrs over the past four months.

"The conditions were harsh," said a Team K71 member. "The heat, the terrain, and the emotional toll of finding remains of fallen soldiers in such a state were overwhelming. But I am eternally grateful to those who sacrificed their lives for our cause."

Nguyen uc Thuan, Team K71 leader, said: "The search and recovery of the war martyrs is a sacred mission; it felt like reuniting with lost family."

Building rapport with local Cambodians is a game-changer for the search teams. By providing medical aid and helping with community projects, teams K70 and K71 have earned their trust and cooperation, leading to countless discoveries.

A K71 team member recalled a breakthrough in a search session in Memot District, Kampong Cham Province in 2015 (in the mission Phase 1). After days of fruitless digging and facing dwindling water supplies, the team sent members on a 10-kilometre trek to find a water source.

They discovered an elderly man injured by a wild boar on the way. After treating his wounds, they struck up a conversation. The man showed him the location of several hidden graves. Guided by him, the team unearthed eight identifiable sets of remains within hours.

This experience underscores the importance of human connection in identifying potential graves. According to K71, roughly 80 per cent of their successful recoveries are due to information provided by local residents.

The remains of the 172 soldiers found by K70 and K71 were returned to Viet Nam via the Xa Mat International Border Gate in Tan Bien District, Tay Ninh Province, on June 28.

They will be moved to the Hill 82 Martyrs Cemetery in Tan Bien and lie in state until the official burial ceremony on July 27 -- the 77th anniversary of War Martyrs Day.

Immediately upon returning to Viet Nam, both teams began vehicle maintenance, enhancing Khmer language proficiency, and improving their search and recovery capabilities to prepare for the 2024-25 campaign.

Another dedicated team is K72, under the Military Command of Binh Phuoc Province. For over two decades, theyve been operating in Kratie and Kampong Thom provinces, bringing home the remains of more than 2,800 Vietnamese soldiers.

The team has covered thousands of kilometres, braving dense forests, fast-flowing rivers, and arduous digging conditions, with malaria a constant threat.

The harsh conditions often left them dehydrated, sometimes forcing them to resort to desperate measures like eating leaves or purifying swamp water with alum to quench their thirst.

Sergeant Nguyen ang Kiem of Team K72 described the gruelling conditions his team faced: "We're mainly digging by hand in some of the toughest terrain imaginable," he said.

"Dense forests, steep mountains, and the fast-flowing rivers make searching missing soldiers incredibly challenging. Many graves are unmarked, leaving us with hesitation to go on."

Despite the hardships, Kiem felt deep satisfaction in his work, saying that discovering the remains of a fallen soldier is like finding a lost family member. That powerful emotion drove him forward in the face of difficulties.

"Finding those remains is like a shot of energy," Kiem said. "It reminds us why we're here and fuels our commitment to bringing our comrades home."

Private Nguyen Van Long of K72 was a newcomer to the search team. Initially unsure of what to expect, he quickly became dedicated to the duty, inspired by his fellow soldiers.

"This isn't just a job; it's a deeply personal mission," Long said. "The challenges are immense, but our commitment to bringing the remains of our heroes home is unwavering."

With the help of Cambodian locals, K72 has pinpointed 225 potential gravesites in Kratie and 63 in Kampong Thom. Last year, they brought home the remains of 172 soldiers.

Like K70 and K71, Team K72 members found that building ties with Cambodian locals is essential to their mission. A K72 member recalled a particularly challenging excavation in 2017.

Using information provided by a Vietnamese war veteran, the team identified a potential gravesite in Ou Ruessei Commune, Kratie Province. However, the construction of a school at the site was nearing completion, and the Cambodian building contractor was adamantly opposed to the team's exhuming work.

Faced with the contractor's refusal, K72 sought help from the deputy military commander of Kratie. Through his mediation and persuasion, the contractor changed his mind. They finally reached a compromise: the team could excavate but only at night.

Equipped with lights and excavation equipment, K72 began the painstaking task. Working under the constraints of nighttime, limited space, and the pressure to preserve the building, the excavation was incredibly challenging.

The team had to be meticulous, carefully removing soil and handling the remains with utmost care. Many of the remains were severely decomposed, making identification difficult.

To make matters worse, some remains found beneath the building were incomplete due to construction damage. Despite the difficulties, K72 recovered remains of 64 fallen soldiers in 28 gruelling days.

The remains of 130 other fallen soldiers were returned to Viet Nam on July 18. Brought back by Team K73, under the Military Command of Long An Province, the war martyrs will be laid to rest in their homeland.

Since its formation in 2001, the team has recovered more than 2,500 sets of remains and uncovered six mass graves, burying about 280 soldiers.

One of the team's founding members, o Quoc Tien, recalled a particularly heartbreaking moment. A mother's anguished cries echoed through the Cambodian forest as she searched alongside the team for her son.

In 2005, determined to find his remains, Nguyen Van Cu's mother travelled from Ben Cau District, Tay Ninh Province, to Cambodia.

Guided by veterans, she joined the team in the remote Thmei Hamlet, Chrey Thum Commune, Romeas Haek District, Svay Rieng Province. After days of fruitless searching, the heartbroken woman cried out for her son's soul to return home.

Her anguish inspired the team to redouble their efforts. They meticulously searched the entire village day and night, leaving no stone unturned. Their perseverance paid off when they finally discovered Cu's remains and returned them to his family in 2010.

Overwhelmed with emotion, the mother embraced the coffin, her grief palpable. She expressed gratitude to the team for reuniting her with her son and said she could finally find peace knowing his remains were on Vietnamese soil.

In a final wish, she asked to be buried beside her son, expressing her enduring love and longing.

Tien also mentioned a woman, Nguyen Thi Chinh in Hai Phong City, who had searched for her missing husband for decades to no avail.

Her life changed one evening while watching television. A documentary about Team K73 ignited a spark of hope. Determined to find her husband Nguyen Ngoc Chan, Chinh travelled to the south to join the search.

It would be a gruelling journey, spanning three harsh years before she would finally discover his remains buried in Cambodian soil.

Identifying remains of fallen soldiers after decades underground is an immense challenge. As a result, the vast majority - around 90 per cent - of those recovered by K73 remain unidentified.

A few lucky breaks have led to identifications. Some names were found in penicillin vials attached to the soldiers, such as the case of Nguyen uc Xay and Nguyen Ba Quy. Other clues also came from personal items like a snakebite remedy bottle marked with a date or a water bottle engraved with the soldier's name.

DNA technology has revolutionised the identification of unnamed fallen soldiers in recent years. For example, between 2017 and 2018, Tay Ninh Province successfully identified 65 soldiers through DNA testing of the 660 sets of remains.

In 2010 and 2011, a nationwide trend emerged of families hiring psychic mediums to locate the graves of fallen soldiers. Many families spent big sums of money hiring those people on search trips across the country, even as far as Cambodia.

Unfortunately, the information provided by psychic mediums proved to be almost entirely unreliable. Team K71 analysed 200 DNA samples from bones exhumed based on psychic tips, but only one was confirmed of human.

Though the war ended decades ago, its scars remain. Thousands of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Cambodia are yet to return home. Driven by the enduring hope of grieving families, search teams continue their sacred mission to bring these fallen heroes back to their homeland. VNS
Central province calls for funds for unsafe houses

QUANG NAM  The central province has called for contribution from community and businesses in rebuilding more than 10,000 poorly structured and unsafe houses across the province in 2024-25.

The provincial Partys Secretary, Luong Nguyen Minh Triet began a fund raising campaign among donors to build houses in mountainous rural areas for families who have made a great contribution the country, as well as underprivileged households.

He said donors could contribute from VN50,000 (US$2) to VN100,000 ($4) to the Fund.

The province had agreed to reserve a fund of VN407 billion ($16.3 million) for repairing and rebuilding 15,735 downgraded houses in 2023-25.

Nam Giang district alone had raised a donation of 1.7 billion ($68,000) from a hundred businesses and local residents for the Fund in dealing with unsafe houses in 2023-25.

The district had supported VN9.3 billion ($372,000) to build and repair 243 houses, of which 226 were newly-constructed houses for poor families in 2019-22.

The Foundation of Development and Supporting Sustainable Living Community, or Song Foundation, had helped complete two villages in the province Quang Nam with funding from community, partners and businesses.

The province said it has offered lots of incentives to support people with downgraded houses or living in low-lying or vulnerable to landslides and flooding areas and will priorities helping ethnic groups, people with disabilities, the elderly and low-income households.

In the past Quang Nam province, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Viet Nam Disaster Management Authority (VNDMA), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Republic of Korea, in partnership with the Viet Nam Red Cross Society, had co-operated in the Damrey Storm-damaged houses recovery and rehabilitation project.

The project helped build 80 resilient houses which had suffered damage from typhoons.
Quynh Anh

In the bustling heart of Ha Noi, amidst the vibrant energy of its streets, the Ho Guom Opera House stands proudly, symbolising Viet Nam's cultural growth and global artistic vision.

Since its grand inauguration on July 9, 2023, this cultural landmark has swiftly become a source of pride for the capital, hosting diverse performances that celebrate Viet Nam's rich heritage and foster international cultural exchange.

"The Ho Guom Opera House is of great significance, not only for the People's Police Force, for Ha Noi but also for solidifying and organising the implementation of the Party's line, contributing to raising the spirit of the Communist Party and Vietnamese people, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at the opening ceremony.

Constructed in an impressive 22-month period, the Ho Guom Opera House seamlessly blends classical European elegance with distinctive Vietnamese cultural motifs.

Its facade, graced with 52 majestic stone columns imported from Spain, spans an expansive 5,000 square metres. Each element of its design, from the intricate roof patterns inspired by neoclassical and traditional Vietnamese art to the grandeur of its auditoriums, reflects Viet Nam's rich cultural tapestry and its commitment to architectural brilliance.

The Ho Guom Opera House boasts cutting-edge facilities meticulously crafted to accommodate a diverse array of artistic expressions. The main auditorium, with a seating capacity of 900, and a smaller hall for 500, are equipped with world-class acoustics, lighting, and stage technology.

I had never been to the Ho Guom Opera House before, and I was taken aback by the contemporary architecture, lighting, and arrangement of the entrances and staircases. I was surprised by the spaciousness and did not expect Ha Noi to have such a magnificent theatre, said visitor Vu Ha My.

It has the most advanced Constellation Sound System in Southeast Asia, designed by Meyer Sound, including an integrated system of speakers, microphones, digital processing, patented algorithms, and exclusive high-quality certification.

The system that we've put into this beautiful new theatre is designed to be able to accommodate every kind of musical performance, said John Pellower, representing Meyer Sound Laboratories.

This versatility allows the venue to host a spectrum of performances, from classical operas and symphonies to contemporary musicals and theatrical productions, cementing its status as a preferred destination for international artists and art troupes seeking premier venues.

Over a year since its establishment, the Ho Guom Opera House has welcomed many world-class orchestras and artists, including The Royal Opera of Versailles, Kenny G, Katy Perry, and Anna Polansky.

We proactively build plans to have the best works performed in Europe in Viet Nam. We have cooperated with the Royal Opera of Versailles and invited symphony orchestras from Austria, Germany, and some other countries, said the director of the Ho Guom Opera House, Nguyen Cong Bay.

Italian tenor Giuseppe Gipali said: This is a very modern theatre and the sound system is perfect. Because I used to work as an electrical engineer, I understand something about sound. When I saw microphones and every instrument, it was not so simple to have all those levels and everything. My impression when I performed - everything was perfect.

The opera house is expected to enhance the cultural life of the capital and the country.

Director Bay said: Not just Vietnamese art, but also international art is what we desire in this opera house. We know that the international standards for an opera house are already met. The opera house is open to all Ha Noi residents, Vietnamese nationals, and visitors from other countries who are interested in art, experiencing the greatest music scene in the world.

Recognition by the World Travel Awards underscores the Ho Guom Opera House's global impact and its pivotal role in promoting Viet Nam's cultural identity on the international stage. By attracting renowned artists and fostering cultural exchanges with global institutions, the opera house serves as a cultural ambassador, enriching global understanding and appreciation of Viet Nam's artistic heritage.

The establishment of the Ho Guom Opera House promotes cultural tourism and the performing arts, drawing tourists to the city of Ha Noi. In addition to exploring the historic tourism complex, tourists can take in various artistic and cultural highlights here, said Peoples Artist Tran Ly Ly. VNS
Tick Cheng Ngo lost multiple teeth during his youth, impacting his self-esteem. Following a thorough Google search for the best dental clinics in Ho Chi Minh City, the Singaporean national confidently selected Elite Dental Centre among the top 10 suggested.

Despite time constraints, he chose to visit Elite Dental Centre during his Christmas and Easter breaks, which he found incredibly rewarding.

The Centres exceptional expertise and skills restored his smile and performed surgery, which lasted four and a half hours, pain-free.

Over the last decade, Tick has been among over 10,000 patients treated successfully at Elite Dental Centre.

Established in 2012, the Centre has earned clients' trust from more advanced economies like neighbouring Singapore or those as far away as Europe, America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Vietnam has become a premier destination for medical tourism with its cheap but reliable services, thanks to the efforts of industrial stakeholders and the nation's engaging policies.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, nearly 13 million tourists arrived in Vietnam last year. The number is expected to soar to 18-20 million this year.

Up to 300,000 tourists choose the country for treatment per year, generating a revenue of $2 billion for the country. Dental treatment is a vital component of this revenue.

Ho Chi Minh City accounts for up to 40 per cent of over 2,000 dental clinics nationwide.

Choosing the perfect and right one, like in the case of Tick Cheng Ngo, is a challenge for patients who need exceptionally high-quality treatment.

Tran Hung Lam, director of Elite Dental Centre, revealed that the Centre is a fully registered clinic that offers the same quality treatment as in other Asian countries like Thailand and India, but 20 to 30 per cent cheaper.

The Centre boasts more than 30 dental specialists who have been well-trained at national and internationally recognised institutions in developed nations and regions such as Europe and America, and Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea.

The highly specialised team of doctors focuses on delivering exceptional results in each area of expertise.

The Centre also provides a comprehensive range of services, including general dentistry, braces, dental implants, cosmetic restoration, minor surgery, and children's dentistry.

Elite Dental Centre prides itself on being a pioneer in adopting modern equipment and technology, said Tran.

This Centre is also the first dental clinic in Vietnam to own the PIC (Precise Implant Capture) system, which ensures precise impressions of the implant position and eliminates the discomfort of traditional rubber impressions.

It's also equipped with the GalvoSurge dental implant cleaning system, providing the best possible treatment for the patients.

Elite Dental Centre's patient-centric treatment philosophy emphasises minimal invasion and maximum conservation, ensuring the wellbeing and comfort of every patient.

The success rate at Elite Dental Centre speaks for itself. Data certified by Straumann, the world's leading implant group, demonstrates that the success rate of full-mouth implant treatment at the Centre is an impressive 99.8 per cent.

Elite Dental Centre has three clinics, two in the downtown area as District 3 and another in the new suburb of Thu Thiem in Thu Duc city, making it convenient for customers to travel for treatment.

Elite Dental Centre has partnered with a local travel agency to provide comprehensive support for international visitors.

Services include visa arrangements, airport transfers, hotel accommodations, and guided tours. Ongoing communication before and after trips ensures a smooth journey towards achieving healthy, beautiful smiles.

Elite Dental Centre

Add: 51A Tu Xuong, Vo Thi Sau ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

See here for more information or contact via email inquiry@elitedental.com.vn, or call the hotline at (+84) 287 306 3838 or (+84) 902 559 888.

The Implant and Orthodontic Dentistry Centre Metropole: B0108, Galleria, Metropole (Thu Thiem); Email: metropole@elitedental.com.vn or call the hotline at (+84) 902536322.

Why the young choose Zero Degree Green Tea to cool down Zero Degree Green Tea is loved by millions of young people who use it to cool down and relieve stress and fatigue. What makes this beverage attractive to the young?

The Marq welcomes first elite residents After months of waiting for a luxurious living space in the heart of the city centre full of historical heritage sites, now The Marq  a luxury condominium project invested and developed by Hongkong Land in one of the greenest and most peaceful streets in the city  is available for moving in for the Vietnamese elite.
McLennan County tax rolls certified this week showed that growth slowed compared to the double-digit percent increases seen last year.

McLennan Countys certified appraisals, the total values used by taxing entities to set their budgets and property tax rates, increased by 5% from about $27.9 billion in 2023 to $29.3 billion in 2024.

Jim Halbert, Chief Appraiser for the McLennan Central Appraisal District, said growth of around 3% to 5% a year is typical for McLennan County over time, despite the unusually high growth in the last few years.

McLennan County saw 16% growth in certified appraisal values from 2022 to 2023. That followed a growth rate of 17% from 2021 to 2022.

Slowing growth in tax base doesnt necessarily increase or decrease local taxes, which are determined by local governments, Halbert said.

An individual homeowner may also see tax increases due to the delayed effect of the state property tax cap.

In addition to homestead exemptions, state law limits yearly tax increases on homesteads to 10%. However, the homeowners capped tax level will increase 10% yearly until it catches up with the appraised value.

The biggest thing is growth has slowed down, but people will probably still see that increase (in their taxes) if they had a 10% increase cap from the prior year, Halbert said.

The average taxable home value in McLennan County increased by about 10%, from $199,989 in 2023 to $220,369 in 2024.

Despite the slowdown this year, McLennan County added $800 million of new value this year.

New construction of single family residences grew the certified appraisal values by $396 million and multifamily residences created $30 million. New commercial and industrial properties in the county created $311 million.

Halbert said there was significant amount of commercial and industrial growth in the area, with more expected in the next few years.

For example, construction on a $1 billion recycled paperboard manufacturing plant is currently underway on Alliance Parkway. With production slated to ramp up in 2026, the 640,000-square-foot Graphic Packaging manufacturing facility could significantly increase McLennan County and Wacos certified appraised values.

City of Waco

The city of Waco saw a 4% increase in its certified total appraisal values, from about $15.7 billion in 2023 to $16.2 billion in 2024. The average taxable home value in Waco increased by 9.5% from $206,020 in 2023 to $225,692 in 2024.

This years appraisal growth rate falls far below the average rate of about 9% annual growth since 2015. This years growth rate is the second lowest since 2015, only beating out the appraisal growth rate of about 1% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Manager Bradley Ford said in an emailed statement Friday the total appraisals for the city were higher than city staff projections.

The 2024 grand total appraisals is slightly higher than the amount projected by city staff, Ford said. However, legislative changes have complicated the calculation of the value used for budgetary purposes. The taxable values for budgetary purposes is $15.096 billion  less than 1% higher than the value on which the recommended budget for FY 24-25 is based.

Ford said the citys budget and tax rate for for fiscal year 2025 will be finalized once the city receives the certified tax rate worksheet from the McLennan County Tax Office.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 maintains the current tax rate of 75.5 cents per $100 in valuation, which is the lowest the tax rate has been in 16 years.

Waco council members will vote to adopt a final budget Aug. 27. The approved final budget will go into effect starting Oct. 1.

Waco ISD

Waco Independent School District saw a decrease of 1% or $54.6 million, leaving a tax base of $8.52 billion. However, average taxable home values went up by about 14%, from $96,791 in 2023 to $110,664 in 2024.

Halbert said Waco ISDs decrease in certified total appraisal values is most likely due to a decrease in commercial property values in the area. He said Waco ISDs tax base depends on commercial property more than most area school districts.

The total was likely affected by the closure of the Owens-Illinois glass plant in October. The 54-acre site was previously valued at $8.5 million, including the land and buildings, plus $74.7 million in personal property, such as equipment.

Waco ISD Superintendent Susan Kincannon said in an emailed statement Friday that the district anticipated the debt service rate to increase by one cent.

For school districts, state revenue makes up the difference when local revenue goes down so the district will not feel an impact on maintenance and operations revenues, she said. However, we anticipate a slight increase in our debt service rate. At this time, we are estimating a one-cent increase.

Last year the district was able to decrease its maintenance and operations rate from 94.2 cents to 76.6 cents per $100 in valuation and decrease its total rate by 2.1 cents. Waco ISD and other school districts across the state were able to lower their rates because of an $18 billion property tax relief measure passed by the Texas Legislature.

Incorporating the 2021 bond program, the interest and sinking tax rate is 0.4 cents less than the district originally projected, Kincannon said.

Midway ISD

Midway Independent School District saw a 4% increase in its certified total appraisal values this year, from $7.5 billion in 2023 to $7.7 billion in 2024. The average taxable home value in Midway ISD increased by about 10%, from $247,320 in 2023 to $272,789 in 2024.

Midway ISD spokesperson Emily Parks said in an emailed statement Friday the district already passed its $90.3 million budget in June, which included a $2.4 million deficit that the district is covering with its fund balance. Despite an increase in property values, funding for day-to-day operations would remain unchanged, but the higher values could provide some financial benefits for the interest and sinking side of the districts budget.

Increased property values improve our bonding capacity, allowing us to undertake necessary capital projects with voter approval, pay down debt sooner and save money on interest costs, the statement said.

The districts combined tax rate for fiscal year 2025 is 9.3 cents per $100 in valuation, including a maintenance and operations tax rate of 6.9 cents and a interest and sinking tax rate of 2.4 cents.

Halbert said county residents can use the McLennan Central Appraisal District websites Truth in Taxation tool to find information on their estimated taxes. The tool can also provide information on taxing entities as well as dates and locations of public hearings where locally elected officials will determine tax rates.

McLennan County tax appraisal values Entity 2022

certifed 2023

certified 2024

certified $ change

2022-23 $ change

2023-24 % change

2022-23 % change

2023-24 McLennan

County $24,007,005,734 $27,911,183,583 $29,381,573,251 $3,904,177,849 $1,470,389,668 16% 5% MCC $25,236,030,634 $29,263,318,453 $30,712,564,299 $4,027,287,819 $1,449,245,846 16% 5% CITIES Waco $13,422,183,466 $15,706,940,436 $16,282,627,361 $2,284,756,970 $575,686,925 17% 4% Bellmead $637,678,533 $714,052,643 $737,910,337 $76,374,110 $23,857,694 12% 3% Beverly

Hills $142,204,024 $163,856,192 $174,354,156 $21,652,168 $10,497,964 15% 6% Bruceville-

Eddy $85,253,644 $98,665,709 $105,033,121 $13,412,065 $6,367,412 16% 6% Crawford $88,177,150 $97,297,490 $104,393,384 $9,120,340 $7,095,894 10% 7% Gholson $76,288,394 $76,439,621 $86,864,198 $151,227 $10,424,577 0% 14% Golinda $12,386,058 $12,794,619 $16,056,066 $408,561 $3,261,447 3% 25% Hallsburg $38,995,779 $43,827,505 $44,144,519 $4,831,726 $317,014 12% 1% Hewitt $1,301,880,092 $1,474,189,427 $1,569,092,759 $172,309,335 $94,903,332 13% 6% Lacy

Lakeview $511,847,650 $592,666,163 $606,224,366 $80,818,513 $13,558,203 16% 2% Leroy $18,218,934 $20,835,039 $24,617,504 $2,616,105 $3,782,465 14% 18% Lorena $158,908,692 $189,777,910 $204,837,441 $30,869,218 $15,059,531 19% 8% Mart $74,231,573 $79,344,047 $84,621,882 $5,112,474 $5,277,835 7% 7% McGregor $601,422,153 $715,869,087 $891,034,782 $114,446,934 $175,165,695 19% 24% Moody $86,055,270 $96,595,510 $104,702,117 $10,540,240 $8,106,607 12% 8% Riesel $89,464,047 $105,295,566 $115,288,285 $15,831,519 $9,992,719 18% 9% Robinson $1,319,505,543 $1,469,753,637 $1,549,883,081 $150,248,094 $80,129,444 11% 5% Valley

Mills $2,669,365 $2,491,175 $2,860,372 ($178,190) $369,197 -7% 15% West $273,107,952 $296,248,952 $321,606,082 $23,141,000 $25,357,130 8% 9% Woodway $1,599,625,910 $1,839,909,737 $1,946,767,220 $240,283,827 $106,857,483 15% 6% SCHOOLS 2022

certified 2023

certified 2024

certified $ change

2022-23 $ change

2023-24 %

2022-23 %

2023-24 Waco ISD $8,058,531,066 $8,571,803,369 $8,517,131,178 $513,272,303 ($54,672,191) 6% -1% Midway ISD $6,497,948,484 $7,505,957,623 $7,776,355,690 $998,463,270 $270,398,067 15% 4% Axtell ISD $186,159,599 $192,931,559 $214,808,985 $6,771,960 $21,877,426 4% 11% Bosqueville ISD $250,409,865 $255,117,697 $266,163,984 $5,050,722 $11,046,287 2% 4% Bruceville-

Eddy ISD $204,382,481 $211,103,882 $218,498,198 $6,721,401 $7,394,316 3% 4% China

Spring ISD $1,210,087,911 $1,158,543,061 $1,238,740,814 ($51,544,850) $80,197,753 -4% 7% Connally ISD $953,040,455 $1,024,817,375 $1,047,455,070 $71,776,920 $22,637,695 8% 2% Crawford ISD $276,611,305 $278,532,865 $296,477,001 $1,921,560 $17,944,136 1% 6% Gholson ISD $79,621,023 $81,908,440 $89,755,976 $2,287,417 $7,847,536 3% 10% Hallsburg ISD $111,786,515 $120,603,319 $124,875,518 $8,816,804 $4,272,199 8% 4% La Vega ISD $1,185,205,466 $1,379,260,789 $1,475,268,972 $194,055,323 $96,008,183 16% 7% Lorena ISD $709,267,709 $756,947,745 $834,068,918 $47,680,036 $77,121,173 7% 10% Mart ISD $116,234,985 $113,638,946 $122,417,767 ($2,596,039) $8,778,821 -2% 8% McGregor ISD $616,027,188 $689,689,269 $870,696,032 $73,662,081 $181,006,763 12% 26% Moody ISD $181,426,084 $186,894,012 $195,433,125 $5,467,928 $8,539,113 3% 5% Oglesby ISD $949,097 $892,835 $1,023,986 ($56,262) $131,151 -6% 15% Riesel ISD $400,374,514 $416,435,129 $424,740,604 $16,060,615 $8,305,475 4% 2% Robinson ISD $941,576,345 $930,841,062 $962,272,106 ($10,735,283) $31,431,044 -1% 3% Valley

Mills ISD $82,821,460 $84,519,934 $84,853,667 $1,698,474 $333,733 2% 0% West ISD $624,541,865 $628,328,184 $685,779,107 $3,786,319 $57,450,923 1% 9%
Chinese scientists discover new tyrannosaur species

Xinhua) 10:50, July 27, 2024

HANGZHOU, July 26 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese paleontological research team has identified a new species of tyrannosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 72 to 66 million years ago.

Researchers from the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History named the dinosaur "Asiatyrannus xui" in honor of Xu Xing, a Chinese scientist dedicated to dinosaur research.

The fossil specimen includes a nearly complete skull, along with tail vertebrae and hind limb bones, marking the first deep-snouted tyrannosaur discovered in southeastern China, according to Zheng Wenjie, a researcher from the museum.

Histological analysis revealed that the holotype of Asiatyrannus xui was not a fully mature adult but had passed through its most rapid growth stages.

Zheng added that the skull measures 47.5 centimeters in length, and the body length was approximately half that of Qianzhousaurus, which is estimated to reach around nine meters at similar growth stages.

The earliest tyrannosaurs appeared in the Middle Jurassic, around 165 million years ago. They became the apex predators in their respective ecologies during the final 20 million years of the Cretaceous in Asia and North America.

The findings were recently published online in the journal Scientific Reports.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
For young families, diapers are a constant need. Most newborns require 10-12 diaper changes a day. This perpetual chore for parents also represents a huge financial burden, often over $100 per month, and 47% of families nationwide experience diaper need  meaning they do not have enough diapers to provide for their child.

Diaper need creates stress and exacerbates the cycle of poverty. If parents cant provide clean diapers, the child cant attend day care and parents then miss work hours. Other parents change diapers less frequently to stretch their dollars, but this can cause health problems for the baby.

Catholic Charities has been committed to supporting confident pregnancies and stable beginnings for decades. One way the agency creates stability for children is through basic needs like diapers and wipes.

This year Catholic Charities was awarded a grant from the Diaper Bank of Minnesota, which provides 25,000 diapers each quarter. These diapers, along with diapers generously donated by the community, are shared with families in need through our diaper banks in Winona, Rochester and Mankato, along with pop-up sites in Owatonna and Worthington.

The most recent shipment of diapers and wipes arrived on June 28. Catholic Charities staff and volunteers met the truck and unloaded five pallets of diapers to distribute between our offices. Diapers were transported to our offices with the use of a moving truck from Drew Atwood of Century 21.

Catholic Charities provides diapers to nearly 200 families each month. Some families stop in occasionally when money is extra tight and receive a pack of diapers or pull-ups for each of their children. Other families visit our offices each month and rely on the free diapers to help balance their budget.

Catholic Charities is committed to supporting stable beginnings for all children. Families in need can receive diapers, wipes and/or pull-ups on a monthly basis. Catholic Charities diaper bank is available Monday through Friday. A copy of the childs birth certificate or crib card is needed to enroll in the program. For more information, call 507-454-2270 or visit www.ccsomn.org.
The first budget of the Modi 3.0 government has proposed the reduction of customs duty on gold and silver to 6% from 15% to 6.4% on platinum. This will lead to an increase in domestic value addition to gold and other precious metal gems in India. Moreover, this has resulted in a reduction in prices of gold and silver, leading to a greater demand. Agricultural Infrastructure Development Cess (AIDC) has decreased to 1% from 5% and the Basic Customs Duty has reduced from 10% to 5%.

As per a report, it has been conceded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman that over a million skilled workers are employed by India, which is considered a global leader in diamond manufacturing, polishing, and cutting. Moreover, the 2% Equalisation Levy has been abolished, along with the introduction of the Safe Harbour Rule on selling rough diamonds at Special Notified Zones (SNZ). This will make raw materials accessible to the smaller manufacturers in the country directly.

The industry is optimistic about the measures that have been announced to augment the gem and jewellery industry in the country.

MP Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group:

The budget proposal to reduce the import duty on gold to 6% is a highly commendable move by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Currently, imported gold is subjected to a hefty 15% duty, including the agriculture infrastructure development cess. The bold decision to slash this duty to 6% for gold and silver, and 6.4% for platinum, marks a significant step in the right direction. This reduction has been a long-standing demand of traders in the gold sector, as it is expected to curb the rampant issue of gold smuggling, which poses a substantial threat to Indias economy. With the new rates, the duty on one kilogram of gold drops from Rs 9.82 lakh to Rs 3.93 lakh, making smuggling less attractive and more manageable.

The decision to reduce the duty by 60% will significantly curb gold smuggling and will immensely benefit Indias economy. This move will help dismantle the mafia chain involved in smuggling, leading to growth in the organized jewelry sector and increasing government revenue through GST and income tax. For consumers, the budget announcement brings a significant reduction in gold jewellery prices, which will further stimulate the jewellery business. The jewellery sector anticipates that following this reduction, there will be measures to curb illegal gold trade, with strict actions against GST evaders. Additionally, the budgets allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for employment and skill development, Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture, and Rs 2.66 lakh crore for rural sector development reflects the governments commitment to economic growth. The Economic Survey, presented in Parliament the day before the budget, has projected a 6.5%-7% growth in GDP. I believe that this significant GDP growth will positively impact all areas of peoples lives.

Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers:

We welcome the 2024 Budgets progressive measures to reduce customs duties on gold, silver, and platinum. These changes, coupled with the governments commitment to enhancing domestic value addition and craftsmanship, are poised to significantly benefit the jewellery industry, further contributing to the sectors growth.

The new tax regime, with its focus on increased disposable income, will boost demand for jewellery as consumers will invest in asset creation.

Kalyan Jewellers looks forward to leveraging these positive changes to further enhance the quality and global competitiveness of the organized Indian jewellery sector, contributing to the industry's growth and India's continued economic prosperity.

Ajoy Chawla, CEO, Jewellery Division, Titan Company Ltd:

Rationalizing of customs duty on precious metals, particularly gold, is a welcome move, considering the significant arbitrage in gold prices that existed. Hopefully, this will reduce informal/ unofficial gold inflows in the country and also provide much-needed relief on gold rates to Indian customers just ahead of the forthcoming festive and wedding season. Tanishq has lined up exciting new collections, promotional offers, and regional festive campaigns this quarter to further stimulate consumer demand.

Uday Kumar Chandra, Managing Director, PC Chandra Jewellers:

The lowering of customs duty on gold by 9% is a welcome decision. We shall pass on the reduction to the customers. Lower prices are expected to boost demand. The last few months saw steep prices and the category depended on offers to draw customers into the store. As we are preparing to welcome the festive season, this price drop will be a boon.

Vipin Shamra, Chief Merchandising Officer, BlueStone:

With the festivals and weddings in the second half, the significant reduction in customs duty on gold and platinum will not only positively impact the consumer sentiment, to begin with but also spur growth for the organised players in the Industry across the value chain in the long run.

Also Read: Budget 2024 Reactions: Industry hails forward-thinking approach to MSMEs
In a move to elevate its guest experience, ibis Hotels India has partnered with Chai Point, the world's largest chai-led beverage platform. This collaboration will introduce the much-loved Chai Point teas to all ibis hotels across India.

The partnership will see the installation of Chai Point's advanced Brewing Bots in all Spice it Restaurants within ibis Hotels. Guests can now savor a range of premium teas, from Classic and Masala to Ginger, all brewed to perfection.

This initiative underscores ibis Hotels' commitment to enhancing guest satisfaction and catering to the discerning palate of Indian tea lovers. By integrating Chai Point's technology, the hotel chain aims to provide a consistent and high-quality chai experience across its network.

We are thrilled to provide the exact same gourmet milk-tea experience to all our guests across our properties in partnership with Chai Point," said Tejus Jose, Director of Operations at ibis & ibis Styles India. By integrating Chai Points advanced Brewing Bots, we enhance our commitment to excellent hospitality. This collaboration not only caters to diverse guest preferences but also aligns with our sustainability goals, as the Brewing Bots minimize waste and optimize resource use. We are excited to offer our guests a delightful and memorable tea experience throughout our hotel network.

On behalf of Chai Point, Suvrojeet Chakraborty, Business Head-VaaS, commented: "Partnering with a renowned brand like ibis Hotels is a significant milestone for us. With this collaboration we expand our reach and continue our mission of delivering exceptional tea experiences. By integrating our Brewing Bots at ibis Hotels, we aim to provide guests with a memorable and delightful chai experience that complements their stay. Chai Point has built an end-to-end cloud based brewing software and hardware ecosystem that covers the full journey of its brewing bots customer experience.

This collaboration promises to redefine the tea experience for guests at ibis Hotels, making their stay even more delightful and memorable.

Also Read : Mirum India Bags Digital Mandate for ibis Hotels
Lotte India, a leading confectionery brand in the country, has launched a major Rural Van Campaign as part of its 'Love & Lotte' initiative. This campaign targets tier 3 and tier 4 markets across four key statesBihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradeshaiming to strengthen the brand's leadership in the confectionery segment.

The vibrant red vans of Lotte Choco Pie will travel through various districts, towns, and villages for over three months, bringing the popular snack closer to rural consumers. The campaign includes engaging on-ground activities at schools and popular gathering spots, featuring fun elements like dance, games, quizzes, and a Choco Pie-shaped mascot, designed to captivate children and adults alike.

Milan Wahi, Managing Director of Lotte India, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating: "We see a tremendous opportunity to connect more deeply with consumers in these regions. Our leadership in the category reflects our deep understanding of consumer preferences and our ability to adapt to their evolving needs. This campaign allows us to get closer to our consumers in the rural markets that have been instrumental in driving our growth. We are committed to continuing our significant investments here, aiming to boost Lotte Choco Pies market share and build lasting awareness and loyalty."

The 'Love & Lotte' campaign, launched nationally in October 2023, seeks to strengthen the brand's connection with consumers by celebrating everyday moments with Lottes Choco Pie. In its first phase, the campaign featured four joyful TV commercials. The second phase, focusing on rural areas, aims to make Lotte Choco Pie a popular choice among rural consumers, spreading joy and celebration throughout these regions.

Also Read : Lotte Choco Pie's engagement drive saw 250 Piemen on the streets of Delhi
M3M India, one of the pioneering leading luxury real estate companies in the country has announced the appointment of Stuart McConnachie as Chief Construction Controller.

M3M India has further bolstered its leadership team with the recent appointment of a Chief Construction Controller, enhancing its already impressive lineup of experts and reinforcing its commitment to excellence in management. This new hire brings extensive experience in construction management, project oversight, quality control, and safety regulations, making them well-equipped to enhance the companys construction operations.

Given his illustrious career, Stuart McConnachie has held significant leadership roles, including his recent position with Mace (India), where he led projects in Noida and Gurgaon for the PMC services, delivering mixed-use developments for IKEA Real Estate and Centers. With over 27 years of experience in construction, Stuart has specialized in project delivery across diverse sectors, encompassing roles in detailed design, construction management, and technical delivery.

Commenting on the appointment, Stuart McConnachie said, "I am excited to join M3M India and contribute to its vision of delivering exceptional real estate projects. I aspire to bring an international ethos and experience to enhance our construction processes, ensuring we maintain and continuously improve upon the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency."McConnachies global experience spans projects in Asia: Thailand, India; Middle East: UAE and Europe: UK, alongside significant UK engagements. Stuart's portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from leading the engineering teams at Jio World Mumbai, delivering mixed-use developments including a flagship W-Hotel, residential blocks, and luxury retail spaces, to state-of-the-art film studio spaces, detailed interior design of exhibition spaces, high-specification theatres, world-class clubhouses, marine protection, island development, and university and hospital construction. His extensive experience underscores his ability to manage complex projects and deliver outstanding results across various sectors.

Sudeep Bhatt, President M3M India, expressed his enthusiasm about Mr. McConnachie's appointment, saying, "We are pleased to welcome Stuart McConnachie to the M3M family. His extensive experience and exceptional track record in delivering high-quality projects will be instrumental as we continue to set new standards in the industry, we look forward to his contributions in driving our projects to new heights of excellence."

Stuart McConnachie, a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE), a chartered engineer and a chartered manager, has held leadership roles at Jacobs (UK & UAE), Samsung C&T (India), Laing ORourke (UK), and Mace (India). His career highlights include leading multinational teams, managing complex projects, and applying modern construction methods and digital engineering techniques.

Also Read : M3M India appoints Sanjeev Kumar Sharma as Chief Financial Officer
Donald Trump Accuses Kamala Harris of Anti-Semitism in Overblown Speech 2

US presidential candidate Donald Trump falsely accused election rival Kamala Harris of being an anti-Semite who plans to allow the murder of newborn babies, in a speech meant to rally religious supporters Friday that quickly went off the rails.

The vice president, who is married to a Jewish man, has gained ground on Trump in polling since she replaced Joe Biden on the top of the Democratic ticket just days ago.

Former Republican president Trump dedicated much of his address at a religious convention in southern Florida to assailing Harriss record as a senator and as Bidens number two, but many of his attacks were smears untethered to reality.

Explaining why 59-year-old Harris had skipped Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyaus speech to the US Congress on Wednesday to instead honour a prior commitment, Trump accused her, baselessly, of anti-Semitism.

She doesnt like Jewish people. She doesnt like Israel. Thats the way it is, and thats the way its always going to be. Shes not going to change, he said.

The remark  coupled with his claim that Harris is totally against the Jewish people in North Carolina on Wednesday  marked an escalation in Trumps incendiary rhetoric, days after his campaign said an attempt on his life had given him a focus on unity.

The hour-long Friday speech, hosted by hard-right Turning Point Action, raised legitimate questions over Harriss previous statements on policing, immigration and the environment that placed her to the left of current Biden administration policy.

But it was marked by hyperbole and falsehood.

Execute the baby

Trump  a convicted felon who is fighting multiple further indictments  suggested baselessly that the Justice Department and FBI were rounding up Christians and anti-abortion activists and throwing them in jail for their religious beliefs.

He also called Bidens decision to exit the election campaign a coup by Democrats and said America was a laughing stock.

But he saved his darkest vitriol for Harris, calling her a bum and a failed vice president who had rejected federal judges for being Catholic and would appoint hardcore Marxists to the Supreme Court.

He also accused her falsely of wanting to force doctors to give chemical castration drugs to children and suggested she might cheat to win in November.

If Kamala Harris has her way, they will have a federal law for abortion, to rip the baby out of the womb in the eighth, ninth month and even after birth  execute the baby after birth, he claimed, in perhaps his most egregious calumny.

78-year-old Trump, now the oldest major-party nominee in history, is scrambling to reorient an election against someone two decades his junior, having expected to face an 81-year-old incumbent Biden beset by concerns over infirmity.

Just last week, the former reality TV star was in cruise control as he accepted a heros welcome  and the official presidential nomination  at the Republican convention in Milwaukee.

Crowning glory

His crowning glory came a week after a gunman nearly killed him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania  an extraordinary incident that Trump vowed Friday to commemorate with a big and beautiful new rally in the town, although he did not give a date.

Seeking to become the first female president in US history, Harris is tasked with rapidly assembling a campaign against an opponent who has been in near permanent reelection mode since he became president in 2016.

Trumps predecessor Barack Obama pledged support for Harris earlier Friday, as polls showed her closing the gap that Trump had built over Biden to make the race a statistical tie.

A top California prosecutor and senator before being elected the countrys first female and first Black and South Asian vice president, Harris has highlighted Trumps criminal conviction and what she said Thursday is a Republican attack on hard-fought freedoms in US society.

Democrats leapt on a Trump campaign announcement late Thursday that cast into doubt whether he will debate Harris.

It shows that hes afraid, Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a major Harris campaign advocate, told MSNBC.

It shows that he knows that if the two of them are on a stage together, its not going to end well for him.
The National Hurricane Center on Saturday continued to watch an area of disturbed weather that could possibly become the next named storm in the Atlantic.

The system was in the central Atlantic and days away from affecting any land areas.

However, the hurricane center raised the probability of it becoming a tropical depression or storm from 20 percent on Friday to 30 percent on Saturday.

As of Saturday morning the system was tracking to the west-northwest in the central Atlantic. Forecasters are expecting it to merge with a tropical wave in the next few days as it approaches the Lesser Antilles.

The hurricane centers longer-range track shows that the system could potentially move near or over Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Cuba and approach South Florida in the next seven days.

Its unclear if it would be a named storm by that point. Computer models on Saturday were differing on how the systems develops over the next few days.

Its too soon to say if it could affect the U.S. or move into the Gulf of Mexico.

The tropical Atlantic has been quiet since Hurricane Beryl dissipated in early July.

There have been two other named storms in the Atlantic so far this season  Tropical Storms Alberto and Chris. The next name on the 2024 storm list is Debby.

The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1 and ends on Nov. 30. The month of August typically brings a big increase in tropical activity in the Atlantic.
The Alabama State Fire Marshals Office announced that Selma Fire Departments former interim fire chief was arrested on theft charges on Friday.

Franklin Edwards was taken into custody by Alabama State Fire Marshals Deputies with assistance from the Dallas County Sheriffs Office on first-degree theft of property charges.

The State Fire Marshals Office stated that Edwards will be held at the Perry County Detention Center pending bond. Details of the theft have not yet been released.

Edwards also is still facing previous charges after being arrested in 2020 and charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident.

According to previous reports, the crash occurred June 26, 2020, on Interstate 59/20 southbound at mile marker 102. Matthew Scott Sartin, a 22-year-old from Pineville, Louisiana, was killed in the crash.

After troopers secured the scene, they found a 2009 BMW 750 sedan about two miles south of the crash. It was disabled and abandoned. Investigators determined the vehicle had been driven by Edwards. He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and was released after posting $10,000 bond.

Court records show that Edwards is set for trial in March of 2025 for the hit-and-run incident.
A powerful Mexican drug cartel leader who eluded authorities for decades was duped into flying into the U.S., where he was arrested alongside a son of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, according to a U.S. law enforcement official familiar with the matter.

Ismael El Mayo Zambada got on an airplane to the U.S. believing he was going somewhere else, said the official, who spoke on the condition on anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. The official did not provide additional details, including who persuaded Zambada to get on the plane or where exactly he thought he was going.

Upon arriving in the El Paso area, Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of notorious drug kingpin El Chapo, who was sentenced to life in a U.S. prison in 2019, were immediately taken into custody by U.S. authorities, officials said.

Zambada appeared in federal court in El Paso Friday morning and has entered a plea of not guilty to slew of drug trafficking charges, court records show. Frank Perez, a lawyer listed for Zambada, did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment Friday.

Perez told The Los Angeles Times that Zambada was brought to the U.S. against his will.

I have no comment except to state that he did not surrender voluntarily, Perez said.

Zambada, one of the most powerful drug lords in the world, has been a key target for the U.S. government for years in its bid to take down leaders of the Sinaloa cartel thats responsible for trafficking huge sums of drugs across the border. U.S. authorities had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.

His arrest strikes at the heart of the cartel that is responsible for the majority of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, killing Americans from coast to coast, said U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration chief Anne Milgram.

Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, and the Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Thursday.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Friday that Mexico was still awaiting details about the arrests and was not involved in the operation. Although he hailed the arrests, he suggested others could step in to fill the vacuum. Thats why his administration has focused on addressing the root causes of drug use and the associated violence, he said.

Mexican Security Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez said the plane took off with only the pilot from the airport in Hermosillo, Mexico. Tracking service FlightAware showed the plane stopped transmitting its altitude and speed for about 30 minutes while it was over the mountains of northern Mexico before resuming its course to the U.S. border.

It is a fact that one person went out from here, three people arrived there, she said.

Zambada is charged in a number of U.S. cases, including in New York and California. Prosecutors brought a new indictment against him in New York in February, describing him as the principal leader of the criminal enterprise responsible for importing enormous quantities of narcotics into the United States.

One of the longest-surviving capos in Mexico, Zambada was considered the cartels strategist, more involved in day-to-day operations than his flashier and better-known boss, El Chapo.

Zambada is an old-fashioned capo in an era of younger kingpins known for their flamboyant lifestyles of club-hopping and brutal tactics of beheading, dismembering and even skinning their rivals. While Zambada has fought those who challenged him, he is known for concentrating on the business side of trafficking and avoiding gruesome cartel violence that would draw attention.

In an April 2010 interview with the Mexican magazine Proceso, he acknowledged that he lived in fear of going to prison and would contemplate suicide rather than be captured.

Im terrified of being incarcerated, Zambada said. Id like to think that, yes, I would kill myself.

The interview was surprising for a kingpin known for keeping his head down, but he gave strict instructions on where and when the encounter would take place, and the article gave no hint of his whereabouts.

Zambada reputedly won the loyalty of locals in his home state of Sinaloa and neighboring Durango through his largess, sponsoring local farmers and distributing money and beer in his birthplace of El Alamo.

Although little is known about Zambadas early life, he is believed to have gotten his start as an enforcer in the 1970s. By the early 1990s, he was a major player in the Juarez cartel, transporting tons of cocaine and marijuana.

Zambada started gaining the trust of Colombian traffickers, allegiances that helped him come out on top in the cartel world of ever-shifting alliances. Eventually he became so powerful that he broke off from the Juarez cartel, but still managed to keep strong ties with the gang and avoided a turf war. He also developed a partnership with El Chapo Guzman that would take him to the top of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Zambadas detention follows some important arrests of other Sinaloa cartel figures, including one of his sons and another son of El Chapo Guzman, Ovidio Guzman Lopez.

Ovidio Guzman Lopez was arrested and extradited to the U.S. last year. He pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago in September. The Bureau of Prisons inmate locator showed Ovidio Guzman Lopez was released Tuesday, but Rodriguez said U.S. authorities informed Mexico he was not freed but just had his custody changed.

In 2021, Zambadas son pleaded guilty in federal court in San Diego to being a leader in the Sinaloa cartel.

In recent years, Guzmans sons have led a faction of the cartel known as the little Chapos, or Chapitos, that has been identified as a main exporter of fentanyl to the U.S. market. Their security chief was arrested by Mexican authorities in November.
Police are searching for a woman last seen by her roommate more than a month ago in northeast Birmingham.

Stacey Nicole Ramey, 48, was last seen June 14 leaving the 4100 block of Pinson Valley Parkway, the department tweeted Friday evening.

MISSING



MISSING PERSON DESCRIPTION:

Stacey Nicole Ramey

48 Years Old

White/ Female, 51, 120lbs



LAST SEEN:

4100 Block of Pinson Valley Parkway



LAST SEEN WEARING:

Unknown clothing pic.twitter.com/zFQ6U8LHMi  Bhampolice (@BhamPolice) July 27, 2024

Ramey was described as 5-feet 1-inches tall and 120 pounds. Authorities do not know what she was wearing when she disappeared.

Anyone with information on Rameys whereabouts was asked to call Birmingham police at 205-328-9311.

Further information was unavailable.
This is a guest opinion column

My family has been in Alabama as long as Alabama has existed. On a dusty rural state route in Pike County, a traveler can still see the cemetery of the land where my family originally settled in 1807. We were farmers, preachers, and teachers who made do with what we could. When I was born, my parents lived in a single-wide trailer in Montgomery, and like my parents, I attended the local public schools. Despite our financial limitations, I was fortunate that they valued education and understood the implications of providing me opportunities that my school could sometimes not afford to give.

As a child, I was also an avid participant in the arts. I drew, painted, danced, and played guitar. I was fortunate that my parents sacrificed and saved so they could afford the lessons, materials, and time to invest in these things. But as a former educator, I have also witnessed first-hand students who had no access to arts in their schools or homes. I taught students who missed showers and meals because their power was cut off. I supported students who had unimaginable trauma and abuse in their lives. I lost at least one student to suicide and two to gun violence. As a student, an educator, and a mother, Ive seen what happens when students are not always provided equitable opportunities and resources to succeed. Now, as Executive Director of Amp Up Arts, I have the duty to ensure we do our part to make sure students have those opportunities.

Amp Up Arts is a statewide 501(c)3 nonprofit arts education organization with a strong commitment to promoting increased access to arts education and fostering artistic talents in our communities. We believe in and facilitate equitable arts access for all Alabama students through art teachers, teaching artists, and arts organization partnerships. We focus on statewide development of arts education for preK-12 schools through networking, advocacy, and professional development, and we support local collaborative sites statewide.

The arts not only play a role in achieving accountability measures, such as student achievement, engagement, and school climate and culture, but also by building more effective and highly-qualified teachers. According to ESSA, the arts are an essential component to a well-rounded education, equal to that of reading, math, and science. Growth of academic achievement is strongly tied to the implementation of arts, but that is only the beginning.

Low-income students engaged in the arts have a four percent dropout ratefive times lower than their peersand are twice as likely to graduate college. Arts experiences also increase attendance and reduce the number of students receiving disciplinary infractions. For educators, training in arts integration provides differentiated methods of instruction, and encourages teachers to create lessons that require a deeper level of critical thinking and meaningful interdisciplinary connections.

Beyond educational benefits, the arts are a significant economic driver in Alabama, generating $6.4 billion annually, and business leaders increasingly value creativity as a top skill. Without growth of sustainable arts education programs, these numbers will remain stagnant. Despite the proven benefits of arts education, Alabamas funding for the arts remains disproportionately low compared to other subjects. To ensure that all students have access to these vital opportunities, we must reform our funding system to better support arts education and address the disparities in resources.

This is why we are proud members of the Every Child Alabama Coalition. Created by A+ Education Partnership, this coalition consists of organizations, business leaders, educators, students, families, and community members whose priority is to modernize how we fund Alabama schools.

Our current funding formula has not been updated in over thirty years, and does not consider the individual needs of local school districts and students. Alabama needs a student-weighted funding formula that provides flexibility and allows policymakers to address unique community challenges. By considering individual student needs, we can ensure that the state provides adequate funding for every child.

Through our work at Amp Up Arts, we have seen what funding can do for schools; as partners of the Governors Office Turnaround Schools Initiative, we have been able to provide some of the highest need students in our state with arts education and experiences that they would otherwise not receive without the additional funding. In only a couple of years, these schools have seen significant gains in school climate and academic achievement.

Our students who engage with the arts represent the creative making of the places that they will want to grow up in, to work in, and to stay in. The arts are a vital component of a well-rounded education not only of college and career-ready students, but of students who will meaningfully and innovatively contribute to the success and growth of Alabama communities. A modernized school funding policy will open the door for schools to make this happen.

Growing up, I thought I would one day leave Alabama, but the potential of opportunity and growth has kept me here. By modernizing our school funding policy and expanding access to arts education, we can still provide that opportunity and growth for our children today.

Ashley Lucier is the Executive Director of Amp Up Arts, a 501(c)3 nonprofit supported by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
As November approaches, the choice facing American voters could not be more consequential. On one side stands Donald Trump, a figure whose administration has made substantial strides in reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and revitalizing the economy. On the other side is Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, whose administration has been marred by economic stagnation and faltering support systems for those who have served our country.

With Harris as the presumptive Democrat nominee, continuity of this underwhelming leadership seems inevitable. For the working man, the businessman, and indeed every American concerned with the future of our veterans and economic health, supporting Donald Trump emerges as a decisive, pragmatic choice.

President Trump enacted significant reforms that fundamentally reshaped the way veterans receive care, reflecting a deep commitment to those who have served. The hallmark of these reforms was the VA Mission Act, a transformative piece of legislation that made the Veterans Choice Program a permanent fixture.

This Act revolutionized the VA community care system, ensuring that veterans could access quality care closer to home, a profound shift from the often-unresponsive and bureaucratic nature of the past. By allowing veterans to seek care from private doctors within their own communities, the Trump administration not only expanded their healthcare options but also significantly reduced waiting times and enhanced overall satisfaction.

The results speak for themselves. The percentage of veterans who trust VA services surged by 19%, reaching an unprecedented 91%. This achievement underscores a fundamental shift in veteran care from Barack Obamas approach, marking a return to respect and reliability. Additionally, the VA Mission Act and other reforms led to a marked improvement in the accessibility and quality of care, proving that a Republican administration can indeed effectively address the needs of veterans.

This enhancement in veteran care is not just a moral victory; it has tangible economic implications. By streamlining access to quality healthcare and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, these reforms have lessened the financial burden on veterans and their families. Furthermore, the increased efficiency and satisfaction among veterans translate into broader economic benefits. Veterans who receive timely and effective care are better able to re-enter the workforce, contributing to economic growth and reducing dependency on government assistance.

Trumps commitment to mental health services for veterans was equally robust. The signing of the VA Mission Act ensured that same-day emergency mental health care was available at every VA medical facility. This proactive approach was complemented by securing $9.5 billion for mental health services in 2020, a historic investment in addressing the psychological needs of our veterans.

Mental health is intrinsically linked to economic productivity. By addressing mental health challenges, the Trump administration not only provided crucial support for veterans but also fostered a more stable and productive workforce. Improved mental health leads to enhanced job performance and reduced absenteeism, further benefiting the economy.

Innovation in healthcare delivery was a hallmark of Trumps tenure. The expansion of telehealth services, including the groundbreaking Anywhere to Anywhere VA healthcare initiative, led to a staggering 1,000% increase in usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. This expansion was crucial in maintaining continuity of care during a period of significant disruption.

From an economic perspective, telehealth reduces the need for physical infrastructure and lowers the cost of care delivery. By leveraging technology to provide care remotely, the Trump administration made significant strides in both cost efficiency and accessibility. This innovative approach not only benefited veterans but also set a precedent for future healthcare models, demonstrating the economic viability of modernizing healthcare systems.

Accountability within the VA was another critical area of reform. The Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act, signed into law by Trump, enabled the removal of thousands of VA employees who failed to meet the standards required to provide quality care. This act was a decisive move to ensure that veterans received the care they deserved, free from the inefficiencies and neglect that had plagued the VA in previous years.

In tandem with this, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 streamlined the appeals process, significantly improving the efficiency of the VA. Record numbers of appeals decisions were made, reducing wait times and ensuring that veterans received timely resolutions to their claims.

These reforms not only improved service delivery but also contributed to economic efficiency. By removing ineffective staff and streamlining processes, the Trump administration made the VA a more effective institution, reducing administrative costs and improving service outcomes.

Modernization of medical records was another critical achievement. The transition from the Department of Defense to the VA was made seamless through new tools and systems that enhanced record-keeping and coordination of care. This modernization effort was complemented by the launch of a tool that provided veterans with online access to average wait times and quality-of-care data, increasing transparency and enabling better-informed decisions about their healthcare.

From an economic standpoint, modernizing medical records and improving transparency reduce the administrative burden and potential errors associated with paper-based systems; this not only improves the efficiency of healthcare delivery but also enhances the overall economic viability of the VA system.

The formation of the PREVENTS Task Force marked a significant commitment to addressing the tragic issue of veteran suicide. This initiative focused on preventative measures and support systems to combat this crisis, reflecting a deep understanding of the broader implications of veteran well-being on societal and economic health.

Economic stability is closely tied to mental health and well-being. By addressing the root causes of veteran suicide and implementing preventive measures, the Trump administration not only supported the mental health of veterans but also contributed to a more stable and productive society.

In stark contrast, the Biden administration has neglected to address these critical issues. The past four years have been marked by economic stagnation and a perceived deterioration in veteran care. Bidens policies have failed to match the efficacy and innovation seen during the Trump era, leaving many veterans and working Americans disillusioned.

Harriss likely continuation of Bidens policies poses a further threat to progress. Her candidacy suggests a continuation of the same economic and administrative shortfalls characteristic to the current administration. For those who value effective governance and a robust economy, the choice becomes clear.

As election day draws near, the choice between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is not merely a choice between two candidates but between two visions for Americas future. Trumps record of reforming the VA, enhancing veteran care, and fostering economic growth stands in stark contrast to the underwhelming results of Bidens administration, in which Harris has played numerous key roles.

For the working man, the businessman, and every American concerned with the well-being of our veterans and the economic health of our nation, supporting Donald Trump is a vote for effective governance, economic revival, and a renewed commitment to those who have served our country. In this critical election, Trump represents a path forward that promises continued progress and prosperity for all Americans.

Joseph Ford Cotto, 1st Baron Cotto, GCCCR (DBA) is the author of What Happened to America?: Howand Whythe American Dream Became a Nightmare. He hosts News Sight, an online program with a sharp focus on the current events that impact your life. During 2014, HLM King Kigeli V of Rwanda bestowed a hereditary knighthood upon him. It was followed by a barony the next year. Cotto holds a doctorate in business administration.

Image: Public domain.
In the campaign to replace retiring West Virginia Democrat-turned-independent senator Joe Manchin, the states governor, Jim Justice, is in the lead by more than 30 points over the Democrat, Glenn Elliot. Unless the unforeseen happens, Justice will add one senator to Washington who knows that freedom is more than a right to kill the unborn. From the polls, it looks as though West Virginia is coming to a new realization of how much more freedom is than that.

Justices campaign headquarters says, Jim Justice will fight the radical lefts efforts to have a complete government takeover of health care and have bureaucrats between patients and their doctors.

On the other hand, Elliott, a self-professed transformation candidate, greets visitors to his campaign website with a pro-abortion claim of running on a freedom platform. The same page then advocates for further government bureaucratic tie-ups in medicine.

Turning to the states race for governor, Patrick Morrissey leads both the staunchly anti-Trump Manchin and the Biden-supporting Democrat challenger, Steve Williams.

Morrissey makes clear his aim to take West Virginia in the direction of citizen liberty, leading with the statement that he

spearheaded Americas largest win against the deep administrative state in decades (WV v. EPA), a pivotal case for our state because it helps protect energy jobs and limits the ability of federal agencies to issue regulations without clear statements from Congress.

That is a big statement indeed, one that means a lot for the hardworking people of West Virginia. Morrissey won a resounding victory for the right of the people to work in energy-producing industries without being stripped and shaken down by government agencies.

West Virginias history includes a significant role for mining towns, where private affairs (the mining company and the miners personal or domestic lives) had the potential to be more intertwined with civic government affairs (the towns set up largely for miners by the mining companies). In fact, the state split from the once larger and unified state of Virginia in 1863 in order to pursue  and keep the tax revenues from  its own economic fortunes of a largely mineral nature.

In West Virginia, gaining work; keeping it; and surviving dangerous mining, logging, and energy work in one piece, in remote ranges with sparse medical care, may have had a way of taking popular precedence over concerns about governments overstepping individual rights. Private entrepreneurship in mining start-ups faces physical, geological, and economic barriers.

Understandably, many people in West Virginia came to consider it more feasible to raise their standards of living through collective bargaining than by pushing for a climate primed for personal liberty in their individual ventures.

Further, with mountains partially isolating it, West Virginia remained culturally traditional and conservative. Its 73% Christian faith is fifth in the nation, and the state didnt have quite the number of hedonism-pushing operatives going against Christian morality in schools, local media, libraries, and local politics that many other states have dealt with for most of a century. West Virginians have not intensely felt themselves in a culture war quite the way other states have, and 95% of West Virginian K12 students, the third highest in the country, go to public rather than private schools. Life is old here, as the song goes.

Strong in the energy economy, trusting somewhat in government, faithful, and insulated to a degree, 21st-century West Virginians, like Americans from all other states, have increasingly recognized their interest in protecting their bodily autonomy in health choices. The man in the lead to take Jim Justices job as governor, Patrick Morrissey, came at odds with the state governments mask mandates and statements barring the unvaccinated and unmasked from indoor venues.

Donald Trump, likely aware that the health freedom community has drifted away from him for his pandemic policy, spoke last week on the rise in America of allergies, autism, and other childrens conditions (along with infertility) and said his administration will investigate Big Pharma and food industry groups and their revolving doors with government agencies.

Only one red/Trump-electing state remains on the shrinking, short list of U.S. states with no religious exemption, and that is West Virginia. It joins New York, California, Connecticut, and New Jersey in the denial of religious exemptions to families. (Conservative Mississippi, a state whose economy, like West Virginias, has historically been slower-growing, left that list in 2021 by passing religious exemptions into law. The legislation and litigation that led to Mississippis religious exemption were chronicled in the documentary The Smooth Stone, directed by Claire Dooley.)

West Virginias House of Representatives passed a religious exemption in February. The state Senate and governors office have yet to weigh in or sign the religious exemption into law.

With Jim Justice expected to enter the Senate and Patrick Morrissey making headway to become governor; with WV v. EPA helping cut the EPA back from overstepping its real pollution prevention duties by interfering in healthy, plant-nourishing carbon dioxide; and with Loper Bright and other cases giving the people a chance in legal fights against the leviathan, sunrise may be soon in West Virginia, capable of setting a rock-solid trend toward a freer future America.

Image: Famartin via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
Elon Musk decided this year to buck the group-think so often on display with the elite.

As it turns out, Elon has unearthed an abiding biblical truth: that wealth is not, at the end of the day, everything.

Musk upended Twitter, turned it into X, fired a huge swath of radicalized staff, and has recently abandoned Newsoms California over transgenderism. Elon has given Trump a big boost.

Imagine that, from the old Twitter that threw Trump off its platform in advance of the 2020 election.

Recently, Facebook/ META mega-geek Zuckerberg (having been hauled in the interim into Congress to defend his 2020 election interference) has said he isnt endorsing anyone for November 2024s vote. Even if hes lying, Mark may not have the legal traction he enjoyed influencing the 2020 vote, and he knows it.

According to The Hill, he made statements like these:

Despite declining to endorse either candidate, Zuckerberg appeared impressed by Trumps reaction to the assassination attempt, describing it as badass. Seeing Donald Trump get up after getting shot in the face and pump his fist in the air with the American flag is one of the most badass things Ive ever seen in my life, he told Chang. On some level as an American, its like hard to not get kind of emotional about that spirit and that fight, and I think that thats why a lot of people like the guy, Zuckerberg added.

Can you imagine Zuckerberg speaking this way in 2020? Perhaps he sees the writing on the wall. Silicon Valley has changed (California's Gov. Gavin Newsom also can take a share of credit for Democrat defection there):

There is also this, from The Hill:

The Meta CEOs decision not to get involved in politics this cycle comes as the Facebook and Instagram parent company also seeks to move away from political content on its platforms. Instagram announced in February it no longer would proactively recommend political content. If users still want to receive recommendations for political content, they have to adjust their settings. The main thing that I hear from people is that they actually want to see less political content on our services because they come to our services to connect with people, Zuckerberg said. So, thats what were going to do.

The Wall Street Journal, spokespaper for the corporate elite, is currently making a strained effort to find reasons to support Kamala Harris and also, per their traditional stance, to make Trump look bad -- in WSJs signature, sort of sneaky editorial/reportorial bait and switch:

Ms. Harris is shrewdly now pitching the campaign as the future versus the past, a new generation versus the old, contrasting her relative youth at age 59 with the 78-year-old Mr. Trump. That has often worked for Democratsrecall JFK, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Nikki Haley warned Republicans that the first party to select a nominee from the next generation would have a political advantage this year, and here we are.

What does the above WSJs here we are actually mean? If Kamala has the political advantage, it is yet to be proven  by a long shot.

Moreover, Harris is no match for WSJs recent darling, Nikki Haley, and there is not much of an argument that Haleys devout donors will migrate in Kamalas direction. WSJ does not endorse here, just implies. Even the WSJ has its editorial boundaries -- as the current polling does in no way support Kamala, and the paper always goes with its take on the smart money. A lot of the smart money now is folding up the tent and moving to Trump.

Venture capitalist Doug Leon dropped Trump after Jan. 6. Apparently, hes since been watching the conduct towards Jan. 6 detainees, and the conduct of Nancy Pelosi and Co. during the Jan. 6 riots, for this and for likely much more, Leone has changed his mind back to Trump.

According to Business Insider:

Venture capitalist Doug Leone, a partner at and former head of Sequoia who Forbes estimates is worth $8.4 billion, announced in June that he'd once again be backing Trump  despite saying in 2021 that the former president had lost his support after the Jan. 6 attack on the capital. That month, he donated $2 million to the Right for America super PAC. He's also donated $1 million to the America PAC.

And theres more:

Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, the cofounder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, announced to their employees that they'd be donating to Trump-aligned PACs. Andreessen is worth $1.9 billion, according to Forbes. It's a shift for the Silicon Valley titan, who in 2016 said he'd be voting for Hilary Clinton. Timothy Mellon, who is worth at least $1 billion, according to Forbes, is Trump's biggest donor yet this campaign cycle. The secretive billionaire, who is heir to the Mellon banking fortune, has donated at least $75 million to Trump, including $50 million the day after his felony conviction. A former liberal, he has also been a major backer of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., donating $25 million to his campaign.

The Hill reports further defection from the elite ranks to Trumps campaign:

Several former Democratic donors, such as Palantir adviser Jacob Helberg and Sequoia Capital partner Shaun Maguire, have also come out in support of Trump, adding to a growing cohort of conservatives in traditionally deep blue Silicon Valley.

You dont always get what you pay for -- that may be what these uber-monied individuals have seen since 2020. Whatever their personal reasons for taking part in the significant and increasing numbers of defection by corporate and tech elite from the Biden/Harris administration, we have clearly a hopeful development here.

It appears that real change may be coming in the means and methods that many in our elite class will lean in on before and during the 2024 election.

Lets encourage them.

Image: Screen shot from Bloomberg News video, via YouTube
If you are a Democrat bureaucrat who spends his time at the FBI, not doing his job of going after criminals, but instead violating the Hatch Act while campaigning for Hillary and seeking to destroy Trump, and you get caught, you wont be punished. Nope  the taxpayers will be screwed again by paying your high pension and giving you a kickback of $1.2 million.

Justice Dept. settles with ex-FBI officials Strzok, Page over leak of anti-Trump texts The Justice Department has agreed to settle claims by former senior FBI special agent Peter P. Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page, who had sued saying the government violated their privacy rights when it leaked their politically charged text messages criticizing Donald Trump. Strzoks attorneys say he will receive a $1.2 million settlement. Terms for Page were not disclosed. Strzok and Page said they were illegally targeted for retribution by the Trump administration after the FBI investigated Russias interference in the 2016 presidential election.

If you are a high-level FBI official, you can also use a fake dossier paid for by Democrats as you commit perjury to the FISA court to illegally spy on Trump. There will be no repercussions.

If you are Merrick Garland or any other Biden official who continually lies to Congress or refuses to comply with subpoenas, you are special. The media certainly dont care.

If you are a president who has illegally taken and mishandled classified documents, you are above the law because you are old and incompetent, but remember: you supposedly are competent enough to still be president.

But if you happen to be a Republican who supports Trump or challenges an election, you will be treated like a terrorist.

And if your name is Trump, you will be convicted as a felon for classifying legal payments as legal payments, and a worthless V.P. will continually say she is a prosecutor running against a felon.

And you had better not be someone who thinks you have freedom to turn down a vaccine. You will get fired.

I wonder why the public thinks there are two systems of justice.

And the media continue to lie that the Biden Justice Department is not politicized, and no one is above the law.

I hope the voting public wont fall for this level of propaganda in another election. If they do, America is done. It is committing suicide from within.

Image via Pixabay. Pixabay License.
If you want to kill someone without getting your hands dirty or arousing suspicion, read 2 Samuel 11 in the Bible. This passage does not guarantee that you will get away with your crime, but it does show how to obtain cover or plausible deniability.

The victim in this story is a Hittite named Uriah, a soldier in King Davids army. Uriah and his beautiful wife, Bathsheba, lived in Jerusalem. While Uriah was off fighting for King David, the King observed from the roof of his palace Uriahs beautiful wife bathing. David did not look away. He watched her bathe and sent one of his servants to fetch her. King David engaged in intercourse with Bathsheba and then sent her home.

Perhaps King David forgot that procreation, not pleasure, is the primary purpose of intercourse. Who knows what he was thinking, but a note sometime later from Bathsheba informed him that she was pregnant. Davids moment of weakness literally took on a life of its own.

Image: David gives Uriah the fatal letter to Joab by Pieter Lastman. Public domain.

Now, David has a problem. He has committed adultery. He has impregnated the wife of one of his soldiers. If his scandalous behavior becomes public knowledge, he and Bathsheba could be stoned to death. David is desperate to cover his tracks. He recalls Uriah from the front and urges him to take some R-and-R with his wife. This could have worked, but Uriah stayed away from his wife because he feared this R-and-R would not go well with his army buddies.

At this point, I must say that David did not want to kill Uriah. He just wanted a way to escape a paternity scandal. However, when Uriah refused to play along, David still needed a solution. He sent Uriah back to the army with a sealed letter for General Joab.

In the sealed letter, King David instructed Joab to place Uriah in the hottest part of the battle. He further instructed Joab to have all his warriors withdraw from Uriah, exposing him to enemy fire. Joab did as David ordered, and Uriah was swiftly killed in battle by enemy weapons.

Now, if you are still with me and wonder why I am giving you a Sunday School lesson, let me point out that what happened to former President Trump on July 13th in Butler, Pennsylvania, seems eerily similar to what happened to Uriah.

I am not accusing the Secret Service or the Biden administration of anything. However, I cannot help but notice that the emerging facts suggest that the Secret Service did not give former President Trump its best effort on July 13th, when Thomas Crooks killed Corey Comperatore, wounded two others, and nearly assassinated Mr. Trump. I also know that the Democrats have thrown everything, including the kitchen sink, at Trump to prevent him from running for POTUS this year. Roadrunner is still standing, and Wile E Coyote is running out of time.

Ned Cosby, a frequent contributor to American Thinker, is a former pastor, veteran Coast Guard officer, and a retired career public high school teacher. His novel OUTCRY is a love story exposing the refusal of Christian leaders to report and discipline clergy who sexually abuse our young people. This work of fiction addresses crimes that are all too real. Cosby has also written RECOLLECTIONS FROM MY FATHERS HOUSE, tracing his own odyssey from 1954 to the present. For more info, visit Ned Cosby.
Progressives were once content to be known as liberals, until Americans understood that political leaning had nothing to do with the traditional meaning of liberalism. Too many Americans had their number, so they rebranded as progressives, for who can be against progress? Anyone who currently has their number.

Kamala Harris would have us choose between two visions of America. One, what Democrats/socialists/communists (D/s/cs) are calling MAGA, would take America back to the evil, racist, sexist, whatever-phobic past. The otherKamalas vision--will take America into the brave, glorious progressive future. But just what is that progress she seeks?

Graphic: X screenshot

She, and Joe Biden who is by the day fading into invisibility, tell us theyre for justice, civil rights, voting rights, prosperity, secure borders, Americans world leadership, all of the things theyve progressively diminished or destroyed since the age of The One, Barack Obama. Under the Biden/Harris Administration, justice means climate justice, trans justice, a two-tiered system aimed at Normal Americans and progressives political enemies. Civil rights mean unlimited abortion, even after birth as former Virginia Governor Ralph Northam accidently said. Voting rights means unrestricted vote fraud, including mail-in ballots, drop boxes, no voter ID or signature verification, ballot harvesting, and illegal immigrants, felons and the dead voting. We know, through bitter experience, what their idea of prosperity, secure borders and world leadership look like.

Fortunately, either by mistake or purposely, D/s/cs, and Kamala Harris, have revealed their progressive future:

*Spending, without limit, to combat the Climate Crisis, which includes electric vehicle mandates, ending internal combustion engines, ending oil, coal and natural gas, mandating wind and solar and so much more.

*Enhanced efficiency standards for all appliances.

*Efficiency mandates for home heating and air conditioning.

*Dramatically increasing taxation.

*Dramatically increasing the size and power of government.

*Defunding and ultimately abolishing local police (increasing the size and power of federal police forces goes without saying).

*Abolishing the First Amendment and criminalizing hate speech.

*Open borders, citizenship for anyone entering the country, healthcare, welfare, transportation and housing for immigrants.

*Abolishing private insurance.

*Universal healthcare (its worked so well for Canada and England).

*Abolishment of all vote security laws, necessary to establish:

*A one-party state (tyranny of the majority).

*Abolishing the Second Amendment (also necessary for a one-party state. Kamala Harris is far worse than Bidens handlers in this, and every other, category).

*Outlawing plastic straws.

*Packing the Supreme Court and subordinating it to the Executive.

*Favored victim group rights take precedence over everyone else.

*Decriminalizing crime (except crimes against and by government).

*Rule by executive order.

*Free college for everyone, particularly immigrants.

*Federal control of education at all levels.

*Mandating equityequality of outcomesrather than equality of opportunity.

And the list goes on and on. Consider her views on the criminal justice system from The Free Beacon:

The elimination of cash bail and court-ordered fines are just two ways Vice President Kamala Harris wants to transform the criminal justice system" and "end mass incarceration," according to a memo from her failed 2020 presidential campaign.

D/s/cs make their own reality and try to force everyone else to live in it:

"It is long past time to re-envision public safety by strengthening and supporting our communities and drastically limiting the number of people we expose to our criminal justice system," the memo reads. "As president, Kamala will fundamentally transform how we approach public safety."

Real reality teaches us when criminals, particularly violent criminals are in jail, they arent harming the innocent.

Harris would, among other transformations, eliminate cash bail, decriminalize drugs, abolish mandatory minimum sentencing, automatically expunge felony convictions after a short time, shortening probation and parole terms, and no charges for students who commit crimes on college campuses. Shed outlaw solitary confinement and the death penalty, and of course, impose DEI on the system. And, of course, shed hamstring the policethose few that remain--in any way possible. Shes said the idea that more police on the streets means less crime is false.

The past view Harris so despises, is the opposite of her view of Americas future. Its an America where merit and personal responsibility, ones character and acts rather than their membership in any racial or gender group, matters. Its an America where the Constitution actually is the supreme law of the land, and equality of opportunityour representative republic--rather than equality of outcomesocialist/communist failurereigns. Its a future America based on the past America, a people who built the most generous, equal, prosperous and free society ever to exist.

Graphic: X screenshot

Thats what Kamala Harris, the most leftist senator, to the left of Bernie Sanders, wants to fundamentally transform into a Marxist nightmare. Thats progress.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
TikTok has increased its lobbying efforts in Washington, presumably because it fears a nationwide ban. ByteDance, TikToks Chinese-headquartered parent company has been facing increasing scrutiny about its data handling and privacy policies for American users on TikTok.

TikTok steps up lobbying in Washington fearing forced dilution or permanent ban

ByteDance is trying to reverse or indefinitely delay a new law that essentially bars the TikTok app on American soil if ByteDance doesnt divest. The company has reportedly unleashed an army of expensive lawyers and lobbyists in Washington DC.

ByteDance CEO has repeatedly stressed that it doesnt work for the Chinese government and that it respects American laws about the safety and privacy of American citizens. However, American President Joe Biden has signed a law that essentially forces ByteDance to either divest heavily or leave the country for good.

The bill that will force a sale or ban of TikTok in the United States is now law. President Joe Biden signed a package of foreign aid bills that included the Protectin Support Us: https://t.co/KZfMloJWDr #technews https://t.co/gYiKVyqLx6  Swanky View (@SwankyView) July 26, 2024

TikTok has essentially sued the American government, seeking to overturn the law. The Government should present its response this week. However, oral arguments should commence in September. ByteDance has indicated it is prepared to take its case to the American Supreme Court.

According to Bloomberg, TikTok has invested in a $4.8 million ad campaign and a full-court press on Capitol Hill and the US Constitution. Additionally, ByteDance would have undoubtedly sought the help of Washington power brokers to push its cause.

Will ByteDance shutter TikTok in America?

TikTok is facing an uncertain future in the United States of America. The platform is insanely popular not just in America but in several other countries.

However, along with its popularity, the ultra-short, crowd-sourced video-sharing platform is linked with multiple controversies and conspiracies. Not just America, but several countries have accused ByteDance of colluding with the Chinese government. Technical jargon aside, American lawmakers feel American users TiKTok data isnt protected well from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party).

TikTok has already been banned in multiple countries. ByteDance is now fighting a legal battle to ensure TikTok remains operational and accessible in America.

ByteDance is trying hard to overturn the ban through legal means. It has claimed the law seeking its ban in America is, fundamentally at odds with the Constitutions commitment to both free speech and individual liberty. Hence, TikToks survival in America may largely depend on the Supreme Court accepting this argument.
Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll was taken to the medical centre following a 160mph crash in final practice for the Belgian Grand Prix.

On a wet track, Stroll lost control of his car as he climbed uphill through the fearsome Eau Rouge corner and into Raidillon at Spa-Francorchamps.

Strolls Aston Martin snapped on him in the damp conditions before he was launched out of control and into the wall.

Stroll hit the barriers after aquaplaning through Raidillon Lance is out of the car and okay #F1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/IDgSujSmHc  Formula 1 (@F1) July 27, 2024

The 25-year-old Canadians suspension broke on impact, as his front-left tyre tore off his car, but he was able to walk away from the high-speed crash.

Aston Martin said Stroll was taken for routine precautionary checks following the accident and his involvement in qualifying is in doubt after the damage sustained to his car.

The British team said later that Stroll had been released from the medical centre and is OK.

Lance had an incident in the rain in FP3. He got out of the car unaided and has been taken by the medical car to the medical centre for routine precautionary checks.#BelgianGP  Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) July 27, 2024

Strolls crash, which came after just 11 minutes, led to the suspension of the concluding running before qualifying.

The pit-lane reopened nine minutes later, but as the rain intensified the session was again red-flagged.

Qualifying for Sundays race is due to get under way at 1600 local time (1500 BST).
The Mayor of Greater Manchester urged people not to rush to judgment over the Manchester Airport incident after new footage appears to show a violent and frenetic lead-up.

Protests erupted in Rochdale and Manchester city centre after a video circulated of an officer allegedly kicking and stamping on a man as he lay face-down during an arrest at the airport on Tuesday.

A Greater Manchester Police constable has been advised he is under criminal investigation for assault over the incident, the IOPC said on Friday.

On Saturday, Manchester Evening News published new footage believed to be of the preceding events.

The video appears to shows a group of people standing by ticket machines in Terminal Two (T2) and a man in a light blue outfit is facing one of the machines.

A Stand Up To Racism demonstration in Manchester after a police officer was suspended after a video which appeared to show a man being kicked as he lay on the floor (James Speakman/PA)

It appears three officers approach him from behind and try to restrain him, with a male officer seemingly pushing his head down.

Another man, wearing a dark t-shirt, appears to grab the male officer and the two start to throw punches at one another.

The male officer seems to lower to the ground as the man repeatedly strikes him.

Meanwhile a female officer is restraining the man in blue, but he appears to break free and strike her and another female officer, with one ending up on the ground.

The male officer then seems to point his taser at the man in a dark t-shirt before the man in blue runs at him from behind.

A Stand Up To Racism demonstration in Manchester (James Speakman/PA)

They appear to grapple until the man in blue lies still on the ground, face-down, and a woman kneels by his side.

The officer then appears to kick and then stamp on his head, which was shown in the footage already widely circulated.

Greater Manchester Police has opened a public portal for more footage and it is appealing for witnesses to three incidents.

The first is an altercation between passengers from Qatar Airways flight QR023 that arrived at 7.20pm, which they said may have taken place on the flight or T2 baggage hall.

There was then a violent altercation involving members of the public in T2 at about 8.22pm, GMP said.

At 8.28pm at the terminals car park pay point area three police officers were assaulted and left with head injuries including a broken nose, it added.

After Manchester Evening News published the latest footage, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said in a statement: As I said on Thursday, this is a complicated situation with two sides to it.

It is why I urged people not to rush to judgment.

Following incidents in the run-up to the footage people saw this week, four individuals were arrested and are now on police bail.

It is frustrating that we have not been able to put more video into the public domain but that is because this is a live investigation.

People now need to step back and allow the IOPCs criminal investigation into the officers conduct to move forward, alongside the parallel GMP investigation into other potential offences, so that a complete picture can be presented.

Given all these investigations are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further.

The family of the man who was reportedly kicked and stamped on issued a plea for calm and urged people not to take part in any further protests, their MP said earlier on Saturday.

Paul Waugh, the newly elected Labour MP for Rochdale, shared a statement written by the family urging people to give those involved time to heal and for due process to take its course.

I have checked with the family of the Manchester Airport incident and this remains their latest message to all communities. They have issued a plea for calm and ask for no further protests  they want due process to take its course and urge everyone to respect their wishes. pic.twitter.com/MVgDExTn2b  Paul Waugh MP (@paulwaugh) July 27, 2024

Mr Waugh shared an image of the familys statement on X on Saturday morning and wrote: They have issued a plea for calm and ask for no further protests  they want due process to take its course and urge everyone to respect their wishes.

Yesterdays meeting in Rochdale made clear that this is a community that strongly believes in the rule of law, that the criminal justice system should follow the evidence wherever it leads, and that offenders should be punished appropriately.

Those present also rightly stressed that the law should be applied equally to everyone and that no one, particularly the police, should be above the law.

The officer facing a criminal investigation was also served with a disciplinary notice to inform him he was being investigated for potential gross misconduct for a number of alleged breaches of police professional standards, including his use of force, an IOPC spokesman said.

On Wednesday, a large crowd protested outside Rochdale police station, reportedly shouting GMP shame on you, while on Thursday, demonstrators blocked roads and tram lines in a protest which started outside Mr Burnhams office in central Manchester.
Max Whitlock described his crazy relief after the double defending champion successfully negotiated the qualifying round for the Olympic mens pommel competition at the Bercy Arena in Paris.

Whitlock, who is competing at his last Games, scored 15.166, placing him second behind Stephen Nedoroscik of the US after the first qualifying rotation, a result that means his place in next Saturdays eight-man apparatus final is effectively assured.

The 31-year-old, who won the pommel title in both 2016 and 2020 but has struggled with injury since reversing a retirement decision in the wake of his success in Tokyo, believes he is still capable of plenty of improvements.

Great Britains mens team made a successful start to their Paris campaign (Peter Byrne/PA)

The relief is crazy, admitted Whitlock, who also did his bit to help the team with routines on horizontal and parallel bars. I had to wait a while to present that routine, so I was mega pleased.

Of course theres some increases I can make, some bits that I can clean up a little bit, difficulty I can increase on. But its a huge relief to come out and do it successfully.

A successful team performance saw Great Britain top the standings at the top of the first rotation ahead of the US and Germany, with Jake Jarman top-scoring on floor and Harry Hepworth leading the way on vault with a score of 14.766.

The results should be good enough to ensure at least one individual final for all five of the mens team, and leave them in with a shout of landing their first team medal since their bronze at London 2012.

Max Whitlock is aiming for a third successive mens pommel title (Peter Byrne/PA)

Joe Fraser, the former world parallel bars final whose all-around score of 84.666 was only eclipsed by team-mate Jake Jarman in the first rotation, paid tribute to his teams ability to deliver under pressure.

Me and the team really just gave it our all out there, said Fraser. We really put our necks on the line and just gave it our all.

We werent really focusing too much on the finals, it was more about trying to put out our best work today. And I think we did as much as we could. Im proud of each and every one of us.
Mick Whelan had to go the inquest for the child and subsequently campaigned to change the way inquiries into fatal incidents operated - Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg

The secretary of the Aslef trade union has spoken for the first time in an interview about the death of a child who stepped onto electrified tracks in front of his train.

Mick Whelan was driving a North London Line train between Camden Road and Caledonian Road stations in 1991 when a boy under the age of seven touched the 750 volt live rail while playing on the tracks. After suffering a heart attack, the child died in an ambulance on the way to hospital.

Speaking about the tragedy, Mr Whelan told The Telegraph: Quite simply, I was driving the train on a Sunday on the North London Line. And I hit something.

There was a smashed scaffold board, he recalled. So kids have been on and about the track, seeing what a train would do if you put a scaffold board across the track.

After stopping the train, Mr Whelan and the guard got down onto the tracks and began checking for damage.

Unfortunately, when we got halfway down the train there was a young child, under the age of seven. Looked like he was asleep. He had stood on the third rail and been electrocuted.

At that point, the child was still alive so we did what we were meant to do, we closed all the lines and we called the emergency services.

They came, they took the child away, and we were subsequently informed some days later that he unfortunately passed away on the way to hospital.

The boy, whose identity has not been disclosed, had stood on the third rail which carries a 750 volt electric current to power the trains.

I had two young kids at the time, Mr Whelan, 64, continued. You go home and hug your kids that bit tighter.

You think youre going to get the blame

He recalled that one of the first police officers on the scene had asked him how fast the train was going when he hit the boy, but that he hadnt hit him at all.

Again, you think theyre going to blame me for this or whatever. You go through the whole emotional rollercoaster, he said.

Although drivers today are given mental health support if somebody jumps in front of their train, in the 1990s things were different, Mr Whelan recalled.

Basically it was a very macho male-dominated industry; you get back on a horse you fell off of, he said.

Some people had a fatality of whatever nature and never drove a train again, never came back. Others had two or three in their career and seemed to be able to get on with it.

Mr Whelan was called to attend the childs inquest.

About a year later the guard and I had to go to the inquest at St Pancras. And on the day they put us in a little waiting room with the family. It was that crass, he said.

Im sitting there in full railway uniform, right. Im the driver, the guards there in uniform with the people who want the answers to what happened to their child.

Mr Whelan was elected head of Aslef - the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen - in 2011, and one of his early priorities as leader of the union was to get coroners court rules changed so rail staff no longer had to testify in person at the majority of fatal accident and suicide inquests.

Mr Whelan leading a protest. He has headed up Aslef for 13 years - Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

New rules were issued in 2013 after Mr Whelan met Peter Thornton, the then chief coroner, to discuss the impact of being called to give evidence in person after a fatal incident.

With inquest hearings taking more than a year to be convened at the time, he said: Reliving the event 18 months afterwards isnt a good thing for the drivers to come to terms with.

But if it was clear who, where, when and how - which is what an inquest is set up to do - you didnt have to physically cause the driver to give evidence.

These days Mr Whelan holds a seat on the Labour Partys governing National Executive Committee and earlier this week he met Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, to present her with demands for a 10 per cent, 6,000-a-head pay rise for Aslef members.

The trade unionist has spoken just once before about the childs death, for an all-but-forgotten 1992 public information film called Killing Time.

Network Rail said that there were more than 19,000 trespass incidents last year alone across the countrys 20,000 miles of tracks.

Accidental deaths on the tracks have declined to an all-time low, more than halving from 49 a decade ago down to 20 fatalities last year.

Suicides have increased, however, rising to 276 fatalities in financial year 2023-24  an increase of 17 per cent  although they remain below 2014s high of 286.

Rob Wainwright, head of level crossings and public safety for Network Rail, said: As the holiday season approaches, we are once again asking parents to ensure that they and their children know all about rail safety so they can behave responsibly when they are in a rail setting. Help us to get everyone to where they want to be safely and on time this summertime.
IV fluids contain a saline solution similar to the plasma in our bodies. Photograph: Thirasak Phuchom/Alamy

The peak doctors body is warning the health system could come to a

grinding halt next week if an unprecedented shortage of intravenous (IV) fluid isnt resolved.

The medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), issued a shortage alert on Friday for intravenous (IV) fluid products expected to be constrained throughout 2024, due to global manufacturing issues and an unexpected increase in demand.

The assistant minister for health, Ged Kearney, who is a former nurse, says IV fluids are crucial with a myriad of uses in the health system. So what are they, how are they used in hospitals and whats being done about the shortage?

What are IV fluids?

IV fluids contain a saline solution  salt in water at a concentration which is similar to that of the plasma in our bodies. They are made under highly specialised manufacturing conditions using purified, sterile water with sterile electrolyte components. They also have highly specialised packaging and are designed to be compatible with intravenous giving sets to allow the fluids to be injected into a persons veins.

What are they used for?

They are used to administer medications directly into the bloodstream, including chemotherapy and anaesthesia.

But the fluids can be crucial medicine in themselves to support kidney function in patients who are dehydrated and keeping the blood pressure up of patients with sepsis as well as blood loss.

As a result, the IV fluids are crucial for patients undergoing surgery with open wounds and haemorrhaging in emergency settings.

An artery is filled with one-third red blood cells and two-thirds plasma, which IV fluids replace with similar concentrations of sodium and chloride.

Prof David Story, the president of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and head of the University of Melbournes department of critical care, says while its physiologically OK for the red cell blood count to drop, it is essential to replace the blood volume.

Organ injury, including to the heart, kidneys and brains, can occur if people become hypovolemic, where the loss of blood volume makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body, Story says.

How will patients be affected?

The president of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Prof Jennifer Martin, says there are workarounds when it comes to the use of IV fluids to administer other medications. There are other ways to deliver medication besides diluting them in a bag of saline  such as oral fluids, or giving medicines as a slow push intravenous injection. However, Martin says the IV fluid bags can be safer, and enable hospital staff to get on with other jobs.

There are not the same workarounds for surgery, Martin says, where the patient is not conscious and cannot drink, but is losing much more fluids from their open surgical site because youve got, say the abdomen open, then you lose a lot of fluid that way. However, the IV fluids are needed to deliver anaesthetics, and to keep patient blood pressure up during surgery as well as after an operation, she says.

As a result, the Australian Medical Association has warned some surgery may need to be cancelled. Non-cancer elective surgeries would probably be the first to be delayed in the event there was not enough IV fluid, Story says.

Is it just human health thats affected?

Like humans, animals undergoing proceedures also require IV fluids. The president of the Australian Veterinary Association, Dr Sally Colgan, told the ABC the shortage was very concerning for vets, who have been facing supply issues in clinics.

Whats being done to address the shortage?

Kearney says the medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), is working hard to make sure there are alternatives.

In an effort to address the shortage the TGA has allowed multiple overseas-registered alternative saline fluids to be imported, and is considering more applications for supply.

State and territory health departments directly manage supply in public hospitals, and the TGA says it is advising them when new suppliers are approved.

The TGA says it is also liaising with the three Australian suppliers to address any regulatory barriers.
The offending scene, one of a series of tableaux during the ceremony - X

The organisers of the Paris Olympics are facing a backlash after an apparent drag queen parody of Leonardo Da Vincis Last Supper featured in the opening ceremony.

Far-Right politicians criticised the skit, with Marion Marechal, a member of the European Parliament, apologising to all the Christians of the world who felt insulted by the performance.

The controversial scene featured at the end of the four-hour show, when, in heavy rain, a group of around a dozen performers, including drag queens, struck poses behind a long table.

At the centre was a woman wearing a headdress that resembled a crown, while holding her hands out in a heart shape. She was flanked by drag performers, and other artists who danced alongside her.

An illustration based on the Da Vinci painting - Bettmann

At the end of the scene, a serving tray was placed on the stage and a scantily clad man, who was painted blue, emerged from inside.

The Olympics said the performance was an interpretation of the Greek God [of wine and festivity] Dionysus to make us aware of the absurdity of violence between human beings.

A Left-wing minority

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Marechal insisted the scene was a parody of the Last Supper.

She said: To all the Christians of the world who are watching the #Paris2024 ceremony and felt insulted by this drag queen parody of the Last Supper, know that it is not France that is speaking but a Left-wing minority ready for any provocation.

Ms Marechal is the granddaughter of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the National Front founder, and niece of Marine Le Pen.

She was elected to the European Parliament as the head of the Reconquete party on June 9. Three days later, she was expelled from the party for calling on French citizens to vote for National Rally candidates in the 2024 legislative election.

Marion Marechal is a member of the Le Pen family - Johanna Geron/Reuters

She has since joined the European Conservatives and Reformists parliamentary group.

Elon Musk, the Tesla, X and Space X owner, also criticised the parody which he described as being extremely offensive to Christians.

Responding to the depiction of Dionysus, the Greek god of winemaking and fertility, Musk said: Why is this at the Olympics? Im moving to Mars.

Daniel French, vicar of Salcombe and Marlborough, also criticised the performance.

He said: The opening Olympic ceremony mocked Christianity and the Last Supper in a way it never would have for any other religion.

He called on the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to echo comments made by a bishop in the US, Robert Barron.

Mr Barron, who runs the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Southern Minnesota, described the performance as a gross mockery of Catholicism.

Painted in the late 15th-century, The Last Supper is a mural by Leonardo da Vinci. It depicts Jesus with the 12 apostles, showing the moment after he has announced that one of his apostles will betray him.

Spectacular finale

The four-hour opening ceremony was unlike any other in the 128 years of the modern Olympics.

In pouring rain, a flotilla of 85 barges carried 6,800 athletes three and a half miles down the Seine before a spectacular finale featuring an animatronic silver horse galloping along the waterway towards the Trocadero.

Celine Dion performed from high in the Eiffel Tower - AP

Celine Dion closed the show with a rendition of Edith Piafs Hymne a lamour from high in the Eiffel Tower. It was the French-Canadian superstars first concert appearance since her diagnosis in 2022 with stiff-person syndrome.

A spokesman for the Paris Olympic said: Clearly, there was never an intention to show disrespect towards any religious group or belief. On the contrary, each of the tableaux in the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony were intended to celebrate community and tolerance.

They added it was not the first time artists had taken inspiration from Leonardo Da Vincis famous painting, adding: From Andy Warhol to the Simpsons, many have done it before.
Boris Johnson continues to divide opinion among the 121 Tory MPs who were returned to Parliament at the general election - BARBARA GINDL/APA/AFP via Getty Images

Boris Johnson is not planning to endorse any candidate in the Conservative leadership contest, The Telegraph can reveal.

An ally of the former prime minister indicated that he would not be giving his seal of approval to any of the contenders bidding to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Tory party.

Five candidates have so far declared their intention to run for the leadership - James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Robert Jenrick, Mel Stride and Dame Priti Patel.

Kemi Badenoch is also widely expected to enter the race, while Suella Braverman is believed to be mulling a bid.

In not endorsing any of the contenders, Mr Johnson is repeating the decision he took in the leadership contest which took place in the summer of 2022 after he bowed to pressure from Tory MPs to stand down as prime minister.

At the time he said that he wouldnt want to damage anybodys chances by offering my support.

An endorsement from Mr Johnson in this race could also prove a double-edged sword.

He continues to divide opinion among the 121 Tory MPs who were returned to Parliament at the general election when the Conservatives suffered their worst loss in the partys modern history.

Some candidates are likely to try to distance themselves from his legacy - particularly the damaging partygate scandal which saw lockdown-breaking parties take place in Downing Street during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Mr Johnson remains popular among parts of the Conservative Party membership who will decide who becomes leader after MPs whittle down the field to two final contenders later in the autumn.

Mr Johnson may also be keeping his counsel because of divided loyalties and a wish not to disappoint political allies.

Mr Cleverly and Dame Priti were loyal supporters of Mr Johnson, with both endorsing the former prime minister when he briefly considered running for the leadership again in October 2022 after the collapse of Liz Trusss government.

During the general election, Mr Johnson posted a video on X in which he urged voters in Witham to re-elect Dame Priti.

In the video he described her as a quite remarkable friend and colleague and a brilliant minister. Priti was one of the original Brexiteers and shes the person who really drove that Rwanda scheme which believe me is still our best hope of stopping illegal cross Channel gangs, he said.

He added: Stick with Prit!

However, other leadership candidates were unlikely to be holding out for an endorsement from Mr Johnson.

Mr Tugendhat clashed publicly with him on a number of occasions, and when asked whether Mr Johnson was honest during one of the 2022 leadership debates, shook his head.

Mr Johnson, Lord Hague, and Lord Howard on Saturday urged the next Conservative leader not to weaken or abandon conservative environmental policies.

They have spoken out on the issue with the launch of the Conservative Environment Networks manifesto for the future of conservative environmentalism.

Mr Johnson said: Protecting our environment has consistently been a priority for the British people. Whether it is investing in homegrown offshore wind and nuclear to create green jobs across the country, or incentivising our farmers to restore nature, successive Conservative governments have taken bold environmental action and built an impressive record.

Continued conservative environmental leadership is critical for our partys electoral prospects and the environmental cause.
Royal Household's cyber-security defences will 'continue to remain a priority' for 2024-2025 - Heathcliff O'Malley for the Telegraph

Buckingham Palace has stepped up its cyber security defences to avoid the risk of loss of sensitive data and reputational damage.

The royal household computer networks have been subjected to various penetration tests this year to ensure they are secure, with top-level external assessments.

In October, the Royal familys official website went down for around 90 minutes after being targeted in a cyber attack for which Russian hackers immediately claimed responsibility.

In May 2023, it was feared that international cyber-terrorists could target broadcasts of the Kings Coronation in what was described as a propaganda coup, replicating a plot at the time of the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, but it did not come to pass.

Remain a priority

This years palaces annual Sovereign Grant report has clarified that there were no data breach incidents to report to the Information Commissioners Office in 2023-4.

Prioritising the Royal Households cyber-security defences was a core focus for 2023-24 and will continue to remain a priority for the foreseeable future, the report states.

During the year the Royal Households network was externally assured through various penetration tests, and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation was obtained in September 2023.

Sources feared that states could be fueling disinformation about the Princess of Wales - BBC Studios

Plans show that continued development of the Royal Households cyber-defences and monitoring will be a large focus for 2024-25.

The potential risks outlined in the report, should cyber security fail, are spelt out to be: Insufficient technical governance/maintenance could lead to the Royal Household systems or data being compromised/interrupted/damaged resulting in disruption to operations, loss of sensitive data, reputational damage, financial loss or fines.

The previous cyber attack on the official website of the Royal Family, in October 2023, was said to be a denial of service attack, in which websites are bombarded with traffic. No access was gained to the palace systems or content.

Materials recovered

There have been several reports of online threats relating to the Royal family in the last year.

In March 2024, the Telegraph reported that Whitehall sources feared that hostile states could be fueling disinformation about the Princess of Wales, who had not yet revealed her diagnosis of cancer.

The Sovereign Grant report also included digital devices in its sustainability section, which said the palace now has emissions from devices audited along with physical household waste and greenhouse gases.

Work continues on e-waste with an aim for all redundant devices to be recycled and materials recovered, it said.
Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, on 25 July 2024. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

A massive and explosive wildfire whipped through the small rural community of Forest Ranch, California, on Thursday, bringing back dark memories in a region that has withstood several devastating wildfires in recent years.

The Park fire has grown into the states largest this year, destroying buildings and forcing the evacuations of thousands in one of the states most wildfire-hardened regions.

The blaze started on Wednesday on the outskirts of Chico, a tree-lined university town of about 110,000 people in the Sacramento Valley. By Friday morning, the blaze had burned more than 178,000 acres (72,034 hectares) across Butte and Tehama counties. Fueled by steady winds and hot weather, the flames have been particularly ferocious, licking above the tree line as the fire ballooned in size.

By Friday evening, the blaze had burned 239,000 acres and spread into Plumas and Shasta counties, CBS News reported. One official told CBS the fire was spreading at a rapid rate of 4,000 to 5,000 acres an hour.

Initially worried the flames would burst into the town of Chico, firefighting crews by Thursday were concentrating their efforts on Forest Ranch, a rural settlement of about 1,700 people roughly 15 miles away. All residents of Forest Ranch have been ordered to evacuate due to the extreme danger of being overtaken by fire, authorities said.

Residents described a harrowing escape. The ride out was really hard, said Anasuya Basil, a 63-year-old resident of Forest Ranch. The road out is very narrow and windy and bumpy.

She added that the sky was dark with smoke, but luckily, nothing around her was on fire.

Crews had managed 3% containment by Thursday night, but lost all progress by Friday as the fire grew, according to the California department of forestry and fire protection (Cal Fire). At least two people have been injured, more than 130 buildings have been destroyed, and another 4,000 have been threatened, according to the agency.

The fire quickly began to outpace our resources because of the dry fuels, the hot weather, the low humidities and the wind, Kory Honea, the Butte county sheriff, said late on Thursday.

About 4,000 residents in unincorporated areas of Butte county and 400 residents of Chico were ordered to evacuate, he said.

The fire began in Chicos Upper Bidwell Park, an area beloved by residents for hiking and swimming. A 42-year-old California man was arrested on Thursday and accused of starting the fire by pushing a burning car into a gully.

Firefighters could be heard over the scanner on Thursday trying to assist residents in the area who were trapped by flames and struggling to evacuate, including a pair with five horses.

You have to be ready to go, Honea told residents. This county has seen time and time again where people have waited too long and they have lost their lives.

The fire has left the entire area on edge and stirred painful memories. Nearly six years ago, tens of thousands of people sought refuge in Chico when the Camp fire, Californias deadliest wildfire, destroyed the nearby town of Paradise and killed 85 people. In 2020, the North Complex fire killed 16 people in Butte county.

In 2021, the Dixie fire burned nearly 1m acres and devastated the nearby town of Greenville. And earlier this year, the Thompson fire near Oroville destroyed dozens of structures.

In just three days, the Park fire has grown larger than the Camp fire. Some residents in Paradise and Magalia, which was also hit hard by the 2018 fire, are now under evacuation warnings.

When the fire first started on Wednesday, Basil, the Forest Ranch resident, didnt think it would reach her, she said.

But by Thursday afternoon, smoke had covered the sun, and everything became orange, she said. Shortly after, she and her neighbors received mandatory evacuation orders.

Basil, who is a craniosacral therapist, quickly packed a suitcase, grabbed her cat, tried to quickly clean up around her home, and loaded up her car to leave.

She arrived at a friends place out of the evacuation zone around an hour and a half later. Basil is not sure how long she will be displaced, but is expecting it to be anywhere from one to three weeks, she said.

I am feeling pretty 50-50 about the survival of my home, she said. Im very close to the fire line, and this is a very explosive fire, and its hot and windy and so anything can happen.

Thursdays wasnt Basils first escape in 20 years of living in the region; she was displaced for 11 days during the Camp fire.

Firefighters across North America are also working intensively to contain other wildfires across the region, including in Washington, Oregon and other states, as well as parts of Canada, as heatwaves reaching record-breaking temperatures continue.

The Durkee fire in Oregon, which started on 17 July and quickly became the largest active fire in the US, was 20% contained on Friday, according to officials. It has so far burned more than 280,000 acres (113,312 hectares).

The pilot of a firefighting plane that disappeared in eastern Oregon while battling the Falls fire has died, officials said. A search-and-rescue team located the single-engine plane, in steep, forested terrain.

In Idaho, multiple communities were evacuated after lightning strikes sparked wildfires there, officials said on Friday. Multiple structures were lost, and the entire town of Juliaetta, a town of just over 600 residents about 27 miles south-east of the University of Idahos Moscow campus, was evacuated, as were several other communities near the Clearwater River and the Nez Perce tribal hatchery complex, which breeds salmon.

Videos posted to social media showed a man fleeing Juliaetta, driving past a building and trees engulfed in flames as a tunnel of smoke rises over the roadway.

As of Friday morning, parts of California, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Nebraska and Idaho remained under the National Weather Services red-flag warning, meaning that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly.

Air-quality alerts are in effect in areas of Arizona, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Nebraska due to wildfire smoke. Parts of Colorado saw wildfire smoke in their skies this week, but conditions appear to have improved as of Friday.

The National Weather Service has also issued fire weather watch warnings meaning that there is a potential for critical fire weather conditions  for areas of Utah beginning on Saturday.

As of Friday morning, the National Interagency Fire Center had reported 96 large active wildfires that were being managed across the country. The fires had, by Thursday, burned more than 1.6m acres, with many of the fires in the north-west of the US exhibiting extreme fire behavior.

And in Canada, a fast-moving wildfire destroyed the town of Jasper in Jasper national park in the Rockies. At least 25,000 people were forced to flee.

Across the US west and Canada, the fires have largely been fueled by dry, hot weather and fanned by strong winds. The ignitions came from a variety of sources, but scientists agree that overall, global heating is driving fiercer and more explosive wildfires.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
Bishop Rachel Treweek worked in the Anglican church in South Africa in 1994 when the racist apartheid system was ended after years of negotiations - PAUL NICHOLLS

The Bishop of Gloucester has angered Jewish groups by publicly calling Israels treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories apartheid.

Bishop Rachel Treweek, a member of the House of Lords, said she wanted to boldly stand with those comparing Israeli treatment of Palestinians to how black people were treated in South Africa.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, accused Israel of illegal and systemic discrimination against Palestinians when contacted by The Telegraph, but the leader of the Church of England said it was not an apartheid state.

Jonathan Turner, the chief executive of UK Lawyers for Israel, said: Reading the bishops article and much else these days, we feel like Jews of the Middle Ages, accused of poisoning wells and murdering Christian children to make unleavened bread for Passover.

Bishop Treweek is the first senior member of the Church of England to publicly call Israels treatment of Palestinians in the occupied territories apartheid.

Her intervention was in the form of a reflection published on the Diocese of Gloucester website. In it she criticised Hamass horrendous taking of hostages on Oct 7 and Israels cruel and devastating war in Gaza.

Just as with the Holocaust and the October attack by Hamas, it will leave a scar on the face of humanity with far-reaching consequences for many generations to come, she said after visiting Israel and the West Bank last month.

In the past, I have been wary of using the word apartheid to describe the situation in Palestine-Israel. But having seen even more starkly how life is now in the occupied Palestinian Territory, I wish to stand alongside other individuals and groups, not least Christians, in boldly naming apartheid.

Bishop Treweek in Ramallah with the family of Layan Nasir, who has been detained without charge in Israel since April - X/@sgcjerusalem

During her visit, the bishop met the family of Layan Nasir, a 23-year-old Palestinian Anglican woman held in detention in Israel without charge since her arrest in April.

Bishop Treweek, Britains first female bishop, worked in the Anglican church in South Africa in 1994 when the racist apartheid system was ended after years of negotiations.

Whilst the situation in Palestine-Israel has many differences compared to the apartheid years in South Africa, the resonances are strong, the 61-year-old, who is the Anglican bishop for prisons in England and Wales, told The Telegraph on Thursday.

I do stand by what I said. I do want to call out the way that the Israeli government and military are acting in the West Bank. But Im not anti-Israel and Im not pro-Palestine. I think I am standing for justice for all people.

Yesterday, I actually met with some of the families of those whove been killed or who are still being held hostage, and that was really powerful. It is not the first time Ive met hostage families, and what Hamas did was abhorrent and the hostages must be released.

There are layers of trauma and injustice, and I think, in this whole conflict, people find that really hard because they want to stand on one side or the other. How do we stand in a place of justice?

A Lambeth Palace spokesman said the Archbishop of Canterbury was grateful for her powerful reflections.

While not naming Israel as an apartheid state, the archbishop agrees with Bishop Rachel Treweek that the regime imposed by successive Israeli governments in the occupied Palestinian Territories constitutes systemic discrimination that has deprived the Palestinian people of its rights to self-determination for far too long, he said.

This state of affairs is illegal, unjust and needs to be brought to an end as quickly as possible.

The Archbishop of Canterbury with pro-Palestinian protesters outside Gloucester Cathedral in May - Paul Nicholls

Bishop Treweek has gone further than the last statement of the House of Bishops, which is the upper house of the Church of Englands General Synod. That February communication called for an immediate ceasefire in the relentless bombardment and said that the manner in which this war is being prosecuted cannot be morally justified.

While her stance makes her an outlier in the UK clergy, the Anglican Church of South Africa officially declared Israel an apartheid state in September last year. American Anglican bishops rejected resolutions labelling Israel an apartheid state in June.

Ben Jamal, the director of the Palestine Solidarity Commission, said: Bishop Treweek is right to assert this truth. One cannot tackle an injustice unless one is prepared to name it.

Rabbi Menachem Margolin, the chairman of the European Jewish Association, said It is very sad that an eminent bishop chooses to repeat a completely false accusation, a falsehood used by anti-Semites as a justification to target innocent Jews.

He said Israel was an ethnically, religiously and culturally diverse country and did not meet the definition of an apartheid state in the Rome Constitution of the UN.

The separation fence was solely designed to stop the infiltration of terrorists who come to harm and murder innocent citizens within the territory of the State of Israel and not to separate Jews from Arabs, he said.

I would like to ask what the reaction would be if, on any given day, people would enter her or her neighbours house, rape young girls, burn babies, rip apart a pregnant womans stomach and stab the foetus, and go on a murderous rampage with utter cruelty.
Tommy Robinson speaks at the protest in central London on Saturday. Photograph: Chris J Ratcliffe/Reuters

The far-right activist Tommy Robinson could face jail after screening a documentary against high court orders at a demonstration in central London on Saturday, according to the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate.

The film, Silenced, repeated false claims he made about a Syrian refugee that led to him losing a libel case in 2021. Robinson is due to appear at a high court hearing on Monday accused of contempt of court for making the documentary.

Nick Lowles of Hope Not Hate wrote on X: Tommy Robinson is currently screening the film Silenced in Trafalgar Square, just 48 hours before he appears in the High Court accused of breaking an injunction preventing him from releasing the film.. Hes heading to jail.

The Attorney Generals office have been made aware of Tommy Robinson screening a film he was banned from showing. Such a flagrant disregard for the law could well see him facing the maximum two-year sentence. Only himself to blame.

The Metropolitan police said: We did not know what films would be shown during the event. Organisers of protests are not required to share those details in advance. There is no power for us to compel them to do so.

Officers on duty for the event couldnt reasonably have been aware of civil proceedings ongoing in relation to a particular film, but having now been made aware were making further inquiries to determine what action we need to take.

Thousands of people marched in central London on Saturday as part of a protest organised by Tommy Robinson, as well as a counter-protest.

The Met said in advance that about 1,000 officers were being deployed across the capital to keep the peace and ensure the two groups were kept apart.

It said eight people had been arrested and several emergency workers were assaulted, though none were seriously injured.

The crowd for Robinsons protest gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice before marching down the Strand to Trafalgar Square, where a rally was held.

Participants were heard chanting Rule, Britannia!, England till I die, and We want our country back. The Met also said it was investigating videos shared online in which racist and anti-Muslim chants could be heard.

Speakers at the rally denounced immigration and multiculturalism as well as the Covid vaccines, while people in the crowd waved British, English and Israeli flags and placards that read: Not far right, just right.

The counter-protest, organised by Stand Up to Racism and Jeremy Corbyns Peace and Justice project, began at Russell Square and marched to Whitehall.

Marchers carried banners reading We are all migrants and Stop Islamophobia as well as placards calling for an end to the war in Gaza.

Chants of Tommy Robinson we know you, youre a Nazi through and through and Nazi scum, off our streets were also heard.

Speakers at the rally included Corbyn and Eddie Dempsey, assistant general secretary of the RMT union.

Police said two men were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after an assault on a counter-protester, while another man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offence after a police officer was kicked.

Another four people were arrested outside a pub in Whitehall on suspicion of assault on emergency workers after four police officers were assaulted.

One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and a racially aggravated public order offence after allegedly snapping the pole of a Palestinian flag and making a racially abusive remark.

The day also saw a Trans Pride march from Langham Place, near Oxford Circus, to Hyde Park Corner. The march was originally planned to start at Trafalgar Square, but organisers changed the route to avoid Robinsons protest. Police said a ninth person was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a steward at that event.
A pro-Palestine rally in Sydney in January. Photograph: Emily Wind/The Guardian

The New South Wales Labor conference has challenged the federal government over its position on Palestinian recognition, passing a motion calling for the government to recognise Palestine as a sovereign and independent state as a priority.

The motion will be seen as significant as the right faction controls the NSW branch of the Labor party, where previous motions passed by Labor branches, including Victoria, have been controlled by the left.

It shows that we as a Labor Party recognise Palestinian sovereignty and that we will stand with Palestinian people, the NSW MP for Bankstown, Jihad Dib, who moved the motion told delegates.

Dibs speech and the passing of the motion soon after was met with a standing ovation by delegates.

Related: Australia, Canada and New Zealand leaders urge ceasefire in Gaza to end catastrophic situation

Labor conference motions are not binding on the political arm of the party, but as the prime minister, Anthony Albaneses, home state, the NSW branch is seen as particularly influential over federal government policy positions.

While the federal Labor government position on Palestine is to recognise it as a state, it contains conditions which link recognition to part of a peace process. The NSW conference motion calls on the government to recognise Palestine without those conditions.

It comes after the ACT Labor conference passed a similar motion, but with stronger wording on timing. It called on the federal government to recognise Palestine immediately.

Louisa Romanous, a member of Labor Friends of Palestine and member of Labors Parramatta branch, told delegates ahead of the motion passing that the governments actions so far had been ineffective compared to our response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.



We want Australia to take all measures in their power to put pressure on Israel to prevent acts of genocide, she told delegates. Please stand with me to call on the Australian government to immediately unconditionally recognise the state of Palestine.

The conference also adopted the Australia and the World policy committees report, which was prepared four weeks ahead of conference, and took in the views of rank and file Labor members on the governments foreign policy.

The committee which prepared the report noted the action the Albanese government had taken on Palestine, which included adopting the official name Occupied Palestinian Territories consistent with the United Nations and reversing the Morrison government decision to recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Noting that the NSW Labor conference has supported the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist within secure and recognised borders since 2014, the committee also noted that criticism of the Israeli government particularly relating to Benjamin Netanyahus opposition to a two-state solution and rejection of any moves to establish a Palestinian state is not anti-Semitic and should not be seen as a fundamental criticism of Israel and its peoples.

Related: Palestinian state recognition the only hope to end violence in Middle East, Penny Wong says

Labor members had hoped for action on humanitarian visas for Palestinians fleeing Israels military actions ahead of the conference and privately expressed disappointment Albanese and foreign minister, Penny Wong, had not moved to establish easier pathways.

Earlier this morning, Albanese rebuked pro-Palestinian protesters in his speech to the state conference, saying we choose delivery and action over empty words.

Our members choose to help vulnerable people inside elected offices - not intimidate them outside, he said in direct reference to anti-genocide protesters who have camped outside Labor MPs electorate offices for the best part of the last year.

Senior Labor figures had wanted the NSW conference to be a show of unity and had made attempts to quell discontent ahead of the conference votes, but members have publicly expressed anger, including some walking out during Albaneses speech in protest of the governments actions in relation to the construction arm of the CFMEU.
Palestinians flee the eastern area of Khan Younis as Israels bombardment begins. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

The evacuation order jolted Munadil Abu Younes one morning earlier this week as he scrolled on his phone reading the news. Israeli forces ordered thousands to flee, including from the area where he was sheltering. His eighth displacement was like nothing that had come before.

Israeli forces told us about the evacuation order as they entered the area, he said. We barely had time to collect our things, most people fled without taking anything. During previous evacuation orders they gave us a day or two, but this time we didnt even have half an hour.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a forcible order that covered much of western Khan Younis and part of Al Mawasi, a sandy strip previously designated a humanitarian zone.

Gazas second largest city was already reduced to little more than shattered cement and piles of rubble. Across Khan Younis, hundreds of thousands began to flee without knowing where to go. The order affected about 400,000 people.

The IDF said it was about to forcefully operate against militants in eastern Khan Younis, accusing Hamas of using the area to fire rockets into Israel.

Some received news of the evacuation order through voice messages on their phones. Muhanna Qudeih, 43, from Khuzaa neighbourhood in eastern Khan Younis was on his regular morning trip to the local market to buy vegetables when he began hearing people around him screaming about it.

I started asking those around me, and they said there were recorded messages on mobile phones ordering everyone to evacuate the area, he said. He grabbed some essentials and ran to his sisters house to tell his family. His wife, Qudeih, and their three children have lived with his sister since their house was destroyed during the first Israeli ground invasion of Khan Younis. This would be their fifth displacement.

In Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Younis, Younes and his wife and six children began frantically collecting their most important possessions and packing their car.

Related: Scores killed in Israeli attacks, medics say, after IDF orders evacuation of Gaza humanitarian zone

The bombing was initially light, but an hour after the evacuation order it intensified, he said. Then, shells came at us from all directions. I wanted to move quickly, but suddenly the street was full of people. The family drove east towards Salah al-Din Road, only to see Israeli tanks approaching.

We found people running, racing to escape like judgment day had come, he said. Bullets were falling around us like rain, and many people got hit ... We prayed to be able to flee this disaster safely.

When Qudeih and his family fled their house closer to the centre of Khan Younis, he said they encountered a shower of bombardment along with tank and helicopter fire. Several drones hovered above them, watching everything and shooting, he added.

People scattered in all directions in search of safety. Many, including Qudeih and his family, fled towards the Nasser hospital in the city, as hundreds of wounded people also poured into the grounds, overwhelming the already struggling facility.

Gaza health officials said that by the evening, the renewed bombing campaign had killed more than 70 people and wounded at least 200 more. Medics pleaded for blood donations and supplies to try to treat the injured, many of whom were laid out on the floor or between beds for lack of space.

Some of those gathered outside the hospital had fled there on foot, leaving their belongings behind in the rush to escape. As we ran away from the bombings, I saw dead and wounded people laying on the ground, said a woman who gave her name only as Amal.

There was no way anyone could save them or even retrieve the bodies, because the bombing was so bad  aircraft of all kinds were hovering low to the ground the entire time.

Israeli tanks drove deep into Bani Suhaila on the edge of Khan Younis, while soldiers positioned themselves on rooftops. Others reportedly searched the towns cemetery, and the IDF later described fighting in close-quarters combat, amid reports of street battles with Palestinian militants.

For the thousands who escaped the bombs and artillery fire, their latest displacement brought new problems. With nowhere to run to, many like Amal spent the week sleeping in the open, unable to find a place in the shattered homes that remained in southern Gaza. Health officials said 30 more people had been killed and almost 150 injured by Thursday evening.

We couldnt find anywhere to settle as there were so many displaced people. Initially we sat on the rubble of a bombed-out mosque. Along with many of the displaced were just out in the open now. Were somewhere with no water, we have to walk far to buy it, food is very scarce and the situation is very difficult, Amal said.

Weve been displaced over and over again, but this time was different and we were stripped of our possessions. These have been the hardest days we have experienced in this brutal war.

Younes said he eventually found refuge in a south-western area of Khan Younis, but within days it too had received an evacuation order.

We wish to die, but we continue to live. We are tired, unable to go on, he said. We became twice our age during these 10 months.
It seems the Conservative Party can't decide what its ideology should be going forward

Only when nominations close on Monday can we be sure whos formally in the running to take over the Tory leadership. But the candidates, declared and prospective, have already been setting out their stalls in the pages of this newspaper  the most read, according to surveys of Conservative Party members, by those who ultimately get to decide the winner.

Common themes are already emerging  principally the need to restore unity and discipline, as well as the partys battered reputation for trust, integrity, delivery, and competence.

So far, so obvious  even anodyne, perhaps.

But the decision to go long into the autumn means that, whether they want to or not, the runners and riders will end up having to talk about ideas and even (although Tories traditionally shy away from the word) ideology.

In so doing, they cannot help but define quite what kind of Conservative they are.

And as they begin to do so, the siren calls on whoever wins to unite the right are only going to grow louder. Thats mostly because a belief seems to have calcified that the Tories defeat on July 4th had as much, if not more, to do with Reform UK as it did with Labour and the Lib Dems.

Yet this is moot unless we know what it actually means  or should mean  to be Right-wing today, as we approach the second quarter of the 21st Century?

The Farage blend

Nigel Farage's party Reform UK received more than 4 million votes in the last election and came second in 98 constituencies - Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Europe

Are we, for example, talking in the main about an approach to the economy  to the relative importance of the market vs the state? Or do we instead mean something more cultural  something to do with a traditional take on sexuality, on crime, on immigration or on the nations sovereignty and history, to name but a few?

The answer, of course, is both. It also revolves around how economics and culture  sometimes labelled by social scientists the left-right and (not altogether helpfully, perhaps) the libertarian-authoritarian dimensions  intersect and interact.

To some of the candidates, there seems to be little or no room for doubt. Those who like to think of themselves as real Conservatives and who routinely suggest that the party lost the election because it wasnt Conservative enough, take it as read that to be a proper Tory these days you have to be both a full-throated Thatcherite on the economy and, when it comes to cultural issues, a boys-are-boys girls-are-girls, lock-em-up, flag-waving, statue-defender. This, in short, is the kind of Conservatism that could happily accommodate Nigel Farage, even if the implications for public services might worry some of those older, less well-heeled voters who supported Reform in their millions a few weeks ago.

The liberal Cameron mix

David Cameron triggered Brexit and presided over a disastrous reorganisation of the health service while in office - HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP

Yet less than 20 years ago the Tory leadership contest (and soon No 10) was won by a very different Conservative, a self-styled moderniser who, along with his friends and colleagues, explicitly made it part of his pitch to both the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary party that he was none of those things.

According to David Cameron, Lady Thatcher had done some great things but it was now time to move on  and the priority now could be summed up not in three words (Blairs Education. Education. Education.) but in just three letters: N.H.S. And, although no Tory should be seen as a soft-touch on crime, immigration and Europe, it was time to stop banging on about them quite so much in order to focus on what mattered most to the majority of families up and down the land.

True, in office the revealed preferences of Cameron and his Chancellor, George Osborne, turned out to be rather different from their initial pitch. Once in government they cut spending more than Thatcher, carried on complaining about the EU before (albeit accidentally) triggering Brexit, and allowed Andrew Lansley and Theresa May to preside over, respectively, a disastrous reorganisation of the health service and a rhetorically draconian immigration regime.

But still, it is far-fetched to imagine that either man might be entirely comfortable in a Conservative Party that elects a leader who steers a course to outflank (or even accompanied by) Nigel Farage. Indeed Osborne, now reincarnated as a podcasting critical friend of the party he assumed he would one day lead, makes no secret of the fact that he still sees himself as a liberal Conservative.

By that, he and those Tories who share his outlook mean that, while they generally want to keep tax and spending as low as is consonant with maintaining a electorally-competitive level of public services, they arent really that exercised about most of the cultural stuff  partly because it genuinely doesnt bother them and partly because they figure that an increasing majority of voters seem to agree with them.

What MPs think

Former PM John Major was a Eurosceptic but in a strict sense - David Jones/PA Archive

Research on Tory MPs, albeit conducted a few years back, suggests that far more of them than many imagine agree with Osborne, even if theyre not as happy as he is to declare it publicly. That reticence may well be because their local associations are far less liberal than they are.

Nor, lest we forget, they were (or are) the first Conservative politicians to think that way.

Indeed, many of the Tory titans of the postwar era  Macmillan, Butler, Macleod, Whitelaw, and Heath  to name but a few  thought pretty much the same.

Even Thatcher, after her 1975 swamped schtick and her 1981 British Nationality Act, didnt bang on about immigration, although crackdowns on crime (short, sharp, shock anyone?) continued throughout her time in No 10. Section 28, though, was hardly a pet project of hers and she was persuaded by Norman Fowler to do the right thing on AIDS/HIV.

Europe, of course, remained a bugbear, but it wasnt until the end of her premiership (and after) that it became an obsession. John Major, as he showed at the time and even more so since, was a Eurosceptic only in a strict sense  and anyone who cites Back to Basics to suggest he wasnt a social liberal is making the same error as the journalists who used it as a stick with which to beat him over the antics of his sleazy colleagues.

The triumph of real Conservatism?

The biggest concerns culturally for conservatives are Brexit, public bathrooms, the small boats crisis, and gas boilers - Priti Patel often spoke on such issues - Carl Court/Getty Images Europe

Liberal Conservatives, however, shouldnt assume the electorate is totally on board with their agenda. The gold standard British Election Study, for example, suggests that far from espousing low tax and spend and a liberal social outlook, your average British voter lies slightly to the left of centre on economics and is slightly more socially-conservative on cultural questions.

But real Conservatives need to be careful too. While the average British view of the economy really hasnt shifted all that much, when it comes to the cultural dimension, there has been and continues to be a much more marked trend. And critically, this pronounced cultural trend has been in a socially-liberal rather than socially-conservative direction.

There are two obvious reasons: first because people have changed their minds about some of the issues involved (such as gay marriage, or capital punishment), and secondly because of generational replacement (a polite way of saying that those who didnt change their minds died).

Self-styled liberal Conservatives, then, can perhaps claim to have both electoral logic and time on their side. But what they dont have these days is the support (or at least the vocal support) of many of their colleagues or the partys membership.

Thats because the majority of the Tory grassroots are ideologically drawn to the more purist, Farage-friendly version of Conservatism  one that they believe resonates more with the somewhat mystical (and very possibly mythical) instincts of the people than the version on offer from liberal Conservative candidates.

Theirs is the real Conservatism that, just as a reminder, is, on the economic front, all about letting people keep what they earn rather than gifting it to the taxman; cutting back on welfare and the nanny state; and freeing business from bureaucratic red tape so it can compete on the global stage. Meanwhile, on the cultural front, it seems increasingly to boil down to Brexit, bathrooms, boats, and boilers  how its promise has been betrayed, who should be allowed to use them, how they must be stopped, and the potentially sky-high cost of pointlessly replacing them with heat pumps.

How real Conservatism wins

Former PM Liz Truss has been referred to as the Prime Minister who 'crashed the economy' despite the Tories being traditionally 'good with money' - Jacob King/PA

Even those who dont dedicate their lives to politics can see that it might be risky to rebuild a party after a serious defeat in a manner contradictory to the general drift of public opinion.

But the strategy behind real Conservatism is to appeal not to the average voter, but to particular segments of the electorate. And, as we saw on July 4, we have an electoral system that is more than capable of delivering stonking victories on nothing even approaching a majority of the vote.

This, the advocates of real Conservativism argue, was exactly what Thatcher and, more recently, Johnson was able to do in 2019 when he won over socially conservative Labour voters in the Red Wall, held on to low-tax Tories in the Blue Wall and delivered the kind of majority that the party hadnt achieved since the iron lady had triumphed for a third successive time in 1987.

The problem, as real Conservatives see it, was that (whether it was because of Covid and Ukraine, or because Partygate did for Johnson, or because Truss went too far to fast, or because Sunak lacked panache) the last government failed to provide the two halves of that coalition with enough of what they wanted: Thatcherism for the Blue Wall and a convincing culture war for the Red.

The solution to the problem is therefore staring the party in the face. Elect a leader who agrees  and doesnt just pretend to agree  with this analysis, and wholl spend the next five years showing the two halves what theyre missing and persuading them to give the Tories a chance to deliver what they promised in 2019. Sorted.

How Liberal Conservatism wins

Former PM Boris Johnson's Partygate scandal damaged the Conservatives in 2021, so the party's integrity will need to be rebuilt - George Cracknell Wright

Well, not quite, say more liberal Conservatives. Look first at what Johnson was actually promising back then. Yes, Brexit was high up in the mix but the whole point of getting it done, he emphasised, was to let his government get on with fixing public services and levelling up. As for the culture war stuff, yes, taking back control of our borders was important and he had a few lieutenants willing to be warriors if need be; but it really wasnt a big part of his (and therefore the Tory) brand. Nor were tax or spending cuts. Indeed, all he and Sajid Javid promised on that front was what Starmer and Reeves promised this year  namely, not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT.

In short, what won the Tories their 80-seat majority five years ago, say liberal Conservatives, was not real Conservatism anymore than it was the realignment that some of its advocates insist on continuing to talk about. Instead it was a contingent combination of the following: Johnsons force of personality; fear and loathing of Jeremy Corbyn; and the widespread and increasingly desperate desire to get Brexit done so as to get the economy moving again and to tackle problems in the public services (most obviously, but not exclusively the NHS) that were beginning seriously to impact on peoples daily lives.

For them, what lost the Tories their big majority a few weeks ago, was  in ascending order of importance: Sunaks lack of personal authority; authenticity and perceived competence; tolerance of (or at least benign indifference to) Keir Starmer; and widespread frustration, first, with an economy that was continuing to flatline and failing to provide incomes that could keep pace with rising prices, and, secondly, with public services (and when it came to healthcare) that were visibly falling apart.

Why the argument over immigration is so vital

Suella Braverman's Rwanda bill has been scrapped by the Labour Government with new plans to tackle immigration - Andrew Matthews

Understandably, real Conservatives will bring up immigration. After all, the failure to stop Channel crossings and to stem the rise in net migration seems to have been a big concern for voters who plumped for Reform, as well as those who stuck with the Tories. They clearly bothered the average voter too.

But, as liberal Conservatives could retort, should they be brave enough, nowhere near so much as the bread and butter issues just mentioned.

Ultimately, in fact, immigration takes us not just to the heart of the difference between real and liberal Conservatives, but also to the irresolvable contradictions in each of their positions.

To a real Conservative, immigration threatens the very character of the country and the living standards and quality of life of its people. And yet, to do anything serious to reduce it involves a massive and costly commitment on the part of the state, to intervene in the labour market that cuts clean across their insistence that the market be allowed to do its work.

To a liberal Conservative, immigration is a practical inevitability that for the most part enriches the UK. And yet it provokes such anxiety among grassroots Tories, the party in the media, and many colleagues and voters, that they have to pretend to care more about it than they actually do  something that eventually catches up with them electorally.

So which candidate should win?

In an ideal world, victory in the leadership contest would go to the candidate from either side of the ideological divide honest enough to admit these contradictions in their position  or politically titanic enough to bridge them.

We have not yet seen signs of the latter. And, in opposition and with Nigel Farage breathing down their necks, there is no sign of the former. Instead, put your money on a real Conservative, or else a liberal Conservative pretending to be one, to win the leadership contest. Unless they can learn to square circles, however, the odds will be longer on them winning the next general election too.

Tim Bale is professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London and author of The Conservative Party After Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation
It suggested that the attack was likely deliberate on the horse - Nottinghamshire Police

Nottinghamshire police have launched an investigation after a horse was found dead and mutilated in a field.

The force has warned owners to be extra vigilant after the discovery of the 16-year-old horse, known as Alfie, a tri-coloured cob.

It suggested that the attack was likely deliberate, adding that the animal was discovered at a property off Owday Lane, Carlton-in-Lindrick, on Thursday morning after being left fit and well by its owner on Wednesday night.

Chief Inspector Clive Collings said: All of the evidence shows that this was a sickening, heartless assault on a defenceless animal and I would urge anyone with information about what happened to get in contact with us as soon as possible.

Violent attack

This is the epitome of a senseless and violent attack.

Alfies owner had been left distraught by his cruel death and wants justice for him.

Locals on social media speculated that the apparent attack may not have been an isolated incident.

One woman, whose profile says she lives in Nottingham, said there was something very wrong and posted links to news stories about other horse mutilations that have occurred across the country over the previous decade.

She added that she keeps her own horses close to where Alfie was found.

Severely mutilated

A Grantham business owner suggested the attack was connected to a horse that was killed and severely mutilated in a field in neighbouring Lincolnshire in December.

Another social media user said they had experienced similar incidents and referenced the spate of horse killings in France in 2020 that French police suspected may have been the result of satanic rituals.

Nottinghamshire Police said it was continuing to investigate the incident, which includes checking CCTV footage, exploring forensic opportunities and carrying out house-to-house inquiries.

The force asked people in the area to recall if they saw suspicious activity on Wednesday night and Thursday morning and check if they had recorded doorbell cameras or CCTV footage that could be of use.

It urged anyone with information to call the force on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
The main problem for Harold was he wasnt very good at getting money for himself, said Lord Donoughue, who set up and headed the policy unit at No 10 under Wilson. Photograph: PA Images/Alamy

Margaret Thatcher described him as the most skilful of politicians and Tony Blair thought him Labours most successful leader ever.

Such elegies on the death in 1995 of Harold Wilson, 79, the twice Labour prime minister who had Alzheimers and colon cancer, betray nothing of the reality of his later years  spent in the unforgiving grip of dementia and, it has emerged, forced to consider selling his personal and political papers to meet the heavy and increasing costs of care.

Five years before his death, Thatchers government was alarmed at plans to sell Lord Wilson of Rievaulxs archive for 212,500 (about 700,000 in todays money) to Canadas McMaster University, newly released Cabinet Office files revealed this week.

Related: Harold Wilson confessed to secret love match while PM, former aide reveals

Aside from alarm about his collection going overseas  and breaching the so-called 30-year-rule  the files also reveal sadness at the case of a former prime minister fallen on hard times in this way.

I doubt in his full senses, and he wasnt, Harold would have wanted or tried to sell official papers, said Joe Haines, 96, his press secretary at No 10.

The truth was that the disease that robbed him of his brilliant mind also deprived him of any real way of making a living once he left parliament in 1983 after almost 40 years.

He never had much money of his own. Because of his mental condition he couldnt write articles or make speeches, and his income would have been his pension as an ex-prime minister, said Haines, who estimates that at the time as a comparatively small sum.

He was given a job by [former Labour MP and late media proprietor] Robert Maxwell, made a trustee of some kind, but it was really only to help him out because, as I knew, his powers were fading in 1976.

The Wilsons, who had two sons, had a three-bed flat in Westminster they had owned for decades, where Mary, a poet, nursed him and continued to live, and a holiday bungalow bought in 1959 on the Isles of Scilly. On his wifes death, aged 102 in 2018, her will revealed them to be worth a total of around 2m, almost a quarter-of-a-century after his death, according to reports.

Wilson, Labour leader for 13 years and prime minister from 1964-70 and 1974-76, astonished almost everyone when, aged 60 and just two years after winning his fourth election, he announced his resignation from office. He had no fight left in him and knew he was deteriorating mentally, said Haines.

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock said: I think it was expected that prime ministers would come from a certain class in society. Edward Heath, Wilsons Conservative contemporary, would have been supported by various kinds of funds and contributions, and he would have been put on a few boards and so on simply because he was a Conservative PM.

Lord Kinnock, 82, felt a surge of sorrow on learning the politician he had admired since childhood had sought to sell his archives overseas. He said: I realised about the only means he had of raising money was to sell his past. Life didnt deal with him wonderfully well. He had no benefactors. He did have a lot of people who did very well out of him in terms of their political careers. But nobody reciprocated.

It was obvious Wilson hadnt got much money, he added. I heard stories that he was trying to make speeches for money but was unsuccessful because he had lost his fluency.

Wilson, from a lower middle-class background who excelled at school and at Oxford University, described himself as the lad from behind those lace curtains in the Huddersfield house. His father was a chemist, his mother a schoolteacher before marriage.

The main problem for Harold was he wasnt very good at getting money for himself, said Lord Donoughue, 89, who set up and headed the policy unit at No 10 under Wilson.

Once retired, he was unable to capitalise on his long political career because of illness.

No one had then worked out how to look after ex-prime ministers, because historically, whether it was the Conservative or the Liberal party, prime ministers and leaders had tended to be aristocrats with family mansions and land and things like that, Donoughue added.

The Conservative governments did not bother about that too much because it was a Labour problem. And Labour hadnt done what it ought to have done to set up the kind of arrangements we have now. Today, ex-prime ministers are looked after but then there was an assumption they would look after themselves.

I still care about Harold, because it all ended so miserably, and thats so sad.

The National Archives files, unearthed by the BBC, show Andrew Turnbull, Thatchers principal private secretary, did explore ways to support Lord and Lady Wilson, but was told special funds available to the current prime minister could not help. He also tried the parliamentary pension scheme, to see if its hardship fund could assist.

In parliamentary tributes on Wilsons death, the late Labour MP Gerald Kaufman, a friend and colleague, acknowledged the hardships when he paid tribute to Lady Wilson. She has gone through a very long period of great stress, and the months and years that preceded Harolds death have not been easy for her.

In 1991, a solution had been reached when anonymous donors funded the Bodleian Library in Oxford to buy the papers, keeping them in the UK with money going to a trust set up for the Wilsons.

Wilson served as MP for Ormskirk, which he won in 1945, then Huyton near Liverpool, until 1983, remaining, Kinnock suspects because he couldnt afford not to be getting his Commons salary. He was elevated to the House of Lords.

He cut a forlorn figure in later years. It was sad, said Donoughue, seeing him in the Lords looking lost. Hed get up from his seat and he couldnt remember where the exit was.
Anthony Albanese urged NSW Labor conference attendees to remember that disagreements do not divide us and our differences do not divide us in a speech in Sydney on Saturday. Photograph: Brian Cassey(copyright)/AAP

Labors suspension of the CFMEUs construction arm has caused controversy at the partys New South Wales state conference, with some union members walking out during the prime ministers speech.

Ahead of Anthony Albaneses address, members of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) yelled shame at every mention of action taken by Labor to suspend the construction arm of the CFMEU until further notice after allegations of criminal elements within the division of the union.

This is not about undermining unionism in the construction industry, federal Labor senator Tim Ayres yelled above the shouts.

The ETU members then walked out during Albaneses address, with their front row seats on the floor of the conference left empty.

On Friday, the union released a statement saying it stands firmly against criminal activity, but accused the federal government of overreach in the action it took against the CFMEU.

Albaneses speech touted Labors achievements while in government, including cheaper childcare, improvements to bulk billing, industrial relations reform, and renewable energy.



The prime minister also took a swipe at the Coalitions nuclear policy, saying theyve remained unclear on costs and how long it will take.



Albanese called for unity, urging delegates to remember that in these times of global uncertainty and rising tensions  disagreements do not divide us and our differences do not divide us.



Thats always been the story of Labor at its best, bringing people together in the face of uncertainty, because the basis of all solidarity is our common humanity, he said.

Labor Friends of Palestine held a silent symbolic protest during Albaneses speech with one member holding up the Palestine flag for the duration of the address and others raising keffiyehs.

Outside the conference, about 1,000 pro-Palestine protesters defied the rainy Sydney morning to gather out the front of Sydneys town hall, hanging a large banner opposite the entrance to the building that read sanction Israel.

The police presence was high with the entrances heavily guarded to avoid protesters getting close. Conference organisers had installed an unprecedented level of security to prevent a repeat of the scenes at recent Victorian and Queensland Labor events.

Peter Moss, who is part of Labor Friends of Palestine and in the partys Marrickville branch, decided to step out with other delegates to take part in the protest, standing under a sign that read Labor members for Palestine ceasefire now.

Related: Federal government faces challenge from NSW Labor members over Palestinian recognition

Rank and file members support recognition now and they want a Labor government to take greater action to make sure we arent complicit in genocide, he said.

Delegates expect a motion urging the federal government to recognise Palestine in this term of government to pass when it comes up for vote.

The cost of living and energy prices were expected to dominate floor discussions.
At least 30 Palestinians were said to have been killed in the Israeli strike on the Khadija school in Deir al-Balah. Photograph: Mohammed Saber/EPA

A wave of Israeli airstrikes targeting central and southern Gaza have killed at least 50 people and injured an estimated 200, with one strike hitting a school where thousands were seeking shelter.

Palestinian health ministry officials said at least 30 people were killed in an airstrike on the Khadija school in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

Wounded people poured into the nearby Aqsa hospital, while images from Deir al-Balah showed families carrying injured children for treatment.

Related: Like judgment day: evacuees tell of fleeing Israels assault on Khan Younis

The Associated Press reported that people searched the ruined classrooms for remains.

It said that close to the hospital where those killed in the strike were taken, its reporters witnessed people fleeing as an ambulance drove in the opposite direction. Inside the ambulance, it said, lay a dead toddler as well as another body shrouded in a blanket.

Israeli forces also conducted strikes outside Gaza, including a drone strike on the Balata refugee camp near Nablus in the West Bank, killing one, after an Israeli soldier was wounded at a nearby checkpoint.

Israeli airstrikes on the southern Lebanese town of Kafr Kila reportedly killed four people, as militants in Lebanon responded with a barrage of rocket fire into Israeli territory.

Mediators from the Israeli intelligence service are expected to hold talks on Sunday in Rome with the head of the CIA, members of the Egyptian intelligence services and Qatari officials in an effort to spur a deal to return Israeli hostages held in Gaza as well as agree a ceasefire. Militants in Lebanon and Yemen have said they will halt their attacks if a ceasefire deal on Gaza is put in place.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they targeted the Khadija school in Deir al-Balah in Gaza because the area was used as a command and control complex by Hamas militants.

They said many steps were taken to reduce the chance of harming civilians, including using precision weapons and intelligence. Tens of thousands of civilians have sought shelter in Deir al-Balah for months, crowding into every available piece of space after many were displaced several times from other parts of Gaza.

The strike in Deir al-Balah was accompanied by further strikes on Khan Younis, after a week of deadly fighting in Gazas second city. Strikes in Khan Younis killed at least 23 people and wounded 89, according to Palestinian health officials, as civilians were forcibly displaced from the city for the fourth day.

The IDF said a map demonstrating areas where civilians should seek shelter would be adjusted owing to the dangers associated with rockets fired towards Israeli territory as Hamas militants were present in a designated humanitarian area.

The IDF called on Palestinians in the south of Khan Younis to temporarily evacuate to a shrinking humanitarian zone in the coastal area of al-Mawasi, to where hundreds of thousands have fled in recent months after fighting in the southern city of Rafah as well as a renewed Israeli assault on Khan Younis.

The early warning to civilians is being made in order to mitigate harm to the civilian population and keep civilians away from areas of combat, it said.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, estimates that more than 80% of the Gaza Strip has been placed under evacuation orders or designated as a no-go zone, while many seeking shelter there describe being displaced upwards of five times. Israeli airstrikes have also targeted areas previously designated as safe.

The UNs office for humanitarian affairs (Ocha) said earlier this week that evacuation orders in Khan Younis had been issued in the context of ongoing attacks by the Israeli military and gave no time for civilians to know from which areas they were required to leave or where they should go.

Ocha labelled these mass evacuation orders confusing and said Israeli forces had issued demands for civilians to flee while increasing their attacks on the same areas, as well as potential escape routes.
A gold bikini-style costume that was worn by Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: Episode VI Return Of The Jedi has sold for more than 100,000.

The ensemble, also including the hip rings and bracelets, was donned by Fisher, when her character Princess Leia was captured by crime boss Jabba the Hut, and chained to his throne after trying to rescue Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford.

Created by the Star Wars concept sculptor Richard Miller, the garment sold for 175,000 US dollars (136,129) at Heritage Auctions in Dallas, US, on Friday.

And one of the most memorable costumes in film historythe Carrie Fisher "Princess Leia" production- made bikini; *THE* gold bikinijust sold for $175,000. https://t.co/dtac8J5qpo pic.twitter.com/b7aZoctCcm  Heritage Auctions (@HeritageAuction) July 26, 2024

A miniature fighter ship, which featured in the first movie of the franchise, which was later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV  A New Hope following the prequels, went for 1.5 million US dollars (1.17 million).

The Gold Squadron Y-Wing Starfighter was subject to a bidding war, according to the auctioneers.

It was used to demonstrate rebel fighters in the movie as they tried to take down the Death Star, which was destroyed by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill).

There wasn't an earthquake in Dallasit was the #StarWars Y-wing hitting the auction block. We're talking the ship made by team at @ILMVFX for Star Wars, one of only two HERO filming miniatures created for filmingit's never seen daylight It just sold after a bidding war pic.twitter.com/EEJJPHqWKu  Heritage Auctions (@HeritageAuction) July 26, 2024

US actress Fisher, who died in December 2016 aged 60, spoke about wearing the bikini to the Daily Beast in 2015, while promoting the return of her character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

She said that she questioned director George Lucas about the outfit, which says made her vulnerable to the occasional wardrobe malfunction.

However, Fisher explained she enjoyed using the chains to kill the grotesque slug-like creature, Jabba, saying: They asked me if I wanted my stunt double to kill him, but I wanted to.

I sawed his neck off with that chain. I really wanted to kill him.

She says that she was somewhat proud of how she looked in the outfit, but also explained that she has serious body dysmorphia issues.

Fisher was open about her battles with drink and drugs as well as dealing with mental illness.

She became a mental health advocate, who inspired others by writing about her struggles through the semi-autobiographical novel Postcards From The Edge, about a recovering drug addict film star, and autobiographical one-woman show, Wishful Drinking.




A group of young adult friends hanging out on a decorated rooftop with cocktails at dusk.

Image source: Getty Images

Given that Costco is a membership club, it's no surprise that its employees are so careful to check membership cards before allowing you in. However, if you're planning to do any of the following, explain to the Costco employee at the door why you're there.

Not only will you be able to enter the warehouse store without a membership, but you may also score a pretty terrific bargain.

Here are four reasons it makes sense to shop at Costco without paying for an annual membership.

1. You wouldn't save enough at Costco to justify the cost of membership

If you live alone, don't spend much on groceries, or simply don't like the whole warehouse shopping vibe, it makes sense to skip a Costco membership. After all, one of the first rules of personal finance is to avoid spending money needlessly.

That said, there are several money-saving reasons you may want to consider shopping at Costco without a membership. That's because some Costco departments are open to anyone, member or not.

2. You want to save money on prescriptions

According to the Costco website, you don't need to be a member to purchase prescription drugs online or in one of its warehouses. Every Costco pharmacy in the U.S. allows you to make a prescription purchase, with or without a membership.

While non-members can't take advantage of Costco's money-saving Member Prescription Program, there are still deep discounts to be found on prescription medications. Before deciding whether buying through a Costco pharmacy is right for you, check the warehouse store's prices against other pharmacies in your area.

If you have pets, their prescriptions can wreck the household budget. The next time your vet writes a prescription, remember that Costco pharmacies also fill pet medications.

You can pay at the pharmacy counter using cash, a debit/ATM card, a Costco Shop Card, or a credit card that Costco accepts (in-store, it's only Visa).

3. It's been a while since you've had an eye exam

If you're due for an eye exam, you can book one with a Costco optometrist, even without a membership card. So give your local Costco Optical Center a call to learn more about its exam costs. Again, compare it against other local optometrists to see if you'll save money by going through Costco.

Although it's possible to book an eye exam through Costco, you can't buy prescription glasses or contacts without a Costco membership card. However, you're free to shop around with thousands of eyeglass and contact retailers (brick-and-mortar and online) to find what you need at a price you can afford.

4. You're having a party

If you're throwing a party and want to offer your guests adult beverages, Costco offers some pretty great options at a discounted price. If you live in one of the following states, you're in luck. Your state prevents membership-only clubs from banning alcohol sales to non-members.

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Hawaii

Indiana

Kentucky

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

New York

Texas

Vermont

To complicate the matter further, not every Costco location offers a full selection of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. For example, Costco warehouses in Ohio, Texas, and Vermont only offer beer and wine, and the availability of any alcoholic beverage varies by store in other states. The moral of the story is this: Call ahead to make sure your local Costco carries the beverages you're looking for.

Once you've let the cashier know that you aren't a member, they'll scan a generic membership number. Don't be surprised if a supervisor is called over to approve the purchase. It may take a few moments longer, but the savings can be worth it.

The important thing to remember is that you can take advantage of several sweet Costco benefits, even without springing for a membership.

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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Dana George has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Visa. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Although Im not a fan of yoga, I would gladly attend a class with puppies. In fact, I would pay extra to get lots of those tiny kisses and sweet snuggles. These cute encounters not only help dogs find their forever homes but also give them the socialization they need to succeed. All dogs, including Belgian Malinois, can benefit from these early exposures.

However, this active breed brings a different vibe to a usually low-key class. Dont miss this video from July 6, which captures how these puppies quickly changed the energy in the room. Its a must-see for all dog and yoga lovers!

If youve ever wondered about the energy level of Belgian Malinois, these puppies exemplify it well. At a recent puppy yoga class (@muskokapuppyyoga) in Huntsville, Ontario, it was evident these active pups are not for the faint of heart. Although they may have appeared like sweet angels while sleeping, they were building up their energy for the class. The studio describes, From zen to zoomies and back to zen again, these pups brought so much energy to the room! That they did! Forget about personal space. While some used their tiny fangs to chew on socks, others jumped on bellies, and some even stole personal belongings, as well as many hearts. Even when they were snuggling, they did it with unmatched intensity. Im unsure how anyone could focus on exercise, but I commend their efforts.

Related: Dog Mom Gives PSA on the Reality of Having a Belgian Malinois

Are All Malinois Pups High-Energy?

Belgian Malinois are widely recognized for their exceptional energy levels. They are not only tireless but also highly intelligent, making them well-suited for tasks in the police and military. This breed does not grow out of their spirited personalities. As they age, they still require substantial daily activity, with most adults requiring 2 hours or more of play, exercise, and training. Providing them with the activity they need helps prevent destructive and undesirable behaviors.

These tiny terrors amused people. Viewer @pep_thecattledog responded, Who the heck thought of Mal pups and yoga? Its like that scene in Jurassic Park Lost World where the little dinosaurs storm that guy. Ha! Good point. One person responded, I just love that the people still try to continue with the actual yoga part of the class. I know I couldnt do it. Another person remarked, I lived with 3 Maligators. Bite suits would be better suited than yoga mats. LOL! That sounds more fitting.

If I ever win the lottery, Id buy a farm and rescue a Malinois or two. Until then, Ill stick to my moderate-energy pups, who only need average exercise and attention. Its a full-time job caring for a dog with this much vitality!
Hot and dry weather is fueling wildfire activity in the Western United States and Canada, with fires damaging homes, causing injuries and forcing evacuations. The largest active wildfire in the US has scorched more than 280,000 acres in eastern Oregon and another blaze has exploded to more than 239,000 acres in California. Heres the latest:

 Park Fire roars across parts of Butte and Tehama counties, north of Sacramento, California: As of Friday evening, the Park Fire has burned more than 239,000 acres, or about 373 square miles, about the size of San Diego, which makes it the 13th largest in state history. More than 1,600 firefighters are working to slow its progress. Cal Fire reported the blaze was 0% contained Friday, with at least 20 structures destroyed and another 4,200 threatened. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for both counties Friday. The state also secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure there are enough resources to fight the fire.

Billy See, incident commander for Cal Fire, said the fire is advancing at 4,000 to 5,000 acres per hour but with winds forecast to die down overnight and higher humidity moving into the area, See believes it will give firefighters a better chance to slow the fire down. He noted fire crews are working to hold the fire south of California Highway 36.

The fire has forced road closures and mandatory evacuations in Butte County, where the states deadliest wildfire, the Camp Fire, killed more than 85 people and destroyed thousands of homes in 2018. Local officials cautioned it would take some time before people would be allowed back in their homes and urged residents to visit county websites for the most up-to-date information on evacuations and road closures.

Firefighters spray water while battling the Park Fire in the Cohasset community of Butte County, California, on July 25. - Noah Berger/AP

 Three firefighters injured and structures damaged: Three firefighters had minor heat-related injuries on Wednesday while fighting the Park Fire, Cal Fire Captain Dan Collins told CNN Thursday. They were treated and released, he said. Officials know structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fire, but there is no official count yet, Collins said.

 Man accused of starting California wildfire is arrested: A suspect has been arrested on suspicion of pushing a burning car 60 feet into a gully, spreading flames that caused whats now become Californias largest wildfire of the year, authorities said. The Park Fire in the Butte County area has quickly burned an area larger than the city of Atlanta.

 Firefighters battle massive Oregon fire: The Durkee Fire, which has burned more than 288,000 acres and is 20% contained as of Friday afternoon, started on July 17 near the Oregon-Idaho state line. The lightning-sparked fire is the largest of 34 large wildfires currently burning across Oregon, which has been the hardest hit by fires in recent days. More than 500 firefighters and resources from 22 states are working to fight the fire, according to InciWeb. Over the weekend and earlier this week, the Durkee Fire exhibited extreme fire behavior, even creating its own weather in the form of pyrocumulus clouds.

 Oregon wildfire destroys buildings: Three people were injured and two homes and 12 other structures were destroyed as the fire spread, according to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. Evacuations are still in effect in Baker County for areas around the Durkee Fire. Some communities do not have power, according to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, who has deployed resources from the National Guard to assist. Dense smoke from the flames has also impeded traffic on Interstate 84, leading to periodic closure of the freeway. Wildfire smoke was spreading into Boise and beyond. Air quality alerts have been issued for parts of Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

In this image provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation, shows an area burned by the Durkee fire near Interstate 84 close to Huntington, Oregon, on July 23, 2024. - Oregon Department of Transportation/AP

 Wildfire engulfs tourist town in Canada: A fast-moving wildfire sent thousands of visitors and residents fleeing the town of Jasper in Alberta, where flames devastated up to half of the towns structures. Officials say the losses are significant, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has deployed federal support to help battle the blaze. Cool temperatures and rain are expected to keep fire behavior low for the next 72 hours, which will help crews fight the blaze, Jasper National Park said on Facebook Thursday night.

 Fire-conducive weather continues in Western US: Triple-digit heat and dry conditions across the West this week have made conditions poor for firefighters actively fighting to contain the 89 large wildfires burning nationwide. Many wildfires in the Northwest area continue to exhibit active to extreme fire behavior, with evacuation orders in effect on 17 wildfires. Several teams are managing multiple fire starts as complexes. Evacuation orders are also in effect for several fires in California, the Northern Rockies and the Great Basin, the National Interagency Fire Center said. Conditions will begin to improve for much of the West over the weekend as cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels arrive in the area.

California resident says watching home burn was surreal

Some families have found themselves displaced as the Park Fire raged near Chico, a city in northern California, burning homes and forcing evacuations.

A former news anchor told CNN affiliate KOVR she watched her Butte County house burn down live through security camera footage.

There is no rhyme or reason. Our house is gone, their house is okay. The house next to it, you can see its gone, Julia Yarbough said.

Looking at the remnants of her home, Yarbough said she felt numb.

Its surreal, she said. It probably wont hit me till later, Im pretty sure.

Cal Fire initially estimated the fire had destroyed more than 100 structures, but later said crews on the ground have so far confirmed 20 structures destroyed as work to assess the damage continues.

Triple-digit temperatures and high wind gusts have fueled the explosive growth of the Park Fire amid an active fire season in California. An estimated 343,253 acres have burned across the state so far in 2024, compared to 22,439 acres burned by this time last year, according to Cal Fire.

Ronnie Dean Stout II was arrested in connection with the Park Fire in California. - Butte County District Attorney

A 42-year-old man, identified as Ronnie Dean Stout II, has been arrested after being accused of igniting the inferno.

Witnesses reported seeing someone pushing a car that was on fire into a gully near the Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park shortly before 3:00 p.m. yesterday, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said Thursday. The car went down an embankment approximately 60 feet and burned completely, spreading flames that caused the Park Fire.

The DA says 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. Stout was later arrested at a mobile home park in Chico, Ramsey said.

Stout will likely face an arson charge, though it is unclear what count, or whether any enhancements will be added, Ramsey said. The DAs office told CNN Stout has not retained an attorney and will be assigned a public defender at his arraignment.

He was previously convicted of second degree robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and drug paraphernalia possession in Kern County, according to criminal records. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison. He was released on parole in 2018, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed to CNN.

He was also convicted of lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 in Butte County, records show.

Horses evacuate as the Park Fire tears though the Cohasset community in Butte County, California, on July 25, 2024. - Noah Berger/AP

Wall of flames destroys homes and businesses in Canadian tourist town

In Jasper, a popular tourist town in Alberta, 25,000 residents and visitors were forced to evacuate from a fast-moving blaze that has damaged 30 to 50% of the towns structures, officials said during a news conference Thursday.

Homes and businesses have been lost to a wildfire that people are calling a wall of flames, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said.

An enormous wind gust moved the wildfire roughly about 3 miles in probably less than 30 minutes, Alberta Minister of Public Safety & Emergency Services Mike Ellis said during the press conference. This created a wall of fire that was about 100 meters high.

Any firefighter will tell you there is little to nothing you can do when you have a wall of flames coming at you like that. Nobody anticipated that fire to come so fast, so large, Ellis said.

Visitors evacuate Jasper National Park in Canada on July 22. - Le Minh Khue/AFP/Getty Images

Two wildfires converged in the Jasper National Park area, becoming what authorities are referring to as the Jasper Wildfire Complex. It remains difficult to measure exactly how big the complex  which also includes a third nearby fire  is due to extreme fire behavior and thick smoke cover. Together, the fires have swallowed an estimated 89,000 acres, the Jasper National Park said.

Damage wrought by the flames will result in a significant rebuild and significant displacement, Smith said. The most significant structural damage lies on the west side of town, according to a Facebook post from Jasper National Park.

We will recover from this, Smith said while holding back tears. To those in Alberta and around the world who have experienced the magic of Jasper, the magic is not lost, and it never will be.

The vast majority of evacuees were visitors with other places to return to, Ellis said. Along with about 5,000 residents who live in the town, 2.48 million people visited Jasper National Park last year.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said residents will work together to rebuild after the wildfire ravaged our beloved community.

Your resilience and strength have always been the backbone of our community. In the coming days and weeks, we will rally together, support one another, and begin the daunting process of recovery, Ireland said in a statement on Thursday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said all federal agencies are working together to provide resources to Jasper, support evacuations and strengthen response efforts on the ground.

Our governments are working together to keep Albertans safe and supported through this, he said on Facebook.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Robert Shackelford, Jillian Sykes, Lauren Mascarenhas, Paradise Afshar, Taylor Romine and Cheri Mossburg contributed to this report.

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The Justice Department is fighting back against TikTok's lawsuit over a potential U.S. ban, saying the law at issue is about national security concerns surrounding the popular social media app, not suppressing free speech.

TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sued the government May 7, about three weeks after President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that would either force the app's sale or prohibit app stores and web hosting services from offering TikTok to Americans starting in January 2025. The companies say the law  which requires ByteDance to divest TikTok's US assets for TikTok to maintain its U.S. presence  violates the First Amendment by singling out and shutting down the speech forum provided by the app.

In a call with reporters ahead of the Justice Department's court filing late Friday, a senior department official said TikTok's ownership structure allows China to exploit the app to access sensitive personal information and covertly manipulate the information Americans consume.

"The goal of this law is to ensure that young people, old people, and everyone in between is able to use the platform in a safe manner," the official said. Users should be "confident that their data is not ultimately going back to the Chinese government, and what they're watching is not being directed by or censored by the Chinese government."

U.S. flag and TikTok logo are seen through broken glass in this illustration.

In its court filing responding to the lawsuit, the Justice Department also said TikTok, under its current ownership structure, could help China develop long-term intelligence operations in the U.S. by gathering sensitive information on millions of Americans.

"The Chinese governments authority over ByteDance enables it to gain access to and exploit that information to undermine U.S. national security, including by developing and recruiting intelligence assets, identifying American covert intelligence officers and assets, and blackmailing or coercing Americans," the department said.

170 million US users will lose out: TikTok

According to TikTok, 170 million Americans  and more than 1 billion people worldwide  use its platform to create, share and view videos. It has characterized the law  the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act  as an assault on free expression.

"Never before has Congress expressly singled out and shut down a specific speech forum. Never before has Congress silenced so much speech in a single act," it told the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in a legal brief in June. TikTok was required by the law itself to file the suit directly in that court, which usually handles appeals.

The Justice Department shot back Friday that TikTok "collects vast swaths of sensitive data" from those 170 million U.S. users, including data on precise locations, viewing habits, private messages, and even data on users' phone contacts who don't themselves use the app.

"The United States has long been concerned that the Chinese government could use its robust authority to take control of these data and thus obtain 'access to Americans personal and proprietary information,' which China may stockpile and strategically deploy to undermine the United States security," the department said.

The department also said the Chinese government could covertly control TikTok's China-based algorithm for delivering videos to shape the content Americans receive "for its own malign purposes."

TikTok and the government both asked the circuit court to fast-track the case so that Supreme Court review can be sought before the ban would take effect. The court set a schedule that will allow it to hear oral arguments in September.

Contributing: Jessica Guynn

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: TikTok's looming US ban safeguards national security, DOJ tells court
Festivalgoers could choose activities from oil wrestling to attending seminars on erotic massage

A foam party orgy, oil wrestling on a bouncy castle and a seminar on erotic massage. All this and more was on offer at Swingathon, Britains biggest sex festival, held last weekend. More than 1,000 people turned up for the four-day event, hosted in a field in the quiet village of Allington, on the outskirts of Grantham, the historic market town and birthplace of Margaret Thatcher.

At 265 a piece tickets dont come cheap, but for the more than 1.5 million Brits who identify as swingers, this is their Glastonbury, and its not to be missed. Swingathon was so much fun and I was surprised by how up for it everyone was, says first-time attendee Lana Wolf, a 29-year-old from Dunfermline in Scotland, who went with her boyfriend, Lawrence.

One day we were having breakfast on the grass and right beside us there was a couple having sex. It was really liberating to see so many people fully naked, no matter their age or body type. Group sex is just fun.

The four-day festival is hosted in a field in the sleepy village of Allington - Terry Harris

Experts point out that increasing numbers of us appear to agree. Swinging has definitely become more popular in the past few years and a lot of swinging clubs and festivals take place in the north, says Prof Chris Haywood, reader in critical masculinity studies at the University of Newcastle.

He has been researching the swinging scene since 2018 and was collecting research from a tent at this years Swingathon, the fourth edition of the festival. In 2004 there were about five main clubs across the UK, now there are at least 45 and that doesnt include private parties and events. They run the gamut from black-tie balls in stately homes to caravan meet-ups off the motorway.

Swingathons particular link to Lincolnshire runs through organiser Matt Cole, who calls Grantham home and was keen to hold the festival at a setting within easy reach of surrounding cities in the Midlands and further north.

Grantham is also renowned for being Margaret Thatcher's birthplace - Andrew Fox

Haywood says he thinks the famously friendly, socially-inclusive nature of life in such parts of the country have made them a particular hotbed of swinging activity. I wonder if some of these swingers clubs have replaced the more traditional working mens clubs we used to see in this part of the world, he says. The swinging scene is often about midlife people creating a community and making friends and perhaps people are more in need of that in rural areas.

Kerry Voellner, 45, from Manchester, is Swingathons other organiser. She has been in the swinging scene on and off for 20 years and got involved in the festival in 2023 after Lincolnshire Police tried to take Swingathon to court. It was a classic case of Nimby-ism, she says. The police were coming out with ludicrous claims like being worried about children breaking into the festival. Id be more worried about children being on the A1 without their parents! And Ive seen it reported in the media that the village complained about the noise  theyre four and a half miles down the road so they must have better hearing than me.

Voellner and Cole won their case on the basis that they were being discriminated against. We need to protect safe spaces for alternative lifestyles, she says. Being a swinger is a lifestyle choice  we are choosing sexual freedom. Yes, some of it is seedy but different clubs cater to different tastes. Ninety per cent of what I see is just people living their best lives.

Swingathon organisers Matthew Cole and Kerry Voellner: 'Being a swinger is a lifestyle' - SWNS

The term swinging was coined in the 1950s, when Air Force pilots in California were said to have instigated a wife swapping policy after the war. Changing attitudes to sex, the advent of birth control and the Free Love movement of the Swinging Sixties followed, but the idea of suburban parties where men threw their car keys into a bowl is probably a myth.

Although swinging has existed in the UK for decades, the digital revolution has brought the sex party scene to a whole new audience. Apps such as Feeld and AdultFriendFinder help swingers connect, podcasts such as Bed Hoppers offer the lowdown to those new to this lifestyle, and the hashtag swinging has 613,000 posts on Instagram.

Emma Sayle, a school friend of the Princess of Wales, set up Killing Kittens in 2005. The company has since raised millions in funding and has hosted high-end sex parties across the world  you can even go on a KK cruise. Meanwhile, Genevieve LeJeune launched Skirt Club, a female-only play party, in 2014. It now has a significant membership and a global audience of bisexual and bi-curious women who attend upscale events featuring champagne, nudity and pourable chocolate. When I started in this industry sex parties were highly taboo, LeJeune says. Its grown on a scale I never imagined.

Emma Sayle's company Killing Kittens is just one of many recent enterprises providing high-end sex parties - John Nguyen/JNVisuals

Haywood says that from his research, the average age for a swinger is 45 and 70 per cent of female swingers identify as straight but are bi-curious. Although people are becoming more accepting of alternative adult lifestyles, its interesting that swinging remains so marginalised, he says. If I go to the gay quarter in Newcastle there are flags flying and sex is celebrated, but if I go to a swinging club I might struggle to find the entrance. Its still very hidden away  theres an element of secrecy and discretion.

Wolf agrees, saying there is still a stigma attached to her lifestyle, despite its apparent rise in popularity. People think were riddled with STDs but thats just not the case, she says. In fact, to go into the OnlyFest section of Swingathon for porn creators, you needed a certificate saying you were clear of STDs. There are very strict rules about consent. I feel safer at a swing event than a normal club. And its not just about sex  its about community.

Haywood says that another of the biggest misunderstandings about the swinging scene is that women are objectified. There was a swinging club in Edinburgh that didnt get planning permission as family groups were worried about vulnerable women being abused, he says. From my research this is a place where women are in control and they find swinging very empowering. They decide who, what and when, and men are much more respectful than they would be in a standard club.

Denise Grant, 43, runs SwingBook, an online blog and podcast which is educating the masses about adult alternative lifestyles. She and her husband Josh have been going to Swingathon for four years. It was quite nerve-wracking at first to open up our marriage like that, she says. But its been amazing for our relationship. Its helped us share our feelings and weve had to develop high levels of trust.

Grant hopes that swinging will soon shake off its stigmas. The swing scene now is where the gay scene was 50 years ago, she says. Open marriages and ethical non-monogamy should be recognised as valid choices and be free from shame.

There was no danger of being shamed in Lincolnshire last weekend, says Grant. For now, the UKs lust for  and acceptance of  swinging might still centre on a field usually reserved for horses, but it is quickly expanding out, up into the north, and beyond, she adds. Swinging is happening all over the place now. You just have to look hard enough.

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At least 30 people have been killed and over 100 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Deir-al Balah, central Gaza, where thousands were sheltering, Palestinian officials said.

The Israeli military said it had launched the strike in order to destroy a Hamas command and control center inside the compound.

Most of the victims from the school arriving to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the aftermath of the attack were women and children, according to Dr. Khalil Al-Daqran, a spokesperson for the hospital.

Footage filmed by CNN inside the hospital morgue showed dead bodies on the floor and people coming in to identify their loved ones, with children among the deceased.

The emergency room is seen to be overwhelmed by casualties and has no more space for patients. One young man was seen receiving medical treatment on the floor.

Most of those brought to the hospital with injuries are children, including one young boy who was receiving treatment and soon after died with the word unidentified written on his stomach.

The strike came soon after Israelis military issued fresh evacuation orders further south, in the city of Khan Younis, where Israel launched a fresh offensive earlier in the week which has killed dozens of Palestinians.

Residents in southern neighborhoods were told to leave after being warned that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would forcefully operate in the area.

Bodies of Palestinian, including children, are brought to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital after Israeli attack on Al-Qashtat family house in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on July 27, 2024. - Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Palestinians flee from a school where they had taken refuge, after it was hit by an Israeli strike, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on July 27, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. - Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images

Fighting has been ongoing on Gaza for months, and the renewed offensive shows Israels challenges in achieving its goal of eliminating Hamas. Israel said that about 100 militants had been killed during recent fighting.

The United Nations estimated that about 150,000 people fled Khan Younis on Monday alone, intensifying pressure on meager supplies of food and water, and places to seek shelter.

Signaling another campaign was imminent, the IDF wrote on Telegram it was about to forcefully operate against the terrorist organizations and therefore calls on the remaining population left in the southern neighborhoods of Khan Yunis to temporarily evacuate to the adjusted Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi.

The statement said the move was in retaliation to significant terrorist activity and rocket fire emanating from southern Khan Younis. It added that the location previously defined as a humanitarian area will be adjusted.

Al-Mawasi has come under repeated Israeli attacks, including a strike on July 14 which reportedly killed 90 people and injured 300 more.

An eyewitness in Khan Younis told CNN that she was woken up by the screams of people as they fled the area following the evacuation order, saying she heard explosions and saw flares in the sky.

Scenes filmed by CNN in Khan Younis show people fleeing by car, motorbike, and donkey cart with all of their belongings. I am looking for a place to stay. I dont know where to go, said one man.

Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza on October 7 after Hamas attacked southern Israel. At least 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others abducted, according to Israeli authorities.

A man squats next to a fire, as Palestinians flee the eastern part of Khan Younis, after orders by Israeli army to evacuate their neighborhoods, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on July 22, 2024. - Mohammed Salem/Reuters

Israeli military action in Gaza has since killed 39,258 Palestinians and injured another 90,589, according to the Ministry of Health there. As of early July, nearly 2 million people had been displaced in Gaza  almost the entire population, according to figures from the UN.

Aid agencies working in Gaza have warned previously that new rounds of evacuation orders are making the delivery of emergency rations even more difficult.

People in Gaza are exhausted, living in inhumane conditions, with no safety at all, the UN Relief and Works Agency posted on X on Monday.

On Thursday, the IDF said it had recovered the bodies of five Israeli hostages the previous day from a tunnel in an area of Khan Younis which it had previously designated as a humanitarian area.

Despite the fighting, US and Israeli officials expressed optimism this week over the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage deal being reached.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that the different parties are inside the 10-yard line and driving toward the goal line.

Negotiations are set to resume in Rome on Sunday, two sources familiar with the meeting told CNN.

The US team will be led by CIA Director Bill Burns, who will be joined by his counterparts from Qatar, Egypt, and Israel.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington this week and met with the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, who urged him to seal an agreement.

As I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done, said Harris. So to everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire, and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you.

This story has been updated with additional information.

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In early June, Toyota announced the recall of nearly 100,000 Tundra pickups and about 3,500 Lexus luxury SUVs to fix a problem that could cause their engines to lose power while driving.

At the time, Toyota said it was working to find a solution to the issue. The solution, it now says, is simply to replace the entire engine on each one of the 103,500 big trucks and SUVs.

The vehicles involved are 2022 and 2023 model year Toyota Tundras and Lexus LX 600s. Only regular gasoline-powered versions, not hybrids, are involved in this recall, according to Toyota. (The Tundra is available in both gas-only and iForce Max hybrid versions.)

In some of these vehicles, debris from the manufacturing process may have been left inside the engine where it can lead to banging or popping noises, the engine not running smoothly and even stalling altogether while driving.

Toyota dealers will perform the engine replacement at no cost to the vehicles owners. The company did not provide any information on how much replacing the engines on all these vehicles will cost the automaker.

It is unusual, but not unheard of, for an auto manufacturer to have to replace engines in a recall. For instance, in 2015, Hyundai recalled 470,000 Sonata models for a similar problem and, in that case, said that engines could have to be replaced in some of those cars. Last year, Honda recalled 250,000 vehicles for a problem that could, in some cases, result in engines having to be replaced.

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The arrest of two leaders of the Sinaloa cartel in the United States on Thursday was organized by one of the two men arrested, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of infamous cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman.

Guzman Lopez organized his arrest along with that of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, 76, who co-founded the cartel with El Chapo, by luring Zambada on a flight to examine a piece of land he thought was in Mexico, an official familiar with the operation told CNN.

Instead, the plane landed in El Paso, Texas, where federal agents, including from Homeland Security Investigations, arrested the two cartel bosses.

Zambada didnt know US investigators had exploited a rift in the cartel and Guzman Lopez was helping with Zambadas capture, the official said. FBI agents arrested both men, in one of the biggest victories for US law enforcement against the cartels.

The cartel, one of the worlds most powerful narcotics trafficking organizations, is thought to be responsible for the trafficking of vast amounts of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the US. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said the arrests strike at the heart of the cartel that is responsible for the majority of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, killing Americans from coast to coast.

Experts have told CNN a power struggle between Zambada and El Chapos sons, also known as the Chapitos, has existed for some time in the cartel. With Zambada gone, violence inside the cartel and other criminal organizations in Mexico, is set to ramp up.

The agents from HSI, who have been working the case since earlier this year when Attorney General Merrick Garland announced charges against El Chapos three sons, were skeptical when Guzman Lopez first made the offer.

The entire operation, a source told CNN, went off surprisingly smoothly given the gravity of the arrests and the disruption it could cause to Mexican drug trafficking.

Zambada entered a not-guilty plea to all charges at his first federal court appearance Friday morning in El Paso and is being held without bond on seven federal criminal counts, including continuing criminal enterprise and money laundering.

He also agreed to waive his right to personally appear and to ask for bond at a hearing set for July 31.

Guzman Lopez, 38, was flown from El Paso via an FBI jet used for extradition operations and arrived near Chicago early Friday, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said. He is currently being held in a Chicago federal prison, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator, and hes scheduled to make his first court appearance Tuesday morning, his attorney Jeffrey Lichtman told CNN in an email Saturday. His father is serving a life sentence in a US prison after he was convicted five years ago on multiple charges.

Both Zambada and Guzman Lopez face several charges in the US for allegedly leading the cartels criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement after the arrests.

Zambadas attorney told the Los Angeles Times his client did not voluntarily surrender to law enforcement. He told the paper Zambada was brought against his will.

Ismael El Mayo Zambada, a historic leader of Mexicos Sinaloa cartel, left, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, after they were arrested by US authorities in Texas, the US Justice Department said Thursday. - US Department of State/AP

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday said the US government must give a full report on the operation that led to the arrests.

There has to be transparency, he said during his daily news conference.

AMLO, as the president is known, said the arrests show important progress in the battle against drug trafficking. He added, however, the arrests are not everything, adding the US must do more in solving the drug consumption problem by addressing the causes.

Mexican officials were informed of the arrests during a phone call from the US Embassy in Mexico Thursday afternoon, Mexicos secretary of security, Rosa Icela Rodriguez, said Friday.

The Mexican government did not participate in this detention or surrender, Rodriguez said during AMLOs daily news conference, adding Mexico is waiting for more information from the US government.

FBI Director Christopher Wray said Zambada and Guzman Lopez had eluded law enforcement for decades and will now face justice in the United States.

US authorities had sought Zambadas capture for years and in 2021 raised the reward for information leading to his arrest to $15 million. He was indicted by a northern Illinois grand jury in 2009, according to the US State Department, and faces various criminal charges.

Ismael Mario Zambada Garcia is the long-time leader of the Zambada Garcia faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. Zambada Garcia is unique in that he has spent his entire adult life as a major international drug trafficker, yet he has never spent a day in jail, according to the US State Department.

Similarly, Guzman Lopez was previously indicted by a federal grand jury in Illinois on narcotics, money laundering and firearms charges, according to a statement last year from prosecutors.

Powerful cartel

The Sinaloa Cartel, named after the Mexican state where the gang was formed in the late 1980s, is one of the most powerful criminal groups in the world, raking in billions of dollars annually by trafficking drugs into the US and around the globe.

Notorious cartel boss Guzman, better known as El Chapo, was arrested in Guatemala in 1993 on homicide and drug charges and extradited to Mexico. But he escaped Mexican prison in 2001, reportedly by bribing prison guards to smuggle him out in a laundry truck. He was arrested again in 2014, but escaped again, this time through a tunnel.

Guzman was arrested for a third time in 2016 and then extradited to the United States.

In a major trial, he was convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years, according to the Justice Department.

Guzman was found guilty on 10 federal criminal counts, which included engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to launder narcotics proceeds, international distribution of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, and use of firearms.

During the trial, Guzmans lawyers argued Zambada was the real kingpin of the cartel who bribed the Mexican government to frame Guzman and remain free to run the criminal organization.

In the latest in a string of US indictments against him, Zambada was charged in February with conspiring to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, an extremely potent synthetic opioid that has killed tens of thousands of Americans in an epidemic of overdoses.

Fentanyl was largely unheard of when [Zambada] founded the Sinaloa Cartel more than three decades ago and today is responsible for immeasurable harm, said Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, in the indictment.

Since 1989, Zambada has imported and distributed massive amounts of narcotics, generating billions of dollars in profits, according to the indictment.

Federal prosecutors said he employed people to obtain transportation routes and warehouses to import and store narcotics, along with hit men, or sicarios, to carry out kidnappings and murders in Mexico to retaliate against rivals who threatened the cartel.

Zambadas son, Vicente Zambada Niebla, admitted during testimony at Guzmans 2018 trial to passing along orders for murders and kidnappings and was sentenced to 15 years in 2019 by a federal judge in Chicago.

He began cooperating with the US government in 2011, prosecutors said in a May 2019 filing. They said he aided authorities in helping target members of the Sinaloa Cartel and a rival gang, which lead to the charging of dozens of high-level targets and hundreds of their associates in indictments throughout the country, CNN previously reported.

The younger Zambada had known El Chapo since he was 15 years old, he testified at the kingpins trial in 2018. The younger Zambada frequently referred to El Chapo as mi compadre, or my buddy, during his testimony and said the drug lord was godfather to his youngest son.

A history of violence

El Mayo Zambada was also indicted by a US federal grand jury in April 2012, in Texas, along with other suspected top Sinaloa leaders and 22 people allegedly connected with the cartel, including Guzman. They were charged with murder and conspiracy connected with drug trafficking, money laundering and organized crime.

At that point, Guzman and Zambada had already been indicted on drug trafficking and organized crime charges in several US federal courts.

The 2012 indictment in western Texas detailed two acts of violence federal prosecutors said were committed by members of the cartel; one took place during a 2010 wedding ceremony in Ciudad Juarez, when an American citizen and two members of his family were kidnapped because of their ties with the rival Juarez cartel.

The target was the groom and a resident of Columbus, New Mexico, whose body was found to be beaten, strangled and whose hands had been severed above the wrists and placed on his chest, according to the indictment.

Police found the bodies of the groom, his brother and his uncle three days after the wedding in the bed of a pickup truck, the indictment stated.

Another incident detailed in the indictment related to the kidnapping, killing and mutilation of a Texas resident in 2009 to answer for the loss of a 670-pound load of marijuana seized by the Border Patrol, prosecutors said.

CNNs requests for comment were not immediately returned Friday by Zambadas attorney, Frank Perez. CNN has reached out to law enforcement for comment.

This story has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Abel Alvarado, Kathleen Magramo, Fidel Gutierrez, Sahar Akbarzai, Evan Perez, Josh Campbell, Mark Morales, Hannah Rabinowitz, Andy Rose and Zoe Sottile contributed to this report.

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Today's news: 180,000 Gazans flee Khan Younis bombardment; Pakistan reverses decision to stop issuing passports to asylum seekers abroad; The Philippines resupplies its troops after the agreement with China in the South China Sea; 19th century Tibetan monastery is demolished to make way for a dam.

BANGLADESH

Three leaders of the anti-quota student protest - Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumder - were forcibly removed from Dhaka's Gonoshasthaya Hospital by police officers, BBC reports. Staff members said the officers, who were dressed in plain clothes, forced them out. Four thousand people have been arrested since the protests began.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE

More than 180,000 Palestinians fled shelling around Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis in four days, according to figures released by the UN. In fact, on Monday the IDF issued evacuation orders for parts of the southern city, announcing that its forces would operate by force, even in an area previously declared a safe humanitarian zone.

PAKISTAN

The Pakistani government reversed its decision to stop issuing and renewing passports for citizens seeking asylum abroad. This change, announced by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on 22 July, followed an earlier directive by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on 5 June The decision comes amid continuing criticism of the human rights situation in Pakistan.

PHILIPPINES

The Philippines completed an unimpeded supply run for its troops on a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. Last week, the Philippines and China announced an interim agreement on Manila's resupply missions to its troop contingent on a ship stranded on the Second Thomas Shoal after repeated clashes.

CHINA

Authorities demolished a 19th century Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Qinghai province to make way for a hydroelectric dam project. The authorities started to dismantle the Atsok Gon Dechen Choekhorling monastery in Dragkar county, or Xinghai in Chinese, in April, because they expect it to be flooded with water after completion of the work.

ARMENIA

Armenia's Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan met with US Caucasus Advisor Luis Bono in Yerevan to discuss security and stability issues in the region, as well as the process of normalising relations with Azerbaijan and recent events, seeking a solution that will lead to lasting peace.

RUSSIA

The Moscow Duma passed the law on the right of judicial officers to use in certain cases physical violence, firearms and other special means such as truncheons, handcuffs, electroshocks and tear gas, except against pregnant women, children and the disabled, or those who have committed non-violent crimes.
The verdict of the Unesco World Heritage Committee (WHC) body was released today from New Delhi. The decision comes after a heated debate between Japan and South Korea. Seoul's accusation of misreading modern history: Sado is a symbol of the forced labour of Koreans after the Edo period (1603-1868).

Rome (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The long dispute over the inclusion of the ancient Sado mine - for Seoul a symbol of the forced labour imposed on thousands of Koreans during Tokyo's colonial rule over South Korea from 1910-1945 - on the Unesco World Heritage list was resolved today by the verdict issued by the UN agency.

The Sado gold and silver mine complex became part of the World Heritage List, thanks to a last-minute agreement between Japan and South Korea. The accusation made by Seoul concerned Tokyo's attempt to omit the part of history concerning forced labour, limiting itself in the report initially submitted to referring to the Edo period (1603-1868), thus excluding modern history, and the atrocities committed during the war.

The decision was taken at today's meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) in New Delhi, India, composed of representatives from 21 member states, which considered this and 28 other new proposals for listing. During the meeting, the Sado mine was listed as a World Heritage site.

There was a possibility of a further postponement, but South Korea's Foreign Ministry had indicated yesterday that the country was reaching a consensus with Japan on the issue. A ministry official later stated that Japan would reflect the full history of the site once it is registered, although no further details were given.

During the decision-making process, the Unesco advisory body had encouraged Japan to explain the entire history of the mines, without omitting atrocities. In response, the Japanese government had mainly emphasised the Edo period, focusing on the period when gold was produced on a large scale.

In fact, the Sado mining complex was one of the world's largest producers of gold in the 17th century and is known for its advanced pre- and post-industrialisation technology. Both Japan and South Korea sit on the rotation committee this year. Japan was aiming for a unanimous vote to register the complex as a world heritage site; a verdict obtained today.

The Japanese Council for Cultural Affairs had selected the Sado Mining Complex as a candidate in December 2021, with the aim of obtaining Unesco registration in 2023. However, the Cultural Affairs Agency, probably in view of the relationship between Japan and South Korea, was initially vague as to whether it would submit a nomination for the mining site.

The Unesco Committee's decision to inscribe the Sado Mine on the World Heritage List comes amidst diplomatic tensions between Japan and South Korea, linked to the Japanese colonial period and the forced labour imposed on Koreans during World War II.

The consensus reached between the two countries seems to be a step towards reconciliation, but it remains to be seen how the entire history of the mine will be presented in future Japanese displays.

Above all, there is much expectation as to how Japan will deal with the topic of forced labour. It is estimated that more than 2,000 Koreans were forcibly mobilised to work under difficult conditions in the mine, which consists of a 400-kilometre-long tunnel, almost as long as the distance between Tokyo and Sado.
by Joseph Masilamany

The Singapore Internal Security Department (ISD), in its annual report entitled Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024, warns that Islamic extremists have exploited the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to extend their agenda in the city-state. The report: Main threat factor continues to be online self-radicalisation.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) - In its security report released in recent days, Singapore's Internal Security Department (ISD) said that although there are no indications of an imminent attack, the terrorist threat in the city-state - which awaits Pope Francis' visit in September - remains high. Indeed, it has increased since the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalated following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024 states: The conflict has generated emotional responses around the world, including acts of violence, and terrorist elements have leveraged the conflict to promote their agenda and have called for attacks.

Reactions that have also impacted the South-East Asian region. There has been an increase in anti-Singapore rhetoric on social media by regional extremist elements, the paper continues. Some key observations cited state that Islamic terrorism remains at the forefront of the global terrorist threat landscape, particularly by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). ISIS has become a covert organisation. It is behind the prolonged insurgency in Iraq and Syria and maintains a global terror campaign. Meanwhile, al-Qaeda still poses a latent threat. The ISD report also states that in South-East Asia, ISIS remains the main threat actor. According to the report, attacks and foiled plots linked to or inspired by ISIS continue to occur in the region.

"In Singapore, the main threat actor continues to be online self-radicalisation. Fifty-two self-radicalised individuals (including 40 Singaporeans and 12 foreigners) have been dealt with under the Homeland Security Act since 2015. Youth radicalisation is of particular concern. Thirteen of the 52 were under the age of 20,' the report said. The ISD also said that since the last report released in July 2023, the department has dealt with three cases of self-radicalisation. Restraining orders were issued under the ISA: two were boys aged 14 and 16, the third involved a 33-year-old woman.

"The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas triggered the radicalisation of the 14-year-old boy and the 33-year-old woman. Far-right extremist ideologies radicalised the 16-year-old,' he continued. There is also a call to the population to be vigilant, stating that vigilance and preparedness are crucial to the defence of the country against terrorism. "The authorities will not always be able to neutralise plots before they materialise or identify radicalised individuals before they act. It is crucial that public opinion remains keenly alert to the possibility of a terrorist attack on the country, and that such an attack may be successful,' are the ISD's conclusions.

Singapore's Minister of Law and Home Affairs, K Shanmugam, also said in June that Singapore is a major target for terrorists. He said the recent attacks and arrests in neighbouring Malaysia are a reminder of a potential threat and Singapore must remain on alert. "Our security is closely linked to that of Malaysia. Because of the proximity, what happens in Malaysia will have an impact on our security landscape,' Shanmugam said.

In May, a police station in Ulu Tiram, in the Malaysian state of Johor which borders Singapore, was attacked by a lone wolf who killed two policemen and injured another. The attacker was immediately killed by police bullets. Five members of the suspect's family have been remanded for trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA). Last week, in Johor, a former teacher and a businessman were charged by the Johor Baru court with possessing material linked to the Islamic State terrorist group.
Chinese company to undertake major road rehabilitation, widening project in Namibia's capital

Xinhua) 11:03, July 27, 2024

WINDHOEK, July 26 (Xinhua) -- China Railway Seventh Group will soon commence a major rehabilitation and widening project on two roads including Auas Road in Windhoek, Namibia's capital, a key initiative in the Namibian government's drive to boost road safety and enhance transportation infrastructure.

The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday in Windhoek by Namibia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa, who said the Auas road had long been plagued by heavy traffic, congestion, and frequent accidents.

"Once this project is completed, road safety will undoubtedly be improved because of the dual carriageway and improved intersection layouts. Road users will also enjoy reduced congestion and a significant reduction in the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents," Mutorwa said. "The Dr. Hage Geingob stadium road will also be upgraded to bitumen standards."

Ma Linlin, general manager of China Railway Seventh Group Namibia Pty Ltd, told reporters that the total length of Auas Road is 5.6 km. The upgraded work is divided into two phases, with a planned construction period of 17 months.

Auas Road is one of the busiest main roads in Windhoek. Ma pledged that the company will work hard to overcome the impact on public transportation and environment during the construction, striving to complete the upgrade and reconstruction of the road with high quality and speed.

After the upgrade and renovation of Auas Road is completed, it will be a four-lane bidirectional road equipped with traffic lights and streetlights, as well as pedestrian-only sidewalks, which will greatly ease traffic pressure and improve road safety, she said, adding the construction activities will also create much-needed employment opportunities.

The project, which is entirely funded by the Namibian government through the Road Fund Administration, is estimated to cost around 138 million Namibian dollars (about 7.57 million U.S. dollars).

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
27 July 2024 12:51 (UTC+04:00)

Following the meeting with non-oil industry entrepreneurs from the Absheron district and Sumgayit city held in Baku, the Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov visited several enterprises at the Yevlakh Pilot Agropark, Azernews reports.

It was reported that the meeting with the enterprises included the heads of structural divisions of the ministry, Anar Taghiyev, the head of the Yevlakh City Executive Authority, Professor Juan Jimenez from Harvard Kennedy School, who is in our country on a research project in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, and researchers from the Harvard International Development Centers Laboratory.

Information was provided about the work done by the agropark resident, "ISFA" LLC, in establishing an orchard on a 20-hectare area. The project involves an investment of 310,000 manat, with an expected production of 480 tons of produce. Additionally, a 6-hectare seedling farm has been established by the resident, with an investment of 1.1 million manat. At the end of the year, 800,000 seedlings are expected to be produced for export.

The "Azerbaijan Company for Poultry Development" LLC project was reviewed, which aims for an annual production capacity of 20 million breeding eggs. The project involves an investment of 27.1 million manat and the creation of 32 permanent jobs.

The Yevlakh Pilot Agropark, covering an area of 2,807 hectares, is the first agropark created with the involvement of small and medium farmers in the country. The agropark plans to develop intensive fruit orchards, livestock and poultry farms, as well as processing facilities. The government has fully provided water and electricity for 815 hectares of the agropark, internal roads have been constructed, and work continues on infrastructure development over 370 hectares.

A total of 33 business entities have been registered as residents in 1,939 hectares of the agropark. It is planned that up to 52 million manat in private investment will create 305 permanent jobs. To date, residents have invested 29 million manat, opening 92 permanent and 190 seasonal jobs. Planting activities have been carried out on 991 hectares, and fruit orchards have been established on 409 hectares by 19 residents.

During the visit to the Yevlakh Pilot Agropark, discussions were held with Harvard University experts regarding the potential of industrial parks established in our country, projects related to alternative energy, and the creation of eco-parks. The experts will also review the activities of the industrial parks established during their visit to our country.

As part of ongoing dialogue with entrepreneurs and exporters, a meeting will also be held with entrepreneurs from Ganja and surrounding regions.

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27 July 2024 16:25 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov met with entrepreneurs operating in Ganja, Azerbaijan's second-largest city, and surrounding districts, Azernews reports, citing the post shared by the minister on his offical "X" account.

"Our discussions centered on advancing the non-oil sector, enhancing production, and expanding export opportunities," minister added.

We held a productive meeting with representatives from #nonoil industry ventures of #Ganja and nearby districts.

Our discussions centered on advancing the non-oil sector, enhancing production, and expanding #export opportunities. We addressed questions and considered the pic.twitter.com/70T1tb483V  Mikayil Jabbarov (@MikayilJabbarov) July 27, 2024

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27 July 2024 15:48 (UTC+04:00)

Heads of Delegation, including chairs of all negotiating groups, are gathered for a retreat this weekend in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, to build momentum for progress together, bAzernews reports, citing the post shared by COP29 on its official "X" account.

"This convening reflects the COP29 Presidencys commitment to intensifying engagement and accelerating action," the post reads.

Heads of Delegation, including chairs of all negotiating groups, are gathered for a retreat this weekend in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, to build momentum for progress together. This convening reflects the COP29 Presidencys commitment to intensifying engagement and accelerating action. pic.twitter.com/IaGwgSq2h6  COP29 AZ (@COP29_AZ) July 27, 2024

Recall that Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will host the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) for the first time in the region from November 1122, 2024. The decision was made at the plenary session of COP28 on December 11. Azerbaijan successfully participated in the COP28 held in Abu Dhabi last year.

Azerbaijan will take the opportunity to bring heads of state and governments, civil society organisations, business, and international institutions together in the South Caucasus to discuss climate change, measures to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and focus on long-term climate strategies and goals.

It is worth noting that Azerbaijan confirmed its commitment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 35 percent by 2030 and increase this target by 40 percent by 2050. Fulfilling the commitments under the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 and actively working in this regard are priority issues for the government of Azerbaijan.

The Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been held annually since 1995. The event aims to assess the progress made in combating climate change around the world.

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27 July 2024 17:33 (UTC+04:00)

In the first half of this year, the total trade volume between Azerbaijan and the United States reached $436.5 million, marking a 73% increase compared to the previous year, which was $184.1 million, Azernews reports, citingthe State Customs Committee.

Azerbaijan exported products worth $164.4 million to the U.S. in the first six months of this year. This amount is $159.3 million, or 31.8 times, more than last years figures.

The value of products imported from the U.S. to Azerbaijan was $272 million, reflecting a $24.8 million increase, or 10.1%, compared to the previous year.

During the reporting period, trade with the U.S. accounted for 2% of the country's total trade turnover, which is 1.04 percentage points higher than the previous year.

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27 July 2024 11:07 (UTC+04:00)

On July 26, Foreign Language Center of Military Administration Institute of the National Defense University (NDU) held the graduation ceremony of Italian language course, Azernews reports.

Acting Rector of the Military Administration Institute, Colonel Elnur Alasgarli noted the successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and Italy in all fields, including the military cooperation. E.Alasgarli spoke about the importance of the course and wished success to the graduates.

Then, the military attache of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Italy to Azerbaijan, First grade Captain Gianfranco Vizzini expressed his gratitude to the professors, teachers and officers of NDU, who contributed to the organization of the course and the event.

It was noted that by learning Italian, the Azerbaijani servicemen will participate in various specialty courses held in the Republic of Italy and increase their knowledge and skills

The speeches followed by presentation of certificates to course graduates.

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27 July 2024 11:41 (UTC+04:00)

The number of weapons and ammunition discovered in the liberated areas between July 19 and 26 has been disclosed, Azernews reports, citing Ministry of Internal Affairs.

It was reported that from Khankendi, 24 automatic rifles, one machine gun, nine shotguns, 28 grenades, 29 detonators, 441 shells, five bayonets and knives, 93 magazine clips, 3,118 rounds of various calibers, and other ammunition were found. From Shusha, one machine gun, 50 grenades, seven explosives, three shells, and 320 rounds of various calibers were discovered.

Additionally, as a result of the measures taken, from the Khojali area, eight automatic rifles, three shotguns, 64 shells, 121 grenades, 11 magazine clips, two detonators, 30 improvised explosive devices, 20 capsule detonators, three flares, 57 rounds of gunpowder, one mine detector, and 1,040 rounds of various calibers were found and seized. From Kalbajar, one automatic rifle, three magazine clips, and 59 rounds of ammunition were discovered and confiscated.

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27 July 2024 13:26 (UTC+04:00)

International travelers have observed the process of demining mines placed by the Armenian armed forces in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region, which is being carried out by Azerbaijani deminers, Azrnews reports.

The travelers visited the village of Horadiz in Fuzuli district as part of their trip to the liberated areas of Azerbaijan.

Representatives from the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) briefed the guests on how demining is conducted in the liberated areas, which areas have already been cleared, and the tasks that remain.

The visitors were also shown the detonation of previously discovered and neutralized anti-tank mines.

It should be noted that the delegation of 35 international travelers is currently visiting the liberated areas of Azerbaijan. Today, they visited the Khudafarin Bridge in the Jabrayil district.

The trip was organized by the globally renowned MTP (Most Traveled People) organization.

Over the past 4 years, more than 360 international travelers from nearly 50 countries have visited Azerbaijans liberated territories. This group's visit, led by Charles Veil, is the 11th such trip.

Travelers from 13 countries, including the USA, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, the Philippines, Poland, Hungary, and others, are participating in the visit.

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27 July 2024 16:59 (UTC+04:00)

In Azerbaijan, the candidacy of 87 individuals for parliament has been registered, Azernews reports, citing Mazahir Panahov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), as he said during a meeting of the commission held on July 27.

1,255 individuals applied to run in the upcoming snap parliamentary elections scheduled for September 1.

"Of these, the candidacies of 1,141 individuals have been approved, and 1,092 have been issued signature sheets," he said.

Panahov also noted that 454 of the candidates for parliament are representatives of 25 political parties.

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27 July 2024 22:06 (UTC+04:00)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticised Beijing's "escalating and unlawful actions" in the South China Sea at a summit on Saturday, where his Russian counterpart said Washington has stoked anxiety in its plan for a nuclear deterrence with ally Seoul for the Korean peninsula, Azernews reports.

Blinken singled out China over its coast guard's hostile actions against U.S. defence treaty ally the Philippines in the South China Sea, but also lauded the two countries for their diplomacy after Manila completed a resupply mission earlier on Saturday to troops at a disputed shoal, unimpeded by China.

Blinken was attending the security-focused ASEAN Regional Forum on Saturday alongside diplomats of major powers including Russia, India, China, Australia, Japan and the EU, which included discussions on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, North Korea's nuclear ambitions and tension in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' small troop presence on a grounded former U.S. navy ship at the second Thomas Shoal has for years angered China, which has clashed repeatedly with the Philippines over its resupply missions, causing regional concern about an escalation that could potentially lead to U.S. intervention.

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27 July 2024 22:41 (UTC+04:00)

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake rocked Italys Campi Flegrei area near Naples at 13:46 on Friday as a worrying a wave of seismic activity in the volcanic caldera continued, Azernews reports.

The quake, which struck at a depth of four kilometers, could be felt in several districts of Naples.

The Campi Flegrei area, also known the Phlegrean Fields in English, is currently being affected by bradyseism, or ground uplift, and there have been a series of earthquakes there in recent months.

The civil protection department said there were no initial reports of damage from Friday's quake.

Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci has appointed a special commissioner for the Campi Flegrei area to take care of risk-prevention measures.

The minister has complained about how urban development had been allowed in the area.

"The government is giving more than its due on the Phlegraean Fields, one of the most dangerous and complex volcanoes in the world," he said last month.

"Extremely serious responsibilities are emerging, both distant and less distant ones, involving all bodies, starting with the regional government and the municipalities concerned - Naples, Pozzuoli and Bacoli.

"Unreasonable, chaotic and haphazard urban development was authorized, and the impending dangers in the area were never taken into account.

"Those who were supposed to supervise did not do so".

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Green Pastures Church, located on the outskirts of Ballymena (Picture by Peter Morrison)

Directors at Green Pastures in Ballymena moved 22.7m into coffers for general spending while a probe was under way into governance at the evangelical church, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.
The dream is to be a rockstar novelist who wins awards and has his work translated into movies

Local chiropractor turned writer to have story broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster. He speaks to Aine Toner about finding the words

Mark Mullan. Credit: Steven McCauley

Aine Toner Sat 27 Jul 2024 at 09:00

Today a Belfast chiropractor will have one of his stories voiced by the star of an Oscar-winning film on BBC Radio Ulster.
Party-loving Puerto Ricans, or Boricuas, are regularly voted the worlds happiest people  and its not hard to see why

If youre not comfortable, then we can stop. This is the second time that my instructor, Ramse Morales, has reassured me that I dont have to continue with our surfing lesson. When we first met on Domes Beach outside the Puerto Rican town of Rincon  known locally as the Hawaii of the Caribbean  I explained where I was from, but thanks to my thick brogue, hed confused Ireland with Iceland. (Think U2, not Bjork, I joked.) Now, however, theres no mistaking the panic etched across my face  undoubtedly clear in every language.
The 2024 parade was led by Lord Mayor Micky Murray

The parade was led by Alliance Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray (left). Pic: Kevin Scott

Mickey Murray, Naomi Long and Andrew Muir at the Belfast Pride 2024 parade in Belfast city centre. Pic: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye

Thousands of people have taken to Belfast's streets for the annual parade. Pic: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press

Ramiro Lopes and Radek get engaged outside Belfast City Hall during the Belfast Pride parade. Pic: Kevin Scott

A loved-up couple took the opportunity to pop the question outside Belfast City Hall this afternoon as the annual Pride parade made its way through the city on Saturday.

Ramiro Lopes and partner Radek were pictured in an embrace after the proposal was accepted during the annual celebrations.

The 2024 parade was led by Alliance Party councillor Micky Murray, who became the citys first openly gay mayor earlier this year.

Photos by Kevin Scott

Mr Murray  whose party leader Naomi Long also joined colleagues on the march  posted a video of himself raising the LGBT+ progress flag at the front of City Hall.

He said it was incredibly important for him to be there.

"Its important that people see the first citizen of the city taking part in the biggest, brightest most-inclusive festival that happens in our city on an annual basis, he told BBC NI.

"This years theme is love your mind and thats incredibly important to the LGBTQIA+ community as we are negatively affected by discrimination and prejudice.

"Ive been coming to Belfast pride for 18 years . Its my very first Belfast Pride as lord mayor of Belfast and Im so excited to be leading the parade today.

The Alliance councillor was joined on the parade by U105 presenter and Belfast Telegraph columnist Frank Mitchell, while a post-parade party in the Square is being headlined by former UTV continuity announcer turned DJ Julian Simmons.

People with rainbow paint on their faces and waving LGBT+ flags gathered to catch a glimpse of the colourful march as it made its way through the streets after 1pm.

Read more More than 25 years later, we can at last report what Martin McGuinness said about Peter Robinson

A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, were joined by NIO minister Fleur Anderson and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner for the annual march.

NIO ministers Angela Rayner and Fleur Anderson meeting representatives of Cara Friend NI

After meeting with members of advocacy group Cara Friend NI, Ms Anderson said the day had been an unforgettable experience.

"It is inspiring to see the phenomenal work Cara Friend NI do behind the scenes daily to support and empower the LGBTQIA+ community in Northern Ireland, she added.

The NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) also posted pictures of their representatives in the parade on Facebook, alongside the message: "We were thrilled to participate in Belfast Pride Parade today.  What a great day celebrating equality, diversion and inclusion!

A small number of protestors also gathered outside City Hall, holding placards with religious messaging.

Watch: Belfast Pride Parade 2024

NI First Minister Michelle ONeill posted on Facebook to wish everyone a very happy Belfast Pride.

"I hope you all have an amazing day. You have been trailblazers for so much positive change in our society over recent years, and I encourage you to keep making your voices heard, she said.

As your First Minister, I stand with you in our shared vision of an inclusive, equal, and brighter future for all.

Keep being bold. Keep being proud. And most importantly, keep being you.

The theme of the 2024 is Love Your Mind, with a range of mental health charities represented on the parade.

Co-chair of Belfast Pride Kirsty Mullholand said that almost everyone in the city will have experienced dealing with mental health issues, either personally or through a loved one.

U105 presenter and Belfast Telegraph columnist Frank Mitchell enjoying the parade. Pic: Kevin Scott

"It is a sad fact that poor mental health is something that disproportionately affects members of the LGBTQIA+ community," she said.

"Being LGBTQIA+ doesn't automatically mean that a person will struggle with their mental health, but it does mean that they are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health.

"Being LGBTQIA+ doesn't cause these problems, but being on the receiving end of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination can.

"The flip side of this is that being out and proud can have a tremendously positive mental impact."
Colourful scenes from this years Belfast Pride Parade which is themed Love your Mind (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

Young and old have thronged the streets of Belfast to watch this years Pride parade march through the city.

The 2024 parade was led by Micky Murray, the citys first gay mayor, and a post-parade party in the Square is being headlined by former UTV continuity announcer Julian Simmons.

People with rainbow streaks on their faces and waving LGBT+ flags gathered to get a glimpse of the multi-coloured march.

A series of groups and floats, representing up to 250 charities and organisations, took off from Custom House Square at 1pm.

This years theme is Love your Mind  and a range of mental health charities including Inspire, Aware and NSPCC are taking part.

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Co-chair of Belfast Pride Kirsty Mullholand said that almost everyone in the city will have experienced dealing with mental health issues, either personally or through a loved one.

It is a sad fact that poor mental health is something that disproportionately affects members of the LGBTQIA+ community, she said.

Being LGBTQIA+ doesnt automatically mean that a person will struggle with their mental health, but it does mean that they are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health.

Being LGBTQIA+ doesnt cause these problems, but being on the receiving end of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination can.

The flip side of this is that being out and proud can have a tremendously positive mental impact.

First Minister Michelle ONeill encouraged LGBT+ activists to keep making your voices heard.

She said: As your First Minister, I stand with you in our shared vision of an inclusive, equal, and brighter future for all.

Keep being bold. Keep being proud. And most importantly, keep being you.
Focus on mental health for this years Belfast Pride events

A podcast about the murder of a gay RUC officer has been nominated for three British Podcast Awards, while a Q&A event about the six-part series sold out earlier this week as part of Belfast Pride.

The BBCs Blood On The Dance Floor, investigating the INLA killing of Darren Bradshaw on May 9, 1997, was released last year.

The podcast details how the LGBT community fought back against prejudice during the Troubles and also reveals the extent to which homophobia was rife in society at the time  including within the security services and paramilitaries  and the role it played in 24-year-old Mr Bradshaw being gunned down in The Parliament, Belfasts only gay bar at the time.

The unsuspecting victim was shot in the back at close range as he enjoyed a drink on a night out in the Dunbar Street venue.

This years Belfast Pride theme  Love Your Mind  is centred around mental health and the ongoing crisis within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Murdered RUC officer Darren Bradshaw

Belfast Pride co-chair Kirsty Mulholland said the boards decision to centre the theme around mental health was unanimous.

We wanted to highlight something practical for the community that would truly make a difference to peoples lives, she said.

Being LGBTQIA+ doesnt automatically mean that a person will struggle with their mental health, but it does mean that they are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health.

Being LGBTQIA+ doesnt cause these problems, but being on the receiving end of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and other forms of discrimination can, she added.

The 2023 Pride Parade through Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

Lack of acceptance, even rejection by friends and family, lack of access to gender-affirming healthcare, isolation, bullying, discrimination  these things can all have a significantly negative impact on a persons mental health and sense of wellbeing.

There is a crisis in the mental health sector, but there are fabulous charities that will help people both inside and outside the LGBT community, she said.

We will have those charities and organisations present at the parade and also at the party event at Custom House Square, where people can find out information.

The Rainbow Project director Scott Cuthbertson said the charity receives around 80 referrals per month, adding: Its a long-term issue with regards mental health waiting lists

The 2023 Pride Parade in Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye

This now means we, The Rainbow Project, have a growing waiting list of people accessing our services.

Scott said the charity recently had to close one of its mental health projects due to a shortage of funding, and warned more support was needed.

The Custom House Square event will see ex-UTV presenter Julian Simmons make his debut as a DJ, blending retro 90s classics with modern hits.
Clodagh Byrne is currently facing a number of charges in relation relating to her July 12 stunt

A woman who was seen flashing her breast while walking alongside a Twelfth parade dressed in Orange regalia has claimed a loyalist band dubbed her the Taylor Swift of loyalism and said she has been able to see beyond the hate in relation to the Twelfth.

Clodagh Byrne (31) was filmed on July 12 marching alongside the parade on Lisburn Road, dressed in a Sash, wearing a Bowler hat and carrying a bodhran drum.

Woman flashes shocked onlookers during Belfast Twelfth parade

Appearing on the Whiskey n White podcast, produced by boxers Tyrone McKenna and Tommy McCarthy, the Castlederg woman said the stunt was part of a "creative process and rejected being cast as a bigot.

"As a social worker, I would have worked with a lot of Protestant kids in care and had a real special relationship with them, she said.

"I used to take them up to the Shankill to the parades. We as nationalists might see the negative side of the marches but I saw the positive side. I was able to see beyond the hate; we see a lot of hate in the media with loyalism, but there are also a lot of good family stuff that happens there.

"When I was out on the Twelfth, I actually got invited between the parades to a lunch with the Sandy Row (band).

"They brought me on their private bus; they broke bread with me, fed me, gave me whiskey. They were calling me the Taylor Swift of loyalism. The way I was treated was absolutely amazing.

"I lost my virginity to a Protestant. My great granny was a Protestant. Oranges are my favourite fruit. Im more pro-Prod than most Prods are. The hatred thing doesnt come from the Twelfth of July.

"The cheers and support I was getting. People were fist-bumping me. Weans were shaking my hand. There was a woman out in the street that started twerking with me. Its only when they went on my Instagram, they were like uh-oh.

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Byrne was arrested last week and appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court facing charges relating to seven offences including indecent behaviour, committing an act outraging public decency, obstructing a lawful public procession and behaviour likely to stir up hatred.

Among them she is accused of sending an indecent message over a public communications network sometime between July 11 and 13.

She is further charged with trespass on the property of Campbell College in east Belfast on July 11 and of using insulting words likely to cause fear or hatred on the same date.

Byrne is also accused of attempting to hinder a public procession and of indecent behaviour on July 12.

Its also alleged Byrne distributed a threatening or abusive communication that was likely to stir up fear or hatred between July 11 and 13.

Judge Conner freed her on her own bail of 250 and ordered her to live at her parents address on the Tullycar Road outside Castlederg.

He also made Byrne subject to a curfew between the hours of 12am and 7am and for her not to go near any public procession of any kind.

The case is due to be heard in Belfast next on August 16.
A number of ambulance crews attended the scene

Four people remain in police custody after being arrested over a fight in a north Belfast flat in which weapons may have been used and two men were injured.

The Belfast Telegraph understands a knife was used in the incident in the Cliftonville Road area on Saturday evening.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 6pm.

"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 6.06pm following reports of an incident in the Cliftonville Road area of Belfast, a spokesperson confirmed.

"NIAS despatched two rapid response paramedics, one advanced paramedic and two emergency crews to the incident.

"Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, two patients were taken to RVH.

A PSNI spokesperson said an investigation was underway.

Around 5.50pm, it was reported that a fight was ongoing in a flat in the Cliftonville Road area. Weapons may have been used in the assault, they said.

Two men were injured and were taken to hospital for treatment.

Four men - two aged 26 and two aged 34 - were arrested and remain in police custody at this time.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash-cam or CCTV footage to contact them on 101, online, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
More than 25 years later, we can at last report what Martin McGuinness said about Peter Robinson

Outrageous decision by Assembly officials to prevent the public from hearing something said in historic Stormont debate overturned after Belfast Telegraph legal challenge

Stormont officials did not want the public to know what Martin McGuinness said about Peter Robinson and Ian Paisleys links to Ulster Resistance

Sam McBride Sat 27 Jul 2024 at 08:00

For more than two years, the Northern Ireland Assembly has been fighting to prevent the Belfast Telegraph telling you the words spoken by a senior MLA in the Stormont Assembly chamber.
Demand from Armagh fans desperate to get their hands on the teams kit ahead of Sundays All-Ireland final has been described as crazy by official supplier McKeever Sports.

The company had to halt production on everything but the kits and put factory staff on overtime to meet demand which erupted after the Orchardmen won the semi-final two weeks ago.
This Story in History is selected from the archives by Jeannie Maschino, The Berkshire Eagle.
PITTSFIELD  State Sen. Paul Mark was not among those calling for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race before he stepped aside a week ago.

So on Saturday at the Colonial Theatre, Mark was interested in hearing what Vice President Kamala Harris had to say, and how she said it. Upon leaving the theater, he was fired up to get to work.

"I had never heard her speak before. I was inspired. I was happy to hear the talking points she hit," Mark said.

"I think she got great reactions from the audience. And I feel excited to get to work for the next 100 days," he said in a shady spot at the corner of Wendell Avenue and East Housatonic Street, where onlookers were hoping to catch a glimpse of Harris as she left the city.

This was a Democratic fundraiser after all, and attendees paid $100 or more to see Harris at the historic theater.

But still, it was up to Harris to confirm that, having energized the party, she can run an effective campaign as the standard-bearer.

"I was just very impressed. I thought she just hit all the right spots," said longtime county Democratic Party leader and former Register of Deeds Mary K. O'Brien. "I had seen portions of her speech before  she added on it and made it particular to where she was."

Neil Weber of Stockbridge thought Harris "came across beautifully. She's solid. I'm glad she talked about content like, what she's going to do, instead of just fear mongering."

For Mark and Pittsfield Ward 7 Councilor Rhonda Serre, the speech, and the past week, have shown Democrats  not always easily united under a big tent  can unify behind a candidate and work to elect them.

"Now that [Biden has] made that decision, I think it's been exciting to actually see how quickly the Democratic Party has coalesced around [Harris]," Mark said. "I'm gonna say as a person who's been a Democrat for a long time and elected Democrat, Democrats usually don't fall into place and get unified in a quick manner, ever. So I [am] extremely pleased to see how excited people actually are."

Serre agreed that Harris has given her party a "shot in the arm."

"It's amazing how a week ago, I wasn't sure our party had it together and now, all of a sudden, we're all in lockstep with 100 percent enthusiasm and everybody's ready to work," she said.

Victoria Edwards, 29, received her ticket to the event as a present from her partner. She noticed that she was one of the youngest event attendees.

"We're the future of voting, it's important to be as involved as possible," Edwards said. "Getting information helps you be a more informed voter."

She walked out of the event remembering Harris' determination to win the election in November.

"She let us know that, with all her history working in our justice system, she's not going to stop until she sees herself in that seat," Edwards said.

Edwards said that the people around her in the theater came full of enthusiasm.

"I met this woman named Lucy sitting next to me," Edwards recounted. "She was 70 years old and she was so lively, we were echoing energy off one another."

Attendees were also impressed with historian Heather Cox Richardson, who spoke about how democracy is under attack, and how the U.S. has confronted previous threats to democracy.

"She was really nervous about Trump's agenda and Project 2025," Jennifer Croughwell of Willimantic, Conn., said. "I think it was, you know, very inspiring to hear from her from, especially from a historical perspective. She was very much based on the facts."

"She gave a speech that spoke to the zeitgeist, the period that we're in right now," O'Brien said. "Really, we're almost in a revolution. Yes. We can choose one door or the other. So I think it's a time of great promise and great peril."

City Councilor Kathy Amuso was also among those who felt Harris connected with the crowd.

"I thought it was a fabulous day," Amuso said. "She wants to move our country forward, and I'm fully on board, and I have hope for America."

Eagle reporter Ellie Davis contributed reporting to this story.
AccessPlus to Acquire Crocker Communications, Inc. to Accelerate Massachusetts Expansion

Strategic Acquisition Enhances AccessPlus Growth in Fiber Broadband for Business and Residential Customers in Pittsfield and Western Massachusetts
The FBI has confirmed a bullet struck Donald Trumps ear, clearing up conflicting accounts about what caused the former US presidents injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.

What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle, the agency said in a statement.

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The statement marked the most definitive law enforcement account of Mr Trumps injuries and followed ambiguous comments earlier in the week from director Christopher Wray that appeared to cast doubt on whether he had actually been hit by a bullet.

Former president Donald Trump is escorted to a motorcade following an attempted assassination at a campaign event (Gene J Puskar/AP)

The comment drew fury from the former president and his allies and stoked conspiracy theories that have flourished on both sides of the political aisle following the July 13th attack.

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Up until now, federal law enforcement agents involved in the investigation, including the FBI and Secret Service, had repeatedly refused to provide information about what caused Mr Trumps injuries.

The Republican presidential nominees campaign has also declined to release medical records from the hospital where he was first treated or to make the doctors there available for questions.

Updates have come either from Mr Trump himself or former White House doctor Ronny Jackson, a staunch ally who now represents Texas in Congress.

Though Dr Jackson has been treating Mr Trump since the night of the attack, he has come under considerable scrutiny and is not the former presidents primary care physician.

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FBI Statement out this hour  attributable to the agency and not a specific person:

What struck former President Trump in the ear was a bullet, whether whole or fragmented into smaller pieces, fired from the deceased subjects rifle.  Bret Baier (@BretBaier) July 26, 2024

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The FBIs apparent reluctance to immediately vouch for Mr Trumps version of events  along with the ire he and some supporters have directed at the bureau in the shootings aftermath  has also raised fresh tension between the Republican nominee and the nations premier federal law enforcement agency.

Questions about the extent and nature of Mr Trumps wound began immediately after the attack, as his campaign and law enforcement officials declined to answer questions about his condition or the treatment he received after narrowly escaping death.

Those questions have persisted despite photos showing the trace of a projectile speeding past Mr Trumps head, photographs that show teleprompter glass intact after the shooting, and the account Mr Trump himself gave in a Truth Social post within hours of the shooting, saying he had been shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear.

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I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin, he wrote.

Update on President Trumps recovery from the bullet wound to his ear. pic.twitter.com/zLQuvk5cnQ  Ronny Jackson (@RepRonnyJackson) July 26, 2024

Days later, in a speech accepting the nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Mr Trump described the horrific scene in detail while wearing a large, white, gauze bandage over his right ear.

I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me really, really hard on my right ear. I said to myself, Wow, what was that? It can only be a bullet,' he said.

If I had not moved my head at that very last instant, Mr Trump said, the assassins bullet would have perfectly hit its mark, and I would not be here tonight.

But the first medical account of the former presidents condition did not come until a full week after the shooting when Dr Jackson released his first letter.

In that letter, he said the bullet that struck Mr Trump had produced a 2 cm wide wound that extended down to the cartilaginous surface of the ear. He also revealed that Mr Trump had received a CT scan at the hospital.

However, federal law enforcement involved in the investigation, including the FBI and Secret Service, declined to confirm that account, and Christoper Wrays testimony offered apparently conflicting answers on the issue.

Theres some question about whether or not its a bullet or shrapnel that hit his ear, Mr Wray testified before he seemed to suggest it was indeed a bullet.

I dont know whether that bullet, in addition to causing the grazing, could have also landed somewhere else, he said.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally after an attempt on his life. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The following day, the FBI sought to clarify matters with a statement affirming that the shooting was an attempted assassination of former president Trump which resulted in his injury, as well as the death of a heroic father and the injuries of several other victims.

The FBI also said Thursday that its Shooting Reconstruction Team continues to examine bullet fragments and other evidence from the scene.

Dr Jackson, who has been treating the former president since the night of the July 13 shooting, told The Associated Press on Thursday that any suggestion Mr Trumps ear was bloodied by anything other than a bullet was reckless.

It was a bullet wound, he said.

You cant make statements like that. It leads to all these conspiracy theories.

In his letter on Friday, Dr Jackson insisted there is absolutely no evidence Mr Trump was struck by anything other than a bullet and said it was wrong and inappropriate to suggest anything else.

He wrote that at Butler Memorial Hospital, where the Republican nominee was rushed after the shooting, he was evaluated and treated for a Gunshot Wound to the Right Ear.

The FBI declined to comment on the Jackson letters.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung blasted the media for asking if the campaign would release hospital records or allow the doctors who treated the Republican nominee there to speak,

The media has no shame in engaging in disgusting conspiracy theories, he said.

Ranking Member @LindseyGrahamSC to FBI Director Wray: I urge you to immediately correct your statement and acknowledge that President Trump was hit by a bullet rather than glass or shrapnel. pic.twitter.com/jFo8tNsKUk  Senate Judiciary Republicans (@SenJudiciaryGOP) July 26, 2024

The facts are the facts, and to question an abhorrent assassination attempt that ultimately cost a life and injured two others is beyond the pale.

In emails last week, he told the AP that medical readouts had already been provided.

Its sad some people still dont believe a shooting happened, Mr Cheung said, even after one person was killed and others were injured.

Republican senator Lindsey Graham also urged Mr Wray to correct his testimony in a letter, saying the fact Mr Trump had been hit by a bullet was made clear in briefings my office received and should not be a point of contention.

Mr Trump also lashed out at Mr Wray in a post on his Truth Social network, saying it was No wonder the once storied FBI has lost the confidence of America!

On Friday, he called Mr Wrays comments so damaging to the Great People that work in the FBI.
Wille and University of Queensland virologist Associate Professor Kirsty Short told this masthead an H5N1 outbreak would probably take a catastrophic toll on native birds because Australian species had not been exposed to the virus before. A study released last year in the journal Genome Biology found the black swan was extremely sensitive to highly pathogenic avian influenza. While comparable studies have not been conducted on other Australian bird species, it is thought likely they could be similarly affected. Experts say an H5N1 outbreak would probably take a catastrophic toll on Australian native birds. Credit: Guy Weerasinghe The H5N1 virus emerged in the Northern Hemisphere before spreading south of the equator, but its impact has been particularly nasty in South America since late 2022. Scientists have watched with growing alarm as 30,000 South American sea lions and 18,000 southern elephant seal pups have died from the virus. It has also been detected in 51 dairy herds across the United States.

Wille said scientific studies had not conclusively proved the virus was able to spread from mammal to mammal  rather than from contact with live birds or eating dead ones  but it was the most likely explanation. It is unlikely that it has jumped from birds to mammals that many times, she said. Loading That is bad news for Australias marine mammals such as seals and endangered sea lions. And there is a risk it could be equally problematic for land mammals, with emus potentially more susceptible to spreading a form of the virus adapted to mammals. Weve got a completely unique set of animals that havent really been studied in this context before, the University of Queenslands Short said. Its still somewhat theoretical, but it looks like emus are more likely to drive mammalian adaptations of the virus than other birds.

Wille said Australia must be on the lookout for an incursion. This virus has been catastrophic everywhere that it has shown up and in cases where there has not been surveillance and preparedness, it has just ripped through wildlife populations, its ripped through poultry, its ripped through mammals and everyone is playing catchup, she said. Experts said wildlife could not be treated once infected with the H5N1 virus, but swift responses such as picking up the carcasses of infected animals, preventing farmed poultry from mixing with wild birds, and not feeding wild birds could limit impacts. There may also be potential to shield endangered species, for example by taking some of those most at risk into captivity to ensure species survival. A meeting of state agriculture ministers, convened last week by federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, agreed to conduct a war-gaming exercise to test how biosecurity teams would react under different scenarios following an H5N1 incursion.

The upcoming disaster preparedness exercise will allow a large cross-section of governments, stakeholders and the private sector to war our national preparedness, Watt said. The federal Agriculture Department has recently increased its efforts in the field, with teams out in wetlands, near dams and even at water treatment plants where migratory birds congregate, particularly in northern Australia. They are looking for species known to fly between H5N1 hotpots and Australia, and taking blood and other biological samples to test for the virus. Loading Invasive Species Council advocacy director Jack Gough said despite current efforts, governments should not be spared criticism of their preparations to date. Weve known its coming, and its a potential wildlife massacre that for our birds could be on the scale of the Black Summer bushfires, Gough said.

A volunteer army is backing up government efforts. BirdLife Australia wetland birds program manager Chris Purnell said the grassroots organisation was informing its 8000 observers how to spot signs of bird flu in wild populations. Monitoring means having the boots on the ground, Purnell said. Were getting a lot of waterfowl coming out of the Lake Eyre basin now that its drying. Theres been great recruitment in ducks and theyre now mobilising down into Victoria. There is no evidence that H5N1 is likely to start a human pandemic. Presently, the human risk remains low, Wille said. But she added that international health agencies were watching the situation very, very carefully.
Malarndirri McCarthy and Murray Watt are set to be promoted in a ministerial reshuffle Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will use to refresh his front bench as he seeks to build momentum against the Coalition ahead of the next federal election.

Albanese will announce his new cabinet and ministry in Canberra on Sunday after three resignations gave him a larger than expected opportunity to promote ambitious young backbenchers and recast some of the most significant roles in his government.

Malarndirri McCarthy is set to be promoted to Indigenous Australians Minister in a ministerial reshuffle on Sunday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Tasmanian senator Carol Brown announced on Saturday she would step aside from her position as assistant minister for transport and infrastructure, creating a further vacancy in the outer ministry.

Senator Brown resigned from her portfolio responsibilities due to health reasons but will remain in parliament. Her resignation follows those of Linda Burney and Brendan OConnor who announced their decisions on Thursday.
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Yet another significant part of Parramattas history is at risk of being compromised or erased (Apartment plan threatens landmarks heritage status July 21). Allowing developers to pursue planning matters, like rezoning, that favour enlarging their prospective DAs envelopes, is pure folly. This is the remit of public city designers, not made by those whose decisions might favour private interests. A prospective nominee for World Heritage Listing demands the best public city design minds gather to determine the sites most appropriate outcome. Preserving our built heritage must rise above contemporary political dilemmas like the current housing shortage. That is, should we want to retain remnants of our national story to reflect upon, enjoy and learn from. Cleveland Rose, Dee Why

The Parramatta girls home at the Parramatta Female Factory precinct. Credit: Kate Geraghty

To uphold the visual curtilage of the Womens Factory it would be hoped that this city has the town planning and architectural acumen to accommodate the apartments of the proposed nearby 22 storey block over several sites through the likes of rezoning availabilities, airspace trade-offs, planning concessions and joint corporate/ government development ventures. Perhaps a series of terraces rather than one tower? The built heritage of Parramatta in such a location as this ,requires a level of fine-tuning that caters for future needs whist safeguarding the quality of that future. Steve Dillon, Thirroul

Serious threat

Parnell Palme McGuinness is rather generous in her assessment of US vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance (A jump to the left, a step to the right, July 21). However, she overlooks an important aspect of Vances stance. Vance is a climate change sceptic, an ardent supporter of the US fossil fuel industry, a critic of renewable energy and electric vehicles. A TrumpVance leadership team is a serious threat to America, and possibly the world. Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin (ACT)

The argument by McGuinness seems pretty confused. People of the left that I know are happy to barrack for both equity and equality. I would think Trump doesnt even care about the distinction of left and right politics. Forget the intellectual stuff. Its more like trying to raise his credulity by having someone with the same background as his working-class supporters next to him. Ivan Ajduk, Rose Bay
Washington: A beaming Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to their first face-to-face meeting in nearly four years on Friday, patching up a political alliance important to both men that had broken down when the Israeli leader offended Trump by being one of the first to congratulate Joe Biden on his 2020 US presidential victory.

Asked by journalists if his US trip was making progress toward a Gaza cease-fire at home, Netanyahu said, I hope so, and added that Israel was eager for an agreement.

Netanyahu handed Trump a framed photo that the Israeli leader said showed a child who has been held hostage by Hamas-led militants since the first hours of the war. Well get it taken care of, Trump assured him.

Former president Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit: AP

Trumps campaign said he pledged in the meeting to make every effort to bring peace to the Middle East and combat antisemitism on college campuses if American voters elect him to the presidency in November.
It has been rumored that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are mulling about the possibility of going their separate ways this summer. The Duke of Sussex may be planning to make a trip to the United Kingdom a top priority, and during this trip, he will have the opportunity to meet with King Charles.

It is believed that Meghan, who is 42 years old, will not accompany Prince Harry on his trip to the U.K. because she finds it too much to handle, in contrast to her husband. The Suits alum, who has not been to the United Kingdom since 2022, is most likely going to continue to reside in California with Prince Archie, who is five years old, and Princess Lilibet, who is three years old.

It has been stated that Prince Harry is feeling "anxious to go home and see his dad," despite the fact that he is interested in going home to the U.K.

The Duke of Sussex paid his father a visit for the last time in February, which coincided with the arrival of the news that the monarch had been diagnosed with cancer, as per Express UK. The encounter between Prince Harry and the King was brief, and it was reported that it lasted for only half an hour. The next day, the father of two was on a flight returning to the United States.

An unnamed source claimed that Prince Harry is eager to get together with a few of his pals in the United Kingdom in advance of his 40th birthday, which will take place in September.

[Prince] Harry is very anxious to go home and see his dad, catch up with his friends for his birthday in September and also pay a visit to his aunt, Princess Anne. But that situation hasnt changed for Meghan. Shes respectful that Harry has to go back to his home for practical and emotional reasons, but that doesnt mean shes going to go with him, an anonymous insider told Closer UK Magazine.

In light of the fact that King Charles and Queen Camilla are rumored to be making their way to the Balmoral Estate around the beginning of August, it is possible that Prince Harry may meet with his father at that location.

With Meghan having not been to the U.K. in almost two years, Prince Harry has cited the treatment she has received at the hands of the media as the reason for her absence. During an interview for a new documentary that was broadcast on ITV on Thursday, the Duke of Sussex stated that the behavior of British tabloids was to blame for his wife's decision to stop going back to his homeland.

Business Times has reached out to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for comments.
U.S. Admits Anti-Vax Propaganda Campaign in Philippines to Undermine China (Photo: Prefeitura Campinas / Public domain)

The U.S. Defense Department has admitted to conducting a covert propaganda campaign in the Philippines aimed at discrediting China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine. This admission, confirmed in a June 25 document and highlighted by a former top Philippine government official, underscores the extent of psychological operations employed by the U.S. during the pandemic.

Harry Roque, former spokesman for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, discussed the U.S. response in a podcast. Reuters, after reviewing the document and verifying its contents with a source familiar with the U.S. response, confirmed the admission. "It is true that the [Department of Defense] did message Philippines audiences questioning the safety and efficacy of Sinovac," the document states.

The Pentagon conceded it had "made some missteps in our COVID-related messaging" but assured the Philippines that it had "vastly improved oversight and accountability of information operations" since 2022. This acknowledgment followed a Reuters investigation that unveiled how the Pentagon launched a secret psychological operation in 2020 and 2021 to discredit Chinese vaccines and other COVID-19 aid during the pandemic's peak.

Using phony internet accounts with tens of thousands of followers, the U.S. operatives spread messages decrying the quality of Chinese-made face masks, test kits, and Sinovac vaccines. The propaganda effort targeted developing countries across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with the Philippines being heavily reliant on Sinovac to inoculate its population.

The clandestine operation has triggered a Senate probe in the Philippines, led by Senator Imee Marcos, head of the Foreign Relations Committee. At a hearing on June 25, Marcos condemned the U.S. military campaign as "evil, wicked, dangerous, unethical," and questioned whether it violated international law.

The June 25 document reveals that Pentagon officials concluded the anti-vax campaign was "misaligned with our priorities." It also indicates that the U.S. military ceased COVID-related messaging related to vaccine origins and efficacy in August 2021. Despite this, the damage had been done, with significant impacts on vaccine uptake and public trust in health initiatives.

The Pentagon's actions came at a time when U.S. national security officials were concerned that China was using the pandemic to forge geopolitical alliances and undermine U.S. influence by providing aid to countries like the Philippines. The Philippines, one of the hardest-hit countries in Southeast Asia, had almost 67,000 COVID-19 deaths and over 4 million infections by 2024, according to the World Health Organization.

Pentagon spokesman Pete Nguyen acknowledged that the department did distribute "social media content about the safety and efficacy of Sinovac." However, he declined to confirm the specific details cited in the document. Nguyen also did not address questions about whether contractors or non-military partners managed the social media accounts used in the campaign.

The propaganda effort sparked outrage among public health experts. Daniel Lucey, an infectious disease specialist at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine, criticized the campaign, stating, "I don't think it's defensible. I'm extremely dismayed, disappointed, and disillusioned to hear that the U.S. government would do that." Lucey emphasized that the operation risked undermining public trust in all vaccines, not just those produced by China.

Greg Treverton, former chairman of the U.S. National Intelligence Council, echoed these concerns, stating that the Pentagon's actions "cross a line." He argued that the primary goal should have been to vaccinate as many people as possible, regardless of the vaccine's origin.

In a statement to Chinese media, Sinovac spokeswoman Yuan Youwei condemned the U.S. military's actions. "Stigmatizing vaccination will lead to a series of consequences, such as a lower inoculation rate, the outbreak and spread of disease, social panic and insecurity, as well as crises of confidence in science and public health," she said.
The meeting was attended by various Union ministers, chief ministers of several states, lieutenant governors of Union territories and the vice-chairman of the NITI Aayog, among others | Illustration: Binay Sinha

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday pitched for promoting skill-based education, natural dispensaries and artificial intelligence in his state, as he committed his state's full support in achieving the goal of making India a developed country by 2047. Speaking here at the Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sai listed various priorities and efforts being made for Chhattisgarh's development with an emphasis on education, human resource development, health and technological advancement. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp He said Chhattisgarh will play a pivotal role in "Developed India by 2047".

At present, the state's GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) is Rs 5.05 trn, which is targeted to be increased to Rs 10 trn in the next five years, and the state has started work on possibilities of improvements and achieving goals in various fields, Sai said.

Emphasising the role of youngsters in the development of the state, the chief minister said the main focus of Chhattisgarh is on preparing skilled human resources.

Education in Chhattisgarh is being linked to vocational skills and training, with an aim to give such capabilities to students that prepare them for employment, Sai said.

During the meeting, Sai also talked about the "One Nation, One Student ID Card" for every student in the state being started. It will ensure that all important information related to a student's educational experience is made available in digital form.

Sai also shared a plan for better availability of health services, sustainable development and preservation of the culture and tradition of Chhattisgarh.

He said Chhattisgarh Super Foods will be produced and natural dispensaries built for the state's economic empowerment while promoting processing and branding of local products.

Along with the expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT) sector, an emphasis will also be laid on the development of physical structures, such as roads and buildings, and digital facilities like internet and mobile network, the chief minister said.

He appealed to the Centre for cooperation for better power supply in rural and remote areas and asserted that drinking water will be delivered to 96 per cent of the houses in Chhattisgarh by March 2026.

Sai said India's goal should not only be to be a developed nation by 2047, but also a water-secure country by 2047.

He appealed for the establishment of a rainwater conservation research centre, along with the strengthening of the National Ground Water Training and Research Institute in Raipur.

Sai said mobile medical units have been deployed to improve health services in tribal areas of the state to ensure that health facilities reach even the most remote areas of Chhattisgarh.

On land and property issues, the chief minister said all land records in Chhattisgarh are being digitised.

"This technology will increase transparency and control corruption. This reform will make land disputes easily resolvable, which will encourage investment and development in the state," he said.

Sai thanked the prime minister for his support and cooperation towards the priorities and needs of Chhattisgarh and expressed hope that with the help of the Centre, the state will achieve its development goals and play an important role in realising the vision of "Developed India by 2047".

The meeting was attended by various Union ministers, chief ministers of several states, lieutenant governors of Union territories and the vice-chairman of the NITI Aayog, among others.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday made a pitch for setting up a Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT) on the lines of the NITI Aayog, which serves as a public policy think-tank for the central government.

Speaking at the governing council meeting here of the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by chief ministers of various states, Patel also said that Gujarat was committed to realising the prime minister's vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.

Patel also introduced the 'Gujarat@2047 Dynamic Document-Roadmap' for realising the goal of 'Viksit Gujarat' for a 'Viksit Bharat'.

The roadmap is built on the two pillars of 'Earning Well' and 'Living Well,' and aims to enhance people's quality of life and bring economic prosperity, Patel said.

The chief minister announced the formation of a think-tank, Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT), on the lines of the NITI Aayog, to systematically achieve these goals.

He also affirmed Gujarat's commitment to the development vision by adopting the Prime Minister's 'GYAN' mantra, focusing on the advancement of the Garib (poor), Yuva (youths), Annadata (farmers), and Naari (women).

Patel noted that Gujarat, despite representing only five per cent of the country's population, contributed 8.3 per cent to the country's GDP in 2022-23.

Gujarat is advancing towards becoming a $ 3.5 trillion economy by 2047, Patel said, highlighting the state's achievements in key areas such as PM Gati Shakti, Health, Nari Gaurav NITI, Shri Anna (Millet), Natural Farming, Digital Agriculture Mission, MSME, and Amrit Sarovar.

He also outlined the plans in place to reach the future goals.

Gujarat Chief Secretary Raj Kumar also attended the ninth NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting.
Goa Law Minister Aleixo Sequeira has told the legislative assembly that there is a shortage of 18 judges in 10 different courts, including district courts, across the state.

In a written reply tabled in the House on Friday, the minister shared the details about the vacancies in the courts. As per the data, there is a shortage of as many as four judges in the civil and criminal courts in South Goa's Margao, while there is a shortage of three judges at the district and sessions court in this town.



There is a shortage of two judges each at the district and sessions court in North Goa's Panaji, civil and criminal court there and civil and criminal court in Mapusa.



It shows that there is a shortage of one judge each in the civil and criminal courts in Ponda (South Goa), Bicholim (North Goa), Gram Nyayalaya, Sattari at Valpoi (North Goa), Vasco (South Goa) and Gram Nyayalaya, Sanguem (South Goa). The strength of additional judges has been calculated for the state based on the 'Unit System' in accordance with the interim report of the National Court Management System (NCMS) Committee as per the directions of the Supreme Court.



Sequeira said that as per Article 229 of the Constitution, the entire process of filling up the post of judicial officer (in Goa) is done by the Bombay High Court.



The minister, in a detailed reply, has mentioned that the process to fill the vacancies of the judges was underway.
Ranchi: Farm workers sow paddy saplings during monsoon season at an agricultural field, in Ranchi, Friday, July 26, 2024.(Photo: PTI)

Around 86 per cent of Jharkhand's arable land, meant for paddy sowing, is still lying fallow due to scanty rainfall, officials said. Paddy sowing has not yet taken off in four out of 24 districts even though the peak period of sowing ends next week, according to agricultural experts. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Jharkhand has registered a 47 per rainfall deficit till July 26, officials said. Farmers are worried over the condition and they speculate the state might face drought-like situations for the third consecutive term. In 2023, 158 blocks in 17 districts were declared drought-hit by the state government, and in 2022, it was 226 blocks.

Paddy crop was sown in only 2.43 lakh hectares against the target of 18 lakh hectares till July 26 or only in 13.53 per cent of the arable land, according to the sowing report of state agriculture department.

Paddy sowing could not be started in Palamu, Latehar, Chatra and Deoghar districts.

The situation of overall kharif crops, which includes maize, pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals besides paddy, is also not different.

Kharif crops were sown in only 5.59 lakh hectares against the target of 28.27 lakh hectares till July 26 or only in 19.77 per cent of the arable land.

Concerned over rain deficit in Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on July 19 directed officials to prepare a report on its impact on agriculture so that it could be placed before the Centre for seeking assistance.

According to agricultural experts, the ideal sowing period for paddy is from July 1 to July 20 or maximum July 30, according to locations.

With delayed or scanty rainfall in the early months of monsoon in the last few years, farmers nowadays sow crops till mid-August but that does not lead to a good harvest, they said.

Anil Kumar, a farmer from Jharkhand's Palamu district, said that he could not even prepare his farmland for paddy cultivation due to scanty rainfall.

"I am afraid of facing another drought-like situation at least in Palamu district," he said.

Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi, Director Research P K Singh told PTI, "Rain pattern is shifting so as the sowing pattern. If we study the rain pattern of past five years, we can say the situation is still not alarming. We should wait for eight to ten more days. The last overnight rain has given much relief to the farmers."



Singh, however, suggested farmers to go for direct seeding of rice to deal with the current situation.

Jharkhand has registered a 47 per rainfall deficit till July 26. The state received 240.3 mm of rainfall from June 1 to July 26 against normal rainfall of 455.9 mm during the period.

Ten districts are facing a rainfall deficit of more than 50 per cent, with Pakur recording the highest shortfall at 69 per cent.

The rainfall mark has not reached normal in any district of the state. A deviation of 19 per cent rainfall is considered to be normal, according to weather department.

Ranchi Meteorological Centre has predicted good rain till July 31 in the state, which may reduce the ongoing rainfall gap.

Ranchi Meteorological Centre in-charge Abhishek Anand told PTI, "Jharkhand has been receiving good rainfall for the past one week and we expect it to continue next week. Jharkhand is also likely to receive good rainfall in August and September."



Anand said the monsoon rain pattern is changing in the backdrop of climate change.

"Farmers need to change their farming methods according to rain pattern. They need to go for diversified farming. The state also needs to develop irrigation facilities such as developing canals and small ponds in farming areas," he said.

Agriculture Department Deputy Director Mukesh Sinha told PTI, "We need to wait till August 15 to reach any conclusion. Farmers here sow paddy till mid-August."



He said that monsoon arrived late this year and it covered entire state by June 28.

"The rainfall was also scanty in early week of July. So, sowing is going partially delayed," he said.

Sinha said that they have readied contingency plans at district level to deal with any situation.
New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav with other party MPs during the Monsoon session of the Parliament, in New Delhi, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Photo: PTI)

The Agnipath scheme will be cancelled "as soon as we come to power", Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday, a day after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced reservation for retired Agniveers. While campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, Yadav had repeatedly promised to scrap the short-term military recruitment scheme if the INDIA bloc, of which the Samajwadi Party is a constituent, came to power. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp In a post on X, Yadav said, "As soon as we come to power, the short-term 'Agniveer' military recruitment that compromises the security of the country and plays with the future of the soldiers will be cancelled within 24 hours."



"This is our demand on 'Agniveer' The old recruitment (model) should be reinstated," he said in Hindi.

Adityanath on Friday said the Uttar Pradesh government would grant weightage to Agniveers who returned from service for recruitment in the police and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).

The Centre in 2022 unveiled the Agnipath scheme for the recruitment of youths aged between 17-and-a-half and 21 in the Army, Navy and the Air Force, largely on a four-year contractual basis.

Those recruited under the scheme will be known as Agniveers.

After completion of their four-year tenure, 25 per cent of the recruits from each batch will be offered regular service.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs had announced that 10 per cent vacancies for recruitment in the Central Armed Police Forces or the paramilitary forces would be reserved for ex-Agniveers.

Several state governments also made similar announcements for recruitment of retired Agniveers in their respective police forces.
Brazil is also pushing for changes in global governance institutions and advocating for a sustainable energy transition. (Photo: Bloomberg)

Finance ministers from leading rich and developing nations agreed Friday to strive toward effectively taxing the super-rich, a joint ministerial declaration said. With full respect to tax sovereignty, we will seek to engage cooperatively to ensure that ultra-high-net-worth individuals are effectively taxed, the declaration said after the two-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Brazil has made a proposal to impose a 2 per cent minimum tax on billionaires a top priority of its presidency of the Group of 20, ahead of the Nov. 18-19 summit in Rio. While the final declaration stops short of agreeing on a specific global tax, Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad nevertheless called it a significant step forward.

We were always optimistic about this result, but it really exceeded our initial expectations, Haddad told reporters.

Brazil's proposal to tax billionaires has divided G20 nations. France, Spain and South Africa have expressed support, while the US is against.

Tax policy is very difficult to coordinate globally, and we don't see a need or really think it's desirable to try to negotiate a global agreement on that, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told journalists Thursday.

Billionaires currently pay the equivalent of 0.3 per cent of their wealth in taxes, according to a report by Gabriel Zucman, commissioned by Brazil. A 2 per cent 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 report said.

Brazil has put inequality, poverty and hunger at the heart of its presidency of the G20. President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva defended the need for increased taxation of the world's richest in Rio on Wednesday when he unveiled plans for a global alliance against hunger and poverty.

Brazil is also pushing for changes in global governance institutions and advocating for a sustainable energy transition.